Pastoral Staff
Robert Lawrence
Senior Pastor
He has served at Ascension Baptist Church in Gonzales, Louisiana since 2012. He has also pastored churches in Georgia and Mississippi. He has served in the ministry for over 28 years, is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and an author. He is involved in associational work and leads Church Revitalization and Replant.
He is married to his wife, Wanda, for 45 years. They have three grown children: Brian, Sharon and Mary. They have 8 grandchildren.
In his spare time he enjoys fishing and reading.
He has a passion for the Kingdom of God and to see lost people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, and born-again believers strengthened in their personal walk and defense of the faith.
He is married to his wife, Wanda, for 45 years. They have three grown children: Brian, Sharon and Mary. They have 8 grandchildren.
In his spare time he enjoys fishing and reading.
He has a passion for the Kingdom of God and to see lost people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, and born-again believers strengthened in their personal walk and defense of the faith.
Marvin Reed, Jr.
Associate Pastor
He was licensed to the Gospel Ministry in 1997 and ordained in 2004. He has served on the pastoral staff of Ascension Baptist Church since August of 2002. He is an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Pensacola Junior College, University of West Florida, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
He and his wife, Nicole, have been married since 2004 and have three children, Abigail Grace, Elijah Jacob, and Micah Ray. He is a native Floridian, and she is a native Louisianan. Following God’s call and direction for their life, Louisiana has become home to both of them.
His vision for the Ascension Baptist family is a vision of togetherness as the Body of Christ. A passion of his and Nicole’s heart is to link the generations within the church. ONE BODY… ONE CHURCH… ONE MISSION… Come and join in all of the fun and help them see their vision become a reality.
He and his wife, Nicole, have been married since 2004 and have three children, Abigail Grace, Elijah Jacob, and Micah Ray. He is a native Floridian, and she is a native Louisianan. Following God’s call and direction for their life, Louisiana has become home to both of them.
His vision for the Ascension Baptist family is a vision of togetherness as the Body of Christ. A passion of his and Nicole’s heart is to link the generations within the church. ONE BODY… ONE CHURCH… ONE MISSION… Come and join in all of the fun and help them see their vision become a reality.
William "Red" Thornton
Minister of Music
Having served churches in Louisiana, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, he and his wife Jo Ann came to Ascension in July of 2013. He has served as a Worship Pastor/Minister of Music for over 40 years and never tires of the opportunity to lead God’s church in worship and in celebration of the living and loving God. “It is my heart’s desire to see the church grow in its passion for the Lord as we worship God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is our Biblical mandate to be a people of worship and praise as we come together as a church family.” This is his purpose in leading Ascension Baptist to be a worshipping church.
He also has the privilege and pleasure to give leadership to the Sr. Adult Ministry of Ascension, The Young at Heart Ministry, and enjoys their time together each month as they meet for lunch and as they take excursions around the community and state.
He and JoAnn have three sons Nathan, Joel, and Luke. They also have seven grandchildren.
He also has the privilege and pleasure to give leadership to the Sr. Adult Ministry of Ascension, The Young at Heart Ministry, and enjoys their time together each month as they meet for lunch and as they take excursions around the community and state.
He and JoAnn have three sons Nathan, Joel, and Luke. They also have seven grandchildren.
Support Staff
