About First Baptist Church in Republic, MO

We are a Southern Baptist church committed to God’s Word and to leading people to maturity in Christ. Through worship, discipleship, and service, we seek to reach our community and the world with the love of Jesus.

What we believe
Affiliations
Leadership & Staff
Contact Us

What We Believe

We believe the Bible is inspired by God and is without error (2 Timothy 3:16).

We believe in the virgin birth (Matthew 1:18).

We believe in the Holy Trinity (2 Corinthians 13:14).

We believe in the substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross (1 Peter 2:24).

We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

We believe Jesus will come again (Acts 1:11).

We believe man is sinful (Romans 3:23).

We believe salvation is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We believe in the security of the believer (1 John 5:11-13).

We believe in a literal heaven for those who accept Jesus as Savior and a literal hell for those who reject Him (John 14:1-6, 2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Affiliations

We are in association with the Southern Baptist Convention, Missouri Baptist Convention, and The Greene County Baptist Association. We adhere to the doctrinal statement as published in the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).

SBC logo with a blue circle containing a cross and an open Bible next to the letters 'SBC'
The logo of Greene County Baptist Association, featuring a stylized G and C in green and black, with the organization's name in blue and green text.

Leadership & Staff

  • An elderly couple standing inside a church, smiling. The church has wooden pews, hanging lanterns, and a cross with a neon light in the background.

    Lee Miller

    SENIOR PASTOR

    Years at RFB: 9 years

    Pastor Lee and his wife, Deb, were drawn to the church because of its friendliness and welcoming spirit. He loves seeing the church grow and reach younger families. Pastor Lee invites everyone to join in worship and take part in the life and ministry of the church.

  • A smiling elderly man with white hair and a mustache stands inside a church with a wooden ceiling, pews, and religious symbols including a large illuminated red cross at the altar.

    Wayne Garrison

    MINISTER OF MUSIC

    Years at RFB: 3 years

    Wayne enjoys leading worship that magnifies Jesus and helps people experience the presence of God. He loves encouraging the church through music and bringing the congregation together in praise. In his free time, he appreciates a good pun, even if it is a bad one.

  • An elderly man with gray hair and a beard standing in a church, with a large illuminated red cross on the wall behind him.

    Frank Pautz

    DEACON

    Years at RFB: 4 years

    Frank finds joy in guiding people toward Christ and serving the church family. He is known for dressing up to host tea and crumpets for his granddaughters. His favorite verse is James 4:17.

  • Older man with glasses and a white mustache smiling inside a church, standing in front of a cross on the wall, with wooden pews and stained glass hanging lights.

    James Kile

    DEACON

    Years at RFB: Since 2004

    James enjoys sharing his faith and being a witness to those who are seeking hope. Growing up without a father at home taught him responsibility at a young age. His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13.

  • An elderly man standing inside a church with wooden pews and a large illuminated cross on the wall behind him.

    John Garton

    DEACON

    Years at RFB: Since 1973

    John loves meeting new families and welcoming them into the church. He enjoys serving in outreach and has meaningful memories of seeing people accept Christ during visits. His favorite verse is Matthew 9:37.

  • An elderly man with glasses and white hair smiling inside a church with wooden pews, a cross illuminated in red behind him, and hanging lamps.

    David Crabtree

    DEACON

    Years at RFB: Member since 1976, Deacon since 2004

    David enjoys serving alongside his church family and sharing with others. Friends affectionately call him Crabby. His favorite Scripture is that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

  • A man with white hair and a mustache, wearing a red checkered shirt, standing inside a church with wooden pews, and a large illuminated red cross in the background.

    Kevin Smart

    DEACON & TREASURER

    Years at RFB: Approximately 53 years

    Kevin enjoys teaching God's Word and serving others in the church. He is grateful for the opportunity to support the ministry in multiple roles. He also enjoys really cool weather.

  • An elderly man with glasses wearing a light blue button-up shirt standing inside a church with wooden ceilings and pews.

    Howard Coker

    DEACON

    Years at RFB: Member since 1965, Deacon since 1975

    Howard enjoys meeting new people who come to the church and helping them find a place to serve. His favorite verses are Ephesians 2:8 and 2:9, which remind him that salvation is a gift from God.

  • An elderly woman with white curly hair and glasses, wearing a burgundy turtleneck dress and a gold necklace, stands inside a church with wooden pews and religious decor in the background.

    Delilah Coker

    CHURCH SECRETARY

    Years at RFB: Member since 1958, Secretary since 2016

    Delilah faithfully serves the church as secretary and enjoys helping the members with their needs. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13.

We Would Love to Hear From You

Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8am-1pm

Address
305 N. Main St.
Republic, MO 65738

Contact
Phone: 417.732.1827
Email: fbcsec1@sbcglobal.net

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