ministry staff
Our ministry staff is here to help you connect to God through our Lord Jesus Christ, to the truth of God's Word that will transform your life, and to the community of faith called First Baptist Church. Feel free to contact any minister on our staff, and they'll do their very best to help you.
Jeff Reynolds has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church since January 2016. He believes in the absolute truth of God's Word and the absolute power of God to transform anyone's life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His constant goal is to help people trust and follow Jesus in every moment of life, so he seeks to help people see the connection between real faith and real life whenever he can.
Jeff and his wife, Erin, are Bowling Green natives and are excited to raise their two children, Griffin and Reagan, as part of this vibrant and growing community. He has a B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Centre College and an M.Div. and Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
David Tooley has served as Executive Pastor of First Baptist Church since June 2017. He oversees the stewardship of church personnel, finances, and facilities. He is passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ, and he seeks always to ensure that God's resources are handled with the utmost in care and strategic investment.
David and his wife, Sally, have been Bowling Green residents since they entered Western Kentucky University in the 1990s. They have six children: Nate, Peter, Anna, and Sophia, Fany, and Leonardo. David has a B.A. in Corporate and Organizational Communication with a Business Administration Minor from Western Kentucky University and a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ryan has served as a worship pastor and music minister at churches in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas since 2004. He has a heart for biblical worship principles and unity in the body of Christ. He has been blessed with diverse experiences in musical style, but most enjoys leading worship that is aimed at encouraging spiritual growth in every worship setting. He holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Shorter University (2004), a Master in Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2013), and is currently in the final phase of his Doctor of Education in Ministry from Southwestern. In addition to his local church leadership, he has been active in broader denominational music initiatives, including serving as president for the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference (SBCMC) in 2025.
His ministry has also involved collaborating on regional music and worship training events, such as the SURGE150 Music Camp. He is incredibly blessed to be married to Elise, and they have four children: Amara (11), Andrew (7), Hudson (5), and Jonathan (3).
Lauren Parish has served as Minister of Children at First Baptist Church since October 2021. She leads our children's ministries, helping children and families trust and follow Jesus during some precious and challenging years. She is a creative and energetic communicator, and she seeks to use a variety of teaching styles, a well-planned curriculum, and strong relationship building to maximize learning opportunities with children. She is passionate about missions, and she encourages children and families to engage in local and global missions opportunities.
Lauren has a B.A. in Music and Christian Ministries from Anderson University, and she has served as a Journeyman with the International Mission Board and in several children's ministry roles within Southern Baptist churches, associations, and camps. In 2026, she graduated with a Master of Theological Studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
T.J. Renfro has served as Minister of Students at First Baptist Church since June 2023. T.J. grew up and began his journey with Christ in Lexington, Kentucky, where he and his family attended Southland Christian Church. He came to WKU, got involved with the Christian Student Fellowship on campus, and began attending First Baptist Church. Through his service in the Student Ministry, University Ministry, and ROC at First Baptist Church, God made it clear to T.J. that he is called to full-time ministry, specifically working with students and families. He is committed to helping students understand and live out the gospel message in every part of their lives.
T.J. has been married to Anna since July 2023. He has a B.S. in Sport Management from Western Kentucky University, and he is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Discipleship from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Alex Watkins has served as Minister of Adult Discipleship & Missions since February 2024. He provides leadership to our adult ministries ranging in age from Young Adults to Senior Adults - and everything in between. He is passionate about making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he seeks to ensure that every group, class, and member of First Baptist Church is focused on carrying out the Great Commission both at home and abroad.
Alex is married to Meghan, and they have three wonderful children named Jude, Samuel, and Naomi. Alex has a B.S. in Business Management from Western Kentucky University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Leadership from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Additional staff
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Andrea Nance
Pianist
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Bryson Richey
Organist
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