Behymer Recognized for 50 Years of Service
Norman Behymer, Executive Pastor of Worship Arts and Ministry Strategy at Bethany, Council Road, recently celebrated 50 consecutive years of service. The celebration took place over a week with several events that included a choir and orchestra rehearsal and reunion and a 1970s and ‘80s youth and singles group reunion.
It culminated on Sunday, Nov 17, with two worship services that included a special commendation from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, an honorary doctorate presentation by Oklahoma Baptist University President Heath Thomas and a service award from the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Society. Behymer’s doctorate will be conferred at the OBU Winter Commencement where he is also the guest speaker.
Behymer surrendered to the Lord’s calling on his life at the age of 17, promising the Lord that he would do whatever he asked that week. His first ministry opportunity happened later that week. After three internships, he was called to Council Road full-time, and he has never looked back.
He has served under all five Council Road pastors: Fred Wilhoite, Wendell Estep, Claud Thomas, Mark Hartman and Rick Thompson. Pastor Estep traveled from South Carolina to bring the message that morning. There were approximately 125 musicians onstage leading in worship.
Behymer has always kept people at the heart of his ministry by including anyone who felt called to serve. He always found a place for people to use their talent. He says God has been faithful to provide just the right people at the right time to fill needs, and He has also sent out many from Council Road to serve all over the country in various ministry aspects.
The thing that has meant the most to him is that he has been able to serve in the worship arts ministry with his wife, Denise, of 52 years, and that both of his sons, Jonathan and Jeffery, were raised at Council Road and accepted Jesus as their Savior in the children’s ministry.
Behymer doesn’t have any plans to slow down or retire, saying the Lord keeps fulfilling his promise to help do whatever he needs to do that week.
Mictchell’s 50 years as Pastor Celebrated at Davenport, First
On Nov. 3, Davenport, First celebrated Pastor Mike Mitchell’s 50 years of service as senior pastor. Numerous guests showed up to celebrate Mitchell’s service and congratulate him for reaching such an incredible milestone.
Mitchell gave his life to Christ at the age of nine and in 1969, at the age of 16, he committed his life to ministry while attending Falls Creek.
Five years later, Mitchell preached his first sermon at the original Davenport, First location. His 50 years of ministry have demonstrated his deep commitment to the Lord, to being a pastor and to leading Davenport, First.
