JEFF SMART

Senior Pastor

Jeff has served in full-time ministry since 1980 as a student pastor, worship leader and lead pastor, serving churches in Louisiana and Arkansas. He is a graduate of Louisiana College in Pineville and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. During Jeff's down time, he enjoys time with his family, college football, hunting, fishing and golf. Born and raised in Louisiana, he loves Cajun food and LSU sports! He and his wife, Susan, have been married over 30 years. God has blessed them with four children Megan, Joel, Jon and Emily.

TODD FREE

Discipleship and Administration Pastor

Todd has been in ministry for over 30 years serving in a variety of ministry positions including youth pastor, worship pastor, and senior pastor.  He has also served  as an international missionary in Brazil.  Todd is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  He loves spending time with his family, attending sporting events (especially Louisiana Tech!), and spending time outdoors.  Todd and his wife Lesley have been married for over 30 years and have four children.   Todd provides leadership for our Bible study and discipleship ministries and manages our church office.

CHRIS WALKER

University and Missions Pastor

Chris was born and raised in Minden, LA, about 45 minutes west of Ruston. He grew up going to Tech sporting events with his family!  Chris attended Ouachita Baptist University to play football, and graduated from Louisiana Tech in 2002 with a BS in Secondary Education.  After teaching high school math and coaching football for 10 years, Chris felt the Lord calling him to full-time ministry.  He’s got two seminary degrees – a Master’s in Missions from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as a MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Chris and Amanda love having students in their home and feel passionate about making disciples who make disciples.  Come join our college ministry family!  Love y’all!

WES PIERCE

Youth Pastor

Wes is a Monroe native who began his ministry at Cook in the summer of 2018. He has previously served as Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Wisner, Louisiana and Swartz First Baptist Church. He is a graduate of Ouachita Christian School and The University of Louisiana at Monroe. Wes has a passion to see students come to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.

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Wes leads our students into growth opportunities such as Connect Groups, Wednesday night worship, fellowships, summer camp, and much more.

JASON AMBROSE

Worship Leader

Jason has been a member at Cook his whole life. He loves serving at Cook with his talented wife and kids!

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Jason leads our Sunday worship services, directs our adult choir, and has a hand in all things music and media related at Cook.