Meet the Staff
TROY RHODEN
PastorTroy has been at FBCO since 1984. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla. In 1984 He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Troy spent 1967 to 1975 as a co-owner of a family business. From 1975 to 1978 he served as pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in California, Missouri. He then served as pastor at Northwest Baptist Church in Springfield from 1978 to 1981. Then, from 1981-1984; Troy was Pastor at First Baptist Church in Joplin, Texas. His hobbies are computers, reading, and working on his Doctor of Ministry Degree.
Troy married Carol in 1967. She has worked as a medical receptionist and is now a homemaker and an active supporter for Troy’s ministry. She also serves as a 4th grade Sunday School teacher. They have 2 adult children.
JIM JEFFRIES
Associate PastorJim has been at FBCO since 1997. Before serving here, he was pastor at National Heights Baptist Church in Springfield for 32 years. His attempt to retire resulted in a ministry position at FBCO. Jim went to Southwest Baptist University and received his Associates degree in 1952. At SMSU in 1956 he graduated with a Bachelors Degree. In 1960, he completed his Masters of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. Jim and Jeanne enjoy traveling, indulging grandchildren and time in the outdoors.
Jeanne and Jim married in 1953. She has a Bachelors degree from S.M.S.U. and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Seminary. They have four children and five grandchildren.
DAVID HICKS
Minister of MusicDavid has been at FBCO since 1990. He has a Bachelor of Music from SBU in Bolivar and one year attendance at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth TX. From 1987-1990, he served as Minister of Music and Youth at First Baptist in Richland, MO. His hobbies are golf, tennis and going to the lake with his family.
David and Cammie were married in 1980. She is a nurse at Ozarks Community Hospital. At FBCO, she assists with children’s ministry and adult praise teams. They have 2 daughters and one grandchild.
DON CURRENCE
Minister of AdministrationIn 1978, Don received his Bachelor of Science in Music and Art from SBU in Bolivar. Then in 1981 he graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters in Church Music and Specialization in Education. Don began his ministry at FBCO in 1993 as the Minister of Children and Preschool. In 1996, he was called to be Minister of Administration and is certified in Church Business Administration. Before coming to FBCO, Don held the position of Associate Pastor at FBC Houston, MO. His hobbies are being a dad, singing and reading Science Fiction.
Don and Cheta were married in 1992. She has her Masters in Library Science and is the Librarian at Sparta Elementary. She serves as a 2nd grade Sunday School teacher. They have two daughters.
CHUCK ROSS
Minister of EducationChuck began attending FBCO in 1991. In 1996, he was called by this church to be the Minister of Youth. In 2002, he became Minister of Education. Chuck has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Texas. His hobby is photography.
Chuck and Melody married in 1974. She works at FBCO as the Sr. Pastor’s assistant and Records/Outreach secretary. She serves as a 4th Grade Sunday School teacher. They have two children and two grandchildren.
BRAD BECKHAM
Minister of StudentsBrad began his ministry here in April of 2007. Before coming to FBCO, Brad was the Minister of Students at Cannaan Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education with a Youth Ministry emphasis from SBU in May of 1997. Brad loves sports, especially soccer.
Brad and Kirstin were married in 1997. She has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from SBU. She was a full time social worker until 1999, but now is a stay-at-home mom. They have three daughters.
BLAKE HAYWORTH
Minister of Children & RecreationBlake began his ministry here in October of 2005. Before coming to FBCO, Blake was the Minister of Recreation, Children, and Administration at First Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. He received his Bachelor of Science in Church Recreation from SBU in May of 1993. At Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996, he received his Masters Degree in Religious Education. His hobbies include enjoying Cardinal Baseball with his son Joel, traveling with his family, and coaching youth sports.
Blake and Debbie were married in 1985. Debbie is actively involved in FBCO's music ministry and is a leader in the Children's L.I.T. Program. She has her music degree from William Jewel and her Masters Degree in Music from Southern Seminary. She taught music in public school for 15 years and currently tutors in piano. They have one son.
JENNIFER METCALF
Minister of PreschoolJennifer began her ministry here in October of 2005 and has been a member since January of 1984. Before working at FBCO, Jennifer was an elementary teacher for nine years at Ozark East Elementary School in Ozark, MO. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Mathematics from SBU in May of 1994 and her Masters Degree in Education in 1998. Her hobbies include softball, scrapbooking, and being a mom.
Jennifer and Jim married in 2000. He works at Atlas Security in Springfield. He serves in choir, Preschool Sunday School, and Nehemiah Kids. They have a daughter and a son.