Second Baptist's Staff

  • Pastor Steve Mechem

    Steve writes: “As I read the Gospels, I am led to believe that Jesus has already initiated a Kingdom and has invited us to participate in it now as we practice radical, unconditional love. The kingdom grows with every kind act, every merciful moment, every decision that brings light into darkness, each and every word of encouragement.  It is my deepest desire to participate in that beloved community and to encourage others in their own spiritual walk.” 


    Steve says he loves serving at Second Baptist. He appreciates the sense of community that thrives as people accept, affirm and encourage each other on their journey of faith.


    Steve has served in pastorate positions for over 30 years in Madison, IN, Rapid City, SD and Decatur, IL. He earned a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and was ordained from American Baptist Churches U.S.A. in 1986. 


    Steve grew up in Bettendorf, IA. Married to Judi, together they have two grown children. Luke and spouse Pete live in Greenfield, MA.  Caleb and spouse Elizabeth live in Charlottesville, VA with their beautiful daughter, Aurora Vera. Steve and Judi are the guardians of two dogs: Molly and Wrigley. 


    Contact Steve at: stevemechem@gmail.com

  • Music Staff: Marilyn and Brad Short

    Marilyn Short has been the Music Director since 2006, having served as the organist and choir accompanist since 1999. A member of the American Guild of Organists, Marilyn is also the staff choral accompanist at Webster Groves High School. Marilyn is a life-long pianist and has accounting degrees from Kansas State University.


    Brad Short began directing the Second Baptist Church choir in 2006. He is a long-time church musician who first started singing alongside his mother as a soprano. He is also a librarian at Washington University. Brad has music degrees from Kansas State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

  • Office Manager: Linda Marks

    Linda Marks began her employment as Office Manager with Second Baptist Church in 2011, and hopes to serve Second Baptist for many more years!


    Linda has a deep commitment to Second Baptist. First as a long-time member of 50 years!  She has experience in many leadership roles, including serving on the church Council seven terms in different capacities. She knows the members current and past and knows every aspect of church operations.  Previously she taught Kindergarten in a private school for 20 years and also served as the director of a preschool. Prior to that Linda spent 13 years doing paralegal and secretarial work.


    Linda says: "Second Baptist Church is the greatest place to serve God in whatever capacity He leads me."


    Contact Linda at: office@2ndbc.org



  • Children's Church Leader: Mirian San

    Mirian San leads Children's Church during the Worship Service that begins at 10:30 am.


    Mirian and her husband Carey came to Second Baptist 11 years ago after they resettled in the United States as refugees from Burma.  They both attended Seminary in Thailand and ministered to the people of the refugee camps through pastoral work and the founding of an orphanage.  They bring years of experience and a deep love for Jesus to Second Baptist Church. 

  • Custodian: Carey San

    Carey serves as part-time custodian after retiring from years of working at a local nursery. He wears many hats at Second Baptist, including teaching a Sunday morning Bible study class in the Karen language and participating in the weekly Worship Service.  Carey takes pride in making the church an inspirational place of worship in every way!