James W. Knox Founding Pastor
James W. Knox was born February 26, 1958 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
He received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior on December 17, 1976 and began to preach the word of God in November of the following year.
Brother James is the founding pastor of THE BIBLE Baptist Church of DeLand, Florida. He has recorded expository teaching on all 66 books of the Bible and thousands of hours of topical studies—all available via our website. He has also authored dozens of books and pamphlets, with over 1.5 million copies in print. These books have translated into many languages and have been encouragement to untold numbers around the world.
He and Lilian have been happily married since August 1982.
We would ask you to remember Brother James with the words of Romans 15:30...
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.
— Romans 15:30
David A. Brown Co-Pastor
Pastor David A. Brown came to us some years ago from Sweet Springs Baptist Church in Ardmore, Alabama. David was born in Alexandria, Virginia and grew up in north Alabama, where he was raised in a Christian home and saved at an early age. He began preaching God’s word as a teenager under the influence and spiritual leadership of Pastor Joel Logan. He earned a business degree from Liberty University before moving to Florida to attend The DeLand School of THE BIBLE.
During his Bible school training, he served in many areas of ministry within the church while working for an area title company. In 2007 we were able to take him on to work with our youth and assist the pastor in all aspects of service related to our church. Brother David is a fine Christian, a ready expositor, and a true asset to our work.
David and Lauren were married in December of 2006. They have three beautiful daughters, Riley Grace, Caroline Elizabeth, and Madelyn Kate.
Kyle Hillman Youth Pastor
Youth Pastor Kyle Hillman was born in Trenton, New Jersey and grew up in Cherry Valley, Illinois. He was raised in a Christian home and was saved in December of 2012 at the age of 15. Realizing his need to learn God’s word, he enrolled in The DeLand School of THE BIBLE in June of 2014. While in school he met his wife, Audrey. After graduation, the Hillmans spent four years serving in youth ministry in Virginia before returning to THE BIBLE Baptist Church in March of 2023. We were pleased to add Brother Kyle Hillman as a part-time staff member in January of 2025, working primarily with our teens.
Kyle and Audrey were married in September of 2018 and have been blessed with three children: Owen, Natalie, and Charity.
Edward Wirth Office Manager
Our Office Manager Edward F. Wirth, Jr. was born in Landshul, Germany on an Army base but grew up in Killeen, Texas, where his soul was saved by believing that Christ died for his sins and rose again the third day. He was discipled at Victory Baptist Church under Pastor Mickey Robinson and Pastor Erick Knight. Having developed a passion for witnessing and street preaching, the Lord directed him to The DeLand School of THE BIBLE in 2008, where he graduated in May of 2015.
Brother Ed joined our staff as Office Manager in November of 2012. In addition to the long list of administrative duties he handles for our local ministry, he is the first point of contact for the many who contact us in a variety of ways each week with a Bible question or some other need.
Ed and Becky were married in August of 2003. They have one wonderful daughter, Alexxi.
Brother Ed hosts a Bible Q&A session every Monday evening on his “KJV Bible Scope” channels. He is the author of a new book, Romans 1:19 Apologetics – an evangelistic tool to reach the lost and a witnessing tool to help the saved. View the promotional video or purchase the book.