Gary Byrkit has been senior minister at Southern Hills since the blizzard of January, 1987. He grew up in Peoria, Illinois (thus, he is accustomed to blizzards) and is a graduate of Bradley University (B.S.) in Peoria, Eden Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) in St. Louis, and Lexington Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry) in Lexington, Kentucky.

Before coming to Edmond, Gary served two pastorates in Missouri, at Chaffee and Cape Girardeau. Gary is married to Annie Guzman, who is an RN working toward certification in Healing Touch. She also facilitates groups of at-risk students at Putnam City Academy. They have three children: Aaron, who is a student at Oklahoma City University School of Law; Trevor, a student at the University of Central Oklahoma; and Briana, who graduates high school May 2010. Rounding out the family is Bob (the cat) and Sierra Mountain (the dog).

Gary marvels at the change in Edmond and the church over his tenure here. The city has doubled in size and the church has been through three building projects—most recently a complete refurbishing of the sanctuary and office areas. The staff, too, has nearly doubled since 1987, adding full-time directors of both children’s and youth ministries. But what has always impressed Gary most about this congregation is the energy for ministry. "The members here believe that faith should have hands and feet," he says. "Whether it’s building Habitat houses down in the city, or teaching kids in Honduras, or tutoring inner city children through Whiz Kids, or reaching out to the downhearted through Stephen Ministry, it’s all about sharing the love of Christ that has come to us. And what I like most in my work is seeing people find that place where they can be an example of love to others. That’s what excites me!"

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