Our Staff

Pastor Jay Huddleston serves as Senior Pastor at First Baptist. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, he began in ministry as a church planter in Florida. Working with the North American Mission Board, he and his wife, Shirley were blessed to found the Shindler Drive Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Before coming to New Port Richey, he also served as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cary, N.C.
As a Biblically based teacher, Pastor Jay loves to draw application from Scripture that helps his listeners face today’s life issues and grow as followers of Jesus Christ. As a pastor he has consistently emphasized three elements in ministry – evangelism, discipleship and missions. He has preached and ministered throughout the South and Midwest as well as traveling on missions to Africa, South East Asia, and Puerto Rico.

Pastor Jay and his wife, Shirley, have two adult sons, Kaleb and Joel. He enjoys the beach, golf, and spending time with his wife and family.

Rev. Jay Huddleston, Senior Pastor – Jay@fbcnpr.com

Pastor Billy Cronin serves as the Minister to Young Adults and Young Marrieds at First Baptist. A graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute, Trinity College of Florida, and Western Seminary, he has served in various ministries in several churches in South Carolina and Florida. He has been married to his best friend Elizabeth since 2019, and their daughter City was born in 2022.

Joining our staff in 2020, Billy is passionate about teaching the Scriptures and helping young adults and young married couples grow in their apprenticeship to King Jesus and live out their allegiance to him.

Billy Cronin, Minister to Young Adults and Young Married – Billy@fbcnpr.com

Pastor Josiah Brondyke serves as Minister to Students at FBCNPR. A graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute, Palabra de Vida Argentina, Piedmont International University, & Clarks Summit University, he has served in various ministries including: Child Evangelism Fellowship, Rural Bible Missions, Word of Life, Youth for Christ, El Pastito, Iglesia Bautista Hispana Tabernaculo de la Fe, & Fish Lake Bible Church. He & his wife Rachel were married in 2015 & have a son Samuel. Joining staff in 2018, he is passionate about people, teaching, counseling, & having a good time.

Josiah Brondyke, Minister to Students – Josiah@fbcnpr.com

Dr. David R. Crandall has been in the ministry for 53 years. He has been a Youth Pastor and a Senior Pastor for 30 years. He was the International Director of Gospel Literature Services which translated and distributed Gospel Literature to 138 countries.

Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis, asked Dr. Crandall to join the AiG team as International Director. He founded the AiG World Wide Ministry. He was responsible for taking AiG apologetic materials around the globe. He has his wife, Diana, helped train 100 internationals to establish AiG Ministries in their homelands.

Dr. Crandall has authored several published articles, 8 Olympic booklets with a distribution of 3 million. He also authored the final chapter for the Answer Book #2 which was published by AiG.

The Crandall’s have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. They have traveled and ministered in 108 countries of the world and preached in every state in the USA.

Dr. David Crandall, Minister to Senior Adults – Doccran@fbcnpr.com

Sarah started as the Preschool Ministry Director in 2019 before accepting the full-time position of Children’s Ministry Director. She has been an active volunteer in children’s ministries including Upward Soccer and VBS since becoming a member in 2016.

Sarah and her husband Jim were married in 2005. They have 4 children: Jeremiah, Gabby, Benjamin and Emmaleigh. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new places.

Sarah Hill, Children’s Ministry Director – Sarah@fbcnpr.com

Educated at Pasco Hernando State College with a focus on business & accounting, David Phillips spent the first 25 years of his career as a business banker in the Tampa Bay community. David has served the Lord in various ministries at First Baptist , such as Small Group leader, deacon, & Church Treasurer. David joined the staff of First Baptist in 2018 & is excited to watch God work through the people at FBC. His life verse is I Samuel 12:24.
He & his wife Anne have two daughters, Haley & Emma. They have been members of First Baptist since 2005. Their family enjoys living in Florida & all the wonderful things come with living that close to the water.

David Phillips, Minister of Administration & Adult Education – Dave@fbcnpr.com