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Dr. Gary Bowser, Senior Pastor
Dr. Bowser came to First Baptist from our American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains Region office. Dr. Bowser, or Gary as he likes to be called, served as Associate Executive Minister for 7 years before accepting the call to First Baptist. Prior to serving on the Region staff, Dr. Bowser served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Longmont, Colorado for 13 years. Prior to that he and his wife, Carol, served in campus ministry at the United Ministries Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. Pastor Bowser brings many years of experience to First Baptist Church. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Oakbrook, Illinois and his Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. |
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Bill Cobb, Director of Worship Arts
Bill Cobb comes to us with much previous experience. He traveled extensively for 27 years as an evangelist and gospel singer. He also was pastor for seven years in the states of Washington and Texas while his children were in high school. He has appeared before thousands as a conference speaker and singer but also is right at home in smaller intimate settings. Bill has directed choirs and is comfortable with both traditional and contemporary worship styles. He attended Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas from 1970-1974 and was in full-time ministry for more than 30 years. After a few years hiatus from ministry, Bill felt the call of God to return to ministry in the summer of 2008. This spiritual renaissance led Bill to First Baptist, where he is excited to share in the exciting future in our growing and welcoming congregation. As Director of Worship Arts, Bill directs the choir with the musical accompaniment of Shirley Johnson, as well as providing musical direction for 10:30 a.m. worship service. |
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Karen Schneider, Associate Pastor
Karen Schneider, a native of Colorado, formerly served as associate pastor and minister of membership care at another church. When she decided to change denominations, she found American Baptist churches to be a great fit. After visiting First Baptist, she transferred her membership and signed on as a volunteer associate pastor and recently was ordained with the American Baptist Churches of the Rock Mountains. Karen leads the women's group at First Baptist, as well as the monthly FBCD movie night. She has been an invaluable addition to the First Baptist staff. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Colorado and earned her Masters of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology. She also attended Denver Community College where she took business management classes. Karen plans to pursue a doctorate degree at Denver Seminary once she completes her ordination. Prior to entering the ministry, she headed her own career counseling and resume service business. She also worked in retail management, put in a stint at The Denver Post and worked for her father's tire business. She and her husband, Jerry, have two sons, Jason and Mark. Karen is excited to see the recent growth at First Baptist and wants to be a part of our future growth and development. |
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Shirley Johnson, Organist
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. |
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Karen Thorpe, Adjunct Staff
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. |
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Bryan Burrma, Director of Media Services
Bryan comes to First Baptist with much background in a variety of multi-media venues, including web development, audio and video technology and technical experience, sound and lighting background, internet, computer networking and various computer operating systems. Bryan is also a licensed ham radio operator. Originally a long distance member of Open Door Community Church of Denver, Bryan comes to First Baptist from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is excited about the growth opportunities that exist at First Baptist. He will be working with a team of volunteers to develop various media ministries in the First Baptist community. |
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