Leadership

Dakota moved to Kansas in January of 2020 after spending most of his adult life in Arizona. In high school, he was born again after a brief rebellion stage, and caught on fire for Jesus from that moment onward. For the last 16 years, Dakota has been motivated to "live sent" in the forms of evangelism, discipleship, and developing leaders. Educationally he has spent time at Phoenix Seminary and Grace School of Theology, having accomplished a Master's in Pastoral Ministry; he is currently finishing another degree with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. After serving in numerous ministry positions throughout his career, Dakota accepted the call to become Lead Pastor at Ottawa Bible Church. He and his wife, Shannon, are passionate about the town of Ottawa and Franklin County. They both feel convinced that God has moved them to Kansas in order to build a multi-generational ministry which will impact local families for years to come. Together, they have four children (Selah, Josiah, Hosanna, and Obadiah) and believe that ministry begins in the home before it moves out to the streets. They love traveling, hiking, camping, and various sports. Interesting fact: Dakota believes the Dallas Cowboys will win the Super Bowl every year. Pastor Dakota can be reached at: obcdakotasmith@gmail.com

Kyle moved to Kansas in October of 2020 to serve on staff at OBC. Kyle started interning in youth ministry at the age of 18 years old and attended Arizona Christian University. He earned a bachelors’ degree in Behavioral Health and a minor in Bible. SInce, Kyle has earned a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Kyle has served youth and families in many capacities including mental health services and on church staff. He served as Pastor of Student Ministries in Chandler, AZ for 5 years before joining Ottawa Bible Church. Kyle is joined by his wife, Kelsey and sons, Conrad, Everett and Deacon. “Discipleship is not an option; it has to be the response of all those who follow Jesus Christ” - Pastor Kyle

Pastor David’s family moved to Kansas from Pittsburgh Pa when he was ten years old and lived in several different towns in Kansas. He first came to Ottawa for collage in 2001. From 2001-2006 David served in various youth ministries while a student at Ottawa University. Answering the call to ministry after college he served for two years as associate pastor of youth and family ministries in Charles city Iowa. Moving back to Ottawa in 2009 David served as associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Ottawa. Shortly after marriage in 2013 the Lord called him into full time pastorate at New Hope Bible church in Wellsville Kansas where he served until 2017. While serving at New Hope they began building their family. David and Audrey have four children Krystayl, Kymberley, Eddie and Sawyer. After leaving New Hope David worked for five years in the trades and continued serving the Lord in a lay capacity in the church. David was called to serve as associate pastor of youth and worship at Ottawa Bible in 2023. Krystayl and Kymberley have graduated and moved out, leaving David, Audrey and the two youngest still living in Ottawa. The Glavin’s seek to grow together in faith and love of Jesus Christ, practice an active love for their church family while proclaiming the Gospel in Ottawa.

Sarah grew up in Michigan and married her high school sweetheart, Chris, after college. She was raised in church, and was "saved" pretty much every summer at VBS...it wasn't until a Sunday school class as an adult where she fully understood grace, assurance and what it meant to fully trust God and received the gift of Jesus as her personal savior. Sarah and Chris moved to Kansas in 2007 and started attending OBC sometime in 2015. They have 3 amazing daughters. Madelyn is married and her husband is in the Navy. They are currently stationed in Sicily and will be moving to the states this fall. Gwen is in college working to earn a degree in History, and Adah is in Middle School. Having lived away from family, Sarah recognized the importance of Jesus-following adults in her kids' lives. She felt God calling her to help with the children's ministry and is thankful for the opportunity to partner with teachers and families to grow resilient disciples of Jesus. She believes that adults can positively impact children and families by being present, being rooted in God's word, and being real about the power of Jesus in their own lives.

Teri Seeger was raised to believe in Jesus, but it took a serious car accident when she was 18 to wake her up to her need for something more than just believing. As her car spun in an intersection from the impact of being hit broadside by a city bus, her life flashed before her. Through this experience she realized a spiritual void in her life. Her car was totaled but she was told she was “lucky” to be alive by the ambulance attendants. As “luck” would have it, she attended Ottawa University the next fall and was led into a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior through the influence of her Christian roommate. This is also where she met her future husband, Al. They were married in 1975 and have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Teri loves writing, gardening, bird watching, sunrises, sunsets, stargazing, and spending time with family and friends. Teri can be reached at: obchurch22@gmail.com