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Copyright 2024, Westside Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Merrick joined the staff of Westside Baptist Church as the Lead Pastor in July 2020. Before this, he served as an associate Youth Pastor in Jackson, MS for two years, and as a College Pastor in Ruston, LA for four years. His greatest desire is to live as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while serving the local church to help lead people to know and follow Jesus. 
Luke joined the staff at Westside in October 2022. Prior to coming to Westside, he served as a lead pastor for five years at a church in central Illinois. Before that, he served as a youth pastor for eight years. Luke’s greatest passion is growing disciples and applying spiritual disciplines to every day life.
Braden started at Westside in August of 2020 as the Student and College Pastor and in August 2024 he transitioned to College Pastor. Prior to serving our church, he served for three years as the Middle-School Pastor at First Baptist Church of Ruston, LA. He loves students! Whether it is a 6th grader or a Senior in college, Braden wants to see students radically follow Christ.
Julie began at Westside in July of 2022 and was hired as the kids minister in September of 2024. Prior to serving at Westside, she taught elementary ages for seven years and then stayed home with her girls for two years. Julie's desire is for all children, no matter their age, to learn about Jesus and his character. She believes that even little hearts can love Jesus in a big way.
Micah became a member of Westside in January 2024 and was hired as the Student Minister in August 2024. Before this, he worked at Crossings Camp multiple summers and served faithfully in the local church. He deeply desires to grow relationships with students and for them to radically follow Jesus during their years in student ministry and long after.
Lesley has always been a fan of Kingdom Kids even before taking over as director in 2011. She has been a part of KKLC as a parent, teacher and interim director in the past. A Marshall County native, Lesley married her former classmate Erik in 1993 and they have together raised their three children Callie, Cole, and Caden.
Cody and his family have been members of Westside since January of 2021. He became the worship leader in March of that year and has loved serving ever since. Prior to being at Westside, Cody was always involved with leading worship since he was in college at Murray State University.
Terry began at Westside in July 2021. Terry is a Calloway County native and married his wife, Terri, in September 1983. Together they have one son, Shaun. In his spare time, Terry likes to cruise around with his wife Terri in their Corvette and go to car shows.
Elizabeth joined the staff at Westside in May 2022. Prior to this, she taught 3-year-olds at Kingdom Kids Learning Center. Elizabeth has been married to her husband, Lee, since August 2011. They have 4 children: Ethan, Elliott, Maggie, and James. For fun, Elizabeth enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Heather began part-time at Westside in August 2016, and joined the full-time staff in July 2022. Some of her favorite things are spending time with her two boys, Austin and Kaden, and hiking.
Debbie has been a member at Westside for over 20 years and joined the staff in January 2024. For the 20 years prior to working at Westside, she worked for Murray Electric System in the accounting department. Her passion is her family, but she also enjoys reading and traveling.
Copyright 2024, Westside Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.