Meet our staff!
Staff
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chris winkleman
pastor
Chris has been FBC's Pastor since October 2008. Prior to being called to serve at FBC, he was Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.
Married to Laura since August 2001, they have 5 children: Sophie, Isaac, Mary Beth, Lilli, and Asher.
Favorite Bible Verse:
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"
Ephesians 2:4-5
Find Chris on Facebook at facebook.com/chris.winkleman
Follow Chris on Twitter at @chriswinkleman
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Dylan Luce
Pastor for Missions and Discipleship
Dylan Luce has been an associate pastor at First Baptist Church since September 2019. Dylan has a Bachelors of Social Work from SIU-Carbondale.
Dylan has been married to Bonnie since August 1992, they have two children: Ryan (Tori) and Lauren.
Favorite Bible Verse:
"For through the law I died to the law so that I may live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing." Galatians 2:19-21
Find Dylan on Facebook at facebook.com/Dylan.luce
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Nolan Davidson
Pastor for Students and Families
Nolan is the newest addition to the pastoral staff at FBC. He came on board in August 2024. Nolan is responsible for working with the youth and families. Nolan has a bachelors degree in Christian Studies from Union University in Jackson, TN.
Nolan has been married to Rachel since June of 2022. They have one dog named Jet!
Favorite Bible Verse:
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the
grace of God.” - Acts 20:24
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KELLIE SMITH
minister to children
Kellie Smith has served as the Minister to Children since September 1995. Before that, she served at Raleigh Baptist Church in Raleigh, Illinois where she was the youth minister. Kellie has an Associate of Arts degree from John A. Logan College followed by a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Greenville College.
Kellie has been married to Ryan since June 1996. They have five children: Raegan, Madison, Peyton, McKellyn, and Emersyn.
Favorite Bible Verse:
"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." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Find Kellie on Facebook at facebook.com/kellie.smith
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LAURA WINKLEMAN
Worship Leader
Laura is the wife of Chris and mother to Sophie, Isaac, Mary Beth, Lilli and Asher. As a teenager she felt called by God to music ministry.
She sharpened this calling by receiving a Bachelor of Music with emphasis in Christian Studies at Union University. She served as minister of music at New Hope Baptist for 7 years and has served at Harrisburg FBC for over a decade in whatever ways she’s been needed!
She loves watching the church use music to remind themselves of who God is and how worthy He is of their affection. It’s her joy to watch music, in the life of the believer, fight the sin of unbelief and strengthen them to walk closely with Christ!
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Alta Thomas
church secretary
Alta married Jeff Thomas in October of 1998 and they have two children, Chloe and Cash. Alta has a B.A. degree in Fashion Merchandising from Eastern Illinois University and a B.A. degree in Court Reporting from SIU-Carbondale.
Alta enjoys being able to serve the church body and others in many different ways in her position as secretary. Before taking the secretary position here at FBC, Alta worked as a sales associate, floral designer and court reporter. She has also enjoyed teaching 2nd grade during VBS each summer for many years.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?"- Romans 8:31-32
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Tim Ramsey
Facilities Manager
Tim Ramsey is the facilities maintenance manager. He started with First Baptist Church in February 2006. He manages the maintenance and cleaning staff at FBC.
Tim and his wife Sherri live in Harrisburg. They have two sons and daughters-in-law. They also have one granddaughter and two grandsons.
Tim also serves as the Celebrate Recovery Apprentice Ministry Leader.
Before coming to FBC, Tim had 20 years of experience in the agriculture industry. He was the assistant manager of a farm service's plant. He was also a certified crop consultant. He also oversaw the facilities and maintenance operations.
Favorite Bible Verse:
"But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us. Much more then having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." - Romans 5:8-9