At Ridgetop First, we believe spiritual leadership is a calling to serve, equip, and guide others in following Christ. Our leaders strive to shepherd with humility (1 Peter 5:2-3), equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12), and lead by example in faith and love (1 Timothy 4:12). As we follow Jesus, the true Shepherd (John 10:11), we seek to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a heart for God’s people.
Daniel Wisby
Pastor
Daniel was born in Columbus, OH and spent his childhood between Columbus and Portland, TN. A graduate of Portland High School, Daniel joined the Army and spent almost 21 years in service to our county (both full-time and part-time). Along the way he graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s in Religion and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and a Masters of Divinity in Chaplaincy (military).
During those years Daniel served in churches and military style ministries across Kentucky, Georgia, Kuwait, Iraq, Tennessee, and Virginia. He has spent the last 14 years serving faithfully, alongside his senior pastor, at his home church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Throughout those years, Daniel and his wife Michelle, have hosted countless exchange students and foster children. Along with their two adult children, they have an adopted a son.
Daniel enjoys most all things outdoors and especially competitive sports. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and reading (non-fiction). Daniel and Michelle celebrate 25 years of marriage in 2026 and have three children; Andrew, Aliza, and Jon.
Ray westveer
minister of music
Ray was born in Nashville and raised in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He graduated Carson Newman College with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, Spanish, and Music, and holds a Master’s degree in Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Since 1987 he has served with churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and South Carolina. He is passionate about many areas of church music, but specifically focuses on leading in choral and congregational singing.
In his free time, Ray likes to check out coffee houses as well as travel and find new restaurants. He also enjoys cooking, a variety of outdoor activities, making music, and writing short poetry about whatever’s going on around him. Ray has been married to Elizabeth since 1988 and they have two children, Jacob and Rachel.
Miranda Graves
Children’s director
Miranda was born and raised in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She graduated from Union University in 2016 with a bachelors degree in Psychology. She is now enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where she is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Christian Education with a specialization in children’s ministry.
Miranda is very excited to fulfill her calling and bring the gospel to children here at Ridgetop. In her off time, she drinks lots of coffee and tea and is always up for watching a Marvel movie.
