Jonah Kyle Traylor – Youth Pastor

I have had the privilege of growing up in Trinity Baptist Church since birth, and I became a member at age nine when I made a profession of faith and was baptized. Since then, my love for God and people has continued to grow. God called me into this youth ministry position while I was serving as a staffer at Crossroads Summer Camp in Anderson, South Carolina. Since then, I have enjoyed working and building relationships with all of my students. I, now, could not imagine my life without them. God has gifted me with many interests and abilities. In addition to being a baseball and football athlete in high school, I also have a love for music, art, and theatre. I am currently attending Southeastern Louisiana University where I am earning my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Drafting and Design. As the current Vice President of our Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) at SLU, I am also the worship leader where I sing and play guitar. In my spare time, I love to hunt, fish, write, perform in musicals, and explore the outdoors. God has blessed me with an amazing church family who has helped shape me into the person I am today. My Granny, Rosa Mae Kinchen Traylor, was a charter member of Trinity, and I plan to, one day, raise my kids in this church.

Courtney Jones – Children’s Minister

I am the youngest of four girls, born and raised in Hammond, LA. I have three sisters, two brother-in-laws, two nephews, two nieces, five step-siblings, a cat, and a turtle! I recently graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences. I spent most of my college experience serving on the leadership team at the BCM there! My life motto has always been “Love God. Love People”. I have always enjoyed caring for and teaching young children. I believe that each child is made in the image of God, and I consider it a great honor to be given the responsibility of training precious young minds and hearts. I love spending time with my friends and church family, singing, dancing, and spending time outdoors. When I’m not at Trinity Baptist Church, you can find me teaching 2nd grade at Courtney Christian School! What can I say, my name’s Courtney, I’m a christian, and I work at Courtney Christian School! I am so thankful to be a part of this ministry and I can’t wait to see how God will grow and shape me through this church!

Sandy Berthelot – Church Secretary

Hello!  My name is Sandy Berthelot, and I’m very excited to be your administrative assistant.  I grew up in a small town right alongside the Mississippi River called Destrehan.  While attending Southeastern Louisiana University, where I received an associate’s degree in Office Administration, I fell in love with Hammond.  My husband, Milton, is a wonderful godly man.  We have two grown children, and I just adore being Maw Maw B to our two beautiful grandsons.  I have a heart for mission trips and mission work.  In my spare time, I love to crochet, watch movies, work in my yard, and, of course, play with my grandbabies.

Avery Dixon – Lead Pastor

God called me into ministry at the age of seventeen, and although I wasn’t sure what that meant, I knew that from that point on I would go wherever he led. Over 20 years later, God is still finding things for me to do.  My life in ministry has been a journey, starting with camps for children and R.A.’s, then youth ministry, and now the role as Senior Pastor. I have a desire to see people not only know Jesus, but to grow up in Him.  I hunger to see the church become healthy people with an abundance of love and forgiveness for others. 

God has blessed me with a beautiful and artistic wife who genuinely loves people.  I also have been given two amazing children, Aiden and Mia.  Besides my love for Jesus, these three are the most important things in the world to me.

I also enjoy being outdoors hunting and fishing and participating in sports, both as a spectator and a player, when my body allows it. I’m a big Saints fan and love the Atlanta Braves.  I received my undergraduate in Journalism and Public Relations as USM and my Master’s Degree at NOBTS.  I am currently really enjoying my time here at Trinity Baptist Church as their Pastor.  They have been a huge blessing for me and my family.