Meet our staff

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." --  Romans 12:11

  • Michael G. Ferguson, Senior Pastor

    Mike began serving as Interim Pastor in December 2003 and was called as Lead Pastor in March 2004. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Bridget, and they have been together for 38 years. They have three children: Michael, Joseph, and Marion.

    Although Mike was new to the pastoral role at the time, he and his family were not new to Lanier. They attended Lanier from 1986 to 1998, where his wife and sons came to know the Lord. While there were some new faces upon their return, it truly felt like coming home.


    From 1999 to 2002, the family attended Galilee Baptist Church, where their daughter accepted Christ. During this time, Mike answered the Lord’s call and surrendered his life to ministry. Between 2000 and 2002, he served as a supply preacher in several churches. On August 25, 2002, he was ordained into the Gospel ministry and became the pastor of his first church, Cane Brake Baptist.


    As Lead Pastor, Mike is known for his dynamic preaching and his genuine heart for people. He loves others well, is a man of his word, and faithfully cares for his church family. His desire is to see lives changed through the power of God’s Word and to shepherd the flock with integrity, compassion, and truth.



  • Michael G. Ferguson, Jr.,  Associate Pastor and Youth Minister

    Mike Ferguson Jr. has been faithfully serving at Lanier since 2003. He is married to his wife, Sharon, and together they have three children. Their family has a heart for ministry and serving others. 


    In 2020, Mike answered the Lord’s call into ministry, stepping into a deeper role of leadership and service within the church. He now serves as Associate Pastor and Youth Minister, where he is passionate about investing in the next generation and helping others grow in their walk with Christ.


    Mike has a strong focus on youth, discipleship, and outreach, with a particular burden for reaching the local neighborhoods surrounding the church. His desire is to see lives changed through the Gospel and to equip others to live out their faith daily.

    Outside of ministry, Mike enjoys fishing and spending quality time with his family.

  • Robert Reames, Minister of Music

    Robert Reames began serving at Lanier in October 1999 as Interim Music Minister and was later called as Lead Music Minister in 2000. He is married to his wife, Patti, and together they have three children and six grandchildren.

    Prior to coming to Lanier, he served at Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Pride, Louisiana, where he faithfully used his gifts in ministry.


    With a deep love for music and worship, Robert is passionate about leading others into meaningful praise and creating an atmosphere where people can connect with the Lord. He also enjoys fellowshipping with his church family and values the relationships built through ministry.


    He has a heart for sharing the Gospel wherever he goes, seeking every opportunity to point others to Christ through both music and daily life. Outside of ministry, he enjoys hunting and spending time with his family.

  • Nancy Wagenaar

    Nancy Wagenaar began serving as Church Secretary at Lanier in May 2013. She has a long history of faithfully serving in church ministry and using her gifts to bless others.


    In her late teens and early twenties, she played the piano and taught Sunday School at her home church, North Highlands. She later served as pianist at Winbourne Baptist Church in the 1990s until the facility transitioned to Healing Place. Following that, she attended Sherwood Baptist Church, where she also served as a pianist for several years.


    At Lanier, Nancy continues to use her musical gifts by filling in as a pianist when needed. She has a genuine love for people and a heart for helping others, faithfully serving both the church and community in her role.