Alexandra, known as Alex, joined The Bayou in 2013. Her contagious smile and creative mind are valuable in her role as NextGen Director as she serves as the communications lead within NextGen and manages team planning. She is also a meeting facilitator, special project manager, and oversees the Preschool Ministry and special events. This Seattle native is a fluent French speaker who loves Judice Inn, plant parenting and listening to podcasts.
Bernard joined The Bayou staff in 2017 to coordinate our small groups ministry and then joined us full-time in 2019 as the Director of Adult Ministry, shifting to Executive Pastor in 2024. Bernard is using his strengths of empathy, curiosity, and strategic thinking to lead our staff by providing coaching, planning, and staff coordination in the execution of our mission and vision. Bernard is a Ragin’ Cajuns fan who enjoys the outdoors, reading, movies, and spending time with his wife, Victoria, and his three children.
Bria joined The Bayou in January 2024 as the Communications Coordinator. Passionate about branding, social media, and digital marketing, she is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love for ministry and communications in this role. Outside of work, Bria enjoys leading Bible studies, cooking, reading, indulging in Netflix, and cherishing moments with loved ones.
Brittany joined The Bayou Church in 2024 as the Office Coordinator, bringing 15 years of legal and administrative experience. She is passionate about using her skills to serve others and help them experience the love of God. Brittany and her husband have a blended family with four children, along with two dogs and two cats. Outside of work, she enjoys game nights, reading on her Kindle, and binge-watching PBS Masterpiece Theatre—when she gets control of the remote!
Cady joined The Bayou team in 2021 and loves that her role allows her to hear how Christ is moving and reaching people in all circumstances. She currently serves as Groups Director, overseeing all Small Groups and Discipleship Groups. As part of her position, she also develops and resources group leaders with tools for spiritual growth, and equips and empowers current and future group leaders to shepherd their groups. In her free time, this Harry Potter fan can often be found reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three kids, and two pets.
Camille joined The Bayou Church staff in 2023, initially starting as a part-time member of the Adult Ministry team. However, her role quickly evolved into a full-time position on the Executive team. She currently serves as the executive coordinator and loves being a part of all the amazing work The Bayou is doing here in Acadiana. Camille's creativity, organizational skills, and intentionality in building relationships make her a great addition to the team. When she's not at work, you can find her curled up on the couch with a good book and her dog, Moose.
Carolyn joined The Bayou in 2023 as Campus Experience Coordinator, shifting to Serve Coordinator in 2024. In her current role, Carolyn’s handles all recruiting, training, scheduling, and communication among team members for the Campus Experience Team, Host Team, and Bayou Beanery Team, while also developing and guiding the leadership teams for each. In addition, Carolyn coordinate facility rentals. Her desire and commitment to helping others find community and purpose through serving is evident in all of her interactions. Carolyn also enjoys spending time with family and her animals, practicing yoga, and traveling—especially near the ocean. She is grateful to her son, who will forever be 23, for teaching her how to have faith in God. Additionally, her mother (born in 1925) and her daughter are inspirations to live life fully as God intended.
Casey joined The Bayou Church in 2025 as the Preschool Coordinator, bringing experience as a speaker, author, and former teacher. She is passionate about helping families build Christ-centered homes and creating a space where preschoolers can grow in their faith. Casey is married to Bo and is a mom of three, with a lively household full of pets. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, and playing board games with family and friends.
Derek, also known as Griff, joined The Bayou in 2019 as Student Pastor, becoming NextGen Pastor in 2024. He enjoys investing in the next generation of Christ followers, and he brings energy and authenticity to the role. As NextGen Pastor, he oversees both Kids Ministry and Student Ministry, and is responsible for discipling, coaching, team growth, as well as leadership development. This Monroe native enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie, reading, writing, or enjoying local restaurants like Shucks.
Ed started at The Bayou in 2005. He brings creativity and humility to his role as Worship Director where he oversees the worship team, musicians, vocalists, and instruments. Ed also composes music for Sunday mornings, special events, and videos. When not working, this Saints and Cajuns fan loves sleeping late, spending time with his family, and visiting New Orleans.
Harley, also known as Moana, joined The Bayou staff in 2018. She brings her jovial spirit, attention to detail, and organization to the Student Ministry. She assists the Student Pastor, oversees the budget and communications, and leads teams in creating environments for services and events. In her free time, you can find this UL graduate enjoying a Chris’s Poboy, pet sitting, catching the latest releases on Netflix, or randomly bursting into a musical number.
Hannah has been an integral part of The Bayou's tech team for years and joined full-time in 2025 as the Technical Coordinator, overseeing all technical aspects of the church, from Sunday services to mid-week events and facility rentals. She also leads and equips the volunteer tech team, encouraging them to use their God-given talents in audio, video, and lighting to create meaningful worship experiences. A UL graduate with a degree in Fine Arts, Hannah is passionate about strategic design and creativity. Outside of work, she enjoys woodworking, pickleball, and designing lights for CYT (Christian Youth Theater).
Haydn brings his creativity and love of God's Word to Student Ministry as Student Pastor. He oversees Student Ministry (6th-12 grade) and develops the discipleship/small group culture for Sunday and Wednesday nights. He also engages students through teaching and preaching. When not working, this UL graduate enjoys napping, eating Pops Poboys, or hanging out with friends.
Heather joined The Bayou in 2023 as our Special Events Childcare Coordinator, having previously served for five years in the Preschool Ministry. She loves seeing all of the children in her care grow older and closer to God. As part of her role in overseeing and managing special events childcare, she recruits, trains, and encourages the special events staff. Heather loves to cook, and she and her husband, Christopher, have five children.
Jamie joined The Bayou in July 2024 and brings over 15 years of accounting experience. Her favorite part of this role is being part of a genuine and supportive team dedicated to helping people know God. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family and traveling, especially to Disney or Universal. Jamie is happily married to her husband, Clint, and they have a son, Kade, who is a proud UL grad.
Jeramy brings fun, joy and sarcasm to the role of Technical Director as he handles all audio, lights and visual needs for Sunday services and events across campus. With each event, he finds fulfillment in creating environments that point people to Jesus. When not working, Jeramy enjoys hunting, fishing or spending time with his wife, Kori, and their two children.
Jodi joined The Bayou officially in 2021 after volunteering many years on our preschool team. She brings a bubbly personality and servant mindset to her role in which she plans services and events for preschoolers and their families; trains and provides support for the Preschool staff and Serve Team; and, oversees communication and curriculum. The highlight of her role is helping preschoolers form a relationship with Jesus! When not working, this McNeese State University grad loves to find time to read. Jodi and her husband, Michael, have five children and one dog.
John serves as Maintenance Manager at The Bayou, an ideal fit given his background in construction and his desire to fix and build things. Outside of work he enjoys being in the outdoors, hiking, fishing, and hanging out with family and friends.
Lori joined The Bayou Church in 2024 as Groups Coordinator, driven by her passion for helping others find meaningful community. She has been a part of the same small group for six years and loves seeing people grow in their faith through relationships. Lori and her husband have two boys and a dog, and they love spending time outdoors. She also enjoys running, trying new foods, and relaxing at the beach—her happy place.
Lydia, also known as Lyds, started at The Bayou in 2012. Her analytical mind, passion for helping others grow spiritually, and sass are the perfect blend in her role as Connect Director. Lydia develops processes to help move people from guests to living out their purpose by facilitating relational connects and the spiritual growth of adults through weekend services, discipleship strategies, volunteer teams, and assimilation of adults. She also invests in and develops leaders through relationships and programs to grow in their spiritual maturity. When not working, Lydia enjoys being at home with her husband, Cody, and three children. She also enjoys keeping up with her siblings and tasting the spiciest foods at local restaurants.
Madelyn, or Maddie, joined The Bayou staff in 2015. She loves being part of how The Bayou impacts Acadiana and the kingdom of heaven through her role as Executive Director of Weekend Services. Maddie's primary responsibility is overseeing all aspects of our weekend gatherings and leadership of our worship, tech, communications, and video teams. She is a systematic and organized thinker, with a knack for enhancing creativity, efficiency, and quality in all she does. While not at work Maddie enjoys reading, spending time with friends and her husband, Matt.
Madeline became The Bayou’s Care Coordinator in 2025, bringing a background of working with people from all walks of life. She loves using her organizational skills to support the church behind the scenes, ensuring every detail is in place so members' needs are met with care and compassion. Outside of work, Madeline enjoys live music, festivals, crafting, and spending time outdoors hiking and camping. She also has two beloved cats, Munchkin and Lizzie.
Mary joined The Bayou in 2022 as our finance manager with many years of accounting experience. Her calm and quick-witted personality bring stability and joy to our team! While born in New Iberia, this California-raised girl loves enjoying local restaurants like Zea's with her husband. When not working, you can find Mary crafting or supporting brain tumor awareness.
Melvin joined The Bayou staff in 2022 after working more than 18 years as a controller/treasurer in the oilfield. This native of Acadiana, and Eagle Scout, loves numbers and helping people and organizations achieve their financial goals—and enjoys his interactions with staff and church members at The Bayou. He and his wife are also realtors and enjoy flipping houses. For more insight into his childhood nicknames (Peanut, MegaMel), meanwhile, you’ll need to ask him. He enjoys spending time with his wife and son, along with other family and friends, hanging around his house, watching movies, and supporting many of the great restaurants in Lafayette.
Mia joined The Bayou in 2022 as worship leader. Her contagious laugh and joyful spirit are valuable in her role as she plans worship sets for Sunday mornings. Mia is not new to The Bayou as she grew up attending and even interned with the worship team as a music business student at University of Louisiana. When not working, you can find this Lafayette native singing, making hats for her brand, Montero Hat Co, or enjoying her favorite local restaurants.
Mike, or Padre, faithfully served The Bayou Church 35 years as Senior Pastor. Through his courageous leadership, East Bayou Baptist Church has grown into The Bayou Church. His passion and vision has always been to see lives transformed in Acadiana and beyond through Christ-centered relationships. When not working, Padre enjoys time with his wife, Paula, children and grandchildren.
Morgan joined our team in 2018 as Kids Ministry Coordinator, and in 2023, she stepped into the role of Kids Minister. Her bubbly personality is contagious as she oversees Kids Ministry (kindergarten-5th grade). She is responsible for the vision and discipleship of the ministry, and leads serve teams in creating environments for services and events. She loves that her role reminds her that age is not a barrier to knowing God. This Houma native and UL graduate also loves hanging out with friends, funny movies, and visiting Olde Tyme Grocery.
Nathan serves as Executive Director of Adult Ministry, a role in which he oversees and provides strategic leadership to the adult ministry directors. He also oversees and fosters relationships with The Bayou’s local and global mission partners. When not working, you can find Nathan wearing his favorite Louisiana sports team colors, hunting, fishing, or spending time with his wife, Kayla, and their three children.
Sagan joined The Bayou in 2022 as our database administrator, shifting to technology manager in 2024. His passion for solving problems is evident in his love of games, including the ongoing chess game setup in his office. He is also well-known in student ministry as the Game Master. When not working, this LA Tech graduate enjoys sports, reading, and spending time with his wife and dog.
Sami joined The Bayou as Kids Ministry Coordinator in 2024, but also previously served in our Student Ministry. She assists the Kids Pastor, serving as the communications lead within the ministry, and coordinates materials and experiences for Sunday mornings and events. She is excited to help the next generation grow in their faith. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, and watching TV shows.
Stephanie has been a part of The Bayou Church family since October 2022 and officially joined the staff in August 2024. As the Adult Ministry Coordinator, she finds joy in working with the Adult team to connect with others in meaningful ways. Stephanie and her husband, Nathan, live in Youngsville with their two beloved fur babies, Rocco (dog) and Jezabel (cat). When she’s not at work, Stephanie loves staying active with sports and yoga, diving into a good book, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Sean brings organization and a heart for ministry to the role of Facilities Director as he coordinates repairs and maintenance for our 18.3-acre campus. This Michigan native loves college football and spending his free time with his wife, Cady, and their three children and pets.
Sean Walker serves as the Lead Pastor at The Bayou Church. Sean grew up at The Bayou and has volunteered and served in many different capacities and ministries. He graduated from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and then received his Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He officially joined the staff in 2008 as the Student Pastor and led 6th-12th grade students until 2015. Sean loves having a front row seat to see God’s miracles in people’s lives every day. When not preaching, leading staff or spending time with people in the church, you can find this Saints fan watching football, training for marathons, or spending time with his wife, Tory, and their two kids.
Will joined the staff in April 2024 to serve and develop the Care Ministry leaders at The Bayou Church. He’s credited The Bayou for saving his life, so his purpose has become equipping others to do the same. In his role, Will fosters a culture of compassion, development, and support through a commitment to The Bayou’s measures to Know God, Find Community, and Make a Difference. He also strategically implements initiatives, empowers leaders, and exemplifies compassion and empathy in serving the community. Down the road, he's determined to earn a Ph.D. to help raise up generations of counselors. Will enjoys running, reading, volunteering, and sharing dad jokes. He is married to Jessie, and they have two incredible boys together. His life verse is Ezekiel 36:26-28.
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