2022/February/24

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2022

OKLAHOMA DISASTER RELIEF DIRECTOR SERVES WITH JOY, HUMILITY ai16419945667_20220112 POP 2022 6x9 Postcard_proof3.pdf 1 1/12/2022 7:36:08 AM

/// SEE PAGE 6 PRIORITY OF PREACHING CONFERENCE

CO N T E N T S : 10AM-5PM

March 28, 2022

Page 2 | News & Trends GuideStone, NAMB partner to provide benefits for new church planters >> MIKE EBERT & ROY HAYHURST

Southern Hills Baptist Church OKLAHOMA CITY

Connect: Encouragement from God’s eternal promises

Priority of Preaching to focus on ‘the heart,’ March 28

2022 Rose Day attendees speak out for unborn

>> TODD FISHER

>> CHRIS DOYLE

>> STAFF

One of the books of the Bible I return to again and again to read in its entirety is the Book of Genesis. This book is so foundational to the metanarrative of Scripture and to the Christian faith in what it teaches us about the greatness of God, the fallenness of humanity and the redemption God provides in Christ.

Early on in Genesis, we are introduced to an important concept—the biblical covenant.

Oklahoma Baptists will have the opportunity to hear two preaching experts at the 2022 Priority of Preaching Conference. Oklahoma City, Southern Hills will host the event, March 28, which has as its theme “Preaching from the Heart to the Heart.”

“It says in Prov. 4:23, ‘Guard your heart above all else, for from it flow the issues of life,” said Brett Selby, regional ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists and organizer of the Priority of Preaching Conference.

Hundreds of pro-life citizens from across the state came to the Oklahoma State Capitol to take part in the annual Rose Day ProLife Rally.

The 2022 Rose Day rally, which marks the 30th anniversary since Oklahoma Baptists becoming involved, took place Feb. 16 and featured a wide array of speakers.

Rose Day attendees of all ages brought red roses and a message for their lawmakers, urging them to approve policies that work to end legalized abortion and protect unborn life.

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OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/POP

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Facing (virtual) reality >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Unexpected lessons >> WALKER MOORE

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry Short terms of service open multiple pathways to mission field >> STELLA MCMILLIAN

Page 10 | Church Toolbox Defining discipleship: What’s your pathway? >> DOUG MATLOCK

Page 12 | News & Culture Boone helps OSU students grow in their faith in Christ >> DANA WILLIAMSON

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I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

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GuideStone, NAMB partner to provide benefits for new church planters IONS & S S I M vocate to pastors. We strive to Y I SofT R I Ncare see churches takeM better

>> by Mike Ebert & Roy Hayhurst NAMB & GUIDESTONE

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—New Send Network church planting missionaries can take advantage of increased support through the North American Mission Board (NAMB), anchored by a slate of customized benefits from GuideStone Financial Resources.

Church planters assessed and endorsed in 2022 will have the opportunity to enroll themselves and their families in GuideStone®’s Value Health 5000 plan without underwriting beginning this May. NAMB’s church planting arm, Send Network, will cover 100 percent of the premium for an entire family for 12 months, after which, the church plant will be required to take responsibility for the premium.

Moving forward, new planters who have been endorsed by Send Network, completed their assessments and meet eligibility criteria will have access to enroll in coverage. Qualifying church plants must have a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) ID number, and the church planter must receive W-2 income from that church.

Church planters will also be able to participate in a retirement plan designed specifically for SBC churches through GuideStone. To “jump-start” their savings, Send Network will provide a $1,000 one-time contribution to the retirement plan for every church planter who is eligible upon their launch date.

The plan was announced at a meeting of NAMB’s trustees Feb. 15.

“Thanks to GuideStone’s help and the generosity of Southern Baptists, we are able to provide the best serI N EAmeriO NinLNorth vices of any church planting N E Wnetwork NTENTfor COgrateful ca,” NAMB President Kevin SIV“IE am CLUsaid.

EB-EXEzell W Hance Dilbeck’s commitment to making this happen and for the GuideStone team who worked so diligently with us.”

Dilbeck, GuideStone president-elect, said GuideStone is committed to helping all Southern Baptist pastors.

“We work to see all Christ’s servants free to finish O INFfinanwell,” Dilbeck told trustees.IC “We want TIOtoNsimplify A L B U P cial solutions to multiply Kingdom impact. At GuideStone, we are called to advocate for pastors; and to ad-

their pastors and to see pastors Baptists amazed us by giving $5 take better care of themselves.” million more to the Annie ArmO.S. Hawkins, GuideStone strong Easter Offering® than president, indicated helping ever before. What an incredible pastors in every church—from example of God’s provision.”

E &begins O P Lwho church plants to established Vance Pitman, E X P O B L O O T S churchesCand serving as Send Network’s R CtheHbeginN E Wnew H Ufrom H C R U H C ning of their careers to and president March 1, said the benthrough retirement—is a core efits will make a huge differ>> PHOTO: ALEXANDRA TOY From left, Vance Pitman, Hance Dilbeck and Kevin Ezell shared part of why GuideStone exists. ence to church planter families. with NAMB trustees good news for church “For more than 100 years, “You cannot imagine how our mission is to honor the Lord planters on insurance and retirement benefits. much stress and worry this will by being a lifelong partner with remove from the lives of church RE S our participants in enhancing their financial security,” planters and their wives,” Pitman said.

“We D E LTareUadI U F I C S & S S A L W C E N Hawkins said. “This partnership allows us to work ever dressing a burden that too often distracted from minmore closely with our partners at NAMB to ensure this istry and the well-being of these servants.” next generation of church leaders can prepare well Church planters in the Send Network who are eligifor their financial futures, so that they can continue to ble for this new coverage will be contacted by Send serve the Lord effectively.”

Network staff in the weeks ahead.

The increased benefits are meant to help Send NetIn addition to the new benefits through Guidework-endorsed church planters start a healthy church Stone, NAMB announced a A new financial U A Lservice NN S E planting journey byV providing and bookkeepO I C practical help, especial- that will provide accounting, payroll G INFO ETIN Eonline ly in the form of retirement and insurance, GuideStone ing for church plants. AM new giving service is and NAMB emphasized. also available.

“As a lifelong partner to pastors and churches, These services become part of a host of others inGuideStone works to simplify financial solutions, so cluding the minimum $56,000 in funding Send Netthey can be free to focus on their work and fulfill their work continues to provide vocational church plantministry,” Dilbeck said. ers, as well as church plant loans; a two-day, in-person Ezell said NAMB will set the expectation moving for- orientation; contextualized training; two years of perward that new church plants will cover a health insur- sonal coaching; access to free, confidential counselance plan for their planter pastor right from the start. ing; free access to periodic national and local ministry “Church planters—just like most pastors—rarely events; and ongoing care for the planting couple and speak up for their own needs, so we want to speak up their family. for them,” Ezell said. “NAMB is happy to fund this first Details about all Send Network church planter benyear of coverage, but we are establishing the clear ex- efits and services can be found at SendNetwork.com/ pectation that after that, each church plant will contin- benefits. ue to fund this important coverage.”

“When these new additions are combined with The work on how to provide health benefits for Send what we already provide through assessment, fundNetwork church planters began more than a year ago. ing, training, coaching and care, Send N E cares INetwork N L church WanyOother N Ethan “We knew it was a huge need, but we also knew for its planters better planting T EN E CONTBaptists USIVSouthern covering even just the newest church planters would network,” EzellW said. ex-EXCLwhat EB“That’s cost more than $5 million annually,” Ezell said. “Still, we pect, and that is what their church planters deserve.”

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS FEB 26

Women in Youth Ministry Training Event 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $15, OKC, Southern Hills skopos.org/girlsministry

FEB 27

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

OKC, Southpark oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

FEB 27

Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus Concert

6-7:30 p.m.

Midwest City, Meadowood oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

RTS & O P S made the commitment to doT EN INM R TlastAyear then Southern EitNandT E

SIV WEB-EXCLU

FEB 28-MARCH 4

Disaster Relief Sphere Training 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day $35, Baptist Building

MARCH 3

Historical Commission Meeting 1-5 p.m.

Baptist Building

Cabrera named senior director of Send Network Español KEILA DIAZ | FEB 14

The North American Mission Board (NAMB) has named Félix Cabrera to be senior director of its Send Network Español initiative.

Cabrera served as the founding pastor of Oklahoma City, Iglesia Bautista Central.

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

Most pastors see racial diversity in the V E NasTaSgoal Ebutchurch not reality MARISSA POSTELL | FEB 18

MARCH 3

Singing Churchmen Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

Ponca City, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS

Most Protestant pastors say every church should strive to achieve racial diversity, but few are achieving it. A new study conducted by Nashville-based Lifeway Research surveyed 1,000 Protestant pastors to learn their views on race and racial reconciliation in the church. The findings reveal some gaps among churches, including the difference between what pastors say they want for their churches as far as racial diversity and what their churches actually look like.

FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

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February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 40,010. Individual subscriptions are available upon request. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. February 24, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 4.

Member, Baptist Press News, Christian Newspaper Association, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.

EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF >> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

Connect: Encouragement from God’s eternal promises /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @eToddFisher

One of the books of the Bible I return to again and again to read in its entirety is the Book of Genesis. This book is so foundational to the metanarrative of Scripture and to the Christian faith in what it teaches us about the greatness of God, the fallenness of humanity and the redemption God provides in Christ.

Early on in Genesis, we are introduced to an important concept—the biblical covenant. In essence, a covenant is a promise given by God on His terms, not ours, that He keeps for all eternity. We may read about the covenants and promises of God in the Old Testament and wonder if they have any impact on our lives today. Indeed they do!

Even as early as Genesis, the text points to Christ as the means through which He will fulfill the promise of redemption. Speaking to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, God says, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring;

He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). In Gal. 4:4, Paul refers to this offspring of the woman to be none other than Jesus who would defeat Satan and the curse of sin, and who would redeem and adopt His followers as children.

Similarly, Paul reminded the Corinthians, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him (Christ). That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory” (2 Cor. 1:20). All of the Bible points to Jesus, and all of God’s promises are ultimately fulfilled in Him. So, as followers of Christ, this means the covenants and promises of God are important, relevant and serve as a great hope-giving encouragement in our lives.

To illustrate what God’s promises should mean to followers of Jesus, James Boice once told in a sermon about a family tradition of his predecessor, Donald Barnhouse. The Barnhouse family had what they called a promise box. It was a small box containing many tiny rolls of paper on which promises from the Bible had been written.

The Barnhouses used to take a written promise out of the box whenever they needed a special word of comfort. Barnhouse was preaching in France and led a woman to Christ. He told her about the promise box. She made a promise box for her family, writing out all these same promises in French.

The time came when World War II swept over the European continent, and France was particularly affected. The people struggled to live. Food ran short, and the time came when this woman had no food for her family except a bunch of potato peels from a local restaurant. Her children were emaciated. They were crying for food. She was desperate.

In this tragic moment she remembered the promise box and turned to it, praying, “Lord, O Lord, I have such great need. Is there a promise here that is really for me?

Show me, O Lord, what promise I can have in this time of famine, nakedness, hopelessness and violence.”

She was crying by this time, and as she reached for the promise box, blinded by tears, she accidentally knocked it over and all the promises came showering down upon her, into her lap, and tumbling to the floor. Not a promise was left in the box. She knew in a moment of great joy that the promises of God were beyond counting, that they were all for her, and that they were indeed “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ Jesus.

Take a moment and reflect on the powerful and wonderful promises of God. His promises should comfort us, give us peace and motivate us to live our lives for Christ. Why not try something like the promise box in your life or with your family? Recounting God’s promises at all times is an effective way to place our focus on God and His provision.

Sword & trowel: Facing (virtual) reality Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

According to news reports, Meta (formerly known as Facebook, Inc.) recently shipped 10 million Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. Once considered the stuff of sci-fi movies, the individual VR sets are now an everyday feature of the tech society in which we live.

Like all technological advances, VR comes with great opportunities and great challenges, not to mention pressing moral questions.

Education institutions, entertainment media, video gaming and others industries were quick to seize upon the potential of VR content delivery. A wellknown mega church in the region also jumped on board and now offers virtual reality worship services.

What should Christians be considering amid this trend? What are the most pressing problems and issues?

The first issue to address relates to pornography and inappropriate online content. In the Christmas shopping season, a news article discussed how the most popular VR device bought as a Christmas gift for kids offered inadequate parental controls to guard against pornography. If the rise of Internet pornography has taught us anything, it’s that there are millions of pornographers who will work night and day to deliver evil content to people’s eyes.

Christians must better guard their own hearts and homes against this.

Next, there are relationships to consider. Unlike other entertainment media, the VR headset is entirely individualized. That means the person wearing a VR set is completely ignoring the people directly around them, even if they happen to be playing a game against others online. We recognize that God said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18) and that we are created to be in relationship with God and one another. Christians should guard against VR time that takes away from real-time relationships like family, friends, church community and neighbors.

Finally, there is the danger of discontentment. An article recently published by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention addressed this. “‘The more time you spend in VR, the grayer the real world gets.’ Technology becomes problematic when it promises to make users bored with the real world God has created.

Many people already use entertainment as a retreat from the struggles of the real world. VR can greatly increase the allure of virtual retreat and further increase our discontentment with our lives.”

There are undoubtedly other drawbacks and benefits to VR that could be discussed here. Yet now is the time to have these conversations with young people and others. If and when you make the leap to VR (which I recommend you do hesitantly or perhaps waiting altogether), count the cost and guard against the temptations it will inevitably bring.

We are, after all, told to “make the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16). In the end, we will all be better off as a society if Christians step up to face this emerging reality—virtual reality—in a wise, biblical and careful manner.

Voices | February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

Rite of passage: SUnexpected lessons PORTS & T N TA I N M E

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY Walker Moore

Author & Messenger Columnist Email | walker@back40.org @WalkerDeanMoore

O O L B OX CHURCH T

Some of Jesus’ greatest teaching occurred when His disciples least expected it. It seems to me that He liked to share key truths not at a designated hour or place but at random, unexpected times and locations.IIF believe I E DHeSstill teaches that way. OfS S A L C ten, we are in such a hurry that we miss the lessons He is trying to give us—as we go.

Recently, I learned three lessons at times and in places where I did not expect them. Lesson #1 came because I needed to renew my driver’s license. Now, I would almost rather visit the dentist’s office than the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

That place I C E Sreminds me of the old stories Oalways V about Russia. People waited in a long line for a single loaf of bread, only to find (when their turn finally came) that the store had run out of bread.

Believing that misery loves company, my friend Brent and I went to the DPS together. We got in the first line and, after about 20 minutes, learned that we were in the wrong line and the wrong building.

The official told us to cross the street, get a particular form and return to stand in the same line.

We walked across the street and stood in another line, only to hear the announcement that there

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were too many people in the building, and we would have to come back another day. I didn’t renew my driver’s license after all. What did I learn?

Blessed is the man who has a friend who will stand & accomplish O P LheE doesn’t beside him—even P E when anything.

NEWS H C R U H C Lesson #2: This lesson came through a man whose name I don’t know. He catches my attention because, every time I see him, he is lying on the ground in his front yard, digging around in a hole. Not long ago, I was out walking the neighborhood when I passed his house. There he was, lying E in the on the ground again with ‘60s T U Rblaring Lmusic U C & S W E N background. I stopped and asked what he was doing. He told me that last summer, he had chopped down a tree in his front yard. The tree roots had taken over the lawn, so he was digging them out, one at a time. With a smile, he showed me how much progress he had made and how much more he had A L to take great joy to go. Hands in the dirt, heU seemed NN A in his task.

O N Froots G Ithose I N see E T“You God spoke that last MtoEme: even though the tree has been cut down? They show the way sin works in your life. Your sins have been forgiven, but their consequences will last for a long time. Asking forgiveness and making amends is like that man lying on his lawn, hands in the dirt.

The work may be slow and tedious, but the results will be beautiful.”

Lesson #3: I was sitting in the Denver airport waiting on a flight to Gillette, Wyoming. I landed early in the morning and decided to get some breakfast.

As I waited in line, the lady in front of me asked her husband what he planned to order. He said, “I am thinking about an Egg McMuffin, hash browns and a cup of decaffeinated coffee.”

His wife said loudly, “What? You have NEVER gotten a cup of decaffeinated coffee! WHY are you getting one today?” She turned toward me and said, “We have been married for 24 years and I HAVE NEVER seen him choose decaffeinated coffee.” For the next 10 minutes, she continued grumbling to those around her. The more she said, the more her husband’s shoulders drooped.

I started thinking, “Lady, it’s only a cup of coffee.

If he hasn’t ever tried decaffeinated, what harm could it do?” As the man finally got his cup of decaf, I could see and feel the heaviness on his heart.

I knew, and he knew, that his wife would probably nag him for a while longer. I felt sorry for him.

Then God spoke to me and said, “Walker, how many times are you exactly like that lady? You have taken something just as worthless as a cup of decaffeinated coffee and used it to dampen someone’s spirits.” I thought of the many times I have yelled at my children about issues that really did not matter or complained to my wife about things that were not important. I took my breakfast, went over to sit by myself and wept silently.

Jesus, thanks for teaching me as You did Your disciples of old, especially when I don’t expect it.

Today, take some time to look and listen. What is Jesus teaching you?

Strengthen: The key to getting people back in church James Swain Oklahoma Baptists’ Associate Executive Director Church Relations Group @fcjames

A new year always brings a new sense of hope and excitement, but 2022 may bring a heightened sense of both with some apprehension. While the omicron variant has caused the year to get off to a shaky start at many churches, there appears to be a renewed sense of optimism about the days that are ahead. One of the major concerns facing churches as COVID concerns wane is will people come back to church?

As churches enter this new era, they face two major challenges that have frequently been discussed over the past couple of years. They must regather people and rebuild fellowship. Most churches have the structure to do this through their small groups or Sunday School classes. In fact, my observation is that groups that have stayed connected to each other through the past couple of years are stronger, and many are larger than they were before. Groups are going to be vital in this next season of church life, and here are a few key reasons why they are important.

They are key to connection. Groups are where people “stick” in the life of the church. For years Sunday School was called the evangelistic arm of the church and, consequently, was the front door to the church. In recent years, many have talked about the worship service or internet presence as being the church’s front door. I like what my friend Doug Matlock, Oklahoma Baptists new Discipleship/Small Groups Ministry Partner, said about this matter. He said, “Small groups are still the front door to the church. The worship experience is only a window that people look through

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at the church, but the small group is where people actually come into the church.” People get connected in small groups, and people who are in small groups stay connected to the church.

They are key to community. The worship service environment is not designed for—nor conducive to—developing community. The small group environment is the place where the closest and strongest relationships within the church take place. This is where people care for each other at the deepest level with fellowship and ministry taking place. This has always been a great need, but the past couple of years have made this need even greater today. This year will provide the small group structure in churches the opportunity to meet the great need of community not only for those in the church but those who will come to church looking for answers and hope.

They are key to commitment. The statistics tell a compelling story related to participation in a small group at church. Those who are a part of a small group consistently attend more, serve more and give more to the church. There is something about being in a group of people that know your name and shares life with you that creates a layer of “soft” accountability.

Even greater than the expectation that being in a group helps create is an environment that cultivates spiritual growth and maturity. Spending time togethON er, studying God’s Word and sharing the valleys and victories of life helps people

to grow closer to the Lord and each other. Praying together for the needs that are shared knits people’s hearts together and calls people to the One who can bring all that is needed. It’s a fact—people who are involved in small groups demonstrate a greater commitment to Christ and His church.

As we move toward the spring of this new year, I pray we will not miss the opportunity our small groups provide to strengthen the church. Pastors don’t forget the importance of small groups in the life of the church and be a champion for them.

Small group leaders and teachers, don’t forget the importance of what you do and be faithful. Church family, be faithful in your small group, and if you don’t have one get involved in one this week. You will benefit from it and be a blessing to those in it with you.

Good News Campus

February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

The Cooperative Program allows churches everywhere to work together through generosity, so that every church can support local missions while also having a global reach. Through the Cooperative Program, your church funds and sends missionaries around the world, trains pastors and ministry leaders, plants churches, and changes lives for eternity.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

SPORTS & T MEN E N T E R TA I N

Short terms of service open multiple OPLE & E X P O B L O O HURCH T H NEWS C C R U H C pathways to mission field

Opportunities to serve in this capacity are requested by team leaders to fill specifKristy Phillips* had pondered applying to serve ic needs. For example, Philwith the International Mission Board (IMB) since she lips’ current role is coordiSSIFIEDS was a teenager. She thought about it, prayed about nating logistics C LforAsending it and even filled out the application forms. Still, she national believers on shortcould never bring herself to submit them. term trips to search for UnEvery time she considered it, doubts began to engaged Unreached People creep in. In her late 50s, Phillips already endured Groups(UUPG) and building several career changes, and the idea of shifting to prayer support for UUPGs. ministry overseas seemed like an even bigger leap.

“I would encourage oth“Lord, they’re not going to want me. I don’t have er people to do it,” she said.

V O I CtoE S anything to offer,” she remembers praying as she “It’s a great opportunity wrestled with the decision. serve the Lord.”

She now looks back on that season and laughs as Matthew and Kristi Gillesshe marvels at how God has worked in her life. Not pie*, who also serve in only did Phillips accept a three-year role in Panama Southeast Asia, echo Philwith a church planting team, but in April 2021 she lips’ sense of urgency and gratitude for how shortbegan another three-year term in Southeast Asia. term opportunities simplified their process to get The IMB worker who encouraged her to finally hit to the field. They are both part of the Macedonia “Send” on her application is her team leader. project, a three-to-four-year term that combines She never dreamt of serving in two countries. But online seminary training with ministry on a church when God began to open doors, His leading was planting team. The Macedonia project is for indiclear both times. viduals who have a long-term call but no seminary Part of what gave Phillips the flexibility to serve in training yet.

This means that the Gillespies weren’t required to two different places was a mid-term pathway called International Service Corps. Through this pathway, delay ministry overseas for several years to complete an individual can serve for two to three years on the IMB’s seminary requirements, something that apmissionary church planting teams. No college de- pealed to them.

“We felt like (Macedonia project) was the quickgree or seminary credits are required. Although the terms are fixed at two-to-three years, they can be est way to get on the field and still get seminary, which we valued,” Kristi said. “We’re thankful for it.” renewed.

The Gillespies met in college and agreed early in their relationship that they both felt MISSIONS called to overseas work.

VOLUNTEER S Though their first term has E I T I come with many unexpectOPPORTUN ed challenges, they both OKLAHOMA DISASTER RELIEF said they are grateful for an opportunity to gain real Ongoing opportunities for volunteers: Training: world experience while they Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/338-3452 Feb. 28-March 4—Sphere finish seminary. or pbaok221@gmail.com Training—8:30a.m.-5 p.m.— Matthew said balancing $35 Baptist Building classes, language learning Families Feeding Families Meal Center March 10—Chaplain Manual and ministry is difficult, and Durant—580/230-9142 or familiesfeedingfamilies.org and Operational Stress First that there have been many Aid—$50 Baptist Building Hope Pregnancy Centers—South OKC, 405/688-8700; late nights over the past few March 12—Orientation and >> by Stella McMillian

IMB CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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—405/691-7781 Edmond—405/341-3606 Madill—580/564-2218 Owasso—918/272-2233

Credentialing—9 a.m.-Noon— Claremore (Location TBD) To register, email pjones@ oklahomabaptists.org April 9—First Aid/CPR Class—9 a.m.-3 p.m.— $20 DR Team Center, Okarche—to register, email dknapp711@gmail.com

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Michael Barnett

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Terry Thomas

Michael serves as Baptist Collegiate Ministries director for the Oklahoma City Metro area and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Pray for student leaders to share the Gospel and disciple other students.

Terry Thomas serves as Baptist Collegiate Ministries director at Rose State College in Midwest City. Pray for greater evangelistic opportunities and impact on campus and for spiritual growth of students in discipleship groups.

For Powerpoint slides of Prayer Guide, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/cp

LT U R E NE WS & CU

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I years. Though it’s challenging, they are often able to directly apply what they learn to their ministry, which is a blessing.

While they were taking an evangelism class, they had many chances to share the Gospel in the heart language of the people group they served. They talked often with a server at a café near their house who was struggling with prolonged separation from her husband and daughter due to COVID-19 border closures.

She became a good friend, and they found out several months after moving away she had become a Christian.

For Matthew, Kristi’s story illustrates exactly why they didn’t want to lose any time on the field while they finished seminary training.

“The best thing about (Macedonia project), from our perspective, is that we wanted to be with the people, and it doesn’t take you away from that,” he said.

The Gillespies’ plan to finish their term in December 2022, graduate from Southeastern Seminary in the spring 2023, and then return to Southeast Asia as career missionaries.

Phillips said she isn’t sure yet what the future holds after she completes this term, but she would encourage anyone, no matter their season of life, to listen when God calls them.

“You’re never too old to serve the Lord. If He’s calling you, you need to go,” she said. *Names changed for security

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1) “You’re never too old to serve the Lord. If He’s calling you, you need to go,” Kristy Phillips* said; 2) As Macedonia project personnel, the Gillespies* balance language study along with ministry and seminary classes.

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Missions & ministry | February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Oklahoma Disaster Relief director serves with joy, humility /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

On August 16, 2017, Don Williams began his role as director of Oklahoma Baptists Disaster Relief (DR). Less than 10 days later, Hurricane Harvey made landfall, hitting the southeast coast of Texas and southern Louisiana, wreaking havoc and leaving behind a path of destruction and heartache.

Williams hit the ground running, coordinating the response from Oklahoma Baptists.

“We had a short time (before the storm) where I had a lot of thoughts and plans,” Williams recalled.

“Then we were on the road faster than I expected.”

Since then, DR ministry has been a whirlwind for Williams. Many more storms and natural disasters have occurred in the last four and a half years. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and ice storms were each different in nature and scope, but in every case, the people who were impacted by these disasters needed someone to bring help, healing and hope.

Williams, who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel Air Force Pilot after 22 years, believes what he learned in the military has benefited his role of leading DR. “The work ethic, thinking through problems and providing solutions moving forward is probably the benefit of that experience,” Williams said. “But I was not involved with disaster relief until I came to serve in chaplaincy ministry.”

After retiring from the Air Force in 2009, Williams served on staff at Del City, First Southern in education ministry and later worked as an administrator at a juvenile prison in Tecumseh. Williams began working with Oklahoma Baptists as the director of chaplaincy in 2009. He then became director of chaplaincy and disaster relief for the state convention when Sam Porter moved to lead the North American Mission Board Send Relief program in 2017.

It is Williams’ job to lead the team that recruits, trains, equips and mobilizes Oklahoma Baptists in disaster response. Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists who give through the Cooperative Program, Williams can focus full time on leading an all-volunteer army of DR workers.

“I prefer not to call them ‘volunteers’,” he explained. “I prefer to call them ‘team members.’ I see them as a team of Oklahoma Baptists who serve as

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a calling to ministry, staying until the because God sent us to help you.’ And job is done.” then we share our testimony and Often that job means cookthe Gospel with them. ing and serving warm meals, “We were able to share the assessing damage, cleaning Gospel because of hurricane up the debris, sorting and Ida last year,” Williams conmoving wreckage, cleartinued. “That happened ing mud out of homes because we cleaned up hit by flooding and literdebris and did chainsaw ally helping victims sift work on 259 homes. We through the ashes. saw 777 people pray to reCurrently, Oklahoma DR ceive Christ. What a joy!” is engaged in disaster reWilliams reported that in sponse after wildfires rav2021, Oklahoma Baptists DR aged a thousand homes in laundered 1,045 loads, proBoulder, Colo., where more vided 2,557 showers, completthan 35,000 people were dis- >> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS Don Williams meets ed 123 chainsaw jobs, and preplaced. Williams recalled a re- with the media to give a report on DR pared 90,742 meals through 29,742 work after Hurricane Harvey. cent story from one of the DR work hours: the equivalent of 14 team members among those people working 40-hour weeks for who have been working in the area since December. an entire year of work.

“We are not allowed to move the ashes from Williams has also taken the initiative to launch a homes, due to Environmental Protection Agency new emphasis in the state’s DR program. Though regulations, but we are allowed to sift through areas the local church has always been vital to the DR where people may think that they have valuables,” strategy of Oklahoma Baptists, Williams believes it’s he said. “One woman asked us to sift through her time for DR to put even greater emphasis on local home, and we found out that her son was an Af- congregational involvement. He wants to put more ghanistan veteran. of the spotlight on getting people to think of the “Though her home was completely destroyed churches in communities as the place to go to find by fire in Boulder, our DR team was able to recov- help in times of crisis. er some of his medals and some coins her son had “This will require churches to be willing to feed brought back from his time of service in that coun- people from their church facilities,” he said. “DR try. Finding those items was meaningful for this will purchase the food, prepare it and deliver it to mother who needed them to help her begin the churches who will serve in their locations.” healing process of losing her home.”

Williams went on to explain this emphasis will Williams is not one who likes to talk about himself help churches better connect with people, share much, but under his tenure as director, DR has made the Gospel with them and help their communities great strides in ministry while responding to six hur- become familiar with local churches. ricanes, multiple flood and tornado events and fires It means Oklahoma Baptists will also need to be in Oklahoma and beyond. For four and a half years, giving to provide money to purchase food and DR has served thousands of meals, helped numer- stepping up their response to serve as disaster reous homes, trained hundreds of team members, in- lief volunteers. Williams said local churches meetcluding chaplains, and most importantly, witnessed ing needs on the front lines of a disaster, opens many professions of faith in Christ. people to other kinds of ministry outreach.

“When someone asks us why we do what we do,” “I always tell people, we meet physical needs so Williams said, “and they always ask you why you are we can speak spiritually into people’s lives,” he said. there helping them—we tell them, ‘We are here “It’s very rare that for someone in the community to call a church and ask someone to come visit them.

But when a disaster happens they are more than happy to see someone bringing hope. “ 2 As Williams has learned since the earliest days of his ministry, there is no way to know when disaster will strike. But it is clear that he and the Oklahoma Disaster Relief Team will be there to serve with joy and humility bringing help, healing and hope.

To learn more about Oklahoma Baptists Disaster Relief or to donate, visit okdisasterhelp.org.

1-2) Disaster Relief team members help with meal preparation; 3) Chainsaw work is one of the many functions DR does to help those affected by storms and natural disasters; 4) DR team members help set up work stations at a church in Louisiana, where they served the many who were affected by Hurricane Ida last fall.

>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED

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February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

PRIORITY OF PREACHING CONFERENCE

Priority of Preaching to focus on ‘the heart,’ March 28 10AM-5PM

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Oklahoma Baptists will have the opportunity to hear two preaching experts at the 2022 Priority of Preaching Conference. Oklahoma City, Southern Hills will host the event, March 28, which has as its theme “Preaching from the Heart to the Heart.”

“It says in Prov. 4:23, ‘Guard your heart above all else, for from it flow the issues of life,” said Brett Selby, regional ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists and organizer of the Priority of Preaching Conference. “If the heart’s not right, nothing is right.

Whatever we want to see happen in our churches, whatever is needful for this hour in which we live, it’s all going to flow from the heart.”

Priority of Preaching will feature Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus of Moody Church in Chicago, Ill., and Rick Reed who serves as president of Heritage College and Seminary in Ontario, Canada.

“Both of these gentlemen are going come and help us think about how we can preach from the heart to the heart,” Selby said.

For more than 35 years, Lutzer pastored Moody Church, founded by renowned evangelist D.L. Moody.

He followed well-known Bible teacher and preacher Warren Weirsbe in pastoring Moody Church.

“He is a very prolific writer,” Selby said. “I believe he has written more than 50 books. He is noted for a strong pastor sense of applying the Bible to life and modern issues. He brings a particular expertise to the whole process of preaching.”

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March 28, 2022

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Selby said Priority of Preaching has spent time in past meetings emphasizing the expositional aspect of preaching, which focuses on trying to find out what the Biblical text meant. This year, Priority of Preaching will emphasize effective preaching to the congregation.

“There’s getting it right (expositional preaching), but there’s also getting it across,” Selby said.

“This year, we are jumping on the other side, and Dr. Lutzer is going to help us with getting it across. He came out of Dallas Theological Seminary where they taught him how to dig into a text and understand it, but in his early years of pastoring, he felt ineffective, primarily with this ‘getting it across’ point.

“An instructor helped him with three key areas— unity, order and the progress of a sermon,” Selby continued. “The progress has some special relevance to a lot of us because a sermon needs to go somewhere. It starts somewhere, then unfolds and winds up somewhere.”

>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED 1) Erwin Lutzer and 2) Rick Reed will beSouthern the featured Hills speakers at PriorityChurch of Preaching ConBaptist ference, March O 28 K L at A HOklahoma O M A C I TCity, Y Southern Hills.

Reed served 14 years as senior pastor of Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada before taking his current presidential role at Heritage College in 2013.

His book “The Heart of the Preacher” will be offered to all attendees at Priority of Preaching this year.

“The book is excellent,” Selby said. “(Reed) is talking Oabout what be KLAHO M A B needs A P T I S Tto S.O R Gin / Pthe O P heart and life of a preacher, as he prepares his sermons and speak to where people are in a life-changing kind of way.”

This will be the first time for both Lutzer and Reed to speak to Oklahoma Baptists, and Selby encourages pastors and church leaders across the state to attend.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Dr. Lutzer,” Selby said. “Realistically speaking, this is the one chance (Oklahoma Baptists) have to hear a modern legend in American Christianity.”

Priority of Preaching will meet 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 28 at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills. Registration cost is $40. Visit oklahomabaptists.org/pop to register.

2022 Rose Day attendees speak out for unborn 1

>> by Staff Hundreds of pro-life citizens from across the state came to the Oklahoma State Capitol to take part in the annual Rose Day Pro-Life Rally.

The 2022 Rose Day rally, which marks the 30th anniversary since Oklahoma Baptists becoming involved, took place Feb. 16 and featured a wide array of speakers.

Rose Day attendees of all ages brought red roses and a message for their lawmakers, urging them to approve policies that work to end legalized abortion and protect unborn life.

At a rally in the Oklahoma House of Representatives Chamber, the program featured numerous speakers including Oklahoma Sen. David Bullard, Attorney Gen. John O’Connor and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell.

Numerous Oklahoma Baptists also were featured on the program, including former Oklahoma City, Portland Avenue Pastor Walter Mullican; Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer; Gayla White of Hope Pregnancy Ministries; a video from U.S. Sen. James Lankford; and Brian Hobbs, editor of the Baptist Messenger.

Fisher gave a charge to attendees to rally for life, making his first speaking appearance at Rose Day.

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>> PHOTO: STAFF 1) The 2022 Rose Day featured the Southwest Covenant Schools Choir; 2) Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer, speaks; 3) An inspiring testimony was given from a birth mother named Brittany; 4) Attendees connect with legislators; 5-6) The Rose Day Pro-Life Champion Awards, given for outstanding efforts for life, were presented to Susan Russell and Barbara Chishko. Pictured from left to right, Gayla White, Russell, Candy Hines and Chishko.

“I can personally attest to the strength of Southern Baptists’ commitment to the unborn,” he said. “Oklahoma Baptists have been honored to be part of Rose Day for the last 30 years, an event which makes not only an important statement, but also makes a real difference. It’s that shared commitment—to make a difference for the unborn—that brings us here today.

“Today at Rose Day, we rally for life,” Fisher continued. “But I would leave you with this challenge.

Think about what you can do after today. For some of you, it’s time for you to redouble your efforts to pray for the unborn and for abortion vulnerable women and men. For others, it’s finding like-minded individuals in your church and combining your efforts with theirs to give, pray and serve. For others of you, the next step God has for you is becoming a volunteer at your local pregnancy help ministry. For many others, it’s taking a step toward foster care or adoption. What can you do after today?”

The Rose Day Pro-Life Champion Award for outstanding efforts to protect unborn life was presented to two individuals. Barbara Chishko, founder and chief executive of Willow Pregnancy Support,

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a pregnancy resource center, and Susan Russell, a volunteer with Hope Pregnancy Centers, each were recognized for their efforts and to applaud all pregnancy resource ministry efforts.

Through the years, Rose Day has featured numerous leaders within the pro-life movement, including Abby Johnson, pro-life spokeswoman and former Planned Parenthood center director; Alveda C. King, niece of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.; Lila Rose, pro-life activist and President of Live Action; and Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life.

“Rose Day is unique because it brings together so many faith groups and pro-life organizations,” Hobbs said. “I’m so thankful for Rose Day and for other anti-abortion, pro-life events that are making an impact toward ending legalized abortion in this state and nation. At the same time, Rose Day has had a unique impact through the years, in bringing people together for the lives of unborn girls and boys.”

In coming weeks, video of the 2022 Rose Day event will be available online at roseday.life.

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Features | February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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O L B OX O T H C R U CH

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

OBU unveils exhibit on Walter O. Mason Jr., University’s first Black professor FIEDS S S IDay AKenny Lby C>> OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) unveiled a special exhibit Feb. 9 on Walter O. Mason Jr., the first Black professor at OBU. The ceremony took place in the main student lounge area on the first floor ofSthe Geiger Center on the OBU I C E The exhibit features artifacts, VinOShawnee. campus photos and descriptions of Mason’s time on Bison Hill from his hiring in 1968 to his departure in 1974.

The exhibit was researched and curated by Joshua Mackey, university archivist, along with Julie Rankin, director of library services. It includes artifacts from Mason’s estate that were donated to OBU by Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nikki Nice.

The exhibit will remain on display in the Geiger Center through the month of February before being moved to a permanent display space in the Mabee Learning Center on the OBU campus.

Mason began college at Langston University in 1940, but service in the Army during World War II delayed his graduation until 1947. After a teaching and school administration career and earning a Master of Science in Education at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1953, he served as the director of the Oklahoma City Community Action Program in 1965. He came to OBU in 1968, serving as assistant professor of education and the director of OBU Upward Bound, a program which prepared underprivileged students for college. He departed OBU in 1974 for an administrative position at the University of Oklahoma, where he advanced the university’s early diversity initiatives before his passing in 1986.

Mason led the creation of the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs, a coalition of student success programs across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico. His name is given to both an education foundation and an award, with the Walter O. Mason Award being among the highest honors one can

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receive in the student 2 S & C1U LT U W E N assistance field. Professor Mason balanced teaching with his calling to build the groundwork for institutional assistance for poorer N N UA L students, especiallyAfor students of color. E T I N G I N F O M EHeath OBU President A. Thomas welcomed >> PHOTO: 1) OBU PHOTO; 2) CLINTON SINCLAIR guests to the unveiling 1)Walter O. Mason Jr., the first Black professor at OBU.; 2) OBU ceremony. presented a plaque to Professor Mason’s family, commemorating “As part of our Black the formation of the Walter O. Mason Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of History Month celeFame. Pictured, left to right: Brock Brown, president of OBU Black bration here at OBU, today we have the distinct Student Association; Julie Rankin; President Heath Thomas; Amber honor of celebrating and honoring one of our Jones, the great niece of Mason; B.J. Glover and Joshua Mackey. own, Walter O. Mason Jr., who was the first Black professor at OBU in 1968,” Thomas said. “The Of“It has been amazing to see this exhibit come togethfice of the President, in partnership with OBU’s er and to learn more about Mr. Walter Mason and his Black Student Association and the Office of University Culture, are pleased to host you as our honored incredible life of service, dedicated to equity and education,” Rankin said. “I am so proud of the collaborative guests in today’s activities.”

Thomas acknowledged the work of B.J. Glover, effort by so many. When B.J. came into my office carinterim vice president for university culture, as well rying the scrapbook, the diploma and other artifacts as both Rankin and Mackey, for making the exhibit from Mr. Mason’s home, I quickly realized that this man has a story that needed to be shared and honored. and the unveiling ceremony possible.

Glover then shared remarks and detailed how she first “My hope is that students, employees and visilearned about Professor Mason and his story at OBU. tors to our library and campus will be inspired by “I did not know about him until Councilwoman Nik- Walter Mason’s accomplishments and life in supki Nice approached me at a community event and port of kingdom diversity through this exhibit for said that she and her mom had gone to an estate sale years to come,” she continued. “Our university arin northwest Oklahoma City. It turned out to be Pro- chivist Joshua Mackey has done an incredible job fessor Mason’s home. So, they found these artifacts in of pulling together the story of Walter Mason into there, original newspaper articles from back in 1968 this exhibit you will see before you today. His back(with the headline) ‘OBU Hires First Black Professor.’ ground in museum work and as a historian and cuSo, she said to me that she wanted to donate that to rator, coupled with his deep connection and enthe University.” As soon as she showed the artifacts to thusiasm for OBU as an alum, truly revived Walter Rankin, the research project began in earnest.

Mason’s story in life.”

A video of the ceremony can be found at okbu.edu.

Rankin shared her appreciation of the exhibit.

Coming Events Perry to speak at Anadarko, First, March 23

Laura Perry, who recently shared her testimony at the Advance Conference, will be speaking at a conference designed to reach students on Wednesday, March 23 at Anadarko, First.

Perry lived nearly 10 years as a transgender man, and her story has been previously told in the Baptist Messenger. She is currently involved in ministry work, helping families impacted by LGBT and sharing the hope and love of Jesus.

Contact caddobaptist@sbcglobal.net for more information about the event.

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Webbers Falls, First to celebrate 140 years, March 27

Webbers Falls, First will celebrate its 140th anniversary on Sunday, March 27. Pastor Tim Harper invites all former pastors, associational missionaries and members to attend. Worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m.

For more information about the services, contact Harper at 870/703-4711.

February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

Okay, First to celebrate centennial, April 2-3

Okay, First in Muskogee Association will celebrate its 100th anniversay with two days of special events, April 2-3.

Events on Saturday, April 2 include a reunion gathering from 4-6 p.m., following by a 6:30 p.m. worship service, featuring former pastor Tim Shields. On Sunday, April 3, former pastor Ron Forrest will speak at 10:45, followed by a potluck luncheon with time of reminiscence for attendees to share memories. For more information email fbco1921@emptychair.net or call 918/687-3889.

O L B OX O T H C R U CH

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‘Neighborhoods to Nations’ covers all mission strategies, April 2 at Perry, First E S & C U LT U R ASSIFIEDS

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CHURCH STAFF CHANGE BLAKE TAYLOR is associate pastor and music minister at Anadarko, First, beginning in March.

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>> PHOTO: OBU PHOTO

Melton delivers OBU Founders’ Day Address Feb. 2

Doug Melton, pastor of Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, delivered the Founders’ Day chapel address at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) Feb. 2. The service was in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium.

Founders’ Day is observed each year near the beginning of the spring semester to commemorate OBU’s incorporation in 1910.

Founders’ Day is also dedicated to honoring those who have faithfully served as faculty and staff at OBU in the past.

Perry, First will be hosting a conference for “every member from every church,” focusing on mission strategies locally and globally. The Neighborhoods to Nations Missions Conference is scheduled from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

Five associations (Cherokee Strip, Central, Salt Fork, Kay and Cimarron) along with Oklahoma Baptists are sponsoring the event. The keynote speaker for the general session will be Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, and the general session also will feature testimonies of International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries, Disaster Relief team members and church members who have done mission work.

Eight breakout sessions will be offered during the conference. Breakout topics include “Opportunities and next steps for service with the IMB;” “How to lead a short-term mission trip;” “Leading your church to be mission-minded;” “Missions—From next door to the next state;” “Mission basics for first-timers;” “Developing missions education in your church;” “I feel called to go on a mission trip—what now?” and “Sharing the Gospel with people in crisis.”

Contact Matt Spann, director of missions in Cherokee Strip Association, at 580/234-2512 for more information.

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LawmakersChamber Pregnancy Capitol ChampionStitt Chishko Commitment Mullican Protect UnbornMullican Difference Fisher Hobbs Lawmakers Difference Oklahoma Roses Volunteer Pinnell Policies Pregnancy Protect Roses Fisher Pinnell Russell White Statement Stitt Unborn Volunteer White Hobbs Policies Statement Willow

People & Church News | February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O O L B OX CHURCH T

Defining discipleship: S D CLASSIFIE What’s your pathway? learning and obeying, trusting and going.

This is a great starting place, but take time to dive deep in the Word. Also, find a few great books on discipleship to help encourage you—see what some others who have wresCES O I said.

Vhave Taking time to define discipleship serves as tled with this same question an essential exercise for any ministry leader.

What is discipleship?

Going anywhere requires two components: As you are looking for answers to the a destination and a pathway. You must know definition of a disciple, your context helps where you are going, because that deguide the principles you discover to termines what route must be taken define “discipleship.” I always like to arrive there. Without a destithat “ship” makes up part of this nation or a pathway, someone word. We can think of it as a could work diligently and travtype of vessel that we can use el a great distance but never to help people on their jourarrive at the right place. ney in following and being This principle rings true more like Jesus. You are denot only in travel but also termining what it means to in discipleship ministry. In follow Jesus in your communiour churches every week, we ty and culture. You are finding >> PHOTO: PAUL RYSZ meet for discipleship in groups your discipleship pathway. This some way. Some meet for Sunday gives you a focus to decide on School; some meet for small groups, and what ministry methods to use, as well as the some use both. As we meet in these groups, purpose for them. we must be careful to gather with a pathUsing Sunday School? Now, you can be way in mind, or else we run the risk of doing equipped to recruit and train Sunday School a great deal of work but never really going leaders with a vision on why you meet each anywhere. week and what goals you want to accomIn developing a pathway for your church, plish together. Trying to decide on using we must answer the questions: “What is a dis- other small groups in your church? Would ciple?” and “What is discipleship?” Defining home groups be effective in your commuthese important terms will help us see our des- nity? What about short-term groups on tination and how we are going to get there.

Wednesday nights? See how they fit in the What is a disciple? discipleship pathway for your church.

Reading through the four Gospels and The Lord will lead you through this proActs, you will see the word “disciple” several cess, and He will give you vision for your times. We also use that word in church and church in a way that the people will underministry quite often—so often, in fact, that stand it and follow it. A focused pathway we can take it for granted. When we wres- helpsEguide decisions, and it also serves in TH O Mcommunicating tle with the question of what it meansF toRbe members the imG to church LObelonging Bof S R E a disciple of Jesus, the Holy SpiritRworks in G portance to a group.

N I L S O D He is Wwhere our hearts to give us vision for As you work through this exercise, bring working in our churches and communities. others to the table. Sit down as a church To find an answer to this question, search staff and talk about this in staff meeting the Scripture for biblical principles that are each week. If you are the only staff member, always true of disciples. Ask the Holy Spirit gather with your key leaders throughout to show you what Jesus said about following the year to wrestle with these questions.

Y Sgive others ownership in making Him. For instance, look at what He said about S Awill E This V A D the marks of disciples in the Great Commis- disciples and unify vision for discipleship in sion (Matt. 28:19-20): salvation and baptism, your church. >> by Doug Matlock

DISCIPLESHIP AND SMALL GROUPS MINISTRY PARTNER FOR OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

BA PT ISTS OKLAHOMA H IG H L I GH T E C R U O S E R

LI T E R AC Y M I SS I O N S

WO R S H I P LE AD E R S H I P SU M M I T

Learn how Literacy Missions ministry changes lives, not just for individuals, but for whole families.

Find information on an upcoming event for worship leaders, which will meet in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, May 9.

oklahomabaptists.org/literacy

oklahomabaptists.org/worship-music

Check back with the highlight every issue to learn more about the resources available to every SBC church!

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February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

F RO M T H E G E R S B LO G URE WO R D S L I N E W S & C U LT

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‘LIT TLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE,’ FILLED WITH LIFE LESSONS, IS NOW FREE ON TA VL AY SA N N U E SPEACOCK D AV

O ETING INF E M Fans of classic television let out a collective groan in >> MICHAEL FOUST

January when they woke up in a new year and discovered that one of their favorite series—The Andy Griffith Show— had disappeared from Amazon Prime Video.

T I S T S of Andy A Padventures No longer could they watch A Bthe AHOM L K O and Barney for free as part H ofIG their I GH Tsubscription.

H LPrime E C R U O S E Even worse:RThe hit series didn’t land on another major streaming platform, either.

But classic TV fans shouldn’t fret, because there are plenty of solid options in the streaming world—including a major new one that is completely free.

My go-to for old-time television in recent weeks has been Little House on the Prairie, which is streaming on the free side of Peacock TV and follows the trials and triumphs of the Ingalls family in 1870s Minnesota. All nine seasons are available on the platform.

The series—as you likely know—is based on a biographical book by Laura Ingalls Wilder and aired on NBC from 1974 to 1983. It starred Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls, Karen Grassle as Caroline Ingalls and Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls.

To read the rest of Michael’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/little-house-life-lessons

F RO M T H E E R S B LO G G N I L S D R O To read W more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

D AV E S AY S THESE DEBT REDUCTION STRATEGIES ARE BAD IDEAS Dear Dave, T ISTS Pdebt BA A M I’ve been seeing lots of ads lately for O H A L OK IGHT consolidation companies, debtEsettlement H IG H LcompaC R U O S E R nies and the HELOC. Are any of these methods for reducing debt a good idea? —Brent Dear Brent, No. These are all bad ideas when it comes to getting out of debt. There’s a lot of buzz these days surrounding all the “quick” and “easy” ways to clean up debt and get control of your finances.

But the truth is neither one is ever easy. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Debt consolidation is basically a loan that combines all your debts into one single payment. Sounds like a great idea at first, right? But then you find out the lifespan of your loans increase, and that means you’ll stay in debt even longer than before. The low interest rate that looks so appealing in the beginning usually goes up over time, too. Stretching out the amount of time you’re paying off debt, plus adding interest, is just dumb.

Debt settlement companies are awful. These crummy outfits will charge you a fee, then promise to negotiate with your creditors to reduce what you owe. In most cases, they take your money up front, do a bad job “negotiating” your debt and leave you responsible for what’s left.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is also a bad idea. With a HELOC, you’re borrowing against your home. On top of that, you risk losing your house if you can’t pay it back on time. All these plans are just gimmicks that only treat the symptoms of your money problems.

They never help you address the root issue of why you landed there in the first place. Personal finance is always 80 percent behavior and 20 percent head knowledge. You have to change your behavior if you want to make a lasting, positive impact on your finances! —Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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Rate: $25.00 flat rate per ad • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form cresttulsa.org. Email resume: RCBCtulsa@gmail.com or mail resume: 304 S 161st E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74108.

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

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>>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Buffalo, OK. FBC is prayerfully seeking a Youth Minister. Housing provided. Please send resume to: FBC Buffalo, P.O. Box 415, Buffalo, OK 73834 or email to: Fbcbuffalo@pldi.net. Phone: (806) 930-8374.

Youth Minister with the heart to love/shepherd/serve the youth & community of the church. Visit sbctecumseh.com for info. Resumes can be sent: suzi.sharontecumseh@gmail.

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>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Worship Minister. Please submit resume & cover letter to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014.

>>BI/VO or F/T PASTOR: Asher FBC seeking a BI/VO or F/T Pastor. Parsonage is available. Interested candidates should email or mail their resume to: FBCAsher@windstream. net or FBC Asher, P.O. Box 166, Asher, OK 74826.

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Heavener is seeking a F/T Student Pastor. Please send a resume to: hardinbrock@yahoo.com.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: First Southern Baptist Church, Arcadia OK is seeking a mature & committed servant of the Lord.

Send resume to: fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com.

>>BI/VO WORSHIP LEADER: The Church at Norman is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Worship Leader for our Sunday morning services. Send resume to: P.O. Box 818, Norman, OK 73070 or email to: thechurchatnorman@yahoo.com.

>>F/T PASTOR OF STUDENT LIFE: Northside Baptist Church of Neosho, Missouri, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor of Student Life to lead our student ministries. If interested, please send resumes to: brad@northsideneosho.com.

>>BI/VO or P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: FBC Elmore City is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate to be our P/T or BI/VO Children’s Minister. Please submit resume to: fbceckids@gmail.com or mail to: FBC Elmore City, P.O. Box 247, Elmore City, OK 73433.

>>F/T WORSHIP/STUDENT PASTOR: South Seminole Baptist Seminole, TX is seeking F/T Worship/Student Pastor. Church is looking for a pastoral leader with heart of shepherding people to know & love Christ. Please submit cover letter, resume & references to: buck@southseminole.net.

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Pawhuska’s FBC is a growing & enthusiastic church seeking a F/T Student Pastor to join our ministry team & lead our growing & diverse student ministry. Send inquiries and/or resumes to: church@pawhuskafbc.org. >>F/T ASSOCIATE & YOUTH MINISTER: Calvary Baptist Church Inola, OK is seeking a F/T Associate Pastor &Youth Minister. Interested candidates may submit resumes with references to: calvaryinola@gmail.com. >>BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: FBC of Elmore City is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate for a BI/ VO Worship Minister to lead us in a blended service.

Please submit your resume to: fbc@fbcelmorecity. com or mail to: P.O.Box 247, Elmore City, OK 73433.

>>F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Strafford, Missouri is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. For contact information & more details visit: fbcstrafford.org/pastorsearch.

>> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Ridge Crest Baptist Tulsa, OK, seeking P/T Worship Leader to lead Praise Team in blended worship. Small Weekly Stipend. www.ridge-

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Beautiful rural church in Hastings, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resume to: Hastings Baptist Church, P.O. Box 205, Hastings, OK 73548.

>>F/T CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: FBC Sapulpa, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Children’s Director. Resumes & request for job description accepted via email only: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com.

>>P/T CHILDREN’S PASTOR: FBC Preston is currently looking for a P/T Children’s Pastor to lead our FBC Kids team. Please send resume to: firstbaptistchurchpreston@gmail.com. See full job description on our Facebook page: @fbcpreston.

>>BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Highland Park Baptist Church seeks an enthusiastic & hard-working leader to grow our youth ministry. We are a friendly & culturally diverse congregation near UCO. Resume: Search Team, 400 N. Blackwelder, Edmond, 73034. (405) 341-1119.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cameron, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate for a BI/VO Pastor. Housing is available. Please submit resumes to Danny Rogers at: RogersDanny1959@gmail.com.

>>P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Hydro is prayerfully searching for a P/T Youth Pastor. Please send resumes to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com.

>>F/T YOUTH/STUDENT PASTOR: Needed at Spiro FBC in Spiro, OK. Good salary + house. Contact: jamestsmith@live.com.

>>F/T or P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FSBC Guthrie is prayerfully searching for our next Youth Pastor. Position is F/T or P/T for the right candidate. Resumes can be mail to: 202 E Noble, Guthrie, OK 73044 or email to: fsbc.youthpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>>F/T EXECUTIVE PASTOR: Sunnylane Baptist Church, Del City, OK is searching for someone with the gift of administration who will serve as the Director of Operations for our church.

Please email resume to: danny@thelane.tv.

>>F/T MINISTER OF MUSIC: FBC Festus-Crystal City, MO is seeking a F/T Minister of Music. Interested candidates please e-mail resumes to: fbcfccmm@gmail.com. We are seeking a Christ-Follower, team player, peacemaker & not an entertainer.

>>F/T FINANCIAL SECRETARY/CHURCH CLERK: New Hope Baptist Church Duncan, OK is searching for a F/T Financial Secretary/Church Clerk. Job description is available by contacting the church office at (580) 252-3899. Questions concerning this position contact Johnny Cooksey at (580) 483-4239.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Sobol, OK. Sobol Baptist Church is a small rural church seeking a Pastor with a heart for God & families as we seek to grow our church for the next generation.

Contact: debbanwhite@gmail.com.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: IBC Perkins is seeking a P/T Worship Leader to lead a weekly blended service. Perkins is a growing community with tons of potential. Interested candidates can send cover letter & resume to: Robert.k.bernhardt@gmail.com.

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Seeking a vocalist & musician who understands a blend of contemporary & traditional worship music styles, capable of leading multiple generations. Please send letters of interest & resumes to: southparkokcmusic@gmail.com.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Duke FBC is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister who is passionate about God & serving youth. Please send resume or inquiries to: fbcduke@swoi.net.

>>CHILDREN’S PASTOR: Marlow FBC is looking for a Children’s Pastor to shepherd our kids nursery through 5th grade. Submit resumes to: office@marlowfirst.org.

LEADER: FBC, Newalla seeks a P/T Worship Leader to help plan & conduct Sunday services (morning & evening).

Contact: Pastor David Nolen (405) 391-6266.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church Shawnee, OK is prayerfully seeking a

>>VOLUNTEER YOUTH MINISTER: Praying for a Volunteer Youth Minister for Maysville, OK area. A great opportunity to gain experience! Contact Pastor William at (405) 2503847 or email at: williamfuentesjr@aol.com.

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13 Stitched 1 Blemish 21 Persia 5 First New Testament book (abbr.)

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14 Hawaiian dancing 25 Mennonite 15 Captain host___ (1 Kings 16:16)shall reap 27 “Theyofthat in tears in joy” (Ps.Solomon’s 126:5) navy was (1 Kings 16 Beach, where 29 9:26)Committee 30 Adoniram’s father (1 Kings 4:6) 17 Metal (1 Kings 6:7) 31 Brews song 18 Christmas 32 Mud (1 Kings 7:46) 33 Sixth sense (abbr.)

34 Omri’s son (1 Kings 16:28) 35 Computer memory unit 36 __ vu 38 Bird’s “thumb” 39 Compass point (abbr.)

19 Zeruah (1 Kings 11:26)

46 Due Hole (Gen. 37:24) 4920Wing “TheSolomon undersetters weretoofmake the very base 5121Tree used two ___” (1 Kings 7:34) cherubims (1 Kings 6:23) Organization 5323Push roughly(abbr.)

Large desert 5424Shin 5526The in on ___ FireLord residuespoke king had facesmall (1 Kings 19:12) (1 voice Kings 20:41) 5628Meat and potatoes Hiram’s “father was a dish ___ of Tyre” (1 Kings 577:14) Fencing sword 58 Goofs 60 Drift 61 “Who is ___ to judge this thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9) 62 Mentally alert 65 Enemies “___ them away captive” (1 Kings 8:48)

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>>F/T MINISTER OF MUSIC/YOUTH: FBC Pauls Valley, OK is seeking a Minister of Music & Youth who loves students & can lead in a blended worship setting. Interested candidates should send their resume with references to: fbcpvpastor@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Buffalo, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Housing provided.

Please send resume to: FBC Buffalo, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 415, Buffalo, OK 73834 or email to: fbcbuffalo21@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: National Heights Baptist Church, Springfield, MO seeks a F/T Pastor. We are an SBC, MBC, BFM & CP & other missions supporting church.

Candidates, submit your resume & three references to: resumes@nationalheights.org no later than May 15. >>F/T PASTOR: Blackgum, FBC Vian, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: BlackgumBaptistresume@gmail.com. >>SENIOR PASTOR: Parkview Baptist Church in Tulsa. We are a multi-generational church seeking a shepherd with high character & strong leadership skills with a passion for growing the Kingdom of God. Send resumes to: crolen@parkviewbaptist.org. >>F/T PASTOR: Overbrook OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email a cover letter & resume to: Eastman Baptist Church, ATTN: Search Committee, 5343 Eastman Rd, Overbrook, OK 73453 or eastmanchurch@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: The FBC of Lead Hill, AR is searching for a F/T, ordained, SBC Pastor. We adhere to the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 in life & doctrine. Lead Hill is in north Arkansas minutes from Branson, MO. fbcleadhill16@gmail.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC of Bethany is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Salary package ranges from $70,000-$75,000. Candidates can email their resume to: fbcb@coxinet.net or mail it to: 3800 N. Mueller Ave., Bethany, OK 73008.

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC Cole is looking for a P/T Minister of Music. Please send resumes to: P.O. Box 829, Blanchard, OK 73010 or email resume to: jlwfbcole@pldi.net.

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>>BI/VO PASTOR: Squaretop Baptist of Anadarko, OK is a small, rural church that is prayerfully seeking a Bible believing BI/VO Pastor with a heart for God & Family. Please send resume to: squaretop.baptist@gmail.com or call: (405) 933-0698.

>>BIBLE REPAIR, RESTORATION & BINDING: Specializing in family heirloom & study Bibles. Hand sewn, fine stamped leather since 1936. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 W. Benedict St., Shawnee, OK 74801. mcspaddenbookbindery.com. Phone (405) 275-7788.

>>F/T STUDENT FAMILY ASSOCIATE: FBC of Tulsa is seeking at F/T Student Family Associate. This pastoral position will assist the Student Family Minister in ministry with 6th-12th Grades.

Resumes can be sent to: students@tulsafbc.org.

>>DO YOU NEED A CHURCH PIANIST? Try pian accompaniment CDs from Worship Service Resources! Each song has an introduction & is easy to follow. Hymns, DVDs, Hundreds of Songs! Get your FREE DEMO & try before you buy! wsrpianocds.com or 1 (877) 977-6800.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Morris Memorial Baptist Church, 16121 CR 3540, Ada, OK needs a P/T Youth Minister to lead & disciple youth grades 6-12.

Send resume with cover letter & letter of recommendation from pastor/church leader & professor/

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employer or email to: drjeffswilliams@gmail.com.

>>CHURCH BUILDING NEEDED: Gideon Baptist Church Family is looking for a Church building with the seating capacity of 100 - 200. Please contact Pastor Greg Rogers at (405) 613-2154. Thank you.

RD

29 El __ (Texas city) 31 Expert 34 His son married Solomon’s daughter (1 Kings 4:11) 37 Ceiling supports, built of cedar (1 Kings 6:15) 39 Reasons 40 “Came to pass at the ___ of three years” (1 Kings 2:39) 41 Jump, as priests did upon altar (1 Kings 18:26) 42 One laver contained forty of these (1 Kings 7:38) 44 Judah provoked Lord to ___ with sins (1 Kings 14:22) 47 North by east (abbr.)

48 False bible god (1 Kings 16:31) 50 Punching tool 51 Night bird of desert (Ps. 102:6) 52 Creatures (1 Kings 4:33) 56 “It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his ___” (Gen. 3:15) 59 Elijah wondered if their god “sleepeth, and must be ___” (1 Kings 18:27) 63 Strike, as archers did Saul (1 Sam. 31:3) 64 Fourth month 66 He sacrificed meat to God (Gen. 4:4) 67 Mongolian desert 68 “Go and ___ other gods, and worship them” (1 Kings 9:6) 69 Run, as Rehoboam did to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:18) 70 “Solomon did ___ in the sight of the Lord”

36 __ vu 38 Bird’s “thumb” 39 Compass point (abbr.)

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45 Designated 46 Due 49 Wing 51 Tree Solomon used to make two cherubims DOWN 1 Big boats Jehoshaphat made to carry gold (1 (1 Kings 6:23) 53 Push roughly Kings 22:48) 54 Shin 2 Pope’s governing organization 55 The Lord spoke in ___ small voice (1 Kings 3 Where Baanah lived (1 Kings 4:16) 19:12) 4 Bolted, as two of Shimei’s servants did (1 56 Meat and potatoes dish Kings 2:39) 57 Fencing sword 5 Billings’ location 58 Goofs 6 Minor prophet from Bethel 60 Drift 7 Very tall plant people dwelt under (1 Kings 61 “Who is ___ to judge this thy so great a 4:25) people?” (1 Kings 3:9) 8 “Take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam. . .___ it be all gone” (1 Kings 14:10) 62 Mentally alert 65 Enemies “___ them away captive” (1 Kings 9 Vane direction (abbr.)

8:48) 10 Shisha’s son (1 Kings 4:3) 67 Precious stone 11 Turfs 12 Experts 13 Stitched S C E N T M A D E S T O W E V I L L E V I B U L 21 PersiaA L A R T R U E D A I R Y S L I D T O R A H P A P A D IAgricultural U N I T E U S E S V A R Service A I N (abbr.)

A R I S E D I E D 22 Foreign C O N F R O N T A B I S H A I T E N T O L D 25 Mennonite M I D Y I N S C H E M A P R E L E N D S O I L 27 “They that ___ joy” A Treap O L L A Y A B O U T G MinTtearsBshall E in S B A R S O F T E N C R E A K T R I E D T W O O V E R (Ps. 126:5) M O O T D E S K N A I A D I O T A B E A N S B E E N 29 Committee O A R S A R T F E A S T H O R D E R I S E R 30 Adoniram’s father (1 Kings 4:6) H U E I L L S S AW K E E P S T A T U T E S A L I S S E S T A I N H U R H E N 31 BrewsA M M I E L C L E G G Y M C O R N E T S H A R D T A C K 32 Mud R(1 AKings 7:46) P I D O A R S G U I S E A V OW E P E E E A R N 33 SixthOsense P E (abbr.)

N S P L E A T I R E B E E R A B N E R A R E A R A(1GKings 16:28) E S P Y R A G E S H A N D A D M L E V Y 34 Omri’sD son 35 Computer memory Puzzleunit 19: 2 Samuel Puzzle 20: 1 Kings FEB. 10 ANSWERS (1 Kings 11:6) 71 His son lived in Aruboth (1 Kings 4:10) 72 “The thoughts of the diligent ___ only to plenteousness” (Prov. 21:5) 73 Solomon used threescore measures of this

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Boone helps OSU students grow in their faith in Christ AL NU N A S E C I O VO NF >> by Dana Williamson MESSENGER SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Soon after C.J. Boone got involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) at Oklahoma State University (OSU), he felt the Lord leading him into ministry. After graduating with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering in December 2019, he became a staff member with OSU BCM. Boone grew up in Grove and made a profession of faith in Christ at the age of 13 at Grand Lake Assembly.

“It was during worship that I realized that nothing I could do could make up for my sins and that the only way to have a right relationship with God was through His Son,” Boone recalled.

A member of Delaware, First, he graduated from Grove High School in 2015 and started his college education at OSU. “We are on mission for the campus of OSU, for the students to know and love Jesus,” said Boone, who is a campus missionary through the North American Mission Board.

He is the freshman recruitment coordinator for the BCM, which means he visits churches and church camps over the summer, meeting students who will be going to Stillwater for school in the fall.

“I introduce them to current students who are a part of the BCM to give them a familiar face when they come on campus,” said Boone. “We also meet students during new student orientations at OSU. Boone said the BCM, as a whole, is constantly reaching out to students and helping them follow

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1) C.J. Boone serves as freshman recruitment coordinator with Oklahoma State University Baptist Collegiate Ministries; 2) OSU BCM sends student groups to do stateside and international missions. They also work with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief when opportunities arise.

Jesus through discipleship, evangelism and leadership development.

“We also send students on stateside and international missions during the summer,” Boone revealed. “This summer we are sending students to New York City to work with a church plant there, and a team will be going to Berlin, Germany to work with Afghan refugees there. We also work with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief when opportunities arise.”

Boone said he, along with the students he meets with one-on-one, as well as many other students often go on campus and share the Gospel with students.

“We also hold large group worship and teaching services once a week and have small group Bible studies throughout the week,” he said. “We hold events to reach out to students—like pizza giveaways, volleyball tournaments, worship nights and much more.”

February 24, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

Boone, who is the secretary of the OSU Interfaith Council, said the ministry at OSU would not be where it is today if it weren’t for the incredible leaders who have such a heart for the campus and seeing students know and follow Jesus.

Boone and his wife, Darci, whom he met at the OSU BCM, were married in May 2021.

Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. This unified giving encourages fellowship with other believers all over the world. Collectively, Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel together.

C.J. Boone is featured in the 2022 Missionary Prayer Guide for Oklahoma Baptists. To see more information about Southern Baptist work globally, visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp.