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!

Teddy Forrest – Music Minister

I’ve been a part of Trinity Baptist church from its very beginning.  I was 5 years old when my parents, Ted and Mildred Forrest joined a group of friends and formed this church.  At seven, I made a profession of faith at the close of a worship service led by our first Pastor, Brother Bill Trimble.  Soon after, I was baptized in Natalbany River. I grew up with a tremendous love for music, especially church music.  There has always been gospel music in my house.  Music was such a very important part of our worship at church.  That love for worship music and songs of faith and praise has been with me for all of my 70 years!  I also received great musical training from some great teachers, both vocal and instrumental.  I started serving as Choir Director at TBC in 1964 when I was a Freshman in high school.  And, except for 3 years in the Army, I served in that capacity until 1995. I received a Bachelors Degree in Instrumental music education in 1989 and was hired as Band Director/Teacher at Ponchatoula High. I taught 21 years, retiring in 2011. I am so grateful to the people of Trinity for allowing me to continue my passion to lead worship music in our church.  I thank my Savior for giving all of us a reason to praise God.

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.

Derek Wall – Associate Pastor

Originally from Greensburg, LA. Derek now lives in Satsuma, LA.  Derek is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA, where he earned a BA in history.  Derek Also received his master’s degree from New Orleans Theological Seminary in Christian Education with a focus in student ministry.  Derek has served in churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.  He is married to Koree Hagan Wall of Pine Grove, LA and has one daughter, Miranda Beth Wall. Derek has a heart for family and student ministry, the local church, and the word of God. He is a die hard LSU & New Orleans Saints fan. He loves American History, Star Wars, Marvel Movies, and Coffee

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.