Hal J Bates, Pastor

Church Staff

 

 

Hal J Bates
Pastor
 
 
My walk with Christ began at an early age because of the influence of Christian parents. We attended Grandview Baptist Church weekly in Pearl, MS., so therefore it was natural for me to learn of Jesus and his demonstration of love through the cross, his power through the resurrection and his presence through the Holy Spirit. At the age of 10, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ and was baptized.
 
As a result of my relationship with Christ, two desires filled my heart in those days of High School and College. The first was to know Jesus as much as possible and to follow His will for my life. This led to extended times of prayer and fellowship with Jesus outside the regular times of church. The second desire was I wanted to marry the woman God had for me. So, that led me to dating only young ladies whom I knew were Christians. I was committed to being where and what Jesus wanted me to be and with whom He wanted me to spend my life. God honored those desires.
 
As I sought the Lord, He lead me to attend Clarke College at Newton, MS where I met Yvonne Briscoe who later became my wife. We both attended Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. It was while we were at Delta State and while I was serving as minister of music and youth at Friendship Baptist Church in Grenada, MS. that God called me to the preaching ministry. After graduation we both taught at Coffeeville School in MS. It was there that God called us to move to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary so I could prepare for the preaching ministry.
 
God has lead us to serve several churches in MS. During seminary I served as Pastor of Topeka Baptist Church in Lawrence County, MS. After the birth of our son Joseph Evan Bates and graduation from Seminary we moved to Belzoni, MS where I served as Pastor of Eastside Baptist Church. After five years and the birth of our daughter Krista Anne Bates we moved to DeKalb, MS where I served as Pastor for 3 years. Then, I was called to serve as Pastor of Ecru Baptist Church in Ecru, MS. We lived there for two and one half years. I was called to serve as Pastor of the Meadowood Baptist Church in Amory, MS. After six years of service and the birth of our second daughter Anna Elizabeth Bates, we were called to First Baptist Church of Collinsville, MS where I am serving a Pastor.
 
God has been faithful and I believe will continue to be so. God has answered my desire for a Godly wife and He continues to answer the desire to follow His will. Our God is a good God.
 
 
 
 VACANT
Minister of Music
 
 
 
 
Wade Ricks 
Minister of Education and Outreach
  
 
Wade began serving on staff as the Minister of Education in November of 2007 after serving as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield TX. He has a passion to see people transformed by the Word of God and become all that God wants them to be. He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with an undergraduate degree in Theology and a Master of Arts in Christian Education.
 
He married his wife, Julie, in September of 1988 and they have a son named Aaron.
 
"My ministry goal is to lead God’s people in becoming spiritually mature believers and the mirror image of Christ through small group Bible study and intentional discipleship".
 
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB
 
Randy Smith
Youth Minister
 
 
Randy came to be a part of the staff at FBC in July 2007.  He grew up in the Birmingham area.  He became a Christian, was liscenced and ordained all at FBC Center Point in Birmingham.  He went to college at the University of Mobile.  He graduated from Southwestern with a degree in Collegiate ministry.  He has been in full time ministry for 6 years.  
 
He married Tiffany in 1999 and they have two daughters Rebekah and Abigail.
 
His focus in minstry is to help students and others reach the next level in their relationship with Christ.  This is founded around his favorite verse Romans 12:1-2.

 

 randyfbcc@bellsouth.net
 
 
Stephanie Smith
 Ministry Assistant
 
   
   Biography coming soon!
 
 
 
 
     fbccsecretary@bellsouth.net
 
Amanda Cooksey
Music Secretary
 
Amanda Cooksey has been a part of First Baptist Collinsville since 2004.  She came on staff in February 2007, to the position of Music Ministry/Education Ministry Secretary. 
 
Amanda is involved with the Children's Ministry through AWANA and sings with the Church Praise Team. 
 
Amanda married her husband, Scott, in January 1993, and they have a teenage daughter, Caitlin.
 
"I am blessed to be a part of the staff and church family of First Baptist Collinsville.  We, as the body of Christ, are all a part of the work force of the church to which we belong.  I just have the opportunity to assist our Ministry Team as we strive to bring glory to our Father through every facet of ministry."
 
 
 
 
      
  Natacha Fortenberry
 
Nursery Coordinator
 
 I was born in Butler, Alabama, but currently reside in Collinsville, MS. I graduated from Patrician Academy in 1987. I graduated from the University of Montevallo with a B.A. Degree in Mass Communications in 1990. I have been a member of FBCC since 1998. I became the nursery co-ordinator in October  2008. I have two teenage children, Shelby and Trey Powell. I am also blessed to have a new husband, William Fortenberry, who I married in June 2009. God has truly blessed me and my family through First Baptist Church of Collinsville.  

 
 

Rick and Sally Mauldin

Maintenance and Custodian