Meet The Team

Jonathan was called as the Lead Pastor in the summer of 2019. He previously served churches in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Louisiana. He also served on the faculty and administration of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). He holds degrees from Samford University (AL) and NOBTS (LA) (M.Div. & DMin)

He and his wife, Julie, have been married since 2002 and have three daughters – Stevens Elise, Cadence, and Medley. His hobbies and interests include college sports, a few pro teams, reading, movies/Broadway shows, and local restaurants.

His favorite verses include John 10:10 and Ephesians 3:20.

Karen has been involved in ministry most of her life. She has served in a variety of nonprofits, part of eight startup ministries, and as a coach, mentor and friend to many.

Her life verse, 2 Timothy 2:2, describes her heart and ministry – “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

She has one fabulous son, an amazing daughter-in-law, and two awesome granddaughters.

Sonja was born in the Big Apple but grew up in Melbourne, FL, and attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. She is grateful for the Christian foundation that she built there. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Event Management.

Sonja met her husband, Andy, while playing in a competitive beach volleyball tournament in Cocoa Beach. They married in 2015 and have two boys, Jackson and Maverick. They love playing beach volleyball, surfing, skiing, boating, and traveling as much as possible.

Sonja is passionate about helping people and being a light wherever needed. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13.

Jen and her husband, Jamon, met while attending Southwest Baptist University and have been married since 1999.  They moved to the area from Kansas City to serve the families of our church.  Jen has been in ministry for almost 25 years, serving churches in Missouri and Kansas.  They have two sons in college, Taylor and Jordan.

Jen loves to teach the next generation how big God's love is like in Ephesians 3:20   "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

By day, Zac is a satellite test engineer at L3Harris. He graduated from Mercer University with majors in electrical and computer engineering and minors in physics, math, and religion. He is the first NCAA Division 1 football player to win a Goldwater scholarship. 

By the grace of God, Zac is a father to two beautiful children, Rose and Deacon, and husband to a beautiful wife, Mia. He and Mia have known each other since childhood and have been married since 2017. Before moving to Florida, Zac and Mia lived in Germany, Georgia, and California.

By the call of the Holy Spirit, Zac is thankful to have served as the minister to youth and young adults for First Baptist Indialantic since 2022. He is grateful for the front-row seat to see all that God is working in the next generation of Christians and for the opportunity “to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.” (Psalms 145:12, KJV)

Zac and Mia enjoy reading, hiking, rock climbing, and snowboarding. 

Jamon met his wife, Jen, while playing baseball at Southwest Baptist University. He's been leading worship since 1995 throughout the mid- and south west for churches, student ministries, church camps, special events, retreats, worship events, festivals and more. 

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Joining FBI Church in 2021, Jamon's wide range of modern and traditional musical influences across all genres have helped shape the unique modern, acoustic-rock-driven style used to bring energy and passion to each set.

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The Abercrombies are sports junkies, and fiercely loyal to their Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals. But, if there's a competition involving a ball or an engine, they're probably watching - and wishing they were participating!

Bio coming soon.

Stephen and his wife Leslie have been married since 2009 and have four sons; Conner, Austin, Brayden, and Camden. Stephen grew up in Abilene, Texas where he felt God's call on his life to ministry. Stephen studied religion and Biblical Studies at Liberty University. Stephen oversaw the Prayer and Life Group ministry at Liberty from 2012 - 2016 where he developed a passion for discipleship ministry. He later worked as Director of Residence Life before moving to Florida with his family.

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Stephen loves baseball, reading, wrestling with his boys, and playing guitar when time allows.

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His favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10

Scott and his wife, Donna, moved to Florida from Texas when they retired from the Dallas Police Department and from teaching High School in Waxahachie, Texas, respectively. They were married in 1988 and have 2 grown sons. Scott enjoys golf, music, and fishing at the beach. He trained horses for the Dallas Police Department Mounted Unit and for the private sector as well. Any time he spent in the saddle was time well spent. 

The verse that Scott stands on is Psalm 16:8, "I keep the Lord continually in front of me because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken."

Andrea has lived in Florida most of her life. In college, she was actively involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, where she met her husband Milton. She enjoys crafts--crocheting, knitting, sewing (all the crafts!), growing plants, making music, and going on traveling adventures with her husband.

Andrea grew up attending church and became a follower of Jesus at an early age. She loves being part of her church family and has a heart to serve. Her passion is worship ministry and music. At FBI, she helps lead worship as the pianist and teaches piano lessons on campus.

Her favorite verse is Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Angela and her husband, David, are from Knoxville, TN but have called Florida home for over 30 years.  She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 12, in the church pastored by her grandfather. They have called FBI their church home since 2004.

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Angela worked at Harris in the Engineering and Division Process Groups, Business Excellence office and Program Management training until 2017. She sings in the worship team, serves as a volunteer in the Student Ministry, the Financial office, and other areas as needs arise.

They have 3 children (Melissa, a public school teacher, Matthew, a Captain & pilot in the U.S. Marines and Dylan an Airman in the U.S. Coast Guard) and 4 grandchildren that she loves to travel to and visit.

Stephen and his wife, Laura, are rare native Floridians. They have been married since 2007 and have two children, Evan and Olivia.  He is involved in his kids’ extracurricular activities, coaching sports, and serving a number of local nonprofits. He enjoys playing golf, hiking, traveling, and just being outside.  

Struggling sometimes in his understanding if it's God or his selfish ambition, Stephen keeps Philippians 2:3 close – "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

Leslie and her husband Stephen have been married since 2009 and have four sons, Conner, Austin, Brayden, and Camden. Leslie is from Lothian, Maryland, but spent over 15 years in Virginia where she attended Liberty University and earned her Bachelors in Psychology. Leslie enjoys helping people find joy in everyday life. She has served in several different roles from preschool through university administration, as well as having worked for various missions agencies and in church administration.

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Leslie enjoys sunny days on the water, whether on the boat or at the beach, and loves spending time with her family. 

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Laura and her husband, Jeff, have been married since 2002 and have two children, Emily and Jake.  Laura was born at Holmes Regional Hospital and raised in Melbourne Beach.  When she is not watching her children participate in their many activities, she enjoys reading, puzzles, fishing, and traveling.  She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children, and she graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Education.  She has worked at the preschool since 2005.

Her favorite verse is, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Susan is a native Floridian and grew up in Brevard County. She was baptized at First Baptist Church Indialantic when she was 11 years old. She has been married to Tom for 24 years and has 2 college-aged sons, Matthew and Adam. Their oldest son, Dillon, and his wife, Anna, live in sunny California. Her hobbies are reading, baking, gardening, and watching Gator football.

Her two life verses are Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” and John 6:68-69, “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Kelly is a native Floridian along with her husband Dustin. Moving to Melbourne in grade school from
Orlando. She met her husband at Melbourne High School when they were 15 years old, and they have
now been married for over 20 years. Together they have raised 3 children, Kyle, Madison, and Cody.
They joined FBI in 2021.

Kelly has worked in ministry for over 15 years. From working in kids’ ministry at a church to the finance
department of a Christian medical company. She loves watching people grow in their knowledge and
relationship with Jesus.

Kelly enjoys reading, spending time with family and attending concerts with her daughter (the boys do
not like to go). On Saturdays in the fall, you can find the Ridenour’s watching football and cheering on
the Florida Gators. The rest of the year they will watch other sports but really, they are just counting
down to the next Gator game.

Shawn is a New York native and moved to Florida in 2015 with his wife Shanequa (Nikka). Shawn and Nikka have been married for 17 years and have two children, Nylah and Noah. Prior to moving to Florida, Shawn held a position as the Grounds and Housekeeping Director at the Brooklyn Developmental Center where he retired after 30 years of service.

Shawn enjoys all sports, cooking and health and fitness. 

His favorite Bible verses are:
Psalm 23 “The lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;” and Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”