Pastor: Cody Thomas
Cody became the pastor at OGBC April 2022. Cody was born and raised in south Louisiana. He received degrees from SLU and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Cody is married to Mallory (also born and raised in south LA) and they have three children: Anna Claire, Macie and Jax.
student Ministry: noah starnes
Noah Starnes became the student pastor at Oak Grove Baptist Church in March 2026. He was born and raised in Gonzales, Louisiana. Noah received a bachelor's degree in Christian Ministry and a Master of Divinity in Christian Apologetics from NOBTS. He is currently pursuing a Master of Theology at NOBTS. Noah married the love of his life, Arianna, in May 2026. Noah desires to disciple students as they learn to love God, live out their faith, and continually grow spiritually. Helping students know what they believe, why they believe it, and live out their beliefs.
Children's Ministry: Jen Ghere & Madison Guarino
Jen Ghere was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She began her journey as a follower of Christ as a teenager while involved in the youth program, Young Life. She married a Christian man in 1996 and shortly after moved to Louisiana, once he left the Air Force. She has served at Oak Grove in the children’s department, women’s ministry, and activities committee. While raising 4 kids, she has worked at CrossPoint School teaching Pre-K and then Kindergarten for the past 3 years. She was called to serve at Oak Grove as Children’s MInister in 2018 and finds great joy in teaching children weekly. Her greatest sources of joy are family, church, friends, and leading children to love and accept Jesus.
Pastor-Emeritus: John W. Carrigan, Jr.
John graduated from LSU in business and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as lead pastor from June 1981 to March 2022 when he retired. John is married to Jo Ann and they have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Their daughter Casey is married to Rev. Josh Burnham and their son John Carl is married to Haley.