Meansville Baptist Church

While a young husband, father, and Army veteran, Michael Bell was called by God into pastoral ministry at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro in 1990. He has a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  Pastor Bell (aka “Mike”) has served as a pastor of 7 different Baptist churches in South Carolina and Georgia. He was called to Meansville Baptist Church in November 2025. Mike’s passion is discipleship. He also has years of experience augmenting his ministry through serving as a part time chaplain with Enhabit Hospice. He is also a writer and frequently blogs on his Sense of Scripture website. Mike’s life verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9b – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” [ESV] Mike’s ministry desire is to lead people to God’s grace that is sufficient not only for salvation but for their entire Christian pilgrimage under Jesus’ lordship

Website Link:

https://senseofscripture.com

X.com link:

https://twitter.com/rabbi_rocket

We are honored to serve as the youth leaders here at our church and consider it a true calling to walk alongside students during such an important season of life. Our heart is to create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment where every student feels seen, valued, and loved.

Together, we are passionate about building real relationships with our youth—teaching God’s Word, encouraging spiritual growth, and helping students discover who they are in Christ. We believe in leading by example, showing up consistently, and loving students right where they are while pointing them toward the truth and hope found in Jesus.

Beyond weekly gatherings, we love investing in community, laughter, service projects, and meaningful conversations that help faith become personal and real. It is our prayer that each student grows in confidence, character, and a lasting relationship with Christ.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve your families and walk this journey of faith together.

Sandy Burke has faithfully served our church as a pianist, often stepping in on a moment’s notice to support our worship services. Her willingness to serve whenever needed has been a true blessing to our church family.

She has been a God-send in helping sustain and strengthen our music ministry, using her gifts to lead others in worship and praise. Her faithfulness, flexibility, and servant’s heart reflect a deep love for the Lord and for this church.

We are grateful for Sandy’s dedication and for the important role she plays in keeping our music ministry moving forward and glorifying God.

Leonard Shirley faithfully volunteers as our Worship Music Leader, serving our church family with consistency, humility, and a genuine heart for worship. Week after week, Leonard gives his time and talents to ensure that our congregation is able to come together and praise the Lord through music. His willingness to serve fills a vital role in our church, and without his dedication, we would not have a consistent music leader guiding our worship services.

Leonard’s leadership extends beyond simply leading songs; he helps create a worshipful atmosphere where hearts are prepared to focus on Christ and engage fully in praise. His love for the Lord and commitment to the church are evident in everything he does. Through his faithfulness, Leonard has become a steady and encouraging presence in our worship ministry, and his service has had a meaningful impact on our congregation.

We are deeply grateful for Leonard’s servant’s heart, his reliability, and his passion for leading others in worship. His commitment is a true blessing to our church, and we thank God for his continued 

 willingness to serve.

Lee Milby is a lifelong member of our church and has faithfully served as our church secretary with dedication, integrity, and a heart for ministry. His deep love for the church and its people is evident in everything he does, from supporting daily operations to serving members with kindness and care.

With a strong commitment to excellence and a servant’s heart, Lee helps keep the church organized, connected, and running smoothly. He is often the first welcoming voice and friendly face for members and visitors alike, offering encouragement, assistance, and a genuine spirit of hospitality.

His faithfulness, dependability, and long-standing commitment to this church makes him an invaluable part of our church family. We are deeply grateful for Lee’s continued service and the many ways he supports the ministry and mission of our church.

For many years, Amanda has faithfully served as the heart of our children’s ministry, pouring her time, energy, and love into the lives of countless children and families. Her passion for teaching God’s Word and nurturing young hearts has helped lay a strong foundation of faith that continues to grow well beyond the classroom.

She leads with patience, kindness, and a deep commitment to helping children understand who Jesus is and how much He loves them. Through engaging lessons, consistency, and genuine care, she has created a safe, joyful, and Christ-centered environment where children feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged.

Her dedication and steady leadership have shaped our children’s ministry into a place where faith is nurtured, families are supported, and young lives are pointed toward a lifelong relationship with Christ. We are deeply grateful for her faithful service and the lasting impact she has made on generations of children.