Senior Pastors - Randy & Becky Richards
Randy and Becky Richards began their ministry with youth in Sedalia before pastoring a small church in St. Joseph. The vision for the Open Bible Praise Center began in late 1996 with the first service for this new church plant in January of 1997. Randy and Becky’s vision as lead pastors have taken the church from an old sale barn to our current 28,000 square foot facility.
High School sweethearts, Randy and Becky were married August 23, 1980. They have two grown sons, two wonderful daughter-in-law’s, but the light of their lives are their four adorable grandbabies; Quincy, Emmitt, Adella and baby Loxley. rrichards@obpraisecenter.com
Becky brings 30 plus years’ experience and passion to children’s ministry. Here at the Praise Center, she is known as the champion of our children. brichards@obpraisecenter.com
Youth Pastor - Kennedy Walker
In 2016 Kennedy began attending the Praise Center as a teen with the help of a family who brought her. At Breakaway that same year, she gave her heart to Jesus. She immediately began serving in the nursery, children’s church, and was an active member of the worship team. At summer camp in 2017, she received the call to ministry.
After high school graduation in 2019, Kennedy began her studies at Central Methodist University and graduated in 2022 with a degree in Religion and Church Leadership. While in college, she had the opportunity to intern with Faith Family Church in Fayette. She was the Middle School girl’s leader and worked closely with the Associate Pastor who let her grow in her calling to be a Youth Pastor.
In May of 2022, God called her to step out of her comfort zone. She returned home to the Praise Center to take over as the new Youth Pastor in September 2022. Kennedy has since completed the process of becoming an Open Bible Credentialed Pastor. kennedywalker30@yahoo.com
Elder - Terry Dreyer
Terry and Deana were one of the founding families of Open Bible Praise Center in November of 1996. Terry has served on the Elder board ever since. Terry was born and raised in Boonville, but left the area to live in Texas and Italy before his return in 1993. They have three grown children and four grandsons.
In addition to leading a Thursday night Life Group, Terry fills in preaching from time to time.
Deana started as out part-time Treasurer when we opened in 1997. In September of 2012, she left the work force to join the Praise Center staff full time. She also coordinates the Administrative Board. Deana has recently stepped down as our OB Praise Center Office Manager to enjoy time with her grandchildren.
Elder - Michael Dilse
Mike Dilse was born and raised in the Boonville area. He married DeAnne on June 24, 1994, and between them they have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
The Dilse’ joined OBPC in 2006, and Mike was appointed as an Elder in 2009.
Mike helps with maintenance and ushering duties at the Praise Center, as well as filling the pulpit from time to time. DeAnne has served as our VBS coordinator and in Children’s Church ministries. Both Mike and DeAnne lead Life Groups on Friday nights.
Elder - Patrick Stenger Nursery Coordinator - Angel Stenger
Patrick and Angel Stenger joined the Praise Center in 2013 and have been volunteering for various duties ever since.
They married in October of 2006 and have one daughter, Abigail.
In addition to serving on the Elder Board and coordinating out Praise Center Safety Team, Patrick is an officer in the CMA – Christian Motorcycle Association. Before his appointment to the Elder Board, Patrick served faithfully on the Administration Board for two years.
In 2019, Angel took on the position of coordinating all our nursery volunteers as well as implementing age-appropriate curriculum for our babies. astenger22@gmail.com
Elder - Ron Brignac OB Praise Center Office Manager - Sherry Brignac
Ron Brignac comes to us from Louisiana. He and Sherry joined the Praise Center in 2017. Ron and Sherry were married in June of 2014 and have four children and three grandchildren.
In addition to teaching our 4-5-6 Children's church class, Ron brings an excellent business perspective to our leadership team. After faithfully serving several years on the Administrative Board, Ron is now serving as one of our Elders.
Sherry is active in Lady's Bible studies and has recently taken on the Praise Center Office Manager position. Together, they are great additions to our Hospitality Team and Life Groups.
Elder - James Bland
Our newest member of OBPC leadership, James Bland, married Ashley on July 4th, 2015. They are parents to 4-year-old JC and 1-year-old Emery. James and Ashley officially joined the Praise Center family in 2019.
James is a Product Specialist for Midway USA by day, and Ashley is a teacher at Pilot Grove Elementary School. They have actively led our Men's and Women's Bible Studies and helped with our Little Lambs classes. We are excited to have both James and Ashley join our leadership team.
Elder - Ernie Ueligger
Ernie and his sweet family are huge Kansas City Chiefs fans! By career, he is a partner in the Jones and Ueligger law firm. To his family, Ernie is a devoted family man and father of four.
Nikki and Ernie began attending the Praise Center in 2018. In January 2022, Ernie became the newest addition to the administrative board, and we are sure he will bring valuable expertise. Nikki works outside the home and is one of our nursery teachers.
Administrative Board - Janie Bonham
Janie Bonham was one of the founding families Open Bible Praise Center in November 1996. Born and raised in Boonville, she married Roger in November of 2002. The two of them have six grown children between them and nine grandchildren.
In addition to joining the Administrative Board in 2018, Janie also serves as one of our keyboard players at the Praise center and love to teach Bible studies when possible.
Administrative Board - Terry Gehm
Terry and David Gehm joined the Praise Center Family in 2006. They were married in 2007 and have three children between them and ten grandchildren.
David is Chief of the Cooper County Fire Department. Terry and David also own Gehm Environmental Company.
In addition to Terry serving on the Administrative Board, the Gehm’s are involved in a Thursday night Life Group in their home and David helps with safety and maintenance projects at the Praise Center.
Administrative Board - Trevor Hodges
Trevor & Tabitha Hodges found their way to the Praise Center in 2021 and joined in 2023. Married for 12 years, they have three great kids: Gabe, Kendall, and Kami. When not busy with their day jobs, you can find them working on their farm, raising pigs, and supporting the kids in sports and 4H. Never one to procrastinate, when Trevor decided to get baptized, he called the pastor out to his pond on a cold February day and dove in.
He and his family have been working diligently in the church whenever called on and have been a tremendous blessing to our PC family. The Administrative Board was grateful to add him to their team in February 2024.
Administrative Board - James Vollmer
James Vollmer and his wife Jessica have been attending the Praise Center since 2021, and in 2022, they became members. Married for 20 years, James and Jessica have two girls, Madilyn and Brooklyn.
Always quick to lend a hand when needed, the Vollmer's have been a blessing to the Praise Center. In February of 2024, James became a part of our Administrative Board.mes Vollmer and his wife Jessica have been attending the Praise Center since 2021, and in 2022, they became members. Married for 20 years, James and Jessica have two girls, Madilyn and Brooklyn.
Always quick to lend a hand when needed, the Vollmer's have been a blessing to the Praise Center. In February of 2024, James became a part of our Administrative Board.
Administrative Board - Jarred Samson
Shortly before they wed, Jarred and Koryn Samson started attending the Praise Center in 2018. In 2019, they became members. By day, Jarred uses his talents at Midway Arms and Koryn at Cargill. In their spare time, he and Koryn work tirelessly to grow their farm and find unique ways to share and sell their wares. They have also grown their family during their time at the Praise Center, adding three little ones to the ranks of our Kingdom Kids.
The Praise Center was blessed to add Jarred's detail-oriented business eye to the administrative board in February 2024.
Administrative Board - Rob Bryant
Rob Bryant and his wife Kim have been married since September 2021 and have four kids between them: 2 daughters, 32 and 30, and 2 sons, 29 and 27. Recently, they have been blessed with seeing the world through the eyes of their 11-year-old grandson, who lives with them. Rob works as an environmental scientist at Whiteman AFB, and Kim is a probation and parole at Cooper Co.
Rob and Kim have been active in Life Groups since they joined the church in 2021. They have a passion for various missions, and while they may not be going on mission trips right now, they are great encouragers and supporters of those who do. Rob has brought his military and business background to the Administrative board since February 2024.