Our Pastor & Staff 

Bro. Bryan Wells was born and raised in East Palatka, Florida where he grew up in a Christian home, his grandad being his pastor for most of his life. He trusted the Lord as his Savior at the age of 7.  Bro. Bryan started singing professional Southern Gospel music at age 15 until he took a staff position at his home church after graduating high school. He served in the youth department, music, started a bus route and led the A.C.E. Christian School. In 2003, he left Florida, to attend Heartland Baptist Bible college in Oklahoma City where he later met his wife, Tammy, while serving together at Southwest Baptist Church. He and Tammy were married in 2006 and have since been blessed with six children, Addison, Bradley, Carleigh, Drew, Everly, and Finley. In 2008, Bro. Bryan and his wife graduated from Heartland Baptist Bible College. He served as the Director of the Pre-teens in the youth department at Southwest Baptist Church for 10 years. From the end of 2023 to the middle of 2025, he served as pastor at Choctaw Baptist Church in Idabel, Oklahoma. He was called to be the pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church in July of 2025.

John Griswood was born and raised in Morrilton, Arkansas. He trusted the Lord as his Savior at the age of 11. He and Yvonne were married in 1978. Shortly after, they started attending Riverview Baptist Church where he answered the call of God on his life to preach. In 1986, he graduated from Fellowship Baptist College, in Peoria, Illinois, with a Bible training degree. From 1986 to 1990, he served as an associate pastor at Riverview Baptist Church, and in 1990, the Griswoods moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma to serve as the associate and youth pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. He was called to be the pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church in September of 1992 and faithfully led the church until January 5, 2025, when he was called up to Glory. He and Yvonne were blessed with four daughters, all grown and married: Rachel, Emily, Sarah, and Abigail.