Meet the Staff
Dr. David B. Dixon
Pastor
David has served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church since September 2011. He is married to the love of his life, Leah Dixon, and has two children whom he absolutely adores. David has been in the ministry since the age of fourteen; serving in various capacities in and out of the church. David holds a B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University, a M.Div. from the Baptist Missionary Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he wrote extensively on Church Revitalization.
His preaching style is straightforward and engaging while maintaining a strict adherence to the biblical text. His dedication to expository preaching allows David to systematically preach through entire books of the Bible, verse by verse. David teaches many classes at FBC including a Monday Morning Coffee Study in which he teaches on various topics in Scripture and practical Christian Theology.
David loves to read and spend time with his family. A self-confessed “nerd”, David enjoys many attributes of gaming and various electronic toys. However, he is no stranger to the outdoors. The Dixons love to camp and enjoy the wilderness of East Texas and Arkansas. Although you might talk to him about his golf score, don’t believe it until you see the score card!
More than anything, David is a down to earth REAL person; what you see is what you get. He loves to talk to people and would really enjoy getting to know you and your family!
Dale Ott
Associate Pastor for Worship
Dale received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a Health and PE major and a minor in Social Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1977. In 1980, he earned his Master of Religious Education from the BMA Theological Seminary in Jacksonville. He is an ordained minister and has served as an associate pastor, youth pastor and music minster in different churches in the past. He is also an ordained deacon and a retired educator. He taught school and coached for over 28 years. Twenty-two of those years were spent at Neches ISD. He has been married to Patricia “Trish” Farrow Ott since 1980, and they have three grown children who grew up at FBC.
Sharon Batchelor
Secretary
Sharon grew up and lived in Palestine until getting married and moving to Neches in 1981. After working for the Palestine ISD Administration Office for 10 years, she began working as FBC church secretary in 1990. She and Jimmy were blessed to raise their three daughters, Casey, Lindsey and Kalyn in this close knit community. They have each experienced God’s amazing love and grace while worshiping and serving the Lord Jesus Christ at FBCN. Looking back over the last 30 years, they are so thankful to God for sending them a church home that truly feels like family -- because they are!