ABOUT FIRE BY NIGHT
Fire By Night is a contemporary Christian worship band dedicated to sharing the hope of Christ through worship, original music, and authentic community. Founded by husband-and-wife duo John and Michelle Lagneau, the band's mission is to lead people into God's presence and encourage hearts through music that glorifies Him.
Alongside John and Michelle, Fire By Night is blessed to be joined by close friends and talented musicians who share the same heart for worship, creating a ministry rooted in faith, friendship, and a shared passion for glorifying God—a ministry that feels like family both on and off the stage. Whether leading worship at churches, community events, or concerts, our prayer is that every performance points people to Jesus.
The Heart Behind Our Name:
"The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.
Exodus 13:21
John Lagneau
Bass Guitar • Cajón • Harmony Vocals • Sound
John's love for music began in middle school and grew into a lifelong calling to worship. As a co-founder of Fire By Night, he serves through bass guitar, harmony vocals, cajón, and sound, with a heart for leading others into God's presence through music.
Meet John Barton
JB's love for music has led him to serve the Lord through drums, bass, and teaching aspiring musicians. As a member of Fire By Night, he faithfully uses the gifts God has given him to glorify God and lead others in worship.
Meet Jessie Leak
Jessie's love for worship shines through every song she sings. As Michelle's younger sister, she brings beautiful harmonies and a heart for glorifying God through music as part of Fire By Night.
Meet Ben Lukas
Ben has a passion for worshiping the Lord through music. His electric lead guitar brings a distinctive sound to Fire By Night, helping create the rich, full-band worship experience audiences have come to love.
Our Stories
Every ministry has a story. These are ours.
Every member of Fire By Night has a unique story of how God has led them to this ministry. Together, those stories have become part of the mission God continues to write through Fire By Night.
Michelle's Story
Faithfully following God's call through music.
Michelle is the lead vocalist of Fire By Night, as well as the band's acoustic guitarist and pianist. Her passion for music and worship began at a young age, leading her to form a band called David's Dance at just 20 years old. In 1999, she celebrated the release of her first album, marking the beginning of a lifelong ministry through music.
After marrying John Lagneau in 2001, the two founded Fire by Night, a ministry that has faithfully shared the hope of Christ through worship for more than 25 years. Throughout that time, Michelle has been blessed with opportunities to lead worship in many different settings, including serving as the worship leader for the local AGLOW chapter, ministering at camps throughout the region, and directing a children's praise choir that impacted the lives of many children and their families.
For the past 25 years, Michelle and John have faithfully led worship together at Living Water Ministries. She is deeply grateful that God not only blessed her with the love of her life but also called them to serve side by side, using music to lead others into His presence. Whether on stage, at church, or in the community, Michelle's greatest desire is to glorify God and encourage others through worship.
John's Story
John's love for music began in middle school when he first picked up the trumpet. During his college years, he discovered a passion for singing harmony as part of his campus church worship band. In 2000, when Living Water Ministries Church was established, John stepped in to fill a need by learning to play bass guitar for the worship team—a role he has faithfully served ever since.
After marrying Michelle in 2001, Fire By Night was born. Over the years, John has continued to grow as a musician and servant, always willing to use his gifts wherever they're needed. In 2021, he built his own cajón and taught himself to play, adding even more versatility to the band's worship ministry.
Whether he's laying down the bass line, singing harmonies, playing the cajón, or running sound, John serves with a humble heart and a desire to glorify God through every aspect of the ministry. His faithfulness, dedication, and willingness to serve wherever needed make him an invaluable part of the Fire By Night family.
How God has used music to shape a lifetime of ministry.
Jessie's Story
A harmony only sisters can share.
Jessie Leak has a heart for worship and a passion for using the gifts God has given her to glorify Him through music. As Michelle's younger sister, she brings a special blend of harmony and unity to Fire By Night.
Their voices blend in a way that's hard to match—a harmony that reflects not only years of singing together, but the special bond that only sisters can share. That unique connection has become a treasured part of the band's sound and ministry.
Whether singing at church services, community events, or concerts, Jessie's desire is to lead others into God's presence through worship. She considers it a blessing to serve alongside her family and close friends, using her voice to encourage others and point them to Christ.
Fire By Night is grateful for Jessice's joyful spirit, faithful heart, and the beautiful harmonies she brings to every performance.
JB's Story
Keeping the rhythm of worship alive.
John "JB" Barton has been sharing his love for music for many years, using his God-given talents to encourage others through worship. His journey with Fire By Night began long before the band was formed, as he and Michelle played together in a band called David's Dance, where they developed a shared passion for leading others through music.
A gifted musician, JB is accomplished on both the drums and bass guitar and has performed with several bands throughout his life. His experience, solid timing, and tasteful fills bring strength and energy to every performance, helping create an atmosphere where worship can flourish.
In addition to performing, JB is passionate about investing in the next generation of musicians. Through John Barton Music Studio, he teaches aspiring musicians, sharing not only his knowledge and experience but also his love for music.
Whether he's behind the drum kit, playing bass, or encouraging a student, JB's greatest desire is to use the gifts God has given him to glorify the Lord. Fire By Night is blessed to have his faithful heart, musical excellence, and joyful spirit as part of the ministry.
Ben's Story
Playing every note for His glory.
Ben Lucas has a passion for using his musical gifts to glorify the Lord. While he is a talented drummer and has served in that role with Fire By Night in years past, his true passion is playing guitar.
His electric lead guitar brings a distinctive flavor to Fire By Night's music, helping create the full band sound that has become a hallmark of the group's worship ministry.
Whether playing soaring melodies or subtle accompaniment. Ben's desire is always the same—to use the talents God has given him to lead others into worship and bring glory to Him.
His faithful heart, musical versatility, and love for serving make him a valued part of the Fire By Night family. Fire By Night is grateful for Ben's dedication, joyful spirit, and the unique musical gifts he brings to every performance.
