Dr. SAM ROACH – Senior Pastor
Sam is from St. Petersburg, Florida, and his wife, Alysia, is from Winter Park, Florida. They have three daughters, Savannah, Kendall, and Whitney.
After serving on staff at a church in Texas, Sam pastored churches in Tampa and Charlotte prior to accepting the call to serve as the Senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Sanford in 2019. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he holds a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas, Arlington.
Having previously served on mission teams to Belgium, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, and Honduras, Sam, together with Alysia and Whitney, most recently went to Armenia in 2022 and in 2023 as a mission team sent from First Baptist Sanford.
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 is from Seminole, Florida, and his wife Chelsea is from Halifax, Virginia. They have one son, who they love doting on.
Prior to joining the staff at FBC Sanford in 2022, Chadwick served churches in Houston, Lynchburg (VA), and Seminole (FL). He holds a Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Arts from Liberty University’s School of Divinity, and he is presently continuing his studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Chadwick primarily serves with the First Baptist Youth ministry (6th-12th grade), leading Sunday nights & Guys Bible Study, while also leading the newly re-formed Young Adult Bible Study (18-25 years old).
Please reach out to Chadwick about any questions you may have regarding our Youth and Young Adult ministries.
LEE JOHNSON – Minister of Outreach/ActivitiesLee Joined the staff in September 2021 after serving Corinth Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, NC as Associate Pastor. Lee and his wife, Tara love making Sanford their home and enjoy participating and serving in the life and ministries of FBC from the children through senior adults.
Lee works closely with the Family Life Center and Mission Committee in planning, promoting and facilitating outreach/inreach and mission efforts.
Lee enjoys connecting with people and learning about their spiritual journey, passions and how they can use their giftedness in serving and sharing the Good News.
Tara has led several Bible study groups including, Acteens, children’s church, VBS, 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, their youngest, Jared and his wife Hannah live in Sanford. Eli who is married to Anna are parents to their grandchildren, Calvin and Sophia and make their home in Newport News, VA.
Contact Lee by phone: 252-562-5878 or email at leejohnson@fbcsanford.com
SUSAN STALDER – Director of Children’s and Afterschool Ministries
Susan grew up in the military and claims Alabama as “home”. Her husband Brian is Tar Heel born and bred. Susan and Brian were married in 2000 and moved to the Sanford area in 2009. They have a daughter, Abby, and two sons, Daniel and Jonathan.
After graduating from Campbell University, Susan pursued a career in the banking industry for nearly 10 years prior to becoming a mom. After teaching several years in a Christian school, she began working as the Director of Children’s Ministry at a local church. 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.