Bartlesville First United Welcomes Rev. Dr. Terry Koehn

This June, Bartlesville First United Methodist Church is welcoming a new senior pastor, the Reverend Dr. Terry Koehn. Before he begins his time as pastor, Dr. Koehn shares these thoughts.

When I’m asked to write a bio, it’s both amusing and worrisome. On the one hand, I worry that it’s not a very exciting story to tell, as my life has been boring by most standards. I haven’t traveled the world (very much, anyway). I haven’t written the great American novel (at least not yet). On the other hand, I’m amused because, frankly, I don’t have any short stories. Even when asked something like, “Tell me about your family” or “How did you decide to become a pastor,” it’s not simple to sort through all the twists and turns.

So, every time I tell my story, it’s a bit different, depending on angle and audience or how much time and space are allowed. In this case, I’ll stick to basics. I tell people I’m a left-handed, adopted, working class, Generation X, Pentecostal preacher’s kid, reared in northwest OKC, who still is curious about what God is forming out of all that. I’ll also introduce Daena Koehn as my first (and only) wife. We have two grown children (also adopted) and three young grandchildren, all of whom live in Oklahoma. I am one of about twenty siblings (no, seriously), but the youngest of seven in my adoptive family (especially here, please be sure to have plenty of time if you want the whole story, or the shorter version of the whole story).

I’m a graduate of Putnam City “The Original” High School in OKC. My undergrad degree in biblical and pastoral studies is from Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Okla. (known as Southwestern College when I went there—and also where Daena and I met…as adults, that is…another story in itself). I also hold a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, and a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland (Ohio) Theological Seminary. I was ordained in The United Methodist Church in 1999, and have served as United Methodist pastor for thirty years, the previous six as a district superintendent in northeast Oklahoma. Along the way, I have served as a large church associate and senior pastor and also in rural and small city settings.

Beyond church work, I enjoy a wide array of activities: kayaking, DIY projects, reading, gardening, travel trailer trips, reading, grilling, various festivals…and combinations of those, especially when we can involve grandkids. And reading, if I forgot to mention it. I’m an OU fan (“Boomer…!”), like to watch NASCAR (or any races, for that matter), and will talk at length about Route 66 (be aware). I appreciate the foresight of Bartlesville to combine my favorite color, blue, as the Bruins livery. We welcome an opportunity to get to know better a community we already have come to like and enjoy. I am praying for a strong and fruitful partnership between pastor and people at First Church. I am grateful for all the good work done before me. I would close this with a scripture passage—but I think I’ll wait until my second sermon (July 6) to share the scripture that has been laid on my heart. (If you want a sneak peak, read Romans 12:9-21.) See you soon.