Our Staff

Rich was raised on a dairy farm in West Alabama and attended the University of South Alabama before earning his M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS, where he also served as a youth ministry intern. He later served at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, MS, first as Assistant Pastor and then as Senior Pastor (2012–2025). In October 2025, he was installed as Senior Pastor at Lakeland.

Rich and his wife, Annie, have two children, Sophie and Judah. They enjoy music, sports, friendships, and time outdoors. Rich is passionate about clear, gospel-centered preaching and longs for others to know that Jesus is truly better and enough.

Born in the Fort Worth, Texas, area and raised in the Piney Woods of East Texas, John has learned to appreciate life among the trees—he far prefers them to dust! After graduating from Carthage High School, he attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in 1987. He continued graduate studies in music while serving in music and worship ministry, beginning at age 14.

After marrying Lydia and serving in full-time music and education ministry, John moved with his family to Jackson to attend Reformed Theological Seminary, earning his M.Div. in 1995. He then served for 10 years as Assistant Pastor at Arlington Presbyterian Church in Texas before returning to Mississippi in 2005 as Assistant Pastor at Lakeland Presbyterian Church. In 2025, he earned his Doctor of Ministry from RTS focused on disciple-making.

John and Lydia have two grown children, John Christopher and Hannah, both members of LPC, as well as two wonderful in-laws, Marguerite and Josiah. They also enjoy keeping up with their five grandchildren. John is an avid reader, enjoys sports and the outdoors, and occasionally dabbles in vegetable gardening.

Millie was born and raised in Flowood, Mississippi. She graduated from Hartfield Academy in 2022. Millie is currently in O.T. Assistant school with the goal of building a meaningful career helping others. She has always loved kids and has loved being able to provide comfort for the children at LPC. Outside of school and other responsibilities, Millie enjoys spending time with friends, shopping, and running.

Ellen was born in Jackson and raised in Brandon, Mississippi. A member of Lakeland Presbyterian Church since 1996, she has been actively involved in the life of the church for many years.

After graduating from Brandon High School, Ellen earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Mississippi State University, followed by master's and specialist degrees from William Carey University. She has served as an educator in the Pearl Public School District since 2012.

Having grown up in LPC's youth ministry, Ellen began volunteering with students during college and joined the church staff as Youth Assistant in 2023. She is thankful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of students and serve the church that has had such a meaningful impact on her own faith.

Ellen and her husband, Jason, have been married since 2013. She enjoys reading, attending concerts, cross-stitching, and spending time with their two cats, Gandalf and Ivy.

Wyatt was born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi. He graduated from Gulfport High School in 2023 and is currently a senior at Mississippi College studying Christian Studies. Wyatt loves to play tennis (or pickleball), throw a frisbee, and watch Star Wars.

Danyelle is a graduate of Northwest Rankin and Holmes Community College. She is passionate about working with children in a caring and supportive environment. In her spare time, Danyelle enjoys creating diamond art.

Annie is originally from Overland Park, Kansas. She graduated from John Brown University with a degree in Family & Human Services and later earned a general M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary. She is married to Richard Owens, and together they have two children, Sophia and Judah, along with their beloved poodle, Stone. Annie loves Christ, His church, her family, good friends - both new and old, coffee, naps, and walks. Annie is so honored and excited to serve in Children & Family ministries.

Megan is a collaborative pianist and music director originally from Memphis, Tennessee. She and her husband, Jacob, live in Jackson with their daughter, Juniper.

Rebecca was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 2010 and then from Mississippi State University with a BSIS degree with concentrations in Psychology, Art, and Business. Rebecca and her husband, Palmer, live in Brandon and have two children, Lucas and Maggie Mae.

Jack grew up in northern Illinois and married his wife, Casey, in 2020. He received his B.A. in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute. Jack is now in the M.Div program at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson with plans to graduate in 2028.

Levon grew up in Laurel and then moved to Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated high school from Cornerstone Christian Church. He is happily married to his wife, Val, and is the proud father to twin daughters, a stepson, and three grandchildren.