Church Staff
Pastor Rodney Lara
Senior Pastor
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A native of San Antonio, Texas, Pastor Rodney Lara has served as Senior Pastor of Judson since 2007. He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and ultimately accepted the call to pursue a preaching ministry in 1995, where he graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Pastor Lara has served at Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, and immediately prior to joining JBC, ministered at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas.
Having prayed that God would bring them to a culturally diverse church body, Pastor Lara, his wife Billie and their three lovely daughters are excited to be a part of JBC where folks are living out Jesus’ words found in John 13:34-35.
Tom McElroy
Associate Pastor
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Pastor Tom McElroy has been on staff since 2004. At the age of 17 Jesus changed Tom’s life forever when a friend explained to him that the death of Jesus on the cross completely paid the penalty for his sins and purchased eternal life for him. God continues to fill Tom’s heart and life with love, joy, peace and purpose!
Tom ministered as a church planter in Spain and earned a Master of Arts degree from the School of World Missions and Evangelism at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Tom and his wife Mary Ellen are the parents of two wonderful sons.
Kenny Baker
Youth Pastor
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Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Pastor Kenny has pursued his calling to Youth Ministry since the age of 16. For the past ten years, he has served as student leader, intern, volunteer, interim, and full-time Youth Pastor. He graduated from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry with an emphasis in Cross-Cultural Studies. Prior to coming to Judson, Kenny served as the Youth Pastor at East Side Baptist Church in Comanche, TX. Kenny is passionate about seeing teenagers and their families transformed by the Gospel of Christ.
He married the woman of his dreams, Kimberly, in January of 2009. They have since prayed that God would lead them to a racially diverse church in a city with a great need for ministry to teenagers. The Bakers are excited about the community of Judson Baptist Church and the challenge of reaching teenagers in the Austin/Oak Park neighborhoods.
Lynette Lovely
Children's Ministry Director
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lynette@judsonoakpark.com
After many years of volunteer service in all areas of JBC’s children’s ministry, Lynette joined the staff in 2009. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University. Much of her professional career has involved working with children and volunteer management.
A native of Chicago, IL, Lynette and her husband David enjoy suburban life with their son and twin daughters.
Barbara Lange
Assistant for Discipleship & Connection
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Barbara grew up in River Forest and has called Judson “home” for over 25 years.
Being passionate about seeing people grow in their relationship with Christ and ensuring that people feel connected within the church family led to Barbara coming on staff in 2010.
Barbara earned a Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from the Moody Bible Institute’s Graduate School in 2009 and has a desire to continue to serve God wherever He may lead!
Abigail Hanrahan
Operations Manager
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