Fort Gibson Church of Christ

Pulpit Minister, Dan Rouse (wife Carol)

Dan Rouse was born and raised in Kansas, the oldest of four children.  His mom and dad were faithful members of the Church of Christ, with his father having served as an elder in the church for nearly 40 years. 

Dan graduated from high school in Towanda, Kansas and then attended the Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas.  Following graduation from SIBI Dan has served churches in Huckabay, Texas (eighteen months); Mulvane, Kansas (three years); Portales, New Mexico (sixteen years); Lubbock, Texas (twelve years); and now here in Fort Gibson (since September of 2005).

While attending high school Dan met the love of his life, Carol Purkey.  They were married in 1970.  They have been blessed with four children and three grandchildren.

 Involvement Minister, Steve Parker (wife Charlotte)

Steve Parker and wife Charlotte have returned to the congregation where they first served in ministry. In fact, they were married one week before Steve became Youth Minister in Fort Gibson in 1980. Now, decades later, Steve has returned to become the Family Life/Involvement Minister.

In the interim Steve has served as a missionary, a church planter, Pulpit Minister, and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Steve obtained his undergraduate degree in Bible/Psychology (B.A.) from Harding University. He then completed the Harding School of Biblical Studies two-year preacher-training course. Steve has received the Master of Arts in Ministry degree from Oklahoma Christian University and the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy diploma from Oklahoma State University.

Steve and Charlotte have two children: Andrea and husband Tyler Hancock (and one son, Callahan), and Travis and wife Natalie Parker (and two sons, Canan and Elliott). The Parkers are really enjoying this phase of their lives in which their children and spouses have become an integral part of their circle of adult Christian friends and spiritual family. Whatever you do, please do not ask them, especially Charlotte, to tell you about their grandchildren . . . that is, unless you have some time on your hands.

Youth Minister, Barrett Vanlandingham (wife Lisa)

I started here on Sunday, May 5, 2002.  Wow!  God has been so good to me and my family.  We love this church family, and we love the community. 

Both Lisa and I are Okies to the core. We have three grown kids.  Both of us are graduates of Oklahoma Christian University, where me met and dated 5 years before getting married.  Lisa ('88) has her degree and state certification in Elementary Education.  I  have mine in Mass Communications ('87). 

My favorite things:  Lisa, my kids, visiting, coffee... also... teaching, singing, playing guitar, banjo, fiddle, and piano...also, church camp, and going to youth rallies!