Bro. Joshua Smith
Senior Pastor
Joshua and Tiffany Smith joined FBC Merkel in June 2025. Joshua was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He gave his life to Jesus at age nine, was ordained to the gospel ministry in February 2014, and earned his Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2024. Joshua has been faithfully preaching since his ordination and previously served as pastor in Hermleigh, Texas, for twelve years.
Joshua and Tiffany have been married for fourteen years and have three children: Myka, Caleb, and Jonah. Together, they have served in various ministry roles for more than two decades. Joshua has a deep love for the Word of God and for people. He enjoys spending time with his
family, being outdoors, and growing in his walk with Christ. His greatest desire is to know Jesus more and to make Him known to all people.
Joshua and Tiffany have been married for fourteen years and have three children: Myka, Caleb, and Jonah. Together, they have served in various ministry roles for more than two decades. Joshua has a deep love for the Word of God and for people. He enjoys spending time with his
family, being outdoors, and growing in his walk with Christ. His greatest desire is to know Jesus more and to make Him known to all people.
Bro. Rick Grant
Associate Pastor / Minister of Worship
Rick and Mardi Grant came to FBCM in the fall of 2024. Rick was called as the Associate Pastor/Minister of Worship. Mardi serves the church as pianist.
Rick was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1986 and received his bachelor degree from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.
Rick and Mardi have served in Texas Baptist churches for over 42 years. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Rick was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1986 and received his bachelor degree from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.
Rick and Mardi have served in Texas Baptist churches for over 42 years. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Bro. Tony Young
Student Pastor
Tony Young serves as the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church Merkel, a role he has held since April 2022. A Merkel native, Tony grew up attending FBC Merkel and is the son of Ray and Sharon Young. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and his Master’s degree from Texas State University.
Tony and his wife, K’rin, were married in 2006 and soon began their teaching careers. Along the way, they served together in bivocational youth ministry at FBC Petersburg and FBC Meadow. Throughout every season, their shared passion for investing in students and guiding them in their faith has remained at the heart of their journey.
Since returning to Merkel in 2017, Tony and K’rin have felt incredibly blessed to raise their three daughters—Breeah, Brynlee, and Braylin—within the FBC Merkel family and Merkel ISD community. In addition to his ministry role, Tony serves as a welding teacher in Snyder ISD, allowing him to invest in students in the classroom while also pouring into the lives of youth at FBC Merkel.
Tony has a deep heart for leading students to Christ and walking alongside them as they grow in their faith, creating an environment where they feel known, valued, and encouraged.
Tony and his wife, K’rin, were married in 2006 and soon began their teaching careers. Along the way, they served together in bivocational youth ministry at FBC Petersburg and FBC Meadow. Throughout every season, their shared passion for investing in students and guiding them in their faith has remained at the heart of their journey.
Since returning to Merkel in 2017, Tony and K’rin have felt incredibly blessed to raise their three daughters—Breeah, Brynlee, and Braylin—within the FBC Merkel family and Merkel ISD community. In addition to his ministry role, Tony serves as a welding teacher in Snyder ISD, allowing him to invest in students in the classroom while also pouring into the lives of youth at FBC Merkel.
Tony has a deep heart for leading students to Christ and walking alongside them as they grow in their faith, creating an environment where they feel known, valued, and encouraged.
Lori Jester
Ministry Assistant / Children's Director
Lori joined the FBC Merkel staff in November of 2021. Not only does Lori serve as our ministry assistant, she also serves as our children's director. Lori has served in children's ministry for over 20 years. She wants to partner along side of parents to teach their children about Christ. Lori has 2 children who are both married and have 5 grandchildren. In her spare time she loves to read and spend time with her grandchildren.