Pastor Mark Bitner
Lead Pastor
Mark was born and raised in the great state of Minnesota, don't ya know. He attended North Central University in downtown Minneapolis, studying youth ministries. While in college Mark worked in various youth ministry roles to continue to grow and develop. Mark felt called to full-time ministry and warm weather, and in July of 2006 he and his wife Mae moved to Leesburg, Florida to serve as a full-time Youth Pastor. Mark started here at First Church DeLand in March of 2009 as the Director of Student Ministries. In November of 2018 Mark moved into the Assistant Pastor role, and in June of 2023 he became our Lead Pastor. It was at North Central University that Mark met his beautiful wife Mae. They got married in July of 2005. Together they have two wonderful daughters, Isabel and Isla. Mark received his Masters of Divinity degree from Regent University. Mark enjoys all sorts of sports and everything that goes with them. He plays golf, football, soccer, basketball, racquetball, pickle ball and anything else with a ball. He is also a huge fan of his Minnesota sports teams, Florida sports teams, and a fan of the Gators and Knights.
Pastor James Donley
Associate Pastor
James was born and raised in Philadelphia and is an unapologetic Eagles fan.
Studying philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach began his love of all things Florida -and coincidentally was where he met his wife, Megan. They were married after college and moved to Virginia Beach where he served as a chaplain and worked at Norfolk Naval Base. Following that they moved to Washington DC for Megan’s job and where he received his Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary at American University. While serving at churches in the district, he found a heart for ecumenical ministry and the value of unity among churches of different denominations and traditions leading different efforts, events, and coalitions. He also continued to pursue his study of philosophy through a master's program at Notre Dame University. After being in DC for 11 years they felt God calling them back to Florida and serving specifically in the Volusia county area. It was where he connected with Pastor Mark and began serving at First Church. In addition to ministry at First Church, James enjoys all things beach, playing music, debating philosophy, contemplative practices, and spending time with Megan, their son Gaelen, and daughter Eisley.
- Go Birds -
Studying philosophy at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach began his love of all things Florida -and coincidentally was where he met his wife, Megan. They were married after college and moved to Virginia Beach where he served as a chaplain and worked at Norfolk Naval Base. Following that they moved to Washington DC for Megan’s job and where he received his Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary at American University. While serving at churches in the district, he found a heart for ecumenical ministry and the value of unity among churches of different denominations and traditions leading different efforts, events, and coalitions. He also continued to pursue his study of philosophy through a master's program at Notre Dame University. After being in DC for 11 years they felt God calling them back to Florida and serving specifically in the Volusia county area. It was where he connected with Pastor Mark and began serving at First Church. In addition to ministry at First Church, James enjoys all things beach, playing music, debating philosophy, contemplative practices, and spending time with Megan, their son Gaelen, and daughter Eisley.
- Go Birds -
Jessica Smotherman
Youth Director
Jessica and her husband Bob have two boys, Michael (23) and Bobby (12) and moved down from SE Michigan to Florida to serve at First Church Deland. They are happy to enjoy the warm weather that Florida has to offer and the unique opportunities that this community has for families. Jessica loves to craft, read, and spend time outside with her guys. Bob loves to fish and be near or on the water; whether it's salty or not! Michael, when he is not working, loves to play the guitar, hike, and explore. Bobby is homeschooled and loves to hang out with the youth group, play video games, participate in gymnastics, and would love to be a dolphin trainer someday.
Hollie Hastings
Christian Education Director
Hollie started her journey serving in the kitchen and faithfully worked her way up to Sunday School teacher and eventually to Kids' Ministry Director. Her journey is example of how a willing heart and a servant's spirit can grow into a greater calling.
Ed Henderson
Contemporary Worship Director
Ed has been in Central Florida since he was 3. Attended Winter Park High School and UCF for college. Works in the printing industry as well as our contemporary worship director. Has been a worship leader in the community since 2017
He loves sports, especially basketball and vacations in West Virginia mountains.
He loves sports, especially basketball and vacations in West Virginia mountains.
Joseph Corporon
Traditional Worship Director
Joseph Corporon is a graduate of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, with a degree in cello performance. He is a member of several local music groups including Daytona Solisti Chamber Orchestra and Rickman-Acree-Corporon Piano Trio.
Joe has served in the music ministries at United Methodist congregations in Ormond Beach, FL, Amarillo, TX, and Orlando, FL. He is a former member of the Miami Bach Society and taught for several years in private and public schools in Miami-Dade and Volusia counties. He also taught cello and conducted several orchestras including: Con Brio String Orchestra at the Flagler Youth Orchestra, Harmony Chamber Orchestra, and was Artistic Director of the Flagler Youth Orchestra.
Joe and his wife, Donna, are the proud parents of two daughters and two sons. They also enjoy their four fur babies – three cats and a dog. In his spare time Joe enjoys arranging music for voices and instrumental ensembles, developing websites, and learning the intricacies of open source software.
Joe has served in the music ministries at United Methodist congregations in Ormond Beach, FL, Amarillo, TX, and Orlando, FL. He is a former member of the Miami Bach Society and taught for several years in private and public schools in Miami-Dade and Volusia counties. He also taught cello and conducted several orchestras including: Con Brio String Orchestra at the Flagler Youth Orchestra, Harmony Chamber Orchestra, and was Artistic Director of the Flagler Youth Orchestra.
Joe and his wife, Donna, are the proud parents of two daughters and two sons. They also enjoy their four fur babies – three cats and a dog. In his spare time Joe enjoys arranging music for voices and instrumental ensembles, developing websites, and learning the intricacies of open source software.
Jesse Guthrie
Media Technical Director
Jesse was born North Carolina and was raised in the Methodist Church. He moved to Deland in the late 90’s and has resided in Central Florida ever since. In 2004, Jesse started his career as a sound engineer and musician for a variety of church ministries. In addition to working in audio and video production for two decades, Jesse has an associate of science degree in sound design and a bachelor's' degree in supervision and management. He started here at First Church back in early 2020 right before the pandemic; and currently enjoys his role alongside his wife Kandace and their five kids. In his spare time, he is a recording musician and guitarist in a number of bands. Music has always been his passion and always will be. His goals at First Church have always been to bring quality and accessibility to enhance worship online and in-person.
Denise Gilman
Financial Administrator
Born in Pueblo, CO, Denise moved to Florida when she was 7 years old. She has 30+ years of bookkeeping/accounting experience in QuickBooks. Her greatest passion is helping people, especially those who are struggling. She led her church's Interfaith Kitchen, which fed anyone who was hungry with a hot meal, for 7 years, then led her church's Mercy Hour ministry, which focused on spiritual & practical growth, for 7 years. She is now leading a new ministry at her church, Christian Family Care, that assists & mentors struggling families, spiritually & practically. They offer tools like budgeting, Mental Health coaching, meal planning, marriage & parenting resources, etc. And now, God has given her this awesome opportunity to serve her church family as the Financial Administrator and help God's church. It is a blessing that came at just the right time in her life, as all of God's blessings do. She has one daughter, Jade, and a son-in-law, Shane, who she loves very much. She loves having fun in the sun by going to the beach and springs, hanging out with her family and friends, and catching the latest Christian movies.
Sharon Bissinger
Organist
Sharon Bissinger moved from near Detroit, MI to FL in Oct of 1989. Married Pete Bissinger in 1997. She has 3 children (Wendy-NC) (Kristi-MI) and (David-MI) and 8 grandchildren. Four are in college (high school and elementary education, pilot training, and unknown (but he’s having the time of his life being in the drumline at Michigan State University) and the youngest is in middle school. She greatly enjoys visiting family and traveling to her grandchildren's band, color guard and soccer competitions. "So proud of them all!" She enjoys reading and flowers and plants, but unfortunately, "my thumb is NOT green!" But her main hobby is church music. "I feel truly blessed to be the organist at First Church and working with our amazing choir and directors.
Barb Garich
Administrative Assistant
Barb was raised in Pennsylvania and has lived in Illinois, Texas, and Ohio before relocating to DeLand. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Psychology and has worked in hospitals and schools in a variety of roles. Barb was active in her previous churches and also volunteered as an Usher Captain for the Cincinnati Open Tennis Tournament for 25 years. Barb and her husband, Matt, have two grown sons, Jonathan and Ryan.
Shane Smith
Facilities Manager
Shane is a DeLand native who graduated from DeLand High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served as a B-52 crew chief in Minot, North Dakota, before returning to Florida with his wife, Jade, also a DeLand local. After several years working in the electrical field, Shane found his place on the church staff, where he has earned the nickname “Santa Shane” for always being ready to lend a hand, fix a problem, or help someone in need.
Outside of work, Shane enjoys playing video games with friends, tackling DIY projects around the house, and making the most of being back in DeLand, close to family and the community he grew up in.
Outside of work, Shane enjoys playing video games with friends, tackling DIY projects around the house, and making the most of being back in DeLand, close to family and the community he grew up in.
Brittany Leeland
Custodian
Brittany still needs to write this...
Jade Gilman-Smith
Communications Director
Jade is a native Floridian who has been part of the First Church family since childhood. She has a background in business management, customer service, and creative communications, including social media and graphic design. After spending time in North Dakota with her husband, Shane, while he served in the Air Force, they returned to Florida and married in 2018. She is excited to bring her creative and organizational skills to helping First Church stay connected with its members and the surrounding community. Outside of church, she enjoys reading books her husband jokingly calls “tomes,” studying Japanese, and spending time with her family, two cats, and their 12-pound Mini Australian Shepherd, Jackson, who tries his best to herd everyone in the yard.
Donna Then
Preschool Director
Donna was born in the state of New Jersey, but has lived in Florida for the past 35 years. She has a husband Ron, and son Thor. She has been a teacher at the preschool for over 15 years and has stepped into the director's role.
Tara Monk
First Church Academy Director
Tara was a teacher for eight years before becoming an administrator. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Florida State University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Education is her passion and she loves creating a positive, engaging learning environment for students! She and her husband, Matt have two children who also attend the school. In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures in the great outdoors with her family. She likes to bike, take long walks, bake, and read. She’s a Florida girl and one of her favorite places is the beach!
Tina Aten
Assistant Preschool Director
Tina Aten is the Lead VPK Teacher and Assistant Director at First Church, bringing over two decades of dedicated service to the Preschool. A certified Child Development Associate (CDA), Tina's passion for nurturing young minds is evident in her longstanding commitment to early childhood education. Beyond her professional endeavors, Tina finds joy in her role as a wife to her husband, Mitch, of 27 years, and as a mother to her daughter, Sydney, a student at the University of North Florida. In her leisure time, Tina indulges her creative spirit through photography, capturing life's beautiful moments.
Kelly Huddleston
Childcare Coordinator
Kelly still needs to write this...