Our Leadership Team

The staff and leadership here at Willow Bend Church is comprised of men and women who love to serve the Lord, and through Him, serve the body of believers in each area of ministry. If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them. You can contact the church office at 972-985-5518

  • Bob Knowles  - Senior Pastor  

    Pastor Bob Knowles grew up in Hurst, Texas. Before coming to Willow Bend, He served at FBC in Albany, Texas as the Senior Pastor for 5 years. Prior to this, he has 17 years of ministry experience including leading student ministry and serving as Associate Pastor. Pastor Bob holds a Masters in Theological Studies from Dallas Baptist University as well as a Bachelors Degree from Howard Payne University. Bob is married to his wife Julie and together they have five children: Seth Salem, Sage, Shafer, and Sadie. 


    Contact Pastor Bob Knowles

  • Paul Dunne - Executive Pastor    

    Growing up in Corpus Christi Texas, Paul began his walk with the Lord when he accepted the Lord during a youth retreat. From that moment forward started the walk toward the ministry – although he didn’t always follow, it was apparent that God was always leading.  Paul attended Howard Payne University and served in the ministry at different churches in the Central Texas area. He has also been privileged to sing back up vocals with artists such as Shania Twain, Peter Cetera, Chris Tomlin, John Tesh and others. Paul was licensed to the ministry in October 2006 and ordained March 2012. He has preached in churches in Hawaii, Connecticut, California, Texas and Colorado. In addition, he has served on church staffs in a variety of positions. He and Julieanne have been married for 28 years and their daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Phil Gosselin recently moved to Dallas.


    Contact Paul Dunne

  • Darrell Bye - Celebrate Recovery  circlefacebook       

    Darrell has been involved with Celebrate Recovery since 2002, and began attending Willow Bend's CR in 2005; He has been serving as the Recovery Pastor since 2006. Darrell is celebrating recovery from a 46 year addiction to pornography and has extensive recovery experience. As the North Texas Representative for Celebrate Recovery, he works with other churches to establish and grow CR ministries. Darrell is also involved with after-prison care and serves as a volunteer for the Salvation Army's recovery program at their residential treatment center.


    Contact Darrell Bye

  • Eric Plyler - Worship Pastor

    Eric grew up in Longview, Tx where the love of church service was rooted deep. He served with Pastor Bob as the youth intern for 2 years at Oakland Heights Baptist Church and while in college, transitioned to being the “Music Guy” at a small church in Campbell where he led worship. Eric obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M University - Commerce in 2013. After this, he fell away from church leadership for a few years until God decided to “rock his world” (sorry for the music pun.. I had to!) and call him back to the fold. He is now married to his wonderful wife, Katy Plyler, and enjoying many other blessings from God.Together, they have plans to grow the church in the near future.

  • Kris Berg - Music Director

    Kris Berg grew up in the St. Louis area before moving south to attend the University of North Texas (BM/MM). He has been active as the bassist in our worship team for over 20 years.

    Kris’ 80+ published compositions are performed by jazz orchestras world-wide. His two critically acclaimed jazz CDs have garnered 8 Global Music Awards. He has performed at jazz festivals all over the world and tours yearly in Asia with the IHS World Orchestra ministries (Switzerland). Kris resides in Frisco with his wife, Yvette, and daughter, Kristen. His oldest son, Michael, and younger son, Jonathan, with wife Shelbi and grandson Ian, also live in area.

  • Pam Berry - Children's Minister

    Pamela Berry is a Texas born and raised girl.  Pam came to know God in a tent revival in 1970.  Pam has always had a heart for children and loves to share God's word with kids.  Pam has led or worked within the Children's Ministry for over 30 years.  Pam is married to Lee Berry who is also very active in church.  Pam has one daughter Erin, and 2 amazing grandsons Jonah and Luke. 

     

    Contact Pam Berry

  • Connor Culberson - Youth Pastor

    Connor grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is an strong Okie at heart (and in accent). He first moved to Dallas to go to school at Dallas Baptist University where he earned a degree in Biblical Studies and Intercultural Studies. While he was in school at DBU, he fell in love with youth ministry (and the city of Dallas!) and is passionate about discipling the next generation. Connor is also passionate about story-telling, especially the story of Scripture, whether that be through song, drama, writing, speaking, or whatever other means. 


    Contact Connor Culberson

  • Liz Kring - Communications Director

    Liz grew up in California and is now a grateful Texan. Having accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior when she was 5 years old she is thrilled to be using her marketing communication skills to grow God’s kingdom.  

  • Jennie Loftis - Secretary

    Jennie Loftis hails from Rockport, Texas where she proudly enjoyed growing up on the beach. She attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received a BBA in Accounting.  After working for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes right out of college, she pursued a MS in Biblical Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University.  She has enjoyed many jobs throughout the years including working as a graduate advisor at the University of Houston in the political science department, speaking in public schools on abstinence, working with FCA a second time as an event planner, and working at Willow Bend Church in 2006 as the church administrator and since 2016 as the financial administrator. She also helps her husband with their small business called The BoardSMITH.  Jennie’s proudest and most important job is mom to her 3 children, Landry, Luke and Lana.  In her spare time (HA!) she enjoys tennis, reading and playing board games. She has lived in Plano for 17 years.


    Contact Jennie Loftis