We exist to reach and disciple as many students as possible, helping each student reach their generation for Christ.
Student Minister - Jerry Royal Jerry and Mary Royal have served as Student Pastor at First Baptist Church for the past 15 years. They have 3 beautiful children - Maddie, 9; Mallory, 6; and Kip, 3. Jerry is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Seminary. Mary is a graduate of MSU and attended Palm Beach Atlantic College. They invite you to join with them each week as over 300 students gather on Sunday mornings for Life Groups and Wednesday Nights for Primetime!Interim Junior High Minister - Justin Bindel Justin was born in Wichita Falls in the greatest year of 1981. He is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. Upon graduation he moved to Fort Worth where he began to work on his masters degree at Southwestern Seminary. He recently transferred to Liberty University to finish his degree and continue to pursue his passion in ministry. Justin has been on staff since 2005 and spends most of his time around the coolest students in the world (junior high). In his free time, Justin enjoys eating, traveling, and spending time with his beautiful wife.Administrative Assistant - Amber BindelAmber was born in Sacramento, California before she made her way to Texas. Amber is a graduate of Burkburnett High School and is currently working on a degree at Midwestern State University. Amber has been on staff at First Baptist since 2005 and has also served as a Senior High Girls Intern. Amber enjoys reading, playing with her puppy named Pumpkin, and has the true gift of Southern Hospitality. 7th Grade Girls - Hannah RhoadsHannah was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She graduated from cosmetology school in Florida in 2005. She was also recently married to Adam in 2006 and they made their way to Wichita Falls through the military. Hannah loves to scrapbook, run, and watch the Packers beat the Bears. 7th Grade Guys - Jon WhetzelJonathan was born in Louisiana and is an avid LSU Tigers fan. Jonathan's dad is in the Air Force, so he grew up moving around a lot. He is currently going to Vernon College, and planning to transfer to Midwestern State University to pursue a degree in Mass Communications. His favorite food is Mexican and you can frequently find him at El Chicos on Enchilada Night. Jonathan loves extreme sports such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, and skydiving. When Jonathan is not at work or school he likes to rock climb, go to concerts, and play tennis. 8th Grade Girls - Kaleigh Bindel Kaleigh was born in 1988 and raised in the greatest city of Wichita Falls. She has a brother named Justin and parents Guy and Lisa Bindel. She graduated from Rider High School in 2007 and is currently attending Midwestern State University where she is pursuing a degree in nursing. She ran track for 6 years and also competed in weightlifting competitions. In her free time she enjoys training for marathons, fishing, hunting, and shopping. Senior High Girls - Natalie NoblittNatalie was born in L.A. but has found her way to numerous places around the United States due to her father being a music minister. Her high school days were spent living in the Dallas area until she moved to college. During college Natalie played soccer for Ouachita Baptist for two years before transferring to Midwestern State University to play soccer and run cross country. She graduated in December 2005 with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Art. Natalie loves to sing and dance and in high school and college was in a ministry that would share Christ using dance. Natalie loves soccer and hanging out with friends. Her favorite food is her mom's chicken salad and her grandma's apple pie with homemade ice cream. She loves Boston and would love to live there one day.Senior High Guys - Tyler Gatewood Tyler was born in Wichita Falls until he moved off to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University. (Wreck'Em Tech) In the Spring of 2007, Tyler earned a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Sociology. He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree at Southwestern Seminary. When he is not at the church or in class, he enjoys playing sports like tennis, teatherball, and cheerleading. Around here, Tyler is known for his sweet dance moves that he learned while taking 7 years of ballet. Someday he would like to travel to Italy and Greece. Worship Leader - Brandon SelfBrandon Self currently leads the band Epic Rescue. Epic Rescue leads in worship on Wednesday Nights and Sunday Mornings at FBC. Their band was recently one of the regional winners of Shoutfest and will move on to nationals to compete for Battle of the Bands.