Our Staff
Mark C. Smith
Pastor
For more than 4 decades, I have served as a pastor in Alabama. I have served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Remlap since April 2014.
I grew up in Birmingham, AL. At the age of 7, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and was called to preach around 16 or 17 years old. I graduated from Banks High School and married my high school sweetheart Rodna Fondren. Then, I attended Samford University. After graduating from Samford, I attended and graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. My wife and I have two grown sons, Stephen and James. Stephen is married to Julie. James is married to Sara. We have two grandsons named Daniel and Josiah.
My hobbies include golf, reading, playing the guitar, working jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. My heart's desire is to not only communicate the gospel message clearly but to be a good pastor.
Scott Wortham Youth Pastor
I have served in many positions within FBCR since 2013, Co-Interim Pastor, Pastor Search Committee, Church Committee, VBS Worship Leader, RA's Leader, Interim Youth Pastor, Men's Bible Study Co-Leader, Children's Ministry, Adult Choir, and Sunday School Director. Presently, I am the Youth Pastor. I feel blessed to have been entrusted with these responsibilities and opportunities.
I received a Bachelor of Theology in 2005 and have aspirations to continue advanced studies towards a Master’s Degree. I have four "Saved" children, two are high school graduates, and two currently attending the Southeastern School system. My lovely wife, Laura, and I have worked closely with Southeastern for many years. We have built wonderful relationships in many arenas that expand from teachers, coaches, principals, parents, and on into local recreational leagues. We are both dedicated to our neighbors within Woodhaven Lake and presently serve in several positions. God has settled us only 3 miles from our Fellowship.
I answered the call to the ministry at Gardendale First Baptist Church, licensed under Dr. Steve Gaines in June 2002, and ordained into the Gospel Ministry in January 2007 at Northpark Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Bill Wilkes. I also served as a deacon and teacher during this timespan. Laura and I had the privilege to serve and lead in so many other capacities at GFBC 1995-2001 and NPBC 2002-2012.
In 2007, Scott founded Omega Fire Ministries. Laura and I traveled for 4 years doing an improv drama entitled, "Revealing the Deceiver" which I wrote to expose how Satan has an alternate plan to destroy individuals, families, and fellowships. This ministry enabled us to experience worship that went beyond denominations and race. This gave us a fresh perspective on God's love for all people while looking past divisive doctrines that inhabited the walls of many buildings. This birthed a conviction to see the "Church" as God's Kingdom and not a personal country club.
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me."
Buddy Scales Worship Pastor
Leading our Music and Worship Ministry since 2008, I grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL, and started singing gospel music at the age of five with my two sisters as part of the Scales Trio.
After attending the U.S. Navy School of Music and serving as a musician in the U.S. Navy, I began serving churches as a bi-vocational Minister of Music in various cities in Alabama and Georgia.
My wife Cindi and I are the proud parents of four adult children and eight grandchildren. We enjoy traveling and spending time with our grandchildren.
Ellie Speakman Ministry Assistant
After graduating from J.B. Pennington High School, I pursued a Computer Science and Business Management degree at Wallace State Community College and UAB. Subsequently, I completed a degree in Paralegal Studies through Kaplan University’s Distance Program.
Before joining First Baptist Church of Remlap, I dedicated 20 years to an electronics manufacturing company in Huntsville, Alabama, where I held various roles such as Quality Control, Document Control, Human Resources Assistant, Executive Administrative Assistant, and ultimately as a paralegal in the Legal Department.
In 2012, I married Dwayne Speakman, and we reside in the Dallas-Selfville Community close to Locust Fork, Alabama. Together, we are raising our son, Reuben, with a strong faith in God, while our eldest son, Allen, has ventured out on his own.
My desire has always been to utilize my skills in servicing the Lord. Currently, I also hold the position of President-Elect for the Alabama Association of Baptist Ministry. I am truly grateful for the chance to serve as the Ministry Assistant at First Baptist Church of Remlap.