First Baptist Church Leadership
First Baptist Church is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. Following are brief bio's of our leadership team and their qualifications for ministry.
Dr. Leo Miller
Senior Pastor
Dr. Leo Miller was called to serve as First Baptist Church's Senior Pastor on January 1, 2011. Prior to that, he served as Senior Pastor of Bedico Baptist Church in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
The attributes that best describe Pastor Leo as a pastor are strong leadership, love for the congregation, a commitment to making disciples, and a love for the lost. He has led First Baptist Church to build a new campus after the Great Flood of 2016 and has focused on revitalization and making disciples. Pastor Leo believes God has called First Baptist to be a regional life-transformation center.
He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2010 with a degree in Leadership and Administration.
Pastor Leo is married to Deborah. They have two children and five grandchildren.
Matt Calhoun
Worship Pastor
Matt Calhoun was called to serve as First Baptist Church's Music Minister in August, 2010. Prior to that, he served as Music Minister at Wyatt Park Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
The words that best describe Matt are joyful, dependability, and focus on worship. Matt LOVES to have fun, to laugh, and lead others to grow in their desire to worship the Lord.
He graduated from the Conservatory of Music at The University of Missouri Kansas City in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Vocal Emphasis.
Matt is married to Heather. They have seven children: Aidan, Jai, Tristan, Rylan, Liam, Beckham, and Henley.
Niki Allen
Kid's Minister
Niki Allen was called to serve as First Baptist Church's Children's Minister in July, 2016. Prior to that, she served as Children's Minister at a church in Milan, Tennessee.
Niki uses her spiritual gifts of administration, teaching, and discernment as she serves the children and families at First Denham. Her role includes anything and everything that has to do with children and helping them grow in their relationship with the Lord.
She graduated from Liberty University in 2012 with a Master's of Arts in Religion and Discipleship Ministries.
Niki is married to Michael. They have two children: Sager and Sadie Glyn.
Billy McDaniel
Discipleship & Administrative Pastor
Billy McDaniel was called to serve as First Baptist Church's Discipleship & Administrative Pastor in July, 2017. Prior to that, he served as Executive Pastor at a church in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
The attributes that best describe Billy as a pastor are dependability, experience, and commitment to discipleship. His role includes administrative duties and oversight of the discipleship ministry of the church.
He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000 with a Master's Degree in Religious Education.
Billy is married to Beth. They have two children: John Mark and Ford.
Ben Dyer
Student Pastor
Ben Dyer was called to serve as First Baptist Church's Student Pastor on July 22, 2018. Prior to that, he served as Student Pastor at Bayou Sara Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama.
The attributes that best describe Ben as a student pastor are a passionate desire to see students come to Christ, a commitment to making disciples, focused relationships, and a commitment to reach as many students as possible with the Gospel. He believes God is doing amazing things in the next generation and his prayer is that God lights a fire in this generation.
He graduated from The University of Mobile in 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and Christian Studies.
Ben is married to Shannon. They have two daughters: Lydia and Margot.
