Gospel Ministry

“Bob.” “No, it’s not called Bob.” “Bob is the kid who rode his bicycle to school.” And everyone suddenly remembers. “Yeah, yeah; that’s it!” Just an average day of conversation with my peers. First Child: You take to your child to Mommy and Me play time, Gymboree Play and Music classes and Baby Story Hour. Second Child: You take to your child to Mommy and Me Play Time, Gymboree Play and Music. Third Child: You take your child to the supermarRite of passage: Brain fogSPORTS & ENTERTAINMENTMISSIONS & MINISTRY President Emeritus of Awe Star Ministries Email | walker@awestar.org @WalkerDeanMoore Walker Moore C Recently, I was watching the morning news when a doctor came on, reporting that one of the down HURCH TOOLBOX The doctor went on to say that this brain fog will have you feeling unlike yourself and unable to think clearly. I am not a hypochondriac, but as soon as they were describing these symptoms, I knew I had PEOPLE & CHURCH NEWS ket and the dry cleaners. First Child: Parents start reading and studying my book, “Rite of Passage Parenting,” learning how sides of isolation from friends and family during this brain fog. I thought it was just being a senior adult, to raise capable, responsible, self-reliant adults. pandemic has been a condition called “brain fog.” the byproduct of getting older. I am sure glad that Second Child: Parents finish reading my book,

I have noticed some subtle difference in certain we have identified the culprit that causes my dull- “Rite of Passage Parenting.” friends of mine during this pandemic, and I thought ing memory, lack of concentration and feeling un- Third Child: What book?

I needed to learn a little more about this condition. If I understood the doctor correctly, brain fog is identifiable by a dulled memory and lack of focus. CLASSIFIEDS like myself. As I try to figure out how long I have had this condition, the more I think about it, the more I realize: I had it before the pandemic. NEWS & CULTURE Sooner or later the brain fog will creep up on you. It could be children; it could be the loss of a job, a death or just getting older. The fog will come. This knowledge didn’t help me, since that describes This condition began when my wife and I started No one can see into the future; we don’t know almost everyone in my age group. More than half of our having children, and the more children we had, the what tomorrow will bring, let alone the next minconversations begin with “Do you remember what’s- more pronounced the brain fog. You can see it in every ute. In the blink of an eye, your whole world can his-name? You know, the kid who rode his bicycle to parent’s life: the digression when brain fog takes over. change, and without guidance, these changes can school every day? The one who had two older sisters?” First Child: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you leave you with brain fog. But Jesus knew these

“OH! I know the one you’re talking about; the kid who lived next door to the grocery store.” We are all nodding our heads. We know the VOICES put it away until you can go home and sterilize it. Second Child: When the pacifier falls on the floor, your squirt if off with some juice from the baby’s bottle. times would come into all our lives. That is why He came, so we can have light. He gave His Word as a lamp to guide us. Here are three verses to help you. kid being described; his name is on the tip of our Third Child: When the pacifier falls on the floor, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my tongues, but after about a half-dozen head nods you wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in. path” (Ps. 119:103, NASB). and a couple of “hhhmms,” none of us have enough “I am the light of the world: he who follow me will brain cells connecting to come up with a name. The First Child: When the child swallows a coin, you not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” conversation quickly switches to another import- rush them to the hospital and demand x-rays. (John 8:12). ant topic: “Where would you like to eat?” Second Child: When the child swallows a coin, “I have come as Light into the world, so that every “Oh, I would love to go to that place with the you carefully watch for the coin to pass. one who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” great senior adult luncheon special. You know the Third Child: When the child swallows a coin, you (John 12:46). one I am talking about, the one down on Main deduct it from their allowance. Got fog? Take Jesus and His Word, and you will

Street. What is it called?” have light.

Local mission stations help advance the Gospel

Ever Borunda

Oklahoma Baptists Hispanic Ministries Ministry Partner

Baptists have been known for their evangelistic zeal and for their willingness to go to the uttermost parts of the world to take the message of Jesus Christ to lost people. Historically, Baptists have been willing to take the Gospel to the big cities, and also to the smallest of towns. One of the things that made Baptist the largest evangelical denomination in North America was the willingness of faithful men who served as church planters, and pastors, while working as farmers, store owners, teachers, bankers, etc.

In the early 1900s, Oklahoma Baptists were blessed to have among them such a faithful man. His name was R.C. Howard, who served most of his ministry as a bivocational pastor. As the pastor of Oklahoma City, Kelham Avenue, Howard was a man of vision, but also a man of action. He understood the need for the local church to engage in what can be considered the two arms of discipleship in the local church: Gospel outreach and the equipping of leaders.

In his book “How to Establish and Conduct Local Mission Stations,” Howard gives a brief history of how God led Kelham Avenue to start 23 local mission stations in 22 years throughout Oklahoma City. He did not create an elaborate plan to mobilize vast amounts of people and resources to take the Gospel to a new community. He was focused on how the Spirit of God was leading him, but he also paid attention to the needs that church members brought before Him.

He wrote how sometimes he would see an empty building in an area of the city where there was no church and would take the opportunity before his congregation, so they could begin a new work in that area. Other times, church members would ask him to start a Sunday School class in their homes where they could invite their neighbors and reach the kids on their street with the Gospel. He would visit the new community and would find a handful of people who would help teach the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. It was that simple.

I am amazed every time I read Howard’s story. Members of Kelham Avenue were ordinary Christians doing the work of evangelism and discipleship in new communities, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to win souls. It is similar to what the New Testament church experienced. As people became believers, they went to their communities, told others about Jesus, were baptized, and then they told people what Jesus had done for them. That is exactly how the church grew and how the Gospel eventually reached us.

As a denominational leader, I am afraid that many times I tend to complicate things. I feel that if I am not keeping up with the latest trends in church planting or preaching or ministry in general, that I cannot be effective. The reality is that we do not need superstar pastors and keynote-worthy church planters to advance the Gospel in Oklahoma. All we need are faithful pastors who can lead their churches to look beyond their immediate surroundings and realize that the church can extend its reach far and wide through the use of local mission stations.

It does not require lots of money to begin a new work in a new community. It does not take seminary trained men to go into these new communities to share the Gospel and to teach new Christians the basic doctrines of the faith. It doesn’t even take more time out of the church member’s busy week to be able to help in the new work. We just need to be willing to adjust the weekly meeting times and events of the church.

I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet. I am not even Facebook friends with a prophet, but I can confidently say that, unless churches adopt a simple model similar to what Pastor Howard and Kelham Avenue did in the 1900s, we will not see the Gospel advance in our state in the way we so desire. If one church was able to start 23 new works in 22 years, imagine what Oklahoma Baptist could accomplish if every Baptist church in the state decided to start one local mission station per year.

As my friend and brother in Christ, Terry Rials told me once, “Do we want to see God move in a mighty way? Let’s put up the sails and wait for the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow through our land.”

ACC to kick off camp season CHURCH TOOLBOX C PEOPLE & HURCH NEWS

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CLASSIFIEDS NEWS & CULTURE

>> by Brian Hobbs

EDITOR

DAVIS—The 2021 summer camps season in Oklahoma will commence with Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) starting at the end of May, marking the first time summer camps have been able to meet at Falls Creek Conference Center since 2019.

ACC is a unique camp designed for children who’ve completed 3rd-6th grade that meets at Falls Creek in Davis. The 2021 ACC will be the last week of May into the first week of June, prior to the beginning of 2021 Falls Creek’ youth camps. Session 1 of ACC is May 30-June 2; Session 2 is June 2-5.

Matt Spann, mission strategist for Cherokee Strip Association, said he sees 2021 ACC as a promising occasion for Gospel advance.

“ACC is a great opportunity for elementary children to hear the Gospel communicated in a way

they can understand, VOICES >> PHOTOS: 1-2) ACC.ORG; 3) CHRIS DOYLE 1) Associational Children’s Camp will begin Oklahoma Baptists camp season May 30-June 5 at Falls Creek; 2) ACC’s theme is ‘I AM’ based on the seven by folks who love ‘I am’ statements of Jesus; 3) MissionFest at ACC allows campers to connect with missionaries. working with kids,” Spann said. “Every year we see several hundred ACC offers the popular afternoon recreation acchildren trust Christ for salvation; plus many make tivities, such as swimming, volleyball and more. other kinds of spiritual decisions.” According to Spann, ACC also will feature a Mis-

Fifteen Oklahoma Baptist associations coordi- sionFest event, “where boys and girls will meet nate ACC, which is available to churches from any with missionaries and ministry representatives, association. ACC consists of daily morning and and children can take their ‘passports’ to get evening worship sessions, worship through music, stamped as they visit and learn about missions.” camp activities and more. Campers do not have to The 2021 ACC theme is “I AM,” based on Jesus’ be members of a church to attend, but must come seven “I am” statements in the Gospel of John. with a church group. While summer camps across the country were

For 2021, the ACC camp speaker is Steve Wing- not able to meet in 2020 due to the pandemic, er, who has been called “A Juggler for Jesus.” In there is growing excitement in Oklahoma and beaddition, program elements include special fea- yond about the 2021 camp season and what God tures by Zack Potts, a camp missionary, musical will do through this ministry. worship with the Kingfisher, First Worship Band For a complete schedule and more information and Ken Bartholomew serving as ACC children’s about ACC 2021, visit accok.org. choir director.

VOLUNTEER MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

OKLAHOMA

On-going mission opportunities:

Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/3386259 or pbaok221@gmail.com

Families Feeding Families Meal Center, Durant— 580/230-9142 or familiesfeedingfamilies.org

Hope Pregnancy Centers—South OKC 405/688-8700,

North OKC 405/755-5433, Edmond 405/330-0200,

Ardmore 580/223-7232, Tulsa 918/622-3325

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Campuses

Oklahoma City—Peggy Duncan, 405/691-7781

Edmond—Brent Thackerson, 405/341-3606

Madill—Stephen Wiese, 580/564-2218

Owasso—Kate Eacret, 918/272-2233

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

• May 15-Muskogee, Southeast, 2511 East Hancock, 74403

Pre-registration required! • Upcoming Equipment-CPR/

First Aid Training Dates:

May 20, June 12 • Visit okdisasterhelp.org to preregister or for most recent updates Chaplaincy:

June 12-Refresher training for endorsed chaplains, $15, Baptist

Building; May 28 deadline; to register, email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org.

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Pray for Oklahoma Missionary

Shane Kammerer

Shane serves as the BCM director at the University of Oklahoma, where he disciples and oversees students and staff, “as we mobilize and train quality disciples for evangelism, discipleship and missions.” Shane and his wife Kathleen have four kids. Pray for North American Missionary

Ben Mangrum

Ben Mangrum from Tahlequah, Crescent Valley is now church planting pastor of Hamilton, Ohio, Inspiring Hope. His ministry includes preaching, teaching, leadership training and vision casting. He and his wife Brittany have four kids.

For Powerpoint slides of Prayer Guide, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/cp CHECK OUT THE NEWLY DESIGNED WEBSITE FOR:

- Breaking news - Inspirational articles - Insightful podcasts - Powerful blog posts - Important cultural conversations - Key voices from around Oklahoma and the SBC - Church and missions news - And more!

Banner day on Bison Hill: Thomas inaugurated as OBU’s 16th president

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>> by Kenny Day

OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) inaugurated Heath A. Thomas as the University’s 16th president during a special inauguration ceremony Friday, March 26, at 2 p.m. The event took place outdoors on the south lawn of Raley Chapel. Thomas took office as OBU president Jan. 1, 2020, but inaugural activities were delayed until this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff members, administrators, alumni, delegates and guests attended the physically distanced ceremony. Face coverings were worn by those in attendance, and special precautions were taken for the health and safety of all in attendance.

The OBU Symphonic Winds Brass Ensemble delighted guests by performing for the processional and recessional as well as playing two hymns during the service, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” They were joined by Chris Mathews, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, to lead the singing of the hymns. The ensemble consisted of eight OBU students, including Mary Katherine Krempl, Micah Hinson and Parker Snider on trumpet; Thomas Peercy on horn; David Carey, Colton McCall and Garrett Lincoln on trombone; and Riley Davenport on tuba.

The inaugural procession was led by multiple faculty members. Craig Walker, Wheeler Professor of Economics, served as marshal for the delegates from colleges and universities. Bobby Kelly, Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion and Faculty Council chair, served as marshal for the OBU faculty. Jeanne Akin, Mary A. White Professor of Education, served as marshal for the presidential party. Karen Longest, professor of psychology, served as marshal for the platform party. Bret Roark, chair of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Ralph and Marie Barby Professor of Psychology, served as marshal for the president.

Susan DeWoody, provost and chief academic officer, offered the greeting and opening remarks. Major L. Jemison, senior pastor of Oklahoma City, St. John Missionary, led the invocation.

Greg Rogers, first vice president of the Oklahoma African American Fellowship, delivered the service prayer. DeWoody then introduced the inaugural guest speaker, David S. Dockery, who issued the call to service.

Dockery is the founding president of the International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE) and a renowned Christian higher education leader. In addition to serving as president at IACE, he also serves at Southwestern Seminary as distinguished professor of theology, editor of the “Southwestern Journal of Theology,” special consultant to the president and theologian-in-residence. He previously served as president of Union University for nearly two decades and served for more than five years as the 15th president of Trinity International University/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Dockery spoke of OBU’s long heritage of leadership and excellence in Christian higher education.

“It’s a high honor to be part of such a wonderful heritage, Mr. President,” Dockery said. “I am confident that you will provide the kind of faithful, strategic and wise leadership that will be needed during these incredibly challenging times in Christian higher education. OBU is blessed with a treasured heritage, and I believe OBU’s influence in this region, in Baptist life, and throughout the country will only be expanded and extended under President Thomas’ leadership.”

Dockery offered several key points of advice to Thomas. He encouraged him to celebrate this special week and take in all of the encouragement and support he receives. Dockery also challenged him to take the encouragement received today and give it away to others across the OBU community. He then sug3 gested that Thomas embrace the multifaceted expectations, challenges and demands that will come his way as president, build a strong leadership team, and listen to others across this campus, even his critics.

Christian singer-songwriter Matt Papa led special music, and Scott Neighbors, secretary of the presidential search committee, offered the inaugural prayer. Ben Stewart, chair of the presidential search committee, introduced Thomas.

Before Thomas delivered his inaugural address, Sam Garlow, chair of the OBU Board of Trustees, gave the investiture and charge, investing Thomas with the medallion of the OBU president.

“As we present the seal of the University to you today, I charge you on behalf of the many constituents of this great institution to be steadfast in the exercise of your responsibilities; to be loyal to the heritage and tradition of OBU; and to be motivated by a vision of excellence in all your endeavors,” Garlow said. “Furthermore, I charge you to keep OBU grounded in its mission to provide outstanding and distinctive Christian higher education, to keep OBU faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the Word of God, and to continue the important work of preparing students to be agents of transformation in their disciplines and in their service to God.”

Thomas then delivered his inaugural address.

“Despite what’s been said, we come not today to inaugurate a president. We come to celebrate a sustained promise made long ago,” Thomas said. “It is the great hope and promise of Christian higher education. Friends, I have hope today. I have hope for higher education. Higher education is, after all, a public good for the public square. Our communities need individuals who are equipped to add great value, depth of character and service in our world. That, at the root, is the promise of higher education.

Thomas discussed OBU’s founding in 1910 and the forward-thinking vision of those who established The Baptist University of Oklahoma 111 years ago.

“These future-shapers were forward-thinking prophets,” he said. “They recognized the uncompromising necessity for Christian education that would raise up next generations…next generations of leaders for the glory of God; indeed, for the good of the world. OBU’s voice in the chorus of higher education indeed will ring out, but it will ring out with the organizing principle of Jesus Christ and the promise of Christian higher education for the glory of Christ and the good of our world.”

Thomas concluded with a message of encouragement and hope for the bright future ahead for OBU, its students and alumni, and those who will walk its halls in the future, seeking the eternal, life-changing truths of OBU’s distinctively Christian liberal arts higher education.

“My friends, we have hope today. I ask you to join with me in embracing the promise and the hope of Christian higher education at OBU. Our hope is in the center, who is Jesus Christ. Our hope as a university lay centered in the philosophy of the cross. In the love that Christ calls us to. In the hope that Christ calls us to and the peace that we provide in our communities and around the world.” Thomas was selected as the University’s 16th president by the OBU Board of Trustees in November 2019. Prior to assuming his duties as president, he served as dean of the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and associate vice president for church relations, as well as the Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership and professor of Old Testament. He joined the OBU faculty in 2015 after serving as director of Ph.D. studies and associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

A 1998 OBU graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with a religion minor. He then earned a Master of Arts in theology from Southwestern Seminary and a Ph.D. in Old Testament from the University of Gloucestershire (UK). He earned a certificate for leadership in higher education from Baylor University in 2016. He has served on staff at churches in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and in the United Kingdom. He preaches and teaches regularly and has served as interim pastor for several Oklahoma churches during his time at OBU.

Numerous dignitaries from local, state and national entities brought greetings to the University and to the president. Those offering greetings included Ed Bolt, mayor of Shawnee; Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, by video; James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, by video; Bob R. Agee, OBU President Emeritus; Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Seminary; Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists president; and Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists.

Additional dignitaries offering greetings included Robert Kellogg, CEO of WatersEdge; Greg McNeece, president of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children; Bill Pierce, president of Baptist Village Communities; Erin Guleserian, chair of the OBU Staff Council; Michael Williams, president of the OBU Alumni Association; and Gavin Yoesting, president of the OBU Student Government Association.

Chris Mathews, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, led the singing of “The Hymn to the Alma Mater” before Jay Strack, president of Student Leadership University, concluded the ceremony with the benediction.

Watch the inauguration ceremony at okbu.edu or on the OBU YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/ OBUnews.

>> PHOTOS: HEATHER HAMILTON 1) Faculty, staff, students, alumni, delegates and other guests watched the ceremony from physically distanced chairs on the south lawn of Raley Chapel; 2) David S. Dockery, a renowned Christian higher education leader, delivered the call to service; 3) Sam Garlow, chair of the OBU Board of Trustees, invested Thomas with the OBU presidential medallion.