STAFF

		Dwight Jenkins, Senior Pastor Pastor Dwight is the newest member of the First Baptist Pastoral Staff, having been called as Senior Pastor in October of 2006. He and his wife, Lee Ann, along with their two children, moved from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was in pastoral ministry, to follow God's leading to the exciting work here at First Baptist. Pastor Dwight has served in pastoral ministry in Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and received his Bachelor's Degree from the Criswell College in Dallas, Texas, and his Master of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Contact Pastor Jenkins at djenkins@fbcleland.org
		Mark Edwards, Worship Pastor Pastor Mark is a native of North Carolina, growing up in Stanly County and giving his life to the Lord at age eleven. After college, he accepted the call of God to full-time vocational service and served churches in Huntersville, Harrisburg, and Oakboro before joining the First Baptist staff in February of 2005.Pastor Mark and his wife, Lisa have four children. Mark loves music, serving the Lord through music and leading others in worship. In his free time, he enjoys sports and spending time with his family. Contact Pastor Edwards at medwards@fbcleland.org
		Byron Ayers , Student Pastor Byron Ayers has been serving God as the Student Pastor at First Baptist Church since October 2005. Originally from Texas, God led Byron in a radical way to North Carolina. Byron and his wife, Tara, are both called to youth ministry, and they have three children. Byron has a passion for evangelism and discipleship. Tara feels led by God to share the message of sexual purity. Byron's favorite verse is Romans 1:16. Byron is a sports nut who loves the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and the Texas A&M Aggies. He enjoys playing paintball, camping, and just hanging out with students. Contact Pastor Ayers at bayers@fbcleland.org
		Agustine Lara, Hispanic Pastor Pastor Lara was born in Mirando City, Texas, and joined the Marine Corps at an early age. He retired after 20 years in the service and was saved at the age of 41. God has given him a Christian wife, Peggy, and together they seek to take the message of hope and salvation to the Hispanics in their own language. Pastor Lara was called to the ministry in 1983 and he began the Primera Iglesia Bautista in Wilmington. In 2004, God called him to start the Spanish work here at First Baptist Church. Contact Pastor Lara at glara@fbcleland.org