Larry Block | Senior Pastor
This man, born to Bible college students, saved at age 5, and baptized in the Holy Spirit at age 7 has a resume in ministry a mile long. But it’s not his pedigree that sets him apart, its his annointing. When asked about his ministry he sites that training young people has always been a calling in his life evident directly by looking at his 5 children who all serve in full-time ministry. He also mentions his passion for music as he recalls the 10 years he spent on the road as an Evangelist and Gospel Music visionary. He says, “Singing is a great way to spread the good news of the Gospel and the Lord has blessed me with a talent to play many insturments as well… piano, organ, guitar, trumpet, saxophone, to name a few.”
Pastor Block is a man who hears God’s voice and carries out that voice in vision for his ministry. When speaking about the vision for ES First he says, “We have only just begun as without a doubt I sense a new move of God for today and the upcoming years.”
Larry loves spending time with people over steak dinners and with his children over Sushi dinners. He loves to fish and golf as often as possible but says, “All in all my favorite thing to do is spend lots of time with my beautiful wife Nancy Joe who is an inspiration to me in whatever challenge I pursue.”
Nancy Joe Block | Associate Pastor
Her love for people, her compassion toward young people, and her great passion to continue reaching the next generation with the story of Jesus Christ are the driving forces behind all of Nancy Joe’s ministries at ES First.
While she has always been the Associate Pastor to her husband, Senior Pastor Larry Block, she has moved around the grid in her other leading roles. She began her ministry at ES First as the youth pastor in 1996, took on the role of Evangelism Director in 2000 and finally landed amongst those she’s truly passionate about in 2006 when she assumed the role of Director of Children’s Ministries.
Nancy Joe has worked diligently over the years to develop leaders to serve and minister to children for Sunday mornings as well as all of our Midweek service programs.
When she’s not directing, Nancy Joe loves to get out and go! She enjoys traveling to see her grandkids and her sister and loves discovering new and historical places all around her.
Brandon Block | Associate Pastor
Brandon is the Associate Pastors at ES First. He is an energetic speaker who brings life and clarity through the Word of God to people from all walks of life. In addition to preaching, Brandon fills a wide variety of roles including Discipleship, Outreach, and Men’s Ministries. He is the founder of City Love and the director of ES First Global Missions.
Brandon has served as the Director of Music and Production since 1998 and served as the youth pastor for 12 years prior to taking on the position as associate pastor. Brandon is the active driving force behind all things ES First.
Allison Weedin | Worship Leader – Communications Director
Allison leads a team of talented musicians and vocalists on a weekly basis arranging music and focusing on growing to bring their best in worship. She is passionate about leading people into connecting to a God who loves us unconditionally, through music.
Additionally, Allison manages the ongoing communication efforts at ES First. With a hand in every form of communication that happens from social media to weekly bulletins and website development, she works diligently to make sure everyone stays informed about what’s happened, what’s happening, and what will happen within this organization.
Allison also has a heart for leading women into all that God calls them to be and is the founder of the ES First Sisterhood.
Josh Lester | Youth Pastor
Josh has been a faithful part of ES First since he first walked into The Source at 13 years old. He immediately dove in to being a part of it all with his first ministry of running lights and setting up the stage for Wednesday night services.
Josh was called into the ministry at 18 years old in a moment where he clearly heard from God about his future. Shortly after feeling the calling on his life he began assisting in Kid First, joined the worship team, jumped into videography and more.
At 21 years old he married the girl who brought him to ES First – Ashley and they have been serving together in ministry every since.
Josh’s heart for the students of Excelsior Springs comes from a deep understanding of the ups and downs of life. He has an easy way of connecting with students, making them laugh, showing he cares and connecting them to the word of God in a way that’s relevant to their individual lives.
Samantha Yelton | Kid First Director
Samantha is passionate about sharing the love of God with those around her. She is naturally drawn to teaching and connecting with people wherever she goes. Samantha understands the importance of implementing the word of God in the lives of children at a young age, so that the Kingdom is continuously growing.
Her desire in life is to be able to take a concept from the Bible and be able to explain it to anyone and everyone – so when presented with the opportunity to take on the role of Kids First director she accepted the position with no hesitation!
Samantha leads children with compassion, joy and understanding. She is diligently changing the next generation of Jesus followers by teaching the word of God in a fresh and exciting way.