Staff Team
Ministerial Staff

Richard Buerkle
Minister of Music & Worship
office: 865-246-4668
[email protected]
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.

Brent McDougal
Senior Pastor
office: 865-246-4664
[email protected]
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.

Pam Neal
Minister for Administration
[email protected]
Pam, a native Knoxvillian, has been in full-time ministry since 1997, and has served at First Baptist since August 2012. She has enjoyed serving in Youth, Children, Senior Adult, Discipleship, and Administration Ministries at churches in Knoxville. Pam is married to Ron, has two sons, two daughters-in-love, and five grandchildren.

Chuck Powell
Minister with Youth and Families
Chuck has been with FBC since 2021, working with the youth and their families, and his desire is to see the students build stronger relationships with each other, the church, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Chuck is a Knoxville native and lives here with his wife Janie and their their three daughters. Chuck’s major interests are college basketball and collecting/making music.

Susan Tatum
Minister with Children and Families
[email protected]
Support Staff

Rhonda Carpenter
Church Organist

Lorna Hollowell
Pastoral Assistant and Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives.
office: 865-546-9661
[email protected]

Eddie Hurst
Facilities Team

Felix Latham
Facilities Team

Michael Moore
Worship Audio Specialist


Seth Ramsdell
Communications Coordinator and Video Media Director
office: 865-546-9661
[email protected]
