Dr. Shanon L. Thomas
Senior Pastor
Founded in 2004, Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church thrives under the leadership of Dr. Shanon Thomas, who has been at its helm since its inception. Embracing his faith at the tender age of 9, Dr. Thomas embarked on a lifelong journey with Jesus Christ, shaping his path in ministry and service.
Dr. Thomas has an impressive academic background, holding a BS in Business from Texas A&M Commerce, an MA in Christian Leadership, and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Criswell College; he also earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Liberty University.
Dr. Thomas's unwavering commitment to ministry is apparent through his more than three decades of experience in preaching and teaching, during which he has also counseled young adults and married couples. He is a native of Dallas who enjoys reading and honing his swing at the driving range. Dr. Thomas, who has been wedded to Sophia since 1996 and is the father of Zachary, and whose family extends a cordial welcome to you on your visit to Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church, awaits your arrival.
Dr. Thomas has an impressive academic background, holding a BS in Business from Texas A&M Commerce, an MA in Christian Leadership, and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Criswell College; he also earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Liberty University.
Dr. Thomas's unwavering commitment to ministry is apparent through his more than three decades of experience in preaching and teaching, during which he has also counseled young adults and married couples. He is a native of Dallas who enjoys reading and honing his swing at the driving range. Dr. Thomas, who has been wedded to Sophia since 1996 and is the father of Zachary, and whose family extends a cordial welcome to you on your visit to Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church, awaits your arrival.
Dr. Brandon Vestal
Discipleship and Global Impact Pastor
Brandon Vestal joined the leadership team as Student Pastor in 2017. Brandon uses his outgoing and energetic teaching style to provide an avenue for students to truly learn how to be a disciple of Jesus. He desires that teens serve Jesus in action, truly know him and walk with him in their daily lives, and be prepared to give an answer for why they believe.
He earned his B.A. from Howard Payne University and following his undergrad work, he completed his Master’s from University of Texas Arlington. He has spent many years as a history teacher, most recently at Rockwall-Heath High School. In 2022, Brandon completed his doctorate in Educational Administration.
Brandon enjoys spending time outside-- bow hunting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and just being in creation. Brandon’s wife, LaVonda, is an educator also. They have three children: Faith, Judah, and Asha.
He earned his B.A. from Howard Payne University and following his undergrad work, he completed his Master’s from University of Texas Arlington. He has spent many years as a history teacher, most recently at Rockwall-Heath High School. In 2022, Brandon completed his doctorate in Educational Administration.
Brandon enjoys spending time outside-- bow hunting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and just being in creation. Brandon’s wife, LaVonda, is an educator also. They have three children: Faith, Judah, and Asha.
Moses Shillow
Pastoral Care Pastor
Pastor Moses Shillow joined the Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church team as the Pastoral Care Pastor in March 2022. He was no stranger to the pulpit of RFBC, having been entrusted to deliver messages to parishioners occasionally during Sunday morning worship. He also previously served RFBC by volunteering to offer comfort to grieving families and members in need as the Associate Minister of Care and Comfort.
While Pastor Shillow’s career in ministry dates back to the 1970s where he first served as a deacon at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska, his love for God and desire to serve was ingrained in his upbringing as a child in the outskirts of Opelousas, Louisiana.
“Unless you were ill, everyone in our household was in attendance each Sunday,” Shillow said of the least of the requirements his mom and dad had of their family building there own relationship with God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the tender age of six.
“In addition to church attendance, we had Bible reading time, Bible drills and family prayer time on a regular basis. Living out in the country, we had an additional opportunity to sit on the screened porch and sing hymns and other gospel songs. As a result of the above activities, I came to [know] Jesus Christ at an early age.,” he continued.
Pastor Shillow earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA. He also holds a Master of Divinity Degree which he earned from North Carolina Theological Seminary, Clinton, NC. He and his wife of eight years, Ardra, live in Rockwall, TX. Together, they have four children, four grandchildren and a fifth on the way.
While Pastor Shillow’s career in ministry dates back to the 1970s where he first served as a deacon at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska, his love for God and desire to serve was ingrained in his upbringing as a child in the outskirts of Opelousas, Louisiana.
“Unless you were ill, everyone in our household was in attendance each Sunday,” Shillow said of the least of the requirements his mom and dad had of their family building there own relationship with God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the tender age of six.
“In addition to church attendance, we had Bible reading time, Bible drills and family prayer time on a regular basis. Living out in the country, we had an additional opportunity to sit on the screened porch and sing hymns and other gospel songs. As a result of the above activities, I came to [know] Jesus Christ at an early age.,” he continued.
Pastor Shillow earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA. He also holds a Master of Divinity Degree which he earned from North Carolina Theological Seminary, Clinton, NC. He and his wife of eight years, Ardra, live in Rockwall, TX. Together, they have four children, four grandchildren and a fifth on the way.
Meet the team.
LaSandra Conley
Executive Assistant
Email: lconley@rockwallfbc.org
Carolyn Edison
Office Manager
Email: cedison@rockwallfbc.org
Derrick McMillan
Facility Coordinator
dmcmillan@rockwallfbc.org
Brian J. Nickerson
Director of Worship
bnickerson@rockwallfbc.org
Sherí Sullivan Wilson
Director of Operations
swilson@rockwallfbc.org