OUR PASTOR
Brother Don Snipes has been the pastor of Baptist Temple since December of 1995. Don grew up in a christain home, joined the church at the age of 9 and was baptized, but had never understood his need for a savior until a neighbor questioned him about his salvation. The neighbor asked simply, "If you were to die today do you know for certain that you would go to heaven?" He thought that joining the church was all there was to it until the Holy Spirit of God showed him that his sin seperated him from God and at the age of 18 invited Jesus into his heart to save him. Don is a graduate from Olive Branch High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi. In 1974 he received his A.A. degree from Northwest Jr. College. Then after accepting his call to gospel ministry, went back to college earning a B.A. degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee in 1978. Then he felt the need to go to Seminary in 1979 and attended Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee, where he recieved his Masters of Divinity in 1983. In 1992 he enrolled in Trinity Seminay to work on a PHD in biblical counseling. Bro. Don Snipes has over 25 years of ministry experience. He began his ministry in youth work, has done christian education work as well as singles ministry. However the bulk of his work has been done in the pastoral ministry. Bro. Don says, "Pastoring is my heart, allowing God to use me to meet the needs of people through pointing them to Christ who really is the answer to all the problems we face."
OUR MINISTER OF EDUCATION
The Youth and Student Ministry is very important to the church life at Baptist Temple church. Every Sunday morning, Brother Bill Banks leads a group of youth workers in delivering applicable Bible truths for youth and students to grab hold of and use in their everyday lives. Wednesday nights are set aside for discipling the youth. A time of singing and worship begins the evening before down to earth Bible teaching takes place. Various activities throughout the year compliment the weekly Bible studies, such as mission trips and different mission projects, camps, student conferences, wilderness camping, and some out of town trips simply for the fun of it. Bill was raised in a Christian home, where his parents led him to know Christ at the age of eight. As a teenager he felt God's calling into ministry while on a mission trip to an Indian reservation. He is a graduate of West Texas A&M University and has a masters degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has over twenty years experience working with teenagers. Bill is truly a blessing and an asset to the staff here at Baptist Temple.
OUR MUSIC MINISTER
Dwayne Clawson is the Music Minister at Baptist Temple. Dwayne has been leading the congregation and the choir in music for the last year. He has been leading music for 46 years, having spent 34 years as the music leader at First Baptist Churh in Coahoma, Texas as well as a year at Crestview Baptist here in Big Spring. He has also led the music at churches in Odessa and Fort Stockton. Dwayne is also a deacon and a true blessing to all of us here at Baptist Temple.
Come join the adult choir as we lift our voices in praise. We are prepaing at this time to work on our Christmas cantata, 'Christmas, Sing Noel!', a musical celebration of His coming. The choir meets for practice on Sunday evening at 5:00 in the auditorium.
OUR ORGANIST
Bill Schaffner has been the organist for Baptist Temple since 1977. Bill has been playing the organ for 48 years and has been a member of Baptist Temple for 24 years. He is also a member of the adult choir and is a valuable part of the staff. Bill always has a great attitude, and has been a very fine example. You can depend on him to be at choir practice, sunday school, or whatever else might be going on. He even helps out in the kitchen. When many are still in bed snoozing, he comes early when we have our pancake breakfast. Bill is truly a blessing to be around. He always has a smile on his face and his desire to use his talent for God is evident. Baptist Temple is very fortunate to have him, not only as our organist, but as a member! Oh, to have his attitude!
OUR PIANIST
Patsy Scott has been the pianist for Baptist Temple for about 3 years. She has allowed God to use her talents as a church pianist all of her adult years. Not only is she an asset in playing, she has a beautiful voice and sings in the choir. . In all of her years of serving, she has missed very few services. Patsy was the pianist at Crestview Baptist for about 30 years. Patsy also teaches Sunday School, and always has. Her deep love for God shows in the way she ministers to people. She visits, makes numerous phone calls, sends cards, makes little personalized gifts, and is the first one that comes to the minds of many when they need a true Christain friend. She is truly a wonderful inspiration and a very fine example of what a servant of God should be. We are truly blessed to have her. What a great lady!