Meet the Pastor: A message from Pastor Gene Strother…
Email: genestrother@bethelbaptistchurch.net
“Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1)
I grew up in Oakdale, Louisiana, and God called me to be a preacher when I was 19 years old. I had just completed my first year of college at McNeese State University and God began to immediately change the direction of my life in clear and unmistakable ways.
After earning a degree in Bible and Music from Arlington Baptist College, I continued to serve as Director of Music and Youth at First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas. My first pastorate was at Maranatha Baptist Church in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and I have been the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church since March of 1984. Local church ministry has always been my calling and passion and I have never been more committed to ministry than I am today.
I am so thankful for the life God has given me. My family and friends love and support me unconditionally. I pastor a church with a joyful spirit of unity and a dynamic sense of purpose. In good times, God has enabled me to enjoy and appreciate the smallest of things. In bad times, He has been my Rock and my Refuge, so strong and safe during hardship and adversity. My heart is filled with gratitude to God and I want my life and ministry to be a blessing to others.
Meet the Ministry Assistant: Katrina Davis
Email: katrinadavis@bethelbaptistchurch.net
“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could” is a fitting statement for me. I was born and raised in California’s San Francisco Bay Area where I spent many of my growing up years singing in choirs and performing on the stage. In deciding on a focus of study for college, music was a natural choice. When I’d received my Bachelors degree in Voice Performance from the University of Redlands, CA, I wondered, “What should I do now, God?” I remember his response:
I was looking through a catalog of universities that offered Master’s degrees in music, and my heart got the distinct impression that my next step should be to attend the University of Texas at Austin. After auditioning, saying goodbye to my friends and family, and moving my few possessions across 1,500 miles of scorching summer heat, I was finally living life “reliant upon God”.
But God had plans for my Christian growth, too. In walking the halls of UT’s music department, I ran across a job posting for a soprano soloist at a church. I remember thinking, “How perfect! This will force me not to sleep in on Sundays!” So I auditioned. Bethel Baptist Church gave me the job.
I look back at that time as being the beginning of a magical love story between God and myself. Coming to Bethel was truly the “coming home” I needed in my new surroundings. My community of faith is a special place for my family and I have numerous opportunities to make a difference for Him in many areas including music and performing arts, youth and women's ministries and office administration. I'm excited to see what's in store for me next!
