John Vawter - Senior Pastor for the Interim

John was born and raised in the Portland area. He has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon, Master of Divinity from Trinity Seminary and Dr. of Ministry from Bethel Seminary. John and his wife Susan have two children.  They live in Scottsdale, AZ, with a summer home in Bend, Oregon.  His ministry career began with 10 years in Campus Crusade (in England & USA) followed by a 14 year senior pastorate at Wayzata Free Church in Minnesota.  He also served as President of Western Seminary in Portland and Phoenix Seminary.  He was then Senior Pastor of Bethany Community Church in Tempe, AZ before moving into service as a church consultant and speaker. As a consultant, Dr. Vawter has served as as Strategic Interim Pastor ministering to 5 different congregations over the past five years.  He brings a wealth of experience in transition leadership to our church. John is an Author of two books; Uncommon Graces (NAVPRESS), as well as Hit By A Ton of Bricks (Family Life Publishers), which is a book dealing with children of Christians who find themselves with kids who are abusing drugs or alcohol.  He is also the founder of You Are Not Alone, which is a ministry that helps Christians who have kids with drug and alcohol problems (their website can be found at notalone.org). First Baptist is grateful to Dr. Vawter for agreeing to help lead our church during our transition to our next Senior Pastor.  We firmly agree that he is God's appointed person for this time. The leadership of our Church, along with John and Susan, welcome and covet your prayers for his time in leading our congregation. 

Brett Gilchrist - Senior Associate Pastor

Brett and his wife Phares served on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ for 12 years, nine of those leading the ministry at the U of O. Brett enjoys directing a number of the ministries of the church. His passions are teaching the Bible and connecting people and resources to fulfill the great commission and grow the church. He and Phares have three children, Ashley, 22, Grant, 20, and Garrett, 15. He enjoys elk hunting, motorcycle touring and camping.

Glen Eickmeyer- Associate Pastor

Glen was born in Eugene, graduated from Judson Baptist College, University of Oregon, and Denver Seminary. He has served in 5 churches (youth pastor, church planter, chaplain and now as associate pastor). Glen got married in 1979 to Debbie and they have two children, Greg and Grace, who are both out of high school. "My passion is to be a godly husband and father who is also a pastor," says Glen.

Heidi Bolz - Women's Ministries

Heidi most certainly isn't a native Oregonian. Born in the Midwest and a graduate of the University of Wyoming, she will always view the Rocky Mountains as her second home. Since moving to the Eugene area in 1989, she's learned to love the mossy trees and the more temperate climate. Heidi loves to hike in mountain meadows enjoying the wildflowers with her husband, Chris, and children, Megan and Jeremy. One of her favorite things to do is to help people find a reason to smile and laugh and to enjoy everyone she meets. She's been a part of Women's Ministries at First Baptist since 2001 and has enjoyed meeting new ladies, watching them develop friendships, grow in their faith, and use their gifts to minister within the church body at First Baptist and in the community.

Larry Kirkpatrick – Men’s Ministry

Larry is a 5th generation Oregonian and a graduate of the U of O and Fuller Seminary. He was married to Margie at 1st B and later ordained here. He worked for Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in Alberta, Canada where his two children were born. He has been a chaplain, associate pastor and has been self-employed as a river and mountain Guide and Outfitter, a Building Contractor, and Knife Sharpener. He enjoys many outdoor activities like skiing, fishing, hunting, backpacking, biking, rafting and canoing. Larry’s passion in the church is to help men get connected with each other and God so that they can enjoy the adventure and challenge of being “God’s man” at home, at work, in the church, and in the community.

Matt Erdmann - Middle School Pastor

Matt grew up in the state of Washington where he spent countless hours rooting for the Mariners, Seahawks, Sonics and Huskies. After high school Matt attended Biola University and Talbot School of Theology in preparation for full time ministry with young people. Matt has worked with middle school students since his senior year in high school and the passion continues to grow as he spends time with this awesome age group of people. Matt spends most of his time creating, planning, teaching, and leading the Mid-School ministry. When he is not hanging out with middle schoolers he is spending time with his wife Paula and their three kids Kevin, Brian, and Emily. He is a sports nut, and enjoys playing the guitar, watching movies, and throwing the ball in the backyard with the dog.

Rudy Herr- High School Pastor

Rudy is a homegrown Oregonian boy who grew up attending FBC since the 1st grade. His life was greatly impacted at the age of 16 through a discipleship relationship. Perhaps this explains his love for this age group and his passion to have every teen discipled who truly longs to grow in their faith. His love for ministry was kindled at his high school as a student leader for young life. Through college he was a volunteer leader for young life where he ran the club at South Eugene. Right before joining the FBC staff he was married to his wife Luci in the summer of 1983. They have three energetic boys. His favorite event each year is the mission trip he leads to Mexico during Spring Break. He sees this event transform lives like no other, including his own.

Steve Maricle - Minister of Worship and Music

Steve was born in Eugene has attended FBC since birth. He graduated from North Eugene High School and the University of Oregon with a Masters in Music. He taught band in the Burns and Springfield schools for ten years. He joined the FBC Pastoral Staff part-time in 1982 and full-time in 1983--the longest serving current staff member. His wife, Alisa, is the great, great, great granddaughter of Mahlon and Frances Harlow who started FBC. Married in 1975, they have four sons and a daughter. Rebecca and her husband have Daphne, the Maricle’s first grandchild. Steve is a craftsman with interests in fine woodworking, stained glass and drawing. He has designed and built many of the furnishings for his family home. He enjoys bicycling and playing upright bass in several groups, trumpet in the Eugene Symphonic Band and playing his vintage cornet in the Oregon Brass Society.

Dave Mertz - Camp Director, Asc. Worship Pastor

Dave grew up in Eugene and had his first connection with First Baptist in the summer of 1984 when he was asked to counsel, help lead worship and play the gripping role of “Dr. Paul E. Esther” at High School camp at Camp Harlow. After two years as a High School Intern, Dave joined the pastoral team in 1986 as the Middle School Pastor. Fourteen years later, in 2000, he transitioned to become the Program Director at Camp Harlow and to oversee the leadership of the worship teams of First B’s college ministry, CCF. On the home front, Dave has been married to Carrie, his High School sweetheart, since 1986, and they have been blessed with three wonderful kids.

Kambiz Mirsepassi - Camp General Director

Kambiz was born and raised in Persia. In 1969 he moved to the USA to attend Pepperdine University and in 1974 he moved to Sacramento where he met and married Linda in 1982. He and Linda now have three children: Laila, Eric and Hannah. Kambiz accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1983 through the Billy Graham Crusade. He and his family moved to Eugene in 1986 and started attending First Baptist Church in 1990. He became the General Director of Camp Harlow in 1997.
Kambiz loves the ministry of Camp Harlow and enjoys his relationships with the campers, counselors and staff. His hobbies include: golfing, boating and playing tennis and he enjoys exotic cars.