Eastern Heights Baptist Church

Michael Vallandingham - Pastor

Email Michael

Dr. Michael Vallandingham accepted the call to pastor Eastern Heights in May, 2010. Michael was saved and baptized at the age of 8 years old in Wetumka OK. He surrendered to full-time Christian service when he was 17 years old while attending Falls Creek. He married Tara Sledge, August 13, 1994, and their partnership in ministry began immediately. Michael served bi-vocationally as youth minister at First Baptist Church of Greenfield, OK and as pastor at First Baptist Church Red Rock, OK. Michael accepted his first full-time pastorate in 1997 at First Baptist Church of Wister, OK. Following his ministry in Wister he served as Chaplain at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. He then pastored Vamoosa Baptist Church for five years before pastoring in his hometown for six years at First Baptist Church in Wewoka, OK. Michael graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002 with a Masters of Divinity. In addition, he graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009 with a Doctorate of Ministry. Michael and Tara have two children. Their daughter, Jordan, was born in 1997 and their son, Jonathan, was born in 2000.

Click here for latest sermons

Jaymi Blankenship - Associate Pastor of Students

Email Jaymi

Jaymi Blankenship joined the staff in January 2009.  He and his wife, Kara move to Bartlesville from the Arlington TX. 

Jaymi was born in Peoria, Illinois, and lived in Alaska until his junior year of high school.  He graduated from Malvern High School in Malvern, Arkansas in 1994.  Jaymi spent a year at Ouachita Baptist University before transferring and completing his bachelor degree in Church Recreation at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  In December of 2008 he received his Masters of Divinity with Biblical Languages and a concentration in Student Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jaymi has said that his salvation experience was a life-changing event. 

On September 16, 1994, I hit the lowest point in my life.  I had been stripped of all my dignity.  Without my knowledge I had a friend who was praying for me. God took the time to make sure that in my lowest point I would cross his path.  This friend confronted me and pointed out that God was not in control of my life but the world was.  God just wanted to be in control; all that I had to do was pray.  This was my prayer: I admit to God that I am a sinner completely disobedient to His word, then I proclaim that Jesus Christ died for me, and now I commit my life to God in completeness to love God with all my heart in turn to love others the same and to go make disciples of all nations.

When asked about his call to ministry Jaymi said,

During the summer of 1996 I was working as a staffer for Super Summer Arkansas.  Each evening I had the privilege of listening to Louie Giglio speak.  During the Wednesday evening service he was discussing the call of changing other people’s lives and how that important for all believers to accept and do.  The next morning in my devotional time my passage of scripture was 1 Peter 2.  In the verses 9-25, it became very apparent that I was called to the ministry.  As all believers have a roll in God’s ministry.

Jaymi felt that it was very obvious that God was calling my wife and I to Eastern Heights Baptist Church during the interview process.  He was confident that there was a clear agreement of biblical understanding.  Jaymi said he was encouraged that the idea of student ministry reaching students, parents, and equipping others in student ministry was important to the church.  He also knew there was an overwhelming sense of God being able to use his family at Eastern Heights Baptist Church.

Jaymi’s favorite scripture is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”  His favorite biblical passage is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.

Jaymi says that the 2^nd best day in his life was the day he married Kara on May 20, 2006 at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Arkansas. 

Cathy celebrated her 25th Anniversary with the church in 2007. She volunteers as an extended session teacher, substitutes in Preschool & Children's Sunday School and has served as Awana Commander.  Cathy serves on the Finance Committee and is the Assistant Treasurer.

Carole celebrated her 30th anniversary in the church office in  2008. She is active in the Son Seekers Ministry and is the editor of 'The Vision', the church's weekly newsletter.  Carole also serves on the Missions Committee.

Barry and Jenifer Miller served as Awana leaders in Cubbies and T & T.  This is their first year to serve as Co-Commanders.

Lonnie and his family have been member of EHBC for many years.  Lonnie serves in the student ministry, the personnel committee,  as well as serving as a deacon of the church. 

Jaymi is the Associate Pastor of Student Ministries.  He and his wife Kara teach the 6th -8th Grade students Sunday School class.

Tara has served in many areas of children's ministry.  Tara and her husband, Pastor Michael Vallandingham came to EHBC in May of 2010.

Cindy has been active in preschool ministry for many years. She is also the director of the Preschool Children's Choir.