Andy grew up in North Carolina and is an avid NC State Wolfpack fan. He received his bachelor's from NC State University, his Masters in Divinity, and his doctorate, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married his wife Kristine in 1995 and God has blessed them with three children, Anderson, Daniel, and Ellie. In 2001, God called their family to church planting in Bakersfield and Sure Foundation Baptist Church was started. In 2006, Andy became a founding co-pastor when Sure Foundation merged with First Baptist Church of Green Acres to form Grace Baptist Church. Andy enjoys going on missions trips, watching college and pro football, playing golf, traveling with his wife, and having a good meal with friends.

"It is a huge honor to be the pastor of Grace Baptist Church where the people have a growing love for God, a deep concern for each other, and a desire to share God's love with the world in word and deed. It has been an incredible journey so far and I look forward to what God has in store in the future."

Jarrod joins our team most recently from across town where he served as the Director of Missions for a local church. Previously, he was a youth pastor in the Midwest, but his roots run back to Virginia. Jarrod received his Master of Divinity degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary; he also is a graduate from Covenant College. He and his wonderful wife, Stephanie, have five children: Marc, Emmalyn, Alaina, Coleton, and Joshua. Jarrod loves being a daddy! He enjoys games of all sorts (especially basketball and corn hole!). Jarrod also enjoys learning about other cultures and getting to meet new people! The Puffenbargers have spent 5 years in overseas missions, living in Seoul, South Korea.

“I desire to see the Body of Christ equipped and working together to accomplish God’s purposes! I am excited to be a part of Grace Baptist as we actively engage in Loving God, Loving Others, and Reaching the World!”

Steve was raised in Tennessee and is a big Volunteer sports fan, Go Vols!! He has been married to Roxanna for 37 years and has a son, Tyler. In November 2020, Steve welcomed his first Grandson, a very proud moment!

After receiving Christ he got involved in the church. Steve has served in the ministry, including the start-up of a church since 2008. 

"One of my greatest joys is seeing people coming to Christ and helping them grow in their relationship with Him."

LeaAnn has been working in the field of Early Education since 1983, helping to establish two Christian preschools. LeaAnn has taught at all levels of preschool, as well as Sunday school. She holds a BA in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Early Childhood Education. She has been blessed with four children who are all grown up and bringing grandchildren into her life. 

“At the core of learning in the preschool environment is love. Serving here at Grace Baptist offers the perfect place to teach small children in a loving way. So much is new to a preschool child, that teaching them is like offering a child an opportunity to make a new discovery every day. The staff here at Building Blocks of Grace is wonderful to work with. Each one brings a sweet spirit of love to her classroom. Their love for the Lord shows in every little detail of their day.”

Nick and his wife Stephanie were married in March of 2019. They have 4 kids that are theirs, but are also foster parents so that number changes constantly, which creates a very exciting home. He grew up in Bakersfield and went to school in the Greenfield District back when it was all farm land. He graduated from Golden Valley High School in 2010 and eventually acquired his masters degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University in 2019.

He and his wife have a huge heart for the youth of this county. They are very relational in their approach with discipleship and enjoy having people over at their house as often as possible. They believe it is an honor and a blessing to be able to be a part of a students life that stays with them for decades.

"There is so much molding and shaping that is required in the hearts of young men and women and we truly believe a lot of that impact happens in Junior High and High School."

Ashley graduated from Liberty High School in 2005 and received a bachelors degree in Business Administration from CSUB in June of 2011. She married her husband, Derrick in March of 2012 and they have been members of Grace ever since. They are a family of six and enjoy serving and worshipping the Lord together.