Say hello to the leadership team at First Baptist Church. Got questions for the lead team at FBC? Contact us by clicking here.

Vernon Risner is originally from Ohio. Ask him sometime about how God called him into the ministry. At 19 he became involved at a local church in his hometown of Franklin, Ohio. Eleven years later he was the Senior Pastor. That was in 2001. He loves Jesus' church. A graduate of Moody Theological Seminary his greatest desire is to lead a community of believers committed to sharing the power of the love of Jesus Christ. A love that conquers sin, wipes away shame, heals wounds, reconciles enemies, patches broken dreams and ultimately changes the world one life at a time.  

He has a wife he loves and 2 daughters who are his most aggravating blessings.

Brad Martin and his wife Jeanne have known each other since they were small children. They started dating in 1975 and were married in 1979. In 1988, they started attending First Baptist and have loved being part of this family. By 2002, they were not only members, the Deacons licensed Brad to become one of our pastors. Brad's heart is to help those that are hurting. He oversees our Food Pantry and Seniors ministry. When he's not busy helping others, Brad can be found hunting, fishing, making pottery and riding his Harley. And while he may not walk around the church dressed in leather, this Harley-Davidson lover hits the road with his bike anytime the day promises good weather. 

Benny Mate was born in Chicago. He accepted Christ at a young age but the relationship was not made real until 8th grade, where, living in San Antonio, he saw the power of God take over his life. As he grew in Christ and in the youth ministry, Benny got a call to ministry in 11th grade. Immediately, he stepped into leadership roles like Middle School Small Group Leader and he even got to begin preaching to elementary schoolers as a High School Senior. Benny was active in the Youth Ministry and the College Ministry, as well as been on staff at Castle Hills Church and Castle Hills School as a part of the Creative Team. Benny enjoys nothing more than simply hanging out and getting to know people. He loves everything from technology to music to every random project he could think of. He loves students and could not be more excited about serving the Lord every day. 

Christine is from the St. Louis area. At age 20, after growing up in a family that experienced parents divorce, remarriage and all that brings to a family, she realized that the pain and suffering of that life was causing her to make choices that were leading her down a dark path. But that's when Jesus intervened and she surrendered her life to Him.  

Since then, she has been involved in Kids Ministries while raising her four children, and also, now enjoys two grandchildren. 

Christine feels her life is an example of how God can make good of a child's messed up family life experience and use it to minister His love to children and their families and that her life is living proof that God's word is TRUE!

Also known as the "glue" that holds everything together, Connie has been with us since 2005. She organizes and manages the church office and provides administrative support to the pastors and staff. She is the voice you hear when you call the church. Married to Tom since 1984. Connie and Tom also sing on our Sunday morning praise team. They have four grown children - Jenni, Josh, Kelli and Cory - and have 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.