Speaker: Crislyn Ward
Crislyn Ward
Sermons by Crislyn Ward
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21 October 2019
Series: Peace in an Angry World, Women's Classes
Speaker: Crislyn Ward
Clay works with Memorial Road’s international members, encouraging and supporting them through their Christian walk. Clay works with a team of volunteers, teaching the international members about the Bible and helping them practice English. Clay and his wife, Cherry, were long-time missionaries in South Africa. There they led many to Christ, planted churches, and began a Christian school while there.
Since returning to the states a number of years ago, they have worked with Let’s Start Talking and, more recently, have worked closely Inter-Mission and Third Culture Kids. Clay is uniquely gifted by God to partner with our current volunteers and international members to continue our legacy of reaching people from all over the world whom the Lord has brought to our doorsteps.
Lee works with the Young Adults Ministry, a vibrant community of young adults in their 20’s and 30’s who long to know God and each other more. He enjoys teaching bible and empowering others to grow in their personal faith and ministry.
Lee holds a Bachelor of Music from Harding University and Master of Ministry from Oklahoma Christian University. Lee spent over twenty years in youth ministry and worship ministry before coming to work with MRCC.
Lee and his wife Aime met at MRCC and were married in1996. They have four grown children: Brittain, Keegan and his wife Hayla, Hayden and his wife Lindsay, and Makenna and her husband TJ.
Mark began his work with Memorial Road in 1994 as Education Minister. In 1999, he and his family moved to Arlington, Texas, to preach for the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ. They returned to Memorial Road in 2007 when the elders asked Mark to take the position as pulpit minister here. Now, Mark serves as Executive Minister, coordinating the staff and working closely with the elders on leadership and shepherding issues.
Mark earned a BA in preaching from Oklahoma Christian University and has a Master’s degree in Organizational and Intercultural Communication from the University of Oklahoma.
His wife, Karla, serves the Memorial Road staff as co-director of Journey Land, Memorial Road’s elementary age children’s ministry. They have two children and two grandchildren: Karenna of Lubbock, TX and Karissa, who is an elementary music teacher in Edmond. Karissa and her husband, Adam, have two children, Lorabeth and Isaiah.
Mark is a guest speaker for churches, non-profit organizations, and Christian universities on spiritual leadership, church administration, and faith formation.
Andy began serving at Memorial Road as a volunteer in our Missions Ministry when God opened a door to a career he never knew he wanted. He hasn’t looked back since. He studied marketing at Oklahoma Christian and Southern Methodist University. He plans events, works with MRCC’s various ministries and their leaders, oversees church communications, and helps people connect and become active members of our church family.
Andy has been at Memorial Road all his life and he feels blessed to be able to work at his home church. He and his wife Summer have been married since 1999 and have two children, Mia and Bode.
Emily Carter graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 2019 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Biology. She has been attending Memorial Road since she moved here from Nebraska to go to college in 2015. Emily discovered her passion for ministry, specifically working with teenagers, through various youth internships and mission opportunities. She is excited to pour into students and walk alongside them as they navigate their teenage years.
Sally is the Front Office Administrative Assistant greeting and directing people, answering phones, and many other office tasks. She also serves as Phil’s administrative assistant, assists Andy and Tom, and uses her Spanish Education degree to translate when needed. She is an active member in the International Class.Â
She loves being mother to son J Massey and his wife, and and her daughter, Shaylyn Massey Camper and her husband Josh.
In his role as Transportation Manager, Blair oversees Memorial’s fleet of vehicles, their maintenance, repairs, and schedules and manages a team of volunteers. He also works as a Business Associate, helping to manage the missions and church finances and provides accounting support for Baxter Institute in Honduras. In addition, Blair provides audio/video support for worship, classes, and other events that occur at the building, while trying to keep everything up to date and running smoothly.
Blair volunteers with the Disaster Relief Ministry, but really enjoys helping with the Youth Group. He logs hundreds of miles every year transporting kids to mission trips and camps.
Blair and his wife Andrea have 3 adult children and have been attending Memorial Road since 2001.
He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.S. in math & accounting.
Rebekah serves as the Assistant Facilities Manager, helping provide general maintenance for the church building and works on special projects for various ministries when they arise. She started at Memorial Road part-time in 2019 and moved to full time in 2020.
Rebekah and husband Justin were married in 2001. They and their twins, Jordan and Hannah, have been members at Memorial Road since 2012. Outside of her work with Building and Grounds, Rebekah also serves with the women’s ministry on various committees.
Michael serves as the Facilities Manager, helping provide general maintenance for the church building and works on special projects for various ministries when they arise. He has worked part-time at Memorial Road since he was a teenager, and began full-time shortly thereafter.
Michael has attended Memorial Road with his family since he was a child. He and his wife, Heather, were high school sweethearts and now have two children, Madelyn and Evelyn.
Stephanie fills two roles at Memorial Road as the Sonshine School Co-Director and one of the directors of Promise Land, our early childhood program. In her work, she collaborates with her respective co-directors and teachers to provide a safe environment for children to play and learn.
Stephanie graduated from Oklahoma Christian with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She has attended Memorial Road for over 20 years, where she and her husband Travis are members of the Friends and Families class. Stephanie and Travis have two daughters, Merideth and Maddie.
If you’d like to contact Stephanie about Sonshine School, please email sonshine.school@mrcc.org.
Stephanie fills two roles at Memorial Road as the Sonshine School Co-Director and one of the directors in Promise Land, our early childhood program. In her work, she collaborates with her respective co-directors, Jill Jones and Marilyn LaRue, to provide a safe environment for children to play and learn. Stephanie graduated from Oklahoma Christian with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She has attended Memorial Road for over 20 years, where she and her husband Travis are members of the Families and Friends class. Stephanie and Travis have two daughters, Merideth and Maddie.
Marty serves at MRCC as the Administrative Assistant to the Involvement, International, and Outreach Ministries. She also manages the online community and the Mombasa Children’s Fund.
Marty has attended Memorial Road since her time as a college student at Oklahoma Christian where she graduated with a degree in Communications and more importantly, met her husband, Don. They are active members of the Families and Friends class and enjoy volunteering with LTC, Children’s, and Involvement Ministries. They have 2 grown children who grew up involved at MRCC: Kelly (husband Ben Binkley and daughter Evelyn) and Nathan (wife Lauren).
Kenzi has worked at MRCC since November 2023. She works as Administrative Assistant for Children’s Education and Communications. She graduated from Harding University with a BS in Fashion Merchandising in 2015.
Kenzi and her husband, Terry, have two children together. She loves cooking with Terry, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Delise serves as Administrative Assistant to the Children’s Education Ministry, including those in preschool and Journey Land (elementary). She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in elementary education and taught school for 13 years.
Delise has attended Memorial Road since 1986. She and her husband Bryan have two adult daughters and a precious grandson! She enjoys making memories with her family and preserving them through scrapbooking.
Krista manages the Prison Ministry office, processing incoming and outgoing Bible lessons from or for inmates, averaging 100-150 pieces of mail per day. She also takes care of individual requests, including sending Bibles or signing up additional inmates. She said her job in the Prison Ministry is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, and she enjoys watching the students turn their lives to God.
Along with her work in the Prison Ministry, Krista co-teaches Body & Soul Fitness and volunteers in the youth group. She and her husband, Tim, have 3 wonderful sons, as well as 2 amazing daughters in law.
Clint has been working with clients for over 15 years and is trained in diverse types of therapy. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, OK and a Master of Science Degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK.
Clint and his wife Emily are active members of MRCC.
If Sunday morning church is your favorite time to take a nap, then Phil is not your preacher. But if you want to be challenged and encouraged to become more like Jesus so you can make a difference, then you have found your guy! Drawing from his deep passion for God’s word and his love for creative teaching, Phil delivers heart-felt, deeply biblical lessons that make the church think.
Phil joined Memorial Road’s staff in 2005 as youth minister and transitioned to the pulpit in 2012. He earned his masters degree in Bible from Oklahoma Christian and has completed several certificate programs in spiritual formation. When he is not preaching he enjoys spending time with his wife Mary and two beautiful daughters Anna and Heidi. Phil enjoys walking alongside people within the various contours of their spiritual and life journeys. He’d love to meet you, so come join us this Sunday!
Jill is the director of Promise Land, our Early Childhood program. Since 2009, Jill has been writing and preparing curriculum, preparing teachers, organizing special events, leading Creation Station (Bible Hour), assisting with Day Camp, and coordinating a special needs program.
Jill graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a degree in early childhood education. Prior to beginning at Memorial, she worked in public schools for eight years. Jill and her husband Darren have attended MRCC since 1994. They have four children.
Amy has worked in our Journey Land program, teaching elementary school children, since 2011. She recruits and trains teachers, reviews, edits and writes elementary Bible class materials, and she regularly teaches in the classes. She also helps coordinate Vacation Bible School and Journey Land special events. Amy works with Karla in Memorial Road’s Journey Land program.
Amy graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a degree in mathematics and then received her Masters in mathematics from the University of Missouri. She worked in Oklahoma public schools prior to her position at Memorial. She and her husband Brent have three children, Madison, Olivia and Sophia. She is active in her small group, and she enjoys sponsoring youth and college events.
As Business Manager, Tammy manages the church and mission finances.
Before Tammy began her role at Memorial Road, she worked in accounting for 21 years. She said God’s timing is always perfect – she was ready for a change when her current position was created. Tammy, her husband Chris, and daughter Monique began attending Memorial Road in 2004. She and Chris enjoy working with in the children’s ministries team.
Tom joined the MRCC ministry staff following a 40+ year career as a business owner and financial advisor.  Previous ministry experience includes serving as an elder at the Crosstown Church of Christ in Tulsa for more than 10 years.  In Tulsa, Tom championed a Neighborhood Ministry for more than 25 years where he brought many children, parents and families into the church fellowship.
Tom and his wife Lisa became members at Memorial Road church of Christ after relocating from Tulsa to Edmond in March 2020 to semi-retire close to family and to passionately indulge their four adorable grandboys and the most recent addition to the family, granddaughter Riley Grace Campbell!
In May 2022 Tom began a new avocation as the Senior Adults Minister at Memorial Road where he applies his talents to serve senior members by encouraging them to grow, fellowship and be included in ministry. Another goal of the senior adult ministry is to bridge relationships with senior members and other MRCC members of all ages. At this stage in life Tom is enjoying ministering to this vibrant and vital part of our church community.
Tom enjoys reading, cooking, eating, coffee, bad dad jokes, teaching Bible class, traveling and RV camping in the great outdoors.
Blended and blessed, Tom and Lisa have 5 grown children: Kate (Conklin) Treat, Dylan Conklin, Carly Conklin, Tori (Averitt) Campbell and Dani Averitt…. AND those four previously mentioned grandboys Oliver, Ben, Drew, Elliot and of course that beautiful new grand girl Riley Grace!
Jenny is the director of the Care & Counseling ministry. She is a certified financial coach, certified biblical life coach and certified mental health coach.  She also coordinates enrichment classes and seminars on topics such as mental and spiritual wellness, parenting, and marriage.
Jenny and her husband David have been attending Memorial Road since 1993 and their family includes three daughters and a son-in-law.
Tasha graduated from University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Organizational Leadership. She has worked at Memorial Road since 2009. Tasha coordinates support groups such as GriefShare, DivorceCare, our Alzheimer’s Caregiver support groups, the HOPE support group for those living with chronic pain, and more. She also coordinates client care in our Care & Counseling ministry.
She is the mother to her teenage son, Taden. Tasha enjoys serving in the children’s ministry, youth group and with senior adults.
Andrea works alongside Stephen Maxwell and Phil Brookman to creatively bring to life their content for worship each week and collaborates with our worship team to select the songs that compliment the message. Working with her husband, Randon, she also serves the AV ministry with the worship content and production of each week’s service and livestream.  In addition to the Worship Ministry, Andrea also works with our Communications Ministry maintaining the church’s website, social media platforms, designing the weekly bulletin and doing other graphic design projects.
Andrea graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a degree in family studies and completed her certification in children’s ministry from there as well. Andrea & Randon, have four children. Their older two are in college and the younger two fill their spare time with soccer and basketball!
Kim joined our staff in 2024, but has been a key volunteer in our ministry since 2008. Kim loves MRCC and she loves our students. Prior to working at MRCC, Kim was the Events Director at Oklahoma Christian University. Kim is married to Randy and they have three grown children.
Sarah has worked at MRCC since June of 2021. She assists Mitch East and Lee Langdon with the Adult Education, Small Groups, and Young Adult ministries in day to day tasks.
She graduated with a bachelor’s in organizational communications from Oklahoma Christian in 2009.
Sarah and Matt have been married since 2012 and have two sons and a daughter. Sarah Loves being around a pool and teaching others to swim in her free time.
Bailey graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a minor in History. Bailey was a teacher for four years, which was a rewarding experience. She began her career at Memorial Road in 2016 as a summer youth intern before joining the staff after graduation as a part-time youth minister. Bailey transitioned to full-time ministry in 2023. Working with young people in this capacity has been incredibly fulfilling. She is passionate about guiding them through life’s challenges, fostering their spiritual growth, and creating a supportive community where they feel valued and understood.Â
Stephen joined MRCC as Worship Minister in 2023. He is passionate about worship and sharing the Good News of Christ through singing, speaking and teaching. Stephen has served in local congregations in Georgia, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama and Tennessee, and holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee.
Stephen has worked with the internationally known Christian music group Acappella for the past 23 years, touring Europe, Africa, South America and the continental United States.
Stephen is married to Alasha, and they have three boys. Stephen loves to sing and spend time with his family.
Logan graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She began her career at Memorial Road in 2013 as a summer youth intern before joining the staff after graduation. She and her husband Kendall were married in June of 2015, and are both involved in the campus ministry.
Kendall and Logan have three children, Cal, and Drew, and Rhodes who love being a part of MRCC Children’s Ministry and hanging out with the cool college kids whenever they can.
Mitch joined Memorial’s staff in 2023 as the Adult Education Minister. He works with the Sunday morning Bible classes, helps organize small groups, teaches, and writes curricula. Mitch and his wife Allison moved from Texas with their two children, Evelyn and Simon.
Junior High Ministry is a natural for Kurtis because he’s basically still a Junior High kid himself. He loves playing with toys (just go in his office and you’ll understand), ranking favorite candies and sodas, along with talking about very important stuff like high scores on the newest apps and video games. Kurtis also loves building relationships with kids and showing them God’s love in a fun, creative, and child-like way.
He graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 2008 with a degree in Youth Ministry. He and his wife Carla got married in 2009. Carla is also active in the ministry, leading small groups and attending trips. You’ll also notice two little humans, Kinsley and Camden tagging along with them to most youth group events and activities as honorary youth group students.
Brian is one of our Campus Ministers who works with our college students.  He graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 2004 and completed a Master’s in Family Ministry in 2014.
Brian did youth ministry for many years and can drive a 15 passenger van with the best of them. He enjoys OU football and any basketball game he can find. His passion is connecting with students and helping them develop a faith that will last beyond college.Â
Brian’s wife, Shannon, is also very involved within this ministry. Brian and Shannon have four children Tate, Reagan, Case, and Jude.
Linda has worked in the church office since 1992. She enjoys using her spiritual gifts as the Administrative Assistant for Mark Taylor, Phil Brookman, and the elders. She also manages the building scheduling and assists with other administrative duties.
Linda has been a member of Memorial Road since 1967; her parents are Howard and Marilyn Leftwich. She went to school at Oklahoma Christian where she met her husband, Bob, and they married at Memorial Road in 1979. They have two adult children, Brandon and Kristen. Bob is a deacon, and he and Linda are members of the Christians in Action class. Linda volunteers with the Children’s Ministry.
Marilyn is an Oklahoma Christian graduate with degrees in Early Childhood & Elementary Education. She enjoys her work with Sonshine School as it gives her the opportunity to use her training, gifts and experience to bless children and their families. Marilyn and her husband Clint have been members at Memorial Road since 2004. They have three children, Wesley, Natalie, and Colby. Outside of her work at Sonshine School, Marilyn volunteers in the Children’s Ministry and is a part of the Christian Families class.
Daniel joined our ministry staff in 2019 after working in youth & family ministry with the Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, TX and the Britton Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. He earned a degree in youth ministry from Oklahoma Christian University in 2009. His role at Memorial Road involves working with our youth & their families.
Daniel and his wife Amy have two daughters, Afton and Emmie Jo.
Jerry serves as Memorial’s Prison Ministry Director, working with those who are incarcerated and helping spread the Word to them. He has filled this role since June of 2011. He has a deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ and His church and has a burden on his heart for the souls of those who are incarcerated.
Jerry has a unique ability to understand & explain God’s Word. His goal is to help every incarcerated person know the spiritual freedom that is found in knowing and holding to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Debbie assists with the Youth and Campus activities, meals, data bases, and other necessary tasks. She also helps with the van calendar and key distribution for the transportation ministry.
Debbie has a degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in commercial art. She and her husband, Kim, married in 1979 and have been attending Memorial Road since 1988. Kim and Debbie attend the Upward Bound class and have two adult children, Christopher and Lezlie. She loves calligraphy, sewing and baking (especially chocolate chip cookies).
Karla has worked in Journey Land, an elementary Bible class program, since 2009. She recruits and trains teachers; reviews, edits and writes elementary Bible class material, and teaches regularly. She also works very hard to know the names of all 150+ elementary children here at MRCC. One of her yearly highlights is taking the 1st – 5th graders to Inside Out Camp at Camp Rock Creek in Norman, OK.
Karla graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in the public schools for seven years. She and her husband, Mark, who serves on the staff as well, have been married since 1980; they have two daughters; one son-in-law and two very beautiful grandchildren.