Ministerial Staff

DR. LARRY GIPSON

Larry Gipson, Senior Pastor
lgipson@oneontafbc.org

Bro. Larry has been in the ministry since 1980 when he served as Assistant to the Minister of Youth at Berney Points Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.  He also served Katherwood Baptist Church in Birmingham as Minister of Youth and Associate Pastor.  Bro. Larry has pastored at Glenn Memorial Baptist Church in Bessemer and Bethel Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove.  Since September 2002, he has served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Oneonta.  Bro. Larry received his Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees from Samford University, a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University.  He is married to the former Wanda Rinehart. She is presently employed with the Jefferson County School System and is very active in the Music Ministry of our church.  Larry and Wanda have two sons: Andrew (Brittany) and Timothy.  Andrew graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, with a BS degree in Psychology and BS in Sports Administration.  He is the Assistant Baseball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. Timothy graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in public health. 

MICAH HEAD

Micah Head
micah@oneontafbc.org

Michael (Micah) Head serves as Minister to Students at First Baptist Church.  He is presently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.  Micah graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Human Performance and Sport Science, with concentrations in pre-professional and health promotion.  He also studied at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham.  Prior employment includes customer service and other tasks at Chick-Fil-A in Louisville and summer camp counselor at Pine Cove, Inc., in Tyler, Texas.  Micah also served as Children's Intern at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he was director of Upward, a Bible study leader, and event planner.  Micah shares, "My ministry objective is to serve the Lord faithfully in whatever church to which I am led."  He is married to Lauren Belgard Head.

DAN SIMS

Dan Sims, Pastor Emeritus

Dan Sims was named Pastor Emeritus at a special service at Oneonta First Baptist Church on Sunday, April 14, 2013.  Bro. Dan has pastored churches in Michigan and Alabama.  In Alabama, he served Park Avenue Baptist Church (Oneonta), First Baptist Church (Hayden), and First Baptist Church (Oneonta).  He also was pastor at San Vito, Italy, and Baumholder, Germany. Dan served as interim pastor at First Baptist Church (Blountsville), First Baptist Church (Hayden), the International Baptist church in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; and churches in Azores, Portugal, and Rota, Spain. After 20 years of service, Dan retired from the United States Air Force.  He received his bachelor of arts degree from Samford University and a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Seminary.Dan has been married to Glenda Battles Sims for over 60 years. They have three sons: Keith (Regina), Rick (Cindy), and Mike (Lisa).  They are also proud grandparents of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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