Ministers
Understanding that all believers are equal before God, our ministers do not have special titles, or wear special clothing. Our ministers are primarily engaged in preparing, equipping, and modeling ministries. Specifically, our preaching minister is focused on preaching and leadership, while our other ministers provide vision and direction for our ministries. Since we believe that the ministry at Somers Avenue belongs primarily to the members of the church, our entire staff team of ministers, secretaries, and volunteer support are here to help the church accomplish what God has called all of us to do.
Oran Burt - Preaching
Oran's pathway to the ministry began when he was 18 and a freshman at Arkansas Tech in the Fall of 1967. During that Semester he played the role of the prodigal son and the “reality check” came at the end of the semester. By the Spring, he had found a great source of renewal and strength from the preacher, working personally with Oran to help him turn his life around and get a grip on responsibility. Among all the other influences nudging Oran toward the ministry, this preacher's sobering leadership made Oran think to himself, “That’s what I want to do---help people.”
Marrying that Spring, at age 19, Oran and his wife, Carolyn (Oldham) moved to Henderson Tennessee where Oran attended Freed-Hardeman. Two years there and a year at Harding in Searcy, led him to full-time preaching for the Remmel congregation in Northeast Arkansas. After three years with Remmel, they began serving this congregation in the Spring of 1974 at the Sixth & Maple location.
Oran and Carolyn have two children, Jenifer and Jason, and one grandson, Zac.
"Looking back on my attempts at being a skilled helper, the brightest days convince me that I have been a true help; the darkest days leave me asking whether I ever help anyone enough. But the stewardship entrusted to me in the gospel has brought me into acquaintance with Paul’s assessment of his ministry: 'having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.' (I Thessalonians 1:8) There can be no question as to what a blessing this church has been to my life and to my family.
It really is great to be a Christian at Somers Avenue."
Sean Ashberry - Involvement & Outreach
Sean "grew up" at Somers Avenue and even met his wife, Tressa, here. They were married in 2002 and have three children: Jackson, Callie, and Cooper.
Sean served as a paramedic for Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services, (MEMS Ambulance Service), based in Little Rock from 1991-2007. He achieved the rank of Captain and his last duties were as supervisor of the Training Department and EMS Academy at MEMS.
Sean received his Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.) degree in 2009 from the Center for Advanced Ministry Training at Harding University.
He joined our ministry staff in January, 2006.
"It is a blessing and honor to have an opportunity to serve my home congregation. There is so much talent and spiritual leadership at Somers. My charge as Minister of Involvement & Outreach is five-fold and can be found woven through the history of the early Church in Acts: 1) Commit to scripture; 2) Commit to one another; 3) Commit to Prayer; 4) Commit to praise and worship; 5) Commit to outreach."
It truly is great to be a Christian at Somers Avenue.
Alex Wells - Youth
Alex joined the family at Somers Avenue in March 2007. He and his wife Sandy come to us most recently from serving as the Youth and Family Minister at a congregation in
Alex has also served as a youth minister, youth minister intern and pulpit minister at other congregations. In addition he has been very involved in mission campaigns to the
Both Alex and Sandy are Harding graduates, Alex has a Bible degree in Missions.
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