Leadership Team:
Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
Senior Pastor Rick and Deanne Mulkins
Rick and Deanne have been ministering for many years in the Springfield and Central Illinois area, mostly as independents and unsupported by any outside agency. Recently they were running a well-attended mid-week worship and Bible study service called Lighthouse Ministries; in 2021 they asked First Baptist if we could host their service in our building, which we were happy to help out with. Subsequently, the Mulkins joined First Baptist in early 2022 (they came from Southern Baptist roots long ago), and on March 6 Rick was ordained as associate pastor. Subsequently on September 11, 2022 Rick was installed as our new senior pastor.
Associate Pastor John and Laurie Snyder
Pastor John has been active in FBC since 2002 as Vacation Bible School volunteer, Sunday School teacher, Director of Education, and Deacon before his ordination as a pastor in December 2017. He is passionate about teaching, writing, ministering to individuals–and Laurie. Laurie organizes the PowerPoint, worship and sound experience on Sunday mornings and teaches in the children’s Sunday school.
Associate Pastor Jim and Debbie Finn
Pastor Jim serves on several church teams and leads up the trustees. He and his wife Debbie have been members at First Baptist since 2006. Debbie serves in our Hospitality ministry and Jim is currently involved in continuous studies to further his education. He loves cooking out and being involved with the youth and children during activities.
Pastor Emeritus Mike and Brenna Henderson
Mike has a passion for carefully unpacking the truths of Scripture and for discipleship ministry. He served at First Baptist Church from September 2011 until May 2021. He and his wife Brenna have two daughters, Mika and Gracey.
In the spring of 2015 Pastor Mike’s book was released “The Sifted Generation, Tested, tried and Found True.” This book testifies of the trials that the modern church is now facing and the reasons why. It is available at the local Barnes and Noble in Springfield and online everywhere.
In 2011 Mike released his first book, “Those Who are Wise Will Shine! Understanding the Work of God in Your Redemption.” This is a book that continues to reach out as it teaches the sovereign work of God in keeping the bloodline of God’s chosen people pure through “The Redemptive Thread.” Pastor Mike writes: “From Creation to the Cross-and beyond, it threads its path from one life to another freely projecting hope, purpose, and grace to all who cross it. It begins in Paradise and ends in the Paradise of eternity. It is God’s thread.”
Also, a short booklet co-authored by Pastor John, Pastor Mike, and Bernie Lutchman (president of BMIC–see businessmeninchrist.com), was released in April 2014 called, “25 Reasons to Believe.” It is free as a download to any and all at Pastor Mike’s blog www.truthinspires.com
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