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 and Timothy. Son Andrew graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, with a BS degree in Psychology and BS in Sports Administration. He is married to Brittany and they have a new baby, Cullen Paul, born in February 2020. Andrew is the Assistant Baseball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. Son Timothy works at Tractor & Equipment.
GARY MORGAN
Gary Morgan, Worship Pastor
gary@oneontafbc.org
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Gary received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama and Master of Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began his ministry of music while in college and has served as Minister of Music at several churches in Alabama and Texas. Using the extremely talented and gifted Celebration Choir and Praise Band, Gary encourages the First Baptist family to experience the presence of God through praise and worship by blending the great hymns of our faith with praise and worship songs and visual media. Gary is married to Jane Bailey Morgan and they have two married children in ministry: Kristie Morgan Frazier (Andy) and Chris Morgan (Stephanie) and seven grandchildren. Gary's favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." His favorite local restaurant is Outback Steakhouse where he normally orders the Outback special and wings. His favorite out-of-town restaurant is Wolf Bay Lodge in Orange Beach, Alabama. He loves their fried shrimp, whole fried flounder, seafood gumbo, and West Indies Salad. When Gary is not eating or working, he enjoys anything computers, mountain biking, hiking, running, and "fixing" things around the house.
Patrick Dalstra, Minister to Students & Young Adults
patrick@oneontafbc.org
Patrick earned his Bachelor of Arts/Christian Studies at the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, followed by his achievement of a Master of Divinity at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana where he continues studies toward a Doctorate of Ministry. His ministry background began in Florida as a youth intern at Eastside Baptist Church in Marianna, after which he served as a counselor and drill instructor with Teen Challenge in Bonifay. He was called to serve then in Jacksonville with the North American Mission Board, serving at North Main Street Baptist Church as project pastor/youth minister. He also worked as a youth counselor with All Focus Incorporated there. Patrick then moved to Mathiston, Mississippi, where he was called as associate pastor and youth minister at First Baptist Church. Prior to this call to Oneonta, he was pastor at Memphis Union Mission in Memphis, Tennessee. Patrick is married to Katie. They have two children: Seth (3) and Samuel (1).
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.
