Bruce Venable has a love for Jonesboro that runs deep in his bones. It was here that he met his wife, Rita, while attending ASU. They were married in September 1981 and have two grown children - Chris and Ashley. Through his connections here, he developed lifelong friendships and mentorships that have molded his faith and prodded him forward, eventually leading him to return to Jonesboro after being away for further education and job experience to be ordained by FBC in 1994 and, as of 2015, back again as our Senior Pastor.  

The love for his Savior has been a part of his life since he accepted Jesus at the age of eight. Through the testimony of a devout mother, and the encouragement of countless Sunday School teachers, ministers, and friends, Bruce grew in his faith. He specifically remembers his call to vocational ministry during a missions conference in Louisville, Kentucky in March of 1982.

Bruce graduated from A-state in 1983 with a B.S. in Management and then went on to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX for a Masters of Divinity, which he completed in 1988. As of now, Bruce has completed all the required coursework for a doctorate degree through Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in California and, pending the completion of his final project, he will officially hold his Doctorate of Ministry. His other educational experience includes courses in Theories in Counseling, Basic Skills for Counseling, and Marriage and Family Development. 

Bruce's experience before becoming FBC's senior pastor ranges from college ministry to leadership at the Associational level. All together, he's been in ministry leadership for over 27 years. 

To contact Bruce, email him or call our church office.