Spreading God's Word

SINCE1859


Our Beliefs

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.


Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2;

Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2;

2 Corinthians 13:14


About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.


Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6;

John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15;

1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4;

Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13



About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.


2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8;

1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16;

Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25;

Ephesians 5:18



About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.


2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21;

2 Timothy 1:13;Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6;

Proverbs 30:5



About Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.


Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a;

Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2



About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.


Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9;

John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5;

Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1


About Eternal Security

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23;

Romans 8:17-18;Revelation 20:15;

1 Corinthians 2:7-9

Our Leadership Team

The staff and leadership here at FBCMV is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them. 

  • Pepper Puryear  - Senior Pastor

    Bro. Pepper Puryear came to First Baptist Church in January of 1993. He is native of Cisco, Texas, where he graduated from high school. Bro. Pepper received a bachelor's degree from Howard Payne University and a Master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Placing an emphasis on biblical exposition and its application, Bro. Pepper desires his messages to be riveted to reality. Each message is designed with real world living in mind.   He and his wife Debra have three children and five grandchildren.  Pepper is a fan of the MV Tigers, Cisco Loboes,  and all things baseball. 

  • Shannon Hassell - Associate Pastor of Education and Administration

    Shannon joined First Baptist Church as Minister to Families in September of 2009. After serving many years with students and pastoring for almost 8 years at First Baptist Church in Yantis, Shannon, his wife Cyndi and boys Daniel and Caleb come as a family to minister to families and the total ministry of First Baptist, Mt. Vernon.   Shannon accepted Christ at the age of ten, accepted the call to minister as a high school senior, and when not serving at the church enjoys sports, outdoor activities and woodworking.

  • Fred Randles - Music Minister

    An ordained minister, Fred was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, grew up in Tennessee and educated at the University of Tennessee. He and his wife Jane are the parents of a daughter and son-in-law Natalie and Darren Brown and have two granddaughters, Olivia and Camille.  Fred has been the recipient of certificates of appreciation from four United States Presidents, The U. S. Congress and the governments of Cozumel, Mexico and the Bahamas, as well as the entertainment division of Walt Disney World.

  • Anna Tidwell - Associate Pastor of Children's Ministry

    Anna joined the First Baptist Team in February of 2022.  A former teacher and coach, Anna also served as Children's Associate in San Marcos.  Anna works with preschool through 6th grade children. Her goal is to help ignite a passion for Christ from a young age. She enjoys everything outdoors and most of all hanging out with her hubby Montana and three children: Bear, Colt, and Birdie.

  • Dennis Martin - Associate Pastor of Prayer & Men's Ministry

    Dennis began working at FBC in 2013.  Dennis is a retired Baptist pastor of over 40 years.  He has been married to his wife Carolyn over 50 years.  They have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.  He enjoys fishing and model railroading in his spare time.

  • Matt Mitchell - Associate Pastor of Youth Ministry, Worship and Media Arts

    Matt began working at FBC in 2022. Matt attended Criswell Bible College and studied Biblical Studies and Theology. Matt works with our students from 6th through 12th grade. Matt is also over all media and worship arts at FBC. He hopes to one day figure out what he wants to do when he grows up.

  • Shirley Burkett - Senior Adult Ministry Coordinator

    Shirley moved to Mt. Vernon in 1999 and has served as senior adult ministry coordinator off and on since 2013. She was a hair stylist over 30 years. She and her husband Tommy have two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.

  • Pam Williams - Financial Administrator

    Pam has been a member of FBC since she was in fourth grade and started working for the church in 2020.  She is a retired school teacher of over 30 years.  Pam is married to David and they have three children, seven grandchildren and two dogs.  She enjoys crafting, spending time with family,  and being outdoors. 

  • Brenda Kerr - Pastoral Secretary

    After retiring from the 8th Judicial District Court office in December 2021, Brenda joined the staff in April of 2022. Brenda is married to Robert Kerr and together they have 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Robert and Brenda live at Lake Cypress with their two fur-babies and enjoy the lake and riding motorcycles.

  • Jerry Holter - Property Manager

    Jerry began working at FBC in 2012.  Besides taking care of the property, Jerry also sings and plays the guitar on Sunday mornings, often mans the sound board, and works with Cubbies on Wednesday nights.  Jerry and his wife Paula have two children, Bill and Jeff.  He enjoys fishing, hunting, and all things outdoors in his spare time.

  • Denise Case - Custodial Manager

    Denise received her Bachelor’s from TAMU-T in 2000. She married John in 1992. They have

    four children, Deidra, Justin, Jarret and Jett. Denise was raised in Mt. Vernon, and returned to

    the area in 2005 with her family. She enjoys dance fitness, reading, stand up comedy and some

    crafting but most of all she enjoys time with her family. Led by the Lord she joined the staff in

    2022.

  • Tammy Thompson - Music Assistant

    Tammy joined the FBC team in 2018.  She and her husband Clint moved to Mt. Vernon in 2017 and felt that God led them here for a purpose.   They have three children,  one amazing grandchild, and a cute little westie.  Tammy enjoys spending time with her children, especially her grandchild, on the lake or playing games and just hanging out together at home.

  • Sandie Epps - KUC Director

    Sandie Epps began her career at Kids Under Construction in 2007. She has had experience in working in all age groups during that time. Sandie has also been a part of the Texas School Ready program which is a comprehensive early childhood teacher training program to prepare three- and four-year-olds for school. Sandie became the Assistant Director of Kids Under Construction in the Fall of 2022 and the Director, Spring of 2023 after completing the Director Credential Course for Childcare Centers. Sandie’s love for children and families is evident in all she does. Sandie and her husband, Will, have four children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys her animals and being with her family.

  • Carrie Cooper - KUC Assistant Director

    Carrie Cooper joined the team of Kids Under Construction in September of 2014. Carrie’s love for God’s children shines in her work each day. She has worked with ages birth-twelve years during her tenure at Kids Under Construction. Carrie became the Assistant Director in the Spring of 2023 after completing the Director Credential Course for Childcare Centers. Carrie has two adult children, (three counting her awesome son-in-law) several grand dogs and her own fur babies. Carrie has a passion for cooking and baking and shares that love often with her KUC family and friends.