A Place to Belong on East 480 Road
Eastern Hills Baptist Church sits along East 480 Road on the east side of Claremore, Oklahoma, in Rogers County. The church's own tagline, "A Place to Belong," says in three words what visitors tend to experience when they walk through the doors: a friendly greeting, an unhurried welcome, and a Sunday morning that runs about an hour. The congregation lives out a simple mission statement - "We are a common people striving to reach others for Jesus Christ through God's love and Christian fellowship" - and Eastern Hills is known in the community for pairing warm fellowship with active outreach.
Sundays at Eastern Hills
Sunday mornings begin with Small Group Bible Study at 9:45 am for every age, followed by the Worship Service at 10:45 am. Gatherings last about an hour and feature great music alongside Bible-based messages from Pastor Brad Taylor. Visitors are invited to "Come One, Come All, Come As You Are" and can expect a friendly, positive environment filled with people who are genuinely excited to see them. Services are livestreamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person, and giving is available through the church's online giving portal.
Wednesday Nights for Kids and Students
On Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm, the church building fills with young voices. KIDS University gathers kindergarten through fifth graders for Bible-based lessons, high-energy games, and fun-filled songs, while EHBC Students welcomes sixth through twelfth graders at the same hour for worship, teaching, and time with their Student Pastor. Both programs run during the school year, giving kids and teens a midweek anchor alongside Sunday morning Small Groups.
EHBC Kids: Pre-K Through Fifth Grade
EHBC Kids combines high-energy activities with Bible-based teachings for boys and girls from Pre-K through fifth grade. Children move between large and small groups so they can connect with friends and engage with leaders in a life-giving atmosphere. Games, attention-grabbing Bible lessons, and songs that capture children's attention all point toward one message: living for God is the best thing out there.
Children's Ministry Director Michelene "Mish" Bess joined the staff in December 2024 and brings 33 years of teaching and school administration experience to the role. Inspired by Joel 1:3, Mish's goal is to make sure every child encounters Jesus in a meaningful way and feels a deep sense of belonging as a member of God's family.
Student Ministry from Sixth Grade Through Senior Year
EHBC Student Ministry welcomes students in sixth through twelfth grades for Sunday morning Small Group Bible Studies at 9:45 am and weekly Wednesday gatherings at 6:00 pm. The ministry combines worship, a creative atmosphere, and relevant teaching to provide a dynamic environment where students can grow. Throughout the month, additional gatherings help strengthen friendships and deepen students' walk with God. Two annual highlights anchor the calendar: the Back-to-School Bash in August and summer camp at Falls Creek in June.
Student Pastor Cooper Thompson leads the ministry with a passion for mentoring young people and a love of sports. He often incorporates golfing, fishing, and basketball into activities that build relationships and create lasting memories among the youth. His focus is on creating a safe environment where young people can explore their faith, ask questions, and share their struggles.
Pastor Brad Taylor and the Team
Pastor Brad Taylor joined Eastern Hills Baptist Church in January 2025, bringing nearly three decades of ministry experience since 1994. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he specialized in pastoral ministries, Brad is known for expository preaching and a heartfelt goal: that every member feels valued and supported on their faith journey.
His ministry background is wide-ranging. Brad has served as an Emergency Room and ICU chaplain, offering spiritual support during life's most difficult moments. He has been a camp pastor for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and participated in associational camps. Internationally, he has traveled to provide emergency medical assistance and disaster relief, sharing the Gospel in some of the most challenging circumstances. Brad also uses pottery presentations to illustrate spiritual truths during special events.
Worship Led by Amy Rice
Worship Leader Amy Rice joined Eastern Hills in 2023 alongside her husband and two children. A graduate of Southwest Baptist University with a degree in church music, Amy has served in church music ministry since her high school days. By trade, she is a registered nurse working primarily from home for the Department of Disability Services. Her favorite passage, Matthew 6:25-33, is a daily reminder of God's provision and care, and her vibrant spirit has become a steady presence in Sunday morning worship at Eastern Hills.
Community Outreach and a Heart for Missions
Eastern Hills believes in community outreach with messages of hope and encouragement. The church's stated mission is to serve the community, share Christ's love, and build lasting relationships, and adult Small Group Bible Studies meet each Sunday at 9:45 am for those who want to dig deeper. This outward focus runs through the church's story, from the local welcome on a Sunday morning to the disaster relief and emergency medical work of its pastor overseas. Eastern Hills partners with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma through camp ministry and welcomes neighbors across the Claremore area to visit at 16912 E 480 Road.