Staff

Heyo! Born and raised in Springfield, MO(Spring-Vegas!), I lived in Bolivar, MO (BOMO) for 10 years and have been in Jefferson City (Jeff) for 10 years. It is important to have short-hand nicknames for all places one live I think. 

After our family joined Memorial the Lord led us through several opportunities to love/serve the church- being a part of the worship team, leading the youth in worship and eventually leading the youth group. In 2018, after some challenging times in the church, we felt the Lord pushing us to shepherd Memorial. It is a wild story how the Lord led us to that, and we would love to share it with you sometime. I believe that I am a mere man, in Christ, called to shepherd Memorial. I strive to open my hands daily to Him accepting all my limitations and hoping/trusting in Christ alone.

Our church is built around the simple truth that Jesus is everything and the Bible is one unified, powerful, beautiful story that points to King Jesus. The only way we make sense of this life, all the brokenness we have and experience, what it means to be human, to love or anything at all is to look to Jesus and submit to Him.

I have an incredible wife, Nikki, and how we came together is the best story I have. Ask me sometime! We have 5 awesome kids (Kohen, Asher, Elsie, Bear, and one on the way) and we love to be goofy, laugh and do stuffs together. 

Personally, I really dig hunting, fishing, lifting/CrossFit, typical geeky things, learning new stuff, cooking/baking and coffee. We love having people over for dinner and sharing life together. Come over!

For those curious about my education: I have a Masters Degree in Education and also a Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry from Southwest Baptist University. 

Like everyone, I have made a disgustingly large chunk of poor decisions in my past with addiction, selfishness, foolishness and the like. But the Lord has made me new in Christ by His great love/grace/mercy and I am confident He will continue to do so step-by-step forever. 

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” – Jesus, John 6:63

Look to Jesus and live!

Adam has been attending Memorial Baptist since 2012. He has served this congregation in worship, youth, pulpit teaching and discipleship. His passion is to see authentic relationships grow and to further God’s Kingdom in this world by encouraging the body of Christ to live out their faith. He lives with his wife Sara and their three children, Isaac, Hannah and Jacob, in Jefferson City. Adam is also the Manager of Marketing and Communications at SSM Health, St Mary’s Jefferson City.

Kari has served the Memorial family since 2008 and has been a member since 2000.  Most of that time has been spent in Children’s Ministry but recently has included administrative tasks, announcements/ communications, and oversite of the building and property.  She also coordinates the calendar and use of the building for community groups and events.  The Sullivan family includes Jason,  Conred, Oliver, Ruger (dog) and they live in Wardsville.  When not at the church, you’ll find Kari at the local dinner theater, a choir event, or on her front porch.   Her passion is to get people engaged and not sitting on the sidelines.  Her favorite verse is “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17

Laura has been attending Memorial Baptist Church since 2011 and joined the church in 2013.  She  oversees the Hospitality Team and  many times she may be the first point of contact during the week as she has been our church Administrative Assistant since 2018.    Laura and her husband, Charlie, have three adult daughters, LeAnn, Susie and Michelle and enough grandkids to make a baseball team (with subs) and a couple of great grandkids.

Nathan is a long-time member of Memorial, who has been volunteering in worship ministries for several years before being called to lead out in worship in 2021. He graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange with a B.S. in Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing further, theological education at Southwestern Seminary. He and his wife Katie have been married since 2014.

Tisha considers Memorial her family. She grew up at Memorial and has been a member of the worship team for over 30 years. She recently felt a calling to youth ministry and enjoys every minute studying the word and doing life with amazing teenagers. Tisha also owns and operates Firehouse Design, a graphic design and marketing firm. She and her husband of 26 years, Scott, have 2 daughters. Rylee is a junior at University of Central Missouri and Addy is a sophomore at Capital City High School.