Our Staff

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. 

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 -

Micah grew up in Fl and has two older kids, named Myles and Emily. He loves basketball, video games and if you like food, you both have something in common! Micah loves teaching the Bible to youth and playing crazy games. He has been in youth ministry for over a decade and has a passion to see the next generation become life long disciples of Jesus Christ.

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. 

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 love sports, especially basketball and vacations in West Virginia mountains.

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.

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 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.

Karen grew up in New Hampshire and relocated to Florida in 1989. She graduated from Franklin Pierce College with a degree in Accounting. She has one son Kurt and a grandson Evan both of which live in Massachusetts. She enjoys spending time at the beach, gardening and playing with her dog Willy.

Jade is a native Floridian, attending this church since childhood. She moved to ND with her husband Shane when he was in the Air Force. They married in 2018, before returning to their home in FL. Where they live with their two rather snarky but lovable cats and their dog Jackson (a 12lb mini australian shepherd who tries to heard the family together in the yard). She is excited to help First Church stay in touch with the members and surrounding community through promoting events and lending her "swiss army knife" skills wherever needed. 

Shane grew up in the area, attending Deland High School before enlisting in the Air Force. After working as a crew chief on B-52s in Minot, North Dakota he returned to Florida  with his wife Jade, also a local from the Deland area. They now live in Deland surrounded by family and friends.

Steve is still writing this...

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 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 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 still needs to write this...