Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Brent McDougal

Senior Pastor

Brent began as pastor of First Baptist in December of 2020. He is married to Jennifer, a NICU nurse at the University of Tennessee hospital, and they have two children, Christopher and Emily. A graduate of Emory University (BA), Samford University (MDiv), the University of Alabama (PhD), Brent enjoys fishing, painting, college football, travel, good coffee, hiking, beaches, and meals with family and friends.

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Paul Bagai

Minister of Discipleship and Young Adults

Paul and his wife Marianne along with their two children, Jadyn and Ashlyn moved to the Knoxville area from California in 2022. He is a graduate of Vanguard University and San Francisco Theological Seminary. He has been in ministry since 2004 in a variety of roles. When he is not preaching and teaching about the transformative love of Jesus, he can be found at Pete’s for breakfast or Cafe 4 for lunch.

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Richard Buerkle

Minister of Music & Worship

Richard and his wife Megan moved from Knoxville to join the FBC family in 2016. Born in Dallas, Texas, Richard s a proud graduate of Baylor University and Truett Seminary. He has served churches in Texas and Virginia since 2000. Richard and Megan have two children, Weston and Henley. The family enjoys movies, eating out, theatre, music, and playing with their dog Bentley. Richard is constantly looking for new and creative ways to tell the story of God and invite others to participate in the Kingdom of God.

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Josh Gibson

Executive Pastor

Josh is an East Tennessean through and through. He grew up in Sevierville. In his youth, he earned Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout Award. Josh graduated from Carson-Newman University in 2018 with majors in religion, history, and biblical languages. He also holds an MDiv and an MBA from Gardner-Webb University. Most recently, Josh has served as Pastor of Talbott Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hamblen County and as Administrative Coordinator at First Baptist Church Jefferson City. He enjoys living on his family farm and spending his free time connecting with friends, cooking, and learning new skills. Josh loves connecting Christian ministry with responsible administration and pastoral leadership in the church setting.

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Megan Kewaza

Minister of Youth and College Students

Megan and her husband Emmanuel moved to Knoxville from Uganda in 2016. She graduated from Taylor University and has since served the Lord both abroad and locally. Megan and Emmanuel have two children, Josiah and Rebecca, who keep them busy, young, and laughing. She is also a proud military wife as Emmanuel serves in the US Army National Guard. Megan enjoys all things sports-related and is an avid Lady Vols basketball fan. One verse she tries to always live by is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

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Susan Tatum

Minister with Children and Families

Susan has served in Children’s Ministry for 35 years. She has served as the Minister with Children and Families at FBC for the last 17 years. She has a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Carson Newman University. Susan and her husband, Alan, have two grown sons and a very spoiled dog named Spare. Her greatest joy comes in seeing a child accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and follow in believer’s baptism.

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