Pastor Mark A. Garrard has officially joined the Bainbridge First Baptist Church staff as senior pastor and will begin his ministry June 12.

“We could not be any more excited,” Garrard said to the congregants following the unanimous vote of church members. “What God has done in our family and our lives these last few months have been a true gift from the Lord.”

Garrard was born in Gadsden, Ala. At age 12 he received Christ as his savior, and at age 17 surrendered his life to the Gospel Ministry.

Garrard graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Graduate of Practical Theology degree and earned a Bachelor’s in Pastoral Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary, and a Masters of Ministry in Biblical Exposition from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

Garrard met his wife, Rachel, at Pensacola, and they married in 2003. They have four children: Adrianna, Emilin, Sam and Luke.

Garrard said, “Having served for 18 plus years in the ministry as a youth pastor, assistant pastor and senior pastor, I developed a love for working with teens, children and adults, ministering to their very distinct needs and stages of life. I have a vision for community outreach, discipleship and growth, for both the individual, and the church as a whole.”

Garrard will only be the fourth senior pastor at the church in 66 years. Ken Wymer served for 42 years and his son Dan for 18.

The church’s theme is “Preparing Lives for Today, Tomorrow and Eternity.” For details call 206-842-3022. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.