JIM LEONARD - Lead Pastor
Jim Leonard has been on staff since 1986. He is married to Karen and they have one son, Steven. Jim's education includes a Bachelor's degree in American History, Master's degrees in Communication and Clinical Psychology. Jim loves the opportunity to connect people to Jesus Christ, as well as enabling Christians to find new and excellent ways of living out their relationship with God. He sees the church as rich in diversity in every way except our unity of faith. His hope is to continue to build people and invite the church to grow as a community of diversity and unity.
KEVIN ELWELL - Associate Pastor
Kevin Elwell, our pastor of children and youth, his wife Melissa, and their four boys come to us from San Diego, California via Guam. Kevin, a former soccer coach at a Christian College and an experienced youth pastor, completed his Master of Divinity program at San Diego Christian College and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.
JIM PARKER - Business Manager
Before joining the church staff in 2004, Jim and his wife Valerie served as inner-city missionaries for twenty-five years. They have three grown sons, Jason, Ian and Darren. During his missionary service, Jim served as a ministry director and human resources manager. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in humanities and a professional certificate in human resources. Jim's vision is to support the church staff and members by managing projects and handling responsibility for the financial and administrative activities of the church. Jim and Val enjoy ministering and showing hospitality together and they appreciate the opportunity to serve the cause of Christ in West Los Angeles.
VALERIE PARKER - Administrative Assistant
As Administrative Assistant, Valerie serves as the church's office manager, which includes supervising the church's volunteer receptionist staff. She comes to FBCWLA after serving many years as an inner-city missionary along with her husband, Jim, who now serves as our Business Manager. In addition to her work here at First Baptist, Valerie is very active in Women's Ministries and Bible Study.
STEVE CAMPBELL -Adminstrative & Pastoral Assistant
Steve Campbell and his wife, Esther, have been members of First Baptist Church for over 27 years. Steve serves on the Board of Deacons and works as a volunteer Administrative Aide and Pastoral Assistant here at FBCWLA. He serves on the church's Facilities Enhancement Committee and teaches the New Members Class and Exploring our Statement of Faith Course.
RYAN ROWLES - Director of Worship
Ryan Rowles coordinates all worship teams, assists the audio-visual team, and directs the choir. Ryan is also an instrumental music teacher at Los Angeles Baptist High School in the San Fernando Valley where he has taught for five years. Ryan, his wife Kristin, and their two daughters are so happy to be a part of the staff at First Baptist and they hope that this place will be a place where you can connect with God and develop a life of relationship and worship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
