Shaker Samuel, Senior Pastor
Pastor Shaker has been ministering here at First Baptist Church since March of 2007. Before that time he worked for over thirty years at a Christian ministry for the disabled called Echoing Hills in Warsaw, OH. Although relatively new to the role of pastor he has unique blend of gifts, abilities, and experiences that greatly enhance his role as pastor. Shaker was born in India and came to the country in 1970. He has traveled extensively abroad and is well suited for our multi-generational church family.
Jesse Boudet, Director of Youth, Finance, and Technology
Jesse Boudet has been working with the youth group and has also been financial secretary for the past two years. His hobbies include skiing and playing paintball. He also loves playing with his black lab Toby and cards with his friends. He has a bachelor's degree in marketing and is currently pursuing an MBA in International Business.
Casey Brashear, Webmaster
Casey Brashear has been working at the Church as Webmaster since November 2009. He loves hanging out with his friends, his car, and any new technology. He is currently a Senior at Murphysboro High School and plans on going to college in a computer related field.
Barb Troutman, Children's Director
Barb is the wife of Dana Troutman, the mother of Tanner and Terra Troutman, and the grandmother of Trey Troutman. Barb has been working as our children's director for many years. Barb, with the help of several dedicated volunteers, provides an exciting and fun filled experience for the children. She coordinates the children's church, Wednesday evening activities, and has directed the churches Vacation Bible School program for the past several years. Barbs love for the children and desire to see them know more about Jesus is evident in the countless hours she has dedicated to the success of these programs.
Audra McBride, Worship Director
Audra is the wife of Steve McBride and the mother of Koral and Connor McBride. She has been leading the praise team since May 2007. Raised in a nearby Baptist Church she has a knowledge and appreciation for the hymns as well as for the contemporary praise songs. She provides the congregation with a healthy balance of both each Sunday and strives to keep in tune with the diverse needs and preferences of a multi-generations church. Audra is always open to suggestions and tries her best to work in song suggestions from the congregation while prayerfully choosing the songs and hymns to lead everyone into the presence of our Lord Jesus and prepare our hearts to receive the message. We are blessed to have Audra and grateful for her time and commitment.
Traci Hunziker, Pianist
Traci has been playing the piano for First Baptist Church since 1999. She was born and raised in Murphysboro, married her high school sweetheart, and lived for fourteen years in Indiana, then returned to Murphysboro with her family in 1998 and started attending First Baptist Church. Traci has enjoyed homeschooling her two children, Jonathon and Brittany, one of whom is now in college, and loves to quilt and read.
Karen Rahming, Organist
Karen Rahming is the organist at First Baptist Church. A native of Murphysboro she has accompanied congregational singing, the choir and played for numerous weddings since the early 1970's. She enjoys her role with the praise team and instrumentalists. A change in worship throughout the years has encouraged her to adapt with the times as well as keeping valued traditions in blending the old with the new. Sharing God's love through music is her desire!