3 minute read
Church News
Baptist Village Communities (BVC) announced Greg McNeece is the inaugural executive director for the Bill and Susan Institute for Transforming Life Expectancies. The Institute was established to help Oklahoma Baptist churches meet the increasing needs of senior adults within the church and to minister to those outside of the church. “BVC could not have found a better, more qualified person to lead The Institute as we expand the ministry,” said Bill Pierce, president of Baptist Village Communities.
Noteburning at Tulsa,
Woodland Acres
Tulsa, Woodland Acres observed a noteburning ceremony after the church’s loan to WatersEdge was paid off for a $2.4 million renovation. Pictured in the ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 4 is Pastor Kriss Haymes, building project director Mark Griffin and chairman of deacons Gordon Edwards.
TRIBUTE
Kyle Gipp
Kyle Gipp, 43, died Dec. 8. Funeral service was Dec. 12 at Seminole, Indian Nations. He was associate pastor at Seminole, Indian Nations.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
BOOK PUBLISHED. Emmitt Mckenzie, an evangelist and Oklahoma Baptist, has a new book published. In ‘LIFE: It’s Not Supposed to Be Like This,’ Mckenzie shares his personal story of pain and how Jesus changed his life. Mckenzie, pictured with his wife Belen. His book is for sale on Amazon and other book retailers.
CHURCH STAFF CHANGE
TIM TUTTEN is pastor of Hollis, First.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
NEW CONGREGATION. Guthrie, Garden City is now meeting. Wes Robertson is pastor.
Around the State
Griff Henderson
I have had the privilege of being the regional ministry partner in Northwest Oklahoma for the last three years. Seven associations and 375 churches make up this region.
When we think of Northwest Oklahoma we think of Guymon, Woodward, Alva, Enid. In addition, Ponca City, Kingfisher, El Reno and the OKC metro are included in this area. I appreciate these great churches and pastors advancing the Gospel in the larger towns through evangelism, discipleship and missions.
But in this article, I want to emphasize the towns that are “one Baptist church towns” in Northwest Oklahoma.
Towns like Mooreland with hundreds of youth and children in attendance on Wednesday night. Like Forgan, where powerful evangelism opportunities are continuing to happen.
Like Helena, where multigenerational worship is taking place. Like Cherokee, where the Gospel has been prioritized for decades. Like Hennessey, which prioritized being healthy to reach the next generations. Like Tonkawa, where supporting the BCM is essential.
If you are a part of a “one Baptist church town,” take the responsibility of reaching people with the Gospel, discipling the next generation seriously.
It is worth it. Jesus is the answer for the world today!
Emerson Falls
As the Native American ministry partner, I work to empower the 191 Native American churches affiliated with Oklahoma Baptists. Struggling churches are experiencing revitalization, and new churches are being started, using a mission points strategy.
The key to healthy churches is to encourage pastors to become effective leaders. Encouragement is provided on a personal level and a professional level. Finding and developing new leaders is a constant process. A ministry pipeline teams new leaders with experienced leaders.
The Robert Haskins School of Christian Ministry has a Native American track. Learners are equipped in practical ministry skills in the context of Native American culture. Graduates of the Haskins School are serving in ministry in Oklahoma churches.
Oklahoma has five Native American associations. Empowering churches and encouraging churches is accomplished in partnerships with the Native American Associations. Churches not affiliated with a Native Association are encouraged to affiliate with an association in their geographic area.
