Leadership

Eric Costanzo has served as Lead Pastor of South Tulsa since 2016. Before coming to South Tulsa, Eric served as an associate pastor in two great churches. Eric has degrees in Biblical Languages (B.A., OBU; M.Div., SWBTS) and Cross-Cultural Studies/Ethics (Ph.D., SWBTS). Eric and his sweet wife Rebecca have four children who have wonderfully compassionate hearts for others. In his spare time he enjoys family time, traveling, hiking, reading, and collecting antique books and other cool old stuff. Eric speaks and teaches regularly at events and often writes about biblical, cultural, and historical topics along with global issues affecting the church. Eric is also executive director of RisingVillage.org, an organization with initiatives to help marginalized people become full participants in their communities.
Learn more about Eric’s books, other publications, and partnerships at http://ericcostanzo.me.

Zack began serving as the Associate Pastor and Minister to Families in September 2018. Zack has a B.A. in Telecommunications from Oklahoma Baptist University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to South Tulsa, he served as Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Watauga, Texas and Student Minister at Sheridan Road Baptist in Tulsa. Zack has held many ministry roles within the church including Children’s Pastor and Worship Pastor. Zack is married to Charlyanne and they have five wonderful children — Andrew, Karah, Philip, Rebekah and Nathan.

Phillip White is the Minister of Administration of South Tulsa Baptist Church. He and his wife Claira are both from Tulsa and now live in Jenks. Before coming to South Tulsa, Phillip worked in corporate finance in Memphis, TN and felt the call on his life to serve the church. He has degrees in both Finance and Spanish, and holds a master’s in business administration. A verse that is guiding in his role is found in Acts 2:44-47, telling of the togetherness of the believers and that they had “everything in common,” giving of one’s possessions to share with anyone who had need. 

Karen and her husband Chris became members of South Tulsa Baptist Church in 1987 and taught in the youth for 30 years. They raised both of their boys at South Tulsa. She has been on staff since the Spring of 2006 first as the Youth Associate and now as the Minister of Missions and Mobilization. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Karen surrendered to missions while in college. “Missions to me means pointing people to Christ, whether here or some remote part of the world. That also means leading others to do the same.”

Matt’s life purpose is to be a godly husband to his wife, Shiloh, and godly father to his sons, Preston and Bennett. He and his family have been serving at South Tulsa Baptist Church since December 2016. His family is called to promote grace, hope and light in the lives of others in this world with the Holy Spirit’s help, especially by ministering to students, families and marriages. Matt’s ministry purpose is to introduce people to Christ and help them make Jesus part of their life’s journey, giving God the glory.

Rebecca Johnston began serving as the Minister to Families with Children in 2018. She grew up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and has attended South Tulsa since she was in first grade. It was while growing up at South Tulsa that Rebecca made the decision to make Jesus Lord of her life. So, after receiving her undergrad at Oklahoma Baptist University, she was excited to return and serve the kids ministry that shaped her own faith. Rebecca married her husband, Jesse, in October of 2020 and they love being able to serve together! She is currently working on her Masters in Ministry at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Debbie and her husband Jeff are charter members of South Tulsa Baptist.  Debbie has served in several areas of ministry. She has taught preschool, children and youth Sunday School classes, plus served as the Director of the Early Learning Program (ELP). Their sons, Conner and Graham, were dedicated and raised at South Tulsa. The Steens have been blessed with four grandchildren. Being involved with not only children but their parents and grandparents is a passion for Debbie. She believes strongly in the command, Jesus said, “Let the little ones come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

Phil Dark has been serving as Minister to Senior Adults and Pastoral Care since July 2019. He has been in the ministry for 57 years, serving as Pastor of Baptist churches for 50 years. He served as a Hospice Chaplain for six years.  Phil holds a B.A. degree from OSU, a M.Div. degree from Midwestern Baptist Seminary, and has completed the class work for the D.Min. degree. Phil and his wife Betty love people and enjoy serving them in a warm spirit of love and commitment to Christ. 

Jesse Johnston is the Associate Minister to Families at South Tulsa Baptist Church. Jesse grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma. He gave his life to Christ before starting high school, and in the following years Jesse would feel the call on his life to serve as a minister in Christ’s Church. Jesse attended Oral Roberts University to be equipped to serve in the local church. Jesse married his wife, Rebecca, in October of 2020 and they love being able to serve together! He is currently working on a Master of Arts in Ministry with a pastoral care focus at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Laura McFarlin is the Director of College Ministry, Student Ministry Associate. She is married to Doug (2010) and has two daughters–Ainsley and Natalie. Laura gave her life to Christ when she was 6 years old and rededicated her life when she was 14. In 2001 Laura graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Marketing. In 2019, Laura felt God calling her into ministry and she joined the staff at South Tulsa in February 2020.  One of Laura’s favorite verses is Psalm 37:4, “Take Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Lisa has been the director of The Ministry Center since January 2023 and she feels blessed that God has led her to this position.  She and her husband Brad have been members of South Tulsa Baptist since 2010 and have served in a variety of areas over the years. Her role at The Ministry Center allows her to apply her leadership, organization, and management skills in a fast-paced environment. Lisa has a passion for helping people and a genuine heart for the people who come through the doors of the Ministry Center. The Ministry Center provides a wonderful place to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Kara Lee is the Director of Jenks CarePoint, a clothing ministry of South Tulsa Baptist Church that also exists to share the message of God’s love. She has worked as a speech therapist, an office manager and a stay-at-home mom. Kara married David Lee in 1986 and together they have three sons, a daughter, two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law and three grandsons. Kara and David raised their children at South Tulsa where she has taught Sunday School and VBS, participated in choirs and ensembles, and been a part of SMAK, and Dinner Theater each year. “My prayer is that through my service, others might come to know the Lord and accept His gift of salvation.”

Kim Hayes has been a member of South Tulsa since 1994. Since earning her BFA she has worked as a graphic designer in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. When asked to join the staff in 2007, she felt that God was calling her to serve at South Tulsa. Kim is married to Dwight, has three children and one granddaughter, Lila. Liz lives with her husband, Jordan and Lila in Broken Arrow. Nick is in Denver/Houston and Carly lives in New York City. Kim believes it is a privilege to use the gifts God has given her for His glory.