Our Staff
Russ Ponder
Senior Pastor
Connect with Russ:
Russ and His wife, Kim have served at FBC Hamlin since November 2021 when Russ answered the call to be our senior pastor. Russ and his wife have two adult sons, and two grandchildren. Russ strives to serve the kingdom of God, by ministering to His church and striving to preach the word of God faithfully, each week presenting the beautiful truths found in scripture.
Michael Payton
Minister Of Worship and Media
Connect with Michael:
Michael has served at FBC Hamlin since moving his family here in September of 2018. He and his wife Jessica, have six children: Kimberly, Elizabeth, Ethan, Jaxon, Miranda, and Melody. Michael has served in a wide range of worship centered ministries over the past fourteen years and is passionate about writing worship songs as well. Michael’s passion is using music and anything else he can to share the truth of who our God is and what He has accomplished through His Son, Jesus. Michael seeks to exemplify and share the joy that comes with serving a loving God and to bless His people. “The music time in a service is not a time where we seek an experience, but rather, it’s a time where we seek God and reflect on His Grace, His Love, and His Majesty. If we do that, it will end up being quite the experience anyways!” Michael leads the Sunday worship musicians, and also heads up the youth praise band, the tech/media ministry, and the drama ministry. If you love to worship with others at church and want to be a part of it, even if you don’t think you have the skills, let Michael know and we will see if we can find a place for you to get involved!
Brittany Arce
Ministry Assistant
Brittany joined the FBC Hamlin Staff in March of 2023.
Brittany was born and raised in Hamlin, Tx. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Leroy. June of 2023 will be their 15 year anniversary. Brittany and Leroy have two great kids that keep them super busy! Emma is 13 and Dawson 11. Brittany’s hobbies include, cheering their kids on for all their sporting events, spending time with her husband, going to the movies, reading, photography and decorating!