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
NEW! Student & College 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. :)”
James George
Director of Evangelism and Discipleship (Volunteer)
James has been on staff at First Baptist since 2021 and grew up in Longview, TX. He was saved in a great revival, so outreach with the gospel became immediately important to him and has remained the core of his meaning and purpose since. James received a Bachelor's degree from Dallas Baptist University while being a Bible Translator with Wycliffe Bible Translators. He also holds a graduate certificate in Ministry and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. The world is filled with needs, hurts, injustices, complacency, broken hearts, and broken people. No matter how great the need or offense, he believes Jesus is the answer. His favorite portion of scripture is the book of Ephesians. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, hanging out in the mountains, along rivers, and wherever God's majesty is on display.
L.J. Husemann
Facility Manager
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
Holly Lucas
Preschool Director
Holly has been on staff at First Baptist since 2020 and grew up in Odessa, TX. She is so grateful to her family for teaching her how to live and serve the Lord with all of her heart. Holly went to Wayland Baptist University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education. She knows without a doubt that being Preschool Director here is where God wants her to be. She also knows that God is her Redeemer, Savior, and Friend, and she's forever thankful for His grace and mercy that He has so graciously shown time and time again. Philippians 2:3-4, Mark 16:15, Colossians 3:23 are her favorite scriptures. In her free time, Holly loves playing with her children, Madison and Jackson, and doing yoga or going for walks.
Fun Fact:
“My favorite show is NCIS!”
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.
Barry Owens
Senior Adult Pastor
Barry has been on staff at First Baptist since 2021 and grew up in Abilene, TX. He credits his parents and the Bible as his primary influences and has degrees from Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The goal of his life is to daily get to know Jesus in a deeper way. He has been called by Jesus to offer to others the means and support to also connect with Him. Barry’s favorite scripture is Philippians 3:10, and he enjoys music through singing, piano, French Horn, and cornet. He also loves books and memorizing Scripture.
Fun Fact:
“I was a basketball official for 40 years.”
Holly Panter
Communications Director
Holly has been on staff at First Baptist since 2022, grew up all over the world and calls Colorado home. She was raised in a very loving and godly home that shared the gospel with her at a young age. Her own personal relationship with the Lord blossomed in her teen years and has been growing ever since. She has been married to Jake for over 22 years and has four beautiful daughters whom she home educates. She has owned several of her own retail businesses, coached other business owners in their ventures, and been in the communications world off and on for over 20 years. Holly is excited to use her gifts and experience to support the ministries at First Baptist as we further the message of the gospel through excellent communication.
She prays you feel welcomed and fall in love with Jesus more and more as you grow in your faith here at First Baptist. Her favorite scripture is Colossians 3:2-3, and in her free time she enjoys a good cup of coffee with her family, running, kayaking & reading.
Fun Fact:
"My dad is retired Army, and my husband is retired Air Force, so I have lived in 14 different states/countries."
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!”
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…’"