TULSA—Leaders with Oklahoma Baptists announced today the hiring of Andy Taylor as regional ministry partner for east-central Oklahoma for the state convention.

Taylor has been serving as pastor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights, since 2015. He will step into his new role with Oklahoma Baptists in April, where he will serve on the Church Relations group, led by Associate Executive Director James Swain.

“Andy Taylor is a humble servant of our Lord with a pastor’s heart,” Swain said. “His proven record of leadership in the church and service of our country will serve him well in this role. He has a passion for disciple-making and leadership development that strengthen the work of Oklahoma Baptists in advancing the gospel. Andy is an encourager by nature and will come alongside pastors and church leaders in an incredible way. I am so thankful that the Lord has brought Andy to our team and look forward to serving with him.”

Taylor earned a bachelor of arts degree in religion (Bible emphasis) from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master of divinity degree in biblical languages from Southwestern Seminary, a graduate certificate in Christian apologetics from Biola University and a doctor of ministry degree in expository preaching from The Master’s Seminary.

His 30-plus years of ministry include serving as senior pastor at Ponca City, First and Chickasha, Trinity. He also served on staff at Moore, Regency Park and a church plant in Texas.

In addition, Andy served for more than eight years as a full-time U.S. Army chaplain. During this time, Taylor completed two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, for which he earned three Bronze Star Medals. He also served as deputy senior U.S. Army chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Andy retired from the Army in 2015.

Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer said, “Andy Taylor is one of Oklahoma Baptists’ best and brightest. His heart of encouraging pastors and serving the local church will be vital to his role, and we are grateful the Lord has led him to serve Oklahoma Baptists in this way.”

In March 2018, Oklahoma Baptists designated regional ministry roles for all parts of Oklahoma—Northwest, Southwest, East Central and East, along with affinity groups including Hispanic ministry, African American, Native American, Asian ministry and ministry wives. Taylor will serve the East Central region which includes Tulsa.

He is married to Laurie, and they have three children: Seth, Cole and Lexie.

Look for more coverage in future editions of the Baptist Messenger.