Our Leadership – McClendon Baptist Church

Kevin Stewart, Lead Pastor

Kevin has been married to Diane for 34 years. They have two children: Faith is a Physical Therapist, and Bethany is a Middle School math teacher. Both daughters enjoy music and pets. Kevin surrendered control of his life to Christ as Lord and Savior as an 18-year-old just prior to graduating from High School. Shortly after that, he felt God wanted him to preach. He has pastored churches for over 30 years. He holds two degrees from Ouachita Baptist University, as well as a Masters and Doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Kevin enjoys football and reading, as well as shooting his 9 MM Glock with Diane. He and Diane enjoy the beach and the mountains. Sometimes he even enjoys shopping with Diane.

James Gardner, Associate Pastor

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James' Bio

James has been married to Elaine for 28 years. They have three children: Will (25), Emma, (23), and Jacob (18). James trusted Jesus as his Savior at Children’s Camp when he was 10 years old. While attending Baylor University James felt God’s call in his life to ministry. James graduated from Baylor University with a BBA in Computer Information Systems in 1993, a Master of Divinity in 1997 from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023. James enjoys spending time with his family, sports, and is an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. James has served as Associate Pastor at McClendon since 2000.

Jimmy White, Minister of Music

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Jimmy's Bio

Jimmy was born and raised in Bastrop, La. He has been married for 33 years to Mendy Reynolds White. They have 3 children, Zach (30), Noah (24), and Josie (13). Zach graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Mathematics. He currently teaches and coaches at Ruston High School. Noah graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in Music Education. He is married to Rachel Camp White and he is currently the Director of Bands at Calhoun Middle School. Josie is currently an 8th grader at Calhoun Middle School. All his family are musically talented and are involved in the music ministries at their church. Jimmy gave his life to Christ at the age of 10 and has been involved in music ministry all his life. In 1989, he began serving as a part-time music minister at Oak Hill Baptist Church and has served at several Northeast Louisiana area churches ever since. On September 9, 2012, he surrendered to full time music ministry. In December of 2012, McClendon Baptist Church called Jimmy to serve as their full-time music minister. Jimmy earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology at Northeast Louisiana University (ULM) in 1990 and has worked in several area hospitals and clinics for 22 years. Jimmy enjoys spending time with his family, playing his guitar, and watching/playing sports.

Elaine Gardner, Director of Children & Preschoolers

Elaine's Bio

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Wes Coleman, College & Young Adult Minister

Wes's Bio

Wes was born and raised in West Monroe, LA, and began following Christ as Lord at the age of eleven. He began feeling God calling him into ministry as a student attending ULM in 2010. Wes graduated with his B.A. in Kinesiology in 2012 and a Master of Divinity in 2020 from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to his beautiful wife and partner in ministry, Amber since 2011 and they have a son named Micah. Wes enjoys spending time with Amber and Micah, reading, playing guitar, and tinkering on old automobiles.

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Alex Toms, Student Minister

Alex's Bio

Alex has been married to Aubree for two years. Alex gave his life to Christ at a DNOW retreat when he was 14. He attended Northwestern State University, majoring in History. It was there, in 2018, that Alex received the call in his life to surrender to ministry and began serving as the Student Minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Natchitoches before being called to McClendon. Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, duck hunting and fishing, and loves New Orleans Saints football.

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Location

206 Downing Pines Rd.

West Monroe, LA 71292

318.322.2782

Sunday

8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Live at 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m.