Blake Kersey

Lead Pastor

Blake has served as the Pastor at First Baptist since July 2014. Blake has a passion for teaching God’s Word and helping people apply it to their lives. His desire is to lead by example as FBC strives to reach people far from God and make disciples of all people.

He previously served in children’s ministry at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama and First Baptist Church in Trussville, Alabama. Before coming to Decatur, Blake served as the Associate Pastor to Families at FBC Trussville.

Blake was born and raised in Paducah, Kentucky…and his blood still runs blue for his Kentucky Wildcats! He moved to Alabama to attend Samford University and then Beeson Divinity School. He graduated with his Doctorate of Ministry in May 2013 from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

While Blake loves serving as a pastor, he often reminds the congregation, that his higher calling is to be the best husband to Lindsey and father to Noah (12), Anna Reese (9), and John (6) that he can be. At this stage in his life, he wants to spend most of his free time with his family.

Ministerial Staff

Garth Lindsay

Associate Pastor

I’ve served at First Baptist Church in two seasons—first as Recreation Minister (2002–2009) and since 2018 as Education/Discipleship and now Associate Pastor. I’ve been married to my wife, Sonja, since 1996, and we have two wonderful daughters. We love the people of First Baptist and serving alongside them in many different capacities. At FBC, I help lead our finance and facilities teams, handle administrative duties, and oversee our JOY Ministry for senior adults. It’s been a joy to serve alongside this church family for over 20 years, and I eagerly anticipate what God has in store for us next!

Andy Hammond

Worship Pastor

I’m originally from the Memphis, TN area, and I’ve served at First Baptist Decatur since 2025. I’ve been married to DeAnna since 2009, and we have four kids. We love Mississippi State and spending time together outdoors hiking or riding bikes. I enjoy good coffee, and I have a passion for teaching about biblical worship and using the music of the church to help all the generations of the church sing together. Let me encourage you to be a part of the worship ministry as we make much of Christ together.

Matt Rouse

Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Missions

It's a blessing to serve alongside our staff and with all of the incredible people of First Baptist Church. I arrived in town back in the summer of 2017 for an interim role that was supposed to last a handful of weeks and never left. Having served for a while as our minister of music, I shifted gears to lead our discipleship and missions ministries. Just as I longed to see people actively worshipping in my former role, I long to see people (hint: YOU) engaged in Bible study and going out to share Christ with others. Don't sit on the sidelines, let us help you find your place to grow and serve here at FBC.

Owen Meadows

Minister of Students

You know how the story goes, "I grew up in church, was raised by a loving family, then the Lord pulled me out of sin and into His new life for me when I heard the Gospel at a kids ministry puppet show!" No? Not your story? Well, that's mine! I'm a product of faithful members of a local church caring enough about the next generation to pray for, correct (a lot!), and disciple every step along the way as I've grown into a lifelong follower of Jesus. It's my life's goal right now to do the same for this next generation because 6th-12th graders aren't the church of the future, they're the church now!

Jonathan Freeman

Minister of Children

I grew up in Trussville, AL, and knew from a young age that I was called to ministry. My hope is that every child who walks through the doors of FBC Decatur feels the same sense of peace and belonging that church has always been for me. I’m married to my wife, Allie, and we have two boys, Josiah and Wiley. I hold degrees in Business Management from the University of Alabama and Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the years, I’ve served in a variety of children’s ministry roles across Texas and Alabama before joining FBC Decatur in 2021.

Vickie Allaway

Director of Preschool Ministries

I have been an Alabama native since 1989 when I married my high school sweetheart, Troy. We love traveling, especially overseas. When I have time, I love to cook/bake and also enjoy photography...capturing the sweet smile of a preschooler melts my heart. Even though we do not have children of our own, God healed my heart and surrounded me with lots of little ones to teach and care for. Nothing makes me happier than to see a child learn and grow in his/her knowledge of the Lord. I have always loved children (especially preschoolers), and I am so thankful God placed me in this position.

Esvi Aguilar

Minister en Español

I’ve been in First Baptist since July of 2024 and have the privilege of serving as a Pastor in the Spanish-Speaking Ministry. I have been married to Ruby, my beloved wife, since 2021, and the Lord in his grace has blessed us with two beautiful children, Isabella and Caleb. I have a passion for Evangelism and Discipleship within the Local Church. My desire and prayer are that together as a Church we can reach our community with the Gospel and make disciples who make more disciples so that healthy, God-glorifying Churches might be planted in our community and in our State, for our Joy and for His Glory

Austin Dupper

Student Ministry Associate

James 1:2-3 is my favorite verse and it says, “Consider it PURE JOY whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Praise God that even in life’s most trying moments, we can still have JOY because of our hope in Jesus Christ and our eternal home in heaven. I grew up in Decatur, and went to high school down the street. I have a passion for prayer, the nation of Haiti, and discipling young men. I'd love to meet you and for you to join our biblical community!