Leadership and Staff
ARRIVING JANUARY 2026
A Word from Our Incoming Pastor
I am honored and truly excited to step into the role of Lead Pastor at this church. I come here with one conviction burning in my heart: God is not finished writing the story of this congregation, and the best chapters are still ahead.
My calling is straightforward – igniting hope and transforming lives through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I will preach the Word faithfully, and lead us together into everything God has for us next. Whether that’s seeing lives changed in baptism, families strengthened, kids and students owning their faith, worship that lifts the roof, or serving our community with the hands and feet of Jesus, I believe we’re just getting started.
My wife and I are all-in. We can’t wait to worship with you, pray with you, laugh with you, and watch the Lord do what only He can do.
The future is bright. Let’s keep climbing together.
Church Secretary: Christine Vincent
Christine Vincent is the church secretary and bookkeeper. She has lived near Mascoutah for seven years with her husband Ray and daughters Emily and Catie, after many moves around the world as a military family. She enjoys gardening, hobby farming, and distance running when not serving at the church.
Preschool Director: Heidi Pierce
A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Heidi grew up in Mascoutah and continues to enjoy life here with her husband Chris and two children, Ella and Nate. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Western Illinois University in 2002 and taught P.E. in a neighboring town for two years. In 2005, the Lord led Heidi away from Physical Education and blessed her with a heart for young learners. She received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010, and has been teaching in a preschool classroom for 18 years. Lighthouse Preschool has been a vision of hers and of First Baptist Church for several years, and she is honored to be the school’s first director.
Heidi also serves as custodian for FBCM.
Worship Director
April Sturgill serves as our worship director. She sings in our services as well as planning worship and coordinating the other participants. She is married to our deacon, Richard Sturgill, and has two adult sons. She is a teacher at Pontiac Junior High and runs Shiloh Valley Homestead with her family.
Preschool Assistant: Lori Graf
Lori Graf is a veteran homeschooling mother to seven very different adult children and "Gigi" to some of her favorite young people in this world - all of whom keep her young at heart. She enjoys writing and gardening when she is not busy telling a story or singing a song of God's grace and goodness.
