How hospitality keeps visitors coming back to First Church Tulsa.
When Mikayla and Bryce Barker first walked into First Church, it wasn’t by chance—it was by invitation. But what kept them coming back? In a season of church searching, they found more than just a worship style that fit. They found people who noticed them, remembered their names, and welcomed them into the community. Their story is a clear reminder: Hospitality matters. It makes a difference. Here’s how it worked—in their own words.
Q: What brought you to First Church?
Mikayla: We got invited to the Christmas service by Michael and Valerie Grogan. We were already “church shopping,” and First Presbyterian was on our list, but that invitation definitely brought us in sooner. It gave us the nudge we needed—and the experience sealed it. We loved the service, and we were excited to come back the next week.
Q: What was it about that first visit that made an impact?
Bryce: It was a tasteful blend of traditional and contemporary. The structure, the choir, the hymns, Dan’s message—it all just felt meaningful. People were incredibly kind, and we definitely felt like we wanted to return.
Q: Did people remember you when you came back the next Sunday?
Mikayla: Yes—and that meant so much. I remember it was Greg Berkhouse who came up to us again, remembered our names, and introduced us to others. It made us feel like we weren’t just visitors anymore.
Q: When you say you were looking for a “traditional” church, what did that mean to you?
Mikayla: For us, it meant a few things—more structure, timeless hymns, Scripture-based teaching. We’d come from Baptist and non-denominational backgrounds, so this was a different style. We were looking for something more reverent, less about feel-good messages and more rooted in the Bible.
Q: You live in Broken Arrow. Was driving all the way downtown for church ever a concern?
Bryce: It’s about 25 minutes for us, and we did wonder if that might be too far. But once we connected with the church, it became something we looked forward to each week. The drive doesn’t matter anymore.
Q: Was there a moment when you really felt “known”?
Mikayla: Emma Myatt introduced us to a Sunday school class early on, and that helped a lot. From there, we started going to events, meeting more people, and really becoming part of the community. When we walked into that first class, people welcomed us right away and brought us into the conversation. We felt like we belonged.
Meet Mikayla & Bryce
Hometown:
Bryce is from the Oklahoma City metro, and Mikayla is from Dallas.
Relationship:
They met at the University of Oklahoma in 2019, were married in November, 2024.
Careers:
Bryce is a mechanical engineer at AAON in Tulsa. Mikayla is a meteorologist at FOX23.
First Church Fun Fact:
They were invited to a Christmas service—and kept coming back.
Personality Types:
Mikayla: Outgoing (“never met a stranger”)
Bryce: Friendly and reserved
Hobbies:
Bryce enjoys nature photography and video games. Mikayla loves baking sourdough bread and reading.
Q: What has church membership meant to you?
Bryce: It gives us a sense of belonging. Being able to say, “This is our church,” means something. We’d never been members anywhere before, but going through the membership classes helped us feel rooted. Now we feel like we have a place here.
Q: How has being part of First Church shaped your faith or your rhythm of life?
Mikayla: We pray more—individually and together. It’s deepened our relationship with God and each other. We feel excited every Sunday. It’s not an obligation—it’s something we love.
Q: Do you stay connected with the church during the week?
Bryce: We follow First Church on Instagram and are part of the young adult group text. That group chat keeps us in the loop and helps us join in on events outside of Sundays.
Q: What would you tell someone who’s thinking about visiting First Church?
Mikayla: You’ll feel loved and welcomed from the moment you walk in. The leadership is solid. You’ll sense the community immediately.
Q: What advice would you give longtime members who want to be more welcoming?
Bryce: It is the small acts of hospitality that make a difference. A handshake, a smile—those things go a long way. People remembered our names, talked to us more than once. It helped us feel noticed.
Q: Final thoughts?
Mikayla: We’re just so happy to be new members. We’re excited to see where this church goes—and to be part of it.
Let’s not underestimate the power of noticing someone new. For Mikayla and Bryce, a simple invitation opened the door, and sincere kindness made a lasting impression. May we all look up, reach out, and welcome well—because it works.
