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by Dave Skorupa | Dec 14, 2025 | Statement
FBCFS Statement At First Baptist Church Fort Smith, the safety and well-being of our students and children is—and will always be—our highest priority. We were recently notified by the State of Arkansas that an allegation has been made regarding inappropriate conduct...
Originally from Hot Springs, AR, Trey grew up as an athlete, which led him to graduate from Henderson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a coaching endorsement. Before using his degree to coach football and teach, he spent several years running restaurants. Later, the Lord led him back into ministry, which resulted in graduating from Liberty University with a Master of Divinity in Christian Ministries. Trey has a heart for ministry and sharing the gospel. He uses that along with his business background to serve First Baptist Church as our Administrator.
We have several parking lots and multiple entrances, but don’t let that worry you. There are people inside who are happy to help guide you along to where you need to go.
Check out this map to get an idea of where things are before arriving:
Parking Lot 1
Reserved for visitors and allows easy access to the Welcome Center and Sanctuary.
Parking Lots 2 and 3
Primarily used for access to the Preschool and Children’s areas. We have a drive through drop-off under a covered area marked “Children’s Ministry” (see photo) at our preschool/ children entrance to make arrival easier for families. This is located directly across from parking lot 3. (See image)
Parking Lot 4
This lot is close to our entrance near the front of the Sanctuary and Choir Meeting room areas.
Parking Lots 5 and 6
Primarily used to access the Student Ministry Building, also close to the original Sanctuary entryways at the steeple.
Our Student building is located just west of parking lot 6.
A native of Fort Smith, Bob’s media journey began in 1980, shortly after he and his wife, Jan, joined FBC Fort Smith. Bob and Jan’s first child had been born in March of 1980, and a “New Baby Visitation” team came to visit Jan one morning and led her to Christ. Later the same day, a team came back to visit with Bob, and he prayed to recieve Christ that evening… shortly after, both were baptised. Bob joined the FBC Media team under the direction of Carl Riggins and had no knowledge or experience in broadcast media. He quickly discovered that God had given him a desire and ability for media and technology. After gaining some experience, in 1985, Bob began working for KHBS/KHOG (40/29) in Fort Smith. He started at the bottom and quickly moved into different areas of the station’s broadcast operation. Working in the control room and directing live news broadcasts is what prepared him for his current role as Media Director. Bob began as Media Director in 2004 but he has directed our “Hope From Above” broadcast for over 30 years. Directing, editing, weekly audio/video production and graphic design are just a part of Bob’s current responsibilities, as well as leading a team of dedicated media volunteers each Sunday.
Johna surrendered her life to full-time Christian service at age 16 at Barling, First Baptist Church. She graduated (with honors) at the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education the spring of 1980, which is the same year she married her high school sweet heart, Steve. It was one year later that Johna would begin serving, on staff, at First Baptist Church. God has blessed them with two children: Julaina Thornton (husband Aaron) and Sam Gaddis. Johna has served the church over 40 years and loves her Preschoolers. She has made children her life’s work. One of her greatest joys has been to see the children she loved and ministered to have children of their own.
Brad grew up in Lonoke, AR and is the oldest of three kids. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Christian Ministry. While at Ouachita, he met his wife Emma. He served in Student Ministry for three years prior to coming to First Baptist and is looking forward to using what he has learned both in the classroom and his experiences in ministry to reach students in the River Valley with the gospel. Brad was ordained into the ministry here at FBC in November, 2024.
Abigail grew up attending First Baptist with her parents David and Barbara and her brother Woody. She loves playing tennis, singing, and a good craft project. Abigail graduated John Brown University with a General Music degree with a vocal emphasis (singing) and a minor in Education. Her desire was to teach teenagers music and singing. After her summer internship here in 2023, it was clear God was calling her to full time ministry at First Baptist after finishing college. Here, she uses her music skills to sing in “big church” worship and works with our student band. She loves sharing the gospel with the next generation and is especially passionate about discipling young ladies.
Longtime resident of Memphis, TN, Pastor Dave Skorupa spent many years working in the newspaper, advertising, and communications sector in both for-profit and nonprofit arenas before joining the ministry in 2008. As a minister, he has served churches in ministry support roles, and served as lead pastor for Immanuel Baptist Church in Marion, AR and the Pine Grove Baptist Church in Wildersville, TN. He has also served as an adjunct Bible college teacher and leads seminars for Bible colleges in the northeast and midwest. He holds advanced degrees in both divinity and biblical studies. Dave, his wife Nicole and daughter Marian are excited to be part of the Fort Smith community at First Baptist Church.
Eli Leslie grew up in Van Buren, AR and attended First Baptist Church Fort Smith from pre-school through high school. He began serving in ministry here at FBC for many years under some wonderful pastors and leaders. Eli served in two churches as the Children’s Pastor before being called to be the Director of Children’s Ministry here at First Baptist. Eli has had a love for ministering to kids his whole life. He received his Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies with a music minor from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville in 2015. He then completed his Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2019. Eli married his wife Hannah in 2016, and has two beautiful daughters named Parker and Briley and a son, Ezekiel. He has a heart for children, and seeing them come to know Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior.
Originally from Dallas, TX, Mavric graduated from Ouachita Baptist University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Worship Studies. Shortly after college, Mavric joined our staff in April of 2025. As the Worship Leader at our Chaffee campus, he is passionate about exhorting musicians to use their gifts for the ministry of the Lord. He strives to bring a zealous spirit of worship and a deep desire to host the presence of God. On a day off, you may find Mavric enjoying motorsport, mountain biking, and hiking.
Jacob grew up in Hilliard, Florida, just north of Jacksonville. He has been consistently involved in music ministry since middle school. After graduating high school, he moved to Jacksonville for college. While in Jacksonville, he sang for three years in the 300 voice Chancel Choir at the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. In 2018, he became the Associate Worship Pastor of his home church Callahan First Baptist Church. Jacob is currently finishing his Bachelor of Music degree from the Baptist College of Florida. Jacob and his wife Kassy have two children, Tinsley and Garon. Jacob is excited to serve the people of Fort Smith First Baptist Church as we reach out to our community, our state, and our world in this awesome, new, and thriving season of gospel ministry.
Matt Passmore is from Lawton, Oklahoma. He grew up playing sports and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with emphasis in math from Cameron University. Matt married Lisa in 1997, and they have 3 girls, Nicole, Michelle, and Pacie and one boy, Deacon. After teaching and coaching for 7 years, the Lord gave new direction and called him into full time ministry. He served as a children’s pastor from 2004 and then joined first Baptist Church in 2009 as the Children’s Pastor and has also served as the Next Generation Pastor at FBC.
Greg Addison grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, playing sports and studying World War II history. He was blessed to be raised in a Christian home with parents who taught Sunday School and built life around the church. Greg gave his life to Jesus at 9 years old and was baptized in his home church, Bellevue Baptist Church. Greg later met his wife Janet there; she also shares a heritage of being brought up by Christian parents who raised her to be deeply involved in church life. After dating throughout college, they were married in 1987. They have two children, son Grant and daughter Mabry who is married to Cory. In their spare time the Addisons enjoy traveling, and Greg continues to love sports and studying World War II history.
Greg graduated from the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee College of Law and practiced law for six years in the Memphis area before being called to vocational ministry in 1996. He began his ministry on staff at Bellevue Baptist Church and served in multiple positions for six years, serving most of his tenure as Minister to Single Adults.
In 2002, the Addisons began their journey as Arkansas Baptists when Greg served as Senior Pastor of East Side Baptist Church in Paragould for five years, then at First Baptist Church in Cabot, where he served as Senior Pastor for over seven years. Greg became Associate Executive Director of the Arkansas State Baptist Convention in 2014, and during his tenure there he also served numerous churches around the state as interim pastor. After serving one year at the SBC Executive Committee, Greg has returned to Arkansas Baptist life as our Senior Pastor at FBC. Greg has been deeply involved in every aspect of Arkansas Baptist life, including service as president of the state convention and as a trustee at Williams Baptist University. Greg also spent two years as Chaplain of the Arkansas State House of Representatives.
With their heritage of church life and ministry, Greg and Janet love the church and are grateful to be a part of Fort Smith FBC. “The blessing of serving a historic church filled with folks who love Jesus and each other in a city with Fort Smith’s rich and fascinating history shows just how good God has been to us,” he said.