From the very beginning, Pastor Ted has faithfully led Petra Baptist Church with a shepherd’s heart and a vision for gospel transformation. Responding to God’s call to plant a Christ centered, Scripture rooted church, he continues to guide the church with passion and prayer.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of West Alabama and a Master’s in Biblical Studies from Liberty Theological Seminary, Pastor Ted is equipped to lead with both wisdom and a strong biblical foundation.    

Pastor Ted is deeply committed to preaching God’s Word, encouraging prayer, and calling believers to live out their faith daily. Petra pursues its mission to fulfill the Great Commission by making fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

He and his wife Erin have been married for over 25 years, and together with their three children, they faithfully serve the Lord, modeling what it means to walk with Christ.

Brian Lee serves as the Associate Pastor, assisting with pastoral duties and leading the Men’s Ministry, where he is passionate about helping men grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. With 34 years of public service experience, Brian brings wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to servant leadership.

His life is grounded in the calling to live out his faith in Jesus Christ through every thread of life, in everyday moments. Guided by the principles of Rejecting passivity, Accepting responsibility, Leading courageously, and Expecting God’s greater reward, Brian strives to point others to the hope and truth found only in Christ.

Brian is married to Cheri Lee, and they cherish living close to their sons and their families. An avid outdoorsman, he finds peace and renewal in God’s creation. Whether in the woods or on the water, he delights in the majesty of the Creator.

Carol Cooke leads the Women's Ministry with a heart for helping women grow in faith and build meaningful connections. She facilitates Table Talk, a scripture based discussion where women explore God's Words and apply it to everyday life. Carol also directs GriefShare, a ministry very close to her heart, providing support and compassion to those navigating seasons of loss. In addition, she manages www.petrawomen.net, a resource that equips and inspires women in their walk with Christ.

Carol has called the St. Augustine area home for the past 50 years, where her family has deep roots. With two sons and their families, she cherishes the heritage of their “family farm,” a part of their story for four generations. Throughout her life, Carol has held many leadership roles across the church, always with a heart for encouraging women and pointing them to Christ.

Stephanie has a deep passion for seeing children grow in their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She leads our children’s programs with care and joy, ensuring that each class is Christ-centered, engaging, and age-appropriate. Stephanie supports and coordinates the team of teachers and helpers each week, creating a safe and nurturing environment where kids can learn, worship, and thrive.

Outside of her ministry role, Stephanie and her husband, Roger, are blessed with two daughters who bring joy and laughter into their home, along with their two pups, Samson and Max, who are very much a part of the family. Together, they love serving in the life of the church and building connections within their community.

Alyssa is one of Petra’s founding members and still remembers attending one of the very first Sunday services on Palm Sunday at her grandmother Carol Cooke’s back porch. She began playing guitar at 12 years old and has been faithfully serving on the worship team since middle school.

Her greatest desire in leading worship is to be used as a vessel for God, praying that the Holy Spirit would move in the hearts of the congregation as they lift their voices in praise.

Outside of church, Alyssa serves as a teacher in the St. Johns County School District. She views her classroom as an extension of her mission field, believing that her calling is not only on the stage but also in the lives of her students.

Tobias and Andrea share a deep passion for teaching the next generation the Word of God. Throughout Tobias’s military service, they remained actively involved in youth ministry at the churches they attended, using their own personal journey to point young people to God’s love and faithfulness.

Married for 17 years, they recently settled in Florida with their daughter. Tobias is retired from the U.S. Navy, where he served in Supply, and now enjoys caring for their home, supporting his daughter’s dance pursuits, and pursuing his love of photography. Andrea has worked in the medical field since 2011 and currently serves as a Nurse Practitioner. Before marriage, she was a music teacher, and still enjoys playing music and reading in her free time.

Together with their 9-year-old daughter, they love traveling to historical places and embarking on what they call “Dadventures.” They are grateful for the Lord bringing them to Petra and for the opportunity to serve Him and His people.

Deacons Scott Miller, Mike Rabon, and Danny Owens serve our church family with hearts devoted to Christ, providing care, prayer, and encouragement. United in their desire to strengthen and support the body of Christ, they humbly point others to Jesus through faithful service.