Tom Carter
Senior Pastor
About Me:
I was born into a Christian home and trusted in Jesus as my Savior at age three. When I was a boy, I never wanted to be a cowboy, a professional athlete, or a school teacher. The only thing I ever wanted to be was a pastor.
I graduated from…
- The University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
- Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in New Testament studies.
- Westminster Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching.
After serving for seven years as an associate pastor in two churches, I came to the First Baptist Church of Dinuba, California, in 1982 as the solo pastor. God has blessed me with the privilege of being there still today.
Four months before coming to Dinuba, I married Mary, and we have three precious children: Andrea, Leslie, and Tommy.
God has given me a writing ministry that is an extension of my Bible-teaching ministry. I’m the author of more than a dozen Christian books, some of which have also been published in Brazil, India, Korea, and Nigeria. In most of these books, the chapters were originally sermons I delivered right here to the dear people of the First Baptist Church of Dinuba.
Rick Fox
Associate Pastor
About Me:
I was raised in a solid home environment with supportive parents, an older brother, and a younger sister. I came to Christ as a small child, grew up in the church, and was active in my youth group. Through the ministry of my youth pastor, I was challenged to live for Christ and was called into church ministry in my senior year of high school.
I attended Arizona Bible College from 1967-1971, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Bible. I then attended Talbot Theological Seminary from 1971-1974, earning a Master of Arts in Christian Education with a minor in Counseling.
I worked as a Youth Pastor from 1972-1977 at Sunkist Baptist Church, Anaheim, California. I moved to River Park Bible Church in Fresno, California, where I served as an Associate Pastor from 1977-1986. I became the Pastor and Christian School Administrator at Calvary Baptist Church in Bishop, California, from 1986-1999. I ministered as the Pastor at Pagosa Bible Church in Pagosa Springs, Colorado from 1999-2008. And now, since 2008, I’ve been serving the Lord here at the First Baptist Church of Dinuba.
I have been married since 1970 to my best friend, Cindy. We have three grown children: Shannon, Shelley, and Derek. We also have two grandchildren.
My hobbies are bike riding, hunting, fishing, family gatherings, going out to lunch, and spending time with people.
Nick Gomez
Youth Pastor
About Me:
I was born and raised in Dinuba and met the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior on April 10, 1990, in a small Southern Baptist Church in Cutler, California. A radical transformation followed. Over the next years, I served with Youth for Christ, School Resource Chaplaincy, and as a youth pastor for more than 19 years in two different churches. I earned degrees from Reedley College and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
I love sports, electronics, traveling with family, and serving. My real passions are seeking God, loving my wife Kristie and my children Frankie and Michael, winning people to Christ, and equipping students to serve my Lord Jesus Christ.
Natalie Zuniga
natalie@firstbaptistdinuba.org
Director of Children’s Ministries
About Me:
I was born in Visalia and raised in Dinuba by my wonderful, supportive parents. I have one younger brother with whom I have shared interests in sports and music. I became a Christian when I was in third grade while attending Vacation Bible School. I have fellowshiped here at First Baptist Church, Dinuba, since I was in the third grade. After high school, I started serving at the church in the nursery, children’s, and youth departments.
I earned degrees from Reedley College (Associate of Science in Biology), California State University, Fresno (Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology), and Fresno Pacific University (Multiple Subject Teaching Credential).
I have been married to my husband, Paul, for almost four years. I love to camp, travel, and go to sporting events. I enjoy teaching students new and interesting things that will help them be successful, lifelong learners.