Our Staff

ph: 936 634 3386
fx:  936 634 3361

 

Rev. Mark A. Newton, Senior Pastor

Mark Newton was born in Burnet, Texas. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend Baylor University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion in 1985 and was licensed to the ministry at his home church, First Baptist Church, Burnet. He received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989. During his years as a student, Newton served as the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Silver Creek, Texas as well as First Baptist Church, Marlin, Texas. He also served as Chaplain Intern at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana and Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church, Marlin, Texas where he was ordained to the Ministry in 1986.
 
His first pastorate was at First Baptist Church, Chilton, Texas where he served for more than 4 years with his wife, Aurelia Newton, a fellow Baylor graduate. Newton served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church, McGregor, Texas, and Baptist Temple Church, San Antonio, Texas before accepting the call as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church San Marcos, Texas from 2002 until March 2014. Before joining FBC Lufkin, Mark was Director of Church Engagement at Baylor University. The Newtons have two children, Adolynn (son-in-law Zach) and Truett (daughter-in-law Grace).

Rev. Katie Baker, Minister to Preschool & Children

Katie is a Lufkin native and graduate of Lufkin High School.  She attended Texas A&M University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Finance.  Katie spent several years working as a Certified Public Accountant before entering into ministry work.  Prior to moving back to Lufkin, Katie served as the Director of Preschool Ministries at First Baptist Brenham. 
 
Katie and her husband, Matt, have three daughters, Natalie, Elizabeth, and Sylvie.

Kelsey Gonzales, Director of WEE Care

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kelsey grew up in Jacksonville, Texas. She graduated from Sam Houston State University where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies. Through college Kelsey worked in daycares part time. Following college she taught for six years in public education. Kelsey and her husband, J.W. had their son Preston in 2022.

Rev. John Lassitter, Minister of Music

John is from Alabama and received his B.A. degree from Mississippi College with an emphasis in Piano and Christian Studies in 2006. In 2013 John completed two degrees from Baylor University – a Master of Music in Church Music and a Master of Divinity (Truett Seminary). John has served in churches in Texas and Tennessee and as a Chaplain in the Texas Air National Guard for 13 years.  
 
He is married to Angie, and they have two daughters, Esther and Ellen. 
 
When it comes to worship style, John believes in creating a space for each voice and generation to be represented on Sundays, ultimately building intergenerational worship.

Rev. Walker McWilliams, Associate Pastor/Minister of Missions

A native of Granbury, Texas, Walker attended Howard Payne University to receive his B.A. in religion. After graduation, Walker made his way to Waco to pursue a Master of Divinity in theology at Truett Seminary. While in Waco, he served as minister to youth at Chalk Bluff Baptist Church before moving to Lufkin in 2011 to serve as the Minister to Students. He became Associate Pastor/Minister of Missions in 2016.
 
Walker is married to Katelyn, and they have three children, Hazel Jane, Rosie, and Foster. 
Truett Newton, Minister to Students
Truett was born in San Antonio, Texas, but raised in San Marcos, Texas. After graduating from San Marcos High School he attended Baylor University where he majored in Church Recreation and minored in Religion. Upon graduating from Baylor he attend Truett Seminary where he earned his Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. During his years as a student, Truett served as Youth Minster at Lakeview Baptist Church just outside of Waco, as well as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Chilton, where he was ordained and served after graduation for 2 years with his wife, Grace.
 
Truett joined our staff in the summer of 2023. The Newtons have two dogs, Riley (Yellow Lab) and Rosie (Golden Retriever). 
 

Support Staff

 
Stefanie Beames
Office & Pastor Admin. Asst. stefanie@fbclufkin.org
 
Laurie Hefner
Financial Officer
 
Delise McIlveene
Music Administrative Asst. delise@fbclufkin.org
David Ormsby
Facilities Manager
Katelyn McWilliams
Media and Communications
 
 
Church Office
ph: 936.634.3386
fx:  936.634.0524
 
Office Hours:
M-Th:  8:30am – 5:00pm
(closed 12-1pm for lunch)
F: 8:30-11:30am