What We Believe
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.
Open Communion
The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship and is open to all.
Freedom of Belief
Disciples are free to follow their conscience guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism
In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
The Oneness of the Church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
The Ministry of Believers
Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
Our Staff
Reverend Bill Hemm – Senior Pastor
I was raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and grew up at First Christian Church in Jenks. Being active in camps, conferences, retreats, and regional youth council, I found a love for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1997 and moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas where I graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. The calling to ministry was a slow process that eventually took hold of me. In January, 2007, I enrolled at Phillips Theological Seminary. I graduated in December, 2011, with my Masters of Divinity. In February, 2012, I was ordained at First Christian Church in Jenks, OK and I have been excited to be a part of the Forest Park Christian Church family of faith since 2012!
Diane McCrackin – Secretary
I am a lifelong Disciple and member of First Christian Church in Broken Arrow where I am active in many ministries. I began at Forest Park in 2016. Prior to serving in this role, I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Tulsa and worked in various professional and teaching roles at the University of Tulsa and in Tulsa area businesses and schools.
Steve Baggett – Traditional Music Director
I accepted Christ as my Savior at a young age and I have attended and been very active in church my entire life. Before coming to Forest Park in 2015, I attended First Christian Church in Tulsa where I served as Elder and Chairman of the Worship Committee. I have over 30 years of experience in Church Music Ministry and leading congregational worship. Over my years serving in the church, I have been in charge of a fully graded choir program with groups for preschoolers, children, youth, and adults and have produced cantatas, musical dramas, and plays with all ages. In addition, I have been a featured soloist in church and secular settings and I enjoy working with instrumentalists in enhancing the worship experience. Overall, I enjoy working with pastors and other leaders in selecting and preparing music and other elements for worship.
Becky Jones– Keyboardist
I am a life-long Disciple and was raised in First Christian Church, in Bristow. I have been playing piano in church since the age of nine and have an Associate’s Degree in Music. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and in addition to my work at Forest Park, I work as a licensed clinical social worker for a couple of nonprofits, in addition to maintaining my independent practice. I love music and encouraging youth to play which is something I have done regularly since coming to Forest Park in 2015. Music is always in my heart and always in my head.
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