Pastor John Mixon began his ministry at First Baptist Church in Atoka on April 5, 2009. Before coming to Atoka, he had served at New Hope Baptist Church in Tecumesh, Oklahoma, for over 16 years. He has also served as a Youth and Education minister in Norman, at Alameda Baptist Church, a Youth and Music Minister at First Baptist Church in Coalgate, and as a Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church in North Pole, Alaska.
Before entering into the full-time ministry in May 1983, Bro. John served in the United States Air Force for five years as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was promoted to Staff Sargent (E-5) by his fourth year in the military. While stationed at Eielson AFB near Fairbanks, Alaska, he served as the unit's training instructor for the new recruits.
Bro. John graduated from Atoka High School in May 1976 and married his high school sweetheart, Jo Ann Canaday, on June 11, 1977. They have two sons, Jared and Isaac. Bro. John was saved and baptized in May 1968 at First Baptist Church in Atoka. He was licensed to preach by FBC Atoka in May 1975 under Bro. Dewayne Finley's pastorate. In July 1984, First Baptist Church North Pole, Alaska, ordained Bro. John for the Gospel Ministry.
In the fall of 1988, Bro. John and his family moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he and Jo Ann enrolled at Oklahoma Baptist University. Bro. John graduated from OBU in 1990 with a B.A. majoring in Church Administration and minoring in English Literature and Church Music. Jo Ann graduated in 1991 with a B.S. majoring in Elementary Education. She taught in the Little Axe Public Schools for 18 years. In May 2006, Bro. John completed the Master of Divinity degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. By January 2008, he completed the Certification for Biblical Counseling also at SWBTS. During the 2007 fall semester, Bro. John taught as an Adjunct Professor at OBU.
During Bro. John's senior year at OBU, his paper on "The Baptist Worship Experience" was published by The Oklahoma Baptist Chronicle, Spring 1990, Vol. XXXIII, number 1.
Allen & Diane Kimberlin have been leading the Worship Arts Ministry at FBC since September of 2005. Allen and Diane have two adult sons, Taylor and Travis
Along with his worship leading responsibilities, Allen directs the Sanctuary Choir, Noah Choir, Close Harmony and Praise Ringers. Diane is the pianist for worship and the accompanist for the Sanctuary Choir. Diane also rings with the Praise Ringers.
Allen's love for music is displayed in his desire for all of the Worship Arts Ministry to seek perfection during rehearsal but to love worshiping all the while. Allen believes our worship should 1.) exalt the Savior 2.) encourage fellowship 3.) equip the saints 4.) energize the service and 5.) evangelize the sinner.
As Allen strives to plan exciting and meaningful worship for the church family, his motto continues to be "Making His Praise Glorious!"
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You - I, whom You have redeemed." ~~ Psalm 71:23
"Hear, O Lord, the song of praise that rises from the depths of my being. It wells up from the joy in my heart and flows like a fountain bubbling up over my lips. Receive this song as a token of my love, a sign of my admiration for you. May it be pleasing to your ears. May it bring a smile to your glorious face." ~~ Christopher and Melody Lane
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