Pastors

Dr. john birchett, jr.
Lead Pastor
Dr. Birchett is a Kentucky native and devoted Wildcats fan. He holds a B.A. in Religion from Georgetown College, a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Dr. Birchett pastored four churches before being called to Second in May 2019 and has been a part of extensive Southern Baptist work, with additional ministry and training. Dr. Birchett is passionate about using his gifts of preaching, leadership, development, and conflict resolution to minister to his congregation and to see people reach greater levels of capacity for the Kingdom. He desires to lead God's people to be a Christ-centered, compelling, cooperating, and compassionate church. Dr. Birchett and his wife, Karen, have three children, Karis, Joshua, and Kirsten.

DR. MIKE WATSON
Senior Associate Pastor of Ministries
Mike was raised in Birmingham, AL, in a loving, Christian home. He accepted Christ at the age of 10 and was baptized shortly thereafter. His call to ministry shaped his college experience at Samford University. Mike holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Beeson Divinity School. Over the last seventeen years, Mike has served churches throughout the Southeast in the area of discipleship. He is particularly passionate about welcoming people into the biblical community, in which they can grow into Christ’s likeness as they are connected in friendship with others. Mike’s wife of seventeen years, Stephanie, is a Marriage and Family Counselor. They have two sons: Ethan and Will.

Mark Meyers
Worship & Creative Arts Pastor
Mark Meyers is a Missouri native! He graduated from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, MO in 1999 and spent 2 years pursuing a career in Acting when the Lord called him into worship ministry. He graduated from Liberty University with a MATS in 2013 and served in Missouri churches his entire career. Mark’s ministry focus flows from Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Mark and his lovely wife Amy have 5 kids, Selah, Lincoln, Bennett, Edison, and Mirabel.