Staff

Elliot Richards - Associate Pastor of Family Ministry and Education

Elliot joined our staff in 2023.  He and his wife, Lori, are originally from Michigan, where he worked in an industrial setting.  He served as a lay leader in several churches through the years.  He is a graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary and also holds an MBA degree from Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  While this is his first church to serve on staff, Elliot comes to us with lots of experience serving children, youth, and families over the last 35 years.  He has been a leader in AWANA programs, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and community events.  He enjoys hiking, golfing, games, and exploring new places.  

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Barry Bouchillon - Minister of Music

Barry has been with us since 2022.  He and his wife, Nancy, are originally from Mississippi.  Barry served bi-vocationally for several years before surrendering to the full time music ministry in 1999.  He was ordained at Calvary Baptist in West Point, Mississippi.  He served 4 churches in Mississippi for the last 20 years before retiring to Crossville.  He studied music at Mississippi State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and plays guitar, banjo, ukulele and bass guitar.  Barry enjoys teaching others how much fun music is and how simple music is to understand. He believes he can teach almost anybody how to sing. 
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Rhonda Phillips - Church Administrator
​Rhonda was born in Elyria, Ohio, but grew up in Crossville, TN.  She says that she has tried most of her life to move somewhere else; but God has a sense of humor.  He’s brought her back to Crossville 4 times!  Rhonda accepted Christ at the age of 23 when she realized she was a sinner in need of a Savior and started on His path for her life.  During the journey of following God, she received an Associate of Arts degree in French from Chattanooga State Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Education, and took some classes at  New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. 
 
She says, “I have come to realize that following God is the ultimate adventure experience.  He has taken me from teaching inner city children, where He taught me to see others through His eyes, to teaching in Christian schools, with the joy of including Jesus in everything I taught and did, and finally in 2024, to FFG First Baptist Church as church office administrator which is living life on the edge daily.  I am looking forward to how God will continue to use me here in this place for His glory.”

Kelly Kearney - Assistant Church Administrator
Kelly joined our staff in 2025.  She moved to Crossville 7 years ago with her husband and 2 daughters.  Originally from New York, she says she and her family just love it here in Tennessee.  Shortly after moving here, she visited our church to check out our Awana program for her daughters and, they all loved it.   
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Kelly graduated from the State University of New York at Potsdam with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications.  This is her first church staff experience, but she has been a faithful volunteer in several areas.  She especially loves serving in our Children’s Ministries.   Kelly is super excited to see how the Lord will continue to use her.