About > Our Staff

First Baptist Brookline would not be possible without the hardworking staff that oversee the day to day business of our church.

Dan Swadley led the worship for Brookline for 12 years before being called as Pastor.

My life's calling is to serve my Lord Jesus in whatever capacity he has for me. I do not care what the title is as long as I am in HIS service. I received my ordination in 1983. My full-time job is computer teacher for the Republic R3 School District, Republic, MO. I am also an adjunct professor for Drury University (seated and online classes for the last 12 years) and Missouri State University, both in Springfield, MO. The love of my life is my wife, Julie. She teaches at Fair Grove High School and also at Drury University. She runs the multimedia during worship services at Brookline. Our son, Jason, is attending Brown University in Rhode Island.

Churches are not trophy cases but hospitals where people go to find help, hope and happiness. Brookline Baptist Church is the kind of church where you will find a welcome and warm reception. Our visitors are treated like HONORED GUESTS. Our members enjoy worshipping and loving the Lord Jesus. We have many different programs and activities for all ages.

Please free to email me if you have any questions at: pastordan@swadley.com or call the church office at 417-864-8521

Growing up in Texas in a Baptist family that attended church regularly, I had been a “good and faithful” church member for many years. During my junior year of high school at a winter retreat, I came to the realization that I had never actually received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord and been forgiven of my sins.

After making sure of my salvation and following in believer’s baptism God began impressing on my heart the fact that He had given me much that could be used in His service. I felt compelled to give up “my plans” of becoming an architect to follow a higher calling of serving God. I came to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri graduating with my major in music ministry. After marrying a sweet young girl who had joined my home church we entered into ministry together. Through the years serving the Lord we have been privileged to work with many fine men and women of God as we ministered in churches.

We have four children: 2 are married - our son Jeff, Chrystal and Levi in the Phoenix area and our daughter Mindy, Brandon and Gideon in Republic. Our second son Greg works for Wal-Mart. Greg and our fourth son Matt and both live with us at home. Carolyn, my wife, is a Realtor with HomeTeam Properties in Ozark.

I feel that worship can prepare hearts and minds to better hear and absorb the Word of God and that is the basis of music that ministers. I count it a great honor and privilege to have spent my years serving God through music and church ministry.