I am a long time native of Rayville, LA. I graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA majoring in Kinesiology. I also received my Masters of Divinity through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

I came to know the Lord when I was seven years old. I tell people that is when Christ captured my heart. At the age of thirteen, I experienced God’s call on my life to serve Him in full time ministry. I know without a doubt, God has called me to be His mouthpiece. Every since that time, I have been passionate about teaching and preaching God’s Word. My desire and prayer for our church is that we would see Gospel restoration in our everyday lives. 

I am married to my beautiful wife, Kirstyn and we have two kids (Piper and Chapal) and are currently in the process of adoption. In my spare time I like to hang out with my family, run, BBQ, watch LSU football, and bow hunt.

Email James.

My name is Jason Hinton, and I have the privilege of serving First Monroe as the Discipleship Pastor. God has given me a deep passion for helping believers grow in their walk with Christ and develop into the disciple makers He saved them to be. There is no greater joy for me than watching people take steps toward spiritual maturity and embrace the Great Commission in their homes and everyday lives.

Before stepping into full-time ministry, I worked in construction and real estate, experiences that shaped my understanding of foundations, structure, and the intentional work it takes to build something that lasts—truths that now influence how I view spiritual formation and discipleship.

I’m married to my incredible wife, Alicia, and we have two amazing children, Brookelyn and Jackson. While I love serving the Church, my most important ministry will always be the one within my own home. Leading, discipling, and loving my family well is the foundation from which all other ministry flows.

At the end of the day, my strongest desire is simple: to see the Church fully embrace the Great Commission and become a movement of everyday disciple makers who reflect the heart of Jesus in all they do.

Email Jason.

I am originally from Dry Prong, LA! I graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA majoring in Child Development. I also received my Master of Art in Christian Education with an add on in Children’s Ministry through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

I grew up in a Christian home and was very involved in church. I remember always hearing about Jesus from my parents and a very influential Sunday School Teacher in our church. I knew who Jesus was from a very young age but did not make a decision to follow Christ until I was 12 years old. In the 10th grade my dad began pastoring and when that happened, I became very involved in the children’s ministry teaching, helping with VBS, etc. I have always loved children since I was a teenager. During college I became very active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Northwestern and through serving in many different capacities and going on multiple mission trips, I felt God call me to children’s ministry. My desire for the Children’s Ministry at First Monroe is to not only love on children and teach them about the love of Jesus, but to also walk along side of parents to better equip them to be the disciple-makers in their children’s lives.

I have 3 siblings that I am extremely close to and 5 nieces and nephews that I absolutely adore! I love being Aunt Terri! I love to sing, spend time with my family and friends, travel, and watch Saint’s football occasionally!

Email Terri.

Originally from the small village, Calhoun!! From the time I was born, I have been raised in a family that focused on following Jesus. I remember being at church all the time, growing up at Mt. Vernon and then moving to First Baptist Calhoun when I was eight years old. I remember vividly having discussions about Jesus with my parents, siblings and other leaders at First Cal. And then, at a revival meeting, I knew from the simple truth of Jesus giving His life for me... that I wanted to give Him my life from that moment on. Growing up into my teenage and college years, I definitely had rebellious times where I only pursued my own desires and agenda. Through all of that, God was still pursuing me. The realization of that truth woke me up one day, where I knew that I wanted to refocus my life on serving Him alone, no matter what that looked like. I wanted and still do want to be completely open to Him. 

After high school, I went straight to Louisiana Tech University (HBTD!) where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. During college, I was already serving in different ministries, but I had no idea that the Lord would lead me into doing ministry full time. The coolest part has been how I have been able to use my college degrees/experiences to do what He has already planned for me. I have been working in ministry since 2020, and I am so grateful that God led me to First Monroe in 2023. It has already been such a blessing, and I am open to all He has for the future. 

I absolutely love: singing to Jesus & spending time with my 2 nieces and 3 nephews!

Email Hope.