GRACE
United Methodist Church
OUR STAFF
Kevin has been married to Jana Rousseau Smith since 1997. He has been a pastor in the Louisiana Annual Conference since 1999, serving United Methodist Churches in Monroe, Ferriday, Clayton, Vivian, Pine Ridge, Tangipahoa, and Winnfield before moving to Ruston in July 2021 to serve at Grace. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University and a Masters of Divinity with Languages from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and he has taken additional classes at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, Perkins School of Theology in Houston, and Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. He is an avid sports fan, especially all LSU sports and New Orleans Saints football. Jana and Kevin have several pets that they enjoy spending time with in addition to their family and friends.
PASTOR KEVIN D. SMITH
SENIOR PASTOR
GARY TEAGUE
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Gary has served as Grace's Music Director since October 2000. He served as the band director at Ruston Junior High for more than 20 years. He is a U.S. military veteran and a Louisiana Tech alumnus. His talent for leading music is a blessing each Sunday as he directs the musicians and choir. Gary is married to Jeanne and they have two beautiful daughters, Aubri and Kori.
Denise has faithfully served at Grace as the Administrative Assistant for many years. She has a bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech and for many years worked for the Lincoln Parish School Board. She brings a wealth of knowledge and information to her position and is a proud mother and grandmother.
DENISE BAKER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
JoAnn has served as pianist at Grace since 2020. She happily serves the Lord with her amazing musical talent. She is also employed at Louisiana Tech. JoAnn and her husband, Trevor, have a daughter.
JOANN DAVIS
PIANIST
Emery, a Monroe native, serves the Grace Youth Ministry on a part-time basis while she pursues her architecture degree at Louisiana Tech. She has experience working with youth and college students in multiple settings and bring a wealth of knowledge and heart to her work with the youth at Grace.
EMERY JOHNSON
YOUTH MINISTRY INTERN
Chase has served as facilities manager at Grace since 2021. He is responsible for the general oversight and performance of all janitorial duties. Chase is a Haughton High School graduate, has studied at Louisiana Tech, and has a variety of job experiences. He and his wife, Khalilah, are the proud parents of a daughter.