Ethelene Rich
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been Office Manager since February 1999.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Our main focus is God.
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I became a Christian at VBS when I was 9 years old. As the pastor told us about Christ dying on the cross for our sins, my heart was broken, knowing He died for me. I asked the Lord to forgive me. He has stayed in my heart from that day on.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I am married to Gary. We have four children, 1 girl and 3 boys: Tiffany, Nich, Darrell, and Andy
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My husband Gary; he strives to do everything with excellence.
Balcony or main floor? Balcony – closer to God
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? Medical studies, children’s homes, missions
What influential book(s) have you read lately that you would recommend? Bible
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? David – his desire to serve God even when he failed and his willingness to admit his sin.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? James 4:7
Teresa Sliger
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the Financial Secretary since August 2010.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Being able to serve God with wonderful people
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I became a Christian
while in college at the age of twenty. I began dating Mike Sliger, who is now my husband, and started attending Stevens Street. I realized I was lost and in need of salvation and prayed and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I have been married to Mike Sliger for 24 years. We have two children: Phillip Sliger – age 20 and Andrew Sliger – age 14.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? I really enjoy playing golf. I like watching football, especially the UT Vols!
What was your favorite song in high school? “You Light Up My Life” by Debbie Boone
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My husband, because he is a Godly man and seeks God’s will for our family.
Balcony or main floor? Balcony
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? A red, convertible corvette (one of the first ones ever made).
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Association
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Noah – great faith and trust in God.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? 2 Corinthians 5:7 – it is a challenge to always walk by faith.
Jennifer Anderson
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the Administrative Assistant to Youth since May 2010.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Definitely the people
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I gave my life to Jesus at Pistole Baptist Church during a revival when I was 13. Since I wasn’t raised in a Christian home, I struggled many years after that, not knowing what to do or how to grow in the Lord. God has been faithful to walk with me as I continue to grow in Him. Praise Jesus!
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I have been married to Bobby for 10 years. We have 6 children: Dwayne, Tiffany, Katie, Sean, Tabitha and Emily.
What pets do you have now, or what is the most unusual pet you have ever had? Our four-legged children are as follows: Buffy – 11 year old Pek-a-poo, Sadie – 2 year old Yorkie Mix, Cali – 1 ½ year old long hair Persian and Mr. Snow. But Sadie is definitely the most unusual, because she is so spoiled – she has to be carried by me wherever she goes.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? No sport, hobby, or book (besides the Bible) can compare with spending every moment with my kids. My husband and I also enjoy cooking new dishes in the kitchen and landscaping.
What was your favorite song in high school? Anything by Phil Collins
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My kids – it is so encouraging to see them worship and praise Jesus with how they live their lives. My husband – He is truly an inspiration to me by being a Godly leader of our home and my #1 encourager.
Balcony or main floor? Main floor!
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Jet Airplane, because my husband has always wanted to fly a plane.
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support (in addition to SSBC, of course)? All Children’s Hospitals, Bethany Christian Services, and WAY-FM
What influential book(s) have you read lately that you would recommend? The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, and Lawrence Kimbrough
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? Ephesians 6:10-20 – Putting on the whole armor of God.
Deb Allred
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the Communications Secretary since September 2002.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? The people; to get to work with Christian people everyday.
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I became a Christian in
6th grade. My Sunday School teacher led me to the Lord.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I have been married to Mike Allred for 36 years. We have 4 children: Heather – 34 years, Joseph –28 years, Brittany –24 years, and Kayla –21 years.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? I love to read the Bible and anything written by Karen Kingsbury
What was your favorite song in high school? “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My mother – her support and faith in the Lord
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? I am not sure. I would depend on God to lead me in the right direction.
What influential book(s) have you read lately that you would recommend? Purpose Driven Life
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Job – His faith in the Lord. No matter how hard things got and at the point where he had lost everything, God was enough.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Adam Ely
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I am the Administrative Assistant to the Minister of Outreach and Christian Development. I started in November of 2009.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/What about SSBC are you most thankful? We have the best staff in the world. I love everyone I work with. As the Lord continues to teach me about what the church really is (His Bride) and what church is really about, I have come to appreciate more and more the love for another this fellowship displays. John 13:35
When did you become a Christian and who led you to the Lord? I was 14 years old at the time. It was a Wednesday night in my youth group that I began to understand my need for Jesus as my Savior. Our youth pastor was Jimmy Ball. I don’t remember exactly what he had preached that night, but I knew that I needed atonement for my sins. Other men in that church also played a crucial role in my spiritual development. Paul Harris, a college student at the time, took the time to invest in me as a high school student by holding Bible studies in my home with some of my friends. Also Pastor John Unthank, my college minister at the time. John Unthank and Paul Harris are probably two of the most selfless, loving, godly men that I know of.
Wwhat is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I am married to Ellen Marie. We have been happily married since May 24, 2008. We have no children yet.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? As someone who used to be severely acrophobic, I now love to go rock climbing. Bee Rock, Black Mountain, and Obed are some of my playgrounds. I have no favorite book per se, but one of my favorite genres is Military History and Biography.
What was your favorite song in high school? What year was that? I love all kinds of music and have always listened to lots of it. I don’t know that I had a favorite song but I am partial to the 70’s and 80’s. Billy Joel, Elton John, Loggins and Messina, Kansas, Carpenters, etc.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My parents, because they raised me in the admonition of the Lord.
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Well I’m not very particular about it but probably a hard top, bright silver metallic 4-door Jeep Wrangler (Unlimited edition) Rubicon 4-wheel drive with a manual 6 speed transmission and 3.8 liter SPMI V6 engine. It would come with the 17” Satin Carbon painted aluminum wheels and the half-metal doors with locks (for easy removal) and standard media center. I would probably throw on some Yokahama All Terrains with a full size spare.
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? Operation Smile, Voice of the Martyrs, Lighthouse Christian Camp, and Mustard Seed Ranch are some of the ones that I feel are worthwhile organizations.
What influential books have you read lately that you would recommend? The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee and The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies.
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Different Biblical accounts have inspired and fascinated me at different times in my life. The most recent that I have enjoyed is the story of Job and his unwavering allegiance to God. It is profound to me for many reasons, but just to list a couple; because of the time in human history this story took place (which evidently was that of the patriarchs and before a Levitical priesthood was in effect) and the depth of Job’s knowledge of God’s Holy, Righteous, and Just nature and how inadequate his own holiness and righteousness was before God. His understanding the need for an Advocate between him and God (Chapter 16) and that one day he would stand before God in his flesh (Chapter 19) absolutely fascinates me.
What verse of scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? Right now it would be from the book of Job 1:21 and Job 2:10. God is good. All the time. No matter what.
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I shall return there.
The Lord gave and the Lord has
taken away;
Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”
and
“…Shall we indeed accept good from God and shall we not accept adversity?”
Donna Martin
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? In October, I will have served as Church Hostess since October 1998.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Working with other Christians
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I became a Christian in 1992. Jimmy Arms led me to the Lord.
What is your spouse's name? Tell us about your family. I have been married to Mike Martin for 27 years. We have 4 children: Jonathan – 26 years, Jeremy – 25 years, Joshua – 21 years, and Casey – 17 years.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? I naver really played any sports. I like to watch Nascar racing. I love to scrapbook.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? Pat Zachary – she has a lot of wisdom.
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? St. Jude
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Abraham – obedience to God
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Brenda Flatt
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the Assistant Hostess since June 2009.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? The people
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I was saved at age 14. I recommitted my life to Christ in 2003.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your children. I have been married to Paul Flatt for 47 years. We have 3 children: Paula Graves – 44, Chris Flatt – 39, and Bethany Jones – 29.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? Scrapbooking, painting, and golf
What was your favorite song in high school? “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” by Simon and Garfunkle .
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My parents – I had a Christian home where we were taught respect and morals.
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Honda CRV
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? All things are possible (Mark 9:23)
Mike Zachary
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? Maintenance – since July 1997
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Being able to work with my daughter-in-law (Donna Martin); How far we have come in the last 13 years (God Bless).
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? Mother’s day 1994; My family(sons and wife). God is a blessing to me everyday! He shows His way, every second of the day.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I have been married 15 years to Patricia Zachary – Phil, Adam, Mike, , Berry, Scott, and George
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? NASCAR and Camping
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My mother and wife
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Motor Home
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? St. Jude
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? John 3:16
Connie Billbe
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the Care Center Director as of November 2008. I was a volunteer at the CC since around the winter of 2005.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Serving God! SSBC prays everything through (not a knee jerk reaction to issues). SSBC is abundant in God-given talents.
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? Way back in 5th or 6th grade, my sister and I went through classes with Rev. Roberts at 1st Christian Church, Ottawa, KS for kids our age. We both accepted Jesus and got baptized on Palm Sunday. I must say I learned very little at that church. But Jesus was still in my heart! Looking back many years, I saw how many times I could have gotten hurt and/or in trouble. I never had the desire to take the devil’s temptations to an extreme, i.e. drinking, drugs, lifestyle choices, etc. Being an adult, I give glory to God for that. As a kid, I just didn’t want to. I’m not saying I was perfect by any means! I am blessed by having an outstanding family.
Fast forward to when Kevin and I started attending a Baptist church (in 2000)! That was when I understood the sermons I was hearing. I’m still a new Christian with SO much to learn. I just didn’t have a church that taught very well while I was growing up. I missed out on years of learning. Life threw a lot of stuff at me. I had years of doubt of God. But I’ve had time to realize He was always there (praise the Lord!) and got me through even when I doubted and didn’t deserve it!
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. Kevin and I married in 1995. I have 2 children and 3 step children. Brett – 32 years, Tiffany – 29 years, Cheetha – 24 years, Ashley – 23 years, and KJ – 20 years.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? My favorite sport would be rodeo. My favorite hobby would be cleaning house and decorating.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? Grandma Johnson. But since she is with the Lord, my sister Elaine is the most influential person in my life. Why? LOVE. They ooze of it!
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Who cares about a car? As long as it is clean and gets me there without costing an arm and a leg.
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? 1. The Care Center 2. Lighthouse Christian Camp
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? 1. Jesus, of course! Need I say more? 2. Mary; I have a soft spot for mothers.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? Romans 10:9-13. It brings me assurance. It says, “You will be saved” over and over. Now that’s rock solid!
Lisa Norsworthy
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the Worship Ministry Assistant since August 2005
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? I am thankful that I get
to work in a ministry that I am so passionate about (music).
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I became a Christian at age 12 when I went to a summer Bible camp. My grandmother led me to the Lord on one of the evenings after camp.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I’ve been married to Joey Norsworthy since 1991. My children are Paul (13) and Abbey (10).
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? My favorite sport is volleyball. My favorite hobby is to crochet. My favorite books are all of the Jane Austen books.
What was your favorite song in high school? “Shout” by Tears for Fears
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My parents and my husband
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? A Mercedes or Volvo SUV
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? PIMI, Living Water International, the “Blue Church” in Poplar, Montana
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? I like David’s wife, Abigail. We named our daughter after her.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? 1 Corinthians 13 challenges me about loving people. I want to love like Jesus loves.
Sara Pharris
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I am the Administrative Assistant to the Pastor. I have worked at Stevens Street since February 1997..
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Knowing that I have helped someone with a project or helped them to solve a problem. I am most thankful for the friendships I’ve made while working here.
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I was saved when I was 10 years old during Vacation Bible School. My pastor at that time, Gene Clay, led me to the Lord.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your family. I have been married to Kerry for 26 years and we have one son, Adam, who is married to Sheri Aubrey.
What pets do you have now, or what is the most unusual pet you have ever had? I have a cat named “Otis” who was given to me on my birthday two years ago by my friend and co-worker, Deb Allred.
What was your favorite song in high school? I don’t have a particular song that was my favorite, but I did like to listen to the Eagles, Paul McCartney & Wings, and Lionel Ritchie.
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Volvo SUV
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? FCA
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Ruth and Naomi
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? Philippians 4:13
Chuck Pritchard
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been the facilities manager since February 2004.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Getting to know all the people and groups that have come through, being able to be helpful to those who are hurting, and being blessed by others
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? I started attending church around the age of 12. Donald and Linda Alcorn and Pauline Roberson were a huge part of my young church life. At the age of 12, I went down front to be “saved”. I was scared of going to hell. But at 18, I accepted the love of Jesus Christ as my Savior at a crusade.
What is your spouse’s name? Tell us about your children. I have been married to Carol for over 33 years. After 20 years of marriage, we brought Carol’s nephew, Jon, and niece, Amanda, into our home. They are both now married and have given us 3 grandchildren.
What pets do you have now, or what is the most unusual pet you have ever had? A Cocker Spaniel named “Sir Chester Diddle”. We just call him plain ol’ Chester. He is 5 years old.
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? I love watching college football. I enjoy playing a round of golf when I get a chance.
What was your favorite song in high school? “School’s Out for Summer” (blaring out over the loudspeaker telling us summer was here).
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? My wife; no one else would put up with me long enough to teach me anything.
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Fully loaded crew cab, 4-wheel drive pick up. I can’t live without my pick-up.
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? Probably my kids if they had their way; Lighthouse, Feed the Children, different missionaries we have gotten to know over the years.
What influential book(s) have you read lately that you would recommend? A Faithful Soldier – a devotional book that was written to celebrate Dr. Jerry Vines’ retirement written by ministers and friends that he had influence over through his ministry.
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Peter, when he tried to walk on the water. Even though his faith left him, he tried while everyone else stayed in the boat.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? 1 Timothy 1:12-17 talks about Paul when he was persecuting Christ. Through all that, Christ reached out to make Paul his own. (No matter where I am or where I go, He still loves me.)
Tony Bartlett
What is your position at SSBC and how long have you served at the church? I have been working in Maintenance since October 2005.
What is your favorite part of working at SSBC/for what about SSBC are you most thankful? Helping others and the people
When did you become a Christian, and who led you to the Lord (what is your testimony)? In 1991, Harold Hunter was preaching at a Tent Revival Meeting. I knelt down a drug addict struggling to live right and stood up a child of God healed of all my addictions.
What is your wife's name? Tell us about your family. I have been married to Jane for 20 years (this November). We have six children: Bobby (31), Robert (27), Patrick (27), Amanda (25), Brandon (23), and Daniel (21).
What is your favorite sport, hobby, or book? My favorite sport is football, my favorite hobby is fantasy football, and my favorite book is the Bible.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Why? Larry Self; he is a good example to live by. He is always encouraging.
If you could own any vehicle in the world and money was no object, what would it be? Buick
If you were wealthy, what charity or organization would you most likely financially support? Rescue Mission, compassion international, PIMI
Who or What is your favorite Biblical account or personality and why? Job; no matter what happened to him, he knew his Redeemer lived.
What verse of Scripture brings you the most hope/inspiration/challenge? 2 Corinthians 5:17, Job 19:25, Ephesians 1:3, 1 John 5:5, Revelation 3:12; this is only my extremely short list.