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
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 boys Niko and Hoyt and a girl on the way. Sarah Loves being around a pool and teaching others to swim in her free time.
Kenzi has been working 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, Emma and Oliver.
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.
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.
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.
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 parenting, marriage, and personal mental and spiritual wellness.
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 Management. She has worked at Memorial Road since 2009. Tasha coordinates support groups such as GriefShare, DivorceCare, 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.
a has worked at Memorial Road since 2009. She keeps the office running smoothly and is involved in general administrative support for all ministries at MRCC. Tasha is the mother to Taden, who keeps her busy and having fun. They love sports – mostly basketball and football, but will attend any sports game.
Tasha enjoys watching movies or reading a good book. She loves spending time with family and friends. She volunteers in the children’s ministry. Tasha graduated from University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Organizational Leadership.
Clint has been working with clients for over a decade 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.
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.
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.
Terry began at Memorial as the Young Adults Minister before transitioning into his current role as Community Outreach Minister. He works with the community, follows up with guests, encourages and facilitates community service projects, equipps members to share Jesus, and leads church plant projects. Shortly after they were married in 1989, Terry and his wife Kelli moved to Vitoria, Brazil to work as missionaries for almost 12 years. They have two children, both born in Brazil. Their son Pryce, is married to Paige. And Dia, their daughter, is married to Zack King.
Terry graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a B.A. in Bible in 1988 and a M.A. in Ministry in 1992.
Bailey graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a minor in History. She is a full time 2nd grade teacher at West Field Elementary in Edmond, Ok. She began her career at Memorial Road in 2016 as a summer youth intern before joining the staff after graduation.
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 year 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 to semi-retire close to family and to passionately indulge their four adorable grandboys!
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 and Elliot.
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, a son-in-law and the sweetest grandbaby! She enjoys making memories with her family and preserving them through scrapbooking.
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.
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.
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 is like other preachers in some ways: He married way over his head (Mary in 2005), has two children (Anna and Heidi), got a master’s in Bible and has lots of books in his office (to make you think he’s smart). Phil is very different from preachers in other ways: He’d rather play ping pong than golf, he doesn’t know much Greek (despite taking a class in college). He’d love to meet you, so come join us this Sunday!
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. The Harts are 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.
Jill helps direct a facet of Memorial Road’s Children’s Ministry, specifically focusing on preschoolers. Since 2009, Jill has been writing and preparing curriculum, organizing special events, leading Creation Station (Bible hour), assisting with Vacation Bible School and coordinating a special needs program.
Jill graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a degree in early childhood education. Prior to beginning at Memorial, Jill worked in public schools for eight years. Jill and her husband Darren have attended MRCC since 1994. They have four children.
Stephanie fills two roles at Memorial Road as the Sonshine School Co-Director and one of the Preschool Directors. 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.
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 works planning events, working with various ministries and their leaders, dealing with church communications, and helping 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.
Amy has worked in our Journey Land program, teaching elementary school children, since 2011. She 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 QGroup, and she enjoys sponsoring youth and college events.
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 frequent guest speaker for churches, non-profit organizations, and Christian universities on spiritual leadership, church administration, and faith formation. Together, Mark and Karla are trained, independent facilitators of Love & Logic Parenting Curricula. They regularly facilitate parenting workshops and teacher training seminars.
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).
Jay has been working at Memorial Road as Facilities Manager, supervising the facilities and housekeeping staff and managing special projects and activities for over 20 years. He is the go-to guy if something needs to be fixed or built, and the church building could not function without him.
Jay has lived in Edmond since 1988 and has been attending Memorial Road for over 25 years. He and his wife, Mary, have four children: Jennifer, Matthew, Michael, and Jay Lee. They also have several grandchildren. His son Michael works with him as Assistant Facilities Manager.
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.
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. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.S. in math & accounting.
Blair also volunteers with the A/V and Disaster Relief Ministries. He and his wife, Andrea, have three children.
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. She and her husband are active members of the Families and Friends class and enjoy volunteering with LTC, prison Sunday lunches, Youth, Children’s, and Involvement Ministries. They have 3 children, Nathan and Kelly and her husband Ben Binkley.
As Business Manager, Tammy manages the church and mission finances, which include the Baxter Foundation in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
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 volunteering in the children’s and youth ministries, and spend much of their time supporting Monique at her various sporting events.
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 and is on the communion prep team. She and her husband, Tim, have three children.
Stephanie fills two roles at Memorial Road as the Sonshine School Co-Director and one of the Preschool Directors. 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.
Kelli works in the Prison Ministry, helping organize the lessons for inmates as well as the finished lessons for Prison Ministry volunteer graders. She helps prepare and mail out new Bible lessons as well.
Besides her work in the Prison Ministry, Kelli has worked with our Children and Youth ministries and she also helps with weekly attendance. She and her husband, David, have attended Memorial Road since 2006. Together they have two amazing kids.
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 married Aime in 1996 and they now have four grown children: Brittain, Keegan, Hayden, and Makenna. After earning a B.A. in music from Harding University, Lee earned an M.A. in ministry from Oklahoma Christian University. Even after working over twenty years in youth ministry prior to coming to work with us, he somehow retains a love for pizza, specifically sliced Italian sausage pizza.
Andrea works with our Children’s Ministry staff, organizing and preparing preschool curriculum for each quarter as well as aiding with communication and technology. She enjoys working with children and has a passion for ministering to families at Memorial Road. Andrea also works with our Communications Ministry maintaining the church’s website, social media platforms and doing graphic design.
Andrea graduated from Oklahoma Christian with a degree in family studies and completed her certification in children’s ministry from there as well. She and her husband, Randon, have four children. Randon and Andrea also enjoy working together in the A/V ministry.