Church Leadership

Rev. Dr. George Huffsmith

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George Huffsmith has served as pastor of First Baptist Church since December of 2007. He came to Evansville from Fairport, NY where he served the First Baptist Church there for nearly 10 years. He has also previously served churches in Belpre, OH, Carthage, NY, New Hartford, NY and Ann Arbor, MI. George is married to Joanne and they have raised three girls Tasha, Chelsea and Janelle who are all grown and live in New York State. 

Dr. Huffsmith attended State University of New York at Geneseo receiving a BA degree in Speech Communication. He also attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Marriage and Family Ministry. He enjoys preaching, counseling and working with others. He likes learning new things and acquiring new skills. He likes traveling to new places and walking on the beach with Joanne his wife.

Rev. H. Posey Gaines 

Pastor Emeritus

Julie Lauer 

Director of Music

Julie, originally from Evansville, is married to Dale and is the mother of 2, Adam and Becky.   She graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Louisville.  In addition to serving as Music Director here at First Baptist, she is kindergarten teacher at Caze Elementary.  Julie has served as Children’s Choir Director, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and church pianist. She sings with the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus, and is a member of the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians and the Choristers Guild.  She also enjoys reading, playing the piano, and attending the musical performances of her children.

Denise Farmer  

Children's Programming and Ministry Coordinator

Scott and Joannie Smith 

Youth Programming & Ministry Coordinators

Scott is a native of Hagerstown, Indiana and moved to Evansville in 1998. In addition to his ministry at First Baptist, he is a special education teacher at Bosse High School and a chaplain for Boy Scout Troop 358. Scott graduated with a B.S. in special education from Ball State University and an M.S. in special education  from IUPUI. He has served many years as a camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, retreat leader and a van ministry driver. He is an avid antique dealer and collector and loves to spend time looking for things unique and interesting.

Joannie, a native of Evansville, is married to Scott and is the mother of 3 great sons. She graduated from Murray State University with a B.S. in special education and from Indiana Wesleyan University with an Masters in Education. In addition to her ministry at First Baptist she is an elementary special education teacher. Joannie has served as a camp director, Vacation Bible School director, Sunday school teacher, retreat leader and mission trip coordinator for many years. When she has free time she loves to read, play the piano and vacation with her family.

Dale Lauer- Chair