Staff
Dr. David Crosby
Senior Pastor
First Baptist New Orleans is seeking to please the Lord Jesus by speaking the message of the gospel with clarity and by connecting those words to good deeds that demonstrate what the words mean. We are Jesus people. We believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, just as he said in John 14:6.
We are Great Commission people. We want to tell the whole world how Jesus Christ forgives sin and transforms our lives (Mt. 28:18-20).
We are Great Commandment people. We want to love God with all our heart and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt. 22:37-40).
Join us in our journey toward hope, faith, and love. We invite you in - into our hearts, into the family, into the fellowship, and into the Kingdom of God.
David grew up with 12 brothers and sisters, and his father was a pastor. He married Janet Hamilton from Star, Texas, in 1972. They have three grown children and four grandchildren. He worked as a reporter for the city desk of the Times-Picayune here in New Orleans. As a former pastor, J.D. Grey, always said it would--this city got into my hair and then into my heart. David received a B.A. from Baylor University; an Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and a Ph.D. from Baylor University.
Robert Comeaux
Associate Pastor of Worship & Music
A native of New Orleans, I've recently discovered the incredible blessing of returning home to serve God in my home church. I met my wife, Juliet, in college and we have an incredible son, Nathan, who lights up our lives in every way. We lived in Phoenix, Arizona prior to coming to New Orleans in November of 2007. There we developed a love for the Diamondbacks and the Suns. I've been a Saints fan since I could utter the words "go stinks." I'm also a die-hard LSU fan. In our spare time Juliet and I enjoy watching sports (if you couldn't tell) and TV dramas like CSI and Without a Trace. I'm having a blast rediscovering New Orleans - especially as a musician. My hobbies include golf and finding local spots for music and incredible food. Lately, I've been listening to Leeland, Coldplay, and Switchfoot.
Andrew Crosby
University Minister
Andrew grew up in Cleburne, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, and he is currently working on a Master of Pastoral Studies with a focus in Small Christian Community Formation from Loyola University.
I hope to help New Orleans area university students catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God and find their place in the work that God is doing in this city.
Paul Hussey
Pastoral Care & Senior Adults Minister
New Orleans..."the city that care forgot!" Motto? Prophecy? Epitaph? So much has changed since Katrina stormed through the entire Gulf Coast and flooded much of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Time in New Orleans will forever be determined by two phrases: "before Katrina" and "after Katrina."
As a native of New Orleans who now owns a cement slab where my house once stood, I identify with everyone who has been displaced and stripped of nearly all worldly possessions. But I have learned that losing my belongings and the life associated with them fades to the point of insignificance as I engage in a fuller understanding of God's will for my life and receive His mercy and grace in my time of need (Heb. 4:14).
Serving as Minister of Pastoral Care and Senior Adults at FBNO is part of my fresh encounter with God's goodness. As a staff member, I am able to write my Ph.D dissertation in preaching for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and teach as an adjunct professor. I enjoy my wide-range ministry with both young adults and senior adults. I also enjoy responding to inquiries from those who encounter our ministry so more people can "taste and see that the Lord is good." I welcome your questions.
Jon Palmer
Youth Minister
Jon grew up in Tifton, Georgia. He received his Bachelors degree from the University of Georgia in Health and Physical Education, and he is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Jon is married to the former Anna Samples of Tifton, GA.
I believe that God has called me to New Orleans to focus on reaching the students here for Christ. My hope and prayer is that the students would not only come to know Christ as Savior, but would become true disciples of him. This would in turn lead to the changing of the city of New Orleans for Christ and helping change the world for Christ. This is a big task, and we need your prayers.
Chris Smith
Families & Children Minister
Chris grew up in the Montgomery, Alabama area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry degree from Leavell College, New Orleans, LA, and is pursuing a Master of Divinity in Christian Education degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Chris is married to the former Alyson Graves of Graceville, FL. Chris and Alyson have three children; a son, Alex, and two daughters, Joy and Ivy Grace. Chris has been in ministry for over 20 years having served churches in Holtville, Billingsley, and Montgomery, Alabama.
I believe the primary purpose of preschool and children's ministry is to provide an atmosphere where children can see, hear, and experience the love of God. My desire and prayer is for children and their families to have the opportunity to experience God's goodness through Bible studies, games, and activities. Above all I want the simple fact that Jesus Christ has provided eternal life by dying on the cross and rising from the grave to be reflected in my attitude and actions.
Anna Palmer
Missions Minister
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia that blessed me with a certain sense of hospitality and a very noticeable accent. It is from that cozy environment God called me to study in New Orleans. What I once thought was a very temporary stop in New Orleans, God has revealed as calling and a passion. I love this city! New Orleans is unique in many ways; it is full of both tradition and diversity. And, post-Katrina New Orleans is a city full of challenges and opportunities.
As believers we are to use these challenges and opportunities to be vessels of his grace and love. I am excited about serving in this city and empowering others to be his vessels here in New Orleans and around the world.
Justin Olvey
Business Administration Minister
I felt God's call to ministry as a freshman in college at the University of Alabama. My wife, Brooke, felt called to be a minister's wife as a freshman in high school. We got married in the Fall of 2001, and in the Spring of 2003 God lead us to New Orleans for seminary. Like many others we came down planning to stay only a couple of years. New Orleans quickly became our home away from home. We fell in love with the city and decided to stay. Our son, Jace, was born here in February of 2007.
We are excited to be a part of FBNO where we have been attending since we moved to the city and especially excited to serve on our church's staff. My responsibilities as Business Administration Minister allow me to be a support to each of the church's ministries, which is an exciting task. We truly believe God has opened this wonderful opportunity to us and we are enjoying these days and looking forward to the days to come as we serve in this interesting, challenging, exciting, and wonderful city.
