Our Staff
Get to know the staff at First Baptist Bridge City
MEET OUR STAFF
KEITH ROYAL
PASTOR
Pastor Keith Royal accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at age 25 and surrendered to preach God’s Word soon afterwards, beginning his pastoral ministry while a student at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth. Keith retired from pastoral ministry in 2016 after more than 20 years serving, but came out of retirement in 2019 to serve as Interim Pastor at FBCBC. Later in 2019, Keith accepted God's call to serve as full-time pastor. Keith and wife Cheryl have been married since 1990 and have three adult children. Keith’s desire is to communicate the truths of God’s Word in a clear, understandable way and with the convicting power of God’s Holy Spirit. Keith loves mission work and has participated in a number of mission efforts around the world to help take the gospel to all nations.
CODY DOWDEN
YOUTH MINISTER
Cody Dowden came to faith in Jesus Christ in 1993 and accepted God's call into ministry in 2005. Cody and wife, Sara, desire to lead students to know Christ personally, grow in their faith deeply, and boldly share the gospel in their everyday lives. Their desire is to create an environment where students encounter God through His Word, build authentic relationships, and develop a faith that is both rooted and active. Cody has a Masters of Theological Studies from Liberty University and he and Sara began serving at FBCBC in 2026.
[Pictured: Sara and Cody Dowden]
BILLY PRUITT
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Billy Pruitt began serving as Music Director at FBCBC in 2024. A believer in Jesus Christ for more than 54 years, Billy was called by God to music ministry more than 51 years ago. Billy and wife, Pam, married for more than 50 years, work as a team preparing a worship service each week that they desire to be God-led and honor Jesus Christ. Billy and Pam have two sons and five grandchildren.
[Pictured: Pam and Billy Pruitt]
PAT RICKENBRODE
CHURCH AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Pat began working at FBCBC in 1987, filling numerous positions at the church during this time. Pat feels called to serve at FBCBC and enjoys assisting the church in reaching its purpose and mission of spreading the gospel in the community. Pat was married to her late husband, Randy, for nearly 45 years. She has two sons, three wonderful grandsons, and two beautiful granddaughters.
VELMA THERIOT
CUSTODIAN
Velma began serving FBCBC as custodian in 1990 after retiring from Food Service at Bridge City ISD after 27 years service. Velma accepted Christ when she was thirty and her favorite verses are Philippians 2:3 and 4:13. She considers her work a blessing and is honored to serve at FBCBC. Velma was married to her late husband, Robert, for more than 40 years. Velma has two adult children and seven grandchildren.
THELMA WHEELIS
NURSERY COORDINATOR
Thelma began serving as Nursery Coordinator in 2016.