our staff


  • David Mills

    Pastor

    God called David to preach and pastor during his thirties while serving as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School teacher at Valley View Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Since that time, he served Valley View as the Interim Education Pastor and also as Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ralph, Alabama.  David considers preaching the Word of God a humble privilege and his passion is leading the local church for the glory of God.


    David grew up in Northport and was saved by God's Grace at thirteen at Carrolls Creek Baptist Church.  For the first time, he understood God's plan for eternal salvation was by grace through faith and not good works!  After trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, David served as Youth Pastor of Moundville Baptist Church while attending the University of Alabama.  After graduation in 1989, David married Noel, entered the United States Air Force, and served as a Weapon Systems Officer on F-111s.  In 1991, David and Noel were blessed with twin sons, Michael and Forrest, which led to the decision to return to Alabama and become school teachers.  David entered the Air Force Reserves and was activated after 9-11, serving combat tours in the C-130 in Afghanistan and Iraq.  It was during his time overseas that David solidified his call from the Lord to preach and pastor.  David now holds a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics and a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta. 

  • Frankie Alba

    Worship Leader

    Frankie joined the staff at Ridgecrest as our Worship Leader in September of 2020. He grew up in a musically inclined family and has always enjoyed playing instruments and singing. He began leading worship as a teenager. He is a lover of all things Jesus. He is married to Britany Alba. They are expecting twins in 2021.

  • Sherri Emerson

    Financial & Membership Secretary

    Sherri has been with Ridgecrest as the Financial and Membership secretary since April 1995.  She graduated from the University of Alabama in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.  Sherri is married to Anthony Emerson and they have one son named Carson.