Jared is originally from Moore, Oklahoma. He earned a bachelor's from OU and an MA and PhD from Louisiana Baptist University. He has been preaching for 23 years and has been pastoring for 17 years. For a while, he also taught French and Bible for grades 6-12. Jared came to Central in August 2020. His favorite part of ministry is helping people understand God’s Word and apply it faithfully in their lives. He and his wife, Charla, are raising five children: Benjamin, Madeleine, Charlie, JoJo, and Abigail.
Favorite Scripture:
Ephesians 4 or 1 Corinthians 15
Favorite free-time activity:
Working outside with my animals or in my garden
Favorite book (besides the Bible):
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek and Don Quixote
Favorite hymn or worship song:
“How Great Thou Art” and “Behold Our God”
Jeff was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He served nine years in the United States Army as a Motor Transport Operator, including tours at Fort Sill and Mannheim, Germany, and two deployments to Iraq. He has worked in Civil Service at Fort Sill for nineteen years as a Transportation Assistant. Jeff came to Central in September 2010 and has served in music ministry in various roles over the years. He began serving as our worship leader in November 2024. He especially values gathering with the church family for worship and participating in events like Cross Timbers. Jeff has been married to Daniela for thirteen years and is a proud father and grandfather.
Favorite Scripture:
Philippians 4:13 and Romans 8:28
Favorite free-time activity:
Spending time outdoors, fishing, and listening to Southern Gospel music
Favorite book (besides the Bible):
Heavenly Highway Hymns, a hymnbook I grew up singing from
Favorite hymn or worship song:
“Have You Been to Calvary” and “Close to Thee”
Kristie is a Lawton native and earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Cameron University and a Master of Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She taught in Lawton Public Schools for twenty-two years—ten in music and twelve in special education (Autism). She first attended Central in 1975 and returned in 2010, beginning her current ministry role in 2014. Kristie loves working with children and especially looks forward to Vacation Bible School each year. She has been married to Jr. for thirty-four years and has two daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandson born in 2025.
Favorite Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:8
Favorite free-time activity:
Working puzzles and researching genealogy
Favorite book (besides the Bible):
The VBS catalog!
Favorite hymn or worship song:
“Revelation Song,” “In the Garden,” and “Get Behind Me”
Rick has been a member at Central for 44 years. He moved often growing up in a military family, but he claims Sparta, Tennessee as home. He attended the University of Tennessee and graduated from Cameron University. He taught science and worked as the Principal of Lawton High School. He still has a passion for teaching and enjoys the opportunity to do that here at Central. He has been married to Marilyn for 55 years. They have two grown children, Bryan and Emily, and four grandkids.
Favorite Scripture:
Romans 12:2 and Isaiah 55:8
Favorite free-time activity:
Reading, woodworking, and traveling
Favorite book (besides the Bible):
Silver Chalice, The Count of Monte Cristo, and the Left Behind series
Favorite hymn or worship song:
“O Holy Night,” "How Great Thou Art," and “Now, I Belong to Jesus”
Katie is originally from Lincoln County, New Mexico. She worked as a dental assistant for over twelve years and earned a degree in Counseling for Christian Ministries from Nazarene Bible College. She also served as a teacher’s assistant at Trinity Christian Academy for two years. Katie came to Central in May 2025 and serves as Ministry Assistant. In her role, she enjoys talking about Jesus and ministering to all the different people who come through the church office. Her husband, Robert, serves in the Army, and they have a daughter named Arcie.
Favorite Scripture:
Romans 5:3-5
Favorite free-time activity:
Reading and working with my animals
Favorite book (besides the Bible):
The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers
Favorite hymn or worship song:
“Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross”