Bruce Wareing began serving as interim pastor of First Baptist Oak Ridge on August 9,
2026. He is a licensed and ordained Southern Baptist minister with a heart for pastoral
care, congregational ministry, and service to the wider community. Before coming to
First Baptist Oak Ridge, Dr. Wareing served as a chaplain with the Veterans Health
Administration and participated in overseas missions prior to his chaplaincy ministry. He
earned his Doctorate from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee, and holds
both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty Baptist Seminary
in Lynchburg, Virginia.
On a personal note, Dr. Wareing is grateful for the opportunity to serve First Baptist Oak
Ridge and looks forward to walking alongside the congregation and community in faith,
encouragement, and love. His pastoral aspiration is reflected in 1 Timothy 1:5: “But the
goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere
faith.” He warmly welcomes the opportunity to get to know you, worship with you, and
serve with you in the days ahead.