About First B
Pastoral Staff
What We Believe
First Baptist Church is committed to core beliefs that reflect the historic, orthodox beliefs of the Christian Church through the ages and which form the foundation of our key decisions. We belive that, in these essential beliefs, we are to have unity (Eph. 4:4-6); in non-essential beliefs, we must have freedom (Rom. 14:1-2); and, in all beliefs, we need to demonstrate love (1 Cor. 13:2).
To learn more about what we belive and to ask any questions, sign-up for our Discover First B class.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the divinely revealed, living Word of God and is our ultimate authority for faith and life. We believe both the “Old” and “New” Testaments (which contain 66 books) are verbally inspired (“God-breathed”) and are entirely true and without error in the original writings. We believe the Bible is powerful and indispensable in a believer’s life, and is incapable of leading one astray when clearly understood through a sound method of interpretation and the work of the Holy Spirit. (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:20-21)
God
We believe there is one true God who is the Living and Almighty Creator and Ruler of the universe. We believe He has eternally existed in three distinct persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who are co-equal in being, nature, power, and glory. We believe God created everything for His glory and that everything is subject to His sovereign will. (Matt. 28:19; Gen. 1:1; Heb. 1:1-13; Acts 5:3-4; John 10:30)
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way of salvation. We believe He was born of the virgin Mary and is God the Son. We believe He has always existed in absolute perfection, without sin, and that He died on the cross for our sins. We believe He rose physically from the dead in order to conquer sin and death once for all and He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father into glory. We believe He alone is the mediator between God and people, making it possible for us to come into a right relationship with Him. (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; John 1:14; I Tim. 2:5; Phil. 2:5-8)
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son, and is still active today in transforming people’s lives. We believe He convicts people of their sin, draws unbelievers to God, and indwells every believer for the purpose of enabling him/her to live a life pleasing to the Lord. We believe He gifts each believer in unique and special ways to serve and build up the body of Christ. (John 14:16-17; 16:7-12; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Cor. 12:7-11)
Human Beings
We believe people are uniquely created by God, for God, and are desperately in need of God. We believe every person is a special creation of God, for they alone are created in the “image of God.” Sadly, while people were created for the purpose of relationship with God, because of sin, this fellowship has been broken. As a result, all of us are sinners by nature and by choice, and apart from the saving work of Christ, will experience the consequences of our sin – eternal separation from God. (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:10, 23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3)
Salvation
We believe salvation, from beginning to end, is the gracious work of God, based on the finished work of Christ. It cannot be earned through self-improvement or good works. We believe it is only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness that anyone can be saved from the penalty of sin. We believe that when a person turns from their self-ruled life and turns to Jesus in faith, accepting what He did on the cross for them, he/she is saved. We believe all who receive Christ become children of God and are secure in Him. (John 1:11-13; I Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18)
Christian Growth
We believe Christian growth happens when a believer, through the power of the Holy Spirit, engages in an ongoing process of being transformed into the image of Christ. We believe this growth (or sanctification) is a work of God’s grace that is neither automatic nor instantaneous, and requires a believer to keep in step with the Spirit through purposeful and disciplined involvement in spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, Bible study, fellowship, serving, giving, sharing our faith, etc. (Philippians 2:13; Galatians 5:25; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 1:3-7)
The Church
We believe the Church is God’s people and that it exists to glorify God and to fulfill His purpose of making disciples throughout the world. We believe it exists in two manifestations: 1) the universal church which consists of all those who know Jesus Christ as Savior throughout all time; and, 2) the local church which consists of a community of believers in Christ who, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, have voluntarily joined together for worship, for instruction, and for service of our Lord as a local manifestation of the body of Christ. We believe Jesus alone is the Architect and Head of the Church. (Matt. 28:18-20; I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:47; Rom. 12:5; Col. 1:18)
The Future
We believe in the “blessed hope” – the literal and imminent return of Christ to claim His people. We believe Jesus has gone before us to prepare a place for believers in heaven. We believe He will judge His people and reward them according to their deeds. We believe the Bible teaches there is a literal hell for those who reject God. (I Thess. 4:13-18; John 14:1-6; I Cor. 15:51-52; Matt. 10:28)
Discover First B
Join us for a time of getting to know each other and connecting you with the life of First B.
We want to invite you to learn more about who First B is and how you can get involved and connected.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Meet + engage with our leaders
- Discover our mission, values, + vision
- Connect with our ministries
- Get answers to any questions you have
fill out our digital connection card
Let us know a little about you and how you’d like to connect with our church family at First B!
Daryl holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Ministry, two Master’s Degrees in Counseling and Theological Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leadership. With more than two decades of ministry experience, his heart is to communicate God’s Word with clarity, relevance, and conviction.
Daryl and his wife Ruth have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of three amazing kids—Zach (21), Maya (19), and Nich (9). As a family, they love to travel, explore the outdoors, hike, ski, and take in the beauty of the coast. Food is a shared love language in the Molyneaux household!
When he’s not teaching or meeting with people, you’ll likely find Daryl watching college football (Go Blue!—Michigan Wolverines always come first, with the Ducks a distant second) or cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Life is full—and the Molyneaux family feels truly blessed to be part of the First B community.
Originally from Kentucky, Brad spent most of his life there before moving to Eugene in September 2021. His educational background includes a degree in Accounting, a Master of Divinity, and an MBA—reflecting his passion for both ministry and organizational leadership.
Brad has served in churches across Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, and now Oregon. He’s also led a Christian camp in Kentucky, where his love for ministry, discipleship, and the outdoors came together in powerful ways.
Brad and his wife Jennifer have been married for over 31 years. The two first met while working on a camp staff in 1991, and their shared commitment to ministry has shaped every season since. They are proud parents of two grown children: Micah (married to Averie), who serves as a Youth Pastor in Kentucky, and Madison, a school teacher in Hawaii. Their Border Collie, Luna, adds fun and energy to daily life.
Outside of ministry, Brad enjoys just about anything outdoors, especially being on the water or the golf course. He and Jennifer love to travel and are always up for a new adventure.
Though most know him as Levi, that’s not actually his first name—but it is the one he gladly answers to as he leads worship at First B, where he’s served faithfully since 2010.
Levi grew up in the stunning Columbia River Gorge, in the small town of Mosier, Oregon. After a year of school in Nampa, Idaho, he moved to Eugene and completed a Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies at the University of Oregon. His passion for ancient texts—especially Old Testament literature—has deeply shaped his approach to both worship and discipleship.
Before entering full-time ministry, Levi spent eight years traveling in a missional music act. In 2008, he and his wife helped plant a church in Eugene. Just a year later, God redirected Levi’s steps from a path toward law enforcement to a calling in worship ministry—beginning with a phone call from First B.
Levi and his wife met through Campus Crusade for Christ at the University of Oregon and were married in 2005. They recently celebrated 20 years of marriage and now live in Springfield with their two energetic sons, Gavin (13) and Micah (10), along with their beloved cats, Tiger and Cornflower. Their home is always full—of music, laughter, and often guests—since they love opening their doors to friends, lifegroups, and the wider church family.
Whether it’s fishing, hiking, surfing, or skating, Levi finds peace and joy in Oregon’s great outdoors. But at the heart of it all is a love for Jesus, a deep connection to the local church, and a passion for leading others into the presence of God through music and worship.
Rudy brings a lifetime of experience, compassion, and a deep love for people to his role. Born in Stayton, Oregon, Rudy moved to Eugene in 1963 and has called it home ever since. He graduated from South Eugene High School, earned an Associate of Science from Lane Community College, and a degree in History and Secondary Education from the University of Oregon. He also completed a year of seminary and served as a Young Life leader throughout college.
Rudy’s career has been as diverse as it is impactful—from working at a gas station and lumber mill to decades of pastoral ministry and high school football coaching. He and his wife Luci met in the FBC college group, dated for two years, and have been faithfully married ever since. They have three grown sons, all married, and are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren.
Rudy loves sports—playing, coaching, and watching—and enjoys golf, tennis, pickleball, and outdoor adventures with Luci, including hiking, biking, and exploring national parks. A fan of history and storytelling, he also enjoys reading historical novels and biographies, and traveling to soak in culture and heritage wherever he can.
Paul serves as our College Pastor, combining years of ministry experience with a down-to-earth approach to leadership and discipleship. Originally from Keizer, Oregon (a.k.a. the greatest part of Salem), Paul moved to Eugene in 2008 to attend the University of Oregon, drawn by its business program and vibrant athletic culture.
He holds a Business degree from UO and a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary. Since 2010, Paul has been involved in college ministry and joined the pastoral team at FBC in 2015. His past experiences include Young Life staff, camp ministry, and an impressively eclectic résumé featuring alpaca shearing, soccer refereeing, and even a stint in a lumber mill.
Paul met his wife Megan through the FBC college ministry, and they now share life with their three kids—Theo, Selah, and Junia—and Fred, their lovable 90-pound mountain dog. Outside of ministry, Paul aspires to keep up with his kids, read more books, and spend time outdoors—though he’ll admit his real joys are eating, sleeping, and introverted building projects.
Fun fact: the Apostle Paul didn’t actually change his name from Saul.
Born in Portland but raised in Eugene, Enoch brings over a decade of professional experience in audio-visual integration to his role as Director of Media & Technology at First B. Before joining the team, Enoch worked for 11 years in AV systems design and integration, earning his AVIXA CTS-D certification and building a reputation for excellence in the field.
Enoch is passionate about using technology to support meaningful worship, communication, and connection—and loves the challenge of helping the church serve with clarity and creativity both in-person and online.
Enoch and his wife Brianne have four young children (all age 5 and under), making their home lively, joyful, and always in motion. When he’s not troubleshooting a signal path or improving production flow, you’ll probably find him enjoying all things Disney—he’s a self-declared Disney nerd through and through.
Anna is passionate about helping kids know and love Jesus—and she brings a rich background in education, leadership, and ministry to her role as 1st B Kids Pastor. Born and raised in Oregon, Anna has spent most of her life in the Eugene-Springfield area and is deeply rooted in the local community.
A graduate of Garden Way Academy, Anna has served in a variety of teaching and ministry roles over the years. She was on staff with Restoration Campus Ministry at the University of Oregon, taught High School Government, Speech, and Drama at Lifegate, and later founded WillowCreek Academy, a private classical school where she taught 2nd Grade and Art. Anna also served as a Classical Conversations Director, and helped launch For His Glory, a ministry designed to equip and encourage young women. Her heart for the next generation has also led her to serve in leadership with First B’s High School Ministry.
Anna met her husband, Troy, while working in campus ministry—they became good friends and got engaged while living in different countries! They’ve now been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two amazing kids and three beautiful grandkids. Anna and Troy love spending time with their family and friends, and also enjoy kayaking, gardening, cooking, music, and exploring the stunning Oregon outdoors.
With creativity, warmth, and a deep love for children, Anna is excited to help kids grow in their faith and discover the joy of walking with Jesus.
Phil serves as the Missions & Outreach Pastor at First B, bringing a lifelong passion for global ministry, leadership, and compassion-driven service. Originally from Texas, Phil spent much of his adult life in Southern California before moving to Eugene in 2005 to serve with Holt International.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Business, Phil has spent much of his career leading international organizations that serve vulnerable children and families around the world—including as President and CEO of both Holt International and World Vision. His experience in global outreach, combined with a heart for the gospel, shapes his approach to missions both locally and worldwide.
Phil and his wife Julene have been married for over 30 years and are the proud parents of three amazing kids—Luke, Jordan, and Chloe. They love traveling internationally, meeting new people, and trying new foods wherever they go. At home, Phil enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and building relationships across cultures and communities.
At First B, Phil is honored to help lead a church that seeks to live out God’s love across the street and around the world.
Dustin, known affectionately at camp as “Wonka,” serves as Youth & Activities Pastor at First B, bringing passion, experience, and a deep love for students and families to the role. Born in Minnesota and raised in Florida, Dustin and his family moved to Eugene in February 2024, following a clear sense of calling to serve in what’s known as the largest unchurched city of its size in the nation.
Dustin has been involved in youth ministry since he was just 12 years old and has spent over 11 years as a youth pastor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College of Florida and a Master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart is to see young people encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and build lifelong community.
Dustin and his wife, Natalie, are high school sweethearts and have been happily married for 20 years. Together, they’ve built a vibrant, joy-filled home through the adoption of nine incredible children: Randall, Ashton, Isaac, Bentley, Aiden, Alexia, Callie, Grayson, and Jace. Life in the Zerwas home is always an adventure—full of laughter, love, and activity.
As a family, they love hiking, collecting interesting rocks for their yard, enjoying movie nights, and playing games together. When he’s not with students or his family, you’ll likely find Dustin cheering on the Oregon Ducks with enthusiasm.
He’s thrilled to be part of the First B team and excited to walk alongside students and families as they grow in faith and community.
Dave has called Eugene home since 1966—ever since his family moved back from Michigan, bringing two-year-old Dave along for the ride (which he greatly appreciated). A graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in English and seminary-level coursework in pastoral studies, Dave has been faithfully serving at First B since 1986.
He began his ministry journey as the Mid-School Pastor, later served as Program Director at Camp Harlow, and eventually stepped into his current role—loving and leading our Senior Life Ministries. Dave’s passion for ministry was first sparked in college while working for Eugene Parks & Rec as the ever-enthusiastic “Captain Summer Fun Club,” followed by a short (but sweet) stint as “Captain Cone,” a waffle-cone chef in Palm Desert—also known to him as Palm Dessert.
Dave and his wife Carrie met at South Eugene High School and were married in 1986 after six years of dating. Together, they’ve raised three wonderful adult children who are now married with kids of their own. With all three grandkids living close by, family time is one of Dave’s greatest joys.
Outside of church, Dave loves long walks, discovering new hikes, traveling, road tripping, going to concerts, making music, woodworking, and experimenting in the kitchen with Carrie. For over a decade, he has also served the community as a volunteer chaplain with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
Dave brings wisdom, warmth, and a great sense of humor to every area of ministry—and he’s honored to walk alongside the senior community at First B with compassion, care, and joy.
Born on Vancouver Island, Canada, Mike moved to Eugene with his family in 1972 and has called Oregon home ever since. His roots at First B run deep—he received his AWANA Meritorious Award here in 1976—and his passion for ministry and mentoring young people has only grown through the years.
A graduate of Wheaton College (with unofficial advanced certificates in culinary arts, composting, and Santa Claus expertise), Mike brings a blend of leadership, creativity, and joy to his role as Executive Director of Camp Harlow. He’s passionate about creating spaces where kids encounter Jesus in life-changing ways—through fun, adventure, and intentional relationships.
Mike is happily married to Krista, and together they share three wonderful daughters: Niki (35), Macy (34), and Karly (30), along with three great sons-in-law—Gage, Andrew, and Jackson. Mike and Krista are also proud grandparents to three granddaughters: Anna Sophia (4), Emmie (2), and Lucia (1), all daughters of Macy and Andrew.
When he’s not at camp, Mike enjoys walking, reading, puzzles, and games. He and Krista love opening their home to friends and family, serving up good food and plenty of laughter. Life is full—and Mike is grateful to be part of what God is doing through Camp Harlow and the First B community.
Want to come to the next Discover First B Class?
Fill in the form below and someone will contact you with details!
Send Us a Message
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF EUGENE
over 170 years of God’s faithfulness
The First Baptist Church of Eugene was founded in 1852, by seven charter members. Six of them were from the Harlow and Tandy families who arrived in Oregon in 1851, via the Oregon Trail. They met in the log cabin home of Mahlon H. and Frances Harlow, two miles northeast of Eugene on the Forks of the Willamette River.
The church grew rapidly and moved to downtown Eugene in 1857, where members met in a building owned by M. H. Harlow, until they could erect a church. The first church building was constructed in 1867 at 8th Avenue and Pearl Streets. It was replaced by a larger frame building at the same site in late 1880s. And in 1927, a much larger brick structure was erected at East Broadway and High Street. This building became the Shedd Institute when the church moved to its new site on land originally settled and donated by the Harlows off Coburg Road near Armitage Park in 2003.
SEND US A QUICK MESSAGE
We’d Love To Hear From You!
Fill in the form below and someone will contact you when we are able!