Steve Watkins - Pastor Steve is our primary, vocational Teaching Elder. He is a graduate of The Master's College (1997; BA, Biblical Studies, Theology) and Westminster Seminary in California (2001; MA, Historical Theology).

Steve enjoys reading, golfing, teaching, good food and fellowship, and spending time with his family. He is a native of Santa Cruz, and aside from college and seminary, has lived here all of his life. Steve came to First Baptist as a High School Student in the 1980s, when he became born again of the Spirit of God. He served as a youth intern for several years until beginning studies at The Master's College. In 1996, he was married to Wendy here in the church, and they moved to southern California to finish school. After graduating from Westminster Seminary in 2001, Steve accepted a position at First Baptist as Associate Pastor. He has served in his current capacity since 2003.

Steve and Wendy now have 3 wonderful little boys - Justin 7, Travis 4, and Spencer (newbie). Among the verses of scripture that Steve reflects on regularly is Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Donovan Carlson - Donovan and his family came to the church in 1977, and he has served as an Elder at First Baptist since 1991. He is married to Trudy, whose wonderful musical gifts have blessed our congregation for years. They have 2 grown daughters and one grown son, who is also an active member of the church. Donovan and Trudy have 7 grandchildren around the country.

Donovan heads up the maintenance department at Mission Springs Christian Conference Center, where he has worked for 31 years. Donovan is active in teaching Sunday School, as well as many other aspects of leadership and shepherding in the church.

When he's not working, Donovan enjoys woodworking, shooting and firearms, and spending time with his family.

Among the verses of scripture that Donovan meditates on regularly is Jeremiah 45:5, "And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go."

Bob Anthony - Bob and his family came to First Baptist Church in 1985, and has served as an Elder since 1988. He and Cyndee have 3 grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Bob is an accountant in Silicon Valley, and travels all around the world on business. He is active in maintaining stewardship over the fiscal aspects of First Baptist, as well as many other aspects of leadership and shepherding in the church. When he has free time (what's that?!), he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, and travel.

Among the verses of scripture that Bob regularly returns to is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Ted Whiting III - Ted became an elder in 2011. He and his wife Jane became part of the church family in 2002. They have two daughters and eight grandchildren. Ted was born and raised in Santa Cruz. His ministry over the years has been in discipling Christians to understand the reality of their new life in Christ.

When possible, he and Jane love to take road trips, read and enjoy quiet downtime.

Ted’s meditative verses are Jeremiah 9: 23-24, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”