Kris Lamle | Lead Pastor
I grew up in Oklahoma, mostly in small towns. I came to believe in Jesus at age 7. I followed Jesus at a distance for most of my young life. When I was 22 I felt God was calling me to be a minister of some kind. I accepted the call to be a Minister to Youth at First Baptist Church of Alva, OK. For the Next 20+ years I served in that capacity for several different churches. I eventually became an associate pastor and then a pastor. I really felt that there were a large group of people who were being left outside of God’s plan. I began to wonder what it would take to reach out to those folks. God began to show me some things through different churches through the years. He showed me how certain groups were reaching out in ways that were effective with people on the outside. Then God called us to start the Community. Our goal is to take the story of God to people and tell them in a way they can understand. Our church exists for people on the outside, who don’t really know about God and His love. I am excited about what God is doing through our efforts. People who had no relationship to a church or to God are attending and finding God’s place for them. It truly is the best part of my life to be involved in this.
Keith Carter | Production Manager & Pastor
Keith is the Production Manager at The Community. He has been involved in various aspects of church since he became a believer. Keith was baptised at age 17, after the relentless efforts of his friends to get him to church. His philosophy is to never give up on inviting someone, because one day, they might just say yes.
“For me, my relationship with God completely changed my life. I wouldn’t be where I am now if people had given up on inviting me. Everything I have is thanks to my relationship with God, which came about through a simple (but persistent) invitation from friends that cared too much to give up.”
Keith is currently a science teacher at Elgin High School. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Cameron University, and completed his graduate coursework at Boise State University.
Keith is married to Marlee, and they have three children: Gabriel, Evalyn and Aisley.
Baptised at age 17, after the relentless efforts of friends to get me to even step into a church.
Diana Whiteman | Children’s Director
Working with children is something I have always enjoyed. I began working with children when I was 18 years old. I later became an elementary teacher, retiring in 2012. I think it’s important in our world to counter all the negative values with positive influences. At Community Church , we are helping children learn to love others, make new friends, and have adult friendships in a safe environment while they find out how much Jesus loves them. We believe in having fun , making it exciting, and giving children basic truths they can use in life.