Staff — First Baptist Church Pekin

Meet our Ministry Staff

Say hello to the ministry staff at First Baptist Church. Have questions for them? Contact us by clicking here.

Vernon Risner Senior Pastor

Vern 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 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

Jeanie Green Kids Hope Director

Jeanie 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

Kimberly Green Worship Director

Kimberly was born and raised in Central Illinois. She was blessed to have grown up in a Christian home and gave her life to Christ in middle school. She has always had a strong passion for music and a desire to lead the church in God honoring worship. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, visiting local coffee shops and antique stores, and always looking for a creative project. She and her husband, Mitch, have three children and live in Pekin. Her favorite Bible story is about Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41

"He (Jesus) got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm."

-Mark 4:39