Our Team

Pastor Chip joined First Baptist Church in June 2024, bringing 18 years of pastoral experience from churches in Utah, Wisconsin, and Texas. He is happily married to Clarissa, and together they have three children: Anaissa, Andrew, and Ariel.

He holds two graduate degrees from Liberty University—a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Divinity—and is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Chip has served as a varsity offensive line coach and high school strength and conditioning coach, as well as holding various leadership roles within his community’s school districts. He has a deep passion for serving others and making disciples.

In his free time, Pastor Chip enjoys family moments, studying theology, coaching sports, community service, BBQing and baking, and traveling to support their youngest daughter’s college volleyball career.

His favorite Scripture is Luke 9:23:
"And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”

Clarissa, Pastor Chip’s wife of 23 years, has a heart for ministry and a deep commitment to serving God’s people. She has joyfully served in children’s ministry for four years and youth ministry for over eleven years, bringing passion and dedication to each role.

Certified as an AWANA Director, Clarissa continually invests in her leadership development by attending conferences hosted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and Right Now Media. She strives to grow in ministry effectiveness, fully embracing the responsibility that comes with teaching others, as Scripture calls us to a higher standard.

In addition to her ministry work, Clarissa is a public school educator who delights in teaching history and social sciences. She also enjoys coaching girls’ sports and has a special love for animals—especially buffaloes! An outdoor enthusiast, Clarissa treasures time with her family and, above all, her walk with God.

Reflecting on her journey, Clarissa says,
"God has called our beautiful family of five—near and far, up and down—and through it all, we count it all a blessing… for God is GOOD… all the time!"

J

Janet grew up right here in Marlin and has a deep love for this community. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1969, she dedicated 46 years to serving with Campus Crusade for Christ.

Her journey began at the headquarters in San Bernardino, California, before she stepped into campus ministry roles across Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New York, and New Jersey. In 1984, Janet helped launch the campus ministry in New York City, and soon after, she transitioned to coordinating short-term inner-city mission projects on a national level.

In 2015, Janet returned to the Marlin area and married the love of her life, Carl Evans, from Reagan, Texas. After Carl’s passing in 2018, Janet found new purpose at FBC Marlin, where she now directs the Rooted Kids ministry and lovingly facilitates the GriefShare ministry, supporting others through life’s difficult seasons.

Janet’s heart for service and community shines through in everything she does, and she’s grateful to be part of the FBC family.