who we are

First Church is a group of people who are, simply put, disciples of Christ. 

We prepare our hearts by living repentant and overcoming lives, attentive to the voice of God. We seek to grow deeper in relationship with God, and through prayer and study we find divine direction. With revelation we strive to live God's word, daily making eternally wise life decisions. And, finally our objective is to teach others through a godly witness of love and service. As disciples we answer the call to go into our world sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are empowered to

fulfill this mission as we prepare, seek, live and teach. 


First Church was established over 100 years ago bringing the beautiful message of salvation to the City of DeRidder; we continue to share the Gospel of Christ throughout our community today. We strive to create a church that is a safe-haven for the hurting, that feeds the hungry, and empowers each individual, no matter their age or stage in life, to grow in their relationship with God. 

MEET OUR Team

Our staff is committed to teaching the Word, preaching the Gospel, and serving the community of DeRidder. The First Church ministry team is dedicated to the mission to prepare, seek, live, and teach

as we all become disciples of Christ.

  • CHANCE & SARAH LEWIS

    PASTOR

    Chance was born in Monroe and was raised in DeRidder where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Lewis. They have three sons, Zane, Zale, and Zebb. In the community, Chance is a Past President of the Beauregard Chamber of Commerce and a Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Department Chaplain. Chance and Sarah love people and have dedicated their lives to their ministries. 

  • zale & gaye lewis

    Senior pastor

    Zale and Gaye were both born and raised in Monroe, LA; they graduated from high school in 1980 and were married in 1981. Answering a call to the ministry, in January of 1983 they began to evangelize, and their family traveled sharing the gospel for four years. In 1987, he accepted the Pastorate of the First United Pentecostal Church of Oak Grove, LA. During their time in Oak Grove, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. In July of 1999 the Lewis family relocated to take the Pastorate of the First United Pentecostal Church of DeRidder, LA. 

     

    Pastor Lewis is known and loved by his congregation for unapologetically teaching the Word of God, for his encouraging demeanor, and his joyful nature. As a worship leader, Sunday school teacher, and marriage counselor, Sis. Lewis is devoted to encouraging the families of First Church. Together they have two children, Holly, married to Sean Bryan, and Chance, married to Sarah Lewis, and 5 wonderful grandchildren--Eden, Zane, Noah, Zale, and Zebb. 

  • kyle & callie dillingham

    student pastor

    Kyle and Callie have been married since 2016 and have lived in Alexandria, LA with their two dogs - George and Meredith. Kyle obtained his Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from Capella University. He has held multiple accounting positions with the most recent being the Federal Grants Accountant for the Rapides Parish School Board. Callie obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from Louisiana State University at Alexandria. She has served the Rapides Parish School Board as an Elementary Teacher for the past nine years. 


    Kyle and Callie have a heart for ministry and have served in many different roles at their local church. Their passion is to equip and encourage students to live their life to the fullest. Kyle loves spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Callie enjoys her dogs, plants, and naps. 

  • karen cook

    Minister of music

    Karen was born and raised in White Hall, Il. She graduated from North Greene High School and then attended Urshan College, where she graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education. She accepted a job traveling with Tupelo Children's Mansion and became the lead music teacher at Tupelo Christian Academy. 


    She moved to DeRidder in August of 2001 where she became the full time Minister of Music. She married Luke in 2003 and they are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Jonathan and Emma.