Rooted in Faith. Growing Generations.

Dr. Ricky D. Turner – Rooted in Faith. Growing Generations.

Dr. Ricky D. Turner, a proud son of Oklahoma City, was born the sixth of ten children to his beloved mother, Mrs. Luvera Agnew—a woman of unwavering faith who planted the earliest seeds of hope and trust in God in her children. Raised in a home full of love, laughter, and faith, Dr. Turner’s roots were deepened by a mother who believed that storms could be weathered if one’s foundation was firm in Christ.

At just eight years old, Dr. Turner made a heartfelt profession of faith and was baptized—a seed that would soon grow into a powerful ministry. In 1984, he accepted his call to preach and was licensed and ordained under the late Dr. A. G. Woodberry of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, who became his spiritual father. There, Dr. Turner served faithfully in multiple leadership roles, preparing the soil for the ministry God was growing within him.

Professionally, he worked as a bank officer in Oklahoma City before being recruited to Kansas City by Commerce Bank as a Vice President. But God had deeper roots to plant. After moving to Kansas City, a divine connection brought Dr. Turner to Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, which was seeking a shepherd following the passing of Pastor Wallace L. Downs. In 1998, Dr. Turner answered the call, leaving the banking world behind to serve God’s people full-time.

Since then, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Oak Ridge has blossomed into one of the largest congregations in the Kansas City area. Through soul-stirring preaching, compassionate shepherding, and a deep passion for spiritual growth, Dr. Turner has remained firmly planted—always nurturing the roots of others.

He is deeply committed to education and youth development. His vision led to the creation of the Wallace L. Downs Scholarship Ministry and the “Lift Them Up” Summer Program, which later became the Oak Ridge Youth Development School. Dr. Turner believes the next generation must be watered with wisdom and truth to grow strong in faith and purpose.

Dr. Turner holds an Associate in Human Services from Oklahoma State University, a Bachelor’s in Finance and Christian Education from Oklahoma Baptist University, and both a Master’s and Doctorate in Ministry from Palmer Theological Seminary. He also studied at the esteemed Oxford University in England.

Beyond the pulpit, Dr. Turner has helped unify the broader community. He led Kansas City’s first “Unity Day Celebration” and serves on the boards of Providence Medical and St. John Hospitals, United Way of Kansas City, and more. He’s also the former president of the KCK Baptist Minister’s Union and serves nationally as the Sixth Vice President of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

He is married to Tinalisa Turner, and together they are the proud parents of Austin, Shilicia, and Addision. As a husband, father, and spiritual leader, Dr. Turner’s life is a testament to the power of staying rooted in Christ—and allowing God to grow something beautiful through every season.