Our Pastor & Staff

Our Pastor & Staff

Dr. Gary & Betty Randall

Senior Pastor


Pastor & Mrs. Randall came to us in September of 2000 after accepting the unanimous call of the 17 remaining members of Elmwood Baptist Church. The church had fallen on extremely hard times, and with nearly a quarter million dollars of debt was facing foreclosure within 8 months of Pastor Randall’s arrival.


Many miracles have taken place since 2000 as the Lord has blessed the faith of the people of EBC as they rolled up their sleeves and began the work of reaching the lost for Christ, baptizing them on their professions of Faith in Christ and then teaching and grounding them through a Christ Centered Biblical Ministry.


EBC has moved steadily forward in establishing several ministries specifically designed for various age groups, with the goal being to reach souls for Christ, and teaching them to reach others!


Today hundreds of people call EBC their “Church Home”, and decisions for Christ are made every week! When asked “How did Elmwood Baptist turn around?” Pastor always praises the Lord and says “3 things God will always bless and honor: Preaching the Word, Praying in Faith, and Witnessing to the Lost. It is Biblically guaranteed to bring success.


Pastor & Betty have been married for 52 years, and have 43 years of ministry together. God has blessed them with 5 children; 4 are awaiting them in Heaven, and their oldest daughter Chassidy with her husband Tim, Pastor the Florence Baptist Church in Florence Montana. God has also blessed the Randall’s with 5 beautiful grandchildren, Lorissa, Justin, Jonathon, Cherith & Brandon, and 16 Great-grandchildren.


Pastor’s life verse is I Corinthians 10:13,


“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”


We have dedicated a page to Dr. Randall & Betty’s amazing testimony, From Behind Bars to Behind the Pulpit.

Pastor Chris & Lori Knutsen

Music Director/Outreach Evangelism


Pastor & Mrs. Knutsen joined the Staff at Elmwood Baptist Church in December 2000 and is in charge of the music ministries, Out-Reach Evangelism, and the “Abundant Life” Adult Bible Class on Sunday, and the “Foundations Class” on Thursdays.


The Knutsen’s have been used of the Lord in building and directing Church Music Ministries for more than 30 years. They have served with Pastor & Mrs. Randall since 1995, where they have lead very Christ centered and dynamic Music and Youth Ministries in Montana and Colorado.


The Knutsen’s have been blessed with 3 children; Amber, Kim and CJ. Kim and her husband, Chris, pastor Horizon Baptist Church in Thornton, Colorado and have also given the Knutsen’s 2 beautiful grandchildren, David & Jaqilyn. CJ. and his wife Brandi, are assisting Chris and Kim is this church plant, and have a given a 3rd grandchild Jethro.


On June 8, 2000, the Knutsen’s oldest daughter, Amber, was tragically killed in a triple fatality automobile accident. At her funeral at least 15 people were saved. The Lord has continued to use her to reach others for His glory. You can read her testimony on Amber’s tribute page.


“I have seen his ways and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him…” Isaiah 57:8

Pastor Brandon & Meghan Bowser

Associate Pastor/Bus Ministry /  Junior Church


Pastor & Mrs. Bowser joined the Staff at Elmwood Baptist Church in December 2019.    Pastor Bowser is in charge of the Bus Ministry and Junior Church Ministry  at Elmwood Baptist Church.  They teach 7th-12th grades in Elmwood Baptist Academy and also the Brighton High School Bible Club.   On Thursday they teach the Foundations.    


The Bowser’s love Elmwood, and are excited for the future of this ministry. They have served in the ministry for over 17 years, in the Chicago area, California and  Alabama, before God led them to Elmwood.


Pastor Bowser and his wife have been blessed by God with 1 child, and are trusting that God will grow their family as HE sees fit.


“I have seen his ways and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him…” Isaiah 57:8

Pastor Ben & Amber

Assistant Pastor / Out-Reach Evangelism / Walk Worthy College & Career Bible Class / Brookdale Assisted Living Sunday Service /  Thursday Living Scripture Bible Class


Pastor Ben & Amber joined the staff at Elmwood Baptist Church in February 2022. Pastor Ben leads the Out-Reach Evangelism ministry, the “Walk Worthy” College & Careers Bible Class, as well as, the Brookdale Assisted Living Services on Sundays, and the “Living Scripture” Bible Class on Thursdays.


Pastor Ben & Amber both trusted the Lord as their Saviour through the ministry of Elmwood Baptist Church. In October of 2012, they transferred their membership from Elmwood Baptist Church to help start Horizon Baptist Church, a new church plant out of Elmwood. 


After nearly 7 years assisting the church plant, God moved them back to Elmwood Baptist to begin formal training for the ministry.


The Lord has blessed them with 1 son who loves to play baseball. Following many years of praying for more children, God gave them peace that His way is perfect, and their family is complete.


“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Rick & Shannon Lopez

Elmwood Baptist Academy Administrator / EBC Security Director/ Jesus FirstYouth Ministry / Men's Retreat Director / EBC Financial Director


Rick Lopez and his wife Shannon have been serving as ministry leaders with the Jesus First Youth for the last 4 years. 


Rick is  the Administrator of Elmwood Baptist  Academy,  and the church Security Director.  He also Directs the Annual "Be a Real Man" Men's Retreat. 


The Lopez' have faithfully serving at Elmwood for 13 years. In addition, Mrs. Lopez serves as the church Financial Director. 


Together with their 6 children the Lopez family has worked to serve Christ & Elmwood in any way possible.


We pray that God blesses them for years to come here at Elmwood Baptist Church.


"For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." Romans 11:36

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