Our Pastors
Johnny Dammon
Lead Pastor
Johnny and Kathy have been serving the Lord together for more than 40 years. Pastoring churches in Texas and serving internationally as missionaries, the Dammons bring lots of interesting experiences and unique perspectives to our First Baptist Lake Charles family. Johnny started as a Pastor while a college student and has been serving in the role of our Lead Pastor since 2017.
Kathy was a high school math teacher in her earlier years and now enjoys discipling younger women as they grow in their faith. While living overseas she poured her life into students and enjoyed introducing them to Jesus and helping them grow in their spiritual life. When not spending time in ministry, Kathy loves hanging out and playing with their 4 grandchildren. She also enjoys going fishing with Johnny, as long as the fish are biting.
Johnny and Kathy met in college and married right after Johnny’s graduation and have been growing together in love ever since. Johnny loves the people of God and loves preaching and teaching God’s wonderful word. He also loves hunting and fishing, and an occasional round of golf.
Kevin Funderburk
Pastor for discipling and worship
Pastor Kevin and his wife Regina both hail from Texas but have enjoyed living in Lake Charles since 2019. They have four children—one son, and three daughters. The two youngest daughters are twins and were adopted from Ethiopia.
Pastor Kevin and Regina have been leading worship together for over 30 years, including eleven of those years oversees.
Kevin’s hobbies include watching sports, playing guitar, walking, and spending time with his kids. Regina, an elementary school teacher and avid reader, loves reading books and finding new and effective ways to help children learn.
As pastor for Discipling and Worship, Kevin desires that every believer learn the Truth and pass it on, as well as worship Creator God fervently and faithfully.
They are both excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for First Lake Charles!
Justin Schroeder
Student Pastor
Justin and Michelle both grew up in South Louisiana and individually ventured to Louisiana Tech University where they met. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Justin continued his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Master’s in Christian Education with a concentration in Student Ministry. Justin and Michelle have been working with students for over 11 years here in the States as well as overseas as missionaries. God has given them a heart to see young people come to know Him and fall in love with Him. They have one daughter, Piper, who is the life of the family making every day enjoyable and fun!
Justin loves sports and will try and play any sport that is out there! He has a love/hate relationship with triathlons and competes in a couple each year. He enjoys watching LSU sports, even when they lose. He loves to spend time outside hiking, camping, or just going for walks. His favorite time is spent with his family on camping trips and traveling around the world. Since he is surrounded by girls at home, you may also find him being forced to watch a girly movie.
Justin and Michelle love students and are excited about what God is doing at First Baptist Church. They want to see students, “Love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind”.