Jared Byrns serves as pastor of Central Baptist Church in downtown Lawton, Oklahoma. He has served in pastoral ministry for 17 years, has preached the gospel for 23 years, and has ministered in churches in Oklahoma and Arkansas. His work is rooted in careful exposition of Scripture, historic Christian conviction, and the belief that sound doctrine should strengthen ordinary believers for faithful living.
Jared writes and teaches on Scripture, theology, apologetics, and discipleship. He earned a BA from the University of Oklahoma and both an MA in Apologetics and a PhD in Bible and Theology from Louisiana Baptist University.
Much of his work focuses on helping Christians think clearly about the truth of the gospel, especially the historical case for the resurrection of Jesus. His interest in apologetics was shaped by academic study and formative encounters with skepticism during his college years, which led him to a deeper confidence in the Christian faith.
He is the author of five books, including Christs in Contrast, a study comparing the Christologies of nine major worldviews.
Through Hopoksa Ministries, Jared seeks to strengthen Christians, families, churches, and students beyond a single congregation. He serves as chairman of the board for both the Pregnancy Resource Center of Southwest Oklahoma and Trinity Christian Academy, where he teaches middle school Bible classes. He lives on a farm outside Lawton with his wife, Charla, and their five children.