Meet Our Staff
Dr. Bruce Barton, Senior Pastor
Dr. Bruce Barton, Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church since 2006, is a Biblicist, first and foremost teaching no-nonsense Bible truths with natural humor and illustrations. He is uncompromising with the Word of God. Pastor and Donna have been married for 27 years, meeting at Tennessee Temple University as students, and are parents to three children, Bradley, Brady and Joanna.
Pastor Barton has had successful pastorates in Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina, before coming to Florida. His vision for Central Baptist Church is large, building upon the great foundations of our church’s 55 year heritage. His strategic leadership has been the facilitator for preparing our church for the future with Biblical soundness for productive ministries. He is the author of “By Faith” a large book on Hebrew’s heroes, and eight booklets in the “Does God Have an Opinion About…” series on the social issues of abortion, homosexuality, social drinking, marriage, modesty, music, pornography, and tattoos.
Pastor Stephen Ashmore , Associate Pastor
Pastor Stephen Ashmore joined the staff as Associate Pastor at Central Baptist Church in July 2011. Pastor Ashmore has previously served as music and youth pastor in Alabama, Pennsylvania and Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida in 2001. Pastor Ashmore is accompanied in his ministry by his wife Holly and their three daughters and one son.
Ed Jones, Business Manager
Ed Jones began serving as the Business Manager of Central Baptist Church in April of 2009. He graduated from ICM School of Business in Pittsburgh, PA with a Specialized Business Degree. He serves as our Kids4Truth Director. He desires that children would begin to learn about God at an early age. Ed and his wife, Debbie, were married in 1986.
Bill Crittenden, Worship Ministries
Bill Crittenden began serving as Music Minister of Central Baptist Church in July of 1998. He graduated with a B.S. in Building Construction from the University of Florida in 1984. He and his wife Wanda were married in 1984 and have two sons, Heath and Bret. Music is a vital part of all our ministries and our focus is to provide a musical environment which exalts the name of Christ, encourages the soul of the believer, and prepares the heart for the preaching of God’s word.
Jeff Robb, Childrens Ministries
Jeff Robb began serving as the Director of Children’s Ministries in July of 2007. Jeff has been involved in Children’s Ministries for over thirteen years. He approaches Children’s Ministry much like a missionary would. He uses kids' culture to provide them with a foundational understanding of Jesus Christ and the tools necessary to live a Christian life. Jeff and Kristy are graduates of Panama City Christian School, have been married since 2000, and are proud parents of Alex and Layla.
John Barton, Custodian
John Barton originally from Ontario, Canada graduated from Bob Jones University in 1965 and has served at Central Baptist Church for 31 years in various capacities including History teacher, senior adult ministries, and Custodian. He and his wife, Mary Lou, have five children; Tamara, Terry, Tricia, Troy, and Tiffany. Affectionately known as "Brother John", he uses I Corinthians 15:10 as a guide for life.