Position:  Senior Pastor

Place of Birth: Winder, Georgia

What I like about being a part of FBC: I see the people here as having “a mind to work.” The body here gives itself in so many ways to the people around us.  We serve Christ by being a blessing through world missions, work with children here in Ohio, and the various ministries we have here in Barberton.  When I come to church, I can always find encouragement and support no matter how down I feel.
Favorite Scripture Verse: Psalms 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord,  And to inquire in His temple.
The Best Part of My Ministry at FBC is: I enjoy teaching the Bible to the congregation.  I lead the Sr. Adult Bible Class (the Homebuilders) and teach a Bible study on Wednesday night.  Plus I want to explore through my Sunday sermons what it means to live the full life that Christ came to give us. We also have a fantastic Vacation Bible School in the summer that is the joint effort of 5 other churches in Barberton.  It is wonderful to serve with these brothers and sisters from our surrounding churches.  The Body of Christ is fantastic.
A Few of My Favorite Things: I have to admit it; I am a Si-Fi fiend.  Most of my pleasure reading is science fiction. I am a part of the Kiwanis Club of Barberton.  So I enjoy service as my free time allows. I volunteer for the Summit County Humane Society and have served in Boy Scouts as a Chaplain. My favorite vacation spot is a cabin on top of a mountain, a large porch, comfortable chair and stack of books.  Love to get away to a quiet place. I have been married to Karen for 29 years and have four children, all in their 20’s.

Bob and Ruthann Steen

Position: Custodians
On staff since: September 1969
Place of birth: Barberton, Ohio for both

I became a member of FBC because: We believe Christ lead us here were kind, caring people serve the Lord and enjoy doing it.
Favorite scripture verse: The 23rd Psalm and ""This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it." Psalm 118:24
The best part of our ministry at FBC is: Preparing the Men's Breakfast, working with caring people we love and putting a smile on a childs face. We enjoy welcoming new people to our church and we have a strong desire to see people come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. A few of our favorite things: Keeping the church clean and ready for worshiping our Lord. We enjoy the many wonderful people here at FBC and are happy to share our ministry with them and for them. Family time. We especially enjoy decorating the church for special events and holidays.

Clifford Kelley

Position: Choir Director
Favorite Scripture: "The Lord is my shepherd: Psalm 23.
The best part of my Ministry: I try to use the talent God has given me to further His work
in His kingdom.
A few of my favorite things: My wife and I enjoy attending sports activities here in Barberton.

Barbara Addis-Smith

Position: Instumentalist
On staff since: 2008
Place of birth: Barberton. Ohio
I became a member of FBC because: My Grandfather was a member here and I wanted
to be like him.
Favorite scripture verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" Prov. 3: 5
The best part of my ministry at FBC: I love playing the old time songs for the Lord.
A few of my favorite things: Getting toghther with my family and friends. Shopping.
Going to Florida for the winter. Grandchildren.

Terry Avant

Position: Sound Technician
On staff since: 2006
Place of birth: Barberton, Ohio
I became a member of FBC becuse: Family
Favorite scripture verse: "...for we are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:28 The best part of my ministry at FBC is: Supporting the choir.

Cheryl Watkins

Position: Church Secretary
On Staff: 22 years

Place of Birth: Akron, OH

Residing in New Franklin (Clinton), OH Cheryl has been Married 31 years to Bruce. She has two children, five step-children, 16 grandchildren; 3+? great-grandchildren.

In 1985, having been laid-off of my last job, I was told that the First Baptist church in Barberton was looking for a secretary to replace the woman who had been in that position for thirty years. Except for the years I raised two small children, my working positions were always as a secretary. I interviewed on a Thursday and was hired to begin the following Monday.

It has been a pleasure to work in a lovely, one-girl office, under five different Pastors and two Youth Pastors over the years. I retired for four years with my husband, but found it was not fulfilling for me and returned when asked. I find it both calming and challenging, but always a pleasure to serve these members who have become my friends.

I am a long time member of another church in this town and therefore have friends and acquaintances in the Church Community of every denomination.
My activities are Sunday School teacher and participating in activities in my home church; Eastern Star; Church Women United; camping in our motor home; being with family; cross-stitch; reading.

God has given me a rich and varied life with many friends and a loving family.

Susan Lee

Position: Audio/Video Technician
On staff since: 2006
I became a member of FBC because: I grew up in this church and I feel this is where Jesus wants me to help spread His word.
Favorite scripture verse: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life", Romans 6:23
The best part of my ministry at FBC is: I enjoy working with computers and audio equipment. It is a "behind the scenes" job but it lets me express my love for the Lord and the joy I have for His many blessings.
A few of my favorite things: When I have free time I love to knit. I also like to ride bikes with my husband and take pictures. Spending time with my family is a must, as when I do picture puzzles with my parents.