Dr. Gregory Cooper
Greg came to First Baptist in 1998 as the Senior Pastor. He is a native Ohioan born and raised in Newark. He and his wife Marla have two daughters—Stacy (24) a recent graduate of Ohio State University, and Marissa (21) a student at the University of Cincinnati. Greg’s life calling is to help build significant lives through teaching people how to implement God’s word in every area of their lives. His teaching style is very relaxed and practical.
Greg is a graduate of Bluefield College in Virginia with a degree in psychology; Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas with a Master of Divinity and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Tennessee with a Doctor of Ministry degree.
In his spare time, Greg loves to play golf and ride on his motorcycle with his wife Marla. Greg’s least favorite thing to do? Working in the yard. Some things you may not know. Greg’s favorite series of movies is Rocky, his favorite food is pizza and he has a dog named Ozzie.
Jeff Krigbaum, Youth Leader
Jeff grew up in Canal Winchester, OH and has been a member of FBC Groveport for 15 years. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Physical Education in 2004. Jeff is the Director and Founder of Pride Soccer Club, which is a non-profit youth soccer organization. Jeff stepped in as youth leader in September of 2008. In addition to leading the youth group, Jeff is also involved in leading the Upward sports ministry at Groveport. Jeff is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Rebecca, who is an elementary school teacher and they have a newborn son Harrison. During his free time, Jeff enjoys playing sports, working out, camping, kayaking and spending time with his family.
Lisa Norman, Administrative Assistant
Lisa has been attending FBC since conception (hers) — she was two weeks old when her parents starting bringing her to church. Born and raised in the Groveport area and a graduate of Groveport Madison High School in 1984.
She met her husband, Eric Norman on a blind date and married him two years later. Eric and Lisa have been married for 19 wonderfully marvelous years. Eric is a firefighter for the City of Columbus and has been employed there for 19 years.
Lisa has been working for FBC since April, 2001, as the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Pastor and the Worship Pastor. She very much enjoys the pastor’s she works for (She kind of has to say that, doesn’t she?) and her co-workers.
Her likes: Snicker’s, strawberries, flip flops, macadamia nut cookies, sandals, laughing, reading, water skiing, boots, warm weather…did she mention shoes?, traveling, thunderstorms, the ocean, shopping, and her dog Ziggie.
Her dislikes: raisins, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, cold weather, black licorice, crazy drivers, scary movies, bats and spiders.
Her hobbies: spending time at Seneca Lake – boating, skiing and sunning with her hubby, friends and family.
Barbara Reece, Financial Administrator
Barbara was born and raised in Columbus Ohio. She was a graduate of Groveport Madison High School in 1986 and a graduate of Nationwide Beauty Academy in 1987. She is a licensed cosmetologist who specialized in skin and nail care. She retired from this industry after 21 great years.
Barbara is married to Jim Reece. They were married in August 1989, and were blessed with 2 wonderful children Austin 21 and Briana 16 and then were blessed again in 2007 when Willie 22 adopted us to be his new family.
Barbara received Christ and was baptized at FBC in Dec of 1996. She and her family have attended FBC ever since. After several subtle pokes from God and not so subtle hits over the head. God made it clear that she needed to follow Him and what he wanted for her which began her employment at FBC in July 2006 as the Financial Administrator. It’s funny how things work out when you slow down and listen to God. He really does know what is best!
Her likes: Reese cups, Oreo ice cream, shoes, shopping and a clean house!
Her dislikes: mean people, surgery, liver and onions and a dirty house
Her hobbies: spending time with family, motorcycle riding with husband, crafts, tangleword puzzles and watching movies.
Patty Sowers, Director of Children’s Ministries
Patty, a true Buckeye at heart, was born and raised in Columbus, OH. She was raised in a Christian home, but did not come to know the Lord Jesus as her own personal Savior until her freshman year of college. Patty earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Christian University (formerly Circleville Bible College) where she majored in Teacher Education. Patty served in various capacities in several churches before God called her to serve Him and the children of Groveport. She taught sixth grade for nine years at a local Christian school where she continued to learn and earn CEU’s in the education field.
Patty and her husband, Rick, have been happily married for more than 20 years and have two beautiful children. Patty spends much of her “spare” time rescuing household items from the jaws of the new family pup that was rescued from a local shelter, volunteering with the Teays Valley High School bands, and encouraging her son’s athletic endeavors. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, reading, playing in the yard, and eating chocolate. You will not catch her with seafood on her plate, and she will not utter the name of that state up North… GO BUCKS!!
Julie Heckethorn, Daycare Director
I was born and raised in the Central Ohio area. I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Ashley and Jessica. Ashley just finished serving in the US Navy and Jessica will be attending Columbus State fulltime in the fall of 2013.
Growing up in church and attending church with many of my family members gave me a strong Christian background to rely on and trust through life’s many trials. I was very fortunate to have strong parents and grandparents to help me on this journey. My grandparents “planted” several local churches during my childhood, one of which I am fortunate to be a member of today.
In my free time, I enjoy volunteering with a local ministry, visiting my daughter in Oklahoma, attending Jessica’s various extracurricular functions, reading, sewing and participating in various sports.
Being with children daily and watching them change daily is truly a blessing. The “ah-ha” moment when a child finally figures out the struggle is the best; the amazement on their face is priceless!!








