Missouri Baptists receive Midwestern degrees
By Staff
June 8, 2004
LIBERTY – Fifteen students with Missouri Baptist ties received degrees at the 44th commencement exercises of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary May 22 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church here. They include:
William M. O’Toole, a doctor of ministry degree. He currently serves as a church planter in Platte County. He had previously earned a master of divinity degree from Midwestern. O’Toole and his wife, Brenda Jean, are residents of Parkville.
Scott A. Walker, a diploma in Christian ministry pastoral degree. Walker currently serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church, Harrisonville. He and his wife, Debra, are natives and residents of Harrisonville.
Jeremy Newborn, a master of divinity degree. Newborn serves as youth pastor at First Southern Baptist Church, Endora, Kan. Attending Drury University, Springfield, he received a bachelor of art degree in accounting and business administration. He and his wife, Kimberly, live in Endora.
Paul P. Loser, a master of divinity degree. As a 2nd Lieutenant (Chaplain) candidate in the Air Force Reserve, he has served at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas and at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. Loser currently serves as associate pastor of youth, Northland Baptist Church, Kansas City. Attending Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, he received his bachelor of art degree in Christian ministries. He and his wife, Cara, live in Kansas City.
Benjamin Warner, a master of arts in biblical languages degree. Warner currently serves as minister of students and activities at the Believers’ Southern Baptist Church, Wichita, Kan. Upon attending Missouri Baptist College, St. Louis, he received his bachelor of art degree in religion. He and his wife, Amanda, reside in Wichita, Kan.
Steve Suttill, a master of divinity degree. Suttill currently serves as pastor, Fairfax Baptist Church, Fairfax. Attending Southwestern College, Phoenix, Ariz., he received his bachelor of art degree in biblical studies. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Fairfax.
Richard Bunch, a master of divinity degree. Bunch is pastor, Paradise Baptist Church, Paradise. Attending Culver-Stockton College, Canton, he received his bachelor of science degree in elementary and special education. He and his wife, Sandra, live in Kansas City.
Daron Caswell, a master of arts in church music degree. He was awarded the Wornall Road Baptist Church Award in Theological Field Education for “his outstanding ministerial leadership.” Attending Hannibal LaGrange College, Hannibal, he received his bachelor’s of science degree in information systems. He and his wife, Sandy, are residents of Higginsville.
Andrea R. Elder, a master of arts in church music degree. She was awarded the Lora Lee Kieser Church Music Award which recognizes outstanding students and their musical leadership in ministry. Elder serves as youth minister, Rockwood Baptist Church, Independence. Attending Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, she received her bachelor of music degree in music education. Elder resides in Kansas City.
Stephenie Long, a master of arts degree in biblical language. Long was awarded the Zondervan Greek Award which recognizes academic excellence in Greek. She was also awarded the J.J. Owens Hebrew Award which recognizes academic excellence in Hebrew. Attending Southwest Baptist University, she received her bachelor of arts degree in English. Long is the daughter of Vicki and the late Stephen Long of Saint Joseph.
Matthew Whitaker Ward, a master of divinity degree in church music. Ward was awarded the G. Hugh Wamble Award in Church History which recognizes a student who has demonstrated academic excellence in the research of church history and religious liberty. He serves as associate pastor, Northland Baptist Church, Kansas City. Attending Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, he received his bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering. He and his wife, Shelly, live in Kansas City.
Mindy Rose, a master of divinity degree. Rose was awarded the Wanda J. Keatley Award which includes an expense paid trip to Israel. While attending Truman State University, Kirksville, she received her bachelor’s of science degree in political science.
Bob Hutton, a master of divinity degree. Hutton is minister of music, Northern Hills Baptist Church, Holt. Attending Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Natchitoches, La., he received his bachelor of art degree in social work.
Charles Robert Ayers, a doctor of ministry degree. Ayers is pastor, Camp Branch Baptist Church, Sedalia. Attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, he received his master of arts in religious education and counseling degree. He and his wife, Teresa Kay, live in Sedalia.
Timothy M. Plaster, received a diploma in Christian ministries and church planting. Plaster serves as pastor, Amazing Grace Fellowship Church, Oak Grove, where he and his wife, Theresa, reside.