Mike Copeland-Pastor

  • Mike Copeland joined the First Baptist Church family as pastor in February of 2006.  He has served in churches in Texas and New Mexico as youth, worship, education, associate pastor, and pastor.  He came to us from Farmington, New Mexico where he served as Associate Pastor and Pastor of the church he grew up attending.  Mike and his wife, Julie have 5 children.  Cody and Collin are both graduates of Texas Tech University.  Cody is a reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram and lives with his wife Dalia in Fort Worth.   Collin is in the restaurant management business in Jackson, Wyomming.   Erin is a BU grad and manager of Manana Coffee Shop in Austin,.   John is a University of Texas graduate with a degree in Television/Film and has worked in production and directing. Meggie owns a dance studio in Austin and teaches dance there and at several other studios around Austin.


Julie and Mike have a love for music and and have sung duets together since before they were married.  They met in Chapel Choir at Baylor University from which they graduated in 1981.  Julie likes to garden and produce the pretty blooms that a garden brings. Mike likes to garden if it will produce a product that is edible.


Mike accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of nine and was called into full-time service at the age of 15.  "I love the warm fellowship of the First Baptist family and watching the members share that love with everyone who enters the FBC doors. We are also looking for ministries that go beyond the walls of the church building."


Favorite food: green chili

Favorite book: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:10  "By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect."

Musical Favorites: Dan Fogelberg, 1970's funk, Earth, Wind, and Fire, James Taylor, BTO, and many more.

Movie FavoritesRoad to Perdition, Young Frankenstein, It's a Wonderful Life

Favorite activity: to laugh

SCOTT HEDGES - Minister to Students

Scott grew up right here in the Waco area and graduated from Midway High School. After high school he received degrees in Business Management, Biblical Studies, and Pastoral Ministries. He has been employed at GENCO Federal Credit Union since 1997 and now serves as Branch Manager.  He married his wife Sandra in December of 2023, and she works in ministry with him.  Together they make a wonderful team of student ministry!


Scott has been involved in student, discipleship, and missions ministry for many years and now is leading our student ministry since he joined us in April of 2022 to new heights in discipleship and ministry as they grow together in community.