Our Leadership Team
John Bosic
Pastor
I have had the privilege of serving as Sr. Pastor at First Baptist Church of Salinas since September 2016 and consider it one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve here as pastor. Since graduating from Wheaton College in 1988 I have served in three churches (Wichita, Kansas and Scottsdale, Arizona) in various capacities before accepting the call to come to serve as Sr. Pastor at FBC Salinas in the Fall of 2016.
I have a wonderful wife, Dawn (32+years being married), two grown daughters, one son-in-law, and three of the most precious granddaughters on the planet.
If you can’t find me at the church, there is a chance that I could be on a golf course playing the most wonderful game in the world.
Don Meister
Elder
I was raised in a Christian home at a time when Sunday morning began with children in the neighborhood gathered on the corner waiting for the Sunday School bus to take them to church. I gave my heart to the Lord as an early teen and was baptized at the Glad Tidings Temple in San Francisco. A career in the produce industry brought our family to Salinas in 1990 and FBC in 1992. I first became involved in church leadership as an adult Sunday School teacher. Over the years I have also served as Sunday School Superintendent, Moderator, and on various committees. My passion continues to be teaching in any format that serves to edify God’s people and to encourage others. I love to read, study, listen to sermons, and annually attend two pastoral conferences including the Shepherd’s Conference in Sun Valley, California. Among my favorite authors are James Montgomery Boice, R.C. Sproul, Mark Dever, and John MacArthur. My wife, Johnna, and I raised two wonderful sons who are both married and serving the Lord in their respective churches. We have four beautiful grandchildren who bring joy to our lives.
Conway Coe
Elder
I was born and raised in a Christian home in Taiwan. After graduating from Pharmacy school, I came to the US in 1979 for my Master’s program in Pharmacology at theUniversity of the Pacific,Stockton,CA.
Before I left Taiwan, I met my future wife, Marji, at a YMCA where she was my English teacher. We have three children: two sons and one daughter. Marji had a profound influence on my spiritual walk with Christ. God had never been so personal to me until I met Marji. I thank God every single day for graciously sharing Marji with me for 40 years. I am still learning to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances.I worked as a pharmacist for over thirty years and retired at the end of 2017. I have taught small group Bible studies since 2008, and occasionally, teach Spiritual Formation classes. Chuck Swindoll was my spiritual mentor during my formative years as a Christ follower. I enjoy reading, playing guitar and piano. I love to play tennis and bike riding. The pictures of my two grandchildren I receive from my children
always make my day.
Before I left Taiwan, I met my future wife, Marji, at a YMCA where she was my English teacher. We have three children: two sons and one daughter. Marji had a profound influence on my spiritual walk with Christ. God had never been so personal to me until I met Marji. I thank God every single day for graciously sharing Marji with me for 40 years. I am still learning to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances.I worked as a pharmacist for over thirty years and retired at the end of 2017. I have taught small group Bible studies since 2008, and occasionally, teach Spiritual Formation classes. Chuck Swindoll was my spiritual mentor during my formative years as a Christ follower. I enjoy reading, playing guitar and piano. I love to play tennis and bike riding. The pictures of my two grandchildren I receive from my children
always make my day.
Don Desmond
Elder
At the age of 28, Don accepted the Lord to be his personal Savior and was baptized here. He became involved with the property committee and feels blessed to be part of the many building projects through the years. Don feels called to this opportunity of serving as an elder and is excited to see what God has planned for our church. Don is married to wife, Sandy, and they have two adult children, Brent and Kylie.
Jim Martin
Elder
I dedicated my life to Christ and was baptized in 1997 while living Florida. Soon, I was introduced to the Nursing Home Ministry at the church I was attending, and found my calling to minister to resident in skilled nursing facilities. Today, I serve at First Baptist Church in the Prayer and Care Ministry, caring for the needs of others including those in nursing homes.I am married to my wife Karen who has two children and four grandchildren. We love traveling to visit them in Washington and Indiana as well as visiting my three sisters living in Florida. I also enjoy riding my bike and playing golf in my spare time.
Jesus Velarde
Elder
Jesus came to First Baptist Church because of Streets of Bethlehem. He came from México with an unusual sickness becoming quadriplegic. Through accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he was healed. Jesus is involved as a Spiritual Care Volunteer at Salinas Memorial Hospital and helps with encouragement and taking the word of God to people at Victory Mission.
Lorraine Aguirre
Director of Children’s Ministry
I am married to a great man, James Aguirre, and we have adult children. We love being
parents. We have been married for 39 years, and commitment has been our success in
marriage. I’ve enjoyed volunteering in the Children’s Ministry since age 22. My career was administrative in the medical field until the Lord opened doors for me here at First Baptist Church Salinas 12 years ago. In 2017, I was hired as the Children’s Ministry Director. This is my “Heaven on Earth.” My hobbies are exercising, spending time with myself, meditating in nature, and embracing life.
parents. We have been married for 39 years, and commitment has been our success in
marriage. I’ve enjoyed volunteering in the Children’s Ministry since age 22. My career was administrative in the medical field until the Lord opened doors for me here at First Baptist Church Salinas 12 years ago. In 2017, I was hired as the Children’s Ministry Director. This is my “Heaven on Earth.” My hobbies are exercising, spending time with myself, meditating in nature, and embracing life.
Johnna Meister
Business Manager
Having worked many years in retail and with ten years of banking experience, I began as office manager at First Baptist Church and Melody Park Christian School in 1996. Becoming business manager in 2006 I have enjoyed a variety of financial responsibilities, problem solving, and making connections with the families of Melody Park. God became real in my life when I was baptized at the age of eight. I have moved in and out of his presence at times; knowing Him better and growing in Him as the years pass. I am delighted and humbled by His mercy to me and rest in His saving grace. My husband, Don, and I are blessed with two grown sons who serve the Lord, and four beautiful grandchildren. Any leisure time I have is spent reading, watching English production TV, traveling to love on my grandchildren, cooking and trying new recipes.
Isabel Orejel
Administrative Assistant
Isabel was born and raised on the Central Coast and has been attending a Baptist church since she was 5 years old. She has been on staff at FBC since 2021 as an administrative assistant. Her work consists of creating posters, announcements, banners, and any other promotional material. She also assist other ministries with any help they need with promoting their ministries/events.
Isabel is a senior at Cal State Monterey Bay, pursuing Cinematic Arts and Technology.
Adam and Jennifer Penrose
Directors of Music Ministry
We are excited to share leadership of the Music & Tech Ministry here at FBC Salinas. As leaders, we understand that a congregation learns its theology by the songs they sing, not just by what is preached. We desire the music we select, whether it be old or new, to be Christ-exalting, Gospel-rich, and God-centered. We want the lyrics to be solid and the songs to be beautiful. Everyone has unique opinions about music – it is a medium that reaches us at an emotional level. We understand this, which is why we work hard to provide a variety of musical styles and genres.
We met each other during a worship service at this church in 2010. Jennifer was singing on the worship team and Adam was a new attendee. Both being teachers and having a profound fondness for music, we instantly found a connection and were married in 2012. It was then 10 years later, in 2022, when we joined as co-directors of the ministry. We value the time we spend with our church LifeGroup and have three children who are active in our church’s AWANAs program. We look forward to worshiping with you every Sunday!
We met each other during a worship service at this church in 2010. Jennifer was singing on the worship team and Adam was a new attendee. Both being teachers and having a profound fondness for music, we instantly found a connection and were married in 2012. It was then 10 years later, in 2022, when we joined as co-directors of the ministry. We value the time we spend with our church LifeGroup and have three children who are active in our church’s AWANAs program. We look forward to worshiping with you every Sunday!
Tracie Brown
Director of Adult Spiritual Development
“God has been leading me on an amazing journey!”
Tracie grew up in the Sacramento area, then traveled to Fresno for college. In Fresno, she had years of experience with youth, college, and inner-city ministries. Tracie earned a Bachelor degree in counseling from Fresno State University and a Master of Divinity from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.
Here at FBC, she has been volunteering since 2010 in various ministries including music, college/young adult, women’s ministry, missions committee, and youth. God led her to come on staff with FBC starting in February 2023! Her role at FBC includes Bible Studies, community outreach, and more.
When not at church she continues her role as the “Pie Lady” (bakery manager) at The Farm off Hwy 68.
Tracie has been happily married to Dave since 2006, and has lived in the Salinas Valley since 2009.