Meet the Pastor

A Message from Pastor Gene Strother…

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. (I Timothy 3:1)

I grew up in Oakdale, Louisiana, and God called me to be a preacher when I was 19 years old. I had just completed my first year of college at McNeese State University and God began to immediately change the direction of my life in clear and unmistakable ways.

After earning a degree in Bible and Music from Arlington Baptist College, I continued to serve as Director of Music and Youth at First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas. My first pastorate was at Maranatha Baptist Church in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and I have been the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church since March of 1984. I am excited about Bethel’s joyful spirit of unity and dynamic sense of purpose. Local church ministry has always been my calling and passion and I have never been more committed to ministry than I am today.

I believe that God has truly blessed my life. He has surrounded me with loving people who have consistently shown me His goodness and grace. Their affection, support and loyalty have helped me keep my sense of humor and not lose perspective while meeting challenges and overcoming adversity. He has also given me the privilege of leading and serving a congregation that is growing in faith and making a difference in our world. I have been blessed and I want my life and ministry to be a blessing to others.