
Dr. Shawn Newberry
Senior Pastor
Pastor Shawn has been in full-time ministry since 1998. He has served the Lord in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. He finished his Doctor of Education and Ministries from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with an emphasis in leadership and discipleship. He has been married since 1996 and has four grown children. When he is not at church, you can find him with his nose in a book, working in his yard, going for a walk with his bride, or planning another trip to Greece.
His favorite movie: "What About Bob?"
His favorite song: Whatever is on the radio
His favorite book: Too many to list
Favorite Candy Bar: Almond Joy
Favorite Hobby: Fishing (though he rarely gets to do it)
Favorite thing about Battle Ground Baptist Church: Family Camp and the people
His favorite movie: "What About Bob?"
His favorite song: Whatever is on the radio
His favorite book: Too many to list
Favorite Candy Bar: Almond Joy
Favorite Hobby: Fishing (though he rarely gets to do it)
Favorite thing about Battle Ground Baptist Church: Family Camp and the people

Ron Herbig
Associate Pastor
Ron joined our Pastoral Staff in 2012 as our Associate Pastor with a primary emphasis in administration and pastoral care. Previously, Ron was the Administrator at the Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center for many years and the Director of Business and Financial Services with Luis Palau Evangelistic Association at their International Headquarters in Beaverton.
Ron, and his wife Christie, have been a vital part of Battle Ground Baptist Church since 2004. Ron has served as the chairman of our Elder board for many years and continues to be a Home Group Leader.
Ron is a man of prayer and a student of the Word.
Ron, and his wife Christie, have been a vital part of Battle Ground Baptist Church since 2004. Ron has served as the chairman of our Elder board for many years and continues to be a Home Group Leader.
Ron is a man of prayer and a student of the Word.

Heather Schmitke
Worship Leader
Heather has been serving on the Worship Team since 2002, and formally in ministry as the Worship Team Leader since 2015. She holds a strong conviction that worship is a heart attitude, and music is merely a catalyst and tool to help us engage in an appropriate response to God. The Worship Team serves to help the congregation in offering adoration to the King and an indulgence in His presence. Heather chooses a variety of congregational music ranging from 300 year old hymns to modern praise music. In her spare time she loves wandering down a hiking trail, cultivating beauty in her home, and chasing laugher and memories with her family and close friends.

Ryan Schwartz
Youth Director
Ryan moved to Battle Ground with his family in 1988. He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 2003 and continued to college to receive his Master's Degree. He has been working in Battle Ground Schools since 2009, currently teaches 5th grade, and has coached at Battle Ground High School since 2012.
Ryan joined the Battle Ground Baptist ministry team in 2025, and he has a genuine passion for reaching and inspiring young people in their walk with the Lord. Ryan has a strong understanding that God has beautifully and perfectly made each one of us with specific gifts in mind to serve His greater purpose and build up the body of the church.
Ryan enjoys quality time with his wife and 2 kids, vacationing in their R-Pod, and lacing up his shoes for a good run or hike.
Ryan joined the Battle Ground Baptist ministry team in 2025, and he has a genuine passion for reaching and inspiring young people in their walk with the Lord. Ryan has a strong understanding that God has beautifully and perfectly made each one of us with specific gifts in mind to serve His greater purpose and build up the body of the church.
Ryan enjoys quality time with his wife and 2 kids, vacationing in their R-Pod, and lacing up his shoes for a good run or hike.

Becky Cole
Children's Ministries Coordinator
Becky grew up at Battle Ground Baptist Church and has overseen Children’s Ministries since 2007. She coordinates Children’s Church, Sunday School, AWANA, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and a variety of children’s events, including seasonal programs and outreach opportunities.
Becky has a deep desire to see children excited about the Gospel, growing in their relationship with their Heavenly Father, and understanding that the Bible is—and always will be—truth. She also has a heart for helping others serve in children’s ministry, especially encouraging youth who have a desire to get involved and grow in their gifts and service.
Becky and her family are actively involved in church ministries. Her husband serves on the worship team, and their oldest daughter and older son are active on the youth worship team. Becky and her husband also serve together on the Missions Committee. Together, they love serving and growing in ministry as a family.
Becky has a deep desire to see children excited about the Gospel, growing in their relationship with their Heavenly Father, and understanding that the Bible is—and always will be—truth. She also has a heart for helping others serve in children’s ministry, especially encouraging youth who have a desire to get involved and grow in their gifts and service.
Becky and her family are actively involved in church ministries. Her husband serves on the worship team, and their oldest daughter and older son are active on the youth worship team. Becky and her husband also serve together on the Missions Committee. Together, they love serving and growing in ministry as a family.
Elders, Deacons & Deaconesses
Battle Ground Baptist Church is Elder-led and Congregationally affirmed by voting members. The Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses are voted into their position by the church congregation and the length of each term is three years. Elders are to shepherd the congregation; Deacons and Deaconesses provide essential leadership to the function of the church body in day to day operations and building maintenance.
Elders
Elders are biblically qualified men responsible for spiritual leadership, teaching, shepherding, and exercising oversight of the congregation and staff. The Elder board oversees our church Constitution and By-Laws, protects the Doctrine of the church, oversees evangelism, oversees the edification of the church congregation and works with the Deacons, Deaconesses and Pastoral Staff.
1 Timothy 3:1–7 ; 5:17-19
Titus 1:5–9
1 Peter 5:1–4
Acts 6:4 ; 20:28
1 Timothy 3:1–7 ; 5:17-19
Titus 1:5–9
1 Peter 5:1–4
Acts 6:4 ; 20:28
Deacons
Deacons are biblically qualified servant-leaders who faithfully support the pastor, congregation, and church. The role of Deacon emphasizes ministry, unity, and practical care rather than governance. As good stewards of the church’s daily operations, deacons help oversee facilities, including maintenance and landscaping, and assist the elders with special projects, security, and building oversight.
In addition, deacons contribute to the financial stewardship of the church by preparing an annual budget for review by church leadership and approval by the congregation. They also serve the church community through compassionate care, offering both practical assistance and financial support to those in need with a designated church fund.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Acts 6:1–6
Philippians 1:1
In addition, deacons contribute to the financial stewardship of the church by preparing an annual budget for review by church leadership and approval by the congregation. They also serve the church community through compassionate care, offering both practical assistance and financial support to those in need with a designated church fund.
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Acts 6:1–6
Philippians 1:1
Deaconesses
Deaconesses serve alongside the Deacons as partners in ministry, supporting both the practical needs and relational care of the church body. They minister personally to the congregation by visiting and encouraging those who are sick or in need, coordinating meal support and fostering meaningful relationships within the church. They help cultivate a welcoming and connected church environment by supporting fellowship opportunities such as Sunday school classes, potlucks and events that engage both the church family and the broader community. Deaconesses also assist with hospitality for church events, nursery coordination, baptism details, communion preparation, and stewardship of the kitchen and shared spaces. In all areas, they work in unity with the Deacons to care for and strengthen the church.
1 Timothy 3:11
Romans 16:1-2
Titus 2:4
1 Timothy 3:11
Romans 16:1-2
Titus 2:4



