Phillip Smith | Lead Preaching Elder
Phillip and his family have been at Community Baptist since fall 2007 and he became the Lead Preaching Elder and overseer of the ministry of the Academy here in May of 2013, after having served in the student ministry full time for 5 years prior.
It has been a humbling privilege for him to serve here at Community Baptist and Community Christian Academy in these many ways during his time here. He is blessed to have the Expositors Seminary right down the street in Jupiter, FL where he has been able to continue being equipped over the last several years. He is a 4th generation local from Stuart, FL, where he graduated from our very own Community Christian Academy in 1995. He and his wife Tawnyia have two children, Ashleigh and Ethan. Tawnyia serves in a multitude of ways including heading up and teaching our Titus 2 in Action ladies ministry. Ashleigh is a graduate of CCA, and is now teaching full time in our ASL classes and our Art Department. Ethan also graduated from CCA in 2016.
“But My righteous one shall live by faith;
And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”
– Hebrews 10:38-39
John Nelson | Elder Overseeing Outreach
John Nelson is a long-time (since 1952) resident of Martin County and a more than forty year member of Community Baptist Church. John graduated from Martin County High School and Indian River Community College. He served in the United States Navy as a Search and Rescue Diver in a helicopter combat support squadron for four years in the late 60’s. Then, for twenty five years he worked for Florida Power and Light Company in Stuart. John came to know the Lord in 1975 and joined Community Baptist Church on July 4, 1976.
As an Elder he oversees our outreach and discipleship ministry and has faithfully taught adult Bible studies for over 30 years. He also heads up the men’s ministry, and coordinates home Bible studies throughout the year. John’s love of people and his passion to share the Gospel has well suited him to lead many Community Baptist Church ministries and outreach programs. John is married to Jo Ann, who shares his love of serving, and she teaches ladies. They have 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grand children. When not at the church you will find John out on “Visitation” his boat, enjoying his other love, fishing.
“Let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
– Galatians 6:9
Larry Thrasher | Elder
Larry and his wife Becky have been at CBC since 2006 where they have both willingly served as needed. They have twin daughters and two grandchildren. Larry was raised on a cattle farm in central Florida and has spent most of his adult years working as an administrator, first for the military, then in churches, and currently for the construction industry.
Eric Nelson | Elder
Eric has been attending CBC for the majority of his life. As a child he made a profession of faith and continued to live his life while always wondering why he struggled to understand the scriptures and live accordingly. Later, as an adult, by God’s grace and mercy, Eric found himself working with alongside another firefighter within the Fire Department who was modeling true Christianity. Through their discussions and others within local church ministry, Eric was introduced to expository preaching for the first time at the end of 2010. With God's Word confronting his self-deceit and by God’s kindness, Eric repented from his sin and cried out to the Master Jesus Christ for forgiveness of his sin and reconciliation to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Eric turned from sin and turned to God as a habitual practice as 1 John 3:4-10 teaches. He was so thankful to be brought to an understanding of Isaiah 66:1-2 regarding God’s favor towards those who are humble, spiritually dependent on Him and who fear His Word.
Eric returned to CBC around 2013. In October of 2014, Eric and Tanya’s marriage was renewed. Togehter, they have been serving in the body of Christ in numerous ways. After serving the body as a deacon for several years, on February 11th, 2024 Eric was ordained as an Elder to serve and protect the flock of God which is among him.
Eric and his wife Tanya have two children, Eyan & Emma.
Ransom Maggard | Elder
Ransom and his wife Ashley joined Community in 2014. They have three children - Abby, Rhys, and Remy. Both Ransom and Ashley teach at Community Christian Academy; Ransom teaches senior level Bible and Ashley teaches third grade.
Ransom has served on staff at CBC since 2015 in a variety of ways including student ministry, assisting in coordinating ministry and body life, and in the preaching ministry.
Deacons
Jeremy Browning
Adam Conley
Paul Debs
James Fields, Sr.
Gabriel Guajardo
Dan Hearing
Mike Knepper
Marshall Pickering
Carl Roberts
Zach Sammons
Steven Servius
Mike Sevilla
Josh Shell
Doug Shields
Tom Sweringen
Dave Weinerth