OUR STAFF
-
ReV. Luther Thomason
Senior Pastor
Accordion Button Hello, I am Pastor Luther. I have been serving at Bethany for 14 years, including the last 3 years as Senior Pastor. I want to be known for my commitment to spiritual growth, inspiring others to deepen their faith and live out the teachings of Christ. I have enjoyed my time at Bethany and the community it is in. I serve with my beautiful wife, of 22 years, Jennifer Thomason. We have four wonderful children: Kristen, Zoey, Ayden, and Elijah. In my downtime, I love studying God’s Word, reading, and spending quality time with my family.
-
Michele Shepherd
Ministry Assistant and Office Administrator
Accordion Button Hi, my name is Michele Shepherd. My secretary position at Bethany began in 2001 but has since then evolved into Ministry Assistant. It wasn’t long after I began here that I realized this is more than a job for me…it’s my ministry. I love serving God in this ministry and worshipping Him with fellow believers at Bethany. One of my goals is to help build a strong community of believers as we spread God’s Word and show others God’s love.
My wonderful husband, Tim and I have four beautiful children and their great spouses: Seth & Brittany; Trish & Zach; Holly & Derek; and Bubba & Jessie. We also have six beautiful grandchildren: Reagan; Kinsley; Wyatt; Madison; Maverick (who is in Heaven with Jesus now); and Jackson. I dearly love my family along with my church family!
I love spending time with my family and friends, walking, and reading. I pray that I can always make a positive impact in other people’s lives as I continue to serve our great God!
-
Stacey Carey
Children's Ministry Director
Accordion Button Hello there! My name is Stacey Carey, and I am the Children’s Ministry Director at Bethany Baptist Church. My husband Shannon and I have been members at Bethany and leaders in the Children’s Ministry for more than 20 years. During that time, our son Brett gave his life to the Lord and, when he was older, served in the Children’s Ministry with us.
Recently, Brett and his wife, MaKayla, were blessed with a son, our first grandchild. Shannon and I are living in a brand-new world and are wholeheartedly relishing the title of grandparents. Being a grandparent has placed an even greater desire in my heart to teach children that God loves and desires a relationship with them. When I think about the gift of salvation that Christ offers to us all, I pray that my grandson will accept that gift one day and become a child of God. When I think about the decisions that our grandson will have to make as he grows up, I pray that he seeks the guidance of the One who made him.
When I think about who my grandson will be when he grows up, I pray that he finds his identity as a child of God first and foremost. As the Children’s Ministry Director at Bethany, I can assure you that the prayers I pray over my grandson will be the same prayers that I pray over your child. Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a gift from God. Indeed, they are.
Our Children’s Ministry Leaders would love the opportunity to partner with the parents and guardians of the children participating in our ministry as they are introduced to Jesus. Together, we will watch them grow in their faith and guide them into a lasting relationship with Him.
-
Daniel Wood
Youth Director
Accordion Button My name is Daniel Wood and I have had the privilege of serving as the Youth Director for two years. During my time at Bethany, I have built many relationships, graduated college, and married my beautiful wife. Bethany has not only been a church we attend, but a family we are blessed to be a part of.
The Mix Youth Ministry has been such a blessing to both my wife and I. It is amazing to watch students walk together in life to serve the Lord and serve those in our community. Youth ministry is crucial in a student’s life as it plays an integral part in them growing in Christ. As a teenager, I was not a part of a youth group, so it is very important to me to create an environment where students know they are loved by God and their church. It is our goal to see students grow in Christ and serve him faithfully.
