STAFF
ANDREW BATES: LEAD PASTOR
Andrew Bates is from Winnfield, LA. He has a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has pastored at various churches in Louisiana. He is married to his loving wife, Emily Bates and the two were blessed with two beautiful daughters.
Andrew enjoys hunting, fishing, ranching, and reading. Andrew is excited about the ministry opportunities to reach the community of Eunice, LSUE, and the tri-parish area.
Email: andrewbates@fbce.net
KEETON BLAKENEY: ASSOCIATE AND STUDENT PASTOR
Keeton grew up in church and vacation bible school made a huge impact on his life year after year as a child. After VBS in third grade, he gave his life to Christ. Keeton grew in his faith throughout high school and deepened his commitment to the Lord. He knew as a freshman at Samford University that he felt God calling him to ministry. Keeton was licensed into ministry by his mentor at FBC Montgomery, AL and was ordained in Helena, AL. He has been in ministry part time and full for over 25 years.
He and his wife, Shelley have three incredible children, Chapel, Brantley, Tinsley and son-in-law, Nick. Keeton enjoys basketball with his children, vacationing with family, golf, and storage auctions. As an added bonus, he also owns Gilbert’s Pizza in DeRidder, LA!
Email: keetonblakeney@fbce.net
CONNIE BEAUGH: WORSHIP COORDINATOR
Connie Beaugh was not born playing the piano, it just seems that way! In addition to her gifts as a musician, Connie is the staff member responsible for coordinating all our worship services and special worship events. She graduated from Eunice High School and continued her studies at UL Lafayette.
Connie plays a critical role in the Eunice Community Choir and Band and is an exceptional piano teacher. She is also a much sought after accompanist for weddings and funerals. Connie is wife to Terry, mom to Ashley, Anthony, and Arien, and "Mimi" to 13 grandchildren.
Email: conniebeaugh@fbce.net
SAVANNA BROWN: WORSHIP LEADER
Savanna Brown was raised in Basile, Louisiana, and by some accounts she came out of the womb singing. She has been involved with leading corporate worship through music in some facet since she was 11 years old! She got married to her husband, Matthew Brown, in 2018 and they have a son and a daughter.
Savanna has been a part of the FBCE family for a decade now, and has served on the praise team, which she now leads.
Email: savannabrown@fbce.net
LINDA OGEA: OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Mrs. Linda has been the financial secretary for our church since 2007. She has a passion for our church and a servant’s heart. She is married to her husband Rocky and they have two beautiful daughters and three energetic grandchildren.
She loves Hallmark movies, hot chocolate, and spending time with family.
Email: lindaogea@fbce.net
NICHOLE BERZA: ADMINISTRATOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
If you a have a little one between the ages of NB - 6th grade, you’re going to want to meet Mrs. Nichole! Her passion for the littles is evident in the way she watches over our children’s ministries and coordinates events.
Nichole and her husband, Chris have a son and a daughter. As a mother to two young children, Nichole doesn’t have much time for hobbies. In the spare time she does have, she runs a small monogramming business and enjoys a nice cup of coffee!
Email: nicholeberza@gmail.com
TOM MCMANUS: ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR SENIOR ADULTS
Tom is happily married to his wife, Kathy. He studied Religious Education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Tom is originally from Eunice and joined our staff to minister to and love on our senior adults. He also leads a worship service at Eunice Manor every Thursday.