Staff

A Message from our Church Staff

We welcome you to visit First Baptist Church of Downers Grove on Sunday morning for Sunday School and Worship Service, or during the week at a Bible Study, Awana, Grove Youth Group, or special event.

 

Learn more about who we are as a church and our mission and vision to be more like Christ. First Baptist Church of Downers Grove has many ministries in which you can be involved, like Awana, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, and Men's & Women's ministries.

 

If you have any questions about our events, programs, or ministries, please contact the Church Office or one of our staff members so we can serve you better.

Connect With Us

OUR STAFF

Dennis Fledderjohann

Interim Pastor

Pastor Dennis has been married for 51 years to his college sweetheart, Liz. For 22 years, he served as a professor at Moody Bible Institute in the Educational Ministries Division. Dennis enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with his four adult children and their families — including nine grandchildren.

Mark Eakley

Worship Pastor

Mark has served as FBC's Worship Pastor since March 2018. He is a graduate of Trinity International University, with a major in Church Music. He is passionate about leading others in a meaningful worship experience! In his free time, Mark enjoys playing pop tunes on the piano, watching movies, and spending time with his wife, three daughters, son, and two dogs!

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 one daughter and one son.

Mike Leonard

Children's Ministries Director

Mike and his wife have been members of FBC since 2017 and have two young children. Mike has volunteered in AWANA, VBS, and Youth Group. He has also served as a Trustee and is currently on the Deacon Board.

Before coming to First Baptist, 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. 

Rob Peterson

Minister of Maintenance

Rob has served at First Baptist for over 30 years. He currently serves as the Minister of Maintenance. He is responsible for keeping our facilities in excellent condition! He is passionate about serving the Lord and others. In his free time, Rob enjoys golfing, drinking chai lattes, and watching Chicago sports.

Shari Peterson

DGCS Principal

Before becoming principal, she taught at Downers Grove Christian School for 10 years. Shari has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University. In her free time, Shari enjoys spending time with her family and grandkids.

Betsey Singh

Office Administrator

Betsey joined the staff in November 2022 as Office Administrator and manages church communications. She and her husband, Luke, have two sons! Fun Fact: Betsey attended First Baptist Christian School (now DGCS) in the 90s. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and watching the Chicago Cubs.