Matt joined the staff of FBC in 2018.  He had previously served as Pastor of the Baptist Church in Ovette, MS.   In addition to serving as Associate Pastor, Matt is a guitarist in the Praise Band and develops original videos to promote church-related activities on social media and during worship services. In 2020, Matt completed his PhD in Biblical Counseling from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Memphis TN. 

Matt and his wife, Melanie, have 4 children.

For over 30 years, Derrick has led churches to worship The Lord through music.  He has served as Worship Leader and choir director at Pine Lake Church and Jackson Revival Center before joining the staff of FBC in 2014.  In addition to his role as Worship Leader, Derrick has frequently been the guest soloist at special events such as the Inauguration of Governor Haley Barbour, the Southern Baptist Convention, and was the musical coordinator and performer for the Presidential visit of President George W. Bush at the Mississippi Coliseum.  He enjoys tennis and spending time with his wife Kim and their two children, Jillian and Derrick II.   His greatest passion is spreading the good news of Jesus.

Colleen joined the staff part-time at First Baptist Church in 2023 working with the Children and Preschool Ministry, and became full-time on March 1, 2024 as Director of Preschool and Children's Ministry.

She graduated from Mississippi College with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies (Chemistry, Biology, Spanish).  Colleen was on the President's List at Mississippi College, member of Alpha Mu Gamma, the National College Foreign Language Honor Society at Mississippi College.  In addition she was a member of the Baptist Student Union at Itawamba Community College, President's List for cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher and awarded ACT Dean's Scholarship at Itawamba.

Her work experience includes private personal care aide, teacher's assistant, resident assistant and worked in child care at First Baptist Church in Tupelo.

A long-time member of First Baptist Church, Jody joined the staff as Maintenance Supervisor in 2018.  He is the father of 3 children and is actively involved in coaching and supporting them in athletics and other activities.  Jody is a member of the Sanctuary Choir where he uses his God-given talent to lead in praising God through song.  Also he is a gifted worship leader and member of the FBC Praise Team.

Debbie serves as FBC's Church Administrator.  She has been a member of the church staff since 2003.  Before serving in her current role, Debbie served as Financial Secretary and Music Secretary.  She is a graduate of UL-Monroe.  She worked for a number of years in the travel industry, serving as a manager of several travel agencies and was owner/operator of a rental car agency.  Debbie was married to the late Forrest Foster and they have three children, Ashley, Taylor, and Alex, and three grandchildren.  

She enjoys riding motorcycles, reading, and spending time with her family.

Sara serves in the Church Office as the Front Desk Receptionist and Ministry Assistant.  With her bubbly and outgoing personality, she is the perfect candidate to welcome both members and visitors to our church office.  She has been a member of First Baptist for fifteen (15) years.

Sara graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in Elementary Education.  After college she taught at Washington School, then was a teacher at Trinity Episcopal Day School.  Additionally she taught at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.  Prior to coming to First Baptist she had retired from teaching after 40 years.

Sara has three (3) children, Ryan, LoriBeth and Jessica, as well as seven (7) grandchildren with her oldest enrolled at Mississippi State.  She enjoys her family, friends, walking, is an avid reader and loves her church family.

Terry joined the staff as Ministry Assistant, Music Department in 2016.    She is a graduate of Mississippi State University, UMMC School of Allied Health Professions, and received an MBA degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.  She worked for a number of years in the health care field  and later taught at Copiah Lincoln Community College.  A member of FBC since 1982, she leads a ladies' Sunday School Class,  and participates in the Sanctuary Choir.  Terry and her husband Spencer enjoy spending time with their two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.  

Linda has served as Church Organist since 1994.   Linda holds a bachelors degree in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi, with a major emphasis in organ and minor emphasis in voice and piano.  She has served as a public high school music educator, and has taught music locally at Trinity Episcopal Day School.   Linda and her husband Franklin have three children and twelve grandchildren.  She enjoys music, fishing, baseball, cross-stitch, Bible study, and spending time with her family.