Our Staff
PASTOR RAY MCDANIEL
LEAD PASTOR
Tanya and I have been married for over twenty five years! We have been blessed to be able to serve the Lord as our primary endeavor for the last twelve. Seven of those years in Latin America (Northeastern Mexico for 6 years and Central Costa Rica for a year). We served as construction missionaries and then Directors over the only school for the deaf in our area. Our Daughter, Paschall Grace, was born in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico and lived her first full year there. We encouraged and trained the staff, then handed off all leadership responsibilities to national Mexican Christians before returning to the Southeastern US for seminary at Columbia International University. During each of the summer breaks from Graduate School we drove to Jackson to minister (bi-vocationally) in this beautiful valley. What an amazing blessing to be here full time. We are humbled by God's amazing love and unbelievably perfect timing. What a God we serve, what a Savior!
Email: raymcdaniel@me.com
PASTOR KARL & KRISTA KLEMMER
Associate Pastor and Worship Leader
Hey everyone! My name is Karl Klemmer and I love Jesus! 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that, “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” That wonderful news is why I love Jesus, my family, and everyone else! God has blessed me with my best friend and wife, Krista, and our three kids Rachel, Aidan, and Addie. I love to spend time with my family, my friends, and being outdoors!
Email: karl_klemmer@yahoo.com
Michael Demetris
Youth Director
I moved to Jackson in 2011 and have been having a blast ever since. I am married to Jayanthi. We are here to pour Truth into the youth of this Valley. In our free time we enjoy evening walks around town, hiking, rock climbing, soccer, and watching documentaries with friends. Take a look at Jeremiah 29:13. God is knowable. Lets seek him out.
Email: mikedfirstb@gmail.com
Aimee & Philip Jordan
Nursery and Children's Church Coordinators
Philip and Aimee have been married for over twenty years and have been working in Children’s Ministry for most of those years. They are so excited to pour into the kids at First B and are big believers in Jesus’ exhortation in Matthew 19:14 to “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Originally from Texas, they moved to the area full time in 2023, after having regularly visited for over 15 years. Philip and Aimee have three wonderful children, James, John and Elizabeth (Ellie). And all of the Jordans love spending time outdoors, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation!
Diane Gieck
Office Manager
Hello! I absolutely love my “job”—I love the opportunity to serve God and others from the church office. My husband, Gary, and I have lived in Jackson and have been a part of the church since 1979. We raised our three fantastic kids here; Christi, Josh and Joey. Plus, we have 4 grandkids who call us “Nana” and “Papa”. I began working at First B in 2003. Gary and I consider it a privilege and a joy to worship, learn and serve alongside those here at the church as we share the very good news of Christ in this community!
Email: office@firstbjackson.org
Nick Staron
Technology and communications Director
In addition to having the longest title on staff (going for some kind of a record), Nick does a little bit of everything at the church. Feel free to chat with him about the streaming of services, technology in the church, photography, Bible studies, prayer groups, the weekly messages, or the Muppets. On the side, Nick is a professional improv comedian with the Laff Staff here in Jackson as well as a hiker, mountain biker, world traveler, and video editor. He and his twin brother were the creators of two Christian films called "Between the Walls" and "Bringing Up Bobby" which are both streaming on various platforms. He has been attending First B since the winter of 2008. Connect with him at assistant@firstbjackson.org.
Blake Morley
Tech guy
Hello, Friends! My name is Blake Morley. I like to wear white pants, and I love Jesus!
I was born and grew here in Jackson; and came to know Jesus right here at First B! And through my friends here at First B, you and above all Jesus (Matthew 11:29); I live each day striving to live for, love and trust in God. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5&6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."