Dr. Wesley Yates
Associate Pastor for Senior Adults & Counseling
wyates@fbcfwb.org


Dr. Wesley Yates, First Baptist’s Associate Pastor and Minister of Senior Adults and Counseling, loves the Lord and loves to see others grow closer to Christ. He has been with First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach since 1982. During his service at First Baptist, he has also served as Youth Minister and Administrator.

Dr. Yates is a graduate of Mississippi College where he received a BA in Religious Education. His education also includes a Master of Divinity (1973) and a Doctorate of Ministry (1989) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

As the Minister of Senior Adults, Dr. Yates strives to keep First Baptist’s senior adults very active, with an on the move Senior Adult Ministry. This ministry provides senior adults with opportunities to attend special conferences and trips throughout the year. Also a part of his ministry, Wes uses his counseling skills to assist others with various counseling needs including grief and marriage counseling.

Wes and his wife, Polly, were married in 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida. They have one son, Nathan, who also lives in Fort Walton Beach. Polly, in addition to being a Registered Nurse is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She counsels from a Christian perspective. She has been serving as a counselor since 1992. Polly also serves as a church Greeter.

Wes's favorite verse is Isaiah 49:15… “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”