Senior Pastor

Greg has been here three years, called by the unanimous vote of the congregation. He did his undergraduate work at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, and did his graduate work at Golden Gate Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, California, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is married to Rebecca Huguley, and they have one son, Sam. He hopes to engage the community with the love of Christ, helping people to not only find and follow Christ, but also to continue to grow in their faith journey. He says that more and more he holds on to the guidance of II Corinthians 5:7 – “We live by faith, not by sight.”

Executive Pastor / Director of Counseling

Jason Poland has been at First Baptist Since 2004.  Jason has a BA in Psychology from Taylor University and a MA in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  He is licensed by the state of Illinois as a clinical professional counselor (LCPC).  Jason oversees the professional counseling staff at First Baptist Counseling Services as well as providing marital and individual counseling.  He has served in para church organizations as well as maintaining a private counseling practice for years.  On the pastoral staff he works with leadership in the continued development of ministries that are focused on intentional discipleship.  Mostly Jason enjoys time with his wife Lisa and his two young girls, Ashley and Olivia.  In his time off he has a number of hobbies, the most recent is  a salt water aquarium.  Two years ago Ashley wanted a fish, she now has Nemo and Rainbow two clown fish that inhabit a 14 gallon reef.

Pastor of Student Ministries

John Daniel Hoth is in his second year serving First Baptist as Pastor of Student Ministries. JD did his undergraduate work in psychology at Illinois State University and earned an M.A. in counseling ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His passion is to lead students to become fully devoted followers of Christ. His life verse is 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.”

Director of Children’s Ministries

Dan Reed is the Director of Children’s Ministries at First Baptist. He has been attending this church almost his entire life. His father, Willis Reed, came to be Senior Pastor here in 1956. Dan did his undergraduate work at Judson and then earned a Master’s degree in education at Temple University in Philadelphia, specializing in working with emotionally disturbed children. He is married to Audrey Reed, and they have three sons. He was a classroom teacher for 39 years, including 13 years teaching in Special Education and 25 years as a third grade teacher. His life verse is Philippians 2:5-8: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

Administrative Assistant

Sandy Brotzman joined First Baptist when she married Paul Brotzman 48 years ago and has served as Administrative Assistant in the church office about eleven years. Sandy also worked ten years in Special Creations office and served two years as an interim youth pastor. Besides taking care of all the day-to-day activities in the church office, she puts together the newsletter every month and every Wednesday evening she is blessed as she works with the Awana Cubbies. She and Paul have three children and seven grandchildren.

Administrative Assistant

Linda Young took on the job of Administrative Assistant in the church office over seven years ago, but she’s been a member here for 33 years. She graduated from Judson, majoring in Human Relations (Psychology/Sociology). She is married to Mike Young and has two grown children. She handles the administrative work for First Baptist Counseling doing the billing, insurance claims, appointments and reports. In the church office she does a variety of tasks: answering the phone, sending out mailings, projects and assisting the pastors as needed.

Maintenance Supervisor

Paul Brotzman has attended First Baptist since he was about four or five years old. Over the years he has served the church in many ways, including serving as Chair of the Board of Deacons (twice), and Treasurer. He currently volunteers as the Maintenance Supervisor and works with Awana. He says that working with the children in Awana is a wonderful blessing. Paul and Sandy have team taught all ages from 4 yr olds through adults. Paul and Sandy have been married for 48 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Nursery Coordinator

Rosemary Unger is in her third year as the Nursery Coordinator, making sure the nursery is staffed during both Sunday services. She is also active in various children’s ministries, such as the Christmas programs and Vacation Bible School. She wants parents to see the love of Jesus being shared with the children and hopes this will encourage them to become involved in the children’s ministry. Rosemary is married to David Unger and has two children. She is currently attending Judson University. One of her favorite verses is Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”