Rev. Talon Keeney serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Gatesville, where he has the privilege of shepherding the church in the very community where he was raised. A native of Gatesville, Texas, Talon graduated from Gatesville ISD and has a deep love for the people and community that helped shape his life and faith.

Talon came to faith in Christ as a young boy at Children’s Camp at Latham Springs Baptist Encampment in Aquilla, Texas. From an early age he sensed God’s call to ministry, and at just 19 years old he began serving as Youth and Music Minister at First Baptist Church of Evant. In that role he invested in the spiritual lives of students while leading the church in worship and discipleship.

Following his time in local church ministry, Talon served with the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area as Associate Director. In that role he worked alongside pastors and ministry leaders across Central Texas, supporting and encouraging more than 110 Baptist churches. His work focused on strengthening churches, equipping leaders, and advancing the mission of the gospel throughout the region.

In January 2026, Talon was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Gatesville. Returning to pastor the church in his hometown has been both a calling and a great personal joy. His ministry is centered on faithfully preaching God’s Word, strengthening the local church, and helping people grow in a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. He is deeply committed to the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel, and the mission of making disciples.

Talon is married to his wife, Josalyne, and together they have one son, Shepherd. He considers being a husband and father one of God’s greatest blessings. The Keeney family is grateful to serve Christ and His church in the Gatesville community.

Sarah Hukel is the Office Manager of First Baptist Church of Gatesville, Texas. Sarah began her work at FBCG in 2019 as the ProPresenter technician and quickly fell in love with the people and the church. God had bigger plans and called her to serve in the church office in 2020. Sarah manages the day-to-day operations of the church as well as serves the FBCG family. Sarah truly enjoys her time at the church and takes pride in what God has called her to do. 

Prior to FBCG she spent time working as an administrative assistant for a construction company, a salesclerk at a local boutique, and most importantly before that, was a stay-at-home mom.

Sarah is a Gatesville native and a 2009 graduate of Gatesville High School. Sarah has been married to Nick Hukel, also a Gatesville native and lifelong member of FBCG, since 2012. Together they have one son, Colt. As a family, they enjoy going hunting, attending concerts and MLB games, and spending time at home with their two dogs, Buck, a Brittany and Nugget, a mini/toy Aussie.