Staff
Ministers
Dr. David Higgs
Pastor
Dr. David Higgs is excited about what God has in store for First Baptist Church. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Higgs is inspired by reaching new people for Christ and helping a church find effective ways to minister to the needs of her own members and implement new approaches to ministering to the unchurched as well. He is grateful to everyone who has made an investment in his life. He is also grateful for all of the wonderful people that God has allowed him to pastor over the past 30 years. It is his prayer that he can cross the finish line going full speed ahead for the glory of God. David and Kim have three children: Neil, Ryan and Jana.
Don Edmiston
Administrator
Don joined our staff in May of 2008. His wife is Rachel, and they have two daughters: Mary Ruth and Sadie.
Don comes highly recommended as a man of integrity who has a passion for leading in discipleship and making disciples. Recently he has served as Associate Pastor at East Side Baptist Curch in Paragould, Arkansas. There he oversaw a growing educational ministry which emphasized people reaching people for the Kingdom.
His philosophy is that we take what God has gifted us with, called us to, and where He places us, to help people. First, lead them to Christ. Second, guide them to a closer walk with Christ through worship, discipleship, evangelism, ministry and fellowship.
Rod Salmon
Minister of Music
Rod joined our staff March 23, 2009. His wife is Myrna and they have four children: Jack, Angey, Ryleigh, and Molly.
Rod’s goal is to lead our church body in passionate worship and to experience a fresh encounter with God. It is his objective that the Music Ministry be a prelude of praise to the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, to complement our soul-winning and discipling ministries, and to prepare the hearts of God’s people to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). Rod, and the people of First Baptist Church are committed to teaching our children, youth, adults, and senior adults the music and musical skills that will enable them to become active participants and leaders in worship.
We believe you will find the music here at First Baptist to be encouraging, uplifting, exciting, and inspiring.
Lane Langford
Minister of Youth, Families & Recreation
Staff
Allen King
Financial Manager
Allen King began working at FBC as the Financial Manager in April 2017. After many years of working in church finances, his number one goal each day is to walk closer to the Lord and to be a light in our community. Allen believes that the church finance office should be a servant to the church and its mission to reach and serve the members of our community. Finance office personnel are charged with meeting and exceeding the expectations of the membership by maintaining all the accounting records.
The most influential person in his life is Jesus Christ as he has seen Him bless and lead in so many ways. He is the devoted husband to Janet, the second most important person in his life. Her integrity and walk with the Lord are what drew him to her. They are the proud parents and grandparents of two children and four grandchildren. He has been a resident of Henderson and Rusk County for the majority of his life.
Karen Reynolds
Communications Secretary
Karen Reynolds has been employed at First Baptist since January of 2001 and has been a member of FBC since 1983. Karen and husband, Taylor, have three children and 5 grandchildren, with one on the way! When she is not at work, Karen loves spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys crafting and Bible journaling.
Karen Trammell
Music Secretary
Karen joined the staff of FBC in January of 2012. She is the Secretary of the Music Department and the Librarian. Karen has a Bachelor of Science in Education & Early Childhood Education, but has always had a deep love for music and loves working in the music area. Karen plays cello in our church orchestra and also enjoys playing handbells in The Master’s Hands. Her favorite song is The Hallelujah Chorus by G. F. Handel. She has two wonderful daughters, Grace and Hope, and one grandson.
Debra Moody
Youth Secretary
Debra joined our staff in March 2014. She is married with four children and has
one grandson, Jack. She is inspired by her family and her late grandparents. Her goal is to leave a legacy of faith and love to her family and friends. Debra is an only child and attended Sul Ross State University. Her favorite book is Strong in Battle by Suzie Larson. Cork & Pig is her favorite restaurant. The Sound of Music is her favorite movie, and her favorite song is “Different” by Micah
Tyler. Queso and chips are her favorite food.
Neal Vinson
Maintenance Supervisor
I began my job at FBC in August of 2014 as the Maintenance Director after a 36 year career in the plastics and chemicals business with Eastman Chemical in Longview, Texas. My wife, Lori, and I have been members of First Baptist for 40 years. We were married here by Dr. Hugh Smith in 1979 and after a brief time away came back to make FBC home. It’s been really rewarding to work in this capacity. I never realized, as most people, what is takes on a weekly basis to make sure the facility is clean, cool, (or warm, depending on your age and gender), and to make sure the coffee is ready. There are some amazing folks that make sure all of that is done.
