Stephen grew up the son of a preacher and reluctantly went into vocational ministry more than 25 years ago. Stephen spent almost 10 years in student and children ministry before coming to FBCnl, where he has served as lead pastor since 2008. Stephen loves the local church and is committed to equipping the church through expositional preaching and one on one discipleship. Stephen and his wife, Charity, have been married since 1999 and have four children – Madeline (married to Isaiah), Charlie, Sophia, and Addison. Stephen is a fan of his family, golf, Elvis, Cleveland teams, and Chick-fil-a.
MEET THE TEAM
-
STephen Betts [lead pastor]
-
AARON BUCHANAN [DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES]
Aaron grew up in Cincinnati in a home where Jesus was common conversation. God saved him when he was a child and in high school, Aaron decided that he wanted to serve the church vocationally for the rest of his life. He married his wife, Lauren, in 2019 and landed at FBCnl in 2020. Aaron is passionate about the good news of Jesus being proclaimed in places where it's not often heard and seeing families follow Jesus together. Aaron's favorite things are his wife, his brothers, his dogs, Ohio State football......and also everyone else's dogs.
-
CHARITY BETTS [worship | children's coordinator]
Charity has been serving at FBCnl since 2008 in a variety of ways throughout the church. She is passionate about getting plugged into serving opportunities and into Groups. Stop by Connections and see her on Sundays.
-
stephanie davis [communications director | office ADMINISTRAtion]
Stephanie has officially been on staff since 2022. You might see Stephanie running around on Sunday morning taking photos or behind the coffee bar. Stephanie is behind the desk in the office twice a week and behind the church Facebook and Instagram daily. Stephanie loves serving others and helping them connect with service opportunities and Groups.
Stephanie has been married to her husband, Alan, since 2006 and they have three children (Gracie, Gunner, and Dylan). In her spare time Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and watching her kids play sports.
-
Dawn Etter [office administration]
Dawn works in the office one day a week. You may see her behind the desk, organizing various areas in the church or with a paint brush in her hand as she has done quite a bit of painting the last few years! Dawn and her husband, Randy also serve in our First Kids Sunday morning environment. Dawn has called FBCnl her home church over the last 55 years. In their spare time, Dawn and Randy enjoy spending time with family, Todd, (Anna), Owen and Avery, Luke (Haley), Maura and Maxton and time at Norris Lake.
-
Brittany speros [Office Administration]
Brittany has been attending FBCnl since she was in middle school. She serves in several ways, like photography, video design, and organizing events. You can find Brittany in the office one day a week.
-
MARVIN WATKINS [FINANCE]
Marvin accepted Christ in 1963 and has served in some capacity in five churches under ten pastors, six of which was at FBCnl. Marvin came to Ohio from Tennessee while in the US Air Force while serving as a Chapel Manager. Marvin joined FBCnl in 1974 and has served as Assistant Treasurer and eventually became primary Treasurer in 1991. Marvin is thankful that the Lord has allowed him to be a part of three large expansions of FBCnl and he is looking forward to whatever comes next.
-
RANDY ETTER [HEAD TRUSTEE]
Randy has been serving as a trustee for over seven years. He and a team of men have oversight and take care of FBCnl's property, buildings and equipment. Randy also serves with his wife, Dawn, in our preschool worship environment.
-
rich whitman [TRUSTEE | custodian]
Rich has served as a custodian for FBCNL since 2013. He also serve as a Trustee and Interim Elder. Rich is passionate about discipling others and has led several Discipleship Groups( D Groups) at FBCnl.
Rich has been married to his wive Valerie since 1979, and they have two adult children, Matt and Kayla. He and Val enjoys riding their e-bikes and visiting Amish country.
-
john stone [custodian]
John and his wife Debi have been attending FBCnl since 2009. John serves FBCnl as a deacon and custodian. John and Debi have been married since 1968 and have two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. John loves his church and his church family, and most of all loves his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
