Pastor-Teacher Terry L. Wells, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, is deeply devoted to ministering and delivering the Word of God to His people for His glory. Reflecting the apostles' commitment to prayer and ministry of the Word in Acts 6:4, Pastor Wells' journey began at 16 when he embraced Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in 1986. Graduating from Memorial High School in Tulsa in 1989, he went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant with the prestigious "Defense Meritorious Service Medal."
During his 20-year military career, Pastor Wells received orders leading him to New Bethel Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, where under Pastor Paul A.W. McKery's guidance, he delivered his inaugural sermon and was licensed to preach on May 21, 2000, he was ordained by Rev. Paul A.W. McKery at Palma Ceia Baptist Church in Hayward, CA on May 28, 2006.
With over 24 years of preaching experience, Pastor Wells diligently fulfills his role as a Servant Leader by equipping believers for ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12. His commitment to expository preaching, dissecting Scripture verse by verse, has been evident during his tenures as Senior Pastor-Teacher at Camp McTureous Chapel in Okinawa, Japan, and 29 Palms Chapel Service in 29 Palms, California.
Transitioning to First Baptist Church, Pastor Wells initially served as an Associate Minister under Pastor Connor Robinson Jr. from August 2008 to February 2016. In May 2017, he assumed the role of Interim Pastor, ultimately accepted God’s call to become the Pastor on November 4, 2017.
Pastor Wells' leadership at First Baptist Church of Perris is characterized by a dedication to spiritual growth and community service, as described in (Gal. 5:22-23). These values can be embraced by Christians, nurtured, and spread to their Children, their Church, their Co-workers, their Community, our Country, and around the world. By remaining connected to Christ and having Christ within us, believers will produce abundant Spiritual fruit, as outlined in (John 15:1-8).
Alongside Lady Wells, he has taken the lead in driving initiatives such as naming the modular building in tribute to the late Pastor Conner Robinson Jr., perpetuating the Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway, and organizing clothing and food drives for the homeless community in Perris.
Under Pastor Wells' guidance, First Baptist Church has expanded its outreach through various Auxiliaries and partnerships with non-profit organizations. Collaborative efforts with City of Perris Councilman David Rabb and other entities have led to significant improvements in the church infrastructure, including renovations, landscaping, and community engagement projects.
Pastor Wells has nurtured a family legacy, celebrating his enduring marriage with First Lady Shadelle Wells for over 32 years and cherishing their roles as parents to Terae Wells, Aalyiah Perry, and grandparents to six grandchildren.
Their unwavering dedication to the congregation and the wider community exemplifies the Wells family's commitment to serving faithfully at First Baptist Church of Perris.
