Dr. Perstrope joined the First Baptist Church staff as Senior Pastor in June 2012. He grew up south of St. Louis in Arnold, Missouri. Buddy has served as a Senior Pastor for over 20 years in churches in Mississippi and Georgia. He also served as a Children’s Minister for five years, including three years at FBC of Arnold. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN. Buddy and Juli met at church and were married in 1993. Juli’s father, James Plymale, is the Director of Missions in Franklin County. Buddy loves being a husband and dad, a pastor, and passionate preacher. Juli loves ministering to her family as a homemaker and serving in ministry alongside Buddy. They have four boys: Luke, Joel, Micah and Joshua – who like to laugh a lot, play music & sports, and be involved in missions and ministry.
