Our Elders
russ taylor - Chuck Thayer -
RICK BAUMGARTEN
OUR DEACONS
Casey piper | GARY Clark |
KYLE Collier | DOUG Raymond
Our Staff
Russ taylor, lead pastor
Pastor Russ joined the OBC staff in April 2003, serving as both Student Pastor (2003-06) and Associate Pastor (2006-14) before accepting his current position.
Russ was born and raised in Kansas City, graduating from Lee's Summit High School, Calvary Bible College, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Russ’ wife, Melissa, is the Elementary Math Curriculum Coordinator for Raytown Schools. Russ and Melissa have three grown children: Jake, Emma, and Luke.
Carol Bowers,
ministry assistant
Carol is in her second stint in this position, having previously served Oakwood from 2016-2019. She returned in 2024 to ply her sweet spirit and administrative gifts in further service to our church family. Carol’s husband, Bill, is a retired pastor who offers pulpit supply to local churches. They live in Independence and are faithful members of a sister church.