Our leadership is spiritually inspired to help First Baptist grow as we serve the community.

Dr. Rob Collins
Senior PASTOR

Mark Grizzard
Music • Young Adult Leader
Mark Grizzard serves as Music Director and Young Adults Leader. He directs the Chancel Choir and Youth Band, and he coordinates other ensembles including the guitar ensemble Higher Ground, Men’s Choir, and special-event music groups. He also leads the youth group and organizes small group activities for young adults.
In addition to his work at the church, Mark is an adjunct School of Music faculty member at Illinois State University, and he has years of professional experience as a performer, composer, arranger, educator, and clinician. He lives in Peoria with his wife Leigh.

Dr. Joshua Russell
Organist
Dr. Joshua Russell plays the piano and organ for worship services and additional functions at First Baptist Church. He has performed throughout the world as a concert pianist, organist, and conductor and is recognized as a leading expert on the piano music of Haiti. He frequently appears as a soloist with orchestras across North America and is a sought-after speaker on topics related to music performance and teaching.

Leigh Grizzard
Handbell Choir Director
Cindy Courtney
Church ADMINISTRATOR
Cindy Courtney has been a member of FBC for over 35 years. She has served on and was chairperson of numerous boards including: Diaconate, Trustees (chairman during Covid shutdown), and Church Clerk. Cindy assisted Rev. Thomas Bayes Jr. with Baptism classes for over seven years.
She has three grown children: Bobby Aaron, Devon Elliott, and Deanna Zuercher, along with four grandsons, a step-grandson and step-granddaughter.
When Cindy isn’t keeping the church office running like a well-oiled machine, she is an avid Star Trek fan! She also collects lighthouses, Gnomes, and loves all things American Girl and Ruby Red Fashion Friends dolls!