Our Staff

After graduating with a degree in Astrophysics from the University of Oklahoma, Ben earned a Masters of Divinity from Oklahoma Christian University. In Spring 2022, he completed both his Masters in Theological Studies and a Ph.D. (Apologetics) at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the editor of Why We Stayed: Honesty and Hope in the Churches of Christ (2018), and he has authored a handful of books. Ben is married to Selene, and together they raise two boys, Lucas and Calvin. In addition to his Christian faith, Ben is a fierce believer in Aristotelian philosophy, human kindness, and the supreme goodness of carefully brewed coffee.

Felicia was born and raised in Ada. She met her husband, Barry, at Oklahoma Christian College. They have three children: Lauren, Madison, and Walker. Felicia also has a bonus child, Cheyenne Howell who has lived with the Whitworths for six years. They got to know Cheyenne from Central’s bus ministry. Felicia has worked as Central’s full-time children’s minister for two decades. In her spare time, she likes to garden, paint, take pictures, and read. She and Barry live on a farm and raise sheep, cows, chickens, 5 dogs, 8 cats, a donkey, and a peacock named Kevin.

Derrick joined our staff in May of 2021 after ministering in Stillwater for 8 years. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with an undergraduate degree in Strategic Communication and then went on to receive his Masters in Ministry from Oklahoma Christian University. Derrick is married to his much more talented and beautiful wife Elyse and they have three adorable kids, Rowan, Paxton, and Alder. Derrick is an avid reader and loves to stay caught up on current music, movies, and TV.

Marla has a bachelor degree from the University of North Texas in Family Studies and also received a Master’s in Library Science. She and her husband, Nolan, have been members at Central since 2017, and they are now joined by their son Robert. She served on the Senior Minister Hiring Committee and Ministry Infrastructure Teams before joining the staff as College Minister in 2020. In 2024, she took on an expanded roll in the administrative work of the church in addition to heading up our College Ministry Team. Marla likes to sew, exercise, and read.

If you know anything about how churches operate, then you know that the church secretary is the heart and brain that keeps the whole machine running! Naomi serves as our Office Administrator, a blessing to the staff and membership alike. On top of that, she makes a great apple pie.

Colin serves as director for the Compassion Clinic here in Ada, OK. This medical care ministry started by the Central Church now cooperates with a large number of practitioners, non-profits, and donors to benefit the community of Ada.

One of Central’s longest lasting and most successful ministries has been our Central Bible Academy. Following Judy Ross’ retirement in Spring 2023, Debbie became Director for the school which provides Christian education for young children in Ada.