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About Us

Staff


Jonathan Williams

Senior Pastor

Pastor Jonathan Williams began shepherding Wilcrest Baptist, June, 2011, when he followed the Lord’s call to pastor a multi-ethnic church. He previously pastored Body Life Church in Fort Worth, Texas after serving as a missionary for 2 years in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle. He is the author of a Christian novel, Jungle Sunrise. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas (2002) as well as a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (2011).

Pastor Jonathan married the love of his life, Jessica, in 2006. The Lord blessed them with a gift of grace in 2010, their daughter, Gracie, and another answered prayer in 2011, their son, Silas. Jonathan has a deep affection for the Bride of Christ, a passion for missions, and a devotion to preaching God’s Word in order to make disciples for the glory of the Father. He enjoys reading, writing, running, and playing at the park with his family.


Kurt Freeman

Missions & Discipleship Pastor

Kurt began ministering at Wilcrest as the Youth Pastor and transitioned to the Missions and Discipleship Pastor on January, 2011. He is a graduate from East Texas Baptist University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He was married on May of 2004 to his wife Jennifer and they have one son, Micah. Kurt seeks to live a life of passion rather than satisfaction and does this by pursuing his calling to missions, preaching and multi-cultural ministry. Two books that have greatly influenced Kurt are Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon and The Life and Diary of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards.


Mac Gervais

Minister of Worship & Students

Mac Gervais joined the Wilcrest Baptist Church family as the Minister of Worship & Students in October 2011. Mac was called into the ministry in June 2000 when he was 14 years old. A Houston native, Mac began singing in the Houston Boychoir, and he attended the High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Houston, where he majored in vocal music. In May 2009 he received his Bachelor of Arts from Houston Baptist University where he double-majored in Christianity & Political Science. Mac has served as Youth Minister for the Missions Training Center of Houston’s First Baptist Church, Minister of Music at The Church at Willowpark (North Houston), and Minister of Worship & Missions at Alief Baptist Church (West Houston) before joining Wilcrest.


Jeff Adams

Minister of Spiritual Growth

Jeff Adams was led to Wilcrest in 1998. God has given him a strong desire to see people study the Bible in depth and be changed by His word. In his role, he serves by teaching Adult 1 and assists other teachers. He helps coordinate the church’s discipleship program and often teaches discipleship classes. Jeff also serves in the choir and drama ministry. He was ordained into the ministry in 2008 and will soon complete a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Susan and they have 3 daughters, Jessica, Sarah, and Carissa.


Nancy Benavides

Children’s Director

Nancy Benavides has been a member of Wilcrest Baptist Church since 2005. She has served in the children’s ministry as Sunday school teacher, good news club teacher, and Awana teacher. Her passion is to serve the community and teach children what it means to have a relationship with Christ. She is married to Javier Benavides who also serves as a yolk fellow. Javier and Nancy's children are Brianna, Arianna, Javier Jr., and Joseph.


Melissa Holmquist

Preschool Director

Melissa Holmquist has grown up at Wilcrest Baptist Church. She is a graduate from Houston Baptist University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Melissa joined the WBC staff in January of 2011. She has a passion for young children and loves to help them learn about Jesus. In 2003, Melissa married her husband Michael, who also serves as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher at WBC. Michael and Melissa have a 6 year old daughter named Elly, and a 3 year old son named Kenny.


Al Bailey

Ministry Assistant/Media

Al Bailey was born in the United States Virgin Islands (St. Thomas). He came to Wilcrest in the early 90s and shortly became a member of Wilcrest Baptist Church. He also serves as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher of the 4th, 5th and 6th grade boys, discipleship teacher. Al is married to Roxanne Bailey and have two children, Michael and Mikayla Bailey.


Susan Vernon

Pastor’s Assistant/Financial

Susan became a member of Wilcrest in 1988 and joined the staff in 2005 as the Pastor’s Assistant/Financial. She graduated from Sam Houston University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is married to Roger, who plays the bass in the praise band. Her son, Ches Smith and daughter-in-law, Silvia, along with their three children, Sarah, Cristian and Max also attend Wilcrest.


DeVante Cooley

Minister of Media

DeVante Cooley joined the Wilcrest team in February of 2013. He is currently a student at Houston Baptist University where he majors in Journalism & Mass Media/Communications. He is a Native of Dallas, Texas and enjoys working to further the message of Christ.