2025 Conference Speakers

  • David Burman, Jr. 

    Pastor David Burman, Jr. is lead pastor of First Baptist of Elyria, where he has served since 2021. He was not new to First Baptist, as he served as the youth pastor there from 1999-2011. During those 12 years, he was able to see many of his teens go into full-time ministry. In 2011, God called him to serve as the pastor of First Baptist of Niles, Ohio for the next 9 1/2 years. It was at that time God led the church through a major renovation and building addition.

    Returning to Elyria has given Pastor Dave the opportunity to serve alongside some of his former young people, see others return to walk with the Lord, and be used as the Lord continues to mold and shape the ministry at First Baptist. He is passionate about reaching the lost in the community, is a strong proponent of discipling members of the church, and training leadership for ministry within the church.

    Dave and his wife, Jen met at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa. They have three children—two married sons and a daughter, who is a senior in high school.

  • Dave Ryan

    Pastor Dave Ryan has served as senior pastor at Grace Baptist, Canton since January 1999. His desire is for people to come to know Christ personally and to grow in a relationship with God as the Bible comes alive to them in their everyday life. 

    Pastor Dave is a 1990 graduate of Cedarville University and of Baptist Bible Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1995. He has been in full-time pastoral ministry since 1994. He has been active in the OARBC in the Akron-Canton fellowship and has served on the OARBC Council of 12. 

    A native of Toledo, Ohio, Pastor Dave grew up attending Emmanuel Baptist. He met his wife, Linda at Cedarville, also a 1990 graduate. They have been blessed with three daughters, Allie (Nate), Karis, and Abby and two granddaughters, Olivia and Charlotte.

  • Jeff Dilyard

    Pastor Jeff Dilyard has served Christ's Church as the Teaching Pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Smithville, Ohio for the past two years. Growing up, the Lord used the ministry of Pleasant Hill Baptist to draw him to faith in Christ, grow him by grace, call him to pastor, and equip him for ministry. It is his desire to "serve for God’s glory, by God’s grace, and with God’s people." 

    Pastor Jeff studied at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies (2021) and a Masters of Divinity (2023). He has a love and aptitude for the original written languages of the Word, evidenced in his preaching and teaching.

    In 2022, God joined Jeff with his wife, Becky. Together they have enjoyed serving the Lord, going on walks, reading, playing tennis, and countless other activities.

  • Chuck Pausley, Sr.

    Chuck Pausley, Sr. has served as the State Representative of the Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches for the past eight years. Prior to his present role, he pastored for 39 years in the states of Ohio, Iowa and Florida.

    Chuck has an appreciation for pastors, especially OARBC pastors, and expository preaching of the Word of God. As he travels throughout Ohio, he is encouraged by faithful, exemplary pastors who love the Word and love their people.

    After meeting at Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, Chuck and his wife, Linda have been married 48 years. They have four married children and eight grandchildren. They prayerfully sing along with the songwriter, “All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so, so good.”

  • Ken Dockery

    Pastor Ken Dockery and his wife, Renee spent two decades as church planters with Continental Baptist Missions in Cleveland, Ohio—dedicating themselves to building gospel-centered communities in one of the Midwest’s most spiritually needy regions. Their heart for ministry, particularly in urban contexts, has been grounded in a passion for the local church and a burden for the lost. 

    In his mid-thirties, Ken began facing serious health challenges that would significantly impact his life and ministry. These trials tested his faith but also deepened it, reshaping his approach to ministry and personal discipleship. 

    Today, Ken ministers at Chardon Baptist Church in Chardon, Ohio with a seasoned perspective and a compassionate heart, drawing from decades of pastoral experience and personal suffering.

2025 Seminar Speakers

  • Jim Vogel

    Dr. Jim Vogel serves as Associate Director of the Northeast Fellowship of churches. He received his theological and ministry training at Baptist Bible College and Seminary, earning his bachelors (B.R.E) and masters (M. Div.) degrees. He later received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

    After serving for 30 years in pastoral ministry, Dr. Vogel has consulted churches in health and growth and “pastored pastors” for the last 13 years. He regularly teaches and mentors pastors in the northeast USA region and has taught pastors in Russia, Thailand, the Philippines, and India. He recently edited and wrote for a book on pastoral ministry published by RBP titled: “The Pastor: A Guide for God‘s Faithful Servant.”

    Dr. Vogel serves as President of the Northeast School of Theology and Ministry.

  • Lee Kliewer

    Dr. Lee Kliewer served for 20 years in various roles at Baptist Bible Seminary of Clarks Summit University (formerly Baptist Bible College), most recently serving as Seminary Dean.

    Forty years of pastoral ministry experience as an assistant pastor, senior pastor, and interim pastor in the northeast and Florida has equipped Dr. Kliewer to serve as the Executive Director for Paraklesis Partnerships, a church consulting ministry.

    Dr. Kliewer earned bachelors and masters degrees from Baptist Bible College and Seminary; and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

    Dr. Kliewer serves as Dean of the Northeast School of Theology and Ministry.