Leadership

Pastor Ryan was born on November 23, 1979, in Johnson City, NY. He was saved at the age of seven in his home. At the age of 13, he and his family moved to Rochester, MN and attended Victory Baptist Church. While attending Victory Christian Academy, he began dating his future wife, Liz. After graduation, he furthered his education at Pensacola Christian College from ’99-’02 and completed a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in youth ministry with a speech emphasis. Pastor Cawley’s first ministry was working in High Point, NC with Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was Director of Youth Ministries for a year and a half. In 2004 they moved to WV and he became the Youth Pastor here at First Baptist Church. He became Senior Pastor on June 1, 2022. In his spare time, Pastor Cawley enjoys sports, drawing, and spending time with his wife.

Pastor Withem was born on March 28, 1952, in Ashdown, AR. He was born again as a junior in high school in Shreveport, LA. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary in Henderson, TX. Upon his graduation, he became pastor of the East Post Oak Baptist Church near Paris, TX. About two years later, in January of 1976, he moved to Jefferson County, WV, and planted the First Baptist Church of Ranson. Pastor Withem and his wife, Naysa, have two children, and three grandchildren. His present role is Missions Pastor and Senior Saints Pastor.