STAFF
Ron's Bio
Hi, my name is Ron, and I am privileged to serve as the Interim Senior Pastor here at FBCS. By God's grace, I am a child of the King, husband to my beautiful wife Linda, father to seven awesome children, and "Papa" to nearly 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Keeping up with our family is an endless task, but Linda and I wouldn't have it any other way!
I love studying God’s Word and pointing people to the hope of Christ. For nearly 50 years of ministry, I’ve served two churches in Western PA and several here in Virginia—which means I still unapologetically root for Western PA sports teams. When I'm not studying or spending time with family, I love outdoor sports, experiencing new cultures, working with my German Shorthaired Pointer, and fixing things.
Sam's Bio
I recognized my need for Christ as a rising senior in high school, after a difficult season of uncertainty and depression. That summer at youth camp, the Holy Spirit powerfully drew me to repentance and faith, revealing that my ultimate purpose is to see, savor, and worship the glory of the triune God.
Sensing a clear call to ministry, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music & Worship Leadership from Charleston Southern University—where I also met my wife, Ashelynn, who earned the same degree. To further equip myself to serve the local church, I earned a Master of Theological Studies from Grimké Seminary. My ongoing goal is to cultivate a ministry deeply rooted in Scripture and prayer, whether spoken or sung, for the glory of God.
Christ is the driving force behind everything I do. I believe music is a powerful, God-given tool that works alongside biblical truth to stir our holy affections and align our hearts to Him alone. It is my joy to help others discover the daily relevance of the Gospel.
Originally from Georgetown on the South Carolina coast, I love playing and watching basketball. Ashelynn and I enjoy watching movies and studying vocal technique. In my free time, I love playing guitar and mandolin."
Abner's Bio
My name is Abner Diaz. I am originally from Guatemala and have lived in the United States for several years. As a child, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. God powerfully saved me from depression and healed the anger in my heart, proving to me that even in our darkest seasons, He provides hope, purpose, and grace.
Since moving to the U.S. and being baptized, I have joyfully served the church in worship ministry, youth leadership, prayer ministry, and administration. Today, I am continuing my ministry journey through a church planting program with NAMB.
The greatest truth of my life is that God brought me from spiritual death to life. Because of that, I am passionate about seeing the next generation at FBC Springfield grow. Having navigated the ups and downs of life as a young adult, I am convinced that nothing is better than living for Jesus. Our youth need a solid Gospel foundation and the tools to live it out boldly in a culture that rejects the truth. I am honored and excited to help the youth of FBC Springfield treasure Christ above all else.
Kris' Bio
Kris grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She moved to Fairfax as a college student. She has a degree in Fine Art from George Mason University. She is blessed to be wife to her husband Rex for over 20 years, and mom to their for kids.
After college, Kris worked as a graphic designer, at a printing company, where she learned the ins and outs of printing. Before leaving the design world to become a homemaker Kris worked with a team designing publications and advertising materials.
Kris accepted Christ as her savior when she was 13ish years old. She was baptized at First Baptist Church in Norfolk Virginia. Becoming a stay at home mom has afforded Kris time to feed her appetite for God’s Word. She started coming to Bible Study at FBCSpringfield when her oldest began attending the Day School. Kris has a passion to know and grow in the Lord and see other ladies grow in their faith.
Kris enjoys watching her kids play soccer, lacrosse, football, viola and cello (and anything else they decide to try). She loves to paint, sew, crochet, craft, bake and eat (especially spicy food.) Kris loves being on a team, and always enjoys a challenge. She is happiest when she is able to roll her sleeves up and get her hands dirty (literally!).
B'linda's Bio
B’linda is the Director of the First Baptist Church of Springfield Day School. She has worked at the Day School since 2023 and previously served as Assistant Director, an assistant teacher, science teacher, and chapel leader. B’linda is married to her husband Elliott, and they have two children: Isobel and Callum.
B’linda grew up in a Christian home with her mom, dad, sister and brother. Her dad was a youth pastor and led B’linda to trust Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. As a teenager, B’linda followed in her dad’s footsteps in kids and youth ministry during 5 summers at Frontier Camp in Texas as a camp counselor. Following high school, B’linda attended Bible school and became a missionary during two years in Germany as resident advisor for a girl’s dorm at the Black Forest Academy boarding school for missionary kids. B’linda then married Elliott, and a few years later, they became missionaries with One Challenge International in the country of Cyprus.
As the Director of the Day School, B’linda loves ministering to the children and families of the First Baptist Church of Springfield Day School. She is passionate about creating a joyful, engaging, and spiritually-grounded learning environment. B’linda believes children learn best when they feel loved, safe, and inspired by families and educators working together in partnership.
B’linda loves watching and supporting her children through their various activities: color guard, violin, drums, and flag football. She also loves all things plants, both in her garden or in the house (there are many).
Pastor Tegene's Bio
Psalms 1:8
"Ask of me, I will give you the nations for your inheritance."
I am Pastor Tegene Mengesha. Alongside my wife, Trhas, to whom I have been married for over 20 years, I am the proud father of three wonderful daughters: Rohebot, Mesgana, and Abigail. My journey with the Lord began at the age of 13. Since then, I have served Him faithfully both in my home country and here in Springfield.
My mission as a pastor is simple: to share how God found me when I was lost, to testify to His incredible love, and to declare the Good News to everyone who believes. I am privileged to serve as an ordained pastor, ministering in Amharic to the Ethiopian Congregation at First Baptist Church Springfield, and welcoming anyone who hungers and thirsts for the Lord.
Ellen's Bio
I grew up in south Louisiana and still proudly claim it as home after many years away. I was blessed to grow up in a family that loves that Lord and to have a youth minister that loved students and invested fully in showing them God’s love and grace. I became a Christian as a youth in my home church and have
stayed active in a church home throughout my life.
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business, with a specialization in Accounting, from Louisiana College. This is also where I met the amazing man I get to call my husband, Brian. We have three beautiful girls and one ridiculously spoiled chocolate lab.
While in college, I interned for two seasons with a CPA, gaining valuable tax accounting experience. After college graduation and moves to a few new states, I was able to begin an internship in the Accounting Department for Pikes Peak Behavioral Health, learning proper accounting procedures. After another move, I began working for Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
When our oldest daughter was born, I was gifted with the opportunity to become a stay at home mom. I have been a stay at home mom for a little over sixteen years and jumped back into working outside of the home to begin working at FBC Springfield in December 2023.
When I am not working, I enjoy the busy season of mom life that comes with sports, the girls’ extracurriculars, and constant activity. I love spending time with my family, reading, crocheting or
anything crafty, baking cookies, playing pickleball, and reading or learning about anything WW2 related. I also spend a ridiculous amount of time taking our sweet pup for walks throughout the day when I can.
I am excited to be a part of FBC Springfield, as we strive to impact others with the gift of Christ’s love.
Kris' Bio
Originally from Virginia Beach, Kris moved to Fairfax to attend George Mason University, graduating with a degree in Fine Art. She went on to work as a graphic designer—learning the ins and outs of production and advertising—before transitioning to full-time homemaking. For over 20 years, she has been happily married to her husband, Rex, together they have four children.
Kris placed her trust in Christ as a young teenager and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Norfolk. Her journey at FBC Springfield began when her oldest child enrolled in the Day School, drawing her into women's Bible study. Kris' desire is to know the Lord deeply and helping other women (especially young moms) grow in their faith.
A self-described team player who loves a challenge, Kris is happiest when she can roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. Outside of ministry, you can find her cheering at her kids' sports games and music recitals, or seeking out new and spicy food!