Pastor Bedford Otey (pronounced "Oh-tee") and his family moved here to become the pastor of Springhill Church in August of 2008. He grew up in Memphis, TN and became a believer in Christ at a young age. After completing his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies at Crichton College he took a job for 3 years as the Sr. High/College Pastor at Grace Evangelical Church in Germantown, TN. During that time he met and married the love of his life, Robin, who had moved to Memphis to dance for the professional Ballet company. Together they left for Covenant Seminary in St. Louis in 2002 and he graduated with his Masters of Divinity in 2005. He was then called as the Pastor of Evening Worship at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Louis where he was responsible for developing and implementing a new Sunday evening, evangelistic/outreach worship service. Three years and two children later, God called him here to Montana. Besides spending time with his wife and children, his favorite things include triathlon, hiking, fly-fishing, movies, reading, the arts, and enjoying a good meal with friends (most of whom call him "BJ").
Dr Paul Utnagetrusted Christ as my Savior while at home when he was seven years old. In fact, before his birth his grandfather prayed that his children and grandchildren would grow deeply in Christ and that one of them would become a pastor. Paul is the one result of those prayers. His family moved to Oklahoma City during his 7th grade year and joined a strong evangelical, Bible-teaching church, which had a profound impact on Paul's development and his career. The youth pastor there became his mentor and they are close friends still today. During college God developed a passion for the local church after I served as a youth director. I still call myself an “ex-youth pastor at heart.” Though my career has included several ministries, we are really desirous to settle down into a caring missional church. We hunger for long-term ministry and relationships.
Paul married his wife Brenda in 1980 and they have a daughter, Meghan, who is married and lives with her husband in Texas. Paul and Brenda enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, kayaking, hiking, and biking. They are avid readers and have enjoyed teaching marriage workshops together. They hope someday to combine leadership training with marriage training for couples!
Paul has more than 35 years of pastoral leadership experience in the local church including 12 years as an Executive Pastor in congregations ranging from medium size to over 5,000 in regular attendance. He also has experience in developing a multi-site vision and strategy at his former church.
Becca Syme - Director of Music - Becca has been leading worship professionally since the age of 18, and pastorally since 22 (please don't ask how long ago that was... haha!). A Montana native and MSU alumnus (GO BOBCATS!), Becca was thrilled to come on staff at Springhill Presbyterian because it provided her an opportunity to serve God in Worship Arts and stay here--something she hadn't thought possible. Becca has a Master's degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary--the premier theological leadership program in the country. Before coming to Springhill, Becca was a leadership and communications consultant with churches, nonprofits, and companies all over North America. She previously served as the Executive Director of The Rock Youth Center in Bozeman and runs performing arts camps for kids to continue to invest in the musical and artistic future of the Bozeman Community.
Heather Klein - Executive Administrator joined the staff at Springhill in April, 2010. Heather is a Montana native, growing up on a 4th generation ranch in eastern Montana where her family still resides and ranches today. She graduated with a degree in Agricultural Business from Montana State University here in Bozeman. Her professional background was spent in the banking industry with the last eight years in various management positions. She and her husband Bryan have been married since 2000 and have three children Madison, Gabrielle and Gavin. Heather loves being a wife and a mom, but also enjoys running, playing golf and fly-fishing.
Kelly Curry, Office Assistant joined Springhill in July 2011. She grew up in a Christian home just outside of the Seattle, Washington area. She clearly remembers kneeling with her mom at the age of five and praying for Jesus to come into her heart and her life! She attended a Christian elementary school, but in 7th grade decided that her relationship with Christ could be even better developed in public school. After high school, Kelly went to New Jersey to be a nanny for a year. Later, she received training in Real Estate/Escrow, became a Certified Nurses Assistant, and did some modules in Early Childhood Education. Kelly met her husband, James, at the church they were both attending. When she came back from being a nanny, they started dating and have been happily married now for 17 years! They have three daughters, Ashlyn, 15, Brittany, 14, and Caity, 12. James and Kelly have been in Bozeman since March, 2002. They moved here to be closer to James’ family and to further pursue a career in masonry. They have attended Belgrade Baptist church for seven years. Kelly has been working for their masonry business since they moved to Bozeman, but decided to take a job outside of that industry when things slowed down a bit. The Office Assistant job was an exciting opportunity to use the talents and knowledge that God has given her and work with a team of people all striving to further God’s Kingdom!
Bev McVean, Director of Children's Ministries moved from Newport Beach, California to Bozeman in 2003 and immediately started attending SPC with her husband Scott of 18 years and their seven children. She has attended BSF since then and has been a children’s leader for the past six years. Bev was called to Children’s Ministry in 2008 under Pastor McNeely. Her background is asset management and helping to run their family business. Bev clearly remembers the day she was saved and knew at that moment her life would never be the same. Although brought up in a Christian home, Bev says she spent 40 years wandering in the desert. Bev has a deep passion for teaching children about Christ. Because of her own faith journey and her love for Jesus, she feels it is critical to plant seeds in children early, so that those who may make take wrong turn in life can eventually find their way home to Him. Besides following God’s calling, Bev enjoys camping, hiking, reading and spending time with her family.
Chantel Doherty, Assistant Children's Ministry Director was born and raised in Fargo, ND. I attended Jamestown College in Jamestown, ND where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I participated on the college dance team and worked as a lifeguard for the local YMCA. I also met my husband, Mark, while attending JC. After finishing college, I began my professional career as a Kindergarten Teacher for the Fargo Public Schools. I did this for 4 years and really appreciated the challenge of working with young children. I received my Master’s Degree in Education from St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN and gave birth to our beautiful girl, Delaney in 2006. It’s hard to believe she is already 5 years old and is a Kindergartner herself. She loves Manhattan Christian School and is staying busy throughout the year with dance, soccer, T-ball, swim lessons, skiing, rafting, and entertaining her puppy, Timber, and kitty, Sox. After having our girl, I decided to stay home and raise our daughter. This was one of the better decisions I had ever made, and I cherish the time I was able to spend with her. We moved to Bozeman in April of 2009. My husband grew up in Butte, and coming back home to MT was always a dream of his. When the opportunity came up, we couldn’t pass it up! I truly love it here in beautiful Bozeman. We love the mountains and the beautiful places God has created here. I’ve been absolutely blessed with my part-time role in the Children’s Ministry at Springhill Church. Working with kids is truly where my passion is, so it’s a perfect fit. I couldn’t have asked for a better church, better colleagues, or a better program, and I am truly looking forward to the wonderful things we are all going to do together for kids in this valley. Thank you, Springhill Church, for such an amazing opportunity!