fbcmorrisville.org - The Elders

The Elders

Gary Taylor

Baptized at the age of twelve, Gary Taylor started pastoral training at birth. The son of Rev. & Mrs. Horace Taylor, Gary observed first hand the duties, joys and sorrows of a pastor. When he entered Philadelphia College of Bible, now PBU, he had already recognized his calling and seminary training was a part of the plan.

While in college, he met Lois Brown, another Pastor’s Kid. After graduation, with a BS in both Music and Bible, Gary and Lois were wed in July 1978. Immediately after the wedding, the couple headed west to Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, OR, where Gary received his Master of Divinity in 1982.

After leaving seminary, Gary became Pastor Taylor when he accepted the pastorate at Central Baptist Church in Millerstown, PA. He served at Central Baptist until accepting the pastoral yoke at First Baptist of Morrisville in 1989. He also added to his spiritual challenges in 1989 when he became a chaplain in the PA Army National Guard. He is currently with the Army Reserves and has served both in Kosovo and Kuwait under Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

Gary is the proud father of five and shepherd to many more.

Ken Brothers

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Testimaony pending...

Ken Shemelia

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My salvation story is not that of most church leaders. In contrast, the Lord used my years of complete rebellion against God to form me into the man that I am today.

In January of 1987, alone at home, I told God that I knew that I was a sinner and that Jesus died for my sins. I asked Jesus to forgive me. I knew something happened to me. The emptiness and loneliness I had tried to fill with all kinds of worldly pleasures had left. I cried because I never knew this type of joy. The Lord changed my heart. I am now a new creature because I am in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Ken and Dee were led to First Baptist Church of Morrisville in 1989. Ken began to serve in Awana and then went on to lead youth group. Ken could see in God's church the people that were hurting inside and deeply wanted to help them. God led him to use his own life’s experience to start a Christ-centered support group for addiction and compulsive behaviors called “New Beginnings”. Ken also led discipleship groups, membership classes and also went on to begin and direct the church ministry of small groups.

Ken went on to become an Elder and licensed to preach following a conformation interview by First Baptist Church of Newtown’s pastor and elders.

In 2007 while continuing his responsibilities as Elder, he was also hired as Pastor of Assimilation and Small Group Ministries.

Life Verse: John 3:3 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Scott Mitchell

   Scott Mitchell was born and raised in Maple Shade, New Jersey. The last of 5 children, Scott was raised in a pastor’s home which allowed him to be exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ early and often. After recognizing his need, Scott personally put his faith in Christ as a child and was baptized at age 10.

   At age 19, Scott surrendered his life to ministry while attending Cedarville University in Ohio. After transferring to Philadelphia Biblical University in 1984, Scott graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1987. He also received the Clarence E. Mason Award for making the greatest contribution to the University in athletics as he was an All-American soccer, basketball and baseball player. He has attended both the Biblical Seminary and Bethel Seminary of the East.

   After graduation, Scott married his college sweetheart, Lisa, in 1988. Together, they taught at the Lower Bucks Christian Academy for three years before starting their family. God has blessed them with three beautiful children: Lindsay, Ashley and Josiah. Their first child, Lindsay was born prematurely and weighed only 1lb, 13 ounces at birth. Later they found that she had a rare chromosome abnormality called “Ring 13”. Dealing with a special needs child has strengthened and deepened Scott & Lisa in their faith.

   After teaching for three years, Scott became the Youth Pastor and, eventually, Senior Pastor of the Langhorne Terrace Ministries. After 16 years of fruitful ministry there, Scott became the Staff Minster for the Life Celebration Funeral Homes in 2006. In this position, he has literally touched thousands of people through sharing the love of Christ at funeral services and grief seminars throughout Southeastern, PA and New Jersey.

   Scott is also thrilled to be a part of the Staff at First Baptist Church of Morrisville. He is enjoying leading worship weekly as well as preaching and teaching periodically.

   His life verse is 1 Samuel 12:24 – “Only fear the LORD and serve Him with all of your heart. For consider the great things he has done for you.”

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