Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Paul Hicks

Senior Pastor

Pastor Paul has been at Murdale as Senior Pastor since September 1970.
He and his wife, Donna, have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren.
He loves to share God's Word in each of our services. 

Tommy Taylor 

Associate, Music & Worship Pastor

Pastor Tommy rejoined the staff at Murdale in July 2016.  He and his wife, Lisa, had the joy of serving here previously from 2000 to 2006.   They have enjoyed leading Music & Worship Ministries for over 30 years with churches in Texas, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee.  Tommy & Lisa have five children, Melody (& Matthew-parents of Jet), Trip (& Shelby-parents of Thom & Elsy), Robby (& Megan-parents of Truly & Edelweiss), Lily (& Ben), and Toby, a student at SIU.   

Mark Davis

Associate, Youth & Young Adult Pastor

Pastor Mark joined the staff at Murdale in August 2018. He and his wife, Meagan, have the joy of serving the Lord in answering their call to student ministry since 2013. Their passion is to see students and parents alike grow in their faith together through missions, recreation, and reaching out to our community. Mark & Meagan have four children, Harper, Willow, Griffin & Canon and one daughter that is waiting for us in glory, Stella Grace. 

Beverly Jennings

Director of Children's Ministries

Beverly Jennings joined the staff at Murdale in October 2009. She and her family have enjoyed membership at Murdale since the late 90's. Bringing her 25 years' experience working in Early Childhood and Children's Education, she now helps MBC reach their goal of showing God's love to all of our young children.  Beverly and her husband, Tim, have 3 daughters: Taylor (& Nathan- parents of Asher & Elsie), Brynn and Kelsie (& Phen).

Paige Watson

Director of Upward Sports Ministries

Paige Watson joined the staff in March of 2020. Paige has attended Murdale since she was a toddler and has grown up participating in Murdale's Upward Cheerleading program. Paige has a passion for reaching the Southern Illinois community with the message of the gospel, as children simultaneously learn basketball and cheerleading skills. Her desire is to see children and their parents come to a realization of the hope and assurance we have in Jesus. She is also a teacher in a local school system. 

Rachel Peters

Administrative Secretary

Rachel rejoined the staff at Murdale in March 2022 as the Administrative Secretary. She served as the Upward Director from June 2013 to March 2020. She has a servant’s heart which helps her as she interacts with staff and those she encounters. Rachel and her husband Scott, have 4 children: Mikayla, Cameron, Karisa and Travis and have been members of the church since 2011.

Stephanie Tanner

Financial Manager

Stephanie joined the staff at Murdale in March 2022.  She has attended MBC since 2006. Stephanie and her husband, Steven, have 2 children: Jillian and Darren.

Cheyenne Porter

Church Custodian