Pastors & Staff
The pastors and staff here at First Baptist are comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for the people in our church. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and call our church office to speak with them at 918-543-2756. They would love to hear from you.
Justin Sampler
PASTOR
Pastor Justin began serving in vocational ministry in 1998. A native Oklahoman, he received his Bachelor's degree from Cameron University and his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Christian Preaching. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard as an enlisted Soldier, a Field Artillery Officer, and as a Chaplain, retiring in 2018. He is married to Jessica and they have six children. Pastor Justin enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, and college football.
Thomas Jones
PASTOR OF STUDENTS & FAMILIES
Born in Seattle, raised in Alabama, Pastor Thomas came to FBC Inola from Raleigh, NC, where he volunteered for ten years with his church’s student ministry while working in retail, private, and commercial banking. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Jade, and they are parents to four children. Thomas is a graduate of Samford University (B.A., history) and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.). In 2013, two years after finishing seminary, Thomas was happily surprised by an unmistakable call to pastoral ministry. Thomas believes in the life-giving power of God’s word—it is the seed that sprouts to new birth and the milk that sustains the newly born (1 Pet. 1:23; 2:2). So Thomas has a passion for teaching the Bible to teenagers, in hope that they may no longer be children, but that each may become fully mature in Christ (Eph. 4:11-14).
Joseph Ragsdale
PASTOR OF WORSHIP
Pastor Joseph and his wife Ally have recently joined our church family. Joseph grew up in the Tulsa area and has led worship since he was 17. He has a desire to lead the church in worship through songs that speak solid theology and scripture.
Debbie Barrett
DIRECTOR OF CHILDHOOD MINISTRIES & MOTHER'S DAY OUT DIRECTOR
Debbie has been married to her husband Randy for 27 years. They have four grown children and five grandchildren. After graduating from Catoosa High School, she attended Conners State College. As an active member of the Baptist Student Union (now Baptist Collegiate Ministries) she went on a short-term mission trip to inner-city Houston. While on the trip, she sensed God calling her into Children's Ministry. Since then, Debbie has had the opportunity to serve at two other churches in Oklahoma. We are glad to have her back at First Baptist Inola. Note from Debbie: My goal is to help children when they enter into 1st grade to build upon a solid foundation. By the time they enter student ministry it is my prayer that they know Jesus as their personal Savior and have made Him Lord of their life. I want to be able to help encourage parents that God gave them the children they have just for them. To have the opportunity to equip parents to lead their children to Christ is such a blessing. There is not just one thing that I enjoy about children's ministry. There are many—taking them to Day Camp for the first time, spending the night at Kids Kamp for the first time, seeing many children attend Vacation Bible School and excited about coming back the next day. Once a child accepts Christ, I love the blessing of leading them through the New Convert's Class. Being able to witness their baptism puts a smile on my face and in my heart. I believe Children's Ministry is a vital part of the church. Photo Credit: Amber Welch Photography
Rita Adam
FINANCE SECRETARY & PASTOR'S SECRETARY
Rita is the newest member on our staff. She has worked in the financial industry and recently retired from Monterey County 911 as the 911 Supervisor. She grew up in church by going with her grandmother. She is active in the Women's Ministry here at FBC and is a member of the Lifesource Sunday School class. This former California girl and her husband Brad moved to Inola, Oklahoma in 2022 and consider this area to be their forever home. They have two dogs, Rip and Casey. Rita is a Master Gardener, loves quilting, is a gifted hostess and enjoys the outdoors.
Lynnette Overstreet
MINISTRY ASSISTANT & COMMUNICATIONS
Lynnette has served the church for 23 years. She holds a degree in Visual Communications from OSU IT and worked full-time as a Graphic Designer before coming here. She became a follower of Christ at the age of 30 through the ministries of FBC Inola. She works on communications pieces for the church and maintains the church website along with assisting others wherever she can. With a heart for missions, she has gone on and helped coordinate several trips within the US and internationally. She serves in the student ministry and has a passion to teach the Word. Lynnette and her husband, Russ, have been married for 38 years.