06/08/2026
Welcome, Rev. Dr. Graham to First Baptist Church and to McDowell County, NC.
The Pastor Search Committee has unanimously recommended Rev. Dr. Lon Graham to serve as Senior Pastor.
Rev. Dr. Lon Graham is originally from Longview, Texas. He and his wife Amy, a native of Raeford, North Carolina,met while working with college students in Seattle. They have been married for 26 years and have four children: Lainey (22), Sarah Grace (20), Abby (18), and Joey (18). Dr. Graham enjoys spending time with family, reading, and exercising.
Dr. Graham brings over 20 years of pastoral and ministry leadership. He was ordained at Ashley Heights Baptist Church in Aberdeen, NC. He served as Senior Pastor at Christ Community Church in Blaine, WA for 13 years and as Senior Pastor at The Woods Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 4 years. Since 2022, he has served in leadership roles with Christian nonprofits as Executive Director of The Matt 25 Hope Center in Clovis, NM and Vice President of the New Mexico Baptist Children's Home in Portales, NM.
Dr. Graham's ministry focuses on Christ-centered discipleship, biblical preaching, pastoral care, leadership development, and community outreach. He emphasizes authentic fellowship and engaging the community with Christ's love.
We will welcome Dr. Graham and his family the weekend of July 10-12 for meet and greet sessions and he will lead us in worship on Sunday July 12th in view of a call. A congregational vote will be held on the committee’s unanimous recommendation.
Dr. Graham will join us full-time in September 2026 after fulfilling his duties with the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home and seeing his youngest daughter off for her first semester of university.
Stay tuned for details on their visit in July and keep the Graham Family and our church in prayer as we discern this exciting next step in the life of our church.
