Dr. Phillip Burden

Dr. Burden is the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Ozark, Missouri. Prior to coming to Missouri, he served Duncan Baptist Church in Holly Springs, NC; Big Stevens Creek Baptist Church in North Augusta SC; and Cropwell Baptist Church in Pell City, AL. Dr. Burden received his Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC and received his Doctor of Ministry degree in Expository Preaching from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Pastor Burden and his wife, Natalie, have four children: Timothy, Alaina, Merritt, and Nathan. Alaina and her husband Matthew have four children: Logan, Cole, Carter and Case. Dr. Burden’s role at FBCO relates to preaching and vision. His passion is to connect God’s word and the gospel of Jesus Christ to each aspect of the life of the church—worship, nurture, and mission so that God’s people are increasingly amazed by God’s grace, drawn together in meaningful fellowship and equipped to make disciples of Jesus Christ in Ozark and among the nations.  

David Hicks

David Hicks is the Worship Pastor/Senior Adult Director. He started in January of 1990 and was previously the Music and Youth Minister at FBCO from 1990-1997. David and his wife, Cammie, have two daughters: Tiffany Ross and Brittany Brosseau. Tiffany and her husband Chris have four children: Parker, Roman, Crew and Ezra. Brittany and her husband Kaleb have two children: Brennan and Barrett. David’s favorite verse comes from Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Don Currence

Don Currence is the Administrative Pastor. He started in June of 1993 and was previously at First Baptist Church, Houston, MO; Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City, LA; and Coteau Baptist Church, Houma, LA. Don is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist University. He and his wife Cheta, have two daughters, Hannah and Leah. Don’s favorite verse comes from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Blake Hayworth

Blake Hayworth is the Missions & Recreation Pastor. He started in October of 2005 and was previously the Children’s Pastor/Recreation Minister/Administrator for First Baptist Church Springfield for 19 years. These responsibilities changed over the years with his last five years there being the Minister of Children/Administrator. He also managed two TCBY stores in Springfield for 2 years. Blake and his wife Debbie have one son, Joel, who is married to Lindsey. Blake’s favorite verse comes from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeffrey Wohlfert

Jeffrey Wohlfert is the Adult Discipleship Pastor. He was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. He was saved and baptized at an early age, then discipled throughout his childhood and adolescence as a member of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple. During his high school years, Jeffrey was called into full time gospel ministry. After high school, Jeffrey earned a degree in missions from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO. Seeking the Lord’s will for his life Jeffrey went on to earn a Bible translating certificate from the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics. During this time God directed Jeffrey to use his gifts state-side in Pastoring. He is currently working on a Masters degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeffrey was ordained in 2012 and has Pastored in the Sandhills of Nebraska and central Iowa. Though he has served both a senior pastor and associate pastor, Jeffrey has always been the student pastor in the churches he has led. Now First Baptist Church Ozark has called him to serve as their Student Pastor. In September of 2005 Jeffrey married his wife, Michelle. They have six children: Logan, Anna, Lillian, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Ethan. He enjoys spending time with them adventuring, fishing, and hunting. Jeffrey also likes to garden, fell trees, and accomplish home repairs."Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began." Titus 1:1-2

James Streicher

James Streicher is the Education Pastor. He joined the FBCO staff in July 2018. James came from First Baptist Church in Lexington, MO, where he served 11 years as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Education. He served as a Religious Studies, Adjunct Professor for the Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington; MO as an Alumnus of Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO. He has served various Missouri churches in Sedalia, Warrensburg, and Liberty. He has also served the North American Mission Board as a reserve Air Force Chaplain for 15 years with ministry service in various states. He and his wife Amy have three sons: Austin, Ethan and Owen. His favorite Bible verse comes from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Cindy Kinser

Cindy Kinser is the Kids' Director. She came to FBCO in October of 2018. Cindy was the previous Minister of Children at Hopedale Baptist Church Ozark, MO. She is currently the Children’s Camp Director for Tri-County Baptist Association. Cindy and her husband Jimmy have two daughters: Josie and Sammie. Cindy’s favorite verse comes from Nehemiah 8:10 “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.”

Jennifer Metcalf

Jennifer Metcalf is the Preschool Director. Jennifer joined the church in January of 1984 and joined the church staff in October of 2005. She was previously an Elementary School Teacher at Boswell Elementary in Lebanon, MO and Ozark East Elementary School. Jennifer and  her husband Jim have two children: Ella and Eli. Jennifer’s favorite verse comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Brittany Matthews

Brittany Matthews is the Communications & Administrative Assistant at FBCO. Brittany studied at MidAmerica Nazarene University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. She went on to study film at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center in California and received two Associates of Applied Science degrees in Graphic Design and Digital Photography at Ozarks Technical Community College. Brittany’s favorite verse comes from Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Courtney McMurry

Courtney McMurry is the Administrative Assistant.  Courtney was born and raised in Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in Psychology. She and her husband, Lane, have been members at FBCO since 1999 and enjoy working with and serving in the youth department.  She started in the church office in August of 2019.  Courtney and Lane have three sons:  Connor, Cohen and Cross.  A favorite verse of scripture for her is Psalm 73:26 ‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’