Staff

Craig Vanbiber, Pastor

Craig Vanbiber was born in Purcell, Oklahoma. His family moved a lot during his childhood and youth years (but Craig always found them!) – 4 cities in Oklahoma by age 6; Shreveport and New Orleans in Louisiana, and Midland and Houston in Texas, all before he graduated from high school (in New Orleans). So, when you ask him where he grew up, he asks you if you have a few minutes to spare!

During his childhood, Craig’s family attended church faithfully, and he can´t recall a time when he didn´t believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, who is the once crucified Savior and the resurrected Lord.  When he was 16, he experienced a life-changing crisis of faith and renewal by the Holy Spirit at Young Life´s Silver Cliff Ranch near Buena Vista, Colorado.  There at the base of the silver cliffs, looking up through tears of joy into a glorious Colorado starlit night, Craig poured out his heart to the Lord in thanksgiving for what Jesus did for us on the cross; and with indescribable elation, he surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and to following Jesus wherever He would lead. Praise the Lord, who draws His sheep to Himself with cords of wonderful love!

After high school, Craig attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. In January 1986, Craig married Jamie Gautreau, and the two of them have served the Lord together since then. In 1988, they were blessed with twin daughters, Hannah and Sarah. Together as a family, they moved to Orlando, Florida for three years (1994-1997) while Craig completed a Master of Divinity degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Craig worked for 2 years in industry as a chemist, but ministry has been his primary calling. He served over 20 years in youth ministry: as a volunteer and then a staff representative for Young Life; as a church volunteer youth leader; and twelve years on staff as a youth minister at three different churches.  In 1999 Craig was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  He served seven years as an Associate Pastor in Flint, Michigan before coming to EPC of Marshall to serve as Pastor in February 2006.

Contact: pastor@epcmarshall.org

Angie Anders, Director Children’s Ministry

Angie was born and raised in Northwest Louisiana in a Christian homeschooling family.  She came to know Christ personally at the age of 13, married at 18, and is the mother of two wonderful teenage daughters.  She and her family have been attending EPC since 2001.  Angie was hired in 2007 to be the church’s first children’s ministry director.

On most Sundays, you can find Angie in or around the nursery, talking to kids in the hallways, or running crazy through the church on strange errands.  Angie’s responsibilities include nursery coordinating, special events such as VBS and Harvest Festival, Sunday school coordinating, childcare for various ministries, community outreach, and just making sure every child who shows up at church gets a big, energetic welcome.  It’s a fun, fun job with rewarding results, and she loves every minute of it.

Contact: children@epcmarshall.org

Sarah Joe Strong, Director Music Ministry

Sarah Joe Strong has served EPC Marshall as Music Ministries Director since the very beginning of the church in June of 1985. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from East Texas Baptist College.

As Music Ministries Director, Sarah Joe believes that participating in the music of the church is definitely a ministry to the Lord, and it takes people with willing hearts, to be used by the Lord, to make a strong music ministry. To honor, glory, and exalt the Lord is always our goal.

Joyful Sounds and More, originating in September, 1985, and Voices of Worship Adult Choir, originating in January, 1986, are directed and coordinated by Sarah Joe. These choirs present music to enhance the worship services as well as providing seasonal presentations.

Contact: sarahdstrong@hotmail.com

Shirley Ransom, Secretary

Shirley Ransom was born in New Waverly, Texas. She grew up in Pasadena, Texas, where she graduated from Pasadena High School in 1957. She worked as a medical assistant for many years. After leaving the medical field, she became a paralegal/legal assistant in Irving, Texas, where she worked until she retired.

She and her husband, Donnie, have been married for 32 years. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. After retirement in 2003, they moved to Jefferson, Texas, where they currently reside.

Shirley came to EPC in May, 2008, to work as the Church Secretary. With a joyful and willing heart she answers phones, prepares newsletters and bulletins, and does a multitude of other things for the church family. Shirley says she feels blessed to serve at EPC.

Contact: info@epcmarshall.org