Rev. Don Garner

Dr. Don Garner has been called as the interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Middlesboro. Dr. Garner was born in Atlanta, grew up in North Carolina, and serves as Professor of Religion and Chair of the Religion Department at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN where he has taught since 1980. Married to Victoria Ringgold since 1972, they raised three sons, James Aaron (1979-1999), Joseph Andrew (born 1981), and John Adam (born 1984). A graduate of UNC in Chapel Hill, Dr. Garner earned his Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville in 1980, serving in either the pastorate or interims since 1973. His hobbies include antique automobiles, spectator sports, gardening and travel.

Rev. Mary Runyon

Mary is our Associate Pastor. She is originally from Chattanooga, TN and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee. She has also completed her Masters of Divinity degree and Masters of Business Administration at Gardner-Webb University. Mary’s past experience includes program director for a children and youth camp and three years as a Youth Minister.

Mary is married to Will Runyon, Jr., who also has a Masters of Divinity degree. Mary is very energetic and loves the outdoors.

Beth C. Parker

Beth is a graduate of Carson Newman College with a degree in Music Education. Her emphasis is choral music and she has taught public school music in Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee for 20 years. At the same time she led adults, youth, children and handbell choir in various churches.

Beth's home is Athens, Tennessee where she grew up in a music ministry family. Beth is married to John Parker and they have three children: Stephen, Sarah and Joel. Beth and John enjoy singing together and Beth also plays solo handbells.

Worship is the focal point of our music ministry. All that we do is meant to point our congregation toward God. If you have gifts in music that you are willing to offer to God, we can make you a part of the music ministry at First Baptist Church.