Leadership

Robert Banks is from Memphis, Tn . He has served in pastoral ministry for over 15 years, with experience shepherding churches in Kentucky, Ohio, and now Florida. Robert earned his Master’s degree from Liberty University and is passionate about preaching Christ Jesus with clarity, conviction, and compassion. He and his wife Kerry are blessed with three children, two daughters and a son, who are actively involved in church life and ministry. Robert credits the love and grace of God in Christ Jesus for saving him from the pit of sin and death. God opened his eyes to the truth of Ephesians 2:1–3, that he was dead in trespasses and sins, walking according to the course of this world, and a child of wrath. But by God’s mercy, he was brought to repentance and faith through the overwhelming reality of Ephesians 2:4–9: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love… made us alive together with Christ.” He often returns to Colossians 1:18, “that in all things He may have the preeminence,” and 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.” He longs to see revival rooted in repentance, holiness marked by purity, and a church awakened to the reality and power of “Christ in you, the hope of glory." His desire is to lead with humility, challenge the church toward courageous obedience, cultivate a walk in the beauty of holiness, and see lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Kory Knight is 22 years old and has been very involved with children’s programs and youth programs throughout his life; attending and serving in his local church. Kory attended Providence Christian School in Dothan, Alabama. Kory is currently a Ministry Studies student at The Baptist University of Florida. Kory credits the church he grew up in, New Hinson, largely to his passion for serving the Lord. Kory said "The people at New Hinson encouraged me in my walk with the Lord and helped me in my ministries. They were the ones that gave me my first opportunity as a fill-in music minister. I would not be who I am without these people." Kory accepted Christ at 14 years old at a Disclipship Now youth event. Kory says "It was a moment that I will never forget". Kory loves ministry and strives to grow the Kingdom of God! Kory's desire as the PRBC Youth Pastor is to help young people grow in their Faith and educate them about the Bible, and how the Church operates. Kory wants to teach young disciples about the importance of the Truth, that there is only one way to Heaven, and how obedience to the Lord can transform a young person's life.

Grady Gomillion is from DeFuniak Springs, FL and was raised in a Christian home. However, it wasn’t until the age of 15 that he realized his need to truly accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. Now Grady is happily married to his wife Naomi Gomillion where they both attend and serve at The Ridge. Grady also attended the Baptist University of Florida for his undergraduate degree in music education and now teaches elementary music and high school band in Walton County. Grady also serves the church by creating service videos on Facebook, YouTube, and the church  website.

Lori Spinks has been the Ministry Assistant at Pleasant Ridge Baptist since November 2021, bringing with her 18 years of experience as a church secretary. She and her husband, Steve, moved to the DeFuniak Springs area in January 2021 from a small Central Florida town named Bowling Green, where they were both very active in their church. Lori was raised in a Christian home and attended the same church her entire life until the Lord called them to move. She made a profession of faith as a child but came to realize in 2005 that what she actually had was "head" knowledge and not "heart" knowledge. She turned her life over to Christ completely and was baptized in October 2005.

Lori and Steve have three adult children, 2 children-in-love, and one granddaughter and a grandson. They feel so blessed that God led them to PRBC and are looking forward to serving God alongside their awesome church family for many years to come.

Teresa Rutherford moved to DeFuniak Springs in March of 1988 with her husband Dale Rutherford. An Air Force and Civil Service retiree, she has a wonderful family, with 2 children and 3 wonderful grandchildren. She professed her faith at the age of 36 years old and joined Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in 1999. She has officially served as a Sunday school teacher and office assistant but can be found as an extra set of hands whenever help is needed. Teresa now serves the church as the office assistant with Mrs. Lori.