MINISTRY TEAM

  • STephen Betts [lead pastor]

    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.

    Contact Stephen

  • Charity Betts [worship]


  • Denny Blevins [FACILITIES]

    Denny has been attending FBCnl since 2019. He currently serves as a Trustee, substitute custodian, and you will see him serving in other ministries within the church. Denny has been married to his High school sweetheart Monica, since 1977. They have 1 son , Jacob; daughter-in-law, Jessica; and 2 grandsons, Judah and Jace. Denny enjoys spending  time with family, babysitting Judah, watching sports, and traveling. He loves being a part of the FBCNL family. 

  • 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. 

    Contact Aaron

  • Anna Cunningham [OFFICE ADMINISTRATION]

  • stephanie davis [communications | 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.

    Contact Stephanie

  • Chelsea Denlinger [preschool]

    Chelsea has attended FBCNL since 1992. She has served our preschool kids

    since high school! Chelsea has been married to her high school sweetheart, Mick, since 2012. They have three children- Mackenzie, Hunter, and Paisley. Chelsea has always had a passion for babies, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and she desires to plant seeds by sharing the gospel in a way that they can understand so that they may grow to know and love the Lord. Chelsea also has a love for coffee, the beach, camping, and more coffee!

    Contact Chelsea

  • Ashley Dunn [Children]

    Ashley grew up in church, and Children's ministry was her favorite part of childhood. This is where seeds were planted, and her love for the Lord grew. She is excited to be part of the Children's ministry at FBCnl and hopes to plant the same seeds for others. Ashley has been married to her husband Cameron since 2020, and they have three children: Mikelle, Cypress, and Clay.  Ashley loves movie nights with her family and long days in the sun on the boat in the summer.

    Contact Ashley

  • dawn etter [Village Pantry]

    You will see Dawn in many capacities - behind the desk, organizing various areas in the church, or with a paintbrush in her hand.  She has a passion for serving our community, specifically those in need. 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.

  • Ashley Jackson [Kitchen]

    Ashley has been part of FBCNL since 2009 and serves as our kitchen lead and a member of the welcome team. She loves building relationships with both her amazing kitchen volunteers and the people they serve each week. Ashley has been married to her husband Drew since 2007, and they have two teenage sons, Aiden and Eli. In her free time, she enjoys sports, family time, and relaxing on the porch with her dog.

  • dave pyles [re:generation]

    Dave, his wife, Emily (and daughter Ava) have attended FBCNL since 2021 where they quickly became involved in various outreach ministries, including the Village Food Pantry. During this time, the brokenness of the world became undeniably evident, and Dave’s desire to intentionally seek and save the lost was reignited.  He now coordinates and leads the ministry of Re:generation at FBCNL. Re:generation is a “12-step discipleship ministry based on the principles of healing and life transformation found in the Bible”. 

  • pat rusk [clothes pin]


  • adelee small [worship]


  • john stone [facilities]

    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.

  • stephen temple [worship]

    Stephen grew up in Huber Heights and was an active member of the worship band throughout high school. He later attended Liberty University and spent time in Knoxville and Anchorage, AK, before returning to Ohio in 2021. It was then that he and his wife Heidi, along with their daughter Kate, began attending FBCnl. Stephen enjoys live music, loves spending time outdoors (especially hunting), and is a dedicated coffee enthusiast.

  • MARVIN WATKINS [Treasurer]

    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.

  • rich whitman [facilities]

    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.

ELDERS


  • Stephen Betts [ELDER]

    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.

  • NICK LAMB [ELDER]

    Nick and his wife Audra have been attending FBCnl since 2006. They have three children (Miles, Holden, and Spencer). Nick especially enjoys watching his kids play sports, eating, and serving with fellow FBCnl members. Nick loves Jesus and strives to be a little more like Him daily.

  • MARK SAUER [ELDER]

    Mark Sauer, been a member since 1976. He's an Ordained Deacon and now serving as one of the Elders. Mark teach the Young Adults along with Rickey and Kimberly Cornett. Mark and his wife Carolyn or have four adult children: Mindy, April, Scott, and Jonathan.

  • RICH WHITMAN [ELDER]

    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 enjoy visiting Amish country together.