Wildwood is FOR college students following JESUS together to the glory of God.
Find Wildwood College Life on:
Find Wildwood College Life on:
Many churches and foster/adopt ministries want to do more, but simply lack the connection to vulnerable and isolated families in their community. CarePortal is a ministry that seeks to connect churches with the needs of families right in our own community. These needs, as identified by a social service worker, are passed onto the church through a database housed at careportal.org.
Naomi facilitates the church’s outreach in our community.
To contact Naomi, click here
Family: Married to Matthew and together they have three children: Abby, Jacob and Robby
Education: BA in Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration from Baylor University, MS in Journalism from Texas A&M University
On staff since: June 2017
One thing you love about Wildwood: I love that Wildwood is Gospel-centered and that our heart as a church is to follow Jesus together for the glory of God.
Listening to: Shane & Shane, The Bible Recap podcast
Favorite movie: The Sandlot
Hobbies: Running, reading and traveling
Favorite book besides the Bible: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah & The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
You might not know about me: I love summer camp! Matthew and I met as counselors at Sky Ranch in Van, TX the summer after our sophomore year in college.
Chanae assists the College Ministry team in planning and executing our College Life Ministry.
Family: Husband, Chris
Education: OU Grad
On staff since: May 2021
Listening to: Vance Joy, Maverick City Worship, The Porch, Bible Project
One thing she loves about Wildwood: I immediately felt the sense of family when I started getting plugged in. I have been amazed by the passionate people here doing life for Jesus, understanding God’s word, and praising Him together! I also love our emphasis on “For the Nations” and God’s heart for all people!
Something you might not know about me: Sand volleyball, hiking, walks & coffee, and seeing new places
Lindsey oversees the daily financial transactions and communications for Wildwood.
To contact Lindsey, click here
Family: Aaron (husband) and 3 sons
On staff since: 2017
One thing you love about Wildwood: The people!
Favorite book besides the Bible: To Kill a Mockingbird or ANYTHING by Christine Caine
One thing you might not know about me: My grandmother and mother were both church secretaries.
Hobbies:Watching my boys play sports and game nights with friends and family
John cares for the members of Wildwood through counseling and referrals, hospital visitation and follows up with those in need.
To contact John, click here
Family: Lori (wife) and children Chris, Elizabeth, and Anna
Education: BA Communication University of Oklahoma, Master’s of Theology and a Doctorate of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary
On staff since: 2001
One Thing I love about Wildwood: Our church family is eager to grow in their relationship with Christ and one another and to serve, love and encourage those around them.
Listening to: KLove and Air1, mixed in with music from movies, a bit of country and whatever my teenage kids want me to sample 🙂
You might not know ______ about John: He proposed to Lori in the old Worship Center downstairs at Wildwood.
Hobbies: Being with Lori and the kids, coaching soccer, teaching and fishing
Braden assists the Facilities Director in maintaining and improving our building.
Family:
Education: Studying to be an Architectural Engineer
On staff since: June 2019
One thing you love about Wildwood: I love the consistency of their biblical views and solid leadership. Wildwood is centered on biblical truth and doesn’t get divisive on opinionated subject matter.
Listening to: Tears for Fears, Stevie Ray Vaughn, ZZ Top, U2, Toto, Queen
Hobbies: Board games with friends, reading, and drumming
Hannah assists the children’s ministry team in weekly activities involving teaching, facilitating classes, and organizing curriculum.
Family: Parents and brother
Education: Enrolled at OU
On staff since: 2021
One thing you love about Wildwood: The people! They are so kind and welcoming.
Favorite movie: Lilo & Stitch
Hobbies: Traveling, Baking, Puzzles, and spending time with family and friends
Cici assists in planning out the Student Ministry at Wildwood.
Family: Parents and 2 brothers
Education: Enrolled at OCCC
On staff since: 2021
One thing you love about Wildwood: Wildwood’s dedication to preaching from scripture! I remember a student pastor telling me if I don’t open my Bible during a message it should be a warning sign about the teaching and I rarely don’t open my Bible at Wildwood! It assures me that what is being said is true because it is from God’s word.
Listening to: The Beatles, John Mayer, COIN, Maverick City, Chris Renzema
Hobbies: Music (Playing, listening to, writing), Anything art, Bullet Journaling, Coding, Reading, and making bread.
Jack assists the Wildwood Students team in planning out the Student Ministry at Wildwood.
Family: Maddie (wife)
On staff since: 2021
One thing you love about Wildwood: The warmth and joy from everyone you meet!
Listening to: NEEDTOBREATHE, Chris Renzema, and any good sports podcast \
Hobbies:Watching/playing/talking about sports, exploring new places, and running (sometimes)
Melanie manages administrative tasks and communications for Children’s Ministry, as well as oversees the Welcome Team and the Impact 5 program.
To contact Melanie, click here.
Family: (husband) and three daughters:
Education:
On staff since: March 2021
Hobbies:
Favorite books:
Something you might not know about Melanie:
StuMo (Student Mobilization) is a ministry focused on building spiritual leaders for Christ from college campuses all over the world. Their passion is to help young men and women embrace their faith and grow as spiritual leaders for future generations and to equip them to live for Christ wherever they may go.
For more information about StuMo and how you can get involved, please visit pioneerstumo.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) is a Christian parachurch organization that was originally geared towards college students. Their mission is to win, build, and send believers who will multiply their faith in others. Since its founding, Cru has expanded its focus to include adults and even high school students.
For more information about CRU and how you can get involved, please visit cru.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Creation Care is a group at Wildwood dedicated to being good stewards of God’s creation. We created the group at Wildwood to increase awareness of environmental sustainability at the church through recommendations and actions regarding recycling, energy efficiency, education, and more.
If you are interested in assisting with these efforts, please email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org
Salvation Army is a part of the Christian church that has an impact all over the world. This ministry is motivated by the love of God and its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please visit salvationarmyusa.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org
This ministry dedicated to serving the administration and teachers who work tirelessly to teach and love on students of Kennedy Elementary. The goal is to encourage and show the love of Christ to these teachers through Scripture and appreciation gifts.
If you would like more information about how you can get involved, please email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org
Baptist Collegiate Ministry is a Christian organization on OU’s campus. Their goal to is help students know, love, and glorify God. They do this through small groups, Bible study, and leadership training.
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please visit oubcm.com or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org
Mission Norman is a non-profit corporation organized and operated to minister to a hurting world, particularly to persons who are homeless, by providing transitional housing, clothing, food, counseling, and other services as a ministry founded upon and carried out for the love of God and His son, Jesus Christ. Each year Wildwood partners with other churches and Mission Norman to bring Christmas to those in our community who need some extra support. For more information on the Mission Norman Christmas Shoppe, click here – wildwoodchurch.org/missionnorman
For more information about Mission Norman and how you can get involved, please visit missionnorman.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
YoungLife is a ministry that strives to provide life-changing experiences while preparing kids for a life-long relationship with Christ and a love for His word, His mission, and the local church. YoungLife introduces adolescents to Jesus Christ by helping them grow in their faith by meeting in groups at high schools, college campuses, and summer camps.
For more information about YoungLife and how you can get involved, please visit norman.younglife.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
The purpose of Search Ministries is to provide a safe place to ask life’s big questions. By developing authentic relationships built around these questions, they offer honest answers and initiate meaningful conversations. Their mission is simple: inviting adults to take the next step toward God and our vision is big: every adult in every city invited to know and share Jesus.
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please visit searchnational.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Navigators is a ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow by creating spiritual generations of believers. Its purpose is the discipline of Christians with a particular emphasis on enabling them to share their faith with others. Through Life-to-Life® relationships, The Navigators discipleship fulfills the message of 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others (NIV).”
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please visit navigators.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Moore Faith Medical Clinic provides faith-based free medical care and prescriptions to the uninsured and underserved in our area. The organization focuses on loving and serving the community while recognizing the God-given dignity of each human life. Are you a medical provider who could volunteer your talents? Would you enjoy greeting patients or assisting with clerical tasks? How about providing a meal for the medical professionals who often come to the Clinic directly from their regular jobs?
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please visit moorefaithclinic.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Wildwood is for our community, one neighbor at a time, and we’re here to support you as you reach out to yours! Our Hi Neighbor! Block Party Trailer is a one of a kind trailer outfitted with popcorn and sno cone machine, yard games, music, and much more. Hi, Neighbor! hosts are even provided with planning tips, checklists, promotion materials, and a gift card for food and supplies. You’ll have everything you need to throw the best block party your guests have ever attended, and it’s completely free! We hope you’ll sign up to host a block party on your street, in your home, or at your neighborhood park today!
For more information, email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org or click here to make a block party reservation.
Wildwood is proud to support Grace Home, a ministry home that provides a place for young mothers who find themselves alone and pregnant with few options to continue their pregnancies. The goal of this ministry is to provide a safe haven to expectant mothers with prenatal care, good nutrition, and exercise.
For more information about Grace Home and how you can get involved, please visit gracehomeok.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Food and Shelter for Friends is a multi-faced program that hundreds of men, women, and children rely on for daily nutrition. Their mission is to give families a better life by providing access to their food pantry and shelter assistance.
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please visit foodandshelterinc.org or email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Christian Pen Pals is a secure letter writing ministry which offers encouragement, guidance, and Christian friendship to incarcerated individuals through correspondence. Most of the inmates who are reaching out for a pen pal are already Christian, curious about Christianity, or just looking for a positive friendship. Your letters can make a difference in their lives for eternity.
For more information about this ministry and how you can get involved, please email outreach@wildwoodchurch.org.
Bruce teaches on Sundays and in other venues, leads Latvian missions, assists with adult ministry and global outreach, plus provides leadership on theological issues facing the church today.
To contact Bruce, click here
Family: Janet (wife) and four grown kids – Rebekah (Nick), Emily, Kyle (Brittany), and Jennifer (Zac) – plus six grandsons, Aiden, Landen, Lincoln, Noah, Hunter, Luke and two granddaughters, Kinsey and Summer.
Education: BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Nebraska, Master of Theology in New Testament and Greek from Dallas Theological Seminary.
On staff since: 1979
Personal webpage: brucehess.com Many of Bruce’s messages are available to be streamed, downloaded, or read via transcription.
One thing you love about Wildwood: Great blend of folks who are committed to know, honor, and follow Jesus! I highly value the tremendous privilege of teaching God’s Word at Wildwood for four decades.
Listening to: Mostly mid 60s oldies, along with Chris Tomlin & Matt Redman
You might not know ______ about Bruce: Bruce’s messages have been broadcast for 24 years (in the Latvian language) twice weekly on Latvian Christian Radio in the nation of Latvia. Also, there are internet listeners in the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Russia, Canada, Australia, and the USA. God is simply amazing!
Hobbies: College sports, especially football and basketball. Root most intensely for my alma mater and the Sooners. Follow the Thunder, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys.
As the Student Pastor, Abe serves the community of Wildwood through overseeing our Student ministry to 6th – 12th graders.
To contact Abe, click here
Family: Korie (wife) and daughter Eleanor
Education: Bachelors in Human Services from Washburn University & Mdiv from Midwestern Theological Seminary
On staff since: November 2018
Favorite Book besides the Bible: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Hobbies: Playing basketball, board games, building things!
Click Here to learn more about Student Ministry (6-12 grade)
Kevin serves the community of Wildwood through overseeing our College Students.
To contact Kevin, click here
Family: Wife, Carley
On staff since: April 2019
Education: MTS at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary & BA in Communication at the University of Oklahoma
Favorite Movie: Star Wars, La La Land, Dead Poets Society
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with my wife and friends, watching OKC Thunder or OU, playing board games or video games
Click Here to learn more about College Ministry at Wildwood.
Brooke directs the Children’s Ministry Team.
To contact Brooke, click here.
Family: JT (husband) and kids, Mabry, Harper, Hazel, & Henry
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Oklahoma
On staff since: 2011
Hobbies: Spending time with JT & my 4 kids; traveling and shopping.
Something you might not know about Brooke: My first “job” was running “Brooke’s Playschool” out of my parent’s garage when I was in 4th & 5th grade.
Click here to learn more about Wildwood’s Children’s Ministry
To contact Pastor Mark, click here
Family: Kimberly (wife), and son, Joshua
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from University of Oklahoma, Doctor of Ministry and Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary,
On staff since: January 2001
One thing you love about Wildwood: I love the people at Wildwood.
Listening to: Shane & Shane, Keith & Kristyn Getty
Favorite movie: Les Miserables
Hobbies: Following OU athletics and the NBA
Ciera assists in High School and Middle School ministry and leads Girls Nights.
To contact Ciera, click here
Family: Mike (Dad), Pat (Mom), and 3 sisters, Alexis, Brooke and Devon.
Education: Will graduate from OCCC in May with AS in Public Relations
On staff since: August 2016
One thing you love about Wildwood: The people – it has always felt like a family to me
One thing you might not know about Ciera: I love music. I have perfectly crafted playlists for every occasion and could sing for hours and hours…not well but still! 🙂
Favorite movie: Remember the Titians (favorite movie)
Hobbies: Cooking, being outside, and hanging with family and friends
Jolie oversees children in nursery, toddler, and preschool ministries on Sunday mornings.
To contact Jolie, click here
Family: Husband – Greg; Sons – Isaac and Hudson
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Texas Baptist University
On staff since: September 2017
Hobbies: Running my kids to their activities, running, and reading.
Favorite movie: Little Women
You might not know about me: I love pens and paper calendars. My favorite day is when I get to put all of the dates for a new year into my new calendar.
Herschel helps Wildwood pursue excellence in being faithful stewards of all that God has blessed us with. This includes HR, finances, facility, communication, and the church office team.
To contact Herschel, click here
Family: Alison & 4 kids (boy in college & 3 ballerinas)
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Communication, from the University of Oklahoma.
On staff since: October 2016
One thing you love about Wildwood: I love the long term faithfulness of staff and volunteers pursuing God together like the Bereans.
Listening to: This is Wildwood, Freakonomics, Coldplay channel on pandora
Favorite movie: Braveheart & Elf
Hobbies: Uber for my kids, hiking, cycling, and swimming
Lessye oversees the elementary programs on Sunday mornings.
To contact Lessye, click here
Family: Michael (husband), Zoey, Addison, and Delaney (daughters)
Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma in Health & Exercise Science
On staff since: November 2015
Hobbies: Family time, exploring nature, staying active, listening to podcasts, drinking coffee
Favorite Movie: Home Alone
One thing you might not know about Lessye: I’m very competitive and love a good board game.
Melanie oversees Awana programming and Thursday morning childcare.
To contact Melanie, click here.
Family: Zac (husband) and daughter Parker and son Hayes
Education: BBA in Management Information Systems from University of Oklahoma
On Staff Since: 2013
Hobbies: Reading, running, home projects, going to the lake, spending time with my family and friends
Favorite Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Something you might not know about Melanie: She has run 5 marathons and 10 half-marathons!
Emily serves and leads our special needs ministry for children.
To contact Emily, click here.
Family: Perry (husband), Cooper and Asher (sons)
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Family Development from Oklahoma Baptist University
On Staff Since: May 2019
Hobbies: Playing w/my boys, tennis, watching sports
Favorite Movie: Titanic
Something you may not know about Emily: She loves to dance and make people laugh!
Jen assists & supports Adult Ministry at Wildwood.
To contact Jen, click here
Family: My husband Chad and I have been married 13 years and have been blessed with 2 boys, Keaton & Nolan
Education: BS in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma
On staff since: 2017
One thing you love about Wildwood: The community and support Wildwood has brought to our family!
Listening to: Lauren Daigle and Hillsong
Favorite movie: You’ve Got Mail
Hobbies: I love taking walks, hiking, traveling and watching my boys in the activities/sports they are involved with.
Favorite book besides the Bible: A recent favorite is Seamless by Angie Smith
You might not know about me: I taught dance classes for over 18 years and you can still find me in the studio every now and then.
Greg plans and oversees the worship ministry at Wildwood.
To contact Greg, click here
Family: Carolyn (wife) with three kids and grandkids.
Education: OU graduate
On staff since: 2003
One thing you love about Wildwood: People’s heart for serving others and the Lord.
Listening to: Classic rock, acoustic, jazz, choral, pop, soundtracks…
Favorite book beside the Bible: Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Hobbies: Astronomy
Sherri provides organizational support to adult ministries.
To contact Sherri, click here
Family: Bryan (husband) and daughter, Taylor & son, Josh.
On Staff Since: June 2019
One thing you love about Wildwood: The culture of building one another up in Christ!
Hobbies: Reading and board games
Brian serves Wildwood by overseeing our assimilation ministries and adult ministry groups.
To contact Brian, click here
Family: Pam (wife) and three kids: Logan, Reagan, and Alex
Education: BA in Commercial Art from Southwest Baptist University and MA in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary
On staff since: 2009
Hobbies: Hunting & fishing
Favorite Movie: Sandlot
Listening to: St. Louis Cardinal baseball game
Favorite book besides the Bible: My Utmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers
Kevin serves the community of Wildwood through providing leadership to our global outreach.
To contact Kevin, click here
Family: Becca (wife) and they have 3 children (Hannah, Sarah, and Christopher)
Education: Undergraduate degree from OU, two Master’s degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University.
On staff since: 2013 (previously a Wildwood missionary in Brazil for 20+ years)
One Thing I love about Wildwood: There are not many “sacred” traditions—so many people are committed to glorifying God and making changes as He leads them.
Listening to: Brad Paisley, Avalon, Michael W. Smith, Hillsong United, Tchaikovsky, and random vocalists with great pipes.
You might not know ______ about Kevin: He moved across the street so he could walk to the church!
Hobbies: Hanging out with our kids and other internationals, traveling, Texas Rangers baseball, board games
Garry maintains and upgrades Wildwood’s facility.
To contact Garry, click here
Family: Wife, Linda and grown sons Brad (& Chelsie) and Mark. His grandchildren: Aubrey, Bradley and Emery.
On staff since: 2013
One thing you love about Wildwood: The community of the Pastoral and Support Staff
Listening to: Christian talk radio
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing, any outdoor activities
You might not know about me: I retired from GM after 24 years.
Rebekah serves as a ministry connection & facility resource coordinator, and also as an assistant to Pastor Bruce Hess
To contact Rebekah, click here
Family: Nick (husband) and 3 kids (Aiden, Landon, and Kinsey)
Education: Rose State & OU
On Staff Since: 2000
One thing you love about Wildwood: The Biblical teaching & the people!
Listening To: Air 1
Hobbies: Hanging out with family