Leadership
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 sweetheats, 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 Church Administrator - Deana 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. ddreyer@obpraisecenter.com
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
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 - Ron 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 between them and three grandchildren.
Ron has been in the insurance industry for many years and brings a great business perspective to the Administrative Board. Sherry is active in Ladies Bible studies and Ron teaches our fourth, fifth and sixth grade Children’s Church class. Together, they both are great additions to our Hospitality Team.
Administrative Board - Donald Dreyer
Donald and Frieda Dreyer have been a part of the Praise Center family in one form or another since its beginning. Donald was a key figure in the building project that is the facility you see today. In 2013, they made the decision to become full time members and we have been blessed to have their wisdom and insight.
Born and raised in the area, Don and Frieda were married in June 1956. They have two married sons, six grandchildren (ten if you count the married ones!) and six great grandchildren.
Donald joined the Administrative Board in 2019 and they are also actively involved in Life Groups.
Administrative Board - Ernie Ueligger
Ernie and his sweet family are huge Kansas City Chiefs fans! By career, he is 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 of 2022, Ernie became the newest addition to the Administrative Board where we are certain he will bring valuable expertise. Aside from raising four kids, Nikki works outside the home and is one of our nursery teachers.