A Church Family for You!

Hello, everyone! As your new Interim Pastor, I want to introduce myself. But first, I want to express to all the members and friends and associates of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Ottawa, KS, what an honor it is to have the opportunity to be your “Temporary Shepherd.” Please note that it is my intention to be available to you at all those times when you need and want to have a pastor you can depend on and feel close to you. 

I grew up in Pensacola, graduated from Pensacola High School, and, 4 years later, graduated with honors from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN.

I attended, and graduated from Brite Divinity School, the graduate seminary of Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, TX.

My wife, Margi, and I were ordained into the Christian Ministry in a double ordination ceremony in a small town in Texas…Woodson (located 120 miles due west of Ft. Worth.) Woodson Christian Church was the location of my first pastorate.

Since then, I have had the honor of serving several Disciples of Christ churches, (and one United Church of Christ). I was not part of the professional ministry of the church for several years.

During those years I served in several secular positions including, National Account Executive for an international publishing firm, a Manager of Business Support for a prominent construction materials company, and CEO of a riverboat cruise line in Branson, MO.

Margi has served multiple Disciple churches in Kansas and Missouri and was prominent in forming the Kansas City Regional of the Christian Church (DOC).

Together, Margi and I have 3 wonderful children, Ryan, Robin and Baileigh. Ryan is involved in business in the Kansas City area…is married to Christy…and have 2 children, Kendra and Kevin. Rev. Robin Colerick-Shinkle is the Chaplain at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS…is married to Scott, and has three children, Hailee, Shawnee, and Angel, who has 3 children. Daughter Baileigh’s partner is Kye and together, they live in Portland, Oregon and are in the process of adopting Jordan.

I enjoy fishing (if you know of any “hot” spots please let me know…I won’t tell), and outside activities. And, Oh, I need to mention that Margi and I have 5 adopted dogs: Twinky, Cotton, Squirt, Daisy and Skye.

I am both excited and blessed to serve this faithful congregation.