The Pastor's Welcome
I and my family want to welcome you to First Baptist Church's website.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself and my family. I grew up in a town called Sylacauga, AL, (near Birmingham) most of my childhood. I professed Christ as Lord and Savior at the age of 9 and was discipled in the youth group at First Baptist Church until I went to college. I attended the University of Alabama for my undergraduate work to study physics, with the intention of becoming a research scientist. The most memorable times at UA though surrounded my involvement with Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL, and my opportunities to do summer missions (in Nebraska and Kansas). Also, I had my first opportunity to teach the Bible through the college small group ministry.
I continued my pursuit of research science by attending the University of Florida for graduate studies in astronomy. Again, though my academic pursuits have been instrumental in shaping who I am, my fondest memories consist of my involvement with UF's Baptist Collegiate Ministries and my local church. I believe the opportunities of friendship, discipleship, and doctrinal growth in Gainesville, FL, were instrumental in my call to full-time vocational ministry. During my 3rd year at UF, I began to realize a heart-change. I no longer wanted to pursue research science; rather, I wanted to preach and teach the Bible. My brief internship with a local pastor in Gainesville confirmed my calling. I withdrew from my studies at UF and moved to Louisville, KY, to pursue religious training.
In Louisville, KY, I pursued a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, became involved in ministry at First Baptist Church, Fairdale, KY, met and married my wife Dawn (a native of Louisville and graduate of Southern Seminary), had our first son Walker.
Dawn, Walker, and I came to First Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, IN, in December of 2006. We have enjoyed becoming a part of this community and supporting our neighbors here in Mt. Vernon. In addition, Dawn and I had our second son, Ryan, on October 3, 2008. We are here to grow in the grace of God ourselves as well as lead this church in the pursuit of glorifying God through Christ. We are also in Mt. Vernon to proclaim the excellencies of Christ Jesus to those who have not repented of their sins to God and trusted in Christ alone for salvation. Please come worship with us on Sunday morning if you are not already a part of a Bible-believing, Christ-honoring church.
Feel free to contact me at the church by snail mail, phone, or email with any questions or concern. Specifically, you can submit prayer requests to me through the link 'Contact Us.' I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you.
For Christ,
Pastor Derrick W. Ousley
1205 Main Street
Mt. Vernon, IN 47620
(812) 838-2187
pastor@fbcmtvernon.org
