Who We Are

Paul began his ministry at First Baptist in January 2001, having previously served in pastorates in Missouri and Kentucky. Prior to moving to Ann Arbor, Paul was Professor of New Testament, Preaching, and Worship at McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He continues to teach preaching as an adjunct professor. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament and a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. His publications include several articles in three different volumes of Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary ​and ​Feasting on the Gospels (Westminster/John Knox Press). He has written several books, including The Parables: A Preaching Commentary (Abingdon Press, 2005), Anguish and the Word: Preaching That Touches Pain, with David N. Duke (Smyth & Helwys, 1992), and Irony in the Fourth Gospel (John Knox Press, 1985). He has also written numerous articles and the texts for several hymns, anthems, and songs. He has been a guest lecturer at various seminaries, universities, colleges, and professional conferences.

You can contact Paul directly via email: psduke718@gmail.com

​Xan joined the staff team in early 2017. She has years of experience in the field, as the Director of Children and Family Ministries for nine years at St. Clare’s Episcopal Church and as a Middle School math teacher at Ann Arbor Christian School for five. Xan graduated from the University of Michigan in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Xan and Kevin have three children – Emmanuel, Asher and Piper. They love to play team sports, knit, kayak, and act for justice together. Xan and Kevin take their role as the primary faith formers in their children’s lives seriously. Xan is passionate about creating time and space for kids to meet with God and about partnering with the parents of First Baptist Church as they guide their children on their faith journeys.

Valerie joined the staff team in August of 2023. She has a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Communication and training in trauma-informed group facilitation. Before coming to FBC, she taught communication as a graduate assistant and worked for six years creating training and events in the automotive marketing industry. She has been volunteering in her churches in childcare, music, and small group formation both in Michigan and in South Carolina since she was a teenager. Valerie and Alex have three small children—Emma, Calvin, and Aliya. She loves reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring parks, nature trails, and museums with her family. She cares deeply about building community and nurturing a faith in herself and in others that is expansive, justice-seeking, and real.

Bonnie Kidd has served as our Sanctuary Choir Director since 2011. Prior to becoming the choir director, she was serving as the soprano section leader for the choir for more than 20 years. Bonnie is also the Concert Choir conductor of the Ann Arbor Youth Chorale, a community children and youth choir in Ann Arbor. In 2021, she retired from the Ann Arbor Public Schools where she served as Director of Choirs at Tappan Middle School, and Co-Director of Choirs at Huron High School for almost 29 years. Bonnie trained as an opera singer at the Juilliard School and Boston University School of Music. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree in vocal performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and her Master of Music Degree in vocal performance from the University of Michigan. She lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Bob. They have one son, Sam, who is also an opera singer. Bonnie and Bob offer their home and love to many beautiful and wonderful cats!

Shin-Ae Chun has been serving First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor as Organist since 2011, helping the congregation from the three-manual Robert Noehren Organ to praise God in worship. She also accompanies the sanctuary choir and provides worshipful music with instrumentalists. Separately from her responsibilities at church, she runs the Ad Libitum Concert Series (October-May) connecting local audiences and professional musicians from all places through variety of music.

Shin-Ae received degrees from the University of Michigan in Organ Performance (DMA) and Harpsichord Performance (MM). She also holds degrees from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, in Nursing Science (BS), Church Music (BM) and Organ Performance (MM). She is a concert organist and harpsichordist represented by Concert Artist Cooperative and has given concerts on festivals and concert series as soloist and with ensembles and orchestras in the U.S, South Korea, Germany, Poland and Romania. She has two organ solo recordings: The Angels Dance and On Cherubim Wings. Music selections from these CDs were featured on Pipedreams, a nationally broadcasted radio station devoted to organ music in the U.S.

For more information, visit www.concertartistcooperative.com/shin-ae-chun

Kat Becker has been with FBC for more than nine years. Prior to that, she spent over 20 years working in the financial industry, including working and living abroad for eight years. As church administrator, Kat wears a lot of different hats at FBC, and can usually be found running around the church buildings, checking up on things.

Kat went to Kenyon College and NYU Stern School of Business. She was co-captain and assistant coach of the Kenyon Women’s Varsity Soccer team. She grew up on Long Island (NY) and eventually made her way to Ann Arbor, by way of London and Paris. She is happy to be in Ann Arbor and close to family. Kat is a loving aunt to three nieces and three nephews. She is an avid reader and loves music, cooking, walking, and needlepoint.

In October 2017, Lee Foley joined our staff as our half-time Facilities Manager. With a deep background in facilities management and maintenance, Lee has worked on a contract basis for a number of years on various church facilities projects. In his position as Facilities Manager, Lee is responsible for managing the daily continued operations, maintenance, and safety of our buildings and grounds.

Stacey began her ministry at First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor in 2001 as Co-Pastor, working alongside her husband, the Reverend Dr. Paul Simpson Duke. She also served as Campus Minister for the American Baptist Campus Foundation at the University of Michigan and as Youth Minister. Previously, she was the pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Edison, Georgia. Stacey held a Doctor of Ministry in Gospel and Culture from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. Her publications include a chapter in the book There’s a Woman in the Pulpit, several articles in volumes of Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary and Feasting on the Gospels (Westminster/John Knox Press), and numerous essays, articles, and chapters in various other publications. She was an invited guest presenter at both church and professional conferences, as well as a camp pastor and retreat leader in a variety of settings.

Stacey was vibrant, fierce, intelligent, creative, resilient, and filled with life and love. Her smile and gaze warmed the recipient; her laughter was readily shared. She was passionate about writing, teaching, preaching, knitting, singing, reading, improv, cooking, baking, and being a good friend and a great mom. She had a large online following as she lived with and documented her 6-year experience with stage-four cancer (leiomyosarcoma). Her posts on Substack, Facebook, Twitter (@revdrduke), Instagram and TikTok (@dr.staceyduke) were honest, informed, and inspiring to many.

Stacey has left a legacy of countless people whose lives were deeply touched by her example, her faith, and her love. The spirit, creativity, and hospitality of her long and faithful ministry at First Baptist Church continue to inspire our congregation. Stacey has made an indelible contribution to our commitment to following Jesus in the ways of justice, mercy, and humility.

Stacey’s full obituary is available online.