Meet our leadership
Pastor Zach Steed
Zach and Michelle Steed moved to Ripley, TN in June 2011 after feeling God directing them there. They have served as Youth Pastor, Co-Pastor and now our Senior Pastor. Sis Michelle is our Worship Director and serves the church in various roles. Pastor Steed was elected as Senior Pastor in August 2023 and we are excited to see what the Lord is going to do through his leadership at FAC!
Zach and Michelle met at Bible College in St. Louis, MO and were married in 2006. They have 3 children: Ava Grace, Asher and Arren.
Bishop William Welch
William and Paula Welch visited Ripley, TN for the first time in the summer of 2003 to preach at FAC during the time they were without a Pastor. Bro Welch was a full time minister, traveling the country at the time. The Lord had been visiting him in a dream for several years and showing him an image of a house with an ugly front porch and a building next to it. When they drove into the parking lot for the first time and drew near to the church parsonage, he saw the front porch from his dreams. God called them to Ripley! It was soon after in 2003, the church elected him as Pastor. Over the last 20 plus years, FAC has experienced growth at every level under their leadership. They have made an eternal impact on countless individuals and families. We thank God for our Bishop and Sis Welch!
The Welch's have 2 daughters, Michelle and Erica, who are both married to Pastors. Their legacy also includes 7 grandchildren.