BRO. ZACH AND RACHEL VAN GIESON, Pastor

Zach and Rachel come to Lakeview having most recently served as Pastor at Chandler Springs Baptist Church in Talladega. Prior that assignment Zach was the Pastor of Youth & Families at Iron City Baptist Church (Anniston), Children’s Minister at the Church at Station Hill (Spring Hill, TN), and staff member at Brentwood Baptist Church (Brentwood, TN).

Zach received a B.A. in History from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Brentwood Baptist Church in June 2011. Zach is currently bivocational, serving as HR Manager for AOD Federal Credit Union. Zach and Rachel have four children: Morgan (ER nurse at RMC), Luke, Nathan, and Caleb.

A note from Zach: “Our family is honored to serve the Lakeview Baptist Church family here in Oxford. We are grateful for the legacy of this church in our community and look forward to how the Lord will use us to further his kingdom in Calhoun County and beyond. We would be honored to have you visit us one Sunday or reach out to me personally at the information below. I also encourage you to check out our Facebook page where you will find videos of our services to help you get a feel for what it’s like to worship at Lakeview. We look forward to seeing you soon.”

PATRICK SYER, Youth Pastor

There is no greater joy than seeing someone come to know Christ and then seeing them continue to grow into the likeness of Christ. I am thankful that Lakeview Baptist Church has given me and my family the opportunity to help bridge the gap as interim youth pastor. I have been married to my wife And for 26 years and we have 3 children. Connor (21) is a junior at JSU. Brody (20) is a sophomore at Southern Union and Judd (15) will be a 9th grader at Oxford High School this fall. I am currently the head baseball coach and offensive coordinator at Harrison County High School in Tallapoosa, Georgia.

JANET WEEMS, Worship Leader

I was raised in Oxford Alabama and have attended Lakeview since birth. I suppose you could say I was “born and raised” at Lakeview. After teaching for 33 years, I retired from teaching special education. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to lead the music worship at Lakeview. I believe music is a vital part of the worship service and it is a blessing to work with other individuals interested in using their talents to assist in leading worship services. Lakeview is a loving family of believers who enjoy serving together for the Glory of God.

I am married to Mark. We have two daughters Andrea Abernathy, husband Clyde, and Julie Schneider, husband Michael. We are blessed to have three beautiful granddaughters Ashlynn and Anna Abernathy, and Caroline Schneider.

PATRICIA CRUSE, Children’s Ministry Coordinator

I’m currently serving as the Children and Preschool Ministry Coordinator. I was born in Calhoun County and moved to Oxford when I married my best friend, Phil Cruse. We have two wonderful sons, Steven and Kyle, and they married two wonderful ladies. We have two grandchildren, Chloey and Oliver, and they are one of our greatest gifts!

My love for God has placed me in a church where I am able to serve the Lord and work with Children. I love being able to tell them about how much Jesus loves them. I get to show them that love through Children’s Church, Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, and other activities.

DONNA WELLS, CDC Director

I have two wonderful children, Kayleigh and Carson. I graduated from Gadsden State in 1999 and have been working in Preschool Education ever since. It is the most rewarding job in the whole world! I have had the honor of working at LBCDC since we opened in 2015 and have been the Director since December 2017. We are so blessed to be a part of this wonderful church family! 

My favorite thing about working at the CDC is the sense of family we have established. Most of the staff have been here for a while and have developed into family for me! It also helps to come to work each day when you are greeted by the kids with hugs and affection! 

CAROLYN LOVVORN, Senior Adult Coordinator

I graduated from Oxford High School and retired from Jacksonville State University. After the death of my late husband, Steve Halmo, I married William (Boots) Lovvorn. We have been married for eleven years.

I have been a member of LBC since 1979. After my retirement in 1998, I started serving as Director for A-1, the Senior Adult Ministry, and teaches the Joy Sunday School class. Also, I help with teaching in the Children’s Church and teaching Bible School. I love working with Senior Adults and children and serving the church as Church Hostess. Working in all areas serving God is very rewarding.