T J was born in Fordyce, Arkansas on June 16, 1975.  He is married to Brandy and they have six beautiful girls; Kynlee, Kamryn, Karis, Kate, Karlee, and Kiah. 

T J graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in May of 1999 and received his Masters in Music in May of 2001 from New Mexico State University.  T J held the position of Director of Bands for the Monticello School District for seven years prior to entering the ministry full time.  

T J has served as interim music director for many churches and served as part-time worship pastor at Journey Church of Monticello, Arkansas for 3 years. 

T J and Brandy have a deep desire to minister to orphans.  This calling upon their lives led them into the ministry of fostering/adoption.  They have served many children and families through the opportunities afforded to them during their journey and hope to minister to countless more. 

Shelton was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas in 1992. He has been in Warren since the age of 9 and graduated from Warren High School in 2010. Shelton is married to his wife, Lauren, and they have 3 children; Elliette, Audrey, and Leif. They both grew under the leadership and served as workers in the IBC Student Ministry.

Shelton and Lauren both have a deep passion for missions, specifically to the unreached people throughout the world. That passion lead them out from Immanuel in 2019 as they moved their family to serve alongside a new church plant in Winthrop, Massachusetts.

During their time in New England, God gave them a strong pull to come and serve Immanuel Baptist Church as the Student Pastor. They are now working diligently to engage, equip, and empower students and volunteers to follow Christ and make disciples wherever He leads.