There are many things that go into making a church run smoothly. There are brochures to mail, bulletins to create, phones to answer, and lawns to mow. And these things are just the tip of the iceberg. At FBCA, we are blessed to have a capable and gracious staff that helps keep the church functioning, day after day. They are quick to smile and quick to help, and they make tough jobs look easy. Their contributions to our church are enormous, and we are so grateful for their servants’ hearts.
Julie Bell is the part-time bookkeeper/accountant at FBCA. She is a Certified Public Accountant but has not practiced professionally since 1989 when she left her job to have a baby and move to Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). Julie has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, where she met her husband, Pastor Chip Bell 
. She and Chip have four children.
Besides being a busy mom, Julie enjoys cooking (and, unfortunately, eating!), reading, music and riding her bicycle. She also teaches an occasional class in the FBCA Fellowship Community Classroom, and is involved in the Women’s Ministry and the summer mission trips to Serbia. Julie has been on staff since October 1999.
"While making sure the debits and credits are balanced is a fun job, I especially enjoy watching new believers grow in their faith and understanding of God and the Bible, and love challenging them to a life of obedience to Jesus," says Julie. read more »
Lalla Shackelford has been a member of FBCA since October 1983 with her husband John and their two children, Sarah and Wesley. Originally from Glen Rose, Texas, Lalla came to know Jesus and started her Christian life at the age of 8. She graduated from Baylor University in 1972 and from Loma Linda University in 1974. John and Lalla have been married since 1970. In addition to their two children who grew up at FBCA, they have a son-in-law, JR, and a new grandson.
At FBCA, the Shackelfords have been active in mini churches (small groups) throughout the years as well as team-teaching a couples’ class on marriage issues. Lalla has coordinated the church’s Women’s Ministry since 2001. She enjoys helping people get plugged in to ministry and outreach, planning and implementing special events, and mentoring women who want to develop a deeper faith in Christ. In 2006 the Shackelfords were part of the Serbia Mission Construction Team and hope that their trip was the first of many more to come.
To contact Lalla or any of our staff, click here.
John Simms is the Facilities Coordinator for the church property, in charge of supervising all contractors involved with the upkeep of the grounds and buildings, as well as performing routine maintenance and repair of the facilities (plumbing, electrical or remodeling).
"I have been truly blessed to be able to serve my church and church family for a living. Since I am an extrovert and love being with people, I am energized by my involvement with my church family on a daily basis. God has given me not only an awesome opportunity to be discipled but to disciple others in my position here at the church."
John enjoys being outdoors with God’s creation, taking art lessons, spending time with his wife Chris and his grown children. He and Chris also enjoy going to see and listen to their favorite folk groups at local folk venues.
John has attended FBCA since 1993, and has been on staff since December 2004. The first wedding ceremony that Pastor Chip Bell officiated at FBCA was for John and Chris!
