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As the rows of pews inside First Baptist Church of Atmore’s sanctuary flow behind him, John Stuckey looks right at home.

Stuckey, a Mobile native, was named the church’s minister of worship and families on May 1. This is the first time the church has had two fulltime ministers on staff in 20 years, FBC Pastor Dr. Kevin Garrett said.

Stuckey had been in ministry for more than 30 years, serving at churches in north Mississippi, Georgia, Prattville and Saraland.

Stuckey said what got him into ministry was working with the youth ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland.

“I was an intern during the summer, and felt the Lord calling me through working there in the youth ministry,” Stuckey said.

Stuckey said he’s excited to be at FBC Atmore, can’t wait to get to know the families here and to work with the children’s and youth ministers.

In his role at FBC, Stuckey will be in charged of putting together music for Sundays, working with musicians, the choir and developing the worship services.

“And a lot of discipleship as well,” he added.

Being called at FBC’s second fulltime minister is a big responsibility, Stuckey said.

“It’s a big responsibility, leading a church in worship and picking out the songs people want to sing,” he said. “Not only the right songs, but the songs people can use in their own time of worship, and sing the songs we sing at church every week.”

When asked why he thinks God called him to lead churches in worship and ministry, Stuckey said he believes God has given him a talent He wants him to use.

“I enjoyed working with the youth, but in as far as music, I think he’s given me a talent and I don’t think he wanted me to waste it on something else besides using it for Him,” he said.

Stuckey is married to Christie, and the coupe has two daughters, Malorie Parker and Hannah Taylor; along with three grandchildren, Hayes, Jack and John Evan.