Meet Our Staff
Dr. Frank Lewis, Senior Pastor 
What do you do to relax and find balance in your life?
My inner compass is set for some definite bearings to guard my soul. I am a
disciple of Jesus Christ first. My wife is second and after nearly 25 years
of marriage, we are constantly amazed at how much we enjoy each other. She's
my best friend. I am a dad third, and I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend with
my two teenagers. There's a lot of laughter in our house on most days. After
these things I am a pastor. As long as I keep these roles prioritized, I find
that life is pretty good. To stay physically and mentally fresh, I enjoy being
both a student and an instructor of Taekwondo. I also enjoy weight lifting,
fitness cycling, vacationing in the mountains near a lake, and watching action
movies.
What are you reading right now?
Practicing Greatness, Seven Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders
[Reggie McNeal]
God at the Crossroads: The Four Movements of Transformational Worship
[Jeff Patton]
In your recent reading, what insights or quotes have you found most
meaningful?
Great leaders take as much care of themselves physically as they do other emotional
and spiritual aspects. (McNeal 47)
Great leaders never stop developing. (McNeal 62)
Spiritual leaders who have trained for institutional leadership, who anchor their leadership in positional authority, and who relay on educational credentialing don't understand the new expectations for leadership rooted in personal credibility, legitimized by followers, not external agencies. (McNeal 64)
(When it comes to worship) "...transformation through the Divine Intersection is the aim; God is the target; and contagious, changed lives in Jesus are the hoped for outcomes and goals." (Patton 60)
What is your favorite thing about First Baptist Nashville?
This church loves downtown. We decided to stay here years ago when others were
moving out, and now we are in position to serve the city as new residents and
new businesses rediscover our neighborhood. The Senior Adults in this church
are the most outward focused and loving people I have ever known. They are more
concerned about how we are going to reach "tomorrow's church" than
about how we can maintain "their church." That's a rare, almost unknown
characteristic in most congregations.
What websites do you visit daily?
I Google a dozen times a day researching a number of topics taking me to a variety
of websites, but my main sources for news are Associated Baptist Press and CNN.
Where do you hope to experience Spiritual Growth in the coming year?
I'm planning to complete a couple of extreme outdoor adventures this year. One
will involve an intensive leadership challenge where I hope to develop some
new skills that will enable me become a more effective pastoral leader. The
other will challenge me in the area of inner spiritual discipline. Life's pace
often becomes so fast that it's easy to find yourself performing well, but not
growing. I plan to avoid that trap by putting myself in some places that will
force me to overcome some new challenges, and to be in a place that's quiet
enough to hear the whisper of God again.
What's playing on your ipod/cd player?
Chris Tomlin, Dave Hunt, Randy Stonehill, and The Beatles.
Why should an individual visiting this website take the next step and
visit First Baptist Nashville on a Sunday morning?
There are so many good churches out there and First Baptist Nashville is one
of them. A website is a great place to form a first impression, but there is
no substitute for connecting personally with the people who make up a church.
A website can't listen, encourage, pray, or share a meal with you. For that
and so much more, you need to become a part of a community. We are a caring
community of faith, committed to following Christ. We value the teachings of
Christ found in the Bible and seek to live out those teachings thoughtfully
and carefully. You can be a spiritual person and not be a part of a church,
but faith is best developed with others. The struggles and celebrations of life
shared enable us to see God at work. There's really no substitute for that.
The Usual Stuff
Frank R. Lewis has been senior pastor of First Baptist Church Nashville since
October 1, 1997. Prior to moving to Nashville, he pastored a new church start
in Henderson (Las Vegas), Nevada, for ten years. Frank is a graduate of Samford
University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds a Doctor
of Ministry degree from Golden Gate Theological Seminary. Frank and his wife,
Lori, are parents of two teenagers - Lauren and Gregory.
Tom
Crow, Executive Pastor
What are you reading right now?
Revolution in Leadership, Reggie McNeal
The Church of Irresistible Influence, Robert Lewis;
Comeback Churches, Ed Stetzer
What do you do to relax and find balance in your life?
In the hustle and bustle of city life and fast-paced life, I find a quiet moment
in the garden; or in the sanctuary; or on the fishing bank - just to stop, be
peaceful, listen to the still, quiet voice of God. You should too!
What do you appreciate most about the people of First Baptist Nashville?
Their love and care.
In your recent reading, what insights or quotes have you found most
meaningful?
"Conversion is the end of salvation...the FRONT end"; "Planning is the End of
Action...the FRONT end." I.E., we are only at the beginning - there is so much
the Lord has for FBN. Forward, we go!
Why should an individual visiting this website take the next step and
visit the church on a Sunday morning?
Don't dare to miss visiting FBN because of the great spirit of welcoming, caring,
and love; because of the great spirit of Forward Look - it is an exciting time
to be part of FBN where the Lord is at work, lives are being changed by Christ,
and the people are genuinely searching to make a difference in our world with
love and care! You can plug in immediately! Give it a try - risk some - it is
the opportunity of the lifetime!
What CD's are you listening to this month?
Jason Catron
The Usual Stuff
Tom Crow came to First Baptist Nashville in October 2006. Prior to moving to
Nashville, he served as executive pastor of First Baptist Charlotte, North Carolina
for fifteen years. Tom is a graduate of Cameron University and Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary. Tom and his wife Jackie are parents of two college-age
children - Carrie and Philip.
Paul Clark, Minister of Music - Interim
The Usual Stuff
A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Paul Clark is a graduate of Union University
and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Paul is an experienced worship leader
and brings over 25 years of church staff experience with him. Paul currently
serves as the Worship & Music Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Convention
where he is the Musical Director/Conductor for both the Tennessee Men’s
Chorale and the Tennessee Ladies Chorus. His work as a consultant and conference
leader brings focus to the dynamics of biblical corporate worship and enhancing
the church’s unique expressions in worship.
When he’s not planning and leading worship, Paul enjoys watching football,
basketball, and baseball, and anything his children are involved in. He also
enjoys playing tennis, travel, and family outings. Paul’s family includes
his wife Ebbie and three children: Ben and his wife Kelly living in Spring Hill,
FBC members Adam and his wife Heather, and Elizabeth who is a junior at Union
University.
Dr. Rus Roach, Minister of Pastoral Care
Where do you hope to experience Spiritual Growth in the coming year?
I am like most of us. I am not satisfied with my prayer life, nor with my spiritual growth. I am slowing down my “actions” and spending more time during the day just praying and listening to the Lord. This usually happens about mid morning and mid afternoon when I pull the car over or find a chapel or quiet place in the hospital and just spend some time with the Lord.
What do you do to relax and find balance in your life?
Most days begin in some light exercise – a strong walk or some weight
lifting. Some time everyday I speak to one or more local friends for 10 –
15 minutes at least. We check one another’s “pulse” and just
laugh at ourselves. I am watching or listening more to Christian programs than
I have in years – and trying to find something positive from each one.
Of course some family time every day for each in my family is important. The
cell phone helps to make that possible with parents in Texas and a daughter
in Knoxville. I don’t take myself too seriously. My cell phone helps me
stay in touch with my parents in Ft Worth, my wife, and my three daughters in
Nashville and in Chattanooga.
What do you appreciate most about the people of First Baptist Nashville?
Our people let us be real. Maybe they make us to be real. No one worships anyone around here – not that I would be that one anyway! We are all in the discipleship trek together. They supply us with resources and time to grow, be renewed, and be a blessing to others outside our local congregation.
In your recent reading, what insights or quotes have you found most meaningful?
In counseling or in family matters or in bible study I like what John Barry, historian asks: What happened?, How did it happen?, Why did it happen?, So What?
I also like a Paul Getty quote on keeping it simple…his motto on life….Wake up early, Work hard, Find oil.
Why should an individual visiting this website take the next step and visit the church on a Sunday morning?
Our church is a wonderful group of all ages, and experiences who love to worship, love to be taught the Scriptures, and love to ask questions. This happens on Sunday. Numerous opportunities are available to live out one’s faith in ministry and mission but Sunday morning is where it comes together for us.
What are you reading right now?
Angels and Demons [Dan Brown
And The Last Goodbye [Reed Arvin]
Blackwood’s Pastoral Work
A diary of Private Prayer
What websites do you visit daily?
Komando.com (computer related)
Google Alerts (I have a number set on schools, Baptist org’s, etc)
Newspapers.com
Christianity today
What's playing on your ipod/cd player?
Precious Memories [Alan Jackson]
When Love Finds You [Vince Gill ]
Favorite Hymns [Sam Sanders]
The Usual Stuff
Rus Roach has been at First Baptist Nashville since 1987, and prior to his ministry here he served as pastor at several churches in Texas. Rus graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of three daughters - Holly, Heather, and Hailey.
Allen Adcox, Business Administrator
What are you reading right now?
I read the newspaper and watch local and network news daily. I enjoy local business journals.
What is your favorite thing about First Baptist Nashville?
I love the people at First Baptist. Some I have known all my life and others met only recently. We raised our two children from birth through the education and music ministries and to this day, they cannot find churches where they now live which they love more than this one.
What do you do to refresh your soul?
I enjoy physical tasks like mowing the yard or remodeling projects. I can get my mind off the stress of everyday life.
What's playing on your ipod/cd player?
I am enjoying the satelite radio in my car. It provides commercial free music of every taste as well as sports talk and news. I do not enjoy any music enough to play it again and again.
The Usual Stuff
Allen joined the staff of First Baptist Nashville in August 2001 after 33 years at the Baptist Sunday School Board/LifeWay. He holds a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and an MBA degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Allen and his wife Katie have two married children and four grandchildren.
Sam Sanders, Minister to Senior Adults/Recreation
What are you reading right now?
I am not an avid reader. In addition to golf and farm magazines, I am a project reader, reading when I'm looking for specific information. Much of my reading is articles found on the internet. Currently, I'm investigating the Boomer generation and reading everything I can find regarding ministering to that large generation through the church.
What is your favorite thing about First Baptist Nashville?
The wonderful, loving, caring, generous, kind, talented, Godly people who make up this great church. I would want to come here even if I weren't on the staff.
What do you do to refresh your soul?
I'm refreshed by working on the farm, playing golf, and, lately, being with my quite-above-average beautiful granddaughter. We're looking forward to seeing more of the teenage grand kids who live in California.
What's playing on your ipod/cd player?
Music has been a major part of m life, but I rarely listen to it on the radio or CD player unless I'm working on a project. I listen to talk radio in the morning and when I'm driving. I have a CD of Patsy Cline's Great Hits that I play loudly in my pickup when I just need to escape.
The Usual Stuff
Sam Sanders has served on the First Baptist Nashville staff since 1988. Before coming here, Sam was on staff at churches in California, Texas, and Oklahoma. He holds music degrees from the University of Missouri and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Sam and his wife Barbara have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Josh Crosby, Minister to Students
What are you reading right now?
Spiritual Classics Edited by Richard J. Foster and Emilie Griffin
Quote: “God gives everything without any anxiety on our part…”
Simplicity by Richard J. Foster
“(Simplicity) brings sanity to our compulsive extravagance, and peace to our frantic spirit.”
Magazines- Wired Magazine, Relevant Magazine
What is your favorite thing about First Baptist Nashville?
My favorite thing about First Baptist Nashville is the people. They are so welcoming!
They have wonderful hearts. If you come to our church, you should expect a warm
handshake and a smile that’s genuine.
Where do you hope to experience Spiritual Growth in the coming year?
I hope to experience growth this coming year in my simplicity.
What do you do to refresh your soul?
Playing my guitar or piano and just singing and worshiping
What websites do you visit daily?
Crosswalk.com
Astros.com
Baylorbears.com
What's playing on your ipod/cd player?
Mathew Perryman Jones Throwing Punches in the Dark
88.7 FM
David Crowder, Shane and Shane, Dave Barnes,
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings Soundtrack (Great to read to)
What are you watching on TV lately?
Journeyman (Wow! Series Premiere was incredible)
The Unit
The Usual Stuff
Josh Crosby joined the First Baptist Nashville team in the spring of 2006. He
has a business degree with a double-major in marketing and real estate and has
a Master of Divinity in Theology from Truett Seminary. Josh and his wife Sally
are the proud parents of Jackson.
Tim
Morrison, Interim Minister to Adults
What are you reading right now?
Jonathan Edwards: A Life [George Marsden]
The Knowledge of the Holy [A.W. Tozer]
Christianity and Liberalism [J. Gresham Machen.]
In your recent reading, what insights or quotes have you found most
meaningful?
In opening section of The Knowledge of the Holy, Tozer makes the following observation:
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important
thing about us….Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her
idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him
or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech.”
I think he is right about that, and it continually pushes me to have a high
view of God, regardless of what the world is pounding into our minds on a continual
basis about our Lord.
Where do you hope to experience Spiritual Growth in the coming year?
I hope to study through the book of Romans in the coming year(s) and grasp all
that God desires to reveal to us through this amazing book. In the end, I desire
to say with Paul, “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge
of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For
who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has given a gift to him that he might
be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To
him be glory forever, Amen.”
What do you do to relax and find balance in your life??
I guess to accomplish these I spend time with Jenny (my wife) and little girl,
Reese. They always help me realize that aside from my relationship with God,
they are my first priority. That realization cannot help but provide balance.
And nothing is more relaxing than reading a good book and playing in the floor
with my family.
What websites do you visit daily?
Fox News, Drudge Report, Baptist Press, National Review Online, and several
blogs that I read including Dr. Albert Mohler (Southern Seminary), Tim Challies
(challies.com), and Justin Taylor (Crossway Books).
What's playing on your ipod/cd player?
Not Guilty Anymore [Aaron Keyes]
Sermons by John Piper, John MacArthur, and C.J. Mahaney
The Usual Stuff
Tim came to First Baptist Nashville as Interim Minister to Adults in August 2007. Prior to coming to First Baptist Nashville, Tim served as a Student Pastor for eight years in Tennessee and Kentucky. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Shorter College and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in Biblical and Theological Studies from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Tim and his wife of five years, Jenny, have a three year old daughter, Reese.
