Ben Balser, Media Producer
benbalser@stjohnsbr.org
Ben was born and raised in New Orleans, spending holidays at his grandfathers farm in Magnolia, MS, giving him exposure to both city and country life. He has been doing media production for more than 20 years. A commercial drone pilot, Apple certified Master Trainer, and formerly VP of production for a TV station and online streaming service, Ben has served in a variety of positions in the media industry. He joined our staff in September 2021.
Kate Bouchillon, Family Ministries Director
Kate Bouchillon is passionate about building connections and helping the next generation grow in their faith. She recently graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and is currently a Master of Public Health Student at LSUS. Throughout her time at Auburn, Kate was deeply involved in community outreach, serving in roles that focused on health education, mentoring, and addressing disparities in rural areas. She feels called to create spaces where children, youth, and families feel deeply known, valued, and empowered to live out their faith with confidence and joy. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, spending time outdoors, and sharing laughter with friends and family.
Kate Byars, Communications & Marketing Strategist
Kate Byars serves as Communications Manager at St. John’s, where she helps tell the story of the church through newsletters, bulletins, social media, and special projects. She is passionate about creating clear, welcoming messages that connect people to ministries, events, and one another. With a background in photography and marketing, Kate brings creativity and organization to everything she does in service to the church community.
Dr. Terry Byars, Accompanist and Praise Team Director
terrybyars@stjohnsbr.org
Terry holds a B.S. in English Education from LSU and a Ph.D. in Theatre Arts also from LSU. He is currently Assistant Professor of Theatre at River Parishes Community College. He has been the St. John’s organist since 200
Lynn Cooper, Administrative Assistant
office@stjohnsbr.org
Lynn, a long-time member of St. John’s, joined the church staff in August 2014 after working 25 years in the non-profit field. She has two grown sons, Paul and Jody, two daughters-in-law, Natalie and Kimberly, and four grandchildren, Kellen, Madeline, Elizabeth and Ivy.
LeAnn Davis, Manager of Finance and Facilities
LeAnn joined St. John’s staff in December 2017.
Bill Putzig, Custodian
Bill has been attending St. John’s for more than 12 years. He maintains our facilities and grounds and helps manage set up for all of our St. John’s worship services and events since 2017. He was born and raised in Florida and moved to Baton Rouge in 1997. Bill loves to hike and has two cats!
Cheryl Roubique
Cheryl loves caring for and bringing joy to those she tends to in the nursery. In addition to providing a loving and safe environment for the infants and toddlers of St. John’s, she is a nanny for two delightful twins and their new baby sibling.
Dr. Steven Rushing, Choir Director
stevenrushing@stjohnsbr.org
Steve Rushing, a Baton Rouge native from a musical family, has enjoyed a distinguished career as a university professor, professional soloist, and church musician. After teaching at Kansas State and Southeastern Louisiana University, he also served 15 years as chancel choir director at First Presbyterian Church Baton Rouge. Today, Steve shares his gifts as a teacher at The Baton Rouge International School, cherishes time with his wife Lois, their two children, and seven grandchildren, and has served on the staff of St. John’s since November 2021.
Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor
pastorlane@stjohnsbr.org
Rev. Lane Cotton Winn became lead pastor at St. John’s in July 2017. Previously she served as the senior pastor at Pearl River United Methodist Church (Pearl River, LA), associate pastor at Aldersgate UMC (Slidell, LA) and associate pastor at First UMC of Amite, LA.
Lane earned her bachelor’s degree in communications, with a concentration in photojournalism, from Loyola University in New Orleans. Upon graduating, Lane moved to New York, where she was the staff photographer and audiovisual archivist for the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) of The United Methodist Church. She earned her master of divinity from Emory University and is an ordained elder. In August 2022, Lane earned her MBA with an emphasis in Nonprofit Church Administration from Dakota Wesleyan University.
Lane and her family find joy in exploring new places, sharing good meals, and creating memories with the people they love.