Introducing the Nominee for Senior Pastor and Head of Staff

Pastor Nominating Committee

To the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa,

On behalf of your Pastor Nominating Committee, it is with profound joy and a deep sense of peace that we present our Nominee for Senior Pastor. Our journey over these many months has been one of diligent work, but more importantly, it has been a journey of shared prayer and submission to the Holy Spirit.

When we began this “Quest for Vigorous Pastoral Leadership,” we looked to Scripture as our roadmap. We sought a Senior Pastor who could not only manage a large urban church but who could serve as a unifying force—connecting us vertically to God and horizontally to one another.

In Reverend Beaty, we have found a leader who embodies the high biblical standards established by our Session. He brings a reputable theological understanding rooted in our Reformed tradition and a practical, gospel-centered approach to preaching that speaks directly to the complexities of modern life. Beyond his skills in the pulpit, we found a person of deep integrity who genuinely values the stories of our congregants and views leadership through the lens of humble servanthood.

We believe Reverend Beaty will lead by example, fostering a culture of teamwork among our staff and Session while engaging meaningfully with every generation of our church family, from our youngest children to our seasoned members.

We invite you to read the following report with an open heart. We are confident that you will see, as we have, that God has prepared this leader to guide First Presbyterian Church into a future marked by faithfulness, growth, and the love of Jesus Christ.

With gratitude and hope,

Joel Donohue
Chair, Pastor Nominating Committee
First Presbyterian Church, Tulsa

Download and read the PDF
of the introduction brochure here.

A Letter From Reverend Cameron Beaty

TO THE CONGREGATION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TULSA

It is a privilege to be considered as your next Senior Pastor. First Church is a faithful, vibrant congregation bearing witness to the kingdom of God in the city of Tulsa and beyond.

Through an extended season of prayer and discernment alongside the Pastor Nominating Committee, my wife, Emily, and I believe God is calling us to join you in a new season ahead.

It has been evident throughout this process that our hearts are aligned with yours on what it means to be a strong, multi-generational church seeking to make fully devoted followers of Jesus who are inwardly strong and outwardly focused. So much of my own calling to the ministry of Word and Sacrament took shape in the life of a local Presbyterian congregation, much like First Church, which is committed to the glory of God and the common good.

For the last fifteen years, God has allowed us to serve within Spirit-filled, center-city churches where we’ve seen the Gospel mature believers who are seeking the welfare of their neighbors (Jeremiah 29:7). During our time in Dallas, we’ve also witnessed significant growth both numerically and spiritually within our churches through seasons of joy and heartache. And God has been faithful through it all. We now believe our experiences at Peak Street Church and Highland Park Presbyterian have prepared us to come alongside the Session of First Church and lead you well into a new season of ministry.

First Presbyterian Church has an incredible legacy in Tulsa, and our family shares the conviction of the PNC that God can accomplish immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine in the years ahead (Ephesians 3:21). Ultimately, your love for God and His Word, the joy and hospitality evident in your life together, the maturity of your spiritual leaders, and the Christ-centered, entrepreneurial creativity with which you are engaging the city are a few of the paramount reasons we believe God is calling us to join you at First Presbyterian Church.

May God continue to be present with us in these days. Thank you for the way you have cared so well for our family already. Emily, Wells, Charlotte, Lewis and I are grateful for you all.

Blessings,
J. Cameron Beaty

Why we selected Reverend Beaty

The PNC has unanimously discerned that God has called the Reverend Cameron Beaty to be the next Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa.

Briefly, here’s why:

A Gospel-Centered Leader

Throughout the discernment process, the committee was deeply encouraged by Cameron Beaty’s love for Jesus Christ, his commitment to the authority of Scripture and his clear passion for the Gospel. We consistently saw a pastor whose theology is deeply rooted and whose faith is lived out with humility, warmth and authenticity in everyday ministry.

An Experienced Church Leader

The committee was impressed by the breadth of Cameron’s ministry experience, which includes student ministry, young adults, church planting and senior pastoral leadership. Since 2018, he has served as Senior Pastor of Peak Street Presbyterian Church in Dallas, leading with vision, relational wisdom and a collaborative spirit. We believe his experience shepherding congregations through seasons of growth and change has prepared him well to lead First Church into a new chapter of ministry.

A Vision for the City

As we spent time with Cameron, the committee was especially drawn to his heart for the city and his belief that the Church is called to engage its community with both truth and compassion. Having served in center-city churches for many years, he brings a thoughtful, outward-facing approach to ministry that resonates strongly with the mission and legacy of First Church.

A Gifted Preacher and Teacher

One of the qualities the committee consistently observed in Cameron was his ability to communicate God’s Word with both clarity and pastoral warmth. His preaching combines Biblical depth with practical application in a way that feels engaging, authentic and Christ-centered. We were especially encouraged by his ability to teach with conviction while remaining approachable and gracious.

A Heart for Multi-Generational Ministry

The committee was encouraged by Cameron’s longstanding investment in people across every stage of life. From student ministry and young adults to senior pastoral leadership, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to helping generations grow together in faith and community. We believe his relational approach and ministry experience align beautifully with First Church’s identity as a vibrant, intergenerational congregation.

A Humble and Relational Shepherd

In every interaction throughout the search process, Cameron demonstrated humility, kindness and a sincere love for people. The committee consistently experienced him as a thoughtful pastor who listens well, leads gently and genuinely desires to walk alongside others with wisdom and compassion. Along with his wife, Emily, and their children, Wells, Charlotte and Lewis, he has expressed heartfelt excitement about becoming part of the First Church family.

More about Cameron Beaty

Personal Background

Husband to Emily (15 years)
Father to Wells (6), Charlotte (4), Lewis (1)
Currently lives in Old East Dallas
Born and raised in Mississippi

Education

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA
Master of Divinity, 2014
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Bachelor of Arts, 2007

Professional skills

Budget planning and oversight experience ranging from small to large congregations
Proficient in various ministry related software programs (e.g. Planning Center)
Flexible, adaptable, hardworking team player/servant leader
Crucial Conversations certified in effective communication and conflict resolution
Alpha trained in hosting conversations for those with serious questions about faith

Hobbies and interests

Basketball and pickleball
Fishing and camping
Live music, good coffee and dinner with friends

What People Are Saying About Cameron

“Cameron Beaty is a winsome preacher, a magnetic pastor, and an insightful, missional leader. Even more importantly and very evidently, he is a humble, joyful, Spirit-filled disciple, whose work and words flow out of his abiding relationship with Jesus. I cannot recommend a fellow pastor more highly!”

Reverend Doctor CHARLIE DUNN
Senior Pastor, Grace Church Lake Highlands

“I have known Cameron since he was in seminary and I am thrilled that he is coming to FPC-Tulsa. You are getting a wonderful soul and a delightful family. Cameron is a real Christian believer with deep conviction and a winsome spirit. He will bring loads of encouragement and lots of Holy Spirit hope.”

Reverend Doctor Jim Singleton Jr.
Director of Discipling Ministries, Leighton Ford Ministries
Former professor, Gordon-Conwell Seminary
Retired Presbyterian Pastor

“I won’t claim midwife status for Cameron Beaty saying ‘Yes’ to the call to come to First Presbyterian Tulsa, but I am truly thrilled for Cameron, his family, and your wonderful church. As one of Cameron’s mentors, I enjoy a ring-side seat to all the Lord has been doing in his heart and ministry. He is one of the most humble, gifted, Jesus-loving pastors I know in his generation. I am so happy for Cameron and for the entire First Presbyterian Tulsa family.”

Scotty Smith
Founding Pastor and Pastor Emeritus
Christ Community Church, Franklin TN

“Cameron is one of the brightest and most gifted young pastors in the Presbyterian Church today. He leads with humility, wisdom, and genuine compassion, and he communicates God’s Word with both clarity and conviction. He is also a caring shepherd with a heart for both God’s people as well as those who are far from the Lord. Cameron’s character, spiritual maturity, and servant leadership make him an exceptional pastor who has a bright future and will make a Kingdom impact in Tulsa. First Church will be blessed by his deeply relational ministry.”

Reverend Doctor Peter Barnes
Retired Presbyterian Pastor

“Cameron is truly a jewel and one of my spiritual heroes. It was a blessing to serve alongside him on the leadership team at PeakStreet Church and to witness his faithful obedience to God’s call to lead a new church plant. I have watched him lead with wisdom and integrity, inspiring others to follow. I have seen him preach with conviction and grace, and through this ministry, hearts have been transformed. I have also witnessed his humility — his willingness to listen, to learn, and to welcome partnerships in the work God has called him to do. Cameron is a servant-hearted leader who genuinely seeks to love and serve others well. God bless you Cameron and your faithfulness to His call.”

D’Ann Moore
Elder, Highland Park Presbyterian Church

“In the 10 years I’ve known Cameron, I have consistently experienced him as genuine, approachable, wise, and deeply empathetic. He has a rare ability to speak truth with both conviction and grace in a way that draws people toward Christ. Time with him leaves you feeling heard, known, and gently challenged. As part of the church plant Cameron helped lead from its earliest days, I saw his leadership consistently call people into deeper discipleship that shaped every part of life — work, marriage, parenting, friendships, and love for neighbor. I have also served alongside Cameron in nonprofit work for the good of the city, where I witnessed the same humility, patience, faithfulness, and quiet persistence that mark his pastoral ministry. I believe he will be a tremendous gift to the church he is called to serve.”

Sherrie Johnson Smith
Church member, Peak Street Presbyterian Church

Statement of Christian Faith

J. Cameron Beaty

I believe in the Triune God who is the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer of all things. The Triune God, who is one in substance yet three in persons, is the self-revealing Father, fully disclosed in the Eternal Son, and made known by the gracious initiative of the Holy Spirit.

I believe the Triune God created all things for the praise and exultation of His glory. When sin entered into God’s created order through the rebellion of Adam and Eve, it permeated the human condition and the whole of creation; however, God has accomplished a great redemption in Jesus Christ. As the author of our salvation, Jesus is the One in whom we behold the “fullness of grace and truth.” Truly God and Truly Man, Christ is also the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises in the Old Testament, and the true Representative of a New Humanity (i.e. the Church) in the New Testament.

In the Cross of Jesus Christ, I believe the wrath of God against sinful rebellion was fully satisfied and forgiveness realized for those who repent and believe in the Gospel. Therefore, the content of this Gospel is the heavenly announcement of amnesty for sinners. It was established by God’s grace, through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

The result of the Gospel then is the promised renewal of all things in Jesus. It has been secured through the Ascension of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the anticipated consummation of a New Heaven and New Earth. The achievement of the Gospel will be eternal life in a renewed creation with God forever.

I believe Holy Scripture is the authoritative Word of God, sufficient to guide and govern the Church in all matters of faith and practice. Comprised of both the Old and New Testaments,the Bible speaks in unison to the whole of redemptive history and the hope of Christ’s return. I believe the Holy Spirit labors both externally and internally to illuminate the Word of God that transforms human hearts. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is the indwelling presence of God conforming the Church into the image of Jesus.

I believe the Church is the New Covenant community whose life our Lord makes possible. Where the Gospel is preached, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are administered, and the community of believers are seeking the welfare of one another and our neighbors, the true Church shines radiant. The sacraments are the means of grace God has chosen to strengthen the Church in our life together as signs and seals of the New Covenant. The Church’s mission is to make known the Gospel among all people until the return of Jesus.

I believe the Church of Jesus Christ will persevere and reign triumphant at His return, whereby the resurrection of the dead will bring about eternal life for those united to Jesus by faith. God’s final judgement will rightly condemn all injustice on the earth, and the New Eden will be eternally established once again unto the glory of the Triune God.