Gary Hopkins, Senior Pastor for Maplewood Baptist Fellowship.
Gary is passionately devoted to Jesus Christ and His Word. His
teaching style can best be described as relevant and down to earth -
yet always challenging and Biblical. His vision for Maplewood
is to be a church filled with people making a difference in each
others lives and the lives of others in the community.
Gary grew up in Grand Prairie area and always had a vision to be a pastor. His passion for lost people and reaching the unchurched has led him to Maplewood.
Gary is a graduate of Arlington Baptist College with a Pastoral Ministries Degree, and holds a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Gary has 3 years in the ministry and has a true passion for people.
Gary has been married to his wife Allison since May 2005. They have two beautiful daughters Macaiah and Charis, and a wonderful little baby boy named Tobias.
Gary's interest include computers, working out, and current events.
Favorite Sports Team? Dallas Cowboys
What's On Your IPOD? Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, etc.
Favorite Flix? Jurassic Park; The Mummy; and Shrek
What do you TIVO? Fox News, the Military Channel, and America's Funniest Videos.
Favorite Eats? Spring Creek and Chipotle.
What You're Reading Now? "What in the World is going on?" by David Jeremiah.
Favorite Bible Verse?
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." (NKJV)
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Jerral Creecy, is our Worship/Discipleship Pastor here at Maplewood. He is a life long resident of Tarrant County and has served in ministry for over 25 years. Music and teaching are his passions and he is strongly committed to seeing Christian's faith grow to the point that it impacts their everyday lives. Which is why discipleship is so important – Christians need to know what they believe and allow those beliefs to impact their decisions on a daily basis.
Jerral is married (33 years) to his high school sweetheart – Phyllis. They have two children and two grandchildren. He recently completed his Masters in Religion degree from Liberty University.
Favorite Sports Team? College Football (any team)
Favorite Flix? Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King
Favorite Eats? On the Border and Carinos.
What You're Reading Now? World Magazine. (Current events from a Biblical Perspective)
Favorite Bible Verse?
Psalm 73:23-26
"23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
(NKJV)
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Sandy Oravetz, Children's Minister at Maplewood, is a Christian Education graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth. She has served in children's ministry for many years in local churches. Sandy, along with her husband Clell make a great team for ministering to children and young families.
They are passionate about reaching children with the gospel of Christ and training them to love and serve Him. They try to minister in a way that excites children about the Word of God. Sandy and Clell are natives of Tarrant County and have 3 married children in the area.
Favorite Sports Team? Whoever is in a playoff
What's on your IPOD? Red, Skillet, Pillar, TFK, Kutless
Favorite Flix? The Notebook (Clell-anything with action and military)
What do you Tivo? NCIS, Lost, The Biggest Loser
Favorite Eats? Mexican and Italian
What are you reading now? Children's Ministry Magazine
Favorite Bible Verse? Matthew 5:16
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
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Matthew Johnson, Youth Pastor for Maplewood Baptist Fellowship. Matt was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He has a passion for God, His Word, and His people.
Matt stumbled upon Maplewood Baptist through Google while looking for a church. Seeking a place to serve, he immediately jumped in and got involved. He is currently taking classes at TCC, and plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington and major in mechanical engineering, God willing.
He is working part time as a Service Manager at a local grocery market. His hobbies and interests (outside of his lovely fiancé Mandi) include guitar, piano, Airsoft, and video games.
Favorite Sports? Airsoft.
What's On Your IPOD? Casting Crowns, skillet, Coldplay, & Chris Tomlin
Favorite Flix? Indiana Jones, Second Hand Lions, & Sahara
Favorite Eats? Italian, & Barbeque (Brisket)
What Are You Reading Now? New Evidence That Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell
Favorite Bible
Verse?
Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJV)
