Church Staff

John A. Nixon, Senior Pastor

Pastor John, his wife Roxann, and three kids; Ella, Sara and John Robert, joined the ministry here at Bayside in June 2012. He is a graduate of the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Arts degree (magna cum laude). He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He has served as an university and seminary professor, as well as a pastor before coming to Bayside Baptist. Pastor John can be reached at pastornixon@baysidebc.org. 

David Joshua, Church Administrator

David Joshua is our Church Administrator and is responsible for administering the business affairs of the church. David and his wife, Peggy, began attending Bayside in December 2016. David spent 28 years in the United States Navy serving as a Surface Warfare and Strategic Planning Officer for numerous staffs.  He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Morehouse College in Atlanta Ga., a Master of Science degree in Management from Salve Regina University in Newport RI, and a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. David loves the Lord and strives to use his administrative talents to walk humbly and guide with integrity (Psalm 11:2b-3a).  David can be reached at administrator@baysidebc.org. 

Michael Wells, Worship and Media Arts Director

Michael joined our staff in August 2014. Michael spent 24 years in the United States Navy serving as a piano and keyboard instrumentalist. A graduate of the Basic Music, Unit Leader and Senior Musician courses at the Armed Forces School of Music, he is an exceptional musical leader effective at developing a variety of musical products, including live and recorded performances featured world-wide. On top of directing our 9:00 and 10:30 gatherings, Michael creates video productions for church events. Michael can be reached at media@baysidebc.org. 

Jessica Davidson, Kids Ministry Director 

Jessica loves children and has worked with them as a youth group leader, a preschool teacher, a Sunday school teacher, at a resident treatment facility and a substitute teacher. She is passionate about seeing children learn how deep and wide Jesus’ love is for them. She desires to see children set their hope in God. Jessica can be reached at kids@baysidebc.org.  

Joel Davidson, Student Ministry Director

Joel is passionate about helping our youth grow in Christlikeness, the knowledge of God, and fruitfulness. Joel received his undergraduate degree from Texas State University, a master's degree from The University of North Texas and a Master’s of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his work with the Student Ministry, Joel also serves on Bayside's Worship Team. Joel can be reached at joeldavidson@baysidebc.org

Lauren Sisson, Weekday Preschool Director

Lauren, along with her family, has called Bayside Baptist home since the Fall of 2015. She has served with our Sunday morning Children’s Worship and Wednesday evening programs. Lauren strives to help children grow and develop into the unique individuals God intends them to be through meaningful relationships, engaging lessons, true worship, joyful service, and parent partnerships. Lauren can be reached at bbwp@baysidebc.org 

Karen Rizzo, Director of Communications

Karen and her family first began attending Bayside in August of 2006. Karen coordinates and communicates the church calendar, events and projects to church members and the general public. The best part of her role is getting to work alongside incredible leaders- both staff and volunteer. Karen also provides administrative support to the Senior Pastor. In addition to her role in the church office, Karen also serves as a member of our Praise Team.

Karen can be reached at krizzo@baysidebc.org.

Katrina Critides, Bookkeeper

Katrina has been a member since August 2011. She is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and attended Florida State University where she minored in Economics. She has over 10 years of experience in Bookkeeping, Human Resources, and Management. She is a driven Navy Wife and actively serves as our Food Pantry Coordinator.   Katrina is devoted to our Lord and strives to live her life through 1 Cor. 10:31 ,  “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. Katrina can be reached at bookkeeper@baysidebc.org.