Anthony Foster, spent his early childhood observing and walking in his father’s footsteps of becoming a gifted orator and preacher. A master at integrating metaphors into his sermons, with sound biblical doctrines, is a testament of his father’s teachings which Anthony understood at a young age.
Anthony’s father always told him, “son, you got the burning, but you got to get the learning.” Even though Anthony had the gift of preaching and a natural musical talent, his father demanded that he use his “burning” gift to further his education. After graduating from the Richardson Independent School District, Anthony enrolled in the Southern Bible Institute focusing his educational endeavors on Biblical Studies. Additionally, he did further research and studies at the Tyndale Theological Seminary, Criswell College and Louisiana Baptist University with emphasis in Christian Education and Pastoral Leadership. With his father’s guidance, the encouragement of his older sibling brother, Gregory Foster, and his courses of study, Anthony developed a solid and strategic foundation base in ministerial preparation, planning and leadership, all key elements to do greater Kingdom Building work for First Church. His studies allowed him the opportunity to pursue his purpose and passion with collaborative work as a Minister and the joy of music from the pulpit. In the pulpit, one can see and feel the power of his anointing with his music ministry gift when he turns from the pulpit podium faces the choir and directs them as a part of the music worship service.
The Dallas, Texas native has been preaching the Gospel and ministering to hundreds of people, the church and unclenched, for almost three decades. His ministry parallels a “revival” expository approach, allowing him an independent, spiritually and organizational perspective of a Bible teaching ministry. Pastor Tony, as he is often referred to by First Church parishioners, has an approach which is straightforward, in your face, biblical application which unifies Christians to praise, worship and rejoice.
After the death of his father in February 2003, Anthony joined his brother as Pastor in continuing their parent’s legacy at First Church. Under Pastor Tony’s leadership, there is a common thread for First Church to impact its parishioners and the community it serves by preparing Godly believers for the coming of Christ.
Dedicated to those who are interested in unifying a Bible based ministry, Pastor Tony’s greatest desire is summed up in Jim Elliot’s quote, “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.”
He is survived by his four daughters, Latrice Irwin, Jennifer Foster, Whitney Foster and Taylor Foster all of Dallas, Texas; and brother, Dr. Gregory Foster of Allen, Texas.
Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. J. Lee and Annie Pearl Foster; sister, Essie Foster; and mother of his children, Sandra Howard Foster
A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park 300 E. Phillips, Richardson, Texas 75081. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park in Richardson, Texas