Pastor Gary E. Thomas
Gary E. Thomas has been Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lowell since August 1993. Prior to that, he served in churches in Texas and Central Arkansas. Gary and his wonderful wife, Rhonda, have been married since 1974. Rhonda is a second grade elementary teacher in Rogers. They have three grown sons: Joshua, a production designer in Los Angeles, California; Jon Paul, a cabinet maker in Rogers; and Jordan, an electrician also in the Northwest Arkansas area. Gary enjoys hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and vacationing with his family.
Gary received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Hillsdale College in Moore, Oklahoma, in 1975, and his Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Arkansas in 1983. He also attended Carl Albert Jr. College in Poteau, Oklahoma; Oklahoma State University out of Stillwell, Oklahoma; and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Arkansas. He has continued his theological studies out of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; and out of Southwestern Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He also attended Summer Session at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He has also done doctoral studies at the University of Arkansas. Gary is a third generation minister and has 25 years of experience pastoring God's people.
Among the gifts which Gary brings with him to this ministry are his personal warmth, friendliness, and a knack for making the Bible come alive. He has the ability to touch people with his down-to-earth, humorous, sincere and practical teaching. Gary has a heart for people and a desire to please God. He genuinely cares about the people of this community. He doesn't care where you came from; he cares about where you are going.
This church has a rich heritage, having served this community since 1868. Its dynamic impact is felt throughout the entire community. Under Gary's leadership, FBC of Lowell has increased tremendously in membership and in the ministries it provides for the people in this area.