ABOUT US

Sam Brooks, Pastor

Sam met Christ in a personal way in the summer of 1972, after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in criminology. Following a short time as a police officer, he left his career in law enforcement to obtain his Master’s of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

After seminary, Sam, his wife, Merida, and their five children moved to Lafayette and have called Acadiana home since 1981. He began his ministry as pastor of The Open Door in 1991. His passion is to see people experience the life, peace, and freedom Jesus Christ has promised those who follow Him (Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

When not in the pulpit, Sam and Merida enjoy relaxing together at home and traveling on their Honda Gold Wing, especially to visit their children and grandchildren.

Fred Davis, Worship Director BACK TO TOP »

Fred has been in worship ministry for over twenty years and has served as Worship Director at The Open Door since 1998. He’s honored to serve with a team of dedicated individuals with a heart for worship. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, he has played guitar and bass, and has been singing lead since high school. He married his wife, Debbie, in June, 1979. They have three adult children: Kat, Caroline, and William. In addition to his musical experience, Fred has maintained a law practice in Lafayette since 1983. He is also a teacher at UL- Lafayette.

Fred accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior on December 31, 1983, at a Michael Card concert. Fred considers it a fulfillment of his life’s passion to be able to lead worship. “To lead in worship, we are privileged to serve as facilitators for people to enter into a deeper experience of the presence of God! We celebrate with our voices, instruments, hands, and entire countenance to glorify and honor God. He is the Audience of One. When the congregation grasps that, the worship team becomes invisible.” Fred’s ministry scripture is found in 1 Chronicles 16.

According to Fred, the basis for the worship experience is best summarized by Louie Giglio. “We are created to worship; as humans we are going to engage in that activity. The question is whether our actions and thoughts honor Jesus, the only One worthy of our adoration. If we are engaged in life by placing Jesus at the center of our worship, then we don’t ‘go to church to worship,’ we ‘go worshiping to church.’” It’s a huge difference because church is not compartmentalized as our only ‘worship’ activity.

Kathy Merritt, Secretary/Finances BACK TO TOP »

Kathy’s been a part of The Open Door for over 20 years, and she’s seen its development from the beginning. She met Jesus in a personal way at 17 years of age and has found Him to be the rock solid foundation for her life. Always willing to serve, you will find her at the hub of most activities. From daily business to fellowship dinners to mission trips, she is the go-to person for information. She loves ministering to youth and has a heart of compassion for those in difficult situations. Her door is always open.