Rev. Asher Panton
Lead Pastor
Rev. Asher Panton is dedicated to helping churches love God, each other, and their communities. He is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master in Divinity. With over 20 years of pastoral experience, he has served in youth, college, and senior adult ministries across the country.
Asher is married to Raychel, who is pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. They are proud parents to their 7-year-old son, Jack. Asher’s ministry is grounded in a passion for fostering meaningful connections within the church and beyond.
Asher is married to Raychel, who is pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. They are proud parents to their 7-year-old son, Jack. Asher’s ministry is grounded in a passion for fostering meaningful connections within the church and beyond.
Rev. Justin Porath
Associate Pastor
Rev. Justin Porath is passionate about helping others grow in their faith through community life, discipleship, and outreach. He holds a Master of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary. With over 13 years of ministry experience, he has served in a variety of settings—always with a heart for spiritual formation and connecting people to Christ.
Justin is married to Lacy, a small business owner who runs a stationery and letterpress design business. Together, they are the proud parents of their 8-year-old daughter, Parthenia. Whether mentoring leaders, creating space for authentic relationships, or preaching the gospel, Justin is passionate about helping others walk deeply with Christ and one another.
Justin is married to Lacy, a small business owner who runs a stationery and letterpress design business. Together, they are the proud parents of their 8-year-old daughter, Parthenia. Whether mentoring leaders, creating space for authentic relationships, or preaching the gospel, Justin is passionate about helping others walk deeply with Christ and one another.
Rev. Joel Mikell
Supply Worship Arts Director
Joel Mikell brings a wealth of experience to his role as Supply Worship Arts Director. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Troy University and a master’s degree in church music from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. With 25 years of service as a Minister of Worship and Music, Joel is also a trained Strat Ops Facilitator, Certified Christian Financial Counselor, and an ICF-certified coach.
Joel and his wife, Donna, reside in Shelby, NC, and they are proud parents of three children—Cindi, Jeremy, and Jenni—and six grandchildren: Alexis, Addison, Carter, Savannah, Colton, and Lilli. In his free time, Joel enjoys writing music, running, hunting, and both bass and fly-fishing. Above all, he cherishes time spent with his family and inspiring others through worship and service.
Joel and his wife, Donna, reside in Shelby, NC, and they are proud parents of three children—Cindi, Jeremy, and Jenni—and six grandchildren: Alexis, Addison, Carter, Savannah, Colton, and Lilli. In his free time, Joel enjoys writing music, running, hunting, and both bass and fly-fishing. Above all, he cherishes time spent with his family and inspiring others through worship and service.
Abigail Hackworth
Minister to Children and Families
Abigail Hackworth is passionate about teaching children and youth about God’s abundant love, and enjoys walking alongside families as they grow in faith together. A graduate of Gardner-Webb University, she completed her Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion in May 2025.
Abigail brings creativity, warmth, and energy to everything she does—and children and families at FBCS love the energy and joy she brings each week. She and her husband, Clint, share their home with two cats, Jean Valjean and Espresso. In her free time, Abigail enjoys theological discussions, vegan cooking, dancing, and relaxing at home while serving the families of First Baptist Church Shelby.
Abigail brings creativity, warmth, and energy to everything she does—and children and families at FBCS love the energy and joy she brings each week. She and her husband, Clint, share their home with two cats, Jean Valjean and Espresso. In her free time, Abigail enjoys theological discussions, vegan cooking, dancing, and relaxing at home while serving the families of First Baptist Church Shelby.
Emily Horchler
Administrative Communications Coordinator
Donna Dryden
Financial Coordinator
Penny Corn
Weekday Ministries Director
Clara Spangler
Mother’s Morning Out Coordinator
Bryte Scism
Worship Arts Assistant
Terry White
Organist
Katt Guilford
Worship Leader
Holly Hicks
ASL Interpreter
Dan Phillips
Facilities & Maintenance
Matthew Pettis "Mr. P"
Facilities & Maintenance