Leadership

Richard has served as the Senior Pastor at South Haven since 2016. His primary responsibility is communicating vision to South Haven, teaching God’s Word, and leading the staff. He has formerly pastored churches in Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Canada. He has a Doctorate of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Richard has been married to his amazing wife Amy since 1989 and they have two awesome sons Richard Jr. and Jordan. Richard was a competitive powerlifter in high school and college and has raced enduro motorcycle races. He loves hanging out with his family, reading about the church, running, going to movies and cheering on his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys.

Victor came on board with South Haven in May of 2017 as Pastor of Discipleship/Evangelism and Mobilization. He is passionate about sharing Jesus and helping people far from the Lord come to understand that true life awaits those who turn from sin and place their full trust in Jesus. Victor is married to Amy and together they have 4 beautiful daughters: Leanne, Audrey, Paige and Whitney; and they are very proud of the spiritual young ladies they are becoming. Victor’s happy place is spending time with family, restoring old antique tractors, deer hunting and smoking BBQ.

Bud joined the team in 2007 as Student Ministry Pastor. His passion is to help students find their value, purpose and hope through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. He’s thankful for his wife Lindsey who is his best friend and ministry partner and their two children Bristol and Teige. Bud loves outdoor time with his family, working on their Jeep, hunting, KU basketball and working on home and ministry projects with Lindsey.

Scott has served as South Haven’s Worship Pastor since coming on staff in 2000. He grew up in Southwest Missouri and surrendered to the ministry at the age of 15. He has been married to his wife Laura since 1994 and together they have four boys: David, Jaron, Kyle, and Landan. In his spare time, Scott enjoys cooking, following and cheering for our local sports teams, and playing golf.

Wendi joined the team in July 2024 as the Interim KIDS Ministry Director. She previously served at First Baptist Church of Joplin as their Ministry Assistant with a focus on Children and Youth. She has been married to her husband Tom since 2005, and they have two children Gavin and Aubree. Since relocating to the Kansas City area in 2023, she has enjoyed watching her kids’ activities and spending time with family.

Debbie is no stranger to South Haven. She has been a familiar face since 1994 and on staff since 2010. She and her husband Bill are long-time members of South Haven and love spending time with their four adult children and eleven grandchildren when they are able. They are enjoying their empty nest lives doing some traveling. You can find Debbie sitting at the front desk ready to greet you with a smile and help you in any way she can. She also loves cooking, sewing, playing the church organ, working with preschoolers, and singing in the church choir.

Becca has been a member here at South Haven since 2012. She has been married to Rocky Soulis since 2003. They have two daughters, Sydney and Charleigh. Becca enjoys camping, reading, maintaining her flowerbeds, sweet tea and crafts. At the age of five, Becca accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord, while at kindergarten in Hawaii. Understanding the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, she is always seeking inspiration, knowledge, and God’s direction for her life. She enjoys getting to know people in our community by serving on various planning teams at church and in the local schools. Becca came on staff in 2021 and is excited to serve alongside the Leadership Team here at South Haven.