OUR STAFF
DR. DEREK ALLEN
SENIOR PASTOR
Email: pastor_derek@fbtc.org
Derek was born and raised in Etowah County, Alabama. Seeking God’s call, Derek earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Jacksonville State University, a Master’s of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and later, a Ph.D. in Church Leadership from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After planting Christ Centered Church in Miami for six years, Derek and his family moved to Mobile, AL to pastor at FBTC in 2019. Derek and his wife, Lindsay, were married in 2003, and have five children – Jackson, Meredith, Sawyer, Elizabeth, and Marshall.
MARK GRIFFIN
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Email: bromark@fbtc.org
Mark was born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama and earned a Bachelor’s in Religion from Samford University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark has been in the ministry for over 35 years and served as senoir pastor at several churches in Alabama. After serving at Bethlehem East Baptist Church in Kent, AL for 10 years, he was called to FBTC in 2006. He enjoys working outdoors and visiting the sick and homebound.
RALPH RIMMER
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF STUDENTS
Email: broralph@fbtc.org
Ralph earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Mobile and a Master of Divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After planting a church in Loxley, AL, for several years, Ralph moved to FBTC to minister to students in 2019. Ralph and his wife, Beth have four high-energy little boys – Ethan, Emerson, Elliot, Everett.
BRENT VANCE
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF KIDS & MISSIONS
Email: bvance@fbtc.org
Brent was born and raised in Mobile, AL and grew up at FBTC. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile, majoring in psychology with a minor in theology, and received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Cunseling from the University of South Alabama. He worked as a licensed professional counseling supervisor before being called to ministry and joining the FBTC staff in 2022. Brent and his wife, Haleigh, have three children – Tytus, Felicity, and Genevieve.
DR. JONATHAN MCKENZIE
INTERIM WORSHIP PASTOR
Jonathan is a native of Laurel, MS. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. He then went on to earn a Doctorate of Arts in Worship Studies from William Carey University. He and his wife, Cindy, have three children—Ben, Emma-Kate, and Madi-Grace.
