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.

I was born in Lake Charles and raised in DeRidder as the son of a music minister. I came to know Christ during my junior high years, but it wasn't until high school that I understood the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Him. In tenth grade I got involved in the worship team in my home church, and during that time felt a calling from the Lord to pursue ministry.

I made the decision to enroll at Louisiana College (Go Wildcats) after graduating from high school. Throughout college, I had opportunities to lead worship in various capacities. Through these experiences, I knew that the Lord was leading me to become a worship leader in some capacity. I am grateful I get to be a part of the worship team at First Monroe.

The best decision I have made in life (next to following Jesus) was marrying my wife Kelly. Together, we are raising our beautiful baby girl, Elizabeth Ruth. I love Tex-Mex, golfing, Astros baseball.

Email Shane.

I grew up in West Monroe, LA, and gave my life to Christ at a young age while attending Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. I answered a call to ministry at fifteen, which I wrestled with even into adulthood. After years of running, God reminded me again and again of His call on my life. 

In addition to my ministry here, I work full time at Anytime Fitness and am a student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I absolutely love serving the students at First Monroe. It brings me great joy!

In 2019, I married Natalie, and we welcomed our daughter, Annie, in 2023. They are my greatest blessings. Outside of work and studies, I enjoy fitness, college football, and a good burger.

Email Dylan.

I grew up in a small town called Pollock, Louisiana (technically in Fishville but who likes to say that?). I wouldn’t say I was a consistent church-goer growing up, and was baptized at a young age without truly understanding what a relationship with Jesus looked like. In high school I found my hope in a lot of things that were not the Lord. But by God graciously working through people and circumstances and pain in my life, I have now come to know the source of true hope and freedom that can only be found in Christ. 

It was at a Passion conference in college that felt the call to ministry and devote my life to the Lord’s work. I love the ministry of working with and pouring into kids. My desire is that we would be a church that teaches and disciples the next generation so they never question where true hope comes from. 

My favorite thing to do is spend quality time with my amazing husband, Justyn, and our sweet daughter, Ivey. They are two of the biggest blessings from the Lord. I also love Coke Icees, Dirt Cheap, and Christmas time!

Email Jessica.

I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior at age thirty. When Jesus got my heart, He took me on a transformation journey that I never thought possible. Jesus changed every aspect of my life. He set me free from a life characterized by sin, mistakes, and failures through a relationship with Jesus through His word. 

God called me into ministry in 2002. I have served Jesus in some form of women’s ministry since that time. Soon after God’s calling I started seminary at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where I received a basic and advanced certification in Women’s Ministry and a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries. In 2012, I received a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity Seminary in Newburg, Indiana. During that time, I found one of my greatest passions, to teach women Bible study. I know the power of God’s word to transform women with messy lives. Throughout my years in ministry, I have written several Bible studies for women, taught them interdenominationally, and seen other women experience life change that only Jesus can bring. 

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, three beautiful adult daughters, and three grandchildren and growing. I am so thankful for the life God has given me and the calling that He has rooted so deeply in my heart. 

Email Pat.

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 now God has led me to First Monroe. 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 niece and 3 nephews!

Email Hope.