FFWB Staff
Pastor
Derek Bell
dbell1@charter.net
Derek is originally from Nashville, the oldest of three boys. He was
saved and baptized at nine years old and answered the call to preach at
seventeen. In his teenage years he had the opportunity to travel for the
Free Will Baptist denomination with the Youth Evangelistic Team. This
was a music and drama group that ministered to churches and youth groups
throughout the country. He attended Southeastern Free Will Baptist
College, majoring in Bible and Pastoral Training. This is where he met
his wife, Missy.
Derek began his ministry as a youth pastor at Sylvan Park Free Will Baptist Church in Nashville and then at Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Morristown. He was senior pastor at two churches in the middle Tennessee area before being called to First Free Will Baptist of Church Hill.
Missy is originally from Morristown, Tennessee. She is the oldest of four children. She was saved at the age of 17. A few months later she knew that the Lord was calling her to become a preacher's wife. She also attended Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, majoring in Teacher Education and Accounting. Derek and Missy were married in November 1987. They have two children--Kayla and Caleb. Kayla was saved at the age of 7 and Caleb was saved at the age of 5.
Derek began his ministry as a youth pastor at Sylvan Park Free Will Baptist Church in Nashville and then at Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Morristown. He was senior pastor at two churches in the middle Tennessee area before being called to First Free Will Baptist of Church Hill.
Missy is originally from Morristown, Tennessee. She is the oldest of four children. She was saved at the age of 17. A few months later she knew that the Lord was calling her to become a preacher's wife. She also attended Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, majoring in Teacher Education and Accounting. Derek and Missy were married in November 1987. They have two children--Kayla and Caleb. Kayla was saved at the age of 7 and Caleb was saved at the age of 5.
Youth Pastor
Mitch Russell
Mitch
Russell was born and raised in Church Hill TN. He was saved at the age
of nine years old. When Mitch was eighteen, God placed a passion for
young people in his heart. He joined a student ministry that taught him
the essential qualities about a real “Spiritual Walk”. God opened the
door for Mitch to come on board as our part time youth minister here at
First Free Will Baptist Church in February of 2001. He came to work in
a full time position in September of 2005. Mitch is presently studying
through Andersonville Theological Seminary, working on an Associates
degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Ministry. Mitch’s
wife, Sonya, who is active in our children’s ministry, is from
Rogersville, TN. Together they have two boys Caleb (10) and Noah (5). Mitch’s
vision for the Student Ministry at FFWBC can be explained through their
mission statement: “Reaching up,
Reaching in, and Reaching out”! Reaching up to give God the praise and worship that He so much
deserves. Reaching in to a core group to
teach them to Reach out to a
lost and dying world.
Church Administrator
Sherry Crawford
scrawford1@chartertn.net
Sherry has lived her entire life in Church Hill. She is the second
child of three and is the only daughter.
Sherry was saved at age 11 and baptized at 15.
She graduated from Volunteer High School in 1989 and ETSU with a
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1993. She began
working as the Church Treasurer in July 1998 and as the Church Secretary
in June 1999.
David lived in Surgoinsville until 1993 when he moved to Church Hill. He
began working at Eastman in January 1992.
David and Sherry were married on October 30, 1993. They have 2 children.
Sierra is 9 years old and was saved in February 2004 at the age of 7.
Eli is 7 years old.
Not Pictured