Rev. Paul Springer, Jr., Lead Pastor
Pastor Springer comes to NWBC from Transformed Life Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, where he served as Church Planter and Lead Pastor. Serving urban congregations through internships, one with the North American Mission Board, as well as church Elder and Worship Director, has allowed Rev. Springer to explore his passion: finding meaningful ways to connect with and minister to people from a multiplicity of backgrounds. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Wheaton College and a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Paul and Melissa Springer have been married since 2000 and have four beautiful children, Paul III, Jacob, Emily, and Isabella. Melissa grew up in Tokyo, Japan, a child of Christian missionaries, and shares a deep concern that all people experience Christ’s love and freedom.
Rev. Don Rogers, Associate Pastor
Pastor Donald Rogers is Northwest’s Associate Pastor since December 2016. He had previously served as Marriage and Family Director since August 2014. Rev. Rogers continues to support and expand his service as Marriage and Family Pastor through counseling, equip families seeking to strengthen marital and parenting roles and collaborate with various team leaders to create events and activities that support the families of our church. As Associate Pastor, Rev. Rogers works under the leadership of the Senior Pastor and closely with the Leadership Team and Deacon body.
Donald married the former Karen Wilhite on August 19, 1995 and is the proud stepfather of Kenneth and Karlton.
Pastor Don has served in various ministerial positions which include: Associate Minister (Christ the King Baptist Church), Ministry Advisor (Future Kings Leadership Group), Sunday School teacher, Musical Director (Greater Future Baptist Church, and More Light Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan).
Pastor Don is a graduate of Central Theological Seminary, where he received a degree in Religious Studies in 2015.
Rev. Bill Gaethke, Executive Pastor
Pastor Bill joined the pastoral staff at Northwest Baptist Church on July 1, 2011 as an associate pastor overseeing the church’s Community Outreach and Guest Ministries programs. Bill currently serves as the church’s Executive Pastor and church moderator. His past service at Northwest includes: serving as a deacon, deacon chairman, and director of discipleship as well as preaching and Bible teaching.
Bill attended the Southern Baptist Seminary Extension program through Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. He has served as an interim pastor at Southeast Baptist Church in South Milwaukee, and provided pulpit supply preaching for many of our sister churches within the six southeastern counties of Wisconsin.
Rev. Gaethke and his wife Evelyn are long-time members at Northwest. They enjoy golfing and fishing, and have three grown children and eleven grandchildren. Bill is also a retired Milwaukee police sergeant, having served the citizens of Milwaukee as a police officer for 32 years.