 | Stan Toler
Born in Welch, West Virginia on November 7th, 1950, Pastor Stan was called to preach at the tender age of 7. As teens, Stan and his younger brother, Terry traveled the surrounding area holding revivals; Stan did the preaching and Terry did the singing. Pursuing his call, Stan went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in theology, a Master’s degree in theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree.
Pastor Stan established himself as one of the finest pastors in the Church of Christ-Christian Union tradition.
It was during his pastorate in Ohio that he was called to consider a move to Oklahoma, and to the Church of the Nazarene- OKC First. Pastor Stan and his wife, Linda, after days and weeks of prayerful consideration, graciously accepted that call and became our church’s 19th senior pastor.
When Stan Toler came to pastor OKC First in the fall of 1984, he found our fellowship struggling against a debt load that threatened the church’s future. But our new Pastor, with a sound business mind, a hopeful vision of the future, a firm handshake and an uncanny ability to remember people and their names, refused to be discouraged or defeated. Dr. Toler called for and modeled sacrificial commitments to OKC First, leading us through the struggle and into a great season of health and growth.
Among Dr. Toler’s greatest contributions to the life of OKC First were his administrative and organizational skills. Many of these church structures exist to this day, and they have taken life and shape in hundreds of other congregations around the nation as the “Large Church Operations Manual” was published across denominational lines.
Dr. Toler continues to be a prolific author and speaker. Lifestream Church Resources supports church life within many different Christian traditions, now reaching churches around the world.
Even though he ended his ministry here in 1991, we continue to enjoy the mark left on OKC First by Dr. Stan Toler.
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