Our Staff

Second Baptist Ministry Team

Each member of the Ministry Team at SBC Marion brings a variety of gifts and experiences to their respective areas of leadership.  If you need to reach any of the staff by phone please feel free to contact the church office at 618-993-2338.

  • Dr. JOhn Howard

    Senior Pastor

    Pastor John came to SBC Marion in 2019 as senior pastor. John completed his theological education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry) and has served at churches in Benton IL, Blytheville AR, and O'Fallon IL before moving to Marion. John's family is Sarah, Madi, and Mason.


    To contact Pastor John email him at: jhoward@sbcmarion.com

  • Danny Ward

    Worship & Senior Adult Pastor

    Pastor Danny is originally from Southern Illinois and has been Worship Leader/Senior Adult Pastor at SBC Marion for over 24 years.  Danny's family is Pam, Dwan, Alaura, Andre and Aiden.  He enjoys music of various kinds, basketball, and working out at the HUB.


    To contact Pastor Danny email him at dward@sbcmarion.com

  • Ashby Tillery

    Discipleship & mISSIONS pASTOR

    Pastor Ashby has been at SBC Marion since 2009, first serving as Student Pastor before transitioning into his current role as Discipleship and Missions Pastor in 2013.  Ashby graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served at churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri before moving to Marion.  Ashby's family is Mandy, Claire, and Noelle.


    To contact Pastor Ashby email him at atillery@sbcmarion.com

  • gABE hERBST

    mINISTER TO sTUDENTS

    Gabe Herbst has been serving at SBC Marion since 2019, first serving as Interim Student Coordinator and then transitioning to our Minister to Students in September of 2020. Gabe graduated with his BS in English from Southern Illinois University, and his MA in Educational Administration and Leadership from McKendree University. Gabe is bi-vocational and teaches Jr. High English Language Arts at Carterville Junior High. Gabe is married to Jenna and they have one son, David.


    To contact Gabe email him at gherbst@sbcmarion.com

  • rHONDA wOODS

    dIRECTOR OF cHILDRENS mINISTRY

    Rhonda has been attending Second Baptist since July of 1972. She began working in Vacation Bible School as a youth and over the years has served in numerous children's ministry positions. Rhonda has served in Mission Friends, GAs, Vacation Bible School, preschool and children's Sunday School, Kids Praise, and was the Children’s Choir director for a number of years. She has also served on the Children's Ministry Committee. Rhonda has served as nursery coordinator and has been the VBS director for 10 years. Rhonda’s goal for the Children’s Ministry Department is to watch it grow and thrive. 


    To contact Rhonda email her at rwoods@sbcmarion.com