Greg Whiting
Lead Pastor/Elder
My passion is discipleship. I have no greater joy than to lead others on the adventure of knowing Jesus more deeply. My life mission is to "help people take the next steps on their spiritual journey." I'm competitive by nature and love sports and board games. I also love sharing God's Word through preaching, teaching, and my Next Steps Bible Reading podcast.
Johnnie Popwell
Elder
The desire of my heart is to teach the Bible. I was saved later than most in life and by God’s Grace I had two Bible teachers to come alongside of me to help me on my journey. Through their encouragement and some formal training, I too became a Bible teacher. And so today as an Elder, I disciple others by leading and encouraging others to take time to know God by reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God.
Mike Mathews
Elder
Coming Soon...
Scott Collins
Elder
It’s a humble blessing to serve as an Elder. While I embrace all areas of Biblical leadership, I am particularly passionate about protecting the flock. Both spiritually and physically. I am also a strong advocate for right relationships. First with God our Father through Jesus and then with each other. I tend to not say much, but that’s only because I’m generally more interested in what others have to say than hearing myself speak. I like riding motorcycles and enjoy classic/sports cars. I’m easy to find before, during and after church service. While some have said I can look a little gruff, don’t let that stop you from coming up to share what’s on your mind or just say “hi".
Mark Ather
Chairman of Deacons
Coming Soon...
Eric Hathaway
Worship Leader
I have the joy of serving as the Worship Leader at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church here in St. Petersburg, FL. Each week, I get to help lead our church family in worship and create space for people to encounter Jesus through music and scripture. My heart is to see lives transformed by Christ and to help our church lift up His name with passion, excellence, and authenticity.
Outside of church, I’m a sports fan and love cheering on my favorite teams, spending time with my wife, Brittany, and finding the best local coffee spots around St. Pete.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Outside of church, I’m a sports fan and love cheering on my favorite teams, spending time with my wife, Brittany, and finding the best local coffee spots around St. Pete.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Beksy Reyes
Office Administrator
Hi, I’m Beksy!
I am the oldest of seven children, and I was born in Mexico, where my parents are missionaries. I grew up there my whole life until I came to the U.S. for college in 2019.
I graduated from Bob Jones University with a Music and Church Ministries degree. The reason I chose this degree is because I have always had a tug on my heart from God to do ministry. One of the talents He has given me to serve Him is music. I love serving in worship ministry and anything else I can get my hands on.
One of my most favorite lessons I have learned in life is that God created me for a purpose, and that purpose is to give Him glory with all that I do. That’s why if I am able to serve Him in any way, I try to. This is why my favorite saying is, “It’s all for God’s glory!”
My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” This is my favorite verse because it helps me to know, in the good times and the bad times, that no matter my circumstances, I have something firm I can stand on.
I am the oldest of seven children, and I was born in Mexico, where my parents are missionaries. I grew up there my whole life until I came to the U.S. for college in 2019.
I graduated from Bob Jones University with a Music and Church Ministries degree. The reason I chose this degree is because I have always had a tug on my heart from God to do ministry. One of the talents He has given me to serve Him is music. I love serving in worship ministry and anything else I can get my hands on.
One of my most favorite lessons I have learned in life is that God created me for a purpose, and that purpose is to give Him glory with all that I do. That’s why if I am able to serve Him in any way, I try to. This is why my favorite saying is, “It’s all for God’s glory!”
My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” This is my favorite verse because it helps me to know, in the good times and the bad times, that no matter my circumstances, I have something firm I can stand on.