Dr. David E Leavell,
Senior Pastor

David Leavell was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Landrum and JoAnn Leavell on April 22, 1964. He grew up in a minister’s home all his life spending 11 years in Wichita Falls and the remainder of his growing up years in New Orleans, Louisiana. David’s father was pastor of First Baptist Church and President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary respectively. He was the youngest child with two other brothers and one sister. 

In 1974, David came to know Christ personally through the witness of his mother. In 1981, David sensed God’s call into the ministry. He followed that call by attending Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, while on basketball scholarship. In 1986, he graduated college and began his seminary studies in New Orleans.   He received a B.S.B.A. from Mississippi College, a M.Div. from New Orleans Seminary in 1989 as well as the Ph.D. degree in 1992. 

David’s pastorates have included the Berwick Baptist Church in Liberty, Mississippi; the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana; the First Baptist Church in Hobart, Oklahoma; the First Baptist Church in Ruston, Louisiana; and the Springfield Baptist Church in Springfield, Tennessee. 

David is married to Vicki Rene’ Harrell of Columbia, South Carolina. Vicki is a former Miss South Carolina in 1984-1985. They have been married since May of 1990. David and Vicki have three children; John David (J.D.) born in October of 1994, Laura Leigh was born in October of 1995, and Justin Walker born in December of 2001.

Beth Medler serves as Pastor’s Ministry Assistant. Beth was born and raised in Northeast Georgia.  She grew up attending church but realized at the age of 13 she needed Christ in her life and her pastor led her to the Lord. In 1993, her family moved to North Carolina. In 1996 she met and married Dino Medler, who was stationed in North Carolina with the U.S. Navy.  Dino and Beth have 3 children:  David, Courtney and Christopher. Her favorite things to do are creating cards using her stamp collection, going to the movies, and watching her husband play softball.  Dino’s position with the Navy has given Beth an opportunity to serve as a church secretary at McCotter Boulevard Baptist Church, hold management positions in various jobs, and worked in the financial field due to relocation.