Staff
Pastor - Phillip Miller
phillip.miller@fbcbryant.net
Pastor Phillip Miller came to First Baptist Church in June of 2006. Born and raised in the country near Judsonia, AR, Bro. Miller still loves to do country things—play in the dirt, hunt, and fish. He also loves to read and spend time with his family—his wife Lorie and two daughters Hannah and Maddie. Bro. Miller received his college degree in English from the University of Central Arkansas and Doctorate in Theology from the Missionary Baptist Seminary where he also teaches. Bro. Miller believes that his most important job as pastor is to preach God’s perfect Word, the Bible, accurately because it is the final word on all matters of a person’s relationship with God. Bro. Miller loves pastoring God’s precious people at First Baptist and has a strong desire to see people come to know Christ as Savior and make Him Lord of their lives
Music Director - Doug Cunningham
doug.cunningham@fbcbryant.net
Bro. Doug Cunningham first served as Music Director at First Baptist first from September of 1982 through the fall of 1984 and was elected again as Music Director in the spring of 2005. He has served in this capacity from 2005 up to the present day. Bro. Doug was born and raised in Little Rock, AR and grew up attending Antioch Missionary Baptist Church there. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 1974 and served for 9 years as a High School and Middle School band director at various schools in Texas and Arkansas.
Bro. Doug and his wife, Peggy love to brag about their four beautiful granddaughters; Sofia and Eloise who belong to their son, Blaine & his wife Jennifer, and Kaitlyn and Kinley who belong to their son Jeremy and his wife, Meagan. Don’t ask about them unless you want to see pictures.
Singing and playing musical instruments are some of Bro. Doug’s favorite pastimes. He believes that musical instruments play a very important part in our blended style of worship at First Baptist Church.
Secretary - De Schimmel
de.schimmel@fbcbryant.net
De Schimmel joined the church staff as secretary in June of 2014. De graduated from Benton high school, then later attended the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, where she graduated with Associate of Bible in 2009. Since joining First Baptist in August 1986, she has been involved in FBC Explorer children’s ministry, director of past Vacation Bible Schools, and currently co-leads a Young Ladies Bible Study.
De enjoys spending time with her husband, Dale, and her two daughters, Brixey and Bailey. She also enjoys teaching the bible to all ages, going camping, being outdoors, fixing things, and simply “piddling” and relaxing in her yard at home.. De is excited for the opportunity to serve as church secretary.
Youth Director - Zach Garrigus
zach.garrigus@fbcbryant.net
Zach Garrigus returned to First Baptist Church in October of 2018 after having previously served as Youth Director from 2009-2014. Bro. Zach grew up in and around Russellville, Ar. He graduated in with a degree in History and Political Science from Arkansas Tech University and a Masters in Theology from the Missionary Baptist Seminary. He has been married to his wife Brittany since 2014 and they have three wonderful kids, Nathaniel, Jackson, and Brayleigh. In his spare time, Bro. Zach loves spending time with his family, catching up on a favorite tv show, or listening to a new podcast or audiobook. Bro. Zach has a deep desire to help students of all ages better understand God through His Word. He longs to come alongside them as they strive to have a deeper relationship with God and their brothers and sisters in Christ. He is also is passionate about helping families learn how to live out their Christian witness through their home lives.