Dr. SAM ROACH – Senior Pastor
A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Sam practiced law before entering vocational ministry. After serving on staff at a church in Texas, he pastored churches in Tampa and Charlotte prior to accepting the call to serve as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Sanford in 2019. Sam holds several graduate degrees, including a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas, Arlington.
Sam has a passion for teaching God’s Word and seeing God transform lives through the power of the gospel. He has served on international mission teams to Armenia, Belgium, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, and Honduras. His interests include reading, tennis, and golf.
Sam is from St. Petersburg, Florida, and his wife, Alysia, is from Winter Park, Florida. They have three daughters, Savannah, Kendall, and Whitney.
MIKE HANDY – Minister of Music/Senior Adults
With Music degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Michael and his wife Lu Anne have two grown sons living in Arkansas and North Carolina, and have been blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. Michael is responsible for the music and worship ministries of the church, as well as the ministry to senior adults. Coming to the church in 2009, he oversees the development of six choirs and an instrumental ensemble. He is passionate about worship and developing the musical gifts of those with whom he works. Michael oversees the Senior Adult Activities Committee, which is responsible for planning a monthly luncheon. He also plans trips and other events for the church’s senior adults, and oversees outreach to the church’s homebound members.
CHADWICK MOORE – Minister of Youth and Family Ministries
Chadwick joined the staff in October 2022. He serves primarily with our First Baptist Youth (FBY) ministry. This entails overseeing Youth Sunday School, teaching & leading FBY on Sunday nights, & working with our ACTEENs & Youth Guys Bible Study during the week. He also works alongside Susan, overseeing our First Baptist Kids (FBK) ministry.
Chadwick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies & a Master of Divinity from Liberty University’s School of Divinity. He has previously served churches in Texas, Virginia, & Florida prior to joining our staff.
Chadwick is from Seminole, FL, & his wife, Chelsea, is from Halifax, VA. They have two dogs, love to spend time with family & friends, & you’ll likely see one or both wearing Tampa Bay hats if you run into them around town! You can also catch them running as they train for a race.
LEE JOHNSON – Minister of Outreach/Activities
After graduating from UNCW, Lee went on to manage a State Employees’ Credit Union office, then served as an agent and agency manager for NC Farm Bureau before surrendering to God’s call to full-time pastoral ministry. He has served on staff at Corinth Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, NC since February 2010, first as her Director of Outreach and Discipleship and finally as her Associate Pastor prior to accepting the call to First Baptist Church Sanford in August 2021. Lee has been working towards his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Lee has a passion for connecting lost people with the Gospel and connecting saved people with God’s Word, His church, His passion, and His mission. He and his wife, Tara, have served on several mission teams and they have led mission teams to Bangkok, Thailand, Marlinton, WV, Pittsburgh, PA, Syracuse, NY, Hatteras, NC as well as local mission efforts and endeavors.
After Graduating from ECU Tara taught high school science classes. Following the birth of their first son, she took a break from teaching until it became time to homeschool their sons.
Tara has led several Bible study groups including, Acteens, children’s church, adult Sunday school, and discipleship classes. She has also served as a Bible Study Fellowship group leader and Children’s Leader.
Lee is from Elizabethtown, NC and Tara is from Manteo, NC. They have two sons, Eli who is married to Anna are parents to their grandson, Calvin. Eli is a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Anna is a teacher in the Portsmouth VA school system. Their youngest son, Jared, is a student at Pembroke State University.
Contact Lee by phone: 252-562-5878
SUSAN STALDER – Director of Children’s and Afterschool Ministries
After graduating from Campbell University, Susan pursued a career in the banking industry for nearly 10 years prior to becoming a mom. She considers it a blessing to have been able to switch roles and spend time at home while her three children were young. As time went by, God opened doors for Susan to teach at the Christian school her children attended. In 2015, she became the Director of Children’s Ministry at Grace Chapel where she served for 7 years. With a love for Jesus and a love for children, Susan began serving as the Director of Children’s Activities and Afterschool Program at First Baptist Church of Sanford in the fall of 2023.
Susan is passionate about teaching children how much they are loved by our Heavenly Father! It is her desire that children see and experience the love of Jesus every time they attend any children’s activity with First Baptist Church of Sanford. Whether it’s Sunday services or the weekday after-school care, you can find Susan pouring into the lives of children! She’s a firm believer that children’s ministry also means family ministry. Partnering with parents is essential!
Susan grew up in the military and claims Alabama as “home”. She has a tremendous respect for those who serve to protect this great country. Her husband Brian is Tar Heel born and bred. He works in the health insurance industry while serving alongside Susan in the children’sministry. Susan and Brian were married in 2000. They moved to the Sanford area in 2009. They have a daughter, Abby, and two sons, Daniel and Jonathan.
Please reach out to Susan with any questions or concerns around the Children’s Ministry and she will be happy to connect with you.