Leaders
Bible Baptist Staff
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
Ephesians 4:11, 12
Pastor
Isaac Drake
On the 27th of March, 1988, I heard the gospel message taught from Isaiah 53, “…all we like sheep have gone astray…” and understood clearly I was lost, and Jesus Christ came to save me. I accepted his payment for my sins that Sunday. A few years later I was baptized and, in high school, I surrendered to “full-time Christian service” while attending teen camp.
After graduating Bible School in 2003, I drove to Alaska to help a small church that was just getting started. Here I followed the advice of my former pastor to “sit under another man and learn the work of the ministry.”
On my first Sunday after arriving in Fairbanks I met my future wife at church. We were married in 2005. The Lord had called me to Montana while attending Bible School and in 2011 he led us to move to Billings.
We packed up everything we did not sell and loaded our three girls into the back seat and headed down the ALCAN Highway. I was ready to start a church, but the Lord led us to help in two churches before we started Bible Baptist in 2013.
Our first couple of services were held in a former train depot in Hardin, MT and for the next few months we met in a rented church building before settling back in Billings.
Today, I pastor the greatest group of Christians anyone could ask for. This congregation is full of people who love the Lord, are growing spiritually through all kinds of different circumstances, and have a love for each other and the people of our community. Of all the places I’ve been around the country and the world, I am so thankful the Lord led us to this place, to pastor these people.
Would you join us for a Sunday and check it out in person? I promise if you love the Lord and love His word you will leave spiritually strengthened, sharpened, challenged, and fed.
Stay encouraged,
Pastor Isaac Drake
1 Peter 5:2, 3
Youth Ministry
John and Jordan Millar
I was very fortunate to be raised in a Christian home. I had the privilege to hear and respond to the gospel at an early age. By the time I was about 14 years old, I committed my life to serving the Lord. In 2013, I graduated Bible school in Pensacola, FL and resided there until 2017.
Then, through a number of circumstances the Lord moved me to Missoula, MT where I met my wife Jordan.
Fast forward to 2021, when I was in a preachers meeting and the Lord dealt with me and my wife about moving to Billings, MT and serving in Bible Baptist Church. My family and I followed the Lord’s leading and moved the following spring.
I’ve always had a heavy burden for teenagers and understand how critical that time in their life can be. Growing up, I later realized how influential my youth pastor was in my life and what an integral part he played in where I am today. My hope and prayer is to instill some of the same things that were taught to me as a teenager.
John Millar
Music Ministry
John Rodriguez
Sunday School Teachers
& Music Ministry
Sawyer and Abi Thome
I grew up in a Christian home and always had a solid foundation of Christian principles. I did not fully understand salvation until I heard a message on hell at the age of sixteen (Revelation 14:11). I finally understood that I was a sinner and accepted Christ as my Saviour. I knew and understood that I was His child.
I was on fire for the Lord for a few short years and I wanted to do something for God. As I was serving in a church I looked up to many of the leaders. I saw them as God-fearing men. After watching them fall to sin and corruption I felt betrayed and hurt. I slowly became uninterested in church and stopped reading my Bible.
In 2021 I decided to move to Billings. My mom made me promise to go to church and encouraged me to visit Bible Baptist Church. My very first Sunday I noticed that the people love the Lord and are willing to serve in any position. They enjoy life, they love others, and despite differences, they bond and encourage one another.
I quickly rekindled my love for God’s Word and His people. I learned He didn’t want me for something big, but for me to love and serve Him in the little things every day so that He could do something big in my life. The Lord continues to work in my life and the individual lives of people here at BBC.
I met my beautiful wife Abi here in church and we married in 2024. Abi and I are honored to work together in the music ministry, as well as teaching Sunday school, and leading individual Bible devotions. I love seeing people grow in their relationships with Christ as I have and continue to.
If you decide that the Lord is asking you to visit or attend BBC, I am looking forward to giving you a welcoming handshake and encouraging you to follow the Lord’s lead! Don’t give up on Christ because He didn’t give up on you.
Sawyer Thome
I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was nine years old and fully surrendered my life over to Him when I was thirteen. Growing up in church, I quickly realized the importance and the need for serving others. I learned how to play piano at an early age and used this gift for our congregational singing and special music. Music is my passion, and I love being able to use it to be a blessing.
In the last several years I have asked the Lord what my calling is and what He wants me to do. He has given me the clear answer: that I am a teacher. Alongside my husband, Sawyer, and other fellow teachers we teach the kids here at Bible Baptist the simple bible stories. We love teaching these kids about how much God cares about his little children.
As I continue to grow in my walk with the Lord, my desire is to remain faithful to the calling. Whether through music or through teaching His Word, my goal is to glorify Him and edify others. I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me, and I look forward to how He will continue to use my life for His purpose. Revelation 4:11
Abi Thome
Sunday School Teachers
Chris and Kara
Testimonies here
Sunday School Teacher
Emma
I got saved when I was about seven years old in Vancouver Community Church, during Sunday school. I got baptized when I was about 12-13. I gave my life fully to the Lord on January 27th of 2012.
I moved to Montana on October 20th of 2018, and began going to various churches in town and started coming to BBC on November 1st, 2020. I was just getting my life in order after having been in the world for a few years. I walked into the church and knew it was home. I finally found a church that fit and put a name to what I believed.
I had been coming to church for about 6 months or so when, on a Wednesday evening, Pastor Drake asked for volunteers for nursery and Sunday school. I immediately knew I needed to do one of them, but not sure which one. I prayed that the Lord would show me which one to do.
I began teaching Sunday school around April or May of 2021 and I knew right away that’s where I needed to be. Teaching my students is one of the biggest blessings I’ve ever had. This class is better than I could have ever asked for!
Emma