Our Pastors

Dallas Billington - Lead Pastor

Dallas has led and served in full-time church ministry since 1982. 

He first planted a church in Naples, FL and later returned to Akron, Ohio and served 12 years as Senior Pastor of his home church, the Akron Baptist Temple, which his father led and his grandfather birthed in 1934 with 14 members. 

Dallas then served and enjoyed being on the pastoral staff at Calvary Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale for almost 2 years. There it was his fervent desire to see the people of Southwest Florida find Jesus Christ as their Savior, which led him to plant a new church called Community of Hope.

Dallas returned back to the Akron area and followed God's leading to start City Church AC.  

You'll most often find Dallas studying God's word and listening to many different sermons online. He enjoys working out, drinking diet coke, hanging out with his kids and grandchildren, along with his beloved dog, Mesa. Dallas holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Malone College and a Masters from California Graduate School of Theology. His life verse is Joshua 1:8-9.

Ben Adams - ASSOCIATE Pastor

Ben has been a Christian nearly all his life, at the very young age of five he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior with his mother at home in their living room. Ben’s parents sacrificed and provided him the opportunity to attend Christian Schools from fifth grade on at Chapel Hill Christian, CVCA and at the former Akron Christian School.

Ben has served in ministry all his adult life in many different areas of leadership positions throughout church. He served for 7 years on the Stewardship/Financial Advisory Board at the Akron Baptist Temple. He has been actively involved in leading worship on and off over the past two decades.  

Ben spent most of his career in the corporate business management world until 2015 when it became very clear that God was moving him into this next chapter of life by calling him into the ministry full-time. He states that “this is both a humbling and exciting opportunity that the Lord has provided to Lorie and me by allowing us to worship the Lord and to minister full-time to others in so many different ways”. Ben’s life verse is found in Isaiah 55:8, a reminder that Gods ways are so much greater than our own.

He and his wife Lorie were married in 1999 and served together in many areas of ministry. 

Ernie Kemppel - Associate Pastor

Ernie was saved in 1971 under the ministry of Dr. Dallas F. Billington, founder of the Akron Baptist Temple. He began serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ immediately. He also had the privilege of becoming one of the Assistant Directors of Sunday School under the leadership of Rev. Bill Lee.

In 1991 he received  a degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University and has studied at Malone College as well. In addition he completed the Evangelism Explosion study and the two-year course, Equipping the Saints.

Ernie became a member of the staff at Akron Baptist Temple as Director of Christian Education and a short time later, he was ordained as a Minister & Associate Pastor. He became Executive Pastor under the leadership of Dallas Billington, the grandson of the founder of the church.  Ernie also found it a joy to minister to the seniors group called the Goldenagers.

Circumstances changed and Ernie now finds himself available to pursue his ministry here at City Church AC. He has been praying for God to open a door where he can fulfill his hearts desire and see people come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.  

Ernie and his wife Judy are pleased that God has blessed them and has given them the opportunity to minister to the citizens of Akron and Canton through City Church AC. 

Brent Malone - Associate Pastor

Brent has been involved in Christian ministry for most of his life.  He has served as a Middle School Pastor, Children’s Pastor, as well as working with adults.  He passionately works with the media team at City Church AC and loves helping others. His desire is to encourage and share the love of Christ with those around him.

Brent works full time as a Financial Advisor for a Fortune 100 company, as well as owning his own business. He holds a Bachelor degree from Liberty University with a major in religion and a minor in psychology. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Texas A & M University-Commerce where he graduated with Beta Gamma Sigma honors.  

Brent and his wife Joy were married in 2001 and have one son, Travis. His life verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. He has always believed in remaining positive in any situation and believing that God can take the impossible and make it possible.