Church Leadership

Ministry Staff

Evan GuseSenior Pastor

Pastor Evan was born and raised in Columbus where he experienced a clear call to ministry at the age of seventeen. After graduating from Purdue University, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2016. He has worked as a hospital chaplain at the University of Kentucky Hospital and served as the Lead Pastor of churches in Kentucky and Indiana before moving back home to Columbus in November 2023.

Evan is married to his high school sweetheart, Emma, and they have two young children, Madeline and Clayton, who keep them on their toes. In his free time, you can find Evan working in his yard, cooking (and eating!) good food, following Purdue sports, functioning as a human jungle gym for his kids, or laughing with friends and family.

Tyler GriffinAssociate Pastor

Pastor Tyler has served in children’s and youth ministry for over 15 years, serving as Youth Pastor for over 8 of those, where he developed a passion for walking alongside people in their faith journeys. He’s a graduate of the Church Leadership Institute with the American Baptist Churches of Indiana & Kentucky and he helps organize both local and statewide youth events through the ABC-IN/KY region. Currently, he serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp, where he is actively involved in the summer camp ministry.

In March of 2025, Pastor Tyler joined the staff at First Baptist Columbus as Associate Pastor, where he focuses on ministry with children, youth, and families. He is excited to join the rich history of ministry and service at First Baptist. He’s been married to the love of his life, Leah, since 2014, and they have 4 cats. They believe ministry is a calling they’re meant to live out as a team. In their down time, Tyler and Leah enjoy travelling to new places and hiking at State and National Parks. At home, you can find Tyler unwinding with a good Lego build.

Hannah EbertsWorship Director

Hannah brings a wide range of musical gifts, including strong vocal leadership and skill on guitar, piano, and flute. She also brings a deep love for many styles of worship, from classic hymns and choral arrangements to contemporary praise. We are excited for how she will honor First Baptist’s rich worship heritage while also helping us step confidently into the future.