Meet Our Leadership
Get to know the people who serve, lead, and help guide our church family as we seek to follow Jesus Christ together.
Leading with Faith.
Serving with Purpose.
At Francis Baptist Church, we believe leadership begins with a heart for serving Jesus Christ and caring for His people.
Our pastors, staff, and ministry leaders work together to encourage spiritual growth, teach God’s Word, and help our church family grow stronger in faith and fellowship.
Through preaching, teaching, discipleship, and everyday acts of service, our desire is to point people toward Christ and faithfully carry out the mission of His church.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45 (NASB)Get to Know Our Team
We invite you to meet the individuals who help lead and serve Francis Baptist Church. Each plays an important role in the life and ministry of our church family.
Bro. Randy Beals
Hello! My name is Randy Beals, and I have the privilege of serving as Senior Pastor of Francis Baptist Church in Palatka, Florida. My wife, Laurie, and I are blessed with two sons, Jacob (Crista) and Jackson.
I began serving as pastor of Francis Baptist Church on August 24, 2025. My personal relationship with Christ began on October 15, 1977, when I asked Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. In September 1990, I surrendered to God’s call to preach.
I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree through Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who have Jesus and those who need Him.
Francis Baptist Church exists to introduce people to their Savior and help them grow in their relationship with Him. That is the heart behind everything we do.
We would be honored to have you join us for any of our services or activities. You can also connect with us through Facebook, our website, or YouTube.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. Please come visit and give us the opportunity to get to know you!
Travis Bale
A lifelong resident of Palatka, Travis Bale serves as the director of SALT College and Career at Francis Baptist Church. He has a heart for helping young adults develop a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and grow in their knowledge of God’s Word.
Through SALT, Travis is passionate about encouraging young people to not only strengthen their personal relationship with Christ but also put their faith into action by sharing the Gospel and reaching others.
Helping the next generation grow in their knowledge of Christ and His Word, and encouraging them to use that knowledge to reach others.
Outside of his ministry at Francis Baptist, Travis works for Seminole Electric. He and his wife, Paula, have two daughters.
Justin & Brittani Philips
Justin and Brittani Philips serve together as the directors of Unashamed Student Ministry at Francis Baptist Church. With a shared love for the Lord and a heart for young people, they are passionate about helping students grow in their faith and develop a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Justin works as an engineer, while Brittani works in the Putnam County School System. Together, they dedicate their time to encouraging, teaching, and building relationships with the students involved in Unashamed Student Ministry.
Their ministry gathers every Wednesday evening for fellowship and spiritual growth, along with special activities and events throughout the year.
Their heart is to see every student come to know Christ, grow in love for Him, and faithfully serve Him.
Justin and Brittani love their students and are committed to creating an environment where young people feel welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to live out their faith.
Scott Coulliette
Scott Coulliette serves as the Men’s Ministry Director at Francis Baptist Church, where he helps bring men together through Bible study, Christian fellowship, and opportunities to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
In addition to leading Men’s Ministry, Scott serves as a lay preacher and is the owner and operator of Scott’s Upholstery.
Through a variety of studies and fellowship gatherings, Scott helps create opportunities for men to connect, encourage one another, and strengthen their walk with the Lord.
Bringing men together to grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and encourage one another in their walk with Christ.
Tonya Whitehurst
Tonya Whitehurst serves as the Women’s Ministry Director at Francis Baptist Church, where she leads Woven Women’s Ministries. Through this ministry, she helps create opportunities for women of all ages to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, build meaningful friendships, and encourage one another in their faith.
Woven Women’s Ministries offers a variety of Bible studies and fellowship opportunities throughout the year, along with women’s retreats and conferences. These gatherings are designed to bring ladies together for spiritual growth, encouragement, and lasting connections within the church family.
Bringing women of all ages together through faith, fellowship, and a shared desire to grow closer to Christ.
Outside of her ministry at Francis Baptist, Tonya works for the Putnam County School District. She and her husband, Ron, have four children.
