Whether they’re preaching the Word to teens, pulling an all-nighter to set up for an event, or going for yet another pizza run, youth pastors never seem to run out of steam. Following are just a few Jackson metro churches and why they love their youth ministers. If your teen isn’t part of a youth group, consider checking out one of these! And if you or your teen has benefited from the ministry of a caring youth pastor, thank him or her today. Better yet? Volunteer to grab the next stack of pizzas.
Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Ridgeland
Ford Rigney loves students deeply and serves them with dedication. He has a gift for connecting with students, meeting them where they are, and pointing them toward Christ. His faithful teaching of Scripture, genuine care, and steady investment in their lives make a lasting impact on students and families throughout our community.
First Baptist Brandon
We are incredibly grateful for Aaron Sibley and his dedication to our students here at First Baptist Brandon. Aaron leads with genuine love, wisdom, and a servant’s heart. He invests in each student, encourages them in their faith, and faithfully points them toward Christ. We are blessed to have him!
First Baptist Clinton
We rejoice in our youth associate Jackson Breedlove, whose love for the Lord shapes everything he does. He gives countless hours mentoring students, cheering them on, and building godly character and leadership. His encouragement is constant, his service selfless, and his desire is helping others know Christ’s love and follow Him wholeheartedly.
First Baptist Florence
When you think of who you want impacting the lives of teenagers around you – Ryan Keith is the picture that should come to mind. He loves his students and his church fiercely. He knows and cares for each of his students personally, and he’s invested in their lives. He doesn’t miss an event at Florence High School (especially as the Voice Of The Eagles). He champions his students in all that they do, in every way he can. He points them to Christ by walking through life with them, praying for them regularly, and teaching them every chance he gets. His passion for teaching his students and leading his church shows in his pursuit of not one, but two master’s degrees in theological studies and worship ministry. Ryan is the epitome of a youth pastor, and we are so thankful he is ours.
First Baptist Jackson
First Baptist Jackson is deeply grateful for student pastor Russ Daniels and his heart for our youth. Russ consistently leads, encourages, and invests in the next generation, pointing students to Christ through faithful teaching, genuine mentorship, and joyful service. Thank you, Russ, for your dedication to our church family!
First Baptist Madison
We celebrate Luke Comfort and the way he faithfully invests in the next generation. Through authentic relationships, biblical truth, and a culture where students are known and connected, Luke meets students where they are while continually pointing them to Jesus, helping them truly know Christ and grow as devoted followers of Him. As part of FBC Madison’s family ministry, Luke also recognizes the important role parents and families play in discipleship. His ministry extends beyond weekly gatherings, partnering with families and encouraging students to treasure God’s Word, live out their faith, serve others, and follow Jesus in every area of life.
Highlands Presbyterian Church, Ridgeland
Highlands is richly blessed by the leadership, energy, and care Michael Hawkins brings to our student ministry. Since 2024, Michael has faithfully served as Highlands’ director of student ministry, ministering to students in grades 6-12.
Under Michael’s leadership, the student ministry at Highlands continues to flourish. At the heart of his ministry is a deep passion for helping students come to know Jesus and grow in their faith. Michael’s vision is to cultivate a community where students grow in their love for and knowledge of their Creator and Savior.
Through sound teaching from God’s Word, meaningful relationships, and intentional discipleship, he strives to ensure every student feels known, cared for, and encouraged. Michael is also passionate about equipping students to reach beyond themselves and share the hope they have in Christ Jesus with others.
We are deeply grateful for Michael’s faithful investment in the next generation and his continued service to our church family.
Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton
Since becoming our youth pastor, Davis Snyder has been intentional about discipling our students. He makes time to meet with them individually, answer their questions, study Scripture together, and walk with them through life. His leadership consistently points students toward Christ.
Wellspring Church, Gluckstadt
Miranda Jones brings passion, kindness, and creativity to everything she does as Wellspring’s director of student ministries. A gifted musician with a deep love for Jesus, Miranda does more than entertain our students — she challenges them to wrestle with relevant issues, grow in their faith, and become committed disciples of Christ.
