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 surrendered to ministry in 1985 and began serving in children’s ministry, student ministry, and preaching. In 1991, he became a Children’s Pastor and served at two different churches. In 1996,…

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 has been a member of the church since 1994 and on staff since 2011. He is in charge of anything electronic at First Baptist Church. He schedules the Media Team for all audio, video, and lighting assignments each month, maintains all the equipment, and trains new volunteers on its operation. He ensures our weekly…

David Butler

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

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 is now our full-time Financial & HR Coordinator. 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 2 grandchildren. She loves working with the people here…