Our pulpit minister is Donnie DeBord. Donnie served the Ripley church of Christ from 2011-2014 and returned in 2022. Donnie is married to Jessie of Iuka, MS. They were married in 2005 and have been blessed with three children. Sophie, Timmy, and Evie. Jessie completed a BA and a MA in counseling from FHU. She has worked for mental health agencies but now is a full-time Mom. The DeBord family enjoys being with their church family and trips to Disney or Universal.

Donnie’s hobbies include collecting Bibles and theology books, spending time with his family, encouraging younger ministers, writing, eating Chick-fil-A, cooking with his Pit Boss smokers, and driving his family to Disney World.

Donnie graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Bible. He then completed the Master of New Testament and Master of Divinity degrees from FHU. Just a few years later, Donnie was accepted to Midwestern Seminary at the Spurgeon College in Kansas City, MO. Donnie completed the Master of Theology in Systematic Theology and Pedagogy and then earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology. His dissertation, A Chalcedonian Critique of Neo-Apollinarianism, was completed under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Barrett and Dr. Shawn Wilhite in 2022.

While serving the church, Donnie continues to serve as Professor of Systematic Theology and the E. Claude and Delores Gardner Chair of Biblical Excellence at Freed-Hardeman University. Donnie teaches students enrolled in undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and the new Doctor of Ministry. Donnie also serves on the annual FHU Lectureship Committee and has been a panelist on the Open Forum for three years. Donnie loves to participate in personal Bible studies, Gospel Meetings, Youth Rallies, and academic conferences as well.