Our Staff
Meet the dedicated team serving our church community.
David Richey
Senior Pastor
David & Elizabeth came to Rector First in January of 2023. The Lord called them to ministry while in college at Williams Baptist University. Their passion is to serve the LORD in whatever capacity He directs. United by the declaration of John 3:30, "He must increase; I must decrease!" They have four children, three of which have married: Caleb (Allie), Micah (Starr), Hannah (Hayden), and Isaac. In addition, God has blessed them with seven grandchildren: Phoenix, Bjorn, Wyatt, Siegert, Crew, Hattie Belle, and Thorin.
Email: drichey@rectorfirst.org
Nate Lawrence
Associate Pastor of Student Ministry
Nate Lawrence serves as the Associate Pastor of Student Ministry at Rector First Baptist Church, where he has been on staff for the past two years. With a heart for discipling the next generation, Nate has been involved in youth ministry for over 10 years, serving as a student leader, a volunteer, and a youth pastor. Originally from Conway, Arkansas, Nate earned a Bachelor's degree in Bible from Central Baptist College in Conway. He was trained and discipled at Second Baptist Church in Conway, AR, and has served in various pastoral roles across the state of Arkansas. Nate is married to his lovely wife, Allie, and together they have one son, Braxton, who is six years old. Nate is passionate about helping students grow in their faith, develop a love for the local church, and live out the gospel in their everyday lives.
Email: nate@rectorfirst.org
Joel Hoppe
Worship Pastor
Joel Hoppe serves as the Worship Pastor at Rector First Baptist Church, where he has been on staff since 2025. He has a passion for worship and loves seeing youth catch that same passion. Originally from Highland, AR, Joel graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Math.
Email: joel@rectorfirst.org
Lisa Diddle
Children's Director
Lisa Diddle currently serves as the children's director at Rector First Baptist Church. She has been on staff at RFBC in some way or another since 2015. Lisa's love for children and her desire to share the name of Jesus has led her to ministry opportunities with kids of all ages in a volunteer or leadership role for over 20 years. Lisa is married to her husband Jamie, and they are blessed with three children, Alyssa, Abby, and Kanaan and three grandchildren, Kayley, Paisley, and Colton. Lisa's love for Jesus drives a passion deep in her soul to share His love to the younger generation hoping to fuel that same love for Jesus in their lives that will carry them for eternity!
Email: lisa@rectorfirst.org
Heidi Henderson
Financial Secretary
Heidi Henderson has been married to her husband, Nate, since May 22, 2004, and they have three wonderful children: Sarah, Drew, and Karrin. A lifelong resident of Rector, she was born and raised in the community she continues to serve. Heidi has attended Rector First Baptist Church since birth, where her church family has been a significant part of her life. She gave her life to Christ in September of 1979, and her commitment to serving Him has remained central to her walk of faith. She currently serves as a member of the praise team and has had the privilege of serving as the church's financial secretary since 2012. Professionally, Heidi is employed at Rector Elementary School as the K–6 Media Specialist and serves as the Program Director for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Afterschool Program.
Email: rectorfirst@gmail.com
Erika Snow
Custodian
Erika Snow serves as the custodian at Rector First Baptist Church and considers it a blessing to care for the Lord's house. She began attending Rector First Baptist Church in 2016 and has been involved in many areas of service, including children's ministry and short-term mission trips to Haiti, Mexico, and Guatemala. Erika and her husband Simeon moved to Rector from Wynne in 2011. They own Snow's Tax & Financial. They have three children—Alexis, Camryn, and Landon—and one granddaughter, Aubrey. She also enjoys helping at her friend's bakery during the holidays.
Email: erika@rectorfirst.org