Staff
Meet the Church Staff
Larry Tarver– Pastor
pastor@clearforkbaptist.org
Hello, I’m Larry, and I’m the pastor at Clearfork. I am responsible for the preaching ministry and overall ministry direction of the church. I oversee the worship services, church staff, and the development of leaders within the church. I am also charged with promoting the accurate interpretation and application of biblical truths.
BASIC STUFF: After serving in the U.S. Navy, I moved to Lubbock to attend college. Dalena and I met on a church bus, about four one morning, while traveling to Colorado on a youth ski trip. After I convinced her to marry me (not an easy task!), we finally tied the knot in December of 1981. We have three married children and three grandchildren.
While involved in teaching a college Sunday School class in our church in Lubbock, I felt God’s call and burden to be involved in ministry. Thus the ministry journey began for Dalena and me which eventually led us to Hawley and Clearfork Baptist Church. I was honored to be asked to preach on Clearfork’s first Sunday in 2001, and then was surprised to be asked to be the pastor. It has been quite a ride, with much more to come.
EDUCATION: B.S. in Animal Business Management from Texas Tech University; Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Logsdon Theological Seminary, a part of Hardin-Simmons University.
Life Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3.5-6)
Jamie Burkhart – Associate Pastor
jburkhart1980@gmail.com
As Associate Pastor at Clearfork, I have the opportunity to work with all age groups in the church. One of my primary roles is serving as the Minister of Music, and helping to provide overall support to all ministries of the church.
BASIC STUFF: I grew up in a small town in southern Oklahoma. While serving at a church in that area, I met my wife, Christi. We have been married for nine years and have two children: Haley is six and Alex is one year old.
I have now been serving the Lord in his ministry for eleven years. I came to Clearfork in August of 2006, and it has been amazing to watch to the Lord work.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in Music with an emphasis in Sacred Music from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 2002. Master’s in Music with an emphasis in Sacred Music from Hardin Simmons University, 2007.
Life Scripture: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Zach Lambert – Youth Pastor
zach.lambert@ymail.com
I receive great joy from my work at Clearfork as the Youth Pastor. I have the privilege of working with youth from 6th grade to high school seniors. I also work heavily with the technology of our church including the design and upkeep of our website.
BASIC STUFF: I grew up in Buda, Texas, and graduated from high school in 2006. I then came to Hardin-Simmons to pursue a degree and play football. During my freshman year I suffered a career-ending shoulder injury, but God soon opened up an opportunity here at Clearfork to pursue my passion: ministry. I met my beautiful wife Amy in 6th grade and we were married in May 2010.
I have been at Clearfork since October of 2008. I feel so humbled that God would use me to further His Kingdom here at Clearfork and all over the world.
EDUCATION: I am currently working on my Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Public Relations and Advertising at Hardin-Simmons University. I will graduate in December of 2010; I then have plans to pursue a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Life Scripture: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)