First Baptist Church of Newton, IL

    Stephen G. Wllis has been the pastor of the First Baptist Church since August of 1983. He and his wife, the former Scherry Roth, are natives of Ironton, OH and were married in 1977. Steve has an A.B. in education from Marshall University in Huntington, WV and a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. In October 2004 he received his Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary. He has been active in ministry since 1971, serving as an evangelist and as a pastor before moving to Dallas in 1979 and then to the pastorate in Newton after obtaining his master's degree. In addition to his ministerial duties, Steve is a member of several committees and boards in Jasper County. He has served as president of the Newton Ministerial Association and Newton Rotary, and is currently the secretary-treasurer of the ministerial association.

    Scherry is a graduate of ITT with certification in interior design. In Ohio she worked as a secretary and then with the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services. She was a secretary in Dallas at the Dallas Theological Seminary. After moving with Steve to Newton, she took some time away from the workplace to have two daughters, Stephanie, born in 1983 and Megan, born in 1985. When both the girls were in school, Scherry returned to the workplace, first at Arndt's Stores, then as a painter with Hidden Blessings and since 1994, as a secretary for the Jasper County Unit #1 School District. She is active in the church as leader of the Children's Choirs and directing the adult choir.

    Megan graduated from Judson University, Elgin, IL in December of 2007, and is hoping to pursue graduate studies in theology.

    Stephanie received a master's degree from Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, in May of 2007, and is now a speech pathologist with Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth, Ohio.

My Favorite Bible Verse

Scherry Willis

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Pastor Steve

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31