Rev. Dr. Stuart Lamkin, Pastor
Stuart started growing up in Louisiana, where his family is from, then moved to Nashville at age 9. He graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis with a major in history and minor in religion, then from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (BTSR) for his Master’s of Divinity degree, and then Campbell University Divinity School for a doctorate. Stuart has worked in youth ministries and in Baptist archives, been an editor of Bible study curriculum, and pastored a church outside of Raleigh.
In seminary he met his wife, Sara, and they have two fun sons. Stuart enjoys playing with his boys, running with his dogs, watching movies with his wife, researching family history, reading the news, tossing the frisbee, and watching soccer from around the world. His ministry interests include social justice issues, engaging with the Bible, environmental awareness, being curious, and the intersection of faith & culture.
Say hi to Pastor Stuart at stuart@fbcwvl.org
Rev. Regina Johnson, Ministries Director
Regina is a North Carolina native. She grew up in the foothills and is a proud member of the Wolfpack family, having received both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from NC State. In 2019 Regina graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a Master of Divinity degree concentrating in intercultural studies. A good friend once described Regina as someone with “an uncompromising desire for the world to be fair.” That is an accurate description, as her passion has always been in advocating for and serving others. She has worked in various ministry and non-profit roles over the years, ranging from Youth Minister to Interpersonal Violence Prevention Advocate. Regina met her husband Lance while at NC State, and they have one dog, a sweet cuddle bug named Jemma.
regina@fbcwvl.org
Chuck Taft, Minister of Music
Chuck is a graduate of North Buncombe High School and then attended Mars Hill University before graduating from Western Carolina University, and holds a Master’s of Music from Lee University. He has worked as a conductor and music director for theaters, orchestras, churches, and choirs throughout Western North Carolina. Along with his ministry here at First Baptist, he also serves as director of the Givens Estates Choir; as musical theatre adjunct instructor at Mars Hill University; and as applied voice instructor, University Chorale director, and Reuter Center Singers director at UNC Asheville. He moves daily between classrooms, sanctuaries, and rehearsal halls, cheerfully helping the people around him find joy and express their hearts through music. Chuck says that music is simply the tool he uses as a way to do ministry.
He finds inspiration and delight from his wife Renee and their three children When not working, he enjoys reading, playing soccer, and relaxing at the piano.
chuck.taft@gmail.com
Debbie Sprinkle, Administrative Assistant
Debbie is a native to Buncombe County, living in Leicester for the past 34 years with her husband. They have 3 children. Julie and her husband Jason have a son Billy. Daniel and his wife Lindsey have their three boys: Auburn, Reagan and Evan. And Debbie’s youngest son Benjamin is engaged to be married to Jaime in November 2022. Debbie loves spending time with her family, hiking, traveling, meeting interesting people, working in the garden, and taking care of her two cats. Debbie says, “We are truly blessed.”
debbie@fbcwvl.org
Sandra Buckner, Custodian
Sandra has been with First Baptist since September 2010. In addition to keeping the church spotless (a feat by itself), she helps out with the ministry of the senior meal site that meets in the church fellowship hall on Monday-Friday. Sandra's hobbies include crafts, gardening, and baking for her family, friends, and neighbors. She is married to Alan, the love of her life, and has one son, Jeffrey.
info@fbcwvl.org