Associate Pastor, Business Administration

Steve Briggs

Steve and Sandy returned to their native Hendersonville in 1987 after living in Dallas, Texas for 11 years. Steve came to FBC Hendersonville to serve as Minister of Preschool/Children. In 1995 he became the Church Administrator and now serves as Associate Pastor of Administration. He holds a BS in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Steve has been teaching Christian Education at Fruitland Bible Institute since January 2000. He and Sandy were married in 1978. They have two children, Jay, an aspiring theatrical director living and working in New York City , and Shelley, a student at Elon University preparing for a career in teaching as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. In addition to all the administration, Steve plays guitar in our "Praise Band." He recently gave up a "20 year church softball career" in favor of getting frustrated on the golf course. He loves sharing life with Sandy - especially if it involves food, friends and travel. Sandy teaches 4 year olds in our WEE school and directs the 11:00 AM 5 year old department each week in Sunday School.

Associate Pastor - Worship

Gordon Butler
Gordon was born and grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Parkview Baptist High School in Baton Rouge and attended Louisiana College in Pineville, where he met Christi. In 2001, Gordon graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served on staff at churches in Louisiana, Florida and Georgia. He began his ministry at First Baptist in January of 2006. Gordon and his wife Christi have been married for 7 years and enjoy being together, music, being outdoors, working with computers and spending time with friends and family.

Associate Minister - Worship

Justin McKinney
Justin is originally from Palmetto, Florida . In 2002, he began attending The Baptist College of Florida, where he met his wife, Renee. They have one daughter Arin who was born in Dec. of 2006. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education in 2006. Justin enjoys good music, tennis, soccer, Drum Corps, and being wrapped around his daughter’s
little finger.
Justin is working with Gordon Butler in the Worship Ministry. His main areas of service is the production team (media), orchestra and Youth Arts Ministry.

Associate Pastor to Senior Adults

Wally Shamburger
Wally came to First Baptist form Texas in 1978 and led the music program until 2005. He transitioned to the position of Assoc. Pastor to Sr. Adults in 2005 which includes caring for our Sr. Adults in homes, at care facilities and at the hospitals.
Wally has degrees from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Marguerette have been married since 1966, have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. He enjoys traveling, coaching soccer, continued involvement with music and ministering to Sr. Adults.

Minister to High School Youth

Matt Jones
Matt grew up here at First Baptist and he is honored to serve here in Hendersonville.  He graduated from Columbia International University in Bible/Missions and is pursuing a Masters of Divinity through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married his wife, Linden on June 14th 2003. His hobbies are mountain biking, camping, and many other outdoor activities.  His passion is to see as many youth come to know God in a real personal relationship and to equip them to be lights unto a dying world.

Minister to Middle School Youth

Jason Kittrell
Jason and his wife, Lauren, have come to Hendersonville from Greenville, SC.  Jason received his Bachelor's from North Greenville University in Christian studies in 2004, and is currently working on his Master's of Divinity.  Together, Jason and Lauren have been involved in full-time ministry for over two years in Greenville, and previously held several different children and youth positions before they were married.  They enjoy being together, driving on the Blue Ridge, going to the movies, hiking, and playing chase with their cat, Ashitaka, around the house.  Jason also enjoys playing guitar and video games.  They are so excited to be here in Hendersonville, where God is doing so much work among the middle schoolers!

Minister to Singles/ Missions & Evangelism

Keith Thielke
Keith is the Singles/ Missions & Evangelism Minister at First Baptist Church Hendersonville and pursuing a Master’s of Divinity, (M.Div) through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Keith has worked as a mechanical engineer for 20 years proir to getting into profession ministry in 2004. Keith was married to his wife Kathy on January 3, 1987, they have 3 children Katie, Matthew and Samantha. His hobbies include any outside activities, sports, as well as being an active participant in the growing up of his family.

Minister to Preschool and Children

Marcy Wagstaff
Marcy came to Hendersonville in May of 2000, from Eylau Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas where she served as children’s ministry for 14 years. She has a bachelor’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic College and master’s degree from South Western Seminary. Marcy and her husband James were married in 1996 and have 2 sons, Noah and Nash. Marcy enjoys gardening, music, and photography. She collects
 Baseball cards and made in occupied Japan figurines.

Interim W.E.E. School Director

Michaela Miller
God is so good and His timing is always perfect. It is with great
Thanksgiving that we are able to introduce Michaela Miller to the church as our Interim Director of Weekday Early Education (W.E.E.) School. Michaela and her husband, Rich, have been members of First Baptist since December 2004. They have one six year old daughter, Zhanna and are currently waiting for  a second child through international adoption. She has been very active in both our Children’s Ministry and High School Ministry. Michaela brings a wealth of experience and training that makes her well equipped to lead our W.E.E. Ministry during this transitional period. Michaela has a BA in Social Work from Sam Houston State University and a Masters Degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her work experience includes service as a Special Education Teacher in the public school system in Houston, TX, and as a licensed Social Worker for the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, TX where she worked extensively with the foster home program. She has filled many volunteer positions in several churches while living in Texas and was part of the leadership team that planted a new church, Wellspring Church, in Houston. Her greatest asset is that she loves Jesus Christ and is committed to serve Him in whatever way her gifts and abilities allow. She is very excited about the opportunity to serve her Lord, her church and the faculty, families and children who are a part of the W.E.E. family. Please pray for Michaela as she assumes the leadership responsibilities as W.E.E. Director.

Associate Minister of Activities

Rob Hefner
Rob has been a member of First Baptist since 1961. He is accepting a part-time position with the church to oversee the activities and recreation ministry. Rob will also continue the trend started by Shannon Owen in getting the church into the community at events such as the Apple Festival, Farm City Day etc...Rob has an undergraduate degree in recreation and a passion for outreach-providing us with a well qualified person to oversee these two areas. Rob will also work with Matt and jason as we develop the activity program for the new youth building.