Staff
Senior Pastor
Michael Nelson
Michael came to First Baptist Church in January 2015. He grew up in Orlando, FL., and by God’s grace came to Christ at the age of 15 through the ministry of his local church. He and his wife Sheryl have three children: Nathan, Elizabeth and Katherine. He has earned degrees from the University of Central Florida (BS), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, ThM), and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (ThM, PhD). Michael also serves as an Assistant Professor of Christian…
Worship Leader
Martin Maharas
Martin came to First Baptist Church in January 2022. He grew up in Dearborn Heights, MI., before moving to the Kansas City area in 2011. He became a follower of Jesus Christ in 2010 and was discipled by All Nations missionary to Ecuador, Fernando Bassler. Soon after moving to KC, he began taking Bible classes at Calvary University while specifically focusing on music. He has led worship in various churches since 2010 and is currently the lead guitarist and vocalist for…
Associate Pastor
Daniel Holsten
Daniel came to First Baptist Church in August 2022. He professed faith in Christ and was baptized at the age of 12 at Lone Jack Baptist Church. He currently lives in Raytown with his wife Abbigale, whom he met while serving in youth ministry at his previous church. They were married in March 2022, and Abbi continues to work alongside him in student ministry at FBC. Daniel is passionate about serving the church and teaching the Bible. He earned a…