Shaker Samuel, Pastor

Pastor Shaker has been ministering here at First Baptist Church since March of 2007. Before that time he worked for over thirty years at a Christian ministy for the disabled called Echoing Hills in Warsaw, OH. Although relatively new to the role of pastor he has unique blend of gifts, abilities, and experiences that greatly enhance his role as pastor. Shaker was born in India and came to the country in 1970. He has traveled extensively abroad and is well suited for our multi-generational church family.

Jesse Boudet, Assistant Youth Director & Financial Secretary

Jesse Boudet has been working with the youth group and has also been financial secretary for the past two years. His hobbies include skiing and playing paintball. He also loves plaing with his black lab Toby and cards with his friends. He has a bachelor's degree in marketing and is currently pursuing an MBA in International Business.

Casey Brashear, Webmaster

Casey Brashear has been working at the Church as Webmaster since November 2009. He loves hanging out with his friends, his car, and any new technology. He is currently a Senior at Murphysboro High School and plans on going to college in a computer related field.

Kevin Lipe, Youth Director

An Accountant by trade, Kevin also serves as our Youth Director. He is married to Pam Lipe and has three lovely teenagers, Casey, Cody, and Kierstin. After many years of working with young people in sports and music, Kevin turned his attention on trying to help with the spiritual development of our congregations youth. The youth group is really ran by a team of exceptionally devoted, loving adults. With a foundation grounded in Jesus, and a message of love, joy, and respect, we seek to engage our young leaders in activities and discussions focused on helping them keep centered throughout life's choas, and to never forget to be both thankful for, and to share, Gods blessings.

Bill Boudet, Sunday School Director

Bill Boudet, a Murphysboro native, has taught Sunday School for over thirty years. He is the husband of Marci Boudet and father of Jesse Boudet. He recieved a BA from Illinois University for Communications and is a Construction teacher at the Murphysboro High School. In his spare time he enjoys racquetball, hunting, and fishing. His favorite saying is "That's Good Stuff!"

Barb Troutman, Children's Director

Barb is the wife of Dana Troutman, the mother of Tanner and Terra Troutman, and the grandmother of Trey Troutman. Barb has been working as our children's director for many years. Barb, with the help of serveral dedicated volunteers, provides an exciting and fun filled experience for the children. She coordinates the children's church, Wednesday evening activities, and has directed the churchs Vacation Bible School program for the past several years. Barbs love for the children and desire to see them know more about Jesus is evident in the countless hours she has dedicated to the success of these programs.

Audra McBride, Worship Director

Audra is the wife of Steve McBride and the mother of Koral and Connor McBride. She has been leading the praise team since May 2007. Raised in a nearby Baptist Church she has a knowledge and appreciation for the hymns as well as for the contemporary praise songs. She provides the congregation with a hearlthy balance of both each Sunday and strives to keep in tune with the diverse needs and preferences of a multi-generations church. Audra is alwasys open to suggestions and tries her best to work in song suggestions from the congregation while prayerfully choosing the songs and hymns to lead everyone into the presence of our Lord Jesus and prepare our hearts to receive the message. We are blessed to have Audra and grateful for her time and commitment.

Traci Hunziker, Pianist

Traci has been playing the piano for First Baptist Church since 1999. She was born and raised in Murphysboro, married her high school sweetheart, and lived for fourteen years in Indiana, then returned to Murphysboro with her family in 1998 and started attending First Baptist Church. Traci has enjoyed homeschooling her two children, Johnathan and Brittany, one of whom is now in college, and loves to quilt and read.

Karen Rahming, Organist

Karen Rahming is the organist at First Baptist Church. A native of Murphysboro she has accompanied congregational singing, the choir and played for numerous weddings since the early 1970's. She enjoys her role with the praise team and instrumentalists. A change in worship throughout the years has encouraged her to adapt with the times as well as keeping valued traditions in blending the old with the new. Sharing                                                        God's love through music is her desire!