OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
We exist for the mission of HELPING PEOPLE CONNECT WITH JESUS.
We believe all services and ministries should be structured around this mission.
We desire that the people of First Baptist Cadillac learn how to LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE and SERVE THE WORLD.
Our God is the one true and living God. His inspired Word, the Bible, teaches us who He is and gives us a blueprint on how we should live our lives. We strongly believe that when we faithfullly teach and follow the Word that we will grow closer to God and stronger as a community. We rely on what the Bible says so that we may not stray away from the path that God has set before us.
Our love for God should be evidenced by our love for people. Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another..." (John 13:35, NIV). We all have a few flaws and we are not a group of perfect people, but we are called to love others and show grace and forgiveness like God. He is our example and His words are our guide for relationships.
The Great Commission given by Jesus in His last moments on Earth commands us to "Go." Go into the world with the purpose of making disciples. Our commitment to serving the world in tangible ways should reflect our commitment to this instruction. We do this through various programs and activities in our church and in our community as we seek to help people connect with Jesus.
Helping you connect with Jesus!
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Chad Zaucha
“There’s no place like home…” So, after 11 years of ministry in Ojai, CA Pastor Chad has returned to where he began as a youth ministry summer intern in 1993. It was in that role that God brought Chad and Christy together, and they were married a year later. As the Zaucha family grew, adding Josh and Anna, so did the ministry role at First Baptist. Chad and Christy served together in youth ministry for 12 years before the move to California. Chad’s BA in Biblical Literature is from Olivet Nazarene University and his Mdiv is from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is passionate about relational discipleship and teaching the Scriptures. Josh and Anna both currently attend Olivet Nazarene. Chad cheers loudly for the Cincinnati Reds and THE Ohio State Buckeyes. If you visit their home you will be warmly greeted by two pudgy Pugs named Coco and Libbey. The Zauchas are excited to be home among family and friends, old and new.
Travis Heystek
Pastor Travis serves as the Pastor of Discipleship here at FBC. Travis and Hannah both grew up in Michigan, but met in college at Indiana Wesleyan University. They started their ministry together in Roanoke, VA but felt called back to Michigan in 2016. During their time at Dighton Wesleyan Church they felt God confirming their call to Northern Michigan and have continued to pursue that calling. Travis is excited about setting a course for discipleship that draws people into a deeper relationship with God, and empowers them to be deployed into the community as ambassadors for Christ. Whether its snowboarding, kayaking, biking, camping, or lounging on the beach during the summer the Heystek’s love the outdoors. They have one son, Emerson, and two dogs; a golden retriever, Sophie, and a Bernese Mountain Dog, Sanka. The Heystek’s also love meeting new people and sharing meals together. They believe one of the greatest blessings in ministry is all of the people they are able to meet and share life with. Travis also enjoys music, reading, baseball, and NASCAR.
David Wilson
Pastor David serves as the Youth Minister. He has a passion for engaging and equiping students with foundational hope found in the Bible. Pastor Wilson graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and Christ for the Nations Institute. He feels that God has called him to this minstry, and he is excited to be a part of our rapidly growing youth. You will most likely find Pastor Wilson connecting with our youth or enjoying time with his wife Jenni and their three children.
Shelly Burkett
Shelly and her husband, Greg, assist parents in raising spiritual champions. Miss Shelly is patient and full of grace as she teaches our kids in fun new ways. She also enjoys training, encouraging and watching her volunteers grow spiritually. When you're around Miss Shelly, you can't help but feel the love of Christ and go away with a smile! She has been our children's ministry leader for eleven years.
OUR STORY
1876
1955
1982
2000
First Baptist Church of Cadillac was formed and first called "First Baptist of Clam Lake" back when the City of Cadillac was called the village of Clam Lake. It started with 7 people. The original church building was purchased for $350 and moved to the current location in 1888. The church made it through the Depression and the end of the lumbering era. The church had grown to over 300 people.
In 1955 the church was remodeled and the sanctuary entrance was moved to Stimson Street. Also, the steeple was torn down and the church bell was donated to Camp Lake Louise. The Women's Ministry Fellowship was vital to the physical, financial and spiritual welfare of the church. The Men's Brotherhood helped grow and support missions through the American Baptist mission program.They added a 30-passenger bus and a 16-passenger van. The first youth pastor was hired.
Rev. David McMahon (pastor for the last 30 years) was brought in by the search committee to serve the growing conference. In 1988 the sanctuary was constructed and the cornerstone was placed. Two services were formed to accomodate the growth of over 400 people. The first Associate Pastor was hired. There were 80 members in the choir. The Food Pantry was started in 1989. The Shepherd's Table began in 1990 as a once a week program that began at noon with a warm meal and ended with a Bible study following the meal.
Spring of 2000 construction began on the North end of our building which includes the Commons area. We have helped build four churches in India and several dozen children sponsored there. We have expanded global mission involvement. A Haiti Mission Team has changed the living conditions for hundreds of Haitians. Locally we have launched DivorceCare, DivorceCare 4 Kids, GriefShare, AWANA, Backpack, Kids Hope USA and added a full time youth pastor.
July 2017 Pastor Chad Zaucha returned to First Baptist as Lead Pastor.
Other FBC Staff
Office Manager: Kari Hanus
Communications Director: Sarah Ruetz
Kids Hope USA Director: Kaci Roller
Business Administrator: Clyde King
Facilities Staff: Bob Matthews, Kristine Ruetz, and Barb Sibary