Allen grew up in Bartlett, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis.  He attended Memphis State University, and then received a Masters of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He served as Youth Pastor of West Bradenton (200-2003) and returned to serve as Senior Pastor in June 2008.  Allen's desire for North River Church and West Bradenton Baptist Church is that she would continue to become a fellowship of believers who inspire generations to be ONE (united) in Jesus Christ and that she might always be faithful in sharing the gospel!

Allen and his wife, Nova, were married in June 1993 and are the parents of Abbie.  In his spare time, Allen enjoys spending time with his family, music, hitting volleyballs with his daughter, and playing golf.

Have a question for Allen?  Email him.

MELISSA ALFORD Executive Assistant to the Pastor & Office Manager

MELISSA BILTER Financial Assistant

BEN DAVIS Worship Pastor & North River Campus Pastor

BRAD GUTHRIE Worship Pastor & Senior Adults Pastor

Brad is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.  He married his college sweetheart, Melissa, in 1985 and they have three adult children - Mallory, Parker and Jordan.

Brad's primary responsibilities are leading our worship choir and orchestra ministry.  A little-known fact about Brad is that he began playing piano at age 3 and organ at age 12.

In his spare time, Brad enjoys working on his tan through fishing or swimming, relaxing at the beach and gardening by the pool.

Have a question for Brad?  Email him.

RAUL HERNANDEZ Youth Pastor & Family Groups Pastor

Raul grew up in Miami, Florida. He attended and graduated with a Undergraduate Diploma in Theology (1999) and received a Masters of Christian Education (2000) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He started serving at West Bradenton Baptist in August 2009. One of his goals in ministry is seeing students grow as disciples. He looks to build an environment where students not only have fun but feel like they are part of a family.

Raul and his wife, Gina, were married in September 1989. They have three children, Tori, Jonathan and Elli. In his spare time, Raul enjoys hanging out with his family, relaxing at the beach and watching his children play volleyball and soccer.

Have a question for Raul?  Email him.

Barb is a true Bradentonian, graduating from Manatee High School with the Class of '78.  She and her husband, Lee, were married in 1979 and they have two children, Jared and Amanda.

Barb's primarily responsible for all food services including our Wednesday Family Meal and all other events and functions.  Barb also assists in the office as needed.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching Manatee High School and Florida Gator football and spending time with her family.

Have a question for Barb?  Email her.

Bob is originally from New York State but considers Bradenton his home.  He worked for 30 years in the banking industry.  He and his wife, Nancy, were married in 1960, and adopted all of their children.  Bob continues to have a passion for foster parenting.  He has been a part of our church family since 1970.

His primary responsibilities include meeting the needs of widows and shut-ins, those in hospital care, and those in our community who need assistance.  In addition, he assists in the supervision of our West Bradenton campus facilities.

Have a question for Bob? Email him.

ADAM WILKERSON Publications & IT Assistant

Adam graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, in 2006 with a degree in graphic design.

His primary responsibilities include anything publications and graphics-related within our church family as well as overseeing our computer systems.

In his spare time, Adam enjoys anything fitness (lifting and running), reading how-to books, and spending time with his friends.

Have a question for Adam?  Email him.

LAILA WILKERSON Communications Director

Laila was born in Bradenton and graduated from Southeast High School. She and her husband, Darrell, were married in 1980 and they have twin sons, Adam and Eric. She and her family have been a part of our church since 1991.

Laila's primary responsibilities include assisting with creative aspects of weekend worship services and message series, overall print media as well as developing new and more effective ways to keep our church family informed about opportunities to serve.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, online research, reading and looks forward to the opportunity to travel internationally.

Questions for Laila?  Email her.