Mark Ballard
Lead Pastor
For over 40 years, Dr. Mark H. Ballard has served as a faithful pastor, diligent church planter, passionate evangelist, innovative educator, creative and prolific author, and pacesetting Baptist leader. He graduated from Criswell College with his Bachelor’s, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with his M.Div. and PhD. Dr. Ballard, a native of Colorado, serves as the founding president of Northeastern Baptist College in Bennington, Vermont, and as a member of the Conservative Baptist Network Steering Council. Prior to launching NEBC, he served as a church planter and pastor in New Hampshire, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. Mark has filled pulpits, held revival services, and served as a conference speaker in numerous states for more than 40 years.
Reese Sweeney
Evagelism Pastor
Reese Sweeney has passionately served the Lord as an evangelist ever since his personal relationship with Jesus first began. He has served the Lord as an evangelist and Bible preacher in Central New York, Eastern New York, and Vermont. He has a heart for the lost and desires for people living in the dark to see and know the light of Christ. Reese is also a full time student at Northeastern Baptist College and enjoys playing basketball.
Hunter Simpson
Edification Pastor
Hunter Simpson grew up in North Carolina and had just recently graduated High School when the Lord called him to ministry. Due to moving around the world as a child, Hunter was quick to move to Vermont to answer that call. Now Hunter is studying Biblical Studies and Applied Theology at Northeastern Baptist College while serving as the Edification Pastor at GCBC. Hunter enjoys going to the gym and playing football although serving God is his top priority.
Caleb Rodriguez
Exaltation Pastor
Caleb Rodriguez is a student at Northeastern Baptist College, where he is studying Church Planting and Entrepreneurship. At Great Commission, he helps lead worship and guides the church in Christ-centered praise. Caleb is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel and building up the local church through faithful, biblical ministry.
Aaron Spiller
Administration Pastor
Aaron Spiller leads the Stewardship and Facilities team at Great Commission. This team is responsible for building and grounds maintenance, operating and maintaining the sound system, and regularly providing the congregation with financial reports.
Originally from Wilmington, Vermont, Aaron is currently pursuing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Northeastern Baptist College. In addition to his ministry work, he also works as a property management contractor, an EMT, and manages an Airbnb.
In his free time, Aaron enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, gathering around bonfires, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Lee Williams
Worship Leader
Dr. Lee Williams has experience in teaching and administration at various colleges in the southwest, in New England, and China. He has received multiple prestigious awards for his teaching. Dr. Williams holds his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and a master of arts degree and doctorate in history from the University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona. He is married to Deanna. They have four children and twelve grandchildren. Dr. Williams enjoys running and rock climbing. At Great Commission, Dr. Williams selects and prepares music for Sunday worship, and directs of team of ten musicians and singers. He often provides special music, playing acoustic guitar and singing alone and with others.
Kevin Payne
Treasurer
Kevin Payne has many years of business experience. As a business owner and developer, his business sense is excellent. This is evidenced by his past successes. But as Kevin would tell you, his true success comes from his relationship with Jesus Christ and his joy is found in doing business for the King of Kings. He and his wife Lola are happy to serve at GCBC advancing the kingdom.
Pastoral Team
- Evangelism Pastor
- Edification Pastor
- Exaltation Pastor
- Administration Pastor
- Lead Pastor
Planting Team
- Pastoral Team
- Evangelism Team
- Edification Team
- Exaltation Team
- Administrative Team
Evangelism Team
- Evangelism Pastor
- Weekly Outreach Coordinator
- Special Events Coordinator
- Mission Trip Coordinator
Edification Team
- Edification Pastor
- Small Group Bible Study Team
- Children’s Ministry Team
- Youth Ministry Team
- Hospitality Team
- Care Team
- Counseling Team
Exaltation Team
- Exaltation Pastor
- Worship Team
- Ordinance Preparation Team
- Welcome Team
- Ushers
Administrative Team
- Administration Pastor
- Treasurer
- Asst. Treasurer
- Financial Secretary
- Facilities Team