who we are

First Church is a group of people who are, simply put, disciples of Christ. We strive to love God, 

to put Him first in all things, and to love others as He loves us. Studying the Word and spending time in prayer

we grow in faith. As Jesus was a servant, we too strive to serve the Kingdom and those around us. 

And we answer the call to go into our world sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 


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 PASTORAL STAFF

Our Pastoral Staff, under the direction of Pastor Zale Lewis, is committed to teaching the Word, 

preaching the Gospel, and serving the community of DeRidder. Our ministry team is dedicated

to the mission to love, grow, serve, and go. 

  • zale and gaye lewis

    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. 

  • chance and sarah lewis

    executive 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. 


  • kevin and suszanne reeves

    assistant pastor

    Kevin and his wife Suszanne have two children, Andrew and Keri. Since answering the call to ministry, he has served in many different ministerial capacities, serving a majority of the time on the pastoral staff of First Church as the Assistant Pastor. He is actively involved in the business community and volunteers with local civic organizations and is one of the chaplains for the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Department. He has a love for God and a passion for people.