FBC is an elder-led, congregational church. In accordance with the teachings of the New Testament, elders are shepherds of the church, under the authority of Jesus Christ, charged with ensuring the right belief and right practice of the Bible.
Staff
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Jeff GrayLead PastorJeff Gray joined the staff at FBC Warrensburg in 2020 as the Discipleship Pastor before transitioning to Lead Pastor in October of 2022. Born and raised in East Texas, Jeff and his family have also lived in South Carolina and Louisiana. Jeff and his wife Jennifer have two teenage kids, Landree and Hudson. Jeff has a Doctor of Ministry in Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary). Jeff is passionate about seeing the church mobilized to make disciples who make disciples. Jeff is an avid sports fan, specifically of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He loves to coach youth baseball, play with his kids, and play strategy games.
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Julie FarwellOperations ManagerJulie joined the FBC Warrensburg staff in 2012. Born and raised here in Warrensburg, FBC has always been her church home. She is married to Walter, a USAF transplant, with whom she’s commenced the season of parenting their three adult children, Zach, Riley (and his wife Jordyn), and Brooke. Believing there’s more than fortuity to her work at FBC, Julie is eager to present effective communication to support the church body in connectedness, and ultimately growing His kingdom. In her leisure time she enjoys traveling, watching movies, or relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book. -
Harold KnightFacilities ManagerHarold has been on staff for twelve years at FBC Warrensburg. The first nine years he served as the Facility Manager and he serves now as our Church Administrator. He has a BA in IA&T from UCM. Originally Harold is from Georgia but has lived most of his life in Warrensburg. He and his wife, Linda, have four children, eleven grandchildren, and a very energetic Bichon Frise puppy named Izzy.
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Katie MacyChildren's Ministry CoordinatorKatie Macy has been attending FBC Warrensburg since 2018 when she started school at UCM that fall. In 2020, she began serving with the youth ministry and in 2021 she joined the FBCW staff as our Children's Ministry Coordinator. Originally from Clearwater, Kansas, Katie is currently working towards her B.S. in Child and Family Development with a minor in military science. Ever since her summer spent working at Kanakuk's family camp, Katie has been in love with family ministry - needless to say, she's pretty excited to be here! Katie loves spending time with her husband, friends, and family; drinking coffee; reading; traveling; and finding fun new ways to decorate her apartment.
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Donna StewartAdministrative AssistantDonna joined the FBC staff in 2020, having served as a volunteer to help with the counting of offerings and gifts, she was asked to step into the part-time position of Administrative Assistant. She is a graduate of Southwest Baptist College, and a retired teacher. Donna and her husband, Dale, have three grown daughters and seven grandchildren. The Stewart’s have been members of FBC since 2001.
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Sonya DavenportKidSteps DirectorSonya has been the director of KidSteps Preschool since it began in 2013. She enjoys planning ways to help young children learn by engaging their spirit of fun and adventure. Sonya has taught preschool, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, served as director of Weekday Early Education programs, and coordinated the Warrensburg R-VI Before and After School program for many years. In addition to her work, she enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, travel, and volunteering in her church and community.
Elders
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Jeff GrayJeff became a staff elder in January 2020. Jeff Gray joined the staff at FBC Warrensburg in 2020 as the Discipleship Pastor before transitioning to Lead Pastor in October of 2022. Born and raised in East Texas, Jeff and his family have also lived in South Carolina and Louisiana. Jeff and his wife Jennifer have two teenage kids, Landree and Hudson. Jeff has a Doctor of Ministry in Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary). Jeff is passionate about seeing the church mobilized to make disciples who make disciples. Jeff is an avid sports fan, specifically of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He loves to coach youth baseball, play with his kids, and play strategy games.
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Chris CoombsChris began serving as an elder in 2019. He and Becky were married in 2002 and have 3 amazing children. From 2006-2008, they served for 2 years with the International Mission Board in Cacak, Serbia. Chris is a high school science teacher and baseball coach. He has served in Youth Ministry, Children's Ministry, Adult Sunday School, Pastor Search Team, Personnel Team, Finance Team, Gospel Communities, and Deacon Ministries. After staying at home with the kids for 10 years, Becky now teaches 1st grade. She has served in Children's Ministry, Adult Choir, Missions Team, Women's Ministry, Care Ministry, Gospel Communities, and the Cup.
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James FrankJames and Alisha moved to Warrensburg in July of 2015 and have attended FBC since their first Sunday. Together they have three children: Timothy, Ava, and Benjamin. James is the principal at Crest Ridge Secondary, and both he and Alisha have a passion for service and education. James has been involved in children’s ministry and Awana at FBC, and he has served on the elder board since 2019.
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Jim GrahamJim has been a member of the Board of Elders since 2012. Jim and Carol Graham were married in 1985. Jim is employed by UCM and currently is the VP of Technology / CIO. Carol is employed by NewBeginnings Women's Center as Center Director. Jim and Carol have three sons. Scott and his wife Audra reside in Santa Monica, California. Tyler and his wife Sarah reside in Omaha, Nebraska. Alex and his wife Lindsey reside here in Warrensburg. The Graham’s have been members of FBC since their move to Warrensburg in 2000 and serve and have served in a number of different capacities.
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Jason SnowdenJason has been a member of the Board of Elders for FBC Warrensburg since 2012. Jason and his wife Jen have been members at FBC since 2004 when they moved to Warrensburg. Jason and Jen were married in 2001, and they have 3 children Kelsey, Andrew, and Nathan. Jason is a family practice physician and enjoys getting to use those skills in serving on medical mission trips and volunteering as the medical director of New Beginnings Women's Center.
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Dave WhiteDavid and Laura have been married 39 years, have five children and six grandchildren. They have been members of FBC since 2003 during which time Dave has served teaching Sunday School, in the Deacon Ministry, Worship Team, Men’s Ministry and leading a Gospel Community. In 1980 he and Laura began an interdenominational youth ministry, Teens For Christ, in Lima, Ohio that has expanded internationally. Dave was ordained in the Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1989 where he served as a youth and associate pastor and senior pastor. He recently retired as a First Sergeant after 20 years of service in the United States Army and Missouri Army National Guard; he's currently employed by the State of Missouri Probation & Parole. Laura is currently the director of the Golden Age Ministry at FBC.
