On this page you will find a few important items. Linked are the summary and detailed versions of the 2026 Budget. We are also including the Bylaws for the Church and the Guiding Principles. We have also added the Board nominations for the Board of Deacons.

It was mentioned that we would provide a Narrative Budget Companion to go with the spreadsheets, and sadly the church has needed the team to focus on more urgent matters this week. It is still our plan to provide that resource as time allows. Thank you for understanding and for your prayers as our church navigates much change.

For questions related the Budget, please reach out to our Board Treasurer, Rich Laski at this link. For general Board questions, please reach out to our Board Moderator, Jason Ellis at this link.

Board Officer Nominations

Moderator: Jessica Hensen

Vice Moderator: Saskia Pallais

Clerk: Judy Sutterlin

Treasurer: Rich Laski

At Large Board Nominations

Given the more intense work the Board members have been experiencing this last year, the current Board felt it wise to consider Board nominations that had some previous Board experience, especially where there was previous church board experience in times of change, crisis, etc. A larger group of people were asked if they would be willing to be nominated, and some of those folks felt that this year was not the right time but would be willing to be considered in the future. The Board has a a goal to improve future Board development, with more resources and training so as many people as fit the role will be ready when needed. We are grateful for the willingness of Dave and Matt to allow the church to nominate them during this difficult time.

Dave Powell

Dave has served in various roles both in our church and in previous churches. He is a servant at heart, and would rather have a broom in his hand than a seat at the head of the table. He has experience leading other church boards, including during staff transitions. Both Dave and Matt were part of the leadership team who put together Field Teams alongside Taylor James and Pastor Chip. Dave works in the medical device field, and is married to Kara Powell (Chief of Leadership Formation, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and Professor of Youth and Family Ministry!). They have three adult children. The Powells love opening their home to people, especially youth gatherings at their backyard and pool!

Matt Christopher

Matt and his wife, Susan, have been attending First Baptist Church of Pasadena for two years. From the moment they first stepped foot in the lobby, they felt a sense of home and have since "jumped in with both feet." Matt is currently active in a Life Group, serves in Kids Church, serves on the Foundation Board and has hosted several Community Dinners. ​In addition to his current service, Matt brings seasoned ministry experience to the table, having served as a small group leader and council member at previous congregations. Professionally, Matt leads Market Intelligence at Zoom, where he works with a variety of teams on strategic initiatives. He feels called to the Deacon Board to apply this blend of professional strategy and past church leadership to help steward the church’s resources and vision. Matt is eager to help maintain the welcoming culture at First Baptist so it can continue to impact lives just as it did for his family.