Our Staff


Dr. Allen Tilley, Senior Pastor

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In April 1999, Dr. Tilley accepted the call and challenge to spiritually lead our congregation as Senior Pastor. With almost thirty years pastoral experience, God has continually blessed his ministry with dynamic spiritual and numerical growth. He and his wife, Joyce, have two children, Grace and Daniel. Dr. Tilley earned his BBA degree from Dallas Baptist University and his MA degree from BMAA Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry at Southwest Seminary. His purpose in life is to glorify God and to help others do the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James McRight, Pastor to Students

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James has served First Baptist since November, 1994. He grew up in Jacksonville, Texas, and married the former Julie Miley in December, 1994. They have one son, Ian, born July, 2000. James graduated from Texas A&M Commerce in May, 1995 with a BS Degree in Agriculture Education and received his Master's Degree in Community Counseling in August, 2004 from Stephen F. Austin State University. James has been in youth ministry since 1991 and has a true passion for teenagers and loves to watch and help them grow in Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Yarbrough, Worship Pastor

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Leading people to worship Christ through music is David's life calling and heart's desire. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, David came to Carthage in 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and a Master of Arts in Religion from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas. He and his wife, Susie, have two children, Daria and Cash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharron Poss, Children's Director

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Sharron was born in Paris, Texas, and raised in Tyler. She earned her BS Degree from East Texas State University and a Masters of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She and her husband, Lynn, have four grown children. At First Baptist since 2008, her passion for children is evident in the more than twenty years she spent in elementary public school classrooms. Sharron's focus is to develop programs that will lead children to walk daily with a real God who has a loving and divine purpose for each of their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

mike wilson


Mike Wilson, Congregational Care Pastor

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Mike was saved in 1967 at Daniel Springs Encampment. He later surrendered to preach that same year. His formal higher education includes Jacksonville  College,  AA Degree, Stephen F. Austin State University, BS & M.Ed. Mike taught school and coached for 28 years. He and wife, Marilyn, have four grown children and have partially raised several nephews and nieces from both sides of their families, and thus have many they consider grandchildren. Mike belives God's Glory should be first in all aspects of life.

 

 

 

 

 

joyce tilley


Joyce Tilley, Executive Secretary

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Joyce is our pastor's wife and joined our staff in January, 2012. She was born in Santa Ana, California, and she is the 2nd eldest of 8 siblings. Joyce is considered a Marine Corp "brat" (father retired from full time duty in the Marine Corp) and has lived in numerous states. Joyce attended West Central Florida Community College and married the man of her dreams. Dr. Tilley and Joyce have 2 children. Grace is a senior "whoop" at Texas A&M University in Galveston and will graduate May, 2012, with an Ocean and Coastal Resource degree. Daniel, currently a freshman at Texas A&M University in College Station, is in the Aerospace program. "I am very proud of my children and husband, and I am blessed to be here where I have 'found  my way home' at First Baptist Carthage."

 

 

 

 

 


Trudy Craig, Receptionist/Secretary

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Trudy joined our staff in May, 2010. Born and raised in Carthage, Trudy has been happily married to Ricky for the past 37 years. They have a grown son, Cody. Over the years, Trudy has been a home school mom, Bible teacher, preschool director, women’s Bible study facilitator, and most recently was employed by a local realtor. Trudy feels her job is a ministry to both the church and the Kingdom of God.