Name: Dr. Darryl Wootton
Graduation Year: 1988 (CBC), 1999 (AGTS)
Major: Bible, Music
Current Position: Lead Pastor at Spirit Church; Executive Presbyter at Oklahoma District
City and State: Bartlesville, OK
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
Faith and I married in 1993 and we have three children, Lindsay, Isaac, and Emery. We served as youth pastors for 10 years and have now been the Lead Pastors of Spirit Church for 15 years. Spirit Church will open a new 48-acre church campus in May of 2018.
Academically, I went on to earn a Master’s Degree from ORU and a Doctorate from AGTS. I currently serve in the following ministries: Board of Trustee for Evangel University, Chairman of the Board Advisors for AGTS, Oklahoma Executive Presbytery, Vice President of the Board for Agape Mission Ministries, and AG General Presbyter
What is your favorite memory from CBC?
- Meeting Faith.
- Horton Ground
- Any story involving Gary Bruegman.
How did CBC help you identify/develop your calling?
CBC was a boot camp for ministry. It provided the biblical training, spiritual atmosphere, and godly mentors that every aspiring minister needs.
How did your experience at CBC prepare you for life after graduation?
The friendships that I forged at CBC have been remarkable. The CBC community is global. The sun never sets on my classmates because they live around the globe. There is not a week goes by that I do not speak with at least one friend that I first met at CBC. These friendships have offered wisdom, encouragement, and much laughter through the years. Back in the nineties, no one knew the world-changing potential of HORTONGROUND.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
In today’s culture, if you simply show up faithfully, have a positive attitude, and are loyal, you will be promoted through the ranks faster than you can imagine. Faithfulness, positive attitudes, and loyalty are so rare in any of today’s workforce arenas.
Also, young individuals entering the workplace should realize that their social media trail is never completely erased. I encourage millennials to filter their posts through Philippians 4:8 (Wootton International Version)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, POST ONLY these things.”
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire a new graduate?
Character. I can teach someone ministry skills. God is the only one that can instill character.