Dr. David Upchurch

Senior Pastor

E-mail Dr. David Upchurch

Pastor David and his wife Kendra joined joined the Vansickle family in February 2021, after serving for more than 14 years at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston! He has received degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and most recently Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Like many pastor’s kid, he grew up hearing all about Christ and forgiveness–he even walked an aisle to “receive Christ” as a child–however, it wasn’t until many years later, while on a mission trip as a teenager, that he truly gave his life to Jesus. For this reason, he is a firm believer in missions and evangelism. His life verse is 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 — “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.”

Pastor David has a heart to see the Kingdom grow and has been working in ministry for over 30 years to see that happen. He is excited to see God move in the hearts and lives of the members here at VBC, as well as the unreached people of Hunt County!

He and Kendra were high school sweethearts, and have three adult children, of whom they are extremely proud — Aiden, Bryson, and Corinne.

Roger Dawson

Associate Pastor & Pastor of Youth

Roger and his wife Jackie joined the Vansickle Family on August 2, 2006. After visiting for the first time, they instantly felt a kindred bond with the people of VBC and knew God was calling them to serve the students and families of the youth ministry at the church. They have been serving faithfully for more than 15 years now. They have two adult children, Reah and Reagan, who have both graduated out of the youth ministry and are pursuing God’s plan for their lives, each in their own interests.

Roger graduated from North Shore High School and continued his education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, finishing up at Houston Baptist University. He loves spending time with his family, going on bike rides, working out at the gym, preaching in the pulpit when opportunities arise, and hanging out with the youth. Two of his favorite books include, Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund and Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown. One of his favorite things that Jesus said is: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” —Matthew 13:44

Philip Farmer

Director of Music & Education

Philip Farmer and his wife Vonda have grown up in the Vansickle family. In 2013, when the church was faced with looking for another Minister of Music, he volunteered to serve as an interim until the position was filled by whomever God was calling. After getting a taste for leading God’s people in worship, he fell in love with it and began praying whether God might be calling him to fill that position full-time. Soon after, he retired from the City of Greenville and came on board as the Director of Music and Adult Education at VBC.

Philip and Vonda have two grown children, Phoenix and Philip, Jr. He graduated from Caddo Mills High School, and continued his education at Texas A&M University in Commerce. He loves hanging out with his family, occasional fishing trips, performing at the Caddo Mills Opry, and leading worship at Vansickle.

Brandi Cook

Director of Children's Ministry, Preschool & Nursery

Brandi and her husband Greg came to Vansickle in 2011. She has a great love for children and a deep desire to teach, encourage and share the love of Christ with them.

Brandi has three daughters, Abby, Emma, and Mikayla. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a lifetime teaching certificate for elementary and early-childhood education. She is a published author, writing several children’s stories. She has taught in the public school setting for several years and has homeschooled her three daughters.

Mandy Brown

Office Assistant

Mandy has been at Vansickle longer than any other staff member at VBC! She, and her husband, Carl, have grown up here at the church. In the past, she has served in the preschool and nursery areas, but is now serving as the office assistant for the church. She is a huge asset to the Vansickle family as she helps in varied roles within the church office throughout the week.

Mandy graduated from Greenville High School and continued her education at Collin County Community College.

Colleen Ray

Admin & Financial Secretary

Colleen joined VBC in 2020 and then came on staff in September 0f 2021. She brings a wide variety of experience and skills to the office, as well as a heart for people.