Our Pastors.

Pastors Elijah & Sheridan Garcia are the Lead Pastors of the church, based in Lawton, OK since May of 2020. They were entrusted with the church from the founding pastor, Danny ElKouri, after 14 years of operation. Their personal philosophy and driving passion is to bridge the gap between the lost & Jesus. The last census taken shows that 90% of the community in which the church resides is unchurched. They aspire to reach this community, city and the world with the gospel being presented in such a way that it bridges the gap between those who are lost and Jesus Christ. They believe in the next generation and value the wisdom and guidance of those that have gone before them.They have been married since 2013, reside in Lawton, and have 5 amazing children (Avah, Elle, Axel, Dani, & Demi).

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Daniel “Danny” El Kouri is an Oklahoma native being born in Frederick, Ok on 10/16/56. Danny married Lori Ann John April 4, 1986. He Is the father of four children. Three sons Daniel Abraham and his wife Stephanie Jeffrey, Joseph Daniel and his wife April Sloan, John Paul Daniel and his wife Emily Perry, and one daughter Sheridan and her husband Elijah Garcia. He is the proud Grandfather of 12 grandchildren Madalynn Paige, Anthony James and Kooper Daniel El Kouri, Avah Grace Garcia, Berkley Jo El Kouri, Elle Cori Garcia, Axel Ray Garcia, Graclyn Kay El Kouri, Dani Ann Garcia, Oaklynn Kay El Kouri, Demi Paige Garcia and Perry Asher El Kouri. In January 21, 1988 God found Danny. You see God wasn’t lost Danny was. It was there in Big Spring, Texas Danny surrendered his whole life to God and was filled with the Holy Spirit. “ I have never been the same since I surrendered to God. Have I sinned since then, yes, when I have I was convicted to repentance by the Holy Spirit.The old man would not have repented. I have been made a new man.” In 2006 He founded Word Alive Church and Danny was the Senior Pastor in Lawton till July 2021. Danny’s has travled to Haiti and minister the word of God. He is also very active in raising funds for Israel, Mexico, Philippines and India. Danny also farms and ranches in Southwest Lawton area and is known as 4-D Cattle Company. Though true life experiences, Danny has overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. Danny looks forward to the day of perfection (wholeness) in the Body of Christ, as we move past elementary principles of Christ in unity, into our destinies.

Bre Davis and her husband, Jacob Davis, are both born and raised Lawton Locals. Having both lived in Lawton most of their lives, they truly care about Lawton and want to see positive change and good things happen in the community. Bre believes that it is a privilege and an honor to serve and help wherever she is needed. Bre and Jacob do have a special love for serving the Next Gen, believing deeply that investing in the younger generation is very important! They are proud parents of an amazing son and a lively fur baby, who keeps their lives active and joyful. They are excited to see what’s to come in Lawton!

Donna Madden is a Lawton native. Her background of military family life has taken her to many places, but Lawton has always been home. She understands the feeling of not really having a home church to call her own until she found the church. She was all-in as the church transformed and was reestablished. Donna is the person to go to for most anything. She is a devoted mother to her kids, Christa and her husband Jerrod, Brandon and his wife Karolyn, and her grandchildren Zackary, Zaine, Marley, Jerrod, Madden, Elizabeth, and Robert. She feels that it is a privilege to serve God, the church, and Lawton community by helping others to feel welcomed, be able to call the church home and worship God as a family. Donna wears many hats at the church. She can be found helping in a multitude of areas. She leads the Host Team, Greeting Team, helps with Security Team and is willing to help where God needs her.

Derek and Crystal Gonzales were both born and raised in Texas. They have been happily married since May 2001. They have been in ministry since 2010. In 2023 the Lord called them to the church and they moved their family to Lawton, Ok. They are parents to 5 amazing children; Alexus and husband Darius Randle, Jaclynn “Jackie” (16), Clayton (14), Emmalee (12), and Ava (10). They have 2 beautiful gandbabies Marquise and Rosalee Randle. Derek and Crystal have been over the worship and avl department since November 2023 at the church. They have done worship ministry with their children since 2013. They have a passion for worship and helping people growing deeper in their relationship with Christ. “Worship is a lifestyle you live, not just a song you sing on Sunday morning.”

David and Kim Delker serve as Kids Pastors for children 7 years to 5th grade and Lead Crews on Wednesday nights. David is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist Supervisor and holds an office at The Church for counseling. In the past he has been a Lead Pastor, Youth Minister and has over 20 years’ experience in doing ministry. Kimberly Delker is a Medical Office Supervisor. She has worked in children’s ministry since 2001 and has been married to David since 1995. They both aspire to reach this community, city and the world with the gospel being presented in such a way that it bridges the gap between those who are lost and Jesus Christ. They believe in the next generation, value wisdom and reside in Lawton, OK.

Enrique and Monica Ortega were both born and raised in Blythe, CA. They have been happily married since December 2009 a month after Enrique joined the US Army. The military has taken them to different locations all over the country; Fort Campbell, KY, Joint Base Lewis McCord, WA, Schofield Barracks, HI and are now fortunate to call Lawton/ Fort Sill, OK their Home. They are parents to three amazing boys; Enrique (10), Dominique (6), and Roman (1). Enrique and Monica Ortega have overseen the church kid’s ministries since the launch of the church. Monica’s love for children has had a great influence in the way the Ortega Family dedicate their life to church. They truly believe that you can make a positive impact in the children simply by letting them know that “They ARE special, and Jesus loves them!

Cody and Molly Inger were both born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. Cody and Molly have been married since May 2015 and together they have four handsome boys; Bryson, Cason, Jenson, and Grayson. Cody, Molly, and their boys have been attendees, members, and partners with the church-Lawton since the early days under founding pastor, Pastor Danny El Kouri. Cody serves on the elder’s board and leads the Floor Production Team while Molly leads the financial team and serves on the Next Steps Team. Cody and Molly believe that their commitment to the church has helped them develop and deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through their dedication to the church, they will continue to grow as individuals and as a family. They pray that they show others that life isn’t about perfection but progression, and we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Andre and Shayla Washington met in Lawton in 2009 at what they call “the spot” (Whataburger). From there, a friendship developed. Their love grew, and even adversity could not stop it. They married in 2013. They have five children; Aniyah, Tyler, Shayne, Kameron, and Jason. Their prayer for their family is that others will see God through them. If they are on the court or field, in the classroom or kitchen, on a video game or social media; their whole lives should be an example of God’s glory. Andre and Shayla have been committed members of the church from the beginning. Their relationships with God and their ability to lead have grown in the process. Andre and Shayla oversee the individual teams at the church and serve in whatever capacity they are needed. They are excited to see God move in the city of Lawton.

Kent was born in Oklahoma City. Kent and Rebecca Lewis were married in Jan of 1997 in Oklahoma City. They move to Lawton in August of 2008, and have been attending the church – Lawton since July 2021. They have 8 children in their blended family: daughter Kantra Sango and husband Michael, son Kent Lewis, daughter Shannon Gieger and husband Gayland, son Eric Lewis and wife Tabitha, daughter Shelly Poplin and husband Jimmy, and son Joey and wife Becca, daughter Danielle, and daughter Hannah, and are blessed to have 17 beautiful grandchildren. They truly believe God brought them to this ministry to share their testimonies as examples of what He can do through His people. The past fifteen years, Rebecca has worked with special needs children at the elementary school level for the Lawton Public School system. She knows that God has blessed her to serve in a position that fills her heart with joy and compassion for the children. Kent is retired from forty plus years in healthcare information technology. He is a licensed minister of the gospel (2004) and has served in multiple capacities while doing work in God’s kingdom including: youth ministry, men’s ministry, transportation, security, and pastoral support. At the church – Lawton, Kent serves on the executive committee as the First Impressions Team Coordinator overseeing the Greeting, Parking Lot, Info/Connect Desk, and Security teams. He also co-leads the Discipleship Crew with his wife Rebecca. Kent and Rebecca believe that as disciples we should always show love as Christ did, and adhere to the WWJD principle.