Brad began his ministry as pastor of Owenton FBC in April 2009. He is presently in his thirty-eighth year of ministry having served as a lead pastor for thirty-four of those years. Brad’s call to the ministry coincided with his salvation at the age of twelve but it was not until the age of seventeen that he began fulfilling that call. It was during this major life change that he was confronted with what became his life verse, Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Brad’s preparation for ministry educationally was gained at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas earning a BA in Biblical Studies in 1985 and then earning a Master of Divinity degree form Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee in 1989. Brad’s ministry began as a Youth/Associate Pastor in Fisherville, Tennessee followed by pastorates in Straight Bayou, Mississippi, Forrest City, Arkansas and a new church start in Collierville, Tennessee.
Brad married Elisabeth Anne Stanley, a pastor kid, in 1983 and the Lord blessed them with one daughter, Bethany (Clinton) and three sons: Daniel (Lindsey), Paul and Andrew (Alexia). He also has the joy of being Papa to Luke Bradley Banks and Rankin Lee Banks.
Brad sees his role as that of “Equipping the saints to do the work of ministry”. This is carried out through preaching and teaching the Word of God, doing the work of an evangelist, shepherding the family of God through ministry and overseeing the body with prayer. When asked about his greatest joy concerning Owenton First Baptist his reply: “Seeing how the Lord is building his church and watching Him mold us into a family that provides encouragement and accountability to each other and a passion for our family, friends and community to know Jesus”.
Brad’s hobbies and interest seem to coincide with his motivational gift of service, but he also loves spending time with his family, following the Razorbacks, deer and turkey hunting and especially time with his grandsons.
For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)