Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Travis Markes

Pastor

Travis Markes is the lead pastor at Blanchard First.  Travis and his wife Erin have three girls Rebekah, Hannah and Leah. Travis is a native of Oklahoma.  He has been in the ministry since 1996 serving in different churches and various positions.  He holds a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as a bachelors degree from Oklahoma Baptist University.

Joshua McKee

Outreach Pastor

Joshua and Emily were married in 2007 and have two sons. Joshua has served Oklahoma churches for over 15 years in the area of student ministry.  In 2022 he made the transition to Outreach Pastor at Blanchard First. He received his BA in communications from the University of Central Oklahoma as well as a master’s in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth.

Nathan Crowson

Student Pastor

Nathan began serving as the Student Pastor at Blanchard First in July of 2022. He and his wife Kaylee were married in 2017 and have one daughter. They have been working in student ministries in Oklahoma since 2017. Nathan received his bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Student Ministry from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2019.

Jason Soward

Worship Pastor

Jason joined Blanchard First as Worship Pastor in August of 2018.  Jason and his wife Mistie have three children Charlotte, Elijah, and Josie. Jason is a native of Blanchard, Oklahoma.  He has served in many churches and in various positions.  Jason holds a Bachelor's Degree in Church Music from Oklahoma Baptist University.

Shelby Stringer

Children's Ministry Leader

Shelby joined the Blanchard First team in October of 2022. She and her husband, Blake, were married in 2015 and have two children, Ellie and Titus. Both Shelby and Blake grew up locally, and they have been resident as a family in Blanchard since 2016. Shelby holds a Master of Education with a background in counseling and teaching.

Janet Hostetter

Little People Preschool Leader

At age 11, Janet heard the call of God and followed Him in believer's baptism. The truth of God's word influences her still today in living her life for His plans. She loves working with children. She has been with Little People Preschool for four years. Previously, she worked in Special Ed. for Mustang schools. Janet and Larry have been married 40 years.  Janet devoted the early years to raising their two daughters Natalie and Kelsey. They are blessed with grands: Bentley, Leo IV,  Briella and Violet. They are thankful for bonus son, Leo III. God has been faithful to Janet and she wants others to know how Good God Is!

Angelia Farrell

Church Administrator

Teresa Miller

Ministry Assistant

Tresa Gallaher

Financial Secretary