Leadership
Dr. Chris Craig
Senior Pastor
Our Senior Pastor is Chris Craig. Chris is married to Cindy, and they have four grown children: Jason, Julie, Alicia, and (nephew) Craig Raines.
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He earned a Master’s of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, and received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
Chris has been in the ministry for over Thirty-nine years. He was serving at a church in west Texas before moving to Ruston to become the senior pastor in January 2003. Chris is responsible for the leadership and teaching ministries of the church.
Chris loves spending time with his family, dogs, and friends. He loves football, reading, studying, karate, preaching, serving, leading, and working out. His greatest love, though, is Jesus Christ. Chris gave his life to Jesus at the age of 19. This was a radical, life-changing experience for him. Since that time, he has had a great desire to know Jesus in a more intimate way and to share the life-changing love of Jesus with those around him. As a pastor, he wants to see people come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and to help them mature in their relationship with Christ. Chris has learned from personal experience that God truly loves us despite our sins, problems, and shortcomings. He also knows that Jesus can truly give one a meaningful life if they will place their lives in His hands. His life goal and mission is to help as many as he can come to know the love of Jesus in these life-altering ways.
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He earned a Master’s of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, and received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
Chris has been in the ministry for over Thirty-nine years. He was serving at a church in west Texas before moving to Ruston to become the senior pastor in January 2003. Chris is responsible for the leadership and teaching ministries of the church.
Chris loves spending time with his family, dogs, and friends. He loves football, reading, studying, karate, preaching, serving, leading, and working out. His greatest love, though, is Jesus Christ. Chris gave his life to Jesus at the age of 19. This was a radical, life-changing experience for him. Since that time, he has had a great desire to know Jesus in a more intimate way and to share the life-changing love of Jesus with those around him. As a pastor, he wants to see people come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and to help them mature in their relationship with Christ. Chris has learned from personal experience that God truly loves us despite our sins, problems, and shortcomings. He also knows that Jesus can truly give one a meaningful life if they will place their lives in His hands. His life goal and mission is to help as many as he can come to know the love of Jesus in these life-altering ways.
Ed Colvin
Executive Pastor/1st Kids Minister
Our Children’s Pastor is Ed (a.k.a. Crush or Coach) Colvin. Ed and his wife, Kelli, became members of our church family in 1996. Since joining our fellowship, Ed has served as a Kids Worship volunteer, Connection Group teacher, Deacon, College & Mission Minister, and Interim Administration & Education Minister. Before coming on staff in January 2016, Ed taught math and coached football at Ruston High School.
Ed and Kelli have two children, Joshua and Bethany. Kelli is the Coordinating Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary and sings in our Celebration Choir. Joshua is a student at LA Tech and is active in our College Ministry. Bethany is a student at Ruston High and a dancer. She loves being a part of our C3 Student Ministry.
Faith, Family, and Football could easily sum up Ed’s life. Holding all of these together in Ed’s life is God. Ed’s greatest desire is to see God as the focal point in every area of his and his family’s life. That desire extends to us, his church family, as well and the influence he will have on our children as he shows them the love of Jesus; partnering with parents to grow the generations to come in the ways of the Lord. While his primary ministry emphasis is children, Ed also wants to be a source of encouragement to their parents and to young married couples.
Ed and Kelli have two children, Joshua and Bethany. Kelli is the Coordinating Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary and sings in our Celebration Choir. Joshua is a student at LA Tech and is active in our College Ministry. Bethany is a student at Ruston High and a dancer. She loves being a part of our C3 Student Ministry.
Faith, Family, and Football could easily sum up Ed’s life. Holding all of these together in Ed’s life is God. Ed’s greatest desire is to see God as the focal point in every area of his and his family’s life. That desire extends to us, his church family, as well and the influence he will have on our children as he shows them the love of Jesus; partnering with parents to grow the generations to come in the ways of the Lord. While his primary ministry emphasis is children, Ed also wants to be a source of encouragement to their parents and to young married couples.
Adult Ministry
Clayton Owen
Senior Adults/Pastoral Care/Discipleship Minister
Clayton Owen joined the church staff in April 2009. Clayton serves as the Minister of Education, Pastoral Care, and Senior Adult Minister. Clayton holds two bachelor’s degrees from Union University and two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (because he couldn’t make up his mind).
“Clayton served 20 years in his hometown of McKenzie, Tennessee, before moving to Ruston. He has been married to Mary since December 29, 1984. She works in Internet Banking at Origin Bank and enjoys cooking, football, small group Bible study and prayer, and for some reason, half marathons. They have three children. Caleb, their oldest, is married to Alyssa. Caleb is a ‘real’ UT law grad who works at the Health and Human Services Dept. and Alyssa teaches in the Alexandria school system. Sarah is their daughter, who is a PA. She is married to Tyler Davidson who works for the Ruston PD. Their youngest, Josh, is a West Point grad who is presently in the Army. Unfortunately, the entire crew is brainwashed by Tennessee Vols, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Memphis Grizz fans, but they have all now added Louisiana Tech, the Army Black Knights, the Bearcats, the Cougars, and the Big Blue from Choudrant to their favorites. Clayton and Mary also have one very delinquent Airedale Terrier named Berry (after Eric Berry).
Clayton enjoys watching football, eating chocolate, exercising, and reading (not really but it doesn’t look good just to say watching football and eating chocolate). Clayton came to know Christ as his Savior during his senior year of college. Not long after, instead of entering the exciting world of finance, God called him into the ministry. He truly enjoys getting to know people and seeing them grow in their faith to the point where they are looking to serve God and share their faith with others. He invites you to stop by the office, send him an e-mail, give him a call or meet him for lunch or for coffee at the Depot.”
“Clayton served 20 years in his hometown of McKenzie, Tennessee, before moving to Ruston. He has been married to Mary since December 29, 1984. She works in Internet Banking at Origin Bank and enjoys cooking, football, small group Bible study and prayer, and for some reason, half marathons. They have three children. Caleb, their oldest, is married to Alyssa. Caleb is a ‘real’ UT law grad who works at the Health and Human Services Dept. and Alyssa teaches in the Alexandria school system. Sarah is their daughter, who is a PA. She is married to Tyler Davidson who works for the Ruston PD. Their youngest, Josh, is a West Point grad who is presently in the Army. Unfortunately, the entire crew is brainwashed by Tennessee Vols, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Memphis Grizz fans, but they have all now added Louisiana Tech, the Army Black Knights, the Bearcats, the Cougars, and the Big Blue from Choudrant to their favorites. Clayton and Mary also have one very delinquent Airedale Terrier named Berry (after Eric Berry).
Clayton enjoys watching football, eating chocolate, exercising, and reading (not really but it doesn’t look good just to say watching football and eating chocolate). Clayton came to know Christ as his Savior during his senior year of college. Not long after, instead of entering the exciting world of finance, God called him into the ministry. He truly enjoys getting to know people and seeing them grow in their faith to the point where they are looking to serve God and share their faith with others. He invites you to stop by the office, send him an e-mail, give him a call or meet him for lunch or for coffee at the Depot.”
Daniel Allen
Men's Minister
Daniel is married to his high school sweetheart, Sarah Allen. They have been married for 12 years this November. They have three beautiful children Dixon, Davison, and Landry.
Daniel and Sarah gave their lives to Christ and were baptized at FBC Ruston in 2016. Daniel has a passion for Christ, and leading men to the life that God has for them. Daniel has come to know that Jesus loves us all, and desires to have a relationship with us. Daniel’s heart is to see men come to know Jesus, grow in their faith, and walk in the life that God has for them.
Daniel and Sarah gave their lives to Christ and were baptized at FBC Ruston in 2016. Daniel has a passion for Christ, and leading men to the life that God has for them. Daniel has come to know that Jesus loves us all, and desires to have a relationship with us. Daniel’s heart is to see men come to know Jesus, grow in their faith, and walk in the life that God has for them.
Laura Neal
Women's Minister
Laura serves as our women’s minister. She and her husband, Oliver, joined our church in 2022. They have been married for 10 years and have 2 children, Amelia and Owen. Laura and Oliver both graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Oliver is a Civil Engineer and is the Senior Project Engineer at Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix, and Hixson's Ruston office. Laura earned a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance and is registered with the Louisiana Board of Examiners as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She entered her career as a therapist because she believes that we are not meant to go through life's challenges alone. Laura wants to point others to walk hand in hand with Jesus through all things. She enjoys music, hanging out with her family, and cooking good food.
Stacey McAdams
Women's Ministry Assistant
Worship/Production
Gabe Rivera
Contemporary Worship Leader
Gabe Rivera has served on staff since September 2021. Gabe grew up in Ruston and has attended First Ruston for the majority of his life. He attended Louisiana Tech and graduated with a degree in Music Industry Studies in the Spring of 2024. Gabe has served as a worship/media intern and resident, and he currently serves as the Contemporary Worship Leader. Gabe enjoys writing and recording music, disc golf, and spending time with others. His passion is to teach others how to lead in worship both on and off the stage.
Josh Sanderson
Production Minister
Josh Sanderson came on staff in 2005 as our youth minister. Josh has been married to his wife J’nell for 13 years. Their first child, Addison, was born on December 2, 2009, and was joined by her sister, Ella on February 17, 2016. Josh has a B.A. in Secondary Education from Louisiana Tech University and has his Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Josh is responsible for carrying out our ministries focused on sixth through twelfth-grade students. Josh enjoys hanging with his family, being outdoors, and woodworking. When he is not at the church you can find him doing one of these things.
Richard Ainsworth
Traditional Worship Leader
Richard serves as the Traditional Worship Pastor. He is married to Lee and they have 3 adult children. David is married to Miranda and through them, Richard & Lee have a granddaughter, Anna Brooke, and a grandson Abram Lee they reside in Muscle Shoals, AL. Gene is married to Danielle and through them, Richard & Lee have a granddaughter, Harper Claire and they reside in Monroe. Tyler lives in Columbia, SC with their granddogs. Richard came to a full surrender to Christ in 1988 after several years of pretending and spiritual wandering.
Richard graduated from Louisiana College with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in music. He is employed as Controller in Monroe at Steel Fabricators. Richard has served for over 40 years in the music ministry at various churches in north Louisiana since graduating college. He has a love for old hymns & southern gospel music (having spent 7 years traveling with the New Liberty Quartet) but appreciates the fact that God still inspires writers & composers to create new and exciting songs and to sometimes breathe new life into a familiar text for choral and congregational singing. He strives to encourage the worshipping congregation & choir to embrace the message of the music in a time of preparation to hear the Word. And also through the worship to excite others to want to be part of it.
Richard & Lee enjoy traveling and finding interesting places to eat, often planning their route of travel from a Diners, Drive-ins & Dives map. They both love to play tennis but are smart enough to not play together. Richard would like to encourage anyone that loves to worship through song so come join us on Wednesday for rehearsal and Sunday for leading our congregation.
Richard graduated from Louisiana College with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in music. He is employed as Controller in Monroe at Steel Fabricators. Richard has served for over 40 years in the music ministry at various churches in north Louisiana since graduating college. He has a love for old hymns & southern gospel music (having spent 7 years traveling with the New Liberty Quartet) but appreciates the fact that God still inspires writers & composers to create new and exciting songs and to sometimes breathe new life into a familiar text for choral and congregational singing. He strives to encourage the worshipping congregation & choir to embrace the message of the music in a time of preparation to hear the Word. And also through the worship to excite others to want to be part of it.
Richard & Lee enjoy traveling and finding interesting places to eat, often planning their route of travel from a Diners, Drive-ins & Dives map. They both love to play tennis but are smart enough to not play together. Richard would like to encourage anyone that loves to worship through song so come join us on Wednesday for rehearsal and Sunday for leading our congregation.
College
Chase Sanders
College Minister
Chase Sanders has served as the college pastor since January 2022. Chase married Rachel in September of 2018. They both graduated from Louisiana Tech, where they fell in love with college ministry. Chase earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Louisiana Tech in 2018 and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2021. After graduating from Tech, he served in student and college ministry in Baton Rouge before moving back to Ruston. Some of Chase's hobbies include hunting, fishing, playing sports, and drinking coffee. His greatest passion, however, is to see others come to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.
Kallie Pitre
College Resident
Cade Key
College Intern
Students
Ryan Colpitts
Student Minister
Ryan grew up in a military family and spent time in North Dakota, Louisiana, South Korea, Texas, and Washington D.C. before graduating high school from Niceville, FL. Ryan wanted to be a basketball coach, so he pursued a degree in Sports Management at Central Michigan University but switched after realizing his call to ministry and finished in Communication (with a minor in Leadership).
In college, Ryan worked with Young Life / Wyld life and was a manager for the Chippewas Basketball team. He has also served multiple years as a counselor for Kids Across America Christian Sports Summer Camp. Ryan completed the Kanakuk Institute and has also completed a Master Level Biblical and Discipleship Training.
More recently, Ryan has spent 6+ years as the Tri-Lakes KLIFE Chapter Director in Branson, MO. He is extremely excited to join the First Baptist Ruston family and can not wait to see how God moves through the student ministry here!
In college, Ryan worked with Young Life / Wyld life and was a manager for the Chippewas Basketball team. He has also served multiple years as a counselor for Kids Across America Christian Sports Summer Camp. Ryan completed the Kanakuk Institute and has also completed a Master Level Biblical and Discipleship Training.
More recently, Ryan has spent 6+ years as the Tri-Lakes KLIFE Chapter Director in Branson, MO. He is extremely excited to join the First Baptist Ruston family and can not wait to see how God moves through the student ministry here!
Doc Wilkerson
High School Resident
Nick McVay
Middle School Resident
Jenna Carrier
Girls Resident/Ministry Assistant
Lauren McCollum
Student Intern
I’m from Shreveport, and I’m a Senior studying Human Development and Family Science at Tech! I’m so honored to get to serve as the youth intern this year! I have so much appreciation for my First Baptist family, and I’ve loved getting to know the youth students so far! I’m praying the Lord will use me as a vessel to advance the Gospel and share His love those who I am serving. I am extremely excited for all that He has in store for this year!
1st kids
Ed Colvin
1st Kids Minister
Our Children’s Pastor is Ed (a.k.a. Crush or Coach) Colvin. Ed and his wife, Kelli, became members of our church family in 1996. Since joining our fellowship, Ed has served as a Kids Worship volunteer, Connection Group teacher, Deacon, College & Mission Minister, and Interim Administration & Education Minister. Before coming on staff in January 2016, Ed taught math and coached football at Ruston High School.
Ed and Kelli have two children, Joshua and Bethany. Kelli is the Coordinating Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary and sings in our Celebration Choir. Joshua is a student at LA Tech and is active in our College Ministry. Bethany is a student at Ruston High and a dancer. She loves being a part of our C3 Student Ministry.
Faith, Family, and Football could easily sum up Ed’s life. Holding all of these together in Ed’s life is God. Ed’s greatest desire is to see God as the focal point in every area of his and his family’s life. That desire extends to us, his church family, as well and the influence he will have on our children as he shows them the love of Jesus; partnering with parents to grow the generations to come in the ways of the Lord. While his primary ministry emphasis is children, Ed also wants to be a source of encouragement to their parents and to young married couples.
Ed and Kelli have two children, Joshua and Bethany. Kelli is the Coordinating Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary and sings in our Celebration Choir. Joshua is a student at LA Tech and is active in our College Ministry. Bethany is a student at Ruston High and a dancer. She loves being a part of our C3 Student Ministry.
Faith, Family, and Football could easily sum up Ed’s life. Holding all of these together in Ed’s life is God. Ed’s greatest desire is to see God as the focal point in every area of his and his family’s life. That desire extends to us, his church family, as well and the influence he will have on our children as he shows them the love of Jesus; partnering with parents to grow the generations to come in the ways of the Lord. While his primary ministry emphasis is children, Ed also wants to be a source of encouragement to their parents and to young married couples.
Pam Flowers
Preschool Minister/ Weekday Director
Pam Flowers is the Preschool Director and Mom’s Day Out Director for our church. She has a love for preschoolers and has enjoyed teaching them. Our goal is to provide a safe, learning environment while teaching God’s word.
Pam is married to Al Flowers and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Heather Flowers Yates is married to Zach Yates and has 2 children, Bella Grace and Jackson. Daniel Flowers is married to Kiley and has a daughter Molley Mikel and a son Boone. Pam or “Huney” as her grandchildren call her, feels blessed to be an active part of their lives!
Pam enjoys spending time at home and with her family. Her favorite food is anything chocolate!
Pam is married to Al Flowers and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Heather Flowers Yates is married to Zach Yates and has 2 children, Bella Grace and Jackson. Daniel Flowers is married to Kiley and has a daughter Molley Mikel and a son Boone. Pam or “Huney” as her grandchildren call her, feels blessed to be an active part of their lives!
Pam enjoys spending time at home and with her family. Her favorite food is anything chocolate!
Genene Carter
1st Kids Intern
Missions
Jeremy Magee
Missions
Jeremy came on staff part-time in 2012 as our local mission director. Jeremy has a B.S. in Forestry from Louisiana Tech and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis on Church Planting from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Tara have been married since 2001; they have two children, Cole and Avery. Tara works part-time as an audiologist at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport. As our local missions director, Jeremy leads “Touch Ruston Ministry.” This ministry encompasses all of our church’s local mission efforts. Jeremy is also passionate about FBC’s young married couples and teaches and leads a connection group designed specifically for them. Jeremy loves spending time with his family, especially hunting and fishing with his son Cole.
Administrative
Brenda Martin
Pastoral/Financial Assistant
Brittany Jackson
Administrative Assistant
Jenna Carrier
1st Kids, Students, College Ministry Assistant/ Student Girls Resident
JoAnn Barr
Music Assistant
Michelle Axton
Receptionist
Building and Grounds
Marcus Spencer
Superintendent
Deana Butler
Maintenance
Jeff Moss
Maintenance
Jeffrey Thurman
Maintenance
