About Us

I grew up in Lake Station, Indiana, just 40 miles east of Chicago. My parents were from western Kentucky and had gone north for work in the early 50’s. Growing up in a devoted Christian home is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I trusted Christ as my Savior in November of 1963. After graduating High School in 1973, I was employed at Bethlehem Steel Company. It was during this time that I realized the Lord’s call in my life to the ministry. After a two-year struggle, I surrendered to preach in 1975. Not long after, I knew the Lord had a specific place in mind for me and I surrendered to the mission field of Japan.

I began Deputation in 1977, and it was at one of the first Mission’s Conferences that I attended, at Rodgers Baptist Church in Garland, Texas, where I met the young lady that would, in a year’s time, become my wife.

Lynnetta had grown up here in Leagueville Baptist Church and was with her Youth Group that was also attending the conference. On July 28th of the following year, we were married in this Church. As you can see, we have deep roots here at LBC.

On March 3rd of 1979, we left Chicago O’Hare Field for Japan, where we spent 10 wonderful years ministering to the Japanese people and where Bethel Baptist Church was established under the authority of this Church.

We have been blessed with five children of whom we are very proud. Justin, our oldest, received his Master’s in Architecture from Texas A&M and along with his wife, Beth, serves as our Youth Pastor. Beth is a very talented artist and is also an art teacher in our area. Along with his other duties, Justin continues to do architectural work for Amber DiLane Homes in Athens, as well as financial planning. He is a certified Dave Ramsey instructor and has a passion to help people to approach their finances from a Biblical perspective.

Our second son, Jason, attended Stephen F. Austin, where he met his

wife, Keri. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, then went on to The Ohio State University where he received his Master’s Degree. He and Keri live in Columbus, Ohio with their twin girls, Lyndon and Meryl, born in 2013, and Naomi, born in 2017, where he works for Chemical Abstracts Service.

Joshua, our third son graduated from Texas A&M with a Sports Management degree. He is the Athletic Director for Christian Heritage School in Longview. His wife, Virginia, is an Elementary School teacher in Hallsville.

Our only daughter, Amanda Jill, also graduated from Texas A&M. She is a very gifted graphic designer, photographer, and event planner. She teaches Graphic Design at Texas A&M, and is married to her Husband Wade.

Our youngest son, Jared, graduated from Texas A&M and is now pursuing his MBA from West Texas A&M.

After returning from Japan in 1989, I was invited to work in this Church as Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor until 1993, when we moved to Western Kentucky and pastored the Unity Baptist Church in Mayfield. In January of 1995 I received the call to return to LBC as pastor.

During this time, Lynnetta, along with raising several young children, returned to school and received her teaching degree. After teaching two years in Eustace, she came to Brownsboro Elementary School, where she continues to teach today. We are thankful to be part of this wonderful community, thankful that we could raise our children here, and thankful for a loving and caring Church Family that has allowed us to be part of their lives.

Thankfully; 

Bragdon Sig