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| Meet our Pastoral Staff |
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Pastor John Blodgett - Senior Pastor |
| Birthplace: |
Racine, WI |
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| Testimony: |
I was brought up in a Christian home and in church on a regular basis. It was not until the age of 11 that I really understood the Gospel and asked Christ into my life. I was baptized when I was 12 and lived a pretty typical Christian life. In my senior year of High School, God called me to the ministry. |
| Burden: |
I want FBC to be a body of passionate Christ-followers that has a great impact on Michiana. I want our people to grow to become effective disciples that reach our area for Christ! |
| Favorite verse: |
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." |
| Favorite food: |
"Whatever Colleen makes! I do like the 'All American' foods of cheeseburgers and hotdogs." |
| Favorite book: |
"Not I, But Christ" by Stephen Olford |
| Favorite song: |
"The older I get, the more I enjoy "Calvary's Love". I can't say I have just one favorite. I enjoy songs that exalt Christ!" |
Pastor Chris Perstrope - Worship Pastor |
| Birthplace: |
St. Louis, MO
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| Testimony: |
Being raised in a vibrant Christian home (I was the baby of seven kids), I was constantly exposed to the Gospel message and my need for a savior. As a child, on a Monday night (during my favorite TV show "ALF"), I prayed to receive Christ as my Savior. Needless to say, missing ALF that night was the best decision of my life!
Because of what Christ did for me, I wanted to serve Him and learn more. As a teenager, God really blessed my service to Him through music and various ministries through my home church. At 17, I knew God was shaping my life for ministry through music and worship. It has been an amazing journey as God continues to lead and guide me. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do "when I grow up ", but this journey has been incredible thus far. |
| Burden: |
That we can worship together as a church, passionately and uninhibited. I long for worship to be fully understood as a daily happening, not just 1hr. Sunday mornings. I want Sunday mornings to reflect God's presence. We should be praising God, not thinking "wow, our pastors did a great job today." |
| Favorite verse: |
Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." |
| Favorite food: |
Steak; Monkey brains |
| Favorite book: |
"The Art of Worship" by Greg Scheer
"An Hour on Sunday" by Nancy Beach |
| Favorite song: |
"Made to Love" by Toby Mac |
Pastor Dave Hills - Adult Discipleship Pastor |
| Birthplace: |
Cedar Falls, IA |
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| Testimony: |
I was born and raised in Cedar Falls, IA. Every week we loaded up our family into our station wagon and went to church at First Baptist Church of Cedar Falls.
In the Spring of 1967, sitting in a church service, the Gospel of Jesus Christ finally made sense to me. At the end of that service, I went to the front of the church and met with the pastor to talk about my decision to follow Christ. A month later I was baptized.
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| Burden: |
I want to see people become more like Jesus Christ! |
| Favorite verse: |
Colossians 3:27 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" |
| Favorite food: |
Steak and Porta-Pit Chicken |
| Favorite book: |
The Book of Philippians
"Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges |
| Favorite song: |
"In Christ Alone" |
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Pastor Jed Long - Youth Pastor |
| Birthplace: |
Elkhart, IN |
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| Testimony: |
Well, I have long fought the testimony where people share this moment in their life where they accepted Christ. I believe that "moment" often gives people a false sense of security of a relationship with Christ. I prefer to say that I know I am a follower of Christ by the choices I am making today.
However, if you pinned me down, I would say I accepted Christ in fifth grade during Miss Murphy's Bible Class. |
| Burden: |
To lead a youth ministry that teaches a holistic approach to Christianity. |
| Favorite verse: |
Mark 9:24 "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" |
| Favorite food: |
Green beans cooked like Grandma Miller makes them |
| Favorite book: |
Me read? |
| Favorite song: |
Me sing? |
Pastor James Pettit - Outreach/Missions Pastor |
| Birthplace: |
Rochester, NY |
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| Testimony: |
God saved me by His Grace when I was 5. My father was able to lead me to Jesus as he was leading a teen winter retreat. With my beautiful wife, and our 5 kids, we enjoy growing in the Lord together. |
| Burden: |
To stand on the shoulders of our spiritual giants form the past to continue making disciples for the glory of our God! |
| Favorite verse: |
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " |
| Favorite food: |
Italian |
| Favorite book: |
Historical Biographies / Books on Missions |
| Favorite song: |
Revelation Song |
Dr. Brian Dougherty - ECA Administrator |
| Birthplace: |
Gary, Indiana |
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| Testimony: |
Though I was raised in a non-Christian home, I had a sense at a very early age that there was a God out there. I am glad that God gave me that special gift yet I did not know how to connect with Him. It wasn’t until I was a college student that I began to wrestle with the critical questions of who God is and who I am did I begin my quest to find Him. I was challenged one day by a college minister at Purdue University who invested a great deal of time into my life. He asked me, “Why should God allow you to go to heaven?” I answered, “Because I am a good person. I believe my good deeds outweigh my bad deeds. ” He then shared with me from Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace, not by our own efforts. He explained to me that grace was a free gift, something we could not earn. I remember the clear understanding that I received from that truth— that all of my efforts, no matter how numerous or noble, could not save me. I was invited to pray and receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior so I got on my knees and put my complete faith in Jesus Christ for my salvation.
Following this most critical decision in my life, God spoke to me and asked me to become a teacher so that I could share my faith with children. Since college, I have spent my life serving Christ in the Christian school community. Furthermore, I spent two full years in discipleship training with an older gentleman in a local church. His investment in my life has prepared me to be a faithful Christ-follower. |
| Burden: |
That we would become a ministry that is truly committed to life transformation in its members as well as those God brings to our church. |
| Favorite verse: |
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." |
| Favorite food: |
Pizza |
| Favorite book: |
"Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren |
| Favorite song: |
Amazing Grace - My Chains are Gone |
Meet our The Rest of Our Staff |
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Debbie Marvin - Executive Secretary to pastor blodgett / Office Supervisor |
| Birthplace: |
Dayton, TN |
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| Testimony: |
I accepted Christ as my Savior at a very young age. My parents and I were having family devotions and I became conficted that I was a sinner, in need of salvation. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior that day. As a teenage, I dedicated my life to following Christ day by day and in whatever direction He leads me. |
| Favorite verse: |
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." |
| Favorite food: |
Chocolate |
| Favorite book: |
any books by Karen Kingsbury |
| Favorite song: |
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Jen Marvin - Receptionist / Secretary to Scott Yoder & James Pettit |
| Birthplace: |
Warsaw, IN |
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| Testimony: |
I grew up in a Christian home and recognized my need for a Savior at four years old. When I was sixteen I re-dedicated my life to Christ at camp and gave my life to full-time Christian service. |
| Favorite verse: |
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" |
| Favorite food: |
Any pasta! |
| Favorite book: |
Karen Kingsbury books! |
| Favorite song: |
"From the Inside Out" by Hillsong |
Sara Adkison - Publications Coordinator / Backup Receptionist |
| Birthplace: |
Bamberg, South Carolina |
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| Testimony: |
I grew up very blessed. My parents were saved when I was a young girl, so church and God has always been a part of my life. We had just had a revival at our church when I realized that I was a sinner. Christ was tugging at my heart to repent of my sins and commit my life to him. I was nine years old at the time. I am very thankful for good parents, Sunday School teachers, pastors and friends who helped me grow as a Christian throughout my life.
In the last eight years, since attending FBC, my husband and I have both grown closer to God, individually and as a couple. I have become more aware of how God wants to use me in his work. |
| Favorite verse: |
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." |
| Favorite food: |
Shrimp |
| Favorite book: |
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| Favorite song: |
"Victory in Jesus" and "Open the eyes of my heart Lord" |
Jodi Mynhier - Adult Discipleship Secretary / Secretary to Dave Hills |
| Birthplace: |
LaGrange, IN |
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| Testimony: |
I was raised in a Christian home and was blessed with godly parents. At the age of 5 I knelt down by the fireplace in our home and asked Jesus into my heart. We then celebrated with "Ring around the Rosie"! I rededicated my life to the Lord several years later, and was baptized when I was in the 3rd grade. |
| Favorite verse: |
Psalm 139 |
| Favorite food: |
Mexican Food |
| Favorite book: |
any books by Karen Kingsbury or Linda Dillow |
| Favorite song: |
"Be Thou My Vision" |
Susan Wertman - Adult Discipleship Secretary / Secretary to Dave Hills |
| Birthplace: |
Olney, IL |
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| Testimony: |
In 8th grade I was at church on a Sunday evening. They youth group was sharing about their week at camp. They had a joy and something I wanted. That night I went forward and accepted Christ as my personal Savior. |
| Favorite verse: |
Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." |
| Favorite food: |
Almost anything on the grill |
| Favorite book: |
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| Favorite song: |
"God is Good" |
Heather Etner - Bookkeeper for both FBC and ECA / Secretary to Chris Perstrope |
| Birthplace: |
Lebanon, NH |
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| Testimony: |
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| Favorite verse: |
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| Favorite food: |
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Jenny Kline - Financial Assistant |
| Birthplace: |
Goshen, IN |
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| Testimony: |
I asked Jesus into my heart when I was only 4 years old, but I did't really understand what it meant. I committed my life to Christ when I was 9 years old at church camp and was baptised soon after. Since that time I have learned a lot through physical trials and have seen God work in miraculous ways through prayer. I want my life to please God and to reflect His qualities more each day. |
| Favorite verse: |
Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold" |
| Favorite food: |
Pasta |
| Favorite book: |
I can't name just one! I love historical fiction and mysteries. |
| Favorite song: |
"Blessed Be The Name of the Lord" |
Eric Shelner - SJr. High Director |
| Birthplace: |
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| Testimony: |
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| Favorite verse: |
Col. 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning , the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” |
| Favorite food: |
Bacon Pizza or Sauerbraten & Spaetzle |
| Favorite book: |
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis or The Radical Reformission – Mark Driscoll |
| Favorite song: |
Your Love is Strong – Jon Foreman; Lifesong- Casting Crowns; Awakening – Switchfoot; I Still Remember – Churchill |
brittany marshall - Sr. High Director |
| Birthplace: |
Newfane, NY |
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| Testimony: |
I grew up in a Christian home and accepted the Lord as my Savior when I was three or four years old. My mom told me about Jesus while we were sitting in the car, waiting to pick my older sister up from Kindergarten, and I decided that I wanted to ask Jesus into my life.
As I have gotten older and grown in my faith, my relationship with the Lord has changed significantly. I used to obey God and my authorities just because I knew it was the right thing to do; now I obey because I am so grateful for how the Lord saved me that I want to obey Him and honor Him with my life!
I studied Bible and Women’s Ministries at Moody Bible Institute, and have a burden for women to understand the love of God, revealed to us in Jesus. Before coming to FBC, I was looking into studying International Law with hopes to work as a lawyer for women who are oppressed around the world. I have no idea where the Lord will take me, but am very happy to be here at First Baptist! |
| Favorite verse: |
Isaiah 26:3-4: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” |
| Favorite food: |
Jay’s Open Pit barbeque potato chips with ridges |
| Favorite book: |
(of the Bible- Hebrews) Les Miserables, Victor Hugo; When People are Big and God is Small, Ed Welch; The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas; A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Mark Twain. |
| Favorite song: |
Before the Throne of God Above, Mighty to Save |
Cindy Thornton - Preschool Director |
| Birthplace: |
Philipsburg, PA |
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| Testimony: |
I grew up in a Christian family and was saved at a revival service at our church, when I was 9 years old. The summer between my junior and senior year of high school, I committed my life to serving at camp. That decision led to my attending Liberty University and majoring in youth ministry. God blessed me with a wonderful husband who I met there at college, and four great kids. |
| Favorite verse: |
Proverbs 3:5, 6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." |
| Favorite food: |
Pancakes |
| Favorite book: |
"The Proper Care & Feeding of Marriage" by Laura Schlessinger |
| Favorite song: |
"Call My Name" by Third Day |
Ann Lehman - Nursery Director |
| Birthplace: |
Hudson, MI |
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| Testimony: |
I was raised in a Bible-believing home and was three when I asked Jesus to forgive me of all my sins (thankfully that includes future sins too!). Although I haven't always understood or loved God like I've wanted, He has remained faithful to me with fresh mercies for every morning. He is my sustainer and deliverer. He is my Savior and rock. He is my redeemer and friend. |
| Favorite verse: |
Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." |
| Favorite food: |
Pizza, anything Italian, Chocolate |
| Favorite book: |
"Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala |
| Favorite song: |
"Shout to the Lord"
"You Have Made Me Glad"
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Steve Etner - Director Online Ministries / ABF Ministries / Technology |
| Birthplace: |
Elmira, NY |
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| Testimony: |
At the age of 5, I heard my pastor preach a message on Hell, and I knew that I was going there because of my sins. That night my parents prayed with me as I accepted Christ as my Savior. When I was 12 at camp, I realized that I wasn't living like a true Christian should and so I re-committed my life to Him.
p>Each day brings challenges of its own, but I have learned that there is nothing I will ever encounter that I cannot handle with God's help. |
| Burden: |
People need the hope and joy and eternal security that only God can give. Today offers more ways to share the hope and love that Christ provides - one being the internet. My burden is that FBC's website become more than just an online brochure, but one that truly ministers to our community - a resource sharing Christ as the solution to all our problems. |
| Favorite verse: |
Galatians 5:16 "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." |
| Favorite food: |
Liver and Onions (yes, you read right!); Steak; Dark Chocolate; Rhubarb; oh and Pepperoni Pizza too! |
| Favorite book: |
"So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore" by Jake Coleson
"The Shack" by William P. Young |
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| Favorite song: |
"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" |
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Craig Gibson - Maintenance Director |
| Birthplace: |
Elkhart, IN |
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| Testimony: |
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| Favorite verse: |
Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" |
| Favorite food: |
Fried chicken |
| Favorite book: |
USA Today |
| Favorite song: |
"Just As I Am" |
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