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A favorite preacher for many, Dr. Pope is in constant demand by churches and conferences coast to coast, and spanning the globe. But, there is nowhere our Senior Pastor is more loved than here at Christchurch Baptist Fellowship. In 2011, Dr. Pope celebrated the 30th year as our pastor and the 41st year of his preaching ministry. His ministry is not only characterized by faithfulness and integrity, but defined by a vibrant prayer life and a reputation for rightly dividing the Word of Truth. His compassion for the lost, and his warm friendship to our congregation is a hallmark of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship. Dr. Pope studied for the ministry at Hyles-Anderson College in Crown Point, Indiana. Upon graduation, he and his wife, Barbara, spent 10 years in evangelism along with a short tenure on the faculty of Hyles-Anderson. Dr. and Mrs. Pope have been married since 1973, and have four children. |
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Pastor Jared Matthews was saved at the age of 5 at Pevely Baptist Church in Missouri. He met his wife Heather at Pensacola Christian College where they both received music degrees before beginning their ministry together at Sumter Bible Church and Sumter Christian Academy in Sumter, South Carolina. Jared served as music director there from 1999-2006 and then moved to McDonough, Georgia where he served from 2006-2008 as music director of Peoples Baptist Academy, a ministry of Peoples Baptist Church. In December of 2008, he returned to his childhood hometown of Festus, Missouri where he was appointed music director of Second Baptist Church and Twin City Christian Academy. In 2014, he also became assistant pastor, principal of the school, and director of Living Springs Camp. He continued serving in these positions until the Lord moved him to work with his father-in-law, Dr. Johnny Pope, in January of 2018 as associate pastor/ music director of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship. Jared and Heather have three children. |
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Victoria Lord is the Executive Secretary of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship. Her sweet spirit and friendly demeanor have been the hallmark of our church office for more than 27 years. Constantly refered to as "The Best Secretary in the World" by Dr. Pope, Mrs. Lord exemplifies the qualities of efficiency and loyalty. Besides maintaining all reports, payroll, and correspondence for Christchurch, Mrs. Lord also handles the scheduling for Dr. Pope's meetings, conferences, and travel arrangements. Her tireless work is invaluable to Dr. Pope and the ministry of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship. |
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Pastor Ryan Cozart is serving ChristChurch Baptist Fellowship as associate/youth pastor. He has a heartfelt way of delivering his sermons where the young people feel loved and encouraged to live for God in a deeper, more connected way. He reaches the youth during Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible study, and youth activities. During these times he is able to show them the true love of God extending mercy, hope and truth through Jesus Christ. Pastor Cozart was saved at the age of four and felt the call of God upon his life at 16, while attending Second Baptist Church in Festus, MO. While studying for the ministry at Hyles-Anderson College in Crown Point, Indiana, he met his wonderful wife Rena. Pastor Cozart finished his education at Belle Meadows Baptist College in Bristol, Virginia and accepted his first associate Pastor position at Second Baptist Church. Pastor Cozart was raised in this church, and it was an honor to serve the Lord there as the Youth Pastor. In 2016, God led Pastor Cozart to Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Newton, Mississippi. As Pastor, he was able to grow the church in numbers and in unity with God as their focus. Ryan joined the ministry of ChristChurch Baptist Fellowship in January 2023. Dr Pope has been very instrumental in Pastor Ryan’s ministry by performing his ordination, encouraging him to take his first church as Cedar Grove Baptist Church’s Pastor, and being a constant encouragement through the Word of God. |