Our Lead Pastor, Dr. Shearer, was born in Mississippi, but lived much of his childhood in Charleston, SC. He returned to Mississippi as a teen and spent 4 years in the United States Navy. He's an alumnus of William Carey University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Mid-America. Kevin served as a pastor in churches in south Mississippi and Tennessee, as well as an IMB missionary in Peru for about 20 years. He loves to equip people to bring others to Christ. If you'd like to contact him, email him at .

Dr. Demetric Cooley leads our choir and worship team. He is a teacher at Earl Travillion Attendance Center. A native of Lumberton, MS, he currently resides in Hattesburg . He attended Pearl River Community College majoring in Music Education. He received a BMEd from USM,  and an MMEd. from WCU. He received a Doctorate of Music from Higher Calling Bible College and Seminary. His pastimes include fishing for crabs on the Coast and traveling. Contact Demetric at demetric.cooley@38thavenuebaptist.org..

David Hulsey was born in Richton, MS, and adopted at 13 months of age to a couple in Carterville, MS. He graduated from Petal High School, William Carey College, and New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He was called by God to a church-related vocation while a student at William Carey University.
He has served churches in South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi as Minister of Education and Senior Adults for the last 58 years. He is married to Carolyn Hulsey. They have two sons and four grandchildren. His desire is to help senior adults have a full and meaningful life.

Diane has served as our Children's Director for several years. She has been a member of 38th Ave Baptist Church since 1992 where she serves in various roles such as  Assistant Treasurer, Interpreter for the Deaf, and  on various committees. She is a Hattiesburg High graduate, having received her BS in Business Administration from Mississippi State University.  She also holds a Master's in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.from Abilene Christian University. She has twin daughters and enjoys working with children of all ages.

Francisco Javier Parada serves as Pastoral Assistant for Hispanic Ministries.. He was born in the beautiful city of Merida, Venezuela, a place with a splendid climate and wonderful people, While living in in Valencia, a city in the center of the country, he met and married Magdelys Reyes. They are parents of two sons, Javier Andres and Xavier Alejandro. He holds a Lic. Philosophy Degree as well as a post-grad degree in Organizational Development. Despite, received while attending a Baptist Church in Valencia for a number of years, He was baptized as a believer at 38^th Avenue Baptist Church.

Jennifer serves as Administrative Assistant in our church office. She has an extensive background in marketing and office management. Please contact her with any questions or to volunteer.

Karen relocated to Hattiesburg from North Carolina, and has lived in a variety of places, including overseas.  She graduated with a BA in Bible from Columbia International University, holds two Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix, and has completed some courses at NOBTS. She has a heart for internationals and teaching the Bible. In her free time, she likes to cook and read.