Meet Our Staff

Dr. Buddy Perstrope

Dr. Perstrope joined the First Baptist Church staff as Senior Pastor in June 2012. He grew up south of St. Louis in Arnold, Missouri. Buddy has served as a Senior Pastor for over 20 years in churches in Mississippi and Georgia. He also served as a Children’s Minister for five years, including three years at…

Al Willis

Al was hired as Church Business Administrator in January 2014 and oversees four key areas of ministry: Finance & Business, Property & Grounds, Human Resources and General Administration, including all non ministerial staff.  In 2010, Al retired after 37 years from UPS, INC, where he served as a business manager out of the Chicago Regional…

Jerry Dudley

Jerry has served at First Baptist Church since September of 2000. He is a native to St. Louis and has been the senior pastor of three churches in Missouri prior to joining the staff at First Baptist. He has a God-given passion for Church growth and reaching lost people. He and his wife, Pam met…

Juli Perstrope

Juli joined our team in January 2013 to help guests and members get connected into our church family. She oversees the First Impressions Team, church outreach, and the FBC101 class. She also coordinates details for events and helps in areas of media and communication.

Jim Finch

Jim is in charge of anything electronic at First Baptist Church. He schedules the Tech Team on all audio and video assignments each month, maintains all video and audio equipment and trains new volunteers on the operation of the equipment. He updates our website, Facebook page and Livestream site. Jim also keeps our church sign…

David Butler

David joined the First Baptist Church staff in August 2014. He grew up in the St. Louis area and has served as worship pastor for several years in both Missouri and Georgia. Prior to becoming a worship pastor, he was an instrumental music director at First Baptist Church of Arnold MO. David is also a…

Jacob Mitchell

Jacob joined the staff at First Baptist Church in February of 2024. He moved around a lot as a kid, but calls Independence, Kansas home. Jacob has served at two prior churches as the youth pastor before joining First Baptist as the Student Pastor. Jacob earned his Undergraduate degree in Youth Ministry from Southwest Baptist…

Arianna Spak

Arianna has been attending First Baptist St. Charles for over five years and is actively involved in different ministry areas. As administrative assistant, she is responsible for coordinating the church’s calendar and can assist you with any questions concerning church membership as well as use of church facilities. Arianna will be available in the office…

Denise Kopp

Denise began working part-time in our Financial Department in 2009. She became our full time Financial Secretary in 2014. She has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Memphis. Denise and her husband, Jim, have been married since 1986 and have 3 children and 1 granddaughter. She loves working with the people here…