Dr. Darren Gaddis, Senior Pastor

On April 25, 2010, Dr. Darren Gaddis and his family accepted the call to be our Senior Pastor. Pastor Darren has been in the ministry for nearly 21 years, having served churches in Florida, Texas and Kentucky. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of West Florida, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a former President and 2nd Vice President of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and was a Trustee of GuideStone® Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Darren and his wife, Jennifer, have three children: Leah, Ethan and Meredith. He enjoys golf, reading and traveling with his family.

E-mail Pastor Darren, or call 352-629-5683 Ext 127.

Rev. Monty Grant, Associate Pastor for Business Administration

Rev. Monty Grant has served as Associate Pastor for Business Administration since June, 1999. While serving as an accountant in Nashville, TN, he was called to ministry from Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, and earned the Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1997). He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Memphis (1987), and a Master of Tax Accounting from the University of Alabama (1988). Prior to coming to Ocala, he served a church in Lexington, KY. He and his wife Melody have 2 cocker spaniels, Gracie and Charlie. He enjoys RV’ing, saltwater fishing, Gator football, and NASCAR.

E-mail Monty, or call 352-629-5683 ext. 127.

Rev. Kevin Kite, Minister of Missions

Kevin has the great privilege of being married to Jeanna and being called “Dad” by 5 incredible children. Kelsey, Jacob, Evelynn, Lydia, and Elise complete the Kite Gang.
He has been blessed with the privilege to serve in the church that his family has considered “home” for the past 21 years. He has served at FBC since January, 2002.
Kevin graduated from Central Florida Community College (1991), Florida State University (1994) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1998) and is pleased to now learn from the members of FBC as we journey together.
His time away finds him camping with his family, fishing and running.

E-mail Kevin, or call 352-629-5683 ext. 145.

Rev. Bryan Bair, Minister to Students

Bryan, also referred to as “Bear” around the church, has been serving in ministry for the past 12 years - usually involving students. He is a graduate of Florida State University (2000) and Liberty Theological Seminary (2008). Bryan is married to his lovely wife Alena. They both count it a blessing to be parents of their son Gabriel and their daughter Amelia. In his free time, aside from spending time with his family, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golf (disk and regular), camping…just about anything outdoors.  

E-mail Bryan, or call 352-629-5683 ext 120.

Rev. Jerry Easley, Minister to Preschool and Children

Jerry has served for 25 years as a Preschool and Children's Pastor. He is a graduate of Cumberland College in Kentucky and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Since 1987 he has served churches in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida as pastor to preschool, children, youth, and recreation as well as serving in the roles of pastor and associate pastor. He serves as a Ministry Multiplier for the Florida Baptist Convention, is a licensed Church Health Consultant, and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Jerry and his wife Mary Ellen married in 1969. They have two sons, Jeremy and Joel, daughter-in-law Nicky and four grandchildren Jarrett, Izzy, Jonah, and Ike. Mary Ellen is an Interpreter for the Deaf. She uses her skills by serving the Marion County Public Schools and the Deaf Ministry of FBC Ocala.
Jerry's responsibilities include administrating a Childhood Education Ministry for children from birth through fifth grade, including ministry programming in Sunday School, missions, discipleship, Awana, Upward Sports, child evangelism, and parenting.

E-mail Jerry, or call 352-629-5683 ext. 142.

David Ripple, Interim Contemporary Worship Leader

David was born and raised in Dunnellon, FL and has been a worship leader for 11 years. After moving to Nashville,TN in 2005, he moved back to accept a position at another local church.
David came to FBC in January of 2009. He loves to spend his free time fishing, hiking, reading, or playing his guitar.

E-mail David, or call 352-629-5683 ext 154.

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