Al was born to Dr. Norris and Lillian Edney and grew up in Natchez, MS where he accepted Christ at the age of 6. He has two brothers, Norris II and Alvin and one sister who has preceded him to heaven, Mornita. He graduated high school at North Natchez High School with highest Honors (valedictorian) and Star Student (highest ACT score for the graduating class in 1984. He graduated from Alcorn State University Cum Laude with a B.S. in Chemistry/Pre-med in 1988. He received his PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from Howard University in 1993 at the age of 25. He worked for Monsanto, Pharmacia and Pfizer as a Senior Research Chemist for a decade and now works for Abbott labs as a Manager of Medical Educators in the Renal Franchise.

Al accepted his call to ministry while at The First Baptist Church of Chesterfield in 1997 and was licensed to preach on April 19, 1998 at The Word is Alive Ministries (TWIAM). Later that year Al was married to his Queen, Teresa on June 6, 1998 and now even though they still behave as newlyweds, they have three awesome kids, 1 handsome little prince, Albert II and 2 beautiful princesses, Charity Faith and Grace Hope. Al served as Minister of Youth and Children, Praise Team member, Servant Leadership Team (Elder Board) member at TWIAM until the Lord moved him and his family to First Baptist Church of O’Fallon in 2006 where he served on the MEN’s FRAT leadership team, the Vision Planning Team (VPT), Student Ministries Sunday School staff (11 grade boys, specifically), Adult Bible Study teaching team.

Al was ordained in the Pastoral Ministry in March 14, 2010 at FBCO. He was brought on as interim Pastor at Willott Road Community Church and Christian Academy in spring of 2011 and on October 23, 2011 Al was installed as Senior Pastor of Willott Road Community Church and Christian Academy.

Jennifer Sweeney has been the Children’s Director since August 2012 and enjoys working closely with our little ones age’s birth through 5th grade.  She is also a wife of 6 years and together she and Patrick have five children, aside from being a mom and our Children’s director she also works part time as a medical assistant in a pediatric office.  Over the years she has had the privilege of working in several areas in the church from outreach ministry, women’s ministry, and the youth but her heart always leads her back to our little ones, her vision for the Children’s Ministry is to help our children to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.

Dee has been serving as the Kingdom Seekers Director since Sept. 2012. She is a leader of a nursing home ministry, she has been involved with feeding the homeless, and also works with at risk kids under the 11th Circuit Court of St. Charles County. Dee is from St. Louis County, and has a teaching degree in the social sciences. Dee is married to Michael, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren, ages 4 and 14. Dee is retired, but has now been given a special calling by our Heavenly Father to reach out and demonstrate his love and mercy to the elderly and our young people. This is a calling which Dee has a great love for.

Travis has been a part of the Student Ministries Program Since 2003, where he has served as an parent sponsor, assistant leader, and Sunday School teacher. He is also involved in our Trustees Ministry now serving as President of our Trustees, and has served for the past 17 years in our A/V Ministry and is currently leading that ministry.  He has been an integral part of the ministries where he serves.

Some of his previous ministry experiences include working with our Childrens Ministry, leading  a painting crew in our mission trip to Mexico that painted homes in a colonial of Reynosa, Mexico.

Travis is from Chesterfield, Missouri and was raised in the church.  He graduated from Parkway Central High and spent a Semester at MIT (Meremac in Town).  He also “grew up” in his fathers heating and cooling business which he now owns and serves as General Manager.

Travis is married to an amazing woman, Star, who is also very involved in church ministries as well as being Willott Christian Academy’s Early Childhood Director.  Their 3 children have attended Willott Christian Academy and are always around lending a helping hand.

Travis feels very strongly about Student Ministries, he knows that reaching our students for Christ NOW is vitally important to their eternal future.  64% of decisions for Christ are made before the age of 18,  (Barna).  Current statistics show only an estimated 4% of GenY will be bible believing Christians when they reach adulthood, compared to parents generation of 35% and grandparents 65%.  We are in a fight for our young peoples souls.  We are SOULED OUT.

Jaime and her family have been members of Willott Road Community Church since the summer of 2006.  Her passion is serving in children’s ministries to help ensure that children have a growing love for and faith in Jesus Christ.  Over the years, Jaime has served in many children’s ministries at WRCC including the nursery, Vacation Bible school, Sunday school, and Awana.  Jaime currently teaches Sunday school for children in grades K-2^nd and is the AWANA Club Co-Commander with her husband Nathan.  Jaime and her husband Nathan first met in 1994 when they were in college at Mizzou (Go Tigers!).  They started dating in 1995 and were married in 2002.  They have two amazing children, Cami and Isaac, who are a great joy in her life.  When Jaime graduated from Mizzou in 1999 with a B.S. in Financial Management, she started working at Monsanto Company.  Her current job is the Data Operations Manager for North America and Latin America North where she has 7 employees who make her job easy.  Outside of work and church, Jaime has also volunteered her time as a Girl Scout leader for Cami’s troop since 2007 and has helped wherever needed for Isaac’s Cub Scout den since 2011.  On their free time, the Gonzalez family enjoys spending time together on vacations and keeping up with the kids’ activities such as sports, dance, cheerleading, after school clubs, and Scout activities.  Jaime looks forward to the other exciting opportunities that the Lord has in store for her here at Willott Road Community Church

Chris has been a member of Willott Road Community Church since 2004. He and his wife, Natalie, have three boys. Chris met with the Lead Pastor and Pastor of Adminstration in July 2012 and shortly thereafter it was realized that a Safety and Security Ministry was needed. Chris has been leading the ministry since its inception and now has a “team” of 7 dedicated members serving along side him in the ministry.  Chris firmly believes that a comprehensive program can be instrumental in providing a safe and respectful atmosphere by reducing the occurrence and impact of misbehavior, accidents, incidents, and injuries. Most importantly, it is the right thing to do!