From the Staff

We strive to be a church without walls. Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. We make it an effort to be like the church from the book of Acts, to see our community changed.

 

We would love to get to know you better so we can serve you better! Fill out a Connect Card below to get started. If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office. We are happy to help!

Our Staff

Jarret Garber

Lead Pastor

Jarret is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Theology, with an emphasis in Leadership Studies. Jarret and his wife have dedicated their marriage to ministry and spreading the Gospel message of Jesus. They both love traveling and outdoor activities.

Johnny Elliott

Youth Pastor

Johnny is passionate about making disciples and encouraging people to grow in their relationship with Christ. He loves helping people deepen their understanding of God's Word. He enjoys biking, exercising, and playing sports. Johnny and his wife, Hannah, have been married since 2015. They have three children.

Mike Leonard

Children's Ministries Director

Mike and his wife have been members of FBC since 2017 and have two children. Mike has volunteered in AWANA, VBS, and Youth Group. Mike and his wife led children’s programs for 10 years at their former church. For Mike, it has been an absolute blessing to watch people, young and old, grow in Christ. 

Jennifer Guo

Children's Ministries Intern

Jennifer began her internship at First Baptist Church in April 2024. She also works as an Aide at Downers Grove Christian School. She loves encouraging children toward milestones in their relationship with Jesus. Jennifer is inspired by the ways that the Lord uses children as great blessings for the kingdom of God.

Josh Peel

Downers Grove Christian School Principal

Josh graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Youth Ministry. He also has a M.S. in Math. Josh is passionate about educating the next generation of world changers and leaders for Christ.

Rob Peterson

Minister of Maintenance

Rob has served at First Baptist for over 30 years. He is passionate about serving the Lord and others. Rob enjoys golfing, drinking chai lattes, and watching Chicago sports.

Betsey Singh

Office Administrator

Betsey has attended FBC since 2017 and joined the staff in 2022. She and her husband, Luke, have two sons. Betsey is passionate about people forming connections within the church body and finding their function within the body of Christ. She enjoys reading, baking, cooking, and the Chicago Cubs.