Dr. Slayden Yarbrough, Professor Emeritus of Religion, Oklahoma Baptist University, is a member of FBC, Denver. He taught at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri for seven years and Oklahoma Baptist University for 22 years. He served as a trustee and as the last executive director of the Historical Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.  He also served as the executive director of what is now known as the Baptist History and Heritage Society.  He was editor of the scholarly journal Baptist History and Heritage, has authored three books, on Baptists and co-authored another, and has published numerous articles in religious journals, magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and Baptist newspapers.  He has traveled several times to religious sites in Israel and surrounding countries, and in Europe.  He and wife Janis moved to Colorado in 2001. He has served as interim pastor of Church of the Master since May 2006

Becky hails from the flatlands of central Illinois. She graduated in 1983 with a BME from Murray State University in Kentucky with a double major in piano and voice. That basically meant preparing for numerous recitals her junior and senior years while rarely seeing the outside of a practice room. Shortly after receiving her degree she made her way to Denver, Colorado to search for employment. Putting her music degree on hold, Becky earned certification in the fields of massage therapy and physical therapy. She has worked as a massage therapist for the last few years while in Denver. The First Baptist Church of Denver asked her to direct the choir approximately three years ago. Currently, she still directs the music program with the dedicated loving souls at First Baptist Church of Denver.

Shirley’s musical career began when she was 7 years old and started piano lessons, which she continued until her early twenties. While in high school the organist at her church needed a substitute and gave her organ lessons so she could fill in for vacations. Over the past 45 years, Shirley has played the organ for many different churches and denominations. In 1990 her husband, Ken, signed on as the music minister at FBC, and Shirley was the substitute organist until Dee Netzel retired and she became the organist.  She left in 2000 to become the organist at Corona Presbyterian Church. In 2007, Shirley returned to FBC to again be our organist. She is happy to be a part of the music ministry FBC, as the church holds many fond memories for her.

Karen Thorpe offers counseling services at Capitol Counseling, located on the second floor of FBC. Capitol Counseling offers a group of services designed to address some of the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical needs of our diverse Capitol Hill adult community. A special rate is available for FBC members. Karen has a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in student personnel administration. She has been an administrator at several colleges and has worked closely with students, young adults, parents and community leaders. Karen also has been a member of FBC for more than 20 years.