Dr. John Batson – Senior Pastor, Teaching Elder - Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, John attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After exiting the military, he attended Bible College in Grand Rapids, MI. Previously, John was the Regional Awana Missions Director for Awana Clubs Internation before being called to pastor Shawnee Heights Baptist Church. John received his Doctorate of Psychology in 2009 from Louisiana Baptist University & Theological Seminary. He has been the Senior Pastor for SHBC since 2008. John and his wife Sarita have two grown daughters, eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. 

Don Arnold – Chairman - Retired Telecommunications Manager at Westar Energy, Don and his wife Kay have three grown children and three grandchildren. They are heavily involved with the Southern Baptist Convention’s Disaster Relief Teams throughout the Midwest. Don has been a part of Shawnee Heights Baptist Church for over 30 years. He is also part of our Sunday Worship Team.

Craig Mattox – Treasurer - Local business owner of Topeka engineering firm. Craig has attended Shawnee Heights Baptist Church for over 27 years. He serves as Church Treasurer as well as Elder. Craig and his wife Kerry have four grown children and three grandchildren. They host a midweek Life Group in their home. 

Todd Nincehelser – Elder - Retired Manager of GIS at Westar Energy, Todd spends semi-retired time driving buses for the local school district, lawn mowing, and he is the janitor for the church. Todd has attended Shawnee Heights Baptist Church for over 30 years. He and his wife Tamra have three grown children, and nine grandchildren. They are very involved in the Awana program. 

Jeremy Wherrell – Education - Jeremy works as a Human Resource Generalist at Grace Med Health Clinic in Topeka. Jeremy started attending Shawnee Heights Baptist Church as a youth in junior high. He is married to his wife Heather and has three daughters. Jeremy is a board member at Foster the Cause and his family provide foster care for children in Topeka. They also host a weekly Life Group in their home. 

Gary Hamilton – Building - Gary is a BNSF Railroad retiree having worked there for over 40 years. Known as the church “Texan”, Gary is originally from Texas and moved to Topeka to work at BNSF. Gary and his wife Sandra have three adult children and seven grandchildren. Gary is a greeter on Sunday mornings and works on church repairs/updates.

Nick Gonzalez – Buildings & Grounds - Nick is a small business owner. He owns and operates “Nailbenders” which is a local construction company here in Topeka. He oversees the Building & Grounds work at the church. Nick and his wife Dana have three grown daughters and three grandchildren. Nick is also serves as Sunday morning greeter and security. 

Mat Blackie – Worship Leader -- I can’t remember not being involved in music.  Played piano and ukulele before I was 10 and played every so often with my family in church.  I took piano lessons for a little over three years before I convinced my mom that I didn’t have any desire to play the piano.  When I was 17, I bought my first electric guitar and began playing in my church worship team not long after that.  After I met Kendra, I bought her our first drum set while we were dating.  We played together for church youth group for a few years.  We got married, and eventually ended up in South Carolina to help plant a new church.  We spent many years playing together and writing music.   After approximately 15 years we felt God calling us back to Kansas, to help with family.  We began attending SHBC the fall of 2014 and have since began training our children to serve and play music as well.  Currently, my wife plays hand percussion, drum set, and fills in on bass when needed.   My son Matthew plays bass guitar.  My daughter Rosemary plays drums.  My youngest daughter Lila plays Electric Guitar. 

Tamra Nincehelser - Awana Commander - Tamra has been involved in Awana in various ways for over 30 years. She is a teacher and women's Bible study leader at Shawnee Heights Baptist Church as well. Tamra is a mother of three and a grandmother of nine little ones who are growing up to be part of Awana. 

Sarita Batson – Administrative Assistant -  Sarita has been serving as Admin Assistant for eleven years. She considers this ministry opportunity not only a way to serve the church but also a way to be a helpmate to her husband. Sarita and Pastor John, have 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and a dachshund named Bently.