Meet our Pastor and Staff
Pastor Randy Clark
Randy Clark was born in 1961 in Melrose Park, IL. His parents were faithful to church, and he was taught Biblical principles early in life. At the age of eleven, he trusted Christ as his Savior with the help of an old saint, Mr. Hartley, who plainly explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ to him using I John 3:12. At the age of sixteen while travelling with Evangelist Dr. Paul Cates, God placed the desire to preach the Word in Randy’s heart. He then committed his future to God to do whatever He wanted him to do. After graduating from Marquette Manor Baptist Academy in Downers Grove, IL, Randy attended Bob Jones University where he completed his B.A. in Bible and many years later his Master of Ministries. Randy met his wife Melanae at Bob Jones University where she was majoring in Music Education. They were married in August 1983.
In 1988 the Lord moved the Clarks to Jacksonville, FL to teach at Victory Christian Academy until 1990. After a short time as an assistant pastor at Maranatha Baptist Church in Joliet, IL, they moved to Calvary Baptist Church of Huntsville, AL. Randy served as assistant pastor with responsibilities of church music and Christian school administration for almost 5 years. In July of 1996 Pastor Clark accepted the call of the congregation of First Baptist Church of Goodells, MI where he served as senior pastor for almost 20 years. Melanae has served alongside her husband in the areas of women’s ministries, counseling, teaching, and music. The Clarks are happy to be back “home” in Illinois and serving the Lord with the believers of First Baptist Church of Palos Hills. The Clarks have four grown children: Jennifer Douglass (Joel), Sarah Smith (Joshua), Kristen Baisley (Ryan) and Tyler Clark. They also have five grandchildren.
A verse of Scripture that God uses regularly to direct Pastor Clark’s focus in his ministry is Paul’s instruction to Titus in Titus 1:9…
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
David Horner
David Horner and his wife, Vicky, graduated from Bob Jones University in 1985, Dave’s degree in Music Education and Vicky’s in Elementary Education. The family first moved to Sumter, South Carolina where David taught high school science, math, English, and music, but also worked as the church music and choir director. The Lord moved the Horner’s to northern Illinois to help with the establishment and building of Maranatha Baptist Church in Grayslake, IL. In the mid 1990’s, David took on the role of full time minister of music at First Baptist Church, Danville, IL. While serving as the minister of music, David also worked with the elementary through high school choirs and bands. Eventually, the Lord brought the Horner’s back to the church Vicky grew up in and where Dave and Vicky were married, First Baptist Church of Palos Hills. Since 2003, David has served as CIA Youth Director and Music Director at the church. Dave’s passions for youth and music enhance the ministry of FBC. His wife, Vicky, serves alongside Dave in ministering to our teens.
Mandy Pusung
Mandy and his wife Yollie have a burden for the Filipino people. Mandy leads our Filipino Sunday School hour which takes place every Sunday after our Sunday morning service. The Filipino Home Bible Study started in the early 1990’s. By the grace of God they have grown from the original four adults to about 90 members including children. On March 2, 1998 the Filipino Sunday School Class was started. Their goal is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Their mission is to reach the lost, to help people know Christ by sharing His love and His compassion. All who attend Filipino Sunday School are invited to stay for lunch afterwards.
