Staff
First Baptist Idalou is an "Every Member Ministry". We believe that every Member has a vital role to play within our community of believers. First Baptist Idalou desires to see every member use their potential and God given gifts to encourage the body of believers and for each member to do their part to advance God's Kingdom.
The staff at First Baptist Idalou desire to see you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ and mature in your Christian faith. Please check out each bio and ministry allowing God to show you where you can serve.
Pastor: Philip Hilton
I grew up in Lubbock, Texas. I attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I married Robbie Cherry on September 10, 1971. We have four children; Philip (wife Ashlee), Hayley Liston (husband Miles), Jacob, and Rachael. We also have three beautiful grandchildren; Elizabeth and Olivia Liston and Knox Hilton. I began my pastoral ministry in February of 1987. After pastoring churches in the Texas panhadle, God opened the door for me to return to Lubbock County. It is truly a blessing to pastor this gracious congregation. God has blessed me through these years by allowing me to be involved in mission opportunities at home and abroad. The mission trips that I have taken in the States include Indiana, Utah, and Idaho. I have also traveled to Russia, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. I have a strong passion for missions. Part of that passion is directed toward Brazil.
Minister of Music: Tim Thornton
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I have been involved in the music ministry since 1973. I graduated from Texas Tech in 1975 and from seminary in 1978. I married Robyn in September of 1976. We have two sons, Matthew and Lucas. From 1978 until 2010 I served five full-time churches in South Dakota, Texas and Oregon. The Lord has blessed us richly and we are delighted to be serving the Lord at FBC, Idalou since January, 2011. I love being involved in Christian music ministry and leading volunteer music groups. I have been to Mexico, Brazil, and many of the United States on mission trips. I enjoy playing racquetball, working in the yard, hunting and fishing, and loving my family. My favorite hymn is “To God Be The Glory”. A favorite scripture is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
Senior Adult Minister: Vestal Blakely
vblakely@fbidalou.com
I arrived in Idalou in 1943. In 1948 I became a believer and joined the FBC Idalou shortly thereafter. I graduated from IHS in 1956 and married Carol Jean Faulkner in December of 1956. We have three children and five grandchildren. We’ve been members (off and on) for over 60 years and served in many areas of ministry. I’ve worked as an engineer, in postal service and taught high school math. In 1969 we were appointed by the Foreign Mission Board to go to Tanzania, East Africa. We were blessed and rewarded. All of us need to know what God wants us to do with out lives and follow Him. I am been blessed to serve as Senior Adult minister.
Youth Minister: Matt Thackerson
I grew up in Colorado City, Texas. I started working for the “church” in September of 2000 ministering to students in a small ranching community known as Highland. Recognizing God’s call, I moved to Amarillo, Texas as full time student minister. My wife Mandy and I moved to Idalou in August of 2002 and served here until May of 2007. We moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to serve in student ministry until May of 2011. Now we’re back! I graduated from Wayland Baptist University. We have two boys, Reese, almost 5 years old; Rylan turned 1. I love Jesus, my family, fishing, hunting, music with a twang, jelly fish, waffles, and there’s nothing better than a pot of hot Kool-Aid.
Secretary: Joyce Snodgrass
FBC has been my home for many years. My husband, Ronnie, went to be with our Lord and Savior in 1997. We raised our two boys, Scott & Rusty in Idalou. I now have two wonderful daughter-in-laws and four beautiful grandchildren. The Lord has led me to teach our 4-6 grade GA program and 5-6 grade Sunday School. I am so blessed to be the “Church Lady” for First Baptist Idalou.
