Andrew loves hearing God’s people sing together and desires to see God’s kingdom flourish in Medina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a Music minor and a Master of Divinity from Cedarville University.
He and his wife, Lauren, are thrilled to be part of the Medina community, having recently moved from the Cincinnati area. They are the proud parents of their son, Noah, and their fluffy Sheepadoodle, Arlo. Originally from Plain City, Ohio, Andrew enjoys reading, music, coffee, exploring new interests, and cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ohio State Buckeyes.
His prayer for his ministry at First Baptist is rooted in Philippians 1:9-11 (CSB): “And this is my prayer: that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to discern what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Brenda handles the church finances, Food Pantry requests, and general information about the church. Brenda is our elected Treasurer. Brenda also volunteers with our Preschool Ministries.
Pastor Bruce grew up in Brunswick, Ohio and attended Medina Christian Academy (formerly First Baptist Church School) and then graduated from Liberty University in 1999. After Liberty, he moved to Pennsylvania and served from 1999-2005 at a great church – Zion in Clarion, PA – where he met his sweet wife Carla, whom he married in 2001. In 2005 Pastor Bruce and Carla moved to Jacksonville, FL where they served at East Pointe Church and had 2 kids – Adam and Hope.
In 2014 they moved to Medina to begin serving here at First. Pastor Bruce enjoys spending time with his family, all things Ohio State and Cleveland sports teams, and has enjoyed getting to know the amazing families throughout his years here at First. His current role at First is Next Gen Pastor – which means he leads ministries for 0-18 year old’s and their families. He has enjoyed building teams – connecting the people of First to meet the spiritual needs of the children and teens in our faith community as well as serving those who play a vital role in the lives of youth who are placed in foster care in our County.
A passage from Scripture Pastor Bruce loves is: Philippians 1:6 “He who began this work in you will be faithful to complete it.”
Derwin is our Facilities Manager – he maintains our church building and grounds and also leads a men’s Bible study and our dramatic arts ministry.
Derwin has been married to his wife, Tammy, since 1990. They have 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren.
Jamie grew up in Strongsville, Ohio and studied Biology and Environmental Science at Cleveland State University. Jamie and Shawn have been married since 2011 and have 4 children – Brayden, Johannah, Noah, and Olivia. One of the ways the Workman family serves is through fostering.
Jamie was a stay at home mom for several years before she began working part time as our Preschool Director in 2018 and her role has expanded to now include our K-5th grade ministries, as well. Outside of her work here, Jamie enjoys spending time with her children, family and friends, reading, traveling, and hiking.
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Pastor John is originally from Pennsylvania, moving to Ohio over 40 years ago, after spending time
in upstate New York. He was blessed to marry his wife Donna in 1972 and they have two sons – John (married to Jenne, with 6 children) and Paul.
God has chosen to give John and his family a life filled with adventure, trials and joy. They have used these experiences to minister to those who are facing life’s tragedies and trials, pointing others to the only One who can give the kind of comfort and peace that truly satisfies – our Lord.
John serves at First as our Community Pastor, serving needs in our church family and community. John ministers to those God puts in his path with a focus on sharing the gospel.
His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 27:4 as it best describes the desires of his heart;
“One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
Kurt is from the state up north – Flint, Michigan to be exact. After graduating from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, he married his amazing wife Tammy. They have three adult children. Andy and his wife Cora – they call her their “daughter-in-love” – live in Pinckney, MI. Dan is their youngest son. He lives in Xenia, OH.
Kurt has been a pastor since 1992 and leads our pastoral team. He loves fun socks, Vernors ginger ale, Christmas music, table games, the beach, all Detroit sports teams, wrapping gifts, and hanging out with people. He’s also been known to say, “God is Good…ALL THE TIME!”
Lee Anne and her family have been attending First since 2014 when they relocated to Ohio from New Jersey. She graduated from Cedarville University with her BA in Elementary Education. After using her degree for many years in private and public schools, she has settled in as our Connections Coordinator.
Lee Anne has been married since 2000 to her husband Justin. They have three of the best kids – Clay, Hallee and Caden. She loves spending time with her family, no matter what they are doing.
Ephesians 5:1-2
“1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Mandy is our Communications Director and serves on our worship team and in our youth ministry. Mandy has been married to her husband Craig since 2004, and they have 2 amazing children – Zac and Ellie. She loves reading, baking, and enjoying the great outdoors (when it’s WARM) with her family and their dog, Maizy (Go Blue!). She has the brownest thumb ever when it comes to plants so don’t ask her about any gardening tips BUT weeds do thrive in her care.
Mandy has a love for theology and apologetics, with a firm belief that the Word of God be handled with integrity and respect.
“No human being…is ever conceived outside God’s will or ever conceived apart from God’s image. Life is a gift from God created in His own image.” ~John MacArthur
Psalm 139:13-14 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
James 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Gianni is a 2024 graduate of Medina County Career Center and has started a career as an electrician. He loves playing guitar, his dog Bailey and spending time with friends and family. He has attended First since 2009 with his family. He is excited to be a part of the staff at First and to see how God uses him.
Brent has been married to Ashley since 2012 and they've been attending First since 2020 (becoming a member shortly thereafter). Brent serves on the tech team on Sundays and in Fuse on Wednesday nights. He's a real estate agent - he and Ashley have a dog, Boaz, and love goecaching, frisbee golf and sushi.
Charlie has been married to Judy since 1977 and they have 2 kids and 6 grandkids. They have been at First since 2021. Charlie's favorite Bible Verse Romans 8:28. Charlie is involved in Deacon, Missions Team, Greeter, Coffee Bar and LIFEGroup. He is a retired teacher, likes to go camping, travel some, watch sports and old movies. Charlie's favorite thing to do is to spoil his 6 grandchildren.
Craig has been married to Mandy since 2004 and they have 2 kids, Zac & Ellie. They've been attending First since 2021 (becoming members shortly thereafter). Craig serves in Fuse and is a LIFEGroup co-leader. His favorite verse is Luke 14:11. He loves spending time with his family exploring parks, nature and small towns. Loves golfing, shooting and is an avid DIY'er.
Dave has been married to Deb since 1981 and they have been at First since 1967. They have 3 children and 10 grandchildren (2 of their 3 children live in Africa with their families). Dave's favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. Dave is involved in Hospitality team, is a Home LIFEGroup leader, serves in Awana, Heritage class, and part-time custodian @ First. Dave enjoys gardening, travel, music & Cleveland sports.
Eric was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and accepted Christ as Savior around 10 years old while attending the Wadsworth Christian Missionary Alliance church. He graduated from Wadsworth High School and attended Ohio State and Univ. of Akron in college.Eric married Sharon in 1986 - they have two boys Scott (lives in Charlotte with his wife and three kids) and Sam (lives in Chicago). He has worked in banking his entire career with 27 years in downtown Cleveland at Ameritrust, Society and Key and 10 years at Farmers Savings Bank in Spencer (still there).
Brandon has been married to his wife Rachel since 2012. They have 2 children (Reed and Maeve) and have been attending First since 2018. His favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:37-39. Brandon serves on the Security team at First and in Awana. He is an avid outdoorsman. As a family, they enjoy fishing from their boat and camping int he spring and summer, but Brandon's real passion is bow hunting for white-tailed deer in the fall. He enjoys Guardians baseball, Monsters hockey and THE Ohio State University Buckeyes.
Chris has been married to his wife, Jenny, since 1998. They have four children and have been attending First since 2022. His favorite Bible verse is 2 Timothy 4:7. Chris is the GriefShare coordinator, Awana games leader, VBS games coordinator, Fuse middle school leader, he and his wife serve on the missions team and he is on church custodial staff. Chris loves to cook, canoe and hike with his wife. He enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family and playing with their three dogs, Trooper, Winston and Chup.
Kenton is a native of Northeast Ohio & was raised in church and accepted Christ at a young age.He did have a period in his late teens and early 20s where he didn’t doubt God’s existence, but didn’t particularly walk in obedience. Kenton then met Christine, now his wife. Her walk and confidence in Christ altered his mindset and he was moved by the Holy Spirit to submit to God’s authority. They were baptized together in an outdoor service. Kenton and Christine were married in 2001. Together they have 6 children. They have been members of First since 2008 and Kenton has had the pleasure of serving as a Deacon for probably 10 or more of those years. On Sundays, you will typically find the Grimes family 1st service. During second service Kenton can be found serving in LIFEKids. Their family is a softball family. If you were to drive by their home there would be a good chance you would see the family playing catch or even engaging in a competitive wiffle ball game. Lastly, in their time here at First, they have connected with many people and Kenton has had the pleasure of participating in both Discipleship Groups and LIFEGroups, connecting with people in a meaningful way and serving our Lord in the community we share.
Noah has been at First since 2012. His favorite Bible Verse is John 16:33. He's involved in Fuse. Noah is a mechanic who specializes in corvettes. He was born in Wisconsin but is a fan of Da Bears. Noah's on a mission to attend a nascar race at every track and thrives on sarcasm.
Darren has been married to his wife, Christy, since 1985. They have 3 sons - Zack, Joshua and Noah. They have been attending First since 2020 and his favorite Bible verse is 1 John 3:16-18. Darren and Christy are both leaders in LIFEKids. Their family loves to travel and see the United States. They have a goal to get to all 50 State, with only a few left to see. They also love to go to the beach, spending time at the ocean. Christy and Darren are high school sweethearts from Evansville IN. They have lived in various States including Indiana, Illinois, South Carolina, Wisconsin and now Ohio.
Shawn has been married to Jamie since 2011 and they have 4 children (Braydon, Johannah, Noah & Olivia). They have been attending First since 2017. His favorite Bible Verse - John 15:5. He is involved in LIFEKids, Security and LIFEgroup. Shawn enjoys spending time with his family - they like exploring new places, and hiking/spending time outdoors together. He also enjoys some woodworking, gardening, and cooking.
