LEADERSHIP STAFF

For a complete listing of the FBCT Staff, click the Staff Directory Button at the bottom of the page.

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DR. RONNY RAINES, SENIOR PASTOR

931.245.0000 ︱ EMAIL

Dr. Ronny Raines was called as Senior Pastor on November 1, 2020. Pastor Ronny is married to Angie, his wife, and ministry partner, and they're thankful to serve at First Baptist Church and live in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Pastor Ronny's previous pastoral assignments include Calvary Baptist Church, Glasgow, Kentucky, Northside Baptist Church, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, First Baptist Church Cold Spring, Cold Spring, Kentucky, and Bradfordville First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida. He served as the North Central regional consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention. 

Pastor Ronny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, a Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Pastor Ronny loves to read books, play golf, take walks, build relationships, and travel overseas. His passion is to lead the Lord's church to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples. Pastor Ronny's life verse is John 3:30.   

CHRIS BECK, SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

931.245.0000 ext. 161︱ EMAIL

As Senior Administrator, Chris serves and supports the Senior Pastor to accomplish the vision of First Baptist Church, which is to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples. 

Before coming to First Baptist Church, Chris served on the ministry staff of First Baptist Church of St. Bethlehem for nineteen years. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Christian Financial Counselor, Chris studied at Murray State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Melanie and daughters Emelia and Savannah. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:8.

JASON JOHNSON, MISSIONS PASTOR

931.245.0000 ext. 108︱ EMAIL

Jason began serving as Missions Pastor on November 1, 2021. He is married to Kayla. They have two children, Karis and Zane. Prior to their arrival at First Baptist Clarksville, Jason and Kayla met and served together at First Baptist Church Mt. Washington, Kentucky. They are humbled and excited to be called by God to serve here.  

Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther Rice Bible College in Lithonia, Georgia, and a Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. 

Jason loves to travel, watch and play sports, as well as read books. His passion is to make disciples of all nations. One Scripture passage that has shaped and impacted his ministry is Revelation 7:9-10.

BARRIE ROYAL, director of operations

931.245.0000 ext. 174︱ EMAIL

Barrie Royal is a native of Linden, New Jersey and became a citizen of Clarksville in June 2016 by way of the U.S Army.

Barrie finished his 26 yr Army career here at Fort Campbell in 2019 and started working at First Baptist as the Facilities Supervisor the same year.

Barrie assumed the Director of Operations position January 2, 2022 where he oversees the day to day operations of First Events, Maintenance, Custodial and Security.

Barrie is married to Genea and collectively they have five children, Kiana, Anaya, Barrie Jr, Zollie and Christopher. Barrie's hobbies include weightlifting, competing against his family in bowling and studying God's word. The scripture that Barrie has leaned on throughout his adult life is "Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".

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JOHN MARK COX, WORSHIP and CREATIVE arts pastor

931.245.0000 ext. 154︱ EMAIL

John Mark is a native of Clarksville.  He and his wife Gail married in May of 1994 and have one child Braxton born in may of 2009.  Worship is more than music to John Mark. He believes it is in everything we do.  A couple of his favorite verses:  Hebrews 13,  verses 15 & 16.  "Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.  And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.  These are the sacrifices that please God."

TONY LEWIS, DISCIPLESHIP pastor

931.245.0000︱ EMAIL

Tony joined the staff of First Baptist Church as the Discipleship Pastor in July 2023. Tony met his wife Tammy while at Louisiana College and they were married in 1986. Tony and Tammy have one daughter, Tia, a Children's Director in Hopkinsville, who is married to Tyler, and a grandson, Tatum.

Tony graduated from Louisiana College with a Bachelor's degree in Religious Education and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master's in Religious Education. After thirty-one years in student ministry at six churches across three states, Tony spent over nine years as a Discipleship and Administration Pastor in Hopkinsville.

Tony and Tammy have called Clarksville home since 2001 and have a great passion for the people of this community. They are proud to be a part of our great country and share their love for the military and their families. Growing up in Nashville, Tony was saved at age nine and called into ministry at age fifteen.

Tony enjoys sports and cheering for the Vanderbilt Commodores, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Lakers, and Nashville Predators, attending as many sporting events as possible each season.

1 Corinthians 9:22 continues to be a powerful verse in Tony's life as he tries to live the words Paul wrote in God's Word. Tony is also passionate about sharing the Gospel and helping to make disciples.

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Dr. RICHARD DAVIS, MILITARY Pastor

931.245.0000 ext. 104︱ EMAIL

Richard began serving with the Military Ministry in July 2016. He is married to Tina and have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Richard retired from the United States Army in July 2011 after twenty years of active duty service. His last duty assignment was at 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in religion from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, a Master of Theological Studies-Missions emphasis, a Master of Theology-Applied Theology, and a Doctor of Educational Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Richard and Tina enjoy spending time with family and friends, fishing for large mouth bass, and playing with their two Siberian Huskies.

One of his favorite passages of Scripture is Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”

COLE MCCARTNEY, NEXT GENERATION PASTOR

931.245.0000 ︱ EMAIL

Cole grew up in the Springfield, TN area before attending college at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR. He graduated with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies with a minor in Biblical Languages. He currently attends New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary online pursuing a Master of Divinity in Preaching. 

Cole joined the First Baptist staff in February of 2024 as the Next Generation Pastor. He was previously on staff as the interim youth minister at Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Cole has a heart for the next generation and feels strongly about fostering and teaching the students.

Cole enjoys all things outdoors but especially enjoys disc golf, golf, and working out. His life verse is Acts 1:8.

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TABITHA DOWDY, KIDS MINISTRY DIRECTOR

931.245.0000 ext. 106︱ EMAIL

Mrs. Tabitha joined the FBCT Clarksville family in 2016, then in 2018 took on the new role of Kids Ministry Director. She is married to her “partner in crime” Jason, and they have three children. She graduated from Austin Peay State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication.

Tabitha enjoys spending time with friends, family and dog. She is also an avid fan of documentaries, gardening, art and random facts and information. Her favorite verse is Psalm 107:9 "For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”

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BILL GRAHAM, VISITATION PASTOR

931.245.0000︱ EMAIL

Pastor Bill Graham began the gospel ministry in December 1963 when First Baptist Church Clarksville, TN ordained him. He has been a Church Planter in WI, Pastor in RI and served at the Baptist Home Mission Board (Now North American Mission Board in Atlanta, GA) for 17 years in the Missionary Personnel Department. After retiring from the Board in 2000, Bill returned to FBC in 2001 as the Associate Pastor of Missions and Ministry. Although he retired in 2013, he returned as parttime staff in 2014 where he remains as Visitation Pastor.

From 1970 to 1995 Bill was an US Army National Guard and US Army Reserve Chaplain achieving the rank of Colonel. He was deployed to Egypt and to Cuba.

He graduated from Carthage College (now University) with a BA in Religion, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a diploma from the US Army Command and General Staff College.

He has led international mission projects in Brazil, Peru, Mexico, China, Russia, Belarus, Portugal, Tunisia, Ghana and national mission projects in New England, and New York. Bill has served with the Cumberland Baptist Association Disaster Relief Team as a Chaplain.

Bill is engaged in our prayer ministry, military ministry, and prison ministry.

He married Mary Lou in 1964. The have two adult children who blessed them with four grandchildren. 

Bill’s life verse is Romans 12: 1-2

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CHERYL MCCRARY, MINISTER TO PRESCHOOLERS

931.245.0000 ext. 124︱ EMAIL

Mrs. Cheryl joined the FBC Clarksville Family as Minister to Preschoolers in November 2008. Mrs. Cheryl is thankful to serve in ministry alongside her husband of more than 15 years, Jamie McCrary as well as the most dedicated team of preschool ministry leaders/volunteers imaginable. 

A former practicing Disability Rights Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida, Mrs. Cheryl considers every day she is able to serve God in ministry a blessing. While Mrs. Cheryl has spent most her life volunteering in church teaching children about the love of God, she was called as Minister to Preschoolers & Children in August 2006 to Heights Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas.   

Mrs. Cheryl holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Florida State University School of Law, a Master’s Degree in Information Science from Florida State University & a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Flagler College. When Cheryl is not watching FSU football with Jamie, she enjoys musicals, audiobooks, learning new skills & spending time with her family. 

Mrs. Cheryl has seen repeatedly the faithfulness of God and the truth of His promises provided in Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord…” One of her greatest joys is seeing preschoolers & their families grow to Worship God, Love People, Share Jesus & Make Disciples. 

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JOHN LEE, KOREAN PASTOR

931.245.0000 | EMAIL | Korean Ministry

With a call from God, Pastor Lee started the Korean Ministry at First Baptist in 2005. He is married to Koung Hee. They have seven children, Eun-woo, Ji-woo, Sung-jin, Seung-jin, Ye-jin, Eun-hye, and Ji-Hye. 

Pastor Lee completed his bachelor’s degree in law at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea. He also earned a Master’s degree in theology at the Graduate School of Theology in Korea.

Pastor Lee is devoted to serve God’s church and make disciples of Jesus. 

He loves to watch movies and travel. His favorite Scripture passage is Ephesians 4:15-16.