OCC 2025 PT Program

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2025 PREACHING-TEACHING CONVENTION

Welcome from the President

PREACHING CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

The world, of course, would not diagnose preaching as its primary need. One dictionary defines a sermon as “a long, tedious speech,” and our culture sees preaching as a harm more than a help.

But “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.” (1 Cor 1:21) Indeed, when Paul exhorts Timothy to devote himself “to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching,” he adds, “If you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim 4:13, 16)

What an audacious statement!

Timothy himself participates in the salvation of other human beings? Yes! God’s Word is “living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword,” and God chose preachers—even simple, sinful, foolish men like me—to save the world with that Word. (Heb 4:12)

Jesus Christ is God’s message, but we preachers are his method.

So I tell my preaching students that, when they grab their Bible and stand to preach, physical eyes may see a guy getting ready to monologue from some old book on a sleepy Sunday morning. But spiritual eyes see something else.

At that moment, ten thousand angels lean over the balconies of heaven, holding their breath, wondering what will happen if this time these souls really hear. Ten thousand demons glare up through the gates of hell, gritting their teeth, hoping no one pays attention.

The air is electric, crackling, charged with supernatural possibilities! All of heaven and all of hell understand that, at that moment, eternity literally hangs in the balance, and the watching cosmos knows: those lives may never be the same.

I’ve seen people decide not to end their lives…because they heard a sermon. I’ve seen people give their marriage one last try…because they heard a sermon. I’ve seen people give up lucrative careers to become missionaries, people break off an ungodly relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend, people become foster parents or give their money or repent of longstanding sin or share Christ with their neighbor…all because they heard a sermon.

I’ve seen people find grace in the midst of guilt, hope in the midst of grief, comfort in the midst of pain, guidance in the midst of confusion, power in the midst of weakness all because—in the bumbling, stumbling, fumbling words of a preacher—they heard the Word of God.

So thanks for joining us at the 2025 Preaching-Teaching Convention! We are glad you’re here, and no matter your pulpit—whether it’s a factory floor, a store checkout, a kitchen table, or an actual pulpit—we hope this week you will be challenged to Preach the Word.

And you might just change the world.

SCHEDULE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

5:00 PM President’s Banquet (MPB) REGISTRATION REQUIRED (FREE)

7:30 PM Andrew Peterson Concert (Chapel) TICKET REQUIRED ($10)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

8:30 AM Bible Study & Coffee (Chapel) BEN CROSS

9:30 AM Main Session (MPB)

RUSTY GEORGE

1:00 PM Main Session (MPB) LYDIA FLORENCE

2:30 PM Workshops

SEE PAGES 7-10

3:30 PM Workshops

SEE PAGES 7-10

7:00 PM Main Session (MPB)

DR. MARK SCOTT

8:30 PM Alumni & Friends After-Party (MPB)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

8:30 AM Bible Study & Coffee (Chapel) BEN CROSS

9:30 AM Main Session (MPB) DR. ORPHEUS HEYWARD

1:00 PM Main Session (MPB)

DRAKE HOLDERMAN

2:30 PM Workshops

SEE PAGES 7-10

3:30 PM Workshops

SEE PAGES 7-10

7:00 PM Main Session (MPB)

DR. CHUCK SACKETT

Convention Information

Registration

Register for the convention in the lobby of the MPB. Parents, please register your children at the main P-T Convention registration areas, and then proceed to the check-in areas in the upper level of the OCC Dining Hall.

Offerings at each evening session will go toward the ministry of OCC. You can also give online at occ.edu/give. Offering

Meals

President’s Banquet

Meals may be purchased in the OCC Dining Hall. Breakfast (7:00-8:15 a.m.) is $6 per person, and lunch (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) and dinner (4:30-6:00 p.m.) are $10 per person.

OCC’s annual President’s Banquet will take place on Monday at 5:00 p.m. in the MPB with special guest Andrew Peterson. The banquet is free to attend, but registration is required.

Log in to our free Wi-Fi network “OCC_Student” with the password, “wireless.”

Hearing Assistance

Session Recordings

Bookstore

Videos and Photos

During main sessions, hearing assistance devices are available at the sound booth inside the MPB.

Following the convention, registered attendees will receive free recordings of all main sessions and workshops via email. Visit our registration team in the MPB lobby to register.

Located in the south end of the Mabee Student Center, the OCC bookstore is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Present your convention badge for a 10% discount on regularly priced items.

Videos and photos are taken at OCC events. Your attendance constitutes permission for OCC to use your likeness in future publications.

On Stage

TUESDAY MAIN SESSIONS

Rusty George

PREACH ABOUT JESUS

Lydia Florence

PREACH FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Dr. Mark Scott

PREACH LIKE THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US

WEDNESDAY MAIN SESSIONS

Dr. Orpheus

Heyward

PREACH TO ALL PEOPLE IN ALL WAYS

Drake

Holderman

PREACH IN THE COURAGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Dr. Chuck

Sackett

PREACH WITH ENDURANCE

BIBLE STUDY & COFFEE

Ben Cross

MORNINGS AT 8:30

WORSHIP LED BY

Christ’s Church Creative

ORONOGO, MO

Children’s sessions are available for children of P-T attendees, ages birth-grade 5, during the main sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and during the President’s Banquet on Monday.

REGISTRATION

When you arrive, check in with your children at the main P-T Convention registration areas in the MPB, and then proceed to the children’s areas in the upper level of the OCC Dining Hall.

NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL CARE: Birth-Age 5

ELEMENTARY SESSIONS: K-Grade 5

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

5:00 PM Children’s Session

UPPER LEVEL OF DINING HALL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

9:30 AM Children’s Session

UPPER LEVEL OF DINING HALL

7:00 PM Children’s Session

UPPER LEVEL OF DINING HALL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

9:30 AM Children’s Session

UPPER LEVEL OF DINING HALL

7:00 PM Children’s Session

UPPER LEVEL OF DINING HALL

CHILDREN’S SESSIONS Special Events

PRESIDENT’S BANQUET

MONDAY • 5:00 PM • MPB

You’re invited to the President’s Banquet on Monday evening, with special guest Andrew Peterson, a Nashvillebased musician, author of The Wingfeather Saga, founder of The Rabbit Room ministry, and creator of art that blends faith, creativity, and community. Peterson is known for his integrity, storytelling, and a 20-year legacy of music and writing.

The banquet is free to attend, but registration is required.

ANDREW PETERSON CONCERT

MONDAY • 7:30 PM • CHAPEL

Hear Andrew Peterson in concert! Ticket required—$10

ALUMNI & FRIENDS AFTER-PARTY

TUESDAY • MPB

FOLLOWING EVENING SESSION

Connect with friends after the Tuesday evening session. The reception is open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided.

MATT PROCTOR OCC President ANDREW PETERSON Musician & Author

Workshops

WORKSHOP TRACKS:

PRACTICAL TEACHING

DISCIPLESHIP

EXEGETICAL PREACHING CULTURE

LEADERSHIP

PASTORAL CARE FACULTY FEATURES

L = LIBRARY CLASSROOM M = MISSIONS BUILDING CLASSROOM

EXEGETICAL PREACHING TRACK

HOW TO PREACH EXEGETICALLY

Dr. Chuck Sackett

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • L15

Given the lack of agreement on defining expository/exegetical preaching, this workshop will attempt to clarify the critical components of sermons that take the text seriously.

PREACHING EXEGETICALLY

THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Dr. Mark Scott

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • M26

The sky is the limit on how to preach the Gospel of Mark exegetically. Various preaching strategies will be examined such as verse-by-verse, sectionby-section, themes, imagery, discourses, and biographies.

PREACHING EXEGETICALLY THROUGH TITUS

Dr. Chuck Sackett

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • M18

Allowing location to influence how to preach through Titus, and allowing a series through Titus to influence my location.

PREACHING EXEGETICALLY THROUGH JONAH

Jaron Scott

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • M36/8

When is the right time to preach through Jonah? What pastoral purposes could be accomplished by preaching through the book of Jonah? What approaches could be taken to preaching through the book? This workshop aims to equip preachers and teachers to unleash the power of Jonah.

PRACTICAL TEACHING TRACK

UNLOCKING AFFORDABLE

EXCELLENCE: NAVIGATING FREE RESOURCES FOR KINGDOM SUCCESS

Terry Byrd

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • M36/8

Today, ministry resources play a crucial role in driving success and fulfilling the mission of the kingdom. This seminar will empower kingdom workers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive, regardless of financial constraints.

THEOLOGY OF SCRIPTURE

Dr. Michael DeFazio

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • L15

How to orient our reading and teaching of Scripture to the actual book God has given us.

ELDERS AS TEACHERS OF DOCTRINE

Jim Dalrymple and Dr. Michael DeFazio

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • M26

Jim and Michael serve as elders at Christ’s Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri. Together, they encourage elders to evaluate how they steward their responsibility as the primary teachers and guardians of doctrine in their church family.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION THROUGH CORPORATE WORSHIP MUSIC

Mark Proctor

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • M18

The songs we sing in corporate worship often stay in our minds and hearts seven days a week. Consequently, they often shape our theology as much as other forms of teaching. This workshop will explore how we can plan corporate worship music for healthy spiritual formation.

DISCIPLESHIP TRACK

CALLING STUDENTS INTO VOCATIONAL MINISTRY

Jayson French and Katelyn Adams

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • CHAPEL

Every year, more ministers retire than people come to fill their shoes. How do we close the gap? CIY President Jayson French and CIY Director of Digital Products Katelyn Adams will share about CIY’s initiative to see 30,000 students called into vocational ministry in the next decade and the resources they create to help those students follow through on their decision.

RAISING DISCIPLES: GUIDING KIDS IN THE FIRST 13 YEARS OF LIFE INTO A FAITH OF THEIR OWN

Dr. Teresa Roberts

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • L13

The first 13 years of life are the most important for discipleship. Come learn a developmental discipleship pathway to guide the children in your life and ministry into a faith of their own.

A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MULTIGENERATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

Brittany Schools

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • L15

Does your church have a strategic plan to pass the torch of faith to the next generation? Learn ten core discipleship landmarks that demonstrate the commitment of every generation in your church to partner with parents and families as they raise children, students, and even adults to become true disciples.

THE DISCIPLESHIP

GOSPEL

Andrew Estes and Chris Hedges

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • L13

Discover how the Gospel we preach determines the disciples we make in this dynamic session. Many modern Gospel presentations focus on personal salvation but neglect the implicit call to discipleship. Join a powerful discussion led by an experienced church planter who is multiplying disciples in a small town in Kansas with fruit rooted in intentional Gospel training. Together, we’ll uncover how Jesus’ original message calls us to repent, believe, and follow him, bringing God’s kingdom today. This session will equip you with practical tools to preach, teach, and lead others in a Gospel that produces genuine, life-changing discipleship.

CULTURE TRACK

CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Matthew McBirth

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • M18

Explore how different cultures around the world and in the United States resolve conflicts. Learn how conflict resolution styles are influenced by your own culture and how to identify other cultural conflict resolution styles to better approach multicultural communities.

REPENTING OF MY INNER DEIST

Dr. Chad Ragsdale

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • M35/7

Apologetics tends to make rationalistic arguments in support of faith. While we should be thankful for these arguments, they run the risk of creating a sterile, powerless, deistic type of faith. Hear my journey out of this deistic apologetic toward a more robust faith in the God who is near.

LEADING WORSHIP, SHEPHERDING SOULS: THE ROLE OF A WORSHIP PASTOR

Chip Songer

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • M36/8

Hear how to integrate spiritual practices in worship services, care for volunteers, train team members, and shepherd from a worship minister’s perspective.

ENGAGING GEN ALPHA IN KINGDOM WORK

Korey Klein and Eric Epperson

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • L15

The next generation doesn’t just need to listen and learn. They are ready to use the unique gifts, talents, and abilities God has given them to serve the church. CIY Director of SuperStart Korey Klein and CIY Vice President of Story Eric Epperson will encourage you to create opportunities for preteens to serve in your church and community.

LEADERSHIP TRACK

IS IT WELL WITH YOUR SOUL?

Adam Turner

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • L13

No leader can be truly healthy, strong, or secure without a supportive circle. We were designed for enriching relationships. While community is at the heart of genuine Christianity, it takes time to develop—authentic connections cannot be rushed. Come hear the importance of having diverse mentors for your spiritual health.

CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT CONNECTS WITH UNCHURCHED PEOPLE

Rusty George

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • CHAPEL

How do you teach your unchurched community while still growing believers? This seminar will walk you through identifying who you are trying to reach, creating a strategy for how to reach them, and engaging your current believers to be a part.

FROM GIRL POWER TO GOSPEL POWER: WHY THE CHURCH NEEDS WOMEN WHO LEAD

Lydia Florence

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • CHAPEL

Whether you’re a woman who serves the church vocationally or as a volunteer, come be reminded why it’s vital to live into the calling God’s given you as a part of the body. We’ll be equipped by God’s Word and encouraged by fellow laborers. Men, if you’re looking for a way to help catalyze the women in your church to live into their calling, you’re welcome to join. Free iced coffee provided!

CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE

Rusty George

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • CHAPEL

What do you do when you want to help change the church culture you either inherited or created? This seminar will help you determine what kind of church and staff you want to be and how to get there.

PASTORAL CARE TRACK

THE RECOVERY READY CHURCH: NAVIGATING THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE EPIDEMIC IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Greg Morrell

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • M35/7

Learn how your congregation can address the increasing epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse, relational dysfunction, and roadblocks to recovery in our current culture.

NOT TOO OLD

Dave Faust

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • M36/8

How can we turn our later years into greater years? Based on David Faust’s new book, Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years, this workshop will offer practical, Bible-based wisdom designed to help anyone over age 50 wrestling with questions like:

• Aging makes me anxious. How should I deal with my fears?

• I don’t want to be a grumpy old grouch! How can I cultivate my sense of humor as I grow older?

• I’m concerned about the next generation. How can I maximize my influence as a grandparent?

• I want to keep growing spiritually. How can I enjoy a fruitful relationship with God as I grow older?

• I don’t want to be irrelevant. Where do senior adults fit in the church?

SECRETS OF BEING A LIFETIME PASTOR

Dan Toney

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • L13

The path of following God’s leading into full-time ministry can be incredibly rewarding and extremely challenging. Most pastors consider throwing in the towel at some point. Maybe that is where you find yourself right now. In this workshop, Dan will share some key lessons he has learned—often the hard way— through various seasons of ministry. Come be encouraged and challenged on your lifetime journey of serving Jesus.

MINISTRY IN CRISIS SITUATIONS

Sara Wood

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • M35/7

Discover essential skills and compassionate approaches in our workshop on ministering to crisis situations. We’ll discuss the foundational component of being present in a crisis and the barriers that often hold us back.

FACULTY FEATURES

UNCLOGGING THE MINISTRY PIPELINE

Bob Witte

Tuesday • 2:30 PM • M26

Practical help on how to send more students from your church into vocational ministry.

THINNING THE VEIL: ENCOUNTERING JESUS CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Dr. Shane J. Wood

Tuesday • 3:30 PM • M18

Too often, the book of Revelation is consigned to conversations about the “end times.” And yet, the first five words of John’s book offer a different target: “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” In this workshop, we’ll unpack the book of Revelation centered on Jesus Christ and the transformational power of the Spirit when we encounter him in the text.

RESOURCING THE TRADITION: HOW AND WHY TO USE THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE BETTER

Andy Nichols

Wednesday • 2:30 PM • M35/7

Throughout the centuries, Christians have preached and written extensively on every book of the Bible. While many would like to use their illustrations, exegetical insights, and love of the Scriptures, knowing how and where to access Christian texts can be challenging. This workshop introduces how and why we should go back and see what the Church has said about the Scriptures.

USING IMAGINATION AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Dr. Doug Welch

Wednesday • 3:30 PM • M26

One aspect of what it means for humanity to be created in the image of God is to have creative minds. Though our imaginations have been corrupted by sin, can we still use our God-given creative minds when reading Scripture and coming before the Lord in prayer? Come and experience how the Spirit might train your imagination to more personally receive biblical truth and hear the voice of Christ.

Workshops

Main Session & Workshop leaders

KATELYN ADAMS

Katelyn serves as the director of digital resources at Christ In Youth. She works to leverage the digital space and emerging technology to resource churches to call youth to Christ and kingdom work beyond CIY events. Before her time at CIY, Katelyn spent over 12 years in youth ministry. She holds a BA in graphic design from Oklahoma State University. Katelyn lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her husband and two young boys. She and her family continue to worship and serve at Kirk of the Hills Church.

TERRY BYRD

Terry currently serves as the outreach director for ChurchApps.org, a non-profit ministry that provides open-source ministry tools for churches. He has been in the ministry for 42 years, with experience in everything from campus ministry to Christian school administration. Terry serves as an elder at Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas. He and his wife, Patty, have four children and 11 grandchildren.

BEN CROSS

Ben felt called to ministry as a high school student at a CIY summer conference and prepared for ministry at Ozark Christian College (BTh) and Spurgeon’s College (MTh). Ben and his wife, Jo, have been married for 14 years and have two daughters who are an absolute joy. Ben currently serves as the lead minister at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin.

JIM DALRYMPLE

Jim is the chief advancement officer and a New Testament professor at OCC. He and his wife Stephanie met at Ozark and have three children. Jim also serves as an elder at their home church in Oronogo, Missouri.

DR. MICHAEL DEFAZIO

Michael is dean of Lincoln Seminary and professor of New Testament and hermeneutics at Ozark Christian College. He worships with his wife Beth and their children at Christ’s Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri, where he also serves as an elder.

ERIC EPPERSON

Eric serves as the vice president of story at CIY, where he leads a team of storytellers and church advocates who steward the strategic vision for the organization’s communication efforts. Eric holds a BA from Ozark Christian College, an MA from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!), and is currently pursuing a master’s in strategic communications from the University of Central Oklahoma. An avid distance runner and a big fan of breakfast (though not for dinner), Eric can be found patiently awaiting an OKC Thunder championship. He calls the north side of Oklahoma City home with his wife, Torrie, and their daughters.

ANDREW ESTES

After years in local ministry, Andrew now serves as the director of training for Nexus: Church Planting & Leader Care helping church planters clarify their disciple-making vision. He also supports leaders nationwide through his work at RunFree.co, training leaders in the Vision Frame through the Pivvot Process designed to help leaders shift their vision and culture toward real disciple-making growth. He is also an executive and life coach, leading teams and individuals to find clarity through tools like The Six Types of Working Genius, Younique, and more. Andrew lives in Loveland, Colorado, with his wife Megan and their four children.

DAVE FAUST

Dave has led churches in New York and Cincinnati, and currently he serves as the senior associate minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis. For 12 years, he was president of Cincinnati Christian University. Dave has written 17 books, including his most recent volume, Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years (College Press, 2024). For 28 years, he authored a weekly column for The Lookout magazine, and he continues to serve as a contributing editor for Christian Standard. He served as president of the 2006 North American Christian Convention. Dave and his wife, Candy, have three adult children, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

LYDIA FLORENCE

Lydia is wife to Tristan, mom to Benny, and crazy about Jesus and helping others meet him, know him, and follow him. Lydia is a grateful alumnus of OCC. She serves on staff at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky.

JAYSON FRENCH

Jayson is a true believer in the power of the local church, dedicating 15 years on staff to the local church and over 20 years at Christ in Youth, where he currently serves as president. With a bachelor’s in biblical literature from Ozark Christian College and a master’s in organizational leadership from Lincoln Christian University, Jayson is a seasoned leader with a passion for preaching, teaching, and calling young people to kingdom work. When he’s not championing the church, Jayson enjoys sharing life stories and hobbies, including hunting, fly fishing, home renovations, and more. He’s also a proud husband to Janice and father to their four children.

RUSTY GEORGE

Rusty is the lead pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he leads with a vision to create a thriving community dedicated to helping people find and follow Jesus. With over two decades of preaching experience, Rusty’s ministry journey has taken him from Kentucky to California and now to Texas, where he continues to inspire and guide others through his pastoral leadership.

CHRIS HEDGES

Chris is the senior pastor and church planter of Harvest Christian Church in Winfield, Kansas. After coming into ministry through a non-traditional route, Chris has used his marketplace leadership skills to advance the gospel in remarkable ways in Winfield. Chris partnered with Nexus: Church Planting and Leader Care and the Christian Evangelistic Association (CEA) of Kansas to launch Harvest CC in 2018. Their church is seeing incredible disciple-making fruit as they train leaders in the kingdom gospel.

DR. ORPHEUS HEYWARD

Orpheus is the senior minister of the Renaissance Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. He is considered one of the most dynamic and scripturally sound gospel preachers among churches of Christ today. Having received a Master of Arts in Theology, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and a doctorate degree in Theological Exegesis, he is a constant student of the Bible.

DRAKE HOLDERMAN

Drake is married to his high school sweetheart, Andrea, and together they raise their three children, Willie, Murph, and Rose. He serves as the missional impact minister at Christ’s Church of Oronogo and hosts a podcast for men called The Lion and the Bear

KOREY KLEIN

Korey serves as director of SuperStart at Christ In Youth. He grew up in Joplin and loved creating funny videos with his siblings as a kid, which led him to grow as an entrepreneur and own his own film business. Over the years, Korey fell in love with the purpose of CIY SuperStart and loves getting to rub shoulders with children’s and preteen ministers around the country. He and his wife Hannah have two children and attend Racine Christian Church in Racine, Missouri.

MATTHEW MCBIRTH

Matthew works as professor of biblical studies and director of multicultural affairs at OCC, where he strives to raise up servant leaders who love God, love neighbor, and embrace Jesus’ beautifully diverse kingdom. He and his wife Allison have two children.

GREG MORRELL

Greg has actively participated in the recovery field since 1987 and has been involved in ministry as a pastoral teacher since 1994. He is a certified peer specialist in the State of Missouri, has completed training in relapse prevention, and holds degrees in communication, biblical literature, and theology. He served for seven years as the leader of Celebrate Recovery at College Heights Christian Church and four years at God’s Resort in Joplin as transitional coordinator. In addition to individual recovery guidance and care, Greg has developed a seminar for churches on addiction and recovery and is preparing to publish his first book, The Spirit and the Steps. intheboatrecovery.com

ANDY NICHOLS

Andy serves as the church history professor at Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary. Before joining OCC, Andy served as a preaching minister in Missouri and Illinois. Andy loves the Lord, his family, and sipping coffee while playing chess.

MARK PROCTOR

Mark teaches music in the OCC Worship and Creative Arts Department. He is a long-time worship leader for churches in Maryland, Missouri, and Indiana. He also writes, records, and releases music online. On the weekends, Mark preaches at Sparta Christian Church near Springfield, Missouri.

DR. CHAD RAGSDALE

Chad serves as the chief academic officer at Ozark. He also teaches part-time in the classroom, primarily in the areas of philosophy and apologetics. He is particularly passionate about discerning the ways that Jesus engages with contemporary culture.

DR. TERESA ROBERTS

Teresa serves as professor of ministry and Christian formation, program director of children’s ministry, and a vice president at OCC. With more than 30 years of ministry experience, Teresa is an expert in children’s spiritual formation training.

Dr. Roberts holds a Master of Arts in family and youth ministry, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. She serves in children’s ministry at Carterville Christian Church in Carterville, Missouri, where she attends with her husband and stepdaughter. Teresa is the author of Raising Disciples: Guiding Your Kids into a Faith of Their Own (NavPress).

DR. CHUCK SACKETT

Chuck has been experiencing over 50 years of God’s grace in using a most unexpected servant to preach and teach his amazing grace. He and his wife, Gail, have three daughters, all of whom love and serve Jesus.

BRITTANY SCHOOLS

Brittany currently works at Legacy Christian Church in Kansas City, where she serves as director of family and affinity ministries. Outside of vocational ministry, Brittany teaches ballet, choreographs a local middle school musical, and provides the high school show choir with all its moves for the Pops concerts. She loves decaf americanos, cooking, widows, and her roles as wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandma.

JARON SCOTT

Jaron and his wife, Chelsi, live in Joplin and have one son. Jaron serves as a pastor of Christ’s Church of Joplin and a professor at OCC.

DR. MARK SCOTT

Mark serves as faculty emeritus and seminary professor at OCC. He has also served the college as academic dean, director of preaching, and professor of New Testament and biblical communication. Mark holds a D.Min. from Denver Seminary, an M.Div. from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ozark. Mark and his wife, Carla, have four children, four children-in-love, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

CHIP SONGER

Chip is the worship director at Christ’s Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri. An alumnus of OCC, Chip loves to spend time in the great outdoors, climbing mountains, bow hunting, or spending time with his family. Chip is married to his high school sweetheart, Raina, and they have three kids.

DAN TONEY

Dan is the director of pastoral care at Christ’s Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri, where he has a passion for taking care of people. Overall, he has served in full-time ministry for the past 32 years (13 in campus ministry and 19 in located church ministry). He has an undergraduate degree from Truman State University and a master’s degree from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He met his wife, Holly, on a mission trip to Taiwan in college, where her parents, Ted and Bev Skiles, served as longterm missionaries.

ADAM TURNER

Adam is the senior minister at Corinth Christian Church in Loganville, Georgia. He is also involved in working with pastors through Covenant Connections, focusing on soul care for greater spiritual and emotional health. Adam is married to Jennifer, and they have two grown children.

DR.

DOUG WELCH

Doug has served at OCC since 2004, and currently serves as a professor of New Testament and spiritual formation. Doug grew up in western Illinois and is still celebrating the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series championship. He graduated from OCC in 1997, has master’s degrees from schools in Massachusetts and Illinois, has recently completed a D.Min. in transformative discipleship, and has held ministries in Washington State, Ohio, and Indiana. Doug is an elder at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin and plays drums regularly for the worship team. He and his wife Noi were married in 2019, and they often travel to Southeast Asia in support of her ministry, Next Gen Asia, a discipleship and education ministry to young people from impoverished, rural areas.

BOB WITTE

Bob serves as a professor and vice president of enrollment management at OCC.

SARA WOOD

Sara is a wife and mother to her favorite people. She is a spiritual director and serves as a chaplain at a local hospital, spending most of her time holding space for people in crisis, tough situations, and major life transitions.

DR. SHANE J. WOOD

Shane completed his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh (UK) and published his dissertation entitled “The Alter-Imperial Paradigm: Empire Studies & the Book of Revelation.” Most recently, Shane published his widely acclaimed book Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life (Leafwood). In addition, Shane was recognized by Theology Degrees Online as one of the “100 Remarkable Professors & Scholars Theology Students Should Know About.” He was also a featured scholar in Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts by Billy Hallowell and in (the expanded and updated) Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God by Gary Thomas. Shane’s other publications include Dragons, John, and Every Grain of Sand: Essays on the Book of Revelation and “God’s Triumphal Procession: Re-examining the Release of Satan in the Light of Roman Imperial Imagery (Revelation 20:7-10)” in Currents in British Research on the Apocalypse. Shane and his family live in Joplin where he is professor of New Testament and Its Origins at OCC.

Hear from: FEbruary 18-20, 2026 Join us next year!

Tyler McKenzie

Julie Gariss

Jerry Taylor

Matt Merold

Michael Hinnen

Jon Weece

Jason Price (Bible study)

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