Staff
Say hello to the leadership at First Baptist Church.
Meet our leadership
Say hello to the leadership team at First Baptist Church. Got questions for them? Contact us by clicking here.
Vernon Risner Senior Pastor
Vernon Risner is originally from Ohio. Ask him sometime about how God called him into the ministry. At 19 he became involved at a local church in his hometown of Franklin, Ohio. Eleven years later he was the Senior Pastor. That was in 2001. He loves Jesus' church. A graduate of Moody Theological Seminary his greatest desire is to lead a community of believers committed to sharing the power of the love of Jesus Christ. A love that conquers sin, wipes away shame, heals wounds, reconciles enemies, patches broken dreams and ultimately changes the world one life at a time.
He has a wife he loves and 2 daughters who are his most aggravating blessings.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5
Johnathon Miller Associate Pastor
Johnathon Miller was born and raised in northern Indiana. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute (‘18) with a B.A. Johnathon has a passion for the local church, and his greatest desire is to see the body of Christ sacrificially serve others as Christ did. He loves all things outdoors and is always down to play a round of golf, disc golf, or go fishing.
Johnathon is married to his lovely wife, Hannah, and they have one daughter.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45
Monika Rosenberger Worship Director
Monika Rosenberger is originally from Oregon (IL). Ask her sometime about her testimony and call to ministry. She graduated from Illinois State University and became involved in church after settling down with her husband, Shawn, in the town of Normal. She and Shawn have been married for 9 years and enjoy a blended family together.
Monika has a passion for leading believers to seek out a deep connection with Jesus. Her greatest desire is that the church would share in experiencing God’s presence through heartfelt worship and praise.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeanie Green Kids Hope Director
Jeanie Green was born and raised in the Pekin area. After growing up in a small church in North Pekin, Jeanie received Christ as her savior at the age of 18.
Children's ministry has always had her heart. Sharing God's love with children and giving them the hope that God has promised is her most favorite thing to do. She has served as a Sunday school teacher, children's ministry director, VBS teacher, and director, and now she serves as Kids Hope Director here at First Baptist Pekin.
Jeanie and her husband of 38 years share three adult children and several grandchildren.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
-Psalm 46:1