Joe Thompson has been an associate pastor at First Baptist Church since 2005. Joe is also responsible for working with the youth and families. In addition to his service at FBC, Joe teaches English at Harrisburg High School. Joe has a B.S. degree in English from SIU-Carbondale, a M.S. degree in Kinesiology from Eastern Illinois University, and an M.S. degree in Christian Studies from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.

Joe has been married to Stacey since August of 1988. They have four children, Caleb (Brandie), Kate (Ethan), Cooper, and Sykes (Hannah). 

Favorite Bible Verse:

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the

grace of God.” - Acts 20:24

Find Joe on Twitter at @fbcjoet

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Dylan Luce has been an associate pastor at First Baptist Church since September 2019. Dylan has a Bachelors of Social Work from SIU-Carbondale.

Dylan has been married to Bonnie since August 1992, they have two children: Ryan (Tori) and Lauren.

Favorite Bible Verse:

"For through the law I died to the law so that I may live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing." Galatians 2:19-21

Find Dylan on Facebook at facebook.com/Dylan.luce

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Kellie Smith has served as the Minister to Children since September 1995. Before that, she served at Raleigh Baptist Church in Raleigh, Illinois where she was the youth minister. Kellie has an Associate of Arts degree from John A. Logan College followed by a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Greenville College.

Kellie has been married to Ryan since June 1996. They have five children: Raegan, Madison, Peyton, McKellyn, and Emersyn.

Favorite Bible Verse:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Find Kellie on Facebook at facebook.com/kellie.smith

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Laura is the wife of Chris and mother to Sophie, Isaac, Mary Beth, Lilli and Asher. As a teenager she felt called by God to music ministry.

She sharpened this calling by receiving a Bachelor of Music with emphasis in Christian Studies at Union University. She served as minister of music at New Hope Baptist for 7 years and has served at Harrisburg FBC for over a decade in whatever ways she’s been needed!

She loves watching the church use music to remind themselves of who God is and how worthy He is of their affection. It’s her joy to watch music, in the life of the believer, fight the sin of unbelief and strengthen them to walk closely with Christ!

Alta married Jeff Thomas in October of 1998 and they have two children, Chloe and Cash. Alta has a B.A. degree in Fashion Merchandising from Eastern Illinois University and a B.A. degree in Court Reporting from SIU-Carbondale. 

Alta enjoys being able to serve the church body and others in many different ways in her position as secretary. Before taking the secretary position here at FBC, Alta worked as a sales associate, floral designer and court reporter. She has also enjoyed teaching 2nd grade during VBS each summer for many years.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?"- Romans 8:31-32

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