First Baptist Church Petersburg Texas

Donald Raney became the pastor of First Baptist on November 11, 2007. Pastor Raney is a native of Alabama where he graduated from the University of Alabama with a double major in History and Geography. After graduation, Don married Robin Harrell and they served with the Home Mission Board in Philadelphia where Don was appointed to begin a new campus ministry at the University of Pennsylvania. Following their two years of service, the Raney’s moved to Fort Worth, Texas where Don completed both a Masters and Ph.D. degrees at Southwestern Seminary. It was during that time that their family grew with the birth of daughter Katie in 1994 and son Joseph in 1998. Dr. Raney has taught at Southwestern Seminary, Texas Christian University, Mid-America Christian University, and currently teaches as an adjunct for Wayland Baptist University and Logsdon Seminary. Before moving to Petersburg, Don was pastor of Westlake Chapel in Graham, Texas. He is committed to preaching and teaching that is faithful to the witness of the whole Bible and to encouraging all believers to develop in their personal discipleship through Bible study, prayer, and service within the body of the church.

James joined our staff in March 2010. He is currently a student at Wayland Baptist University working on a degree in Missionary Ministry. James has a sincere desire to see the youth of Petersburg grow deeper in their personal relationship with God through Christ.