Meet our staff
Brian Walton Jay Wright Rodney Weatherly Bob McAlister
Senior Pastor Rodney Weatherly
Hello, my name is Rodney Weatherly. My wife, Debra and I came to Dalhart in July of 2004 as the Interim Pastor. The first week of October 2004, I offically became the Senior Pastor of FBC. Prior to pastoring a church, I was President and General Manager of Heritage Beef Cattle Company. We operated a commerical feedlot which my dad began back in the early seventies. I assumed we would be there through retirement, but the Lord had different plans for us. Through a series of events He led us out of the cattle business and into full time ministry. I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that we're laboring for, "Food that endures forever"!
Having been raised around livestock, I fully understand what it is to work hard. I can tell you that being a pastor is very demanding. Each Monday morning I attend a men's prayer breakfast at 6:00 am. After that I go directly to my office where I begin preparing and praying about next week's messages. I will spend anywhere from 10 to 20 hours of study for every sermon.
Being an under shepherd of God's church means being with people through various crises. Many of the phone calls that I receive are dealing with people's problems. It may be marriage, finance, health, or other issues which require prayer and often counseling. My job description is often determined by the most immediate need. Last winter it was shoveling snow off the sidewalks so we could have services.
As a pastor I continually seek God's will and direction for the church. I also have the responsibility to encourage and develop leadership. As a Christian under the command of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) I am compelled to witness to the lost, and to make disciples. My passion is to see people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I try to teach people that religion will not make a difference in their life, but only a real and personal relationship with the Lord. I love to see Christians growing in the likeness of Jesus.
I am excited about the ministries of FBC. We are very much a mission minded church, with a large vision. As D.L. Moody once said, "With God as your partner, make sure your vision is large."
I believe the only way to truly be an effective pastor is to have the call of God on your life. I would miserably fail without Him. I absolutely love what I do!
My wife Debra and I have been married for over 30 years. We have two sons, Dustin and Shea and four beautiful grandchildren. I love to golf, hunt and hike. My favorite book is the Bible and the greatest movie of all times is "The 10 Commandments". If you want to join me at my favoite place to eat, we will need to make a trip to Wheeler, TX and eat at Maxey's.
Associate Pastor Brian Walton
Below is an interview with FBC's newest staff member Associate Pastor Brian Walton.
When did you start working at FBC? I have been here at FBC since August 2007.
What do you do at FBC? My primary tasks include staff development, oversight of Christian education and provide leadership to adult ministries and small groups.
What is your favorite kind of music? I listen to all types of music (contemporary, classical and instumental) but my favorite is country western.
What is the greatest movie of all times? Princess Bride
What is your favorite book? I have read so many books that it is difficult to choose one favorite, but if I had to narrow it down, I would choose "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
How many children do you have and what are their names/ages? Ilene and I have four children: Robert (19), Peter (18), Joshua (13) and Sarah (12). Robert and Peter are currently serving in the U.S. Army.
Where is your favorite place to eat? Since we have moved to Dalhart, our favorite place to eat is Hodies.
Senior Adult Pastor Bob McAlister
Hello, my name is Bob McAlister, known to most church folks as "Brother Bob" because it's easier to say than Pastor McAlister. My wife's name is Betty and we have been married for almost 60 years. (May 13, 2008)
We have 5 children living, one has gone to be with Jesus, and they are all involved; in their churches, their homes and their jobs. When we all get together we really do like each other. We can play, laugh, cry and mostly eat together.
The reason I am Senior Adult Pastor at FBC is because God wanted me out of retirement and doing His work. I have retired several times from churches in Roswell, NM, Dalhart, TX, and Channing, TX. I have been preaching the good news for over 30 years and my passion is for going where God wants me to serve and doing what God wants me to do.
Betty and I have a passion for senior adults, because we are there ourselves and they are such neat people to minister to. We visit in their homes, when they are sick in the hospital or some in the nursing home. They also minister to us as we try to meet their needs from the church.
My prayer to you would be as the Apostle Paul prayed in 1 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ."
Music Minister Jay Wright
I have been a part of FBC since May of 2004. Before coming to Dalhart, I worked in the public school system and led worship for a number of years. My wife Amy and I have two boys and a girl: Isaac, Josiah and Olivia.
I received a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition from West Texas A&M University in 2003. I recently completed a Masters of Worship Studies degree at Robert Webber's Institute for Worship Studies (www.iwsfla.org), and have begun work on a Doctorate of Worship Studies at IWS.
I see God-centered worship playing a critical role in the life and health of the Church today. In the New Testament Peter describes the Church as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that they may proclaim the excellencies of the one who calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light. That's exactly what we do on a week-to-week basis in worship. We retell the redeeming story of Chirst's work on our behalf, all the while gazing on Him through prayer, communing with Him through song, becoming more like Him through the hearing of His word, and being sent out into the world to love and serve the Lord.
