MONTEREY — When worshippers gather at Lismore Baptist Church Sunday, they can expect singing, announcements and a sermon.

But rather than the usual pastor, the man standing behind the lectern will be Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Lismore Baptist Church deacon Gilbert McMillin said getting the governor to come speak at the church has been something the church wanted for some time.

“One of our members knew him or knew someone who knew him a while back, and this is something that has been brewing for a while,” McMillin said.

“It was in the works for something like two years, and they called four or five days ago and said he had an opening in his schedule.”

While Jindal is known for both his state and national involvement in politics, McMillin emphasized that the church service would be apolitical.

“The service is supposed to be for Christian worship,” he said. “He is going to give his Christian testimony.”

Jindal was raised in a Hindu home, but converted to Christianity as a teenager.

Services at Lismore Baptist Church start at 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

A reception honoring the governor will follow the service at noon.

The reception will be hosted by Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell at the CPSO Monterey substation.

The substation is located at 6098 Louisiana 129.

Lismore Baptist Church is located at 5148 Louisiana 565.