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 email

    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 email

    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.

  • Minister of Music

    Currently seeking this position. All interested applicants, visit our home page.

  • Anna Tidwell - Associate Pastor of Children's Ministry email

    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.

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

    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.

  • Mark Beggs - Financial Administrator/Associate Minister of Music email

    Mark has been working at FBCMV since 2022.

  • 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.

  • Randy Elder - Property Manager

    Randy began working at FBCMV in 2024.

  • 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.

  • TBD - Administrative Assistant

    Currently seeking this position

  • Sandie Epps - KUC Director email

    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.