Amy Busse
Preschool Director
Rhoda Castillo
Ministry Assistant - Office Services
Rhoda has been on staff at First Baptist since 2017 and originally grew up in Corpus Christi, TX. She credits Godly parents, “who directed me and shared with me their passion in missions,” as her primary influence. She graduated from Dickinson Business School in 1985 and worked in banking for 10 years as a Sr. Teller Supervisor. She loves serving in missions and serving others. In New Braunfels, Rhoda loves to participate in mission outreach, whether it's for the church or out in the community. Her favorite scripture is John 14:1-7, and in her free time she loves going to the beach, going fishing, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and traveling to see her four grandsons in Denver, CO and Pinckney, MI.
Fun Fact:
“I like collecting blue crab or crab stuff! :)”
Justin Daniel
Student & Young Adult Pastor
Justin has been on staff at First Baptist since 2023 and grew up in Billings, MT and Tacoma, WA. He attended the University of North Texas to chase the life of a professional jazz musician and instead devoted His life to Christ, which he then acted out in faith by following the call to become a United States Marine (2011-2019). During his time in the Marines, he completed two Bachelor’s degrees (Bible and History) and began his Master of Divinity, which he completed in 2020. He is currently writing his thesis for a Master of Theology (Old Testament emphasis) from Southern California Seminary on the concept of atonement in Exodus and Leviticus. Justin is also an Army Reservist and served as a Battalion Chaplain.
Justin and his wife, CJ, love to cook together, play with their dog Dolly, and adventure with their daughter Antoinette (Toni). His favorite scripture passage is Isaiah 40:9-31, and he loves to read and lift weights in his free time.
Roy Daves
Pastoral Care Director
Doug Dunnavant
Family Pastor
Doug has been on staff at First Baptist since 2020 and grew up in Tucson, AZ. His relationship with the Lord has grown and deepened throughout the years. He and his wife have been blessed with four amazing children. He has a degree from the University of Arizona and was a teacher in elementary, junior high, and high school for over ten years. Doug is inspired by those who serve as fathers, mothers, teachers, or volunteers who are called for a great purpose. God can and will use in mighty ways every willing vessel who commits to leading children to Jesus. His favorite scripture is Deuteronomy 6:5-7, and in his free time he enjoys football, fishing, camping, playing with his kids, Dr. Pepper, Hot Tamales, and Skittles.
Fun Fact:
“Me, my eldest son, and my eldest daughter all had appendicitis at the age of 10. We already have our youngest two kids scheduled at the hospital when they turn 10. :)”
L.J. Husemann
Facility Director
L.J. has been on staff at First Baptist since 2020 and originally grew up in Lockhart, TX. He has a passion for learning creative ways for keeping the facility in top condition and loves to help people. His favorite scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17, and his favorite hobby is fishing.
Kellie King
Financial Assistant
Dr. Brad H. McLean
Pastor
Brad has been the Pastor of First Baptist since 2007 and grew up in Deer Park, TX. He credits God's grace through salvation, God's Word, and key people who have modeled obedient Christian living as his primary influences. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Brad is amazed that God has shown and continues to show grace and mercy to him. His hope is that others will know His grace and mercy as well. He feels blessed to preach and teach God’s Word. His favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:8, and he loves to play golf in his free time.
James Passman
Worship Pastor
James has been on staff at First Baptist since 2016. He grew up first in Detroit, MI (first 10 years), then Hot Springs, AR. He credits Godly parents, loving family, and encouraging friends as his primary influences. James has a degree from Henderson State University and a graduate degree from Southwestern Seminary. He believes God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, and he loves music and sports—especially Detroit teams including the Tigers, Red Wings, and Michigan Football.
Fun Fact:
“I'm the youngest of three and became an uncle when I was 10 years old!”
Daniel Pearson
Technical Director
Lesli Pearson
First Baptist Kids Academy Director
Lesli has been on staff at First Baptist since 2008 and is originally from Cleveland, TX. Her biggest influences have been her supportive family as well as loving teachers that she has encountered throughout school. She has a degree in Family and Child Development from Southwest Texas State University, and her heart is to serve the Lord through family ministry. Lesli’s favorite scriptures are Ephesians 4:1-6 and Lamentations 3:22-23. Outside of her work at First Baptist, she loves spending time with her five kids, swimming, camping, and watching movies. She also loves chocolate, unsweet tea, and the band NeedToBreathe!
Fun Fact:
“My sister and I were born on the same day, at the same minute, but three years apart.”
Jennifer Vaughan
Ministry Assistant - Communications
Jennifer has been on staff at First Baptist since 2009 and grew up in Schertz, TX. She grew up in a moral but secular family, and the ideological smorgasbord of art college threw her into a hot pursuit of truth. She, her parents, and brother all came into a saving relationship with God, in large part, through the preaching and people of First Baptist. Jennifer studied Art at Texas State. She prays you will be captivated by our glorious God and find freedom and flourishing in Him. Grace changes everything!
1 John 4:18-19 is her favorite scripture, and for fun she loves music and singing. “Windows down, music up! I can be outgoing but am also an introvert, and I adore my people. Let’s sit and talk, go for a walk, geek out over movies, chow down on anything, and ring in a slice of heaven together!”
Fun Fact:
“I walked 11 miles around New Braunfels one summer day. Yowza!”
Jared Walley
Executive Pastor
Jared joined the staff at First Baptist in 2016 and originally grew up in the south. He has a Master's degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a passion for helping people grow in their walk with Jesus, and his life verse is Ephesians 4:11. Jared’s favorite portion of scripture is John 15, and he enjoys reading, games (both board and e games), LEGOs, and music.
Fun Fact:
“My working staff title is ‘WE.’ When Pastor Brad says, ‘We need to …’ all the eyes in the room turn toward me and say, ‘Ok WE, how are we going to…’"
Steve Williamson
Consultant