Meet the Lead pastor

coming soon!

Soon, we’re excited to welcome our new senior pastor! While the position is currently open, we look forward to introducing you to the leader God has chosen to guide First Baptist Church Longview. Stay tuned for their story, vision, and photo coming soon. Please keep our church and search process in your prayers!


ministry staff & Admin

Each leader brings unique gifts and a shared commitment to helping our church grow in faith and community.

Leadership Philosophy

At First Baptist Church Longview, we believe leadership is a shared, servant-hearted calling. Our team makes decisions prayerfully and collaboratively, seeking God’s guidance at every step. We strive to lead with humility, putting the needs of the church and community first, and encouraging growth, unity, and faithful service among all members.

  • Senior Adult Ministry Director

    Mel Hathaway has been serving as our Senior Adult Ministry Director. While Mel is not paid staff, we’re grateful for his faithful support and leadership in this ministry.

    For questions or to connect, you can reach Mel at:
    📧 mel-ster@mns.com

Deacons

At FBC Longview, deacons are biblically qualified men called and ordained by the church to serve with humility and a servant heart. They fulfill responsibilities such as visiting widowed, hospitalized, and shut-in members, following their pastor's leadership and collaborating with fellow servant leaders.

  1. Ministry of Compassion: They visit and minister to widowed individuals, those hospitalized, the home bound, and members encountering financial difficulties through prayer, Scripture reading, and financial assistance when appropriate.
  2. Encouraging Church Unity: Deacons cultivate unity within FBC Longview by demonstrating support for the pastoral leadership and church members through lovingly truthful conversations, biblical conflict resolution, and accountability practices.
  3. Administration of Ordinances: They assist in administering the ordinances of the church by organizing and distributing the Lord's Supper as requested by the lead pastor, as well as overseeing or assisting with baptisms as needed.

  • Steve Leach

    CHAIRMAN of Deacons

    ORDAINED 1985


  • lonnie odem

    Vice Chairman

    ORDAINED 1996


  • Matt harrison

    Secretary

    ORDAINED 2013


  • tom gillihan

    Treasurer

    ORDAINED 2013


  • kim bishop

    ORDAINED 1980


  • aric cothren

    ORDAINED 2016


  • dave sampson

    Ordained 2013


  • lawson starnes

    ORDAINED 2013


  • Questions about our Deacon Ministry?

    If you would like information about the deacons of FBC Longview, feel free to reach out to us via email at office@fbc747.com