Deanna had the privilege of growing up at First Baptist Dallas and graduated from Baylor University with a major in Math Education. She is passionate to use her education background by encouraging children to know, love and serve Jesus. Deanna and her husband, Forrest, have one daughter.
Executive Team
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Dr. Robert Jeffress
Senior Pastor
Dr. Robert Jeffress is Senior Pastor of the 14,000-member First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas and a Fox News Contributor. He is also an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Dr. Jeffress has made more than 4,000 guest appearances on various
radio and television programs and regularly appears on major mainstream
media outlets, such as Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends,”
“Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream,” “Hannity,” “Varney & Co.,”
“Judge Jeanine,” HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.”Dr. Jeffress is Bible teacher and host of a daily radio program, PATHWAY TO VICTORY, heard nationwide on over 1,000 stations in major markets such as Dallas-Fort Worth, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
Dr. Jeffress hosts a daily television program, PATHWAY TO VICTORY, that can be seen Monday through Friday on the Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) and every Saturday and Sunday on TBN as well as daily on the Hillsong Channel and Sundays on Daystar. PATHWAY TO VICTORY is the highest-rated ministry program on TBN. Dr. Jeffress’ television broadcast reaches 195 countries and is on 11,295 cable and satellite systems throughout the world.
Dr. Jeffress is the author of 27 books including, NOT ALL ROADS LEAD TO HEAVEN; A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN: 10 Surprising Truths About Your Eternal Home; CHOOSING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE; COURAGEOUS: 10 Strategies for Thriving in a Hostile World; and his newest book being released September 2021, INVINCIBLE: Conquering the Mountains That Separate You From the Blessed Life.
Dr. Jeffress led the congregation in the completion of a $135 million re-creation of its downtown campus. The project is the largest in modern church history and serves as a “spiritual oasis” covering six blocks of downtown Dallas.
Dr. Jeffress graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a D.Min., a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a B.S. degree from Baylor University. In May 2010, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. In June 2011, Dr. Jeffress received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, one son-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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Ben Lovvorn
Executive Pastor
Ben serves by leading and overseeing the ministries and operations of First Baptist Dallas as the Executive Pastor. He has served in full-time ministry for more than a decade and is passionate about building the church of Jesus Christ and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Ben earned a Juris Doctorate from Baylor University and a B.B.A. from Hardin-Simmons University. He and his wife, Parris, have four boys.
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Ryland Whitehorn
Executive Pastor of Ministries
Ryland believes the church should be the center of our community, operating as a New Testament church to serve as “home” for thousands of people. Ryland and his wife, Renea, have two married daughters, Shea and Kelsi, and three grandchildren.
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Dr. Tyler Brinson
Minister of Music & Worship
Dr. Brinson is a Dove Award-winning worship leader who is passionate about leading and inspiring people to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Tyler believes corporate worship should be a rehearsal for heaven—all voices and generations praising and worshiping Jesus together. He earned his Master of Music (M.M.) from Baylor University and his Doctorate of Musical Arts (D.M.A) in Church Music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Tyler and his wife Diana have been married since 2015. They are proud parents of their daughter, Savannah and son, Parker.
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Guy Shafer
Associate Executive Pastor
Guy’s heart is to provide a fruitful and innovative environment for key ministry leaders, church members, and volunteers in a way that promotes the values of First Baptist Dallas. Married since 1985, Guy and his wife, Mary, have three children and seven grandchildren, who all live in the DFW area.
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Nate Curtis
Minister of Communications and Broadcast
Nate is a natural fit to lead our broadcast and communications ministries because he believes media is a powerful, efficient way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the entire world. When he’s not spending time with his wife, Lindsey, he’s likely on the golf course or pursuing his other hobby, photography.
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Randall Heye
Minister of Operations
With a background in city management and public administration, Randall brings his expertise to leading the operations of First Baptist Dallas. His wife, Joni, grew up at the church. They have a son and twin daughters.
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Alan Lynch
Minister of Pastoral Care and Missions
Alan has served fulltime on staff of First Baptist Church of Dallas since May of 1987. He has a passion to minister to and assist the body of Christ, to experience God’s fullest blessings. He is passionate about the great commandment and the Great Commission. And he is passionate about his family. Alan and his wife, Janna, have three adult married children, and six grandchildren.
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Sherryn Cates
Director of Finance and Accounting
Sherryn serves with infectious enthusiasm, implementing and maintaining best business practices as part of First Dallas’s commitment to excellent stewardship. Sherryn and her husband, Ross, have a son, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Life Stage
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Sean Beach
Associate Minister of Education
Sean has a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently writing his dissertation for a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Liberty University. Sean and his wife, Katie, have been married for nine years and they have three girls, Caroline (7), Madison (5), and Emily (2).
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Shelly Taylor
Director of Preschool & Children
Shelly is passionate about serving in preschool and children’s ministry as these are the years when boys and girls are introduced to Jesus Christ for the very first time. Married to Tye for over 20 years, Shelly has three children and two grandchildren.
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Ashley Gross
Director of Preteens
Ashley is passionate about seeing children come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Her favorite part of children and preteen ministry is when boys and girls discover that God really is the One True God! She is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Studies and a Master’s Degree in Children’s Ministry. She and her husband, Kris, are proud parents of their daughter Avery and rescue dog Murphy.
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Noelle Donaldson
Curriculum Coordinator
An avid traveler (particularly by ship!), Noelle is passionate about Home Education and desires for each child to progress at their own pace. Noelle and her husband, Gordon, have three children.
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Ryan Sadler
Minister to Students
Placing emphasis on making sure teenagers are spiritually equipped for college, Ryan fosters an environment where teenagers want to bring their friends and feel safe sharing their doubts and questions. Ryan is married to his junior-high sweetheart, Julia, and they love and adore their three children
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PJ Jones
Associate Minister of Students
PJ is from Memphis, Tennessee where he grew up and served at Bellevue Baptist Church and worked for Go Tell Student Camps. PJ earned his Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has already begun his work on the Phd program. PJ and Sarah plan to be married in April!
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Thad Taylor
Associate Minister of Students
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Davin Hutchinson
Associate Student Minister of Worship
Davin is passionate about leading students in responding to God’s grace. He is married to Brooke who is originally from the Bahamas and together they have twin boys.
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Daira Traynor
Girl’s Ministry Associate
Daira is excited to be ministering to our First Dallas Girls. She graduated from Belmont in Nashville, TN. Daira has over a decade of experience working in youth ministry and worship and has worked with teens on the radio, in large group settings, and through podcasts and devotionals. Daira recently married her husband, Sean, in Cancun. She is passionate about music, and studied opera in Florence, and she also enjoys cooking, fashion, and planning events.
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Jay Sedwick
College & Career Minister
Jay grew up at First Baptist Dallas and his family has been attending our church for over 100 years. He is a fourth-generation church member at First Dallas. Jay was a walk-on kicker for Baylor’s football team and had an incredible influence on those around him. Jay was active in praying for and sharing his faith with members of the team and the coaching staff. He was voted a team captain his senior year. Jay just started his ThM degree at Dallas Theological Seminary.
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Julia Jeffress Sadler
Director of Next Generation Ministries
Julia is passionate about reaching Generation Z and Millennials for Christ! After over a decade in student ministry and many years as a professional counselor, Julia now develops content and special ministries to impact teens, college-age, singles, and young moms. Julia is also the director of our community outreach groups and the author of the new book, Pray Big Things. She is married to her junior-high sweetheart, Ryan, and is the mother of miracle triplets!
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Kevin Batista
Day One Pastor & Minister to Singles
Kevin’s parents were church planters overseas, and from an early age, he saw the life-changing impact that the Church has worldwide. He believes that the Church can help people discover and use their unique gifts to impact eternity. Outside of work, Kevin loves hanging out with family & friends at the movies, games, or concerts. He is also a frustrated guitar player. He and his wife, Kim, have three great kids.
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Barry Ford
Young Adults Minister
Barry is passionate about helping couples in all seasons of life have extraordinary marriages, healthy families, and Christ-like homes. Barry and his wife, Ellen, are the proud parents of twins.
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Jeff Adams
Minister to Adults
Jeff loves the Sunday School environment at First Baptist Dallas because it is through Sunday School that a big church becomes small and people find community. Jeff and Sheri have adult children. In their spare time, Jeff and Sheri enjoy walking our dogs and cooking dinner for friends in our home.
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Jim Haines
Minister to Senior Adults
Jim is passionate about working with Boomers and Seniors because they are the best! He is encouraged by their energy and hearts for the Lord and reaching others for Christ. When Jim isn’t working, he enjoys being with his family – preferably at the beach! He also enjoys musical theatre and the symphony. Jim and his wife, Nan, have been married for over 35 years and have four adult children.
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Pam Brewer
Director of Women’s Ministry
Pam is passionate about representing the women of the church and equipping them for ministry to one another, encouraging them in their own discipleship to expand for the kingdom of God. She and her husband, David, have two children, Ben and Natalie, and four grandsons.
Music
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Dr. Tyler Brinson
Minister of Music & Worship
Dr. Brinson is a Dove Award-winning worship leader who is passionate about leading and inspiring people to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Tyler believes corporate worship should be a rehearsal for heaven—all voices and generations praising and worshiping Jesus together. He earned his Master of Music (M.M.) from Baylor University and his Doctorate of Musical Arts (D.M.A) in Church Music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Tyler and his wife Diana have been married since 2015. They are proud parents of their daughter, Savannah and son, Parker.
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Jarrod Blackstock
Associate Minister of Worship
Jarrod enjoys using his musical talents and training to serve the Lord and has been married to his wife Donna since 2006. They are the parents of one son.
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Joe Hardin
Associate Minister of Instrumental Music
Joe is very passionate about how instrumental ensembles may be used to draw God’s people together in corporate worship, and therefore recognizes the opportunity for instrumentalists to use their gifts to glorify God and edify the Church. Joe and his wife, Paige, are parents of three boys.
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Kathy Gilliland
Director of Kids Worship Arts
Kathy is passionate about using her gifts as an experienced music educator and her love for worship to instill in our children a desire to know God and hide His Word in their hearts through song. Kathy and her husband, Chris, both grew up at First Dallas and are honored to serve the generations to come. Kathy and Chris have one daughter, Madilynn.
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Cheryl Bernard
Preschool Music Specialist
Using the creative tools of music, art, and movement, Cheryl plants seeds of faith to change children’s lives for the better. Cheryl and her husband, John, have three daughters, all of whom grew up at First Dallas.
Care & Support
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Alan Lynch
Minister of Pastoral Care and Missions
Alan has served fulltime on staff of First Baptist Church of Dallas since May of 1987. He has a passion to minister to and assist the body of Christ, to experience God’s fullest blessings. He is passionate about the great commandment and the Great Commission. And he is passionate about his family. Alan and his wife, Janna, have three adult married children, and six grandchildren.
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Pamela R. Greene
Pathways Counseling Center Director
Pamela R. Greene is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in counseling individuals, couples, and children. Her expertise is abuse issues, depression and anxiety, premarital/marital, and play therapy. Pam also oversees DivorceCare, GriefShare, and several other support groups as the Director of Pathways Counseling Center. Her professional associations include the American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian Counselors of Texas, and the local chapter of C. A. P. S.
Pam and her late husband have three grown children who all serve in helping professions. She enjoys healthy cooking, speed walking, and traveling.
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Anna Schaefer
Prison Ministry Coordinator
Anna is passionate about prison ministry because one can visibly see God working and changing lives. She has three children and four grandchildren.
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John Cullen
Pastoral Care Associate
John ministers to those who are hurting, either through illness or loss. He is passionate about helping men, women, and couples work through life’s issues, and ultimately leading the lost to Christ. John and his wife, Debe, have one son, Jake.
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Cheryl Calvin
Homebound/Care ministry
Coming from a large, multigenerational family, Cheryl has a heart for ministering to the elderly, the homebound, the hurting, and those dealing with financial difficulties. She enjoys gardening and playing guitar.
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Jephte Fanor
Pastoral Care Associate
In addition to all the Pastoral Care duties, Jephte is passionate about strengthening marriages through our Marriage Mentoring program and supporting those who need to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism. Jephte and his wife, Marie, have two daughters.
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Blake Lander
Pastoral Care Associate
Blake serves within the Pastoral Ministries Department serving the needs of the people of First Dallas, walking with them during times of triumph and trials. Blake is married to Shelley and they have two sons who keep them busy with sports, life, and having fun together.
Special Ministries
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John Bernard
Minister of Member and Guest Connections
Motivated to help others plug into First Dallas, John connects visitors and new members to Sunday School, membership, and ministry. When he’s not spending time with his wife, Cheryl, their three daughters, or six grandchildren, John is likely officiating a local sports event or relaxing on a beach somewhere.
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Brent McFadden
Minister to Day One & Uptown|Downtown
Brent’s life calling involves helping others athletically and spiritually, so he loves using sports as a vehicle to reach people for Christ. Brent and his wife, Bethany, have been married since 2015 and are the proud parents of two little girls.
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Kevin Batista
Day One Pastor & Minister to Singles
Kevin’s parents were church planters overseas, and from an early age, he saw the life-changing impact that the Church has worldwide. He believes that the Church can help people discover and use their unique gifts to impact eternity. Outside of work, Kevin loves hanging out with family & friends at the movies, games, or concerts. He is also a frustrated guitar player. He and his wife, Kim, have three great kids.
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Abigail Miller
Director of Communications
Abigail is a graduate of Baylor University. She loves serving the Lord’s Kingdom every day through her work at First Dallas leading the Communications Team. She enjoys traveling the world, spending time with her family and friends, reading, and being in the outdoors.
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Debe Cullen
Wedding Coordinator
In addition to organizing the details of First Dallas’s most beautiful weddings, Debe enjoys helping couples prepare for marriage beyond their special day. Debe and her husband, John, have one son.
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Steve Reed
Minister of Worship Production
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