Pastor Mark is the founding pastor of Friendship Church. Mark and a seminary friend started the church in 1984 while both were still seminary students. Upon graduation from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, Mark was asked to come back to Maryland and pastor the new congregation of about 20 people. In June, 2024, Mark will celebrate 40 years at Friendship Church. He has witnessed God grow the congregation from an average worship attendance of 6 people to over 400 people each Sunday.

Mark met his wife Cheri here in Maryland and they were married in 1986. They have two sons, Andrew (married & living out of state) and Austin (a college student).

Neville has been on staff at FBC since October 2016. He started as the Student Minister but moved into the role of Membership Pastor in 2022. Before coming to Friendship, he served churches in Maryland and Virginia. Neville and his wife Karey have been married for 24 years and have two sons, Nathan and Noah. He is a graduate of Capital Bible Seminary, Lanham, MD.

He enjoys traveling with his wife Karey and their two boys, playing recreational soccer, and catching up with friends.

Mark has been on staff at FBC since June, 2013. Before that he served as senior pastor of Catonsville Baptist Church in Catonsville, Md. Mark and his wife Cathy have been married for 41 years. He has resided in the Sykesville area for the past 28 years. He is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to his to call to the Pastoral Ministry, Mark worked for Kraft Foods in their Sales Organization for 25 years.

His interests include traveling with Cathy, spending time with his three children and ten grandchildren as often as possible, cycling, swimming, sprint triatholons, hiking, kayaking, reading, fishing, and gardening. He is an avid Orioles fan. His favorite food is ice cream.

Rev. Martin Nieto Campos (Ester) serves as Associate Pastor for Hispanic Church Developement at FBC ( Friendship Baptist Church). In this capacity, Martin is the Principal Church-planting Pastor of FBC en Español, the vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry of FBC in Sykesville, Maryland. With a passion for reaching and discipling the Hispanic community, Pastor Martin leads weekly worship services, Bible studies, family ministries, and community outreach efforts. His leadership plays a vital role in helping FBC live out its vision to be an “One Family for All Nations,” welcoming people from every background into a loving, Christ-centered community. Pastor Martin works alongside the broader pastoral team at FBC to share the hope of the Gospel, strengthen families, and build bridges of faith across cultures and generations. Martin's wife Ester is the FBC Student Minister and Assistant Outreach Minister for FBC also. We are grateful for Martin's heart, his leadership, and the way God is using him to expand Christ's Kingdom through FBC en Español. The Nietos came to FBC from Mexico where they both received their theological training through our Baptist Theological Seminary in Mexico City.

Martin and Ester’s connection to Friendship Baptist Church runs deep. As a young person in Puebla, Mexico, Ester served as a translator for mission teams sent from FBC, building early relationships with the church family. In early 2024, Ester and Martin reconnected with Friendship Baptist Church during a mission trip to Hanneel Baptist Church in Puebla. This divine reconnection led to their joint calling to serve both in the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking ministries at FBC. Martin and Ester have been married for 6 years and have a 4 year old son, Dante.

The Nietos are vital parts of the FBC leadership team.

Ester Nieto serves as the Minister to Students and Outreach Co-Minister for Friendship Baptist Church (FBC) in Sykesville, Maryland. In her role as Student Minister, Ester is passionate about leading, teaching, and discipling the next generation of followers of Jesus Christ. She develops engaging programs, Bible studies, and outreach activities designed to nurture the faith and spiritual growth of students, equipping them to live boldly for Christ in today's world.

As Outreach Co-Minister, Ester plays a vital role in helping the FBC family embrace creative and intentional avenues to share the Gospel message with those who have not yet experienced the love and salvation of Jesus. She works closely with church leadership and volunteers to develop strategies that foster a welcoming environment and build meaningful connections with the surrounding community.

Through her bilingual ministry, Ester also assists her husband, Martin Nieto, in the church planting and outreach efforts of FBC en Español, the Hispanic ministry of Friendship Baptist Church. Alongside Martin, she is actively involved in reaching and serving the growing Spanish-speaking population in Carroll and Howard Counties. Together, they were invited by Friendship Baptist Church in the fall of 2024 to lead the Student Ministry and help launch and grow FBC en Español, which has been making a significant impact since its inception in October 2024.

Ester brings a heart for the Gospel, a passion for youth and outreach, and a deep commitment to seeing people from every background come to know and follow Jesus Christ.

My family and I became members at FBC in 2005, and from the very beginning, we felt welcomed and at home. I have two amazing kids, Noelle and Liam and over the years, we've come to deeply appreciate FBC—not only for its unwavering dedication to God's Word, but also for its heart for service, community, and missions.

My journey at FBC initiated as a volunteer in Promiseland during Sunday Worship services. What began as a simple step of service quickly turned into a calling that shaped the path I walk today. Each week, I found joy in creating a space where children could encounter God's truth in fun, creative, and meaningful ways. The opportunity to share the Gospel, witness spiritual growth in young hearts, and walk alongside families in their faith journey has been an incredible blessing. My passion for nurturing children and helping them discover the love of Christ is one of the clearest ways I feel called to serve Him.

Before stepping into full-time ministry, my many years of business experience helped shape my organizational skills, leadership abilities, and heart for excellence—qualities I now bring into my ministry work. Ultimately, God placed a clear desire on my heart to serve Him more directly, and it was in obedience to that call that I transitioned into Children’s Ministry.

At FBC, we call it POWER KIDZ Ministry—because we believe that kids aren’t just the future of the church; they’re a powerful part of the church today. Our mission is to equip and empower children with the truth of God’s Word, helping them grow strong in faith and develop Christ-like values.

I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve here at FBC, and I look forward with anticipation to what the Lord has in store.

I have been attending Friendship Baptist since moving to this area in 2017 with my husband Adam and two amazing children. I was born in southern Virginia and earned a degree in property management from Virginia Tech in 2011. Shortly afterwards, I met Adam in Texas and we lived in various places around the world during his military service before settling back in his hometown of Eldersburg.

My oldest son loves participating in the children’s ministries. Because of him, I began volunteering in Promiseland when we became members in 2018. That evolved into me accepting the position of Promiseland Assistant shortly after my second son was born in 2022. I love working with children and seeing the world through their eyes and am thankful for the opportunity to serve in Promiseland.

Hello! Just a bit about myself...I met Jesus Christ at the age of 32 in my home church, Mt. Airy Baptist. I married Grant in 1971 and we have 3 grown children & 8 grandchildren. I chose the secretarial profession because I enjoy helping people achieve their goals. I have worked for the Federal government, a doctor's office, and my home church. In November 1997, I accepted this position at Friendship. It continues to be a wonderful experience and I look forward to many more years of serving those who have chosen Friendship as their church home.

Paul has been on staff at FBC since October, 2023. Prior to arriving at FBC, he served in several staff roles at four churches since 1991. Paul is a former Baltimore City Police Officer and small business owner.

Paul has been married to Maria for 33 yers and has two adult children. His family is from Colombia, Souh America. He visits each year and helps with various misson groups while visiting family and has taught English while in Colombia. He earned a Bachelors degree in Music Composition and Vocal Performance degree from the University of Marylad. He is constantly writing and recording his own music.

Paul stays very busy and enjoys many different things including time with family and friends, readng, running and exercise, motorcycles, tools, woodworking, museums, traveling, camping, hiking, opera and classical music, his 20 year old truck and 29 year old Harley.

I was born in Hannibal, Missouri (home of Mark Twain) but have lived in Maryland for over 50 years. My husband Dan and I have 3 children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild who is a delight! Dan and I have gladly served at Friendship for over 20 years.

My work journey has taken me through many fields, from Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Computer Programming; but spending the last 25 years in church accounting and IT is my greatest accomplishment. Serving the Kingdom with all the gifts God has given me brings joy to my life!

God created my personality 50/50 Creative and Administrative. I fill my days with figures and flowers, computers and painting, research and crafting. Quite an odd combination!