The Rev. Dr. Ray Howell, 51, started his pastorate at First Baptist Church April 1, 1990. Previously he served at the Pollocksville Baptist Church from 1977 to 1982 and at Roxboro Baptist Church from 1982 to 1990. He received his B.A. degree in religion and philosophy from Samford University in 1976, his master's of divinity degree from Southeastern Theological Seminary in 1979 and his doctor of divinity degree from Southeastern in 1983. He and his wife, Joyce, have two daughters, Lynn, and Della, and two sons, Knight, and Ray Nance. He is past chairman of the board of directors for the Biblical Recorder, a past president of the Greater Lexington Ministerial Association, secretary of the Lexington Kiwanis Club, and play-by-play announcer for American Legion baseball games on WLXN. He wrote "Images of America: Davidson County." He enjoys sports, history and travel.

The Rev. Tommy Wilson, 49, has been at First Baptist Church since April 1987. He earned a B.A. degree in human services from Wingate College in 1979 and a master's of divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1982. He served at First Baptist Church, Albemarle before coming to Lexington. He is married to Sandra, and enjoys watching sports, playing golf, reading, watching movies and going to the beach. He has participated in the community CROP Walk, Habitat for Humanity (serving as president for several years) and Greater Lexington Ministerial Association. He and Sandra also serve as guardian ad litem volunteers.

The Rev. Phil Rector, 45, joined the staff of First Baptist Church in July 2003. He earned a B.A. in music education witha concentration in instrumental music from Mars Hill College in 1986 and a master's of church music with a concentration in voice from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., in 1993. He previously served at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church in Danville, Ky., Wytheville (Va.) Baptist Church and Ballardsville Baptist Church in Crestwood, Ky. He and his wife, Melonie, a choral music teacher at Lexington Middle School, have two daughters, Kelsey and Madeline. He enjoys NASCAR, golf, racquetball, photography, fishing and camping.

Jean Ashley,  52,  has served as director of the Children's Center since 1983. She received a B.S. degree in early childhood education from Appalachian State University in 1975. She taught kindergarten for seven years before becoming director of the Children's Center. She is married to Ralph Ashley, and they have three children, Greg, Josh, and Lauren. The Children's Center offers a full-time preschool, a part-time preschool and an after-school program and is licensed for 120 children. The staff of 25 serves children age 2 to third grade. Jean is a member of the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children. Her interests include golf and reading.