Staff
Greg Morrow has served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of California since April of 1997. Prior to serving First Baptist Church, he had served for 5 years as Associate Pastor of South County Baptist Church of St. Louis, MO, for 3 years as Christian Life Minister of First Baptist Church of Springfield, MO, for 9 years as Minister of Recreation and Youth of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City, MO, for 3 years as Minister of Activities of Maywood Baptist Church of Independence, MO, for 3 years as Minister of Activities of First Baptist Church of Ash Grove, Mo, and for 2 years as Youth Director of Calvary Baptist Church of Sedalia, MO.
Greg is a 1983 graduate of the University of Missouri, where he earned a Masters of Science in Recreation and Park Administration. He received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Church Recreation at Southwest Baptist University (Missouri) in 1976. He graduated from Jefferson City High School (Missouri) in 1972.
Greg became a Christian at age nine, re-committed his life to following Christ at age 14, and surrendered to God’s call to ministry in 1971 at the age of 17. Greg has been married to his wife, Ila, since May 25, 1974. They one daughter, Valarie, and two sons, Patrick and James. They also have 6 grandchildren.
On a Personal Note:
"My life scripture is Romans 8:28- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Sincerely,
Greg Morrow
Jack Bowlin - Assistant to the Pastor
Jack Bowlin has served as Assistant to the Pastor of First Baptist Church of California since October of 2006. Prior to serving as Assistant to the Pastor, he had served for 20 years as part-time Minister of Music of First Baptist Church during the 1950s – 1970s. He remained active in the church music ministry, served as a deacon, and taught a men’s Sunday School class. He had also been a funeral director for over 60 years.
Jack is a 1949 graduate of Jefferson City Junior College, where he earned an Associates degree. He graduated from California High School (Missouri) in 1947.
Jack committed his life to following Christ at the age of 10 and fully surrendered to God’s call to ministry in 2006 at the age 77. He believes that God has called him to faithfully minister to the shut-ins and older adults that he has known for many years.
Jack has been married to his wife, Carole, since February 25, 1951. They have one son, Tom, who is a deacon in First Baptist Church of Kansas City, MO and two daughters, Lou Ann and Nanellen. They have 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
On a Personal Note:
"Working with the present church staff and Pastor Greg, who is my twelfth pastor, has been extremely enjoyable. I was the first church secretary (1955) and have been actively involved with all the pastors from that time; my present association with our pastor has been the most rewarding. When you are 80 years old, you understand your ability to serve might not be long, but I look forward to all the future ministry that the Lord will allow."
Most Sincerely,
Jack Bowlin
Timothy Burgher has served as Minister of Music of First Baptist Church since January of 2007. Prior to serving First Baptist Church, he had served for 8 years as Minister of Music and Education of Hamlin Memorial Baptist Church of Springfield, MO, for 5 years at Minister of Music and Youth of Northside Baptist Church of Princeton, KY, for 10 years as Minister of Music and Youth of Glenstone Baptist Church of Springfield, MO, and for 2 years as Minister of Music and Youth of Second Baptist Church of Marion, IL.
Timothy is a 1978 graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Masters of Church Music in Choral Conducting. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Church Music with a minor in Music Theory at Palm Beach Atlantic College (Florida) in 1975. He graduated from Hernando County High School (Florida) in 1971.
Timothy committed his life to following Christ at the age of 9 and surrendered to God’s call to ministry in 1975 at the age of 22. He believes that God’s purpose for man is to bring glory to His name and to worship Him with a true, unreserved heart. Music in worship is a tool to draw the body of Christ to the presence of the almighty God and to point their attention to His provision of forgiveness for sin through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Timothy has been married to his wife, Marcia, since June 18, 1977. They have 3 beautiful daughters and 1 handsome son who all love Jesus. Meredith is married to Patrick Reichmann, who is stationed at Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, WA. Catherine is a pharmacy technician in Springfield, MO, and a student at Missouri State University. Ana is married to Jesse Jantz. She teaches voice and is completing her masters degree at Missouri State University. Nicholas is a student at Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar.
Jo Matzes has served as Administrative Assistant of First Baptist Church of California since September of 2008. Prior to serving First Baptist Church, she had served for 9 ½ years as a Revenue Processing Technician for the Taxation Bureau in Jefferson City, MO. Though she is new to the staff, she is not new to the church family. She and her family have been members of First Baptist Church since December of 1997.
Jo has been married to her husband, Richard, since December 18, 1982. They have three children and two grandchildren. Marjorie is married to Damian and they, along with their two children reside in Harrisburg, MO. Virginia is attending Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. Charles is a student at California High School.
On a Personal Note:
"I truly believe accepting this position has been an answer to my prayers. I have long desired to work for a faith-based employer- who could ask for more faith-based than to work at a church! I enjoy serving and pray that the Lord will guide me to be all that I can be for Him as I serve His church family."
Keep On Keeping On,
Jo Matzes
Randy Dueber has served as Custodian of First Baptist Church of California since March of 2006. Prior to serving First Baptist Church, he operated a full-time lawn service.
Randy has been married to his wife, Janet, since November 8, 1986. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Janet is the retail manager at Longfellow’s Garden Center.
On a Personal Note:
"Since I began mowing for the church 5 years ago, I have developed a personal relationship with this church family. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and help this church family grow and minister to people. It has also helped me grow in my own personal relationship with Christ."
Walking with Christ,
Randy Dueber
E-mail Greg
