By Brandon Rogers, First West communications
WEST MONROE – First West has hired Mark Cole to be its next generation pastor.
Cole will give leadership to preschool, children, and student age divisions and will build relationships with families to integrate them into the work and ministry of the church.
“Words cannot express how excited we are to be joining the team at First West. I believe amazing things are in our future as we continue to lock arms with the West Monroe/NELA community in the days ahead,” says Cole. “My joy in life is to be invested in the daily lives of the next generation, helping them in their journey to and with Christ!”
Cole has served as the Next Generation Pastor at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the past four years.
His primary ministry responsibilities included setting vision and structure for ages birth through 12th grade and their parents.
Before serving as Next Generation Pastor, he served as student pastor at Istrouma for five years.
“I have known Mark for several years,” says Michael Wood, Lead Pastor of First West. “He values family and has the heart for family ministry. He is a man of integrity and is a great addition to our staff.”
Before serving at Istrouma, Cole served at churches in Arlington, Texas, and Germantown, Tenn. He has also served as the middle school head football coach for Parkview Baptist School since 2010. Mark speaks at various retreats, camps, chapels, and parenting seminars.
Mark is married to J. Jaye. They have three children – Corbin, Mallie, and Titan. Cole’s first Sunday at First West will be Dec. 11.
