First Things First

Oswald Chambers wrote in the Christian classic Utmost for His Highest:

"Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God's appointed order."

When Scott Anderson graduated from Bentonville (AR) High School in the mid-nineties, he felt a call to pursue a life of ministry. He grew up in a godly household, lived a good life, and went on missions trips. After graduating high school, he went into full-time ministry with Youth With A Mission and eventually was hired as an associate youth pastor at a church in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Amidst his prototypical Christian life, he began doubting if ministry was meant for him, and even began to doubt his faith. Amongst questions, fears, and subtle uncertainty, he sought answers. A friend at the time, who experienced a lot of the same doubts, suggested that Scott visit a pastor he knew who lived in Skiatook, Oklahoma.

Scott decided to make the trek to Oklahoma. He was determined to be fixed of his doubt and thought this trip could be an opportunity for healing. After meeting this pastor (who later became his own pastor), Scott knew that his crisis of faith was leading him to a new way of life. Scott finally realized that his salvation was not in anything he could ever do but in believing and trusting in Jesus Christ and what He did for him.

Scott remained in Oklahoma and pursued a degree in education. He quickly realized he didn't like school enough to spend life in a classroom, so he switched his degree path to finance, with no pre-conceived notion of what he wanted to do next. After attending Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State University - Tulsa, he graduated from Northeastern State University in 2003 with his degree in finance.

While finishing college, Scott met Rickey Hayes (former City of Owasso Economic Development Director, and current President of Retail Attractions). Rickey introduced Scott to Dee Sokolosky, President & CEO of First Bank of Owasso. Scott expressed an interest in working at the bank, but still left the door open to return to ministry. Dee suggested that he apply for an open teller position.

Scott was hired and spent eighteen months as a teller and later as branch manager of First Bank's location at German Corner. He credits First Bank of Owasso legends Cindy Scott and Shirley Hale with helping him learn the ropes of banking. As a teller, Scott learned the importance of caring for people and their hard-earned money, and he still implements this care each day as he forges new client relationships.

In 2005, Scott transitioned into the role of internal appraiser and consumer lender - inspecting construction sites and making vehicle and mortgage loans. In 2009, he was promoted to his current role of Vice President of Commercial Lending, where he specializes in serving churches all over the United States.

The irony in Scott's story is that he initially pursued ministry as a young adult, came to a crossroads in his faith, tried banking "temporarily," and now serves and ministers to churches and ministries. Scott is fulfilling his call to ministry on a path he didn't envision.

Scott has established relationships with churches, not only in Oklahoma, but throughout the country, with a particular emphasis in New England. He has facilitated recent loan closings for churches in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, as well as Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, and Mississippi.

"I believe God is as much in the mundane as He is in the business of cloud splitting," adds Anderson.

First Bank of Owasso's vision is to help build the Kingdom by providing financial services and expertise in a God-honoring manner. To Scott, this means not living a compartmentalized life. He seeks to live the same God-honoring lifestyle with clients of the bank as he does at home with his family. In doing so, Scott keeps the most important things first.

Scott believes God uses both miraculous and practical moments. When God is first, each aspect of life makes a little more sense. For Scott, the random events of his life are anything but random - they're a part of God's appointed order. 

Scott Anderson lives in Skiatook with his wife of 14 years, Amy, and their daughter, Fynlee. The Andersons attend Immanuel Baptist Church, where Scott serves as an ordained deacon. Scott also serves First Bank of Owasso as Vice President of Commercial Lending, working with churches all over the United States.