Cory joined the staff at FBC in August of 2012 as Interim Worship & Music Associate and was later called to join our worship team full-time.  Cory graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in December of 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Minor in Biblical Studies.  He is married to Stephanie Epps, who is also part of our worship teams.  Before coming to FBC Benton, Cory served at First Baptist Church of El Dorado and Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.  Cory is responsible for coordinating and leading music for The Gathering worship service and FBC's student ministry. 

Rick came to First Baptist from the business world in February, 1986. His first staff position was working with students. During his tenure, Rick has held various ministry titles. In August of 1999, the church called Rick as Senior Pastor. Rick is married to Susan, his high school sweetheart. Rick and Susan have two daughters and one son plus four grandchildren. Rick has earned degrees from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas and Mid-Western Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Edd came to First Baptist Church in 2012 having served previously in denominational, Sr. pastor and Associate Pastor roles. He has an earned degree from Northwestern State and two earned degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. However, his heart is for making disciples who are missional minded; to see everyday life as an opportunity to always demonstrate the love of Christ, wherever we are. Edd is married to Jayne, and they have one son, Ethan.

Tom joined the staff of First Baptist in October, 2010 as Associate Pastor of Worship and Music Education. He served at First Baptist Church in Arabi, Louisiana, while attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry with Worship Specialization. Tom has served as Minister of Music and Youth in Red Bay, Alabama, Central Baptist in Springhill, Louisiana and at Eastern Shore Baptist Church in Daphne, Alabama. Tom is married to Robin and they have two children; son, Nick and daughter, Julie who is married to Nick Akin.  July and Nick have a daughter, Addie.

Frances began her ministry at First Baptist Church in 1995 as Children's Minister. Through the years her ministry expanded to encompass ministry to women and adult Christian Growth. She is currently serving as Minister of Adult Education. Her areas of responsibility now include Adult Sunday School, Adult Discipleship Training, Senior Adults and Women's Ministries. Frances has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Delta State University and a Masters of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to FBC Frances served at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in the WMU Department as the GA/Mission Friends Director and then as the Children's Minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock. Frances is married to Dave Raley.

Clay joined the staff of First Baptist Church in 2003. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. He went on to earn his Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Clay was previously on staff at First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, for two and a half years. He has also served on staff at North Beach Baptist Church in Perth, Western Australia, and as a student ministry intern here at FBC. Clay leads and directs the Junior and Senior High Student Ministry. Clay is married to Stacy.

Brad Evans joined the staff of First Baptist Church in March of 2010. Previously, Brad served on staff at OBU as an Admissions Counselor, as Student Ministries Pastor at Aspen Grove Community Church, as Student Ministry Intern at Foothills Bible Church, and as Administrative Assistant of Advancement at Denver Seminary, all in Littleton, Colorado. He has also served here at FBC Benton as Student Ministries Intern.

Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology from OBU and a Master of Arts Degree in Youth and Family from Denver Seminary. Brad is passionate about working with families and students. "I'm excited to be able to come alongside families, and to encourage and equip parents of middle school students.“

Brad is married to Nancy and they have a 2 year-old son, Everett, and a newborn daughter, Zoe. Brad leads and serves the Middle School Student Ministry.

Laurie came to First Baptist Church in 2002 from North End Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas. She also served at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, during seminary. Laurie and her husband, Daniel, have two children. Laurie is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Biblical Studies. She earned her Master's Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Christian Education with a Childhood Education concentration.