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 freelance writer living in Mexico City and Collin is the Assistant Manager of the Waco Torchy's Restaurant.  Erin is a BU grad and Coffee Shop manager at the new Fabled Bookstore and coffee shop in Waco.  John is a University of Texas graduate with a degree in Television/Film and actively looking for work. Meggie is the fashion editor for an environmental magazine with and edge called Selva Beat in Austin. She also sells funky fashions at Creatures on South Congress.

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 Favorites: Road to Perdition, Young Frankenstein, It's a Wonderful Life

Favorite activity: to laugh