Senior Pastor Ed Stucky

I grew up in Florida and at an early age realized God was calling me into a life of obedience to Him and His Word. I had not pictured my life going in this direction, I had big plans. I tried to run as far as I could from God and moved my family to Boston where I found success-according to the world’s standards. I also learned very quickly how miserable life can be living in disobedience to the One who created me for His purpose and His Glory. Eventually, I began to abuse drugs and alcohol trying to drown out the pain and turmoil that ignoring God caused in my life. In the Winter of 1997 I came to the point where I was ready to do things God’s way. I never knew how good life could be until I started living for Him. I have checked it all out and every Word of His is true. I continue to be a work in progress. I still have struggles in my life, but Christ is the anchor that holds in the midst of any storm and He makes all the difference in the world.

Contact: Pastor Ed

Associate Pastor of Discipleship – Stuart Swicegood

Stuart Swicegood is your Associate Pastor of Discipleship. Stuart is married to Denise and they are blessed to be the parents of Lydia Grace. Stuart grew up in Alabama (ROLL TIDE!) and Florida and after earning his bachelor’s degree from The Baptist College of Florida, the Swicegoods moved to the Louisville area where Stuart earned his Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary in 2007. Stuart has pastored churches in Alabama and Indiana and currently works with LifeWay as an academic book buyer. He has a passion for God and His truth and seeing people grow in their knowledge of and faithfulness to the Lord.  Stuart enjoys a good cup of coffee, engaging conversation, apologetics, UFC and has vowed to one day own a motorcycle again.

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching;
persevere in these things,
for as you do this you will ensure salvation
both for yourself and for those who hear you.

- 1 Tim 4:16

Contact: Stuart Swicegood

Pastor of Administration / Pastoral Care – Stephen Mullins

My faith journey began early in life.  While in high school I started getting serious about the God that loved me.  Reading His word caused a hunger for spiritual things.  Before long I found myself skipping meals and talking with the God who called me.  I realized that He didn’t want me on this journey alone but wanted me to lead others.  In 1996 I made a commitment, before my spiritual family, to serve God as a minister.  I spent some time training at Boyce College and spent three years as a pastor.  While pastoring I returned to school, this time at Campbellsville University.  After leaving the church I spent nine months asking God what I should do next and He gave me the opportunity to join the staff at New Salem.  I have earned a bachelor in pastoral ministries from CU and am currently pursuing a master of theology.  Through it all there has been and is one constant on this journey and His name is Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Contact: Stephen Mullins

Associate Pastor to Children / Evangelism – JD DeSpain III

I was born to two Godly parents, who raised me in the love and admiration of the Lord. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 8. As I grew in age, knowledge, and love for my Savior, I stood strong in my faith in the face of persecution. Until I started, a slow fade in my twenties, when I sought my glory and desire instead of Christ’s. I would have seasons of repentance followed by a short-lived obedience. I had all the things the world believes will make you happy but I was still miserable. It took God humbling me to the point of submission to His lordship of my life in the fall of 2006. By that next spring, I was in an accountability and discipleship program with another believer. God gave me opportunities to teach a bible study in my home that turned into multiple bible studies. I knew deep down that God wanted more of me and I realized the true calling on my life in 2008. In January of 2009, my wife and I moved to Louisville, Ky to attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to pursue a pastoral degree..

Contact: JD DeSpain III

Pastor in Worship / Outreach – Dane Chatman

I was raised in a Christian home. I walked an aisle at age 7, but it wasn’t real and I always knew something was missing. When I was 14 I recognized that I had never really given my life to Christ and declared him as the Lord and Savior of my life. 3 years later, at 17, I accepted the Lord’s call to ministry and prepared to be a minister. Like many young believers college was a testing ground for my faith. Soon after starting college I found myself living like the world. I was able to hide it from those who knew me best, but not from God. About a year after starting college I was asked if I still was going to be a minister. A friend of mine laughed hysterically at the thought. God used that laughter to break my heart and show me my need of repentance. Since that day I have sought to follow after God and be his servant. Life isn’t always easy and I often struggle. However, God always brings me through. He has given my life meaning that I could never have apart from him.

Contact: Dane Chatman

Pastor to Youth and Families – Dan Cargill

My walk with the Lord began at the age of 23. I was called out of a life that seemed “good” to those around me; I had the things that this world holds dear and could be counted on by others. While I seemed to have it all, my life lacked direction and purpose. When the things of this world began to crumble around me, I was confronted by the idol that my life had been serving – me. I asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins and become the Lord and Savior of my life. I then began to attend Church and Sunday school. About a year later, I responded to God’s call to full time service and availability to my Lord Jesus Christ. This calling led me to Louisville and Southern Seminary for the purpose that I might become more thoroughly equipped to lead His people. In 2006, the Lord added to my blessings by bringing my wife, Kristin, and now 2.5 children, Elijah (2.5 years old), Noah (9mos), and one T.B.D. (coming January 2011). I continue my struggle, in His strength, to be conformed into the image of Christ. Our ministry seeks to teach students and families to know God, enjoy Him, and to make Him known.

Contact: Dan Cargill

Associate Pastor to Senior Adults – Jim Fross

I have been a Christian since May 17, 1971. I attended the local college and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I worked for 30 years with the state of Florida as a Health Inspector and as a Public High School Teacher. In July of 2008, I was able to retire with a small pension.

I have been married to Ruth Ann since August 16, 1982. We have two children, Jason, 25 and JoLynne, 23. They both graduated from the Baptist College of Florida in December of 2009.

The Lord directed my wife and I to move to Louisville in August of 2008, where I am currently enrolled in Master’s level studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I believe the Lord is drawing me into pastoral ministries. Prior to my coming to Kentucky, I was involved in my mother’s hospice care for a span of two years (2004 to 2006). Since then, I have been led to help in meeting the physical and spiritual needs of adults. The Lord led us to New Salem Baptist Church, in February of 2010, where I am currently working as the Senior Adult pastor. I thank the church for this opportunity to serve.

Contact: Jim Fross