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
- Jeff GrayLead Pastor
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.
- Cody HudspethAssociate Pastor of Student Ministry
Cody joined the staff at FBC Warrensburg in 2024. Originally from North Texas, Cody, along with his wife Sarah and their two children, Nathaniel and Adalyn, have been part of ministries in Texas, Ohio, Illinois, and the St. Louis Metro area. Cody holds a Bachelors of Science in Religion and a Master of Divinity from Liberty University. With over 15 years of experience in Student Ministry, Cody is dedicated to seeing the Gospel impact the next generation. In his free time, Cody enjoys cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and Liberty Flames, spending quality time with his family, savoring good coffee, listening to great music, and diving into all things Star Wars. He also has a passion for history and enjoys exploring historical sites.
- Julie FarwellOperations Manager
Julie 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.
- Angie ReedChildren's Ministry Coordinator
Angie joined the FBC Warrensburg staff in August 2024. Angie was born and raised in Sedalia Missouri, until she met her husband Alan Reed. They are blessed to have 4 daughters; Savannah, Caroline, Gabby, and AJ. Due to Alan being in the military, their family has had the opportunity to serve all over the world in different aspects of the church and their communities. Their journey started here in Missouri, then moved to; Turkey, Washington, Germany, New Jersey, and North Dakota. In February 2023, God brought Angie and her family back to Knob Noster after her husband’s retirement from the Air Force. Angie has her degree in Physical Education, plus her Paraprofessional certification. Her experiences extend from being a stay at home mom for over 15 years, serving in AWANA, VBS, Women’s Ministry, Children’s Ministry, KeySpouse, MOPS, worked in several schools as a Paraprofessional, and added Middle school Volleyball Coach title this last year. She is excited to be a part of the FBC KidsZone to reach kids and their families as they come to a safe place to learn about God and how much He loves them. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and playing Volleyball.
- Bobby “Biff” Gentry, Jr.Facilities Manager
- Sonya DavenportKidSteps Director
Sonya 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
- Jeff Gray
Jeff 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.
- Chris Coombs
Chris 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.
- James Frank
James 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.
- Jim Graham
Jim 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.
- Jason Snowden
Jason 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.
- Nolan Applegate
Nolan and his wife, Mandy, have been married for 19 years and have 2 daughters, Lily 17, and Addy 14. They have attended FBC since 2014. Nolan was in the shoe business for 11 years before transitioning to education in 2016. He teaches 6th Grade Geography and coaches HS Girls Basketball and HS Track and Field at Knob Noster. Throughout their time at FBC Nolan has served in many areas including: Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Small Group Leader, VBS, Deacon, and Security.
- Kevin Cross
Kevin grew up attending church with his parents and sister in Independence, Missouri. He received Christ when he was nine years old and spent a lot of time learning to serve alongside his Dad in various ministries. He met his wife, Monica, in the church where they both grew up and they have been married for over 34 years. They have served together in a variety of ministries including over thirty years in teen ministry. They have two grown children and one son-in-law. Kevin currently leads one of our Discipleship
classes and serves in various other ministries here at FBC. He views ministry as a central part of his life and loves serving the Lord alongside others for the sake of the Gospel.
- Brian Stiles
Brian grew up in a military family, living multiple places around the world. He met his wife, Sherri, during their senior year of High School in Northern California. Brian was raised in the Catholic faith, and accepted Jesus as his savior while in college at the US Air Force Academy. Brian & Sherri married after college and have been married for 22 years. They have five children (Allison, Lyla, Summer, Grant and James). They have been members of FBC since late 2008 when they moved here while Brian was in the Air Force. Brian retired from the Air Force in 2022 and currently works as a contractor for the Department of Energy in Kansas City. Brian is a Deacon and member of the Mission's Team. He and Sherri have been teaching in the Engaged Couples ministry at FBC since 2010.