If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them. You can also contact the church office at office@fbcponchatoula.com.
our staff
dr. david e. cranford
senior pastor
Dr. David Cranford was called to FBC Ponchatoula in September 2008. A native Louisianian, Dr. Cranford is a graduate of the University of New Orleans (B.A.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M., D.Min.). He is married to Kathie and they have 3 children: Caroline, John, & Peter. Pastor David is passionate about communicating the Word of God in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ. You will find his preaching to be very Word-centered. He leads Reach Missions Partnerships and serves in various positions of leadership in the Northshore Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention. In addition, Dr. Cranford is a past President of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
robert parkin
Associate Pastor
Robert began serving at FBCP in 2014. Robert holds a Master of Divinity in Christian Education with a Concentration in Youth Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a graduate of Mississippi College with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Christian Ministry Studies. Robert enjoys many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, golf, and sporting clays. He has been married to his wife Alanna since 2018.
ryan reister
Interim Minister of Music
Ryan began serving as Interim Minister of Music in 2025. He is a graduate of the University of Mobile with a degree in Music Education. Ryan formerly served as Director of Worship & Youth at Oak View Baptist Church in Okeechobee, Florida. After moving to Louisiana in 2023, he taught music in St. Tammany Parish for two years. Ryan is married to Scarlett, and they have two children: Ryan James and Remington. Ryan loves to play board games, golf, and participate in various outdoor activities like camping, swimming, and hiking.
mary beth crovetto
Minister to Children & FAmilies
Mary Beth has been serving as Minister to Children since August 2022. After 34 years as an educator, she retired as principal of Ponchatoula Junior High. She graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a B.A. in Communication Education, an MEd. In Secondary Education, a +30 in Administration and Supervision and has a Specialist certification in Reading. She is married to her college-sweetheart, Kevin, and they have 3 children: Greg (Macey), Mary Anna (Daniel), and Alexandra. Her ministry focus is centered around teaching children to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, while equipping them to go and tell the Good News to others. She was recently recognized by the Ponchatoula Rotary for her service to schools, church and the community. In her spare time, Mary Beth enjoys walking, writing, and scrapbooking.
Adam Polk
Minister to Students & Families
Adam began serving at FBCP in 2024 and is working toward a Master of Divinity in Christian Leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of North Greenville University in South Carolina with a B.A. in Mass Communication focusing in Media Ministry. Originally from Gastonia, North Carolina, he has lived in South Louisiana serving in ministry since 2017. He and his wife Camille married in 2020 and welcomed their son, Nolan, in 2023. He loves traveling and spending time with his family.