OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mary Chester
Joe & Julie Clower
LEAD PASTORS
Joe and Julie Clower currently serve as the Lead Pastors of Altus Church of God. Pastor Joe has faithfully served in ministry for more than 30 years and has been an Ordained Minister in the Church of God since 1998. Throughout the years, he has served in a variety of ministry roles in Oregon, Idaho, Kansas, and now here in Oklahoma. He also has a heart for missions, where he has ministered to pastors and families in Rwanda, Africa, and El Salvador. Pastor Joe is known not only as a pastor and preacher, but also as a Dad, grandpappy, mentor, missionary, leader, and friend. His heart for people and passion for sharing the Gospel continue to shape his ministry today as he serves alongside his wife, Julie, at Altus Church of God. Pastor Julie is an Ordained Minister with a deep passion for preaching the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the years, she has served in many ministry positions, most recently as Youth Pastor at Riverlife Church of God in Moore, Oklahoma. She has also served as Chairman of the Heartland Region Youth & Discipleship Board and on the Heartland Region Girls Club Board. Julie loves spending time with family, worship drives, hiking, and traveling. Her greatest desire is to see lives radically changed, healed, restored, and discipled for Kingdom service. Together, Joe and Julie are blessed with seven children, four beautiful grandchildren, and two spoiled doggies. Their ministry is built on proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, serving others with humility, and walking daily in the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of our Heavenly Father.
CHURCH CLERK
Mary Chester has been happily married to her husband for many years and is the proud mother of five children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She retired in 2025 after a lifetime of hard work and dedication. Mary has been a faithful member of the Church of God for 35 years and faithfully served as a Church Clerk for approximately 15 years. Throughout her life, she worked in several different places, including spending many years in house cleaning. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren. Mary is known for her faithful spirit, caring heart, and love for those around her. She finds joy in doing the Lord's work and is grateful for the many ways He has blessed her life. We're blessed to have her part of our Leadership Team.
MARY CHESTER
WORSHIP TEAM LEADER
Rhonda Goforth has called Altus home since 1971 and has been married to her husband, Glen, since July 4, 1975. Together they have three children — Jared, Jonathan, and Katrina — along with three grandchildren, Kylie, Ella, and Isaac. She graduated from Altus High School in 1975 and later attended classes at WOSC and SWTC. Being raised in a Pentecostal Holiness pastor’s home, Rhonda grew up deeply involved in church and ministry. She began singing at just three years old while standing beside her mother at the piano. She accepted Christ at age eight, was baptized at nine, and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that same year. Over the years, she has faithfully served in many ministry roles including worship ministry, Sunday School, youth leadership, children’s church, VBS, women’s ministry, Missionettes, ASL choir, and missions work in Kenya and Belize as a photographer. Rhonda has also enjoyed a variety of careers throughout the years. She currently works at Picketts Clinic Pharmacy and previously worked with DHS, The Altus Times, JCMH Admissions, and Kellwood’s. From 1984 to 1999, she and Glen owned and operated The Snap Shop One Hour Photo Lab and Portrait Studio, where she worked as photographer and bookkeeper while also teaching photography classes at SWTC. She currently also enjoys taking real estate photos part time for HomeSnaps. When she’s not working or serving in ministry, Rhonda enjoys photography, playing piano, card making, crocheting, knitting, and gardening - Hobbies that beautifully reflect the warmth and creativity she shares with everyone around her.
RHONDA GOFORTH
KATHY DONALD
CHILDREN'S TEAM LEADER
Kathy Donald was born on August 31, 1979, and was raised in an Army family, giving her the unique opportunity to grow up around the world. Although she lived in many places, she proudly calls North Carolina home. At the age of 19, Kathy joined the United States Air Force. Seventeen years ago, she met the love of her life, Donald, and together they have been blessed with six beautiful children, two grandchildren, and another grandbaby on the way. Kathy has faithfully worked at Red River Inn for the past 10 years. She began as a housekeeper, later served as a supervisor, and now works as the accountant. Her dedication, hard work, and caring spirit shine through in everything she does. In her free time, Kathy enjoys working in her yard, spending time with family and friends, and being the best mom and grandma she can be. Three years ago, Kathy became part of the Altus Church of God family, and for the past year and a half she has faithfully served in Children’s Church. Today, she serves as our Children’s Team Leader and has a true passion for teaching and encouraging children. One of the things that brings her the most joy is seeing the children remember the lessons they have been taught. When she asks questions from previous lessons and sees all the hands go up, it reminds her that the seeds being planted are growing in their hearts. Kathy’s love for children and her heart for ministry are a true blessing to our church family.
KATIE WANN
STUDENT TEAM LEADER
Katie Wann is a wife and mother of three children. She grew up in the small community of Laverne, Oklahoma, where she spent much of her time working on her great-grandparents' farm. Katie is a full-time homeschool teacher and stay-at-home mom who enjoys gardening, nature walks, good food, and spending time with her family. Katie has been attending Altus Church of God since 2025 and has faithfully served in both the nursery and children's ministries. She is passionate about helping young people discover their identity in Christ and develop a strong, personal relationship with God. As she steps into the role of Youth Leader, Katie desires to create a welcoming environment where teens can grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and experience the love and presence of Jesus. Her heart is to encourage, disciple, and equip the next generation to follow God's purpose for their lives while helping them build a lasting relationship with their Heavenly Father.