Easter at Fort Caroline - March 31

Leadership Team

Meet our Leadership Team!

Meet our Leadership Team

Stuart Owens - Lead Pastor

Pastor Stuart joined the team at Fort Caroline in 2023. Stuart is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he previously earned his Master of Divinity. He loves spending time with his family, college sports, and reading. Stuart has been married to Taylor since 2010 and they have three children: Cade, Charlotte, and Katherine.



Matt Sparling - Executive Pastor / NextGen Pastor

Matt Sparling joined the Fort Caroline team in 2016 as the Elementary Kids Pastor. He is now responsible for leading the staff and strategic direction of the church. Matt is married to his high school sweetheart Susan and together they have two adult sons Hayden and Carson. When not working, he loves hanging out with "sweet Susan" and cheering on THE Ohio State Buckeyes. You can contact Matt at [email protected]




Craig Marsh - Creative Arts Pastor

Craig Marsh joined the Fort Caroline Baptist Church leadership team in 2008 as the Creative Arts Pastor. He is responsible for crafting the Sunday morning experience. He oversees the musical, media, and technical aspects of our weekend services. Craig loves spending time with his wife and 3 kids. He likes watching movies and sports, especially football (Roll Tide! Go Jags!). You can contact Craig at [email protected]



Joe Otwell - Connections Pastor / Student Pastor

Joe Otwell joined the Fort Caroline leadership team in 2003. Joe has a Master of Arts in Religious Education and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling. His wife, Natalie, and Joe have 4 kids: Courtney, Austin, Caris, and Nathan. Joe enjoys hanging out with his family, going to the beach, and playing table tennis. Contact Joe at [email protected]



Christie Hill - Children’s Director

Christie Hill joined the team at Fort Caroline in 2009 and she became the Full Time Preschool Director in 2017 and the Children's Director in 2020. Christie and her husband Erik got married in 1995. Together they have three sons, Erik Jr, Bryan and Michael. She enjoys family time at the beach, reading, running and cheering on her boys at their sporting events and the Crimson Tide. You can contact Christie at [email protected]




Kelsey Medlin - Communications Director

Kelsey joined the team in 2019 and serves as the Communications Director doing strategic planning, marketing, communications, graphic design, and more. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication with minors in Graphic Design and Digital Media. Kelsey and her husband, Joseph, have a daughter. Kelsey enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with her family. You can contact Kelsey at [email protected]