Charles Murray was pastor of FBCE from 1980-1991 and returned to become pastor again December 3, 2001.  Charles is married to Karon and they have two grown children: Angela, married to Robert and mother of Brianna, Asher, and Caleb; and Nathan, who is a Student Minister in Texas and married to Amanda.  Beyond his family, Charles' passion is international missions and he has made over 50 international trips.  Email Charles

Russ Ewing experienced a new beginning in his life as he began his ministry with FBCE in February, 2001. This event marked the beginning of his full-time Christian ministry.  Prior to coming to Ellisville, Russ worked in the telecommunications industry for more than thirty years.  Russ is married to Polly and they have two sons; Jeff and John.  Russ wants his ministry to be a catalyst for changing lives as we seek to develop disciplined followers of Jesus Christ.  Email Russ

Rich Smith came to FBCE in December, 2005.  He and his wife Paige, have one daughter, Allie.  Rich is a frequent writer for LifeWay Church Resources and Publishing Co.  His publications include Bible study curriculum, journal articles for adult leadership in the local church, daily devotionals, and he has also written Bible study supplements for lifeway.com.  Rich is currently pursuing a Doctor of Educational Ministry in Leadership and Administration from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  Rich's heart in ministry lies in strategic church development and implementing new church systems in order to continue propelling the church forward along with reaching people for Christ and equip believers to go and do likewise.  Email Rich

Rev. Rich Smith
Minister of Discipleship

Tom Wideman began his ministry at FBCE in June of 2000.  He and his wife, Sally, have a daughter, Jolee who is married to Jared Miller and mother of Kaden; and a son Andrew, who is married to Dena. Tom believes that a lifestyle of worship should be a priority of every Christian.  Tom’s vision for the music and worship ministry is to use music and the arts to glorify God, encourage believers and reach seekers.  Tom also introduced a new Christ-centered 12-step recovery program called “Celebrate Recovery” in 2008.  Email Tom

Rev. Tom Wideman
Minister of Music and Celebrate Recovery

Dustin Nelson began his ministry at FBCE in May of 2006. He and his wife Caroline have one daughter, Norah Leigh.  They both attended Southeast Missouri State University. Dustin completed a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 2010.  Dustin has spent time on the mission fields of China and Suriname.  Email Dustin

Alan Haigood began his ministry at FBCE in August, 2006. Alan and his wife Jill have three sons, Micah, Nathanael and Caleb. Alan believes that our challenge as a church is to disciple our children, “to grow them deep roots in a real and personal God.” Alan has a degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A & M. He is currently working on a Master of Arts in Christian Education.  Email Alan