2022/October/13

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster

A perfect substitute

TODD FISHER

Southern Baptist Disaster Re lief (SBDR) teams, including Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Re lief (DR), are being called on to help in response and recovery in the wake of the deadly and destructive Hurricane Ian.

With 150 mph winds, Ian was one of the strongest storms to hit the mainland United States, which saw massive storm dam age and loss of life from the Hur ricane, which hit on Sept. 28.

I recently was invited to trav el to Kansas City and preach the chapel service at Midwestern Seminary (MBTS). I enjoyed the day there and the time spent visiting with President Jason Allen about the important role MBTS plays in the theological education and training of many Oklahoma Baptists’ ministers.

I am grateful for our ministry partnership.

On this trip, I arrived to my ho tel the night before I preached in chapel.

See You At The Pole sees many Oklahoma students gather at schools

DOYLE

School flag poles were once again a point of destination across Oklahoma on Sept. 28.

See You At The Pole (SYATP), the worldwide prayer event, was observed at numerous schools throughout the state.

Brian Baldwin, student evange lism and missions ministry part ner for Oklahoma Baptists, was pleased with the great number of young people participating and demonstrating a Christian witness at their schools.

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Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief serves in Florida amid hurricane response

M IS S I ON S & M I N IS T RY

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

P EO P L E & C H U RC H N E WS

>> by Brian Hobbs EDITOR

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) teams, including Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR), are being called on to help in response and re covery in the wake of the deadly and destructive Hurricane Ian.

With 150 mph winds, Ian was one of the strongest storms to hit the mainland United States, which saw massive storm damage and loss of life from the Hurricane, which hit on Sept. 28.

Volunteer teams from Oklahoma will be part of a multi-state response. Sam Porter, interim state direc tor of Oklahoma Baptist DR, said, “Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief is heading east to help after Hurricane Ian. We will have teams of volunteers, trailers and more. We greatly need financial and prayer support for these efforts.”

N E W O NL I N E WEB EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Included in SBDR response will be feeding, chain saw work, damage assessment, chaplaincy work and more. Porter said Oklahoma Baptists will be stationed at a recovery site near Daytona, Fla. with a focus on chainsaw work and flood recovery.

PUBLICATION INFO

OCT 15

Disaster Relief Orientation and Credentialing

8 a.m.-5 p.m., $20

DR Team Center, Okarche okdisasterhelp.org

OCT 20

Singing ChurchWomen

West Concert

7-8:30 p.m. Norman, Bethel oklahomabaptists.org/worship

OCT 22

Generation Impact

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oklahoma City, Northwest eborunda@oklahomabaptists.org

SBDR expects to set up multiple kitch ens across the affected areas, each with the ca pacity to prepare at least 10,000 meals a day. As assessments continue, those locations are still be ing determined.

C L A S V O I C E S

“With the size of teams we will be taking, along with trailers and equipment, the diesel fuel prices of transportation alone will be vast,” said Porter.

Porter asked Oklahoma Baptists to financially do nate to Oklahoma Baptist relief efforts, which can be done online at okdisasterhelp.org.

Porter is sitting in the Southern Baptist DR seat at the FEMA National Response Control Center, where he will serve in part of coordinated disaster relief efforts.

“A catastrophic Disaster takes a massive amount of coordination with Federal, State, county and local governments, as well as a multitude of non-profit/faith-based organi zations like Southern Baptists assisting in a significant way,” he added.

“As you can imagine this response will be a marathon-type response that will take many volunteers rotating long dis

tance every week to 10 days.” For more infor mation about volunteering, contact Pat Jones at pjones@oklahomabaptists.org

NEWS & CULTURE A N N UA L M E E T I NG I N F O

“This ministry opens doors to share the Gospel like no other ministry that I’ve ever been involved with so pray for many new believers to be added to heaven’s book in Florida in days ahead. Thanks in advance for your prayers for all Disaster Relief teams across the nation who will be responding for the next several weeks and even months,” Porter said.

To make a financial donation to Oklahoma Bap tist Disaster Relief, visit okdisasterhelp.org

W O NL I N E

CONTENT

N E W O NL I N E WEB-EXCLUSIVE CONTENTE VE NTS

OCT 25

Women Connection

Roundtable

6:30-8 p.m., $5

Enid, First oklahomabaptists.org/women

OCT 29

Chaplaincy Refresher

8:30-5 p.m., $10

Baptist Building

To register, email pjones@oklahomabaptists.org

NOV 1

Women Connection

Roundtable

6:30-8 p.m., $5 McAlester, First oklahomabaptists.org/women

Hawkins, Dockery announced as joint interim leadership at SWBTS BP STAFF | SEPT 28

PUBLICATION INFO

E VE NTS

Following a special-called meeting of the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Seminary, Chairman Danny Roberts today announced that trustees have invited O.S. Hawkins and David S. Dockery to provide joint leadership to the seminary during the interim period. Dockery will serve as interim president, while Hawkins will serve as senior advisor and ambassadorat-large. The actions of the board came five days after the executive committee of the board accepted the resignation of Adam W. Greenway.

Expansive pro-life legislation introduced in House, Senate

TOM STRODE | SEPT 22

New legislation to help support pregnant women, young mothers and their children in a post-Roe America has gained congressional introduction. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, introduced the Providing for Life Act, Sept. 15, in each member’s respective house of Congress.

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: 39,296. 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. October 13, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 18.

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

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substitute

Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer

@eToddFisher

I recently was invited to travel to Kansas City and preach the chapel service at Midwestern Seminary (MBTS). I enjoyed the day there and the time spent visiting with President Jason Allen about the im portant role MBTS plays in the theological educa tion and training of many Oklahoma Baptists’ min isters. I am grateful for our ministry partnership.

On this trip, I arrived to my hotel the night be fore I preached in chapel. I got settled in my room and sat down to read and think through some bib lical texts for an upcoming message/lecture I have been asked to give on the great cost and sufficien cy of Christ’s substitutionary atonement.

Some of these texts include Isa. 53:1-12, 1 Cor. 6:20, 2 Cor. 5:21, Gal. 4:4-5, Phil. 2:5-8, and 1 Pet. 3:18,

which speak to God’s providential timing and incal culable cost of sending His Son to be the sacrifice for our sin. As I was working through these texts, I took a break to make sure I had everything ready for chapel in the morning when I made a terrible discovery. I had brought from home my suit, shoes, belt, and tie—but I forgot to bring a dress shirt. I couldn’t believe my oversight!

I looked at the time, and it was 10:30 p.m. I found a store that was open until 11, a few minutes away

from the hotel and hustled over there. Fortunately, I found a white dress shirt. It was inexpensive and didn’t fit me very well, but it would serve as a sub stitute to get me through one day. I brought the shirt back to my hotel room, and as I was ironing it, the thought occurred to me that God had just allowed me to experience something of an illustra tion to what I had just been studying in the Bible.

The shirt I found was a cheap, ill-fitting substitute bought at the last minute, which barely suited my needs. However, God sent Jesus “in the fullness of time” at the great “price” of being “despised…re jected…stricken…afflicted…pierced…crushed for our iniquities” to the extent of the “point of death, even death on a cross” so perfect and sufficient that “in Him we might become the righteousness of God” and so powerful that he needed only to “suf fer once for sins.”

As our substitute on the cross, there was nothing hasty, cheap or inadequate in His life and death on our behalf. How grateful we should be that, in Je sus, God provided perfectly for our greatest need to forgive us of sin and give to us eternal life.

Sword & trowel: Cultural Mood Swings

Brian Hobbs

Todd Fisher Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

In terms of public opinion polls, survey data seems to indicate increasing acceptance of homo sexuality and its related LGBTQ issues.

For example, an NBC News Poll asked “do you favor… allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter into samesex marriages?” The poll showed in 2004 only 30 per cent of the American public favored that. Fast forward to today, in 2022, and 65 percent favor that notion.

There is, however, one aspect of the LGBTQ agen da that continues to receive some cultural pushback. That is the “T” or the transgender topic. Whether you believe the Bible or not, there is some thing innate in people that makes them recognize that sexuality is not fluid, that a man cannot just pretend to be a woman or “transition” to be a woman if he wants.

New poll results from even a place as socially lib eral as England indicate there may be a growing cultural backlash toward transgenderism.

The well-respected survey that measures “Brit ish Social Attitudes” asked if “Transgender people should be able to change the sex on their birth cer tificate.” In 2016, 58 percent supported that idea. In 2019, 53 percent supported it. As of 2021, only 32 percent of people support that idea.

Are these poll numbers an indication of a larger cultural backlash to the promotion of transgender ideologies? It could be too early to tell. Yet this mo ment can serve as a reminder that cultural attitudes often experience sudden and dramatic shifts, one way or another.

It was the famous German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who achieved renown in the 1800s and explained movements in terms of this: thesis, antithesis and synthesis.

In other words, things are trending one way. Then there is an equal and opposite reaction toward the other way. Then things even out toward a synthesis of those movements.

Whether you subscribe to Hegel’s theory or not, this pendulum-swing effect can be seen in many areas of life: culture, politics, sports, style of dress, etc. It can even be seen now in societal attitudes about sexuality.

Certainly the culture today is moving toward LGBTQ at a rapid rate. It will likely continue to do so. But, over time, that could change.

Regardless, as Christians, we recognize that God’s standards for right and wrong are not changing. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever ” (Heb. 13:8). His character is un changing, and from Him come standards of abso lute right and wrong.

When cultural mood swings happen, don’t get discouraged or give up. Don’t lash out at people who disagree with you or are living in a way that does not honor the Lord. Instead try to reach them for Christ, with a Christlike attitude.

Ultimately, in a fast-changing world, we must set our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The One who alone can save sinners like us.

Rite of passage: Art of graciousness

Walker Moore

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

It seems to me that our society has lost the art of graciousness. There was a time when we had an unwritten law about this—when graciousness was an integral part of our culture.

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“board meeting” where he gra ciously introduced us to the “board of education.” The lessons of gra ciousness, like many good lessons, can sometimes be painful.

One of God’s qualities is that He is always gracious. He was gracious to Sarah: “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised ” (Gen. 21:1).

P EO P L E & C H U RC H N E WS

is more caught than taught. Being gracious with your family mem bers is one more way of saying, “I love you.”

Second, give your children practical skills for living a gra cious life. Have your children make follow-up calls or write notes to thank someone for a gift or an opportunity. This will help them begin to learn the lan guage of graciousness.

C L A S S I F I E D S

Do you remember the old cartoon, “Chip and Dale”? In almost every episode, the two chipmunks found themselves being chased by a dog. As they neared the entrance of their hole, they would stop briefly and have the same discussion every time about who would enter first: “After you!” “No, I in sist, after you!”

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Back and forth, back and forth the argument would go. About that time, the dog leaped into the air, ready to pounce on them. Finally, one of the two gracious chipmunks would give in and enter the safety of home.

Very early in my life, my parents taught me to re spect and honor elderly people or at least anyone over 30. These habits were so ingrained in my life that they became second nature.

Anytime that I am traveling on a bus and an older person boards, I automatically stand to give up my seat. Yes, I am also one of those people who opens doors for ladies and who says, “Yes, sir,” or “No, sir,” without even thinking about it.

By the way, my parents had a very practical way of building graciousness into the lives of their four sons. If we were not gracious or respectful, or if we failed to show good manners, my dad would take us to a

He was gracious to Israel: “But the LORD was gra cious to them and had compassion and showed con cern for them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day He has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from His presence ” (2 Kings 13:23).

NEWS & CULTURE

He is gracious to us: “The LORD is compassion ate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love ” (Psalm 103:8). Jesus was also gracious: “All spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked ” (Luke 4:22).

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Yes, teaching your children graciousness is teaching them to be like their heavenly Father, so of course, it is teaching them to be like Jesus. But there are other reasons you want your children to be gracious.

Graciousness enlarges their reputations. It works like a magnifying glass to enhance and intensify the good things they do.

For example, being known as a diligent worker is a good thing. Being known as a gracious and dili gent worker is even better!

How do you build this quality into your children’s lives? Begin by modeling it in your home and fami ly. Graciousness, like many other character qualities,

For example: “I was honored that you would think of me on my birthday.” “Thank you for such a gen erous and thoughtful gift.” “Thanks for believing in my ability to accomplish this task.” Words like this demonstrate graciousness.

Finally, teach your children the two cousins of graciousness: respect and manners. Practice these alongside your children and watch them grow.

I am very proud to say that my two sons have learned this art. I often have people speak to me about their gracious interactions with either of my boys and now my grandsons. Nine-year-old Titus the Honorable was at a party and wanted his pic ture taken with a certain young lady. He went to her mother and asked, “May I have your permission to take a picture with your daughter?” The mother gave permission.

People say things like, “Your son is so polite,” or “Your son is so respectful.” I am grateful that God blessed my sons with a loving and gracious mother. I know that these qualities probably came directly from her.

Still, of all the things they have accomplished in their lives, nothing makes me prouder than when I hear about my sons being like Jesus.

Shine: Fifty years of ministry

Alan Quigley

Associate Executive Director of Church Resources for Oklahoma Baptists

@AlanQuigley1

Spanning over the last 50 years, Oklahoma Bap tists Disaster Relief has significantly impacted the lives of thousands, as they have come to their aid in one of their greatest hours of need. Oklahoma Baptists have assisted in natural disasters, torna does, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, ice storms and blizzards.

Also, we have had significant roles after manmade disasters like the Murrah Building bomb ing in Oklahoma City and the Twin Towers in New York City. Today, as this article is being written, there are teams traveling to Florida to assist in their recovery after hurricane Ian. We do this be cause we love God and love people, and we be lieve that we are to “Let our light shine before men, so they can see our good works and glorify our Fa ther in Heaven ” (Matt 5:16).

Over the past 50 years we have had four direc tors of Disaster Relief in Oklahoma; Laddie Adams 1973-1996, Buddy Hunt 1996-1997, Sam Porter 1998-2017 and Don Williams 2017-2022. Currently, Sam Porter is serving as our interim director as we prayerfully search for the next leader.

It’s worth remembering that each of these men were visionary, pioneer leaders, but they would say that the ones who really made Oklahoma Baptists Disaster Relief great were the thousands of Oklahoma Baptists men and women who have worn the yellow shirts and served faithfully. This

group helps make Disaster Relief the second larg est trained disaster response group in the world. They have served on chainsaw teams, mud-out teams, shower and laundry teams, feeding teams and recovery teams.

Of course, there is one other team that is very important to all we do, chaplains. Oklahoma has trained and sent out more chaplains than any oth er state because we believe meeting the physical needs of a person is only half the job. The oth er half is their spiritual wellbeing. Over the years, hundreds of men, women and children have made first-time commitments to Christ as the re sult of one of the chaplains sharing the Gospel with them.

Throughout the course of a year there are several oppor tunities for Oklahoma Bap tists to assist Oklahomans. This year alone we have served in flood recovery, tor nado recovery and wildfire support. We are reliant on donations to enable us to re spond to these events. Gifts to the general fund of Okla homa Disaster Relief are all used for response purposes, and none is used for salaries.

It’s worth knowing that as we served Oklahoma this year, all of the more than $400,000 were dollars that donors made to the Oklahoma Bap tist Disaster Relief fund.

Let me encourage you to attend the Oklahoma Bap

tists Annual Meeting and to register for the Oklaho ma Baptists Disaster Relief dinner on Monday night, Nov. 14 at Mustang, First. That night, a history book about Disaster Relief will go on sale through Ama zon that can be downloaded, if you would like to know more about our 50 years of ministry!

Let me also encourage you to consider attending one of our training events, so you can become in volved in this life-changing ministry. Oh, and one last thing, let me encourage you to go to the Okla homa Baptists website and make a donation to support our teams that are in Florida today!

>> by Kedrick Nettleton WATERSEDGE CONTENT CREATOR

If attendees to this year’s Tax, Internal Controls and Legal Issues seminars—hosted for the first time by WatersEdge—had only one takeaway from the event, it would be that keeping track of tax laws, finance and administration can be a monumental task for churches both large and small.

That’s the reason Oklahoma Baptists have been gathering for more than three decades to discover new information, encourage each other and learn the ins and outs of managing this vital piece of church business.

This year, that tradition continued with a new format, as WatersEdge focused the seminars in two locations. The first was Sept. 27 at Owasso, First, while a second, identical seminar was Sept. 29 at Oklahoma City, Northwest. Event planners brought in a variety of new speakers—attorneys, retirement and payroll professionals, insurance agents and WatersEdge’s own in-house experts. Plus, new in-depth breakout sessions allowed at

VOLUNTEER MISSIONS OP P ORT U N I T I E S

OKLAHOMA

These ministries have various ongoing opportunities for volunteers:

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, OKC and Community Food Bank of Eastern OK, Tulsa—both locations, call 405/972-1111 (Not an Oklahoma Baptist ministry, but many churches receive food from them for local food pantries.)

Arms Around Broken Arrow—food pantry, clothes closet—918/258-7714 or bryan@armsaroundba.org

Lake Texoma Baptist Resort Ministry, 2034 Max Rd, Mead 73449—Monty & Tammy Wood, directors, 580/916-2181 or thehelm2034@gmail.com

Cherokee Baptist Assembly, Cherokee – 918/506-5482 email: cba_tahlequah@yahoo.com

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary

Justin Romaine

Justin is the Baptist Collegiate Ministries director at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Enid. Pray the Lord will continue to send laborers to NOC, a small twoyear college.

churches tackle tax, legal

tendees to tailor the informa tion to their church or minis try’s specific needs.

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“I think the best benefit of these seminars is to know what you’re doing wrong and what you need to change,” said Jessica Decoster, secretary and treasurer at Choteau, First. “In our church’s case, I’m kind of a one-man show, so it makes things easier when I know all that information.”

Decoster isn’t alone. Most Oklahoma Baptist churches are small with limited resources and staff to handle the complicated tax law. That made this year’s keynote address, during which Frank and Elaine Sommerville provided a broad overview of the latest updates in church taxes, accounting and legal issues, particularly helpful. Additional break out sessions covered various topics including pay roll, cybersecurity and the challenges in financing church construction. For Steve Larry, finance direc tor at Tulsa, First, these sessions provided an extra level of detail and value.

“I’m a CPA, and I like to stay abreast of all the cur rent developments tax-wise,” he said. “But I also

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Oct. 22—Fork Lift/Skid Steer Training, DR Team Center, 7180 NW Expressway, Okarche. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. No cost, class size is limited. To register email: rdeatherageaaa@gmail.com

Oct. 22—CPR/First Aid Training DR Team Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $20. To register email: Dknapp711@gmail.com

Oct. 29 —Chaplaincy Refresher Training, 8:30a.m.-5 p.m., Baptist Building. To register email: pjones@ oklahomabaptists.org

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary

Mark Walters

Mark became associational mission strategist in Capital Association last December. He serves churches in the OKC metro area. Pray for a fresh vision and passion to reach people for Jesus.

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

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brought one of my associates who’s a non-accoun tant, and it’s good for her to be see what we need to be doing on a daily and monthly basis. What I really liked this year was the breakout sessions, where we can split up, take it all in and compare notes later.”

More than 260 people attended the seminars, with an additional 75 joining virtually. Brad John son, chief financial officer at WatersEdge, helped plan the seminars and was pleased the events were able to help so many Oklahoma Baptist churches.

“WatersEdge exists to financially empower do nors and ministries to transform lives with the Gos pel,” Johnson said. “Sharing knowledge about tax es, internal controls and legal issues that impact churches is critical because it helps them ensure they are operating within best practices and are protected against fraud, fines and other hazards.

“Ultimately, these seminars help safeguard church es’ ability share Jesus and make disciples, and that’s what WatersEdge is passionate about.”

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Steadfast service: Pastors’ Conference to focus on being ‘Steadfast’ Nov. 14 at Mustang, First

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up ” (Gal. 6:9) Stead·fast, adj., resolutely or dutifully firm and un wavering.

“Steadfast” is an important word for ministry work. Pastors especially should find the word essential, if not uplift ing, as Gospel advancement is great ly needed today.

And “Steadfast” will be the theme for the 2022 Pastor’s Conference, Nov. 14, which will precede Oklaho ma Baptists’ Annual Meeting at Mus tang, First.

“Our pastors’ conference this year will focus on encouraging pastors in the challenging work of pastoring the church in today’s world,” said James Swain, associate executive direc tor of church relations for Oklaho ma Baptists. “The theme ‘Steadfast,’ drawn from the encouragement of Gal. 6:9, encourages pastors not to lose heart and not to give up, to be faithful in their work.”

Speakers for the Pastor’s Conference include Doug Passmore, pastor of Lawton, First East; Rick Frie, pastor of Jenks, First; Anthony Harris, pastor of Amarillo, Texas, St. John; Hance Dilbeck, president of Guidestone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention; and Jack Graham, pastor of Plano, Texas, Prestonwood.

“Our Pastors’ Conference officers have invited men who will encourage their fellow pastors to be steadfast in the work, men who have encouraged them,” Swain said. “President Tiller Watson has in vited one of his mentors, Anthony Harris, who has been a great encouragement for him to be stead fast. We will have two of our state pastors, Doug Passmore and Rick Frie, who have demonstrated steadfastness in their long and faithful service in the churches they serve.”

Dilbeck is in his first year of leading Guidestone. He served nearly three years as Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, after serving 15 years as pastor of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs.

Graham has been pastor of Pres tonwood since 1989 and has seen the church grow to more than 49,000 members. He has authored numer ous books, and his teaching and preaching can be seen and heard on “PowerPoint Ministries.”

Watson, who is pastor of Tul sa, St. Paul, is completing his tenure as president of the Pastors’ Conference, and he has been planning for the event to be one that pastors will enjoy attending.

“I really expect it to be a ser vice of refreshment and en couragement,” he said. “I think the speakers are going to be great. I’m looking forward to hearing each one of them.

“But I’m primarily excit ed about the theme,” Wat son continued. “Over the last two years, and probably even longer than that, I’m sure pastors have been ‘up against the wall’ in so many different ways. Dealing with the pandemic and dealing with the result of that, congregations that either have had time through that cycle (of the pandemic) or (currently) coming out of that cycle. Then dealing with congregants who may not want to come back to church for whatever rea son. Also have had congregants who have passed away. So I think even in this time and in this theme of remind ing pastors of being steadfast is go ing to be very important. It will be a refreshing and inspirational time, to be able to worship and also be able to lis ten to God’s Word from different pastors. I think it will be incredible.”

Watson shared more of why the selection of speakers for the Pastors’ Conference is important.

“One of the things about the reputations of the speakers is it says that these are men who have been seasoned in the Gospel,” he said. “It’s very important

to hear from guys who have been pastor ing for several years. They have numer ous experiences and are accustomed to how to navigate these waters, so having them speak to us about being steadfast is very important.”

The Pastors’ Conference also will feature testimonies from pastors who have been steadfast in challeng ing situations. Plus, OBU pastoral stu dents will be delivering messages at the conference.

The past few Pastors’ Conferences have not featured times of worship through music, but such worship op portunities will be observed this year. Ada, First’s worship team will be lead ing these moments of worship.

The opening session of the Pas tors’ Conference will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14. The afternoon ses sion will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Pastors will be invited to attend a luncheon at noon, hosted by South western Seminary. Gifts from Guide stone, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Midwestern Seminary will be of fered to pastors attending the Pas tors’ Conference.

“Our primary goal is to encourage pastors and to uplift them,” Watson said. “The Pastors’ Conference will give them time to worship and receive a word. A pastor wants to be in the midst of a congre gational worship as much as the worshippers do on Sunday, so that’s what we will try to convey to pas tors in the time we will be together.”

Tulsa Sunday School conference expects

>> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

TULSA—Organizers of the Big Results Con ference have big plans for a gathering on Oct. 28-30 at Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills. The Life way-sponsored event will focus on the needs of churches serving the African American min istry context. The three-day conference will of fer keynotes and breakouts on various topics related to Sunday School growth.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Mark Croston, Lifeway national director of Black church ministries. Croston explained that the purpose of the conference is to equip pastors and key church leaders, so they can work together to grow the small group ministries of the church.

“In my work with Lifeway, serving churches across the country, I have found that one thing pastors consistently want is training,” Croston said. “And we provide many training opportunities for them. But often, if the pastor gets the training, it’s hard to get other leaders in the church to benefit from it. The Big Results Conference is an opportunity for pastors to get training and bring their key leaders along with them, so they can also be trained.”

Walter Wilson, African American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, said the conference would

offer time for fellowship, worship as well as ministry equipping.

“The African American churches in our state convention are based mostly in Oklahoma City and Tulsa,” Wilson explained. “We wanted to connect the people from our churches in both lo cations, so that they can fellowship and grow to gether. Without good leaders, we will never be able to grow our churches.”

Marlon Coleman, pastor of Muskogee, Antioch, and Tiller Watson, who pastors Tulsa, Turn Church, will also bring messages from the Word during the weekend conference.

A night of praise will be observed on Friday eve ning of the conference. The Oklahoma African

American Inspiration of Praise worship band will lead worship in song throughout the gathering.

Breakout topics include Kingdom Agenda, The One Thing, Leading an Effective Women’s Ministry, Big Results Leadership and Big Results Sunday School

Wilson said churches that want to attend but have financial needs would be reimbursed travel and registration fees.

For more information, to pay the $30 per church reg istration for the conference and to secure hotel reser vations visit oklahomabaptists.org/african-american.

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS FORBES 1) Mark Croston shares principles from his book ‘Big Results: Black Church Life & Sunday School’ with workshop attendees in a similar conference in Oklahoma City in March;

A conference attendee takes notes during the March conference.

Jack Graham

Anthony Harris

Doug Passmore

Hance Dilbeck

Rick Frie

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

School flag poles were once again a point of desti nation across Oklahoma on Sept. 28. See You At The Pole (SYATP), the worldwide prayer event, was ob served at numerous schools throughout the state.

Brian Baldwin, student evangelism and mis sions ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, was pleased with the great number of young people participating and demonstrating a Christian wit ness at their schools.

“We had strong numbers this year,” Baldwin said about the SYATP turnout at Oklahoma schools. “It was especially strong considering the last few years were affected by COVID and rain.”

Baldwin spoke at a rally in Atoka, following SYATP that evening. He preached on the SYATP theme verse, “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive…Pray” (Rom. 12:11-12 NIRV).

“For a firestorm to start, you need sparks to ig nite it, wood to sustain it and wind to spread it,” Baldwin said, summarizing his sermon. “Obvious ly Jesus and His followers started a firestorm that went across the world. See You At The Pole is like that, talking about how (the prayer event original ly) started in 1990, and we are still seeing fruit today across the nation and across the world. The Holy Spirit has spread it far.”

The rally in Atoka experienced nine professions of faith in Christ that evening. Baldwin said Oklahoma Baptists sponsored 19 rallies across the state on the evening following SYATP. Oklahoma Baptists were able to financially support these rallies through the Edna McMillan State Missions Offering. To receive funds for the rallies, church leaders agreed to pres ent the Gospel at the rally, give a response and re port back the response.

Sans Bois Association hosted one of the rallies.

Linda Morgan, a member of Red Oak, First, report ed the rally was at Red Oak, First with more than 200 students attending. Trey Headrick, Baptist Col legiate Ministries director at Southeastern Oklaho ma State, provided the message.

All SYATP events were student led, as many church leaders were involved to support the events. And many provided photos and reports of SYATP gath erings on social media.

“Carnegie Wildcats had 95 total, including 10 adults at See You At The Pole,” said Donnie Bointy, youth di rector at Carnegie, First. “Our students did a great job leading. (And) Thanks to the adults for the help.”

Ministry

Ministry wives were the guests of a special weekend retreat, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills. With 200 women in attendance, the retreat focused on the theme, “Growing spiritually and emotionally healthy,” with the anchor verse being Prov. 4:20-21.

Christine Hoover was the speaker for the retreat. She is the host of the North American Mission Board’s “The Ministry Wives Podcast,” and author of six books, including “How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife.”

Hoover taught two sessions about spiritual and emotional health. The first session on Friday night, Sept. 30, centered on bringing emotions to God, looking at Psalm 142. The second session on Satur day morning, Oct. 1, looked at how to release bit terness with Hebrews 12 as a focal passage.

Amy Petersen, ministry wives ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptist, planned and oversaw the week end for ministry wives. She shared some takeaways from Hoover’s talks at the retreat.

“Christine knows how to communicate to ministry wives and what is important for their role,” Peters en said. “She gave some excellent talks about spiritu al and emotional health. A few points I got from her were: ‘God created our emotions. As we are honest about how we feel, emotions can become beautiful vehicles to intimacy with God by believing the truth of who he is in that emotion. Bitterness often stems

from misplaced desire and comes from an I-want-itnow attitude. God’s grace meets us in those broken places. When we forgive ourselves like He has, we can extend grace and forgiveness to others.’”

Petersen and licensed counselor Tara Matlock gave a presentation on Saturday morning about what to do when someone finds themselves in an unhealthy place and the peace God’s presence brings.

Worship through music was led by Jami Smith, well-known Christian artist and worship leader. “Jami was amazing,” Petersen said. “She led us into the presence of Jesus.”

The retreat ended with a Q&A session with Hoover.

Many attendees shared on social media their ex periences at the ministry wives retreat, including the following comments:

“It was such a blessing to me and our staff wives! Thank you! My heart is FULL!”

“We had over 100 students show up at Washington schools to pray together before school!” said Case Kirt ley, student pastor at Goldsby in Union Association.

Brett Lalli, pastor of students and recreation at McAlester, First, shared an encouraging report from McAlester High School.

“We had 200-plus at McAlester High School this morning,” he said. “God is so good. This is the big gest ‘Christian event’ at MHS since I started going as a freshman in 2005.”

Jace Marrow, youth pastor at Cheyenne, First, re ported on students gathering in the western Okla homa town.

“Had a great turn out this morning for See You At The Pole!” Marrow said. “We had many come by and check it out. Had a total of 53 students circle up and pray together! Six of our students gave a de votion.”

Tyler Eggleston, pastor of Soper, First, shared how students from kindergarten to high school seniors gathered together to pray in Soper.

“We have less than 400 kids in the whole K-12 sys tem,” Eggleston said. “Had about 150 this morning praying. God is working in this generation.”

Ronnie Null, youth director at Duncan, Fair, re ported 80 students, parents, teachers and staff at tended SYATP at Empire High School in Duncan.

“Each student was asked to pray for the students all around the world that were also meeting at this time, teachers and administration of the school, friends and family, and to lift up our local and state leaders, and the leaders of this nation as well,” Null said.

Along with many Oklahoma Baptist churches experi encing great results from SYATP this year, Baldwin said many Christian clubs at schools are seeing the benefit of SYATP as more students are getting involved.

“It’s a great week for unity, for partnership, gath ering around the common cause of the Gospel,” Baldwin said. “This week is a winning week for youth ministry. There were a lot of pre-pole gather ings, which I think had an impact.”

And Baldwin also believes SYATP plays even more of a significant role with today’s young people.

“(SYATP is) a chance for students to take a stand and be a public Christian,” he said. “People don’t re alize that Gen Z is the first post-Christian genera tion. In 1990, the majority of students claimed to be Christians. That’s not the case anymore.

“All that to say that See You At The Pole has be come an opportunity for students to take a public stand in front of their peers and to share the Gospel with other people.”

“I love the way Oklahoma Baptists partner and support one another! What a great ministry wives weekend. I went this year without knowing a soul and left with some new friends!”

“The Oklahoma Baptists ministry wives weekend has refreshed my soul, and I’ve so enjoyed quality time with my friends.”

Petersen also shared her appreciation for volun teers who served during the retreat.

“Oklahoma Baptists are family,” she said. “We partner together to love our ministry wives. So many of the lead ership wives came to serve (plus women leaders). Also, some regional ministry partner wives and many director of missions wives came to love on and serve these wom en who have valuable roles in church ministry.”

For more on how Oklahoma Baptists support minis try wives, visit oklahomabaptists.org/ministry-wives

ATOKA

BROKEN BOW HS CARNEGIE HS

CHEYENNE HS

LINDSAY HS

SKIATOOK HS

NEWCASTLE ES

SAYRE HS

HS

WASHINGTON HS

Campers on Mission hold rally

SHAWNEE—The Oklahoma Campers on Mission Fall Rally, Sept. 20-23, was an uplifting experience for 30 members with 11 rigs pulling into the Shawnee Fair grounds. The construction group repaired damage to a parsonage home in Ma comb during the daytime hours, while several women joined to sew quilts for the Iowa Tribe Service Agency, positive pregnancy gift bags for Hope Pregnancy Centers and remote control/cell phone holders for the nursing homes.

Following Tuesday evening meal, Amy and David Sparks, above left, missionar ies in Spain, shared with campers on the amazing ways God has directed their mis sion opportunities with the International Mission Board. Amy shared with us on being open to the plans God has for our lives. David directed our thoughts to the book of Amos and the guidance God gives us with today’s world environment.

On Thursday evening, Joe Ligon, senior associate executive director for Okla homa Baptists, entertained members with the humor of his experiences as a pastor and the joy of sharing God’s teachings throughout the Bible. He men tioned how the timeless truth of Scriptures can be used in different ways to reach today’s world.

Campers met Friday morning for breakfast and devotional time with Johnny Barnes, above right, guiding campers to plant their time in God’s Word for guidance and decisions.

The Oklahoma Campers on Mission is a national fellowship of Christian campers who volunteer to share their faith and the love of Jesus while camping and/or participating in mission activities

Follow on Facebook, “Campers on Mission-Oklahoma.” To request a membership application, visit oklahomabaptists.org/campers-on-mission or call 405/942-3000 ext. 4337.

Cooperative

OBU to host Center for Baptist Renewal, Nov. 1

F O

Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) will host The Center for Baptist Renewal, Nov. 1, from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

David Bebbington will deliver the plenary address titled, “Evangelicals: Then & Now.”

A panel response will follow Bebbington’s address with members of the panel includ ing Bebbington, Thomas S. Kidd, Nathan Finn and Matt Boswell.

The event also will feature a pasto ral roundtable on “Retrieval in the Local

Church,” featuring Boswell, John-Mark Hart, Oren Martin and Bill Watson.

Additional opportunities for fellowship, a campus tour and more will be available on-site.

Bebbington also will deliver the OBU’s 2022 annual Hobbs Lecture on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.

Tickets for the event are $15. For more information, visit centerforbaptistrenewal. com/events/obu22.

Ardmore, First hosts

Church Safety Workshop, Oct. 31 Ardmore, First will host Church Safety Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 31. The workshop will be a comprehensive training that describes an effec tive safety system protecting children from sexual abuse in church and ministry environments.

MinistrySafe offers a complete safety system, including awareness training, skillful screening forms and training, criminal background checks, sample policies, screening forms and systems for monitoring and oversight.

Email Ryan Goodman, administrative pastor at Ardmore, First, at ryan@fbcardmore.org or call 580/223-1473 to register.

Celebrating 90 years

Joyce Sullivan celebrated her 90th birthday with Kev in Duck, new pastor of St. Louis, First. She was saved and baptized in the church when she was 7 years old in 1939 and married Bill Sullivan in the church in 1952.

Joyce is the oldest living member of the church and still going strong.

C H N E W S

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

PTIST ARCHIVEHE OKLAHOMA

LOBAUGH DEATH. James Val ton “J.V.” Lobaugh, 91, died Sept. 22. Graveside service was Sept. 26 in Chickasha. Pastors Keith Gillham and Kim Hayes officiated. He started his pastoral ministry at 19 and contin ued to pastor and minister to church es in Oklahoma for 59 years. Churches he pastored include Galey Mission; Hickory Church; Gra ham Church; Snyder, First; Maysville, First; Mangum, First; Pauls Valley, First; and Cordell, First. He also served as di rector of missions in Southwest Association and delivered the annual sermon at the 1986 Annual Meeting of Oklaho ma Baptists. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Laqui ta; his son, James Lobaugh; his daughter, Susan Bull; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES

Jimmie Moore III is pastor of Okla homa City, Western Avenue. His in stallation service was Sept. 25.

OKC, Quail Springs to host

Leading Forward Business Leadeship Forum, Oct. 25

Oklahoma City, Quail Springs is inviting the business communi ty of Oklahoma for breakfast and Leading Forward Business Lead ership Forum, a half-day program, 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

The event includes keynote speakers Stephen Rummage, senior pas tor of Quail Springs, and featured guest speaker Chris McChesney, au thor of “4 Disciplines of Execution”, No. 1 Wall Street Journal best seller.

In addition, attendees will be inspired by a panel of Oklahoma leadership experts who will share their leadership journey and suc cesses, including Jill Castilla, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond; John Mathena, president of JM2 Capital; Bob Hoffman, head men’s basketball coach at University of Central Oklahoma; and Angela Grunewald, superintendent of Edmond Public Schools.

S U D O K U

Leading Forward offers leaders encouragement and support to equip them to grow in faith, truth and integrity to positively im pact their team members and the businesses they serve. To reg ister visit QSBC.org/LeadingForward. The cost is $20 per person or $100 for a table of six.

W O R D S E A R C H

TO SHARE NEWS, PLEASE EMAIL ALL INFO TO BAPTISTMESSENGER@OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG

Three reasons research is vital to the future of church

>> by Joel W. Harder CHAPLAIN OF THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP FOR SBRF

On Sept. 15, Oklahoma City hosted the first in-person annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Research Fellowship (SBRF) since the pandemic. Beginning in 1977, SBRF members foster a more comprehensive understanding of the scientific study of religion and pro mote maximum use and practical applica tion of research to serve the local church and advance the mission of the Gospel and work of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

I joined SBRF after completing a doctor al dissertation at Southeastern Seminary. The study gathered nationwide data on the effective use of technology in one-on-one discipleship relationships.

What happens next is a common expe rience. The research benefitted me since I earned a degree. Is there any way this work can help others?

SBRF gave ongoing life to the work I had done, inviting me to present my research and identify ways my efforts could help more pastors and church leaders who faith fully make disciples around the world.

SBRF is a fellowship of professional and academic researchers serving SBC colleges, universities, and seminaries as well as in lo cal churches, state conventions, Lifeway Re search, the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board. From this cross-section of the SBC, members engage in a range of research topics that enhance our cooperative effort to share the Gospel.

Hosted at Oklahoma City, Frontline Down town, the SBRF meeting revealed again how research is vital to the future of the church.

First, empirical research elevates the discussion. Problems are not new to church es. Just read a few of Paul’s letters. Then and now, problems can compromise our integrity and distract us from the mission. Research is a pathway to wiser discernment when tack ling challenges facing local churches. It helps pastors and leaders see past distractions to identify the real problems and discover re demptive solutions that create new oppor tunities for Gospel work.

C L A S S I F I E D S

At the meeting, Minh Ha Nguyen presented new research on the state of ethnicity and race in the SBC. The study showed ethnic minority groups grew by one million over the past two decades. The work by Nguyen, who serves at the IMB, in collaboration with multiple SBC en tities resulted in a dynamic tool where you can find nationwide as well as state-by-state data on ethnic diversity in the country and within churches (baptistresearch.com).

RECKONING WITH GRIEF

>> CARISSA JONES

V O I C E S

Better understanding of regional ethnic di versity and the nature of the growth in diversity can transform the way we think about church planting strategies or approach racial issues.

Second, SBC researchers are partners in the Gospel. Membership in SBRF means fel lowship with experienced researchers shar ing findings, collaboratively developing future studies and providing our students and grad uates with great opportunities to present their work at a professional research conference.

Additionally, SBRF recognizes the Research er of the Year Award, celebrating important work so more in the SBC can benefit. At the 2022 meeting, SBRF presented the Quanti tative Researcher of the Year Award to Scott Thomas at New Orleans Seminary for his study on the relationship between pastoral prayer emphasis and evangelistic effective ness. The Qualitative Researcher of the Year Award recipient was Minh Ha Nguyen for his work developing the Shalom City Index as an indicator for measuring the progress and im pact of the Gospel in urban contexts.

Finally, research can reframe the future. The keynote speaker, Jay Gary, explored methods of strategic foresight and how they can be applied to research for the future of the church.

Gary, the immediate past chair of the As sociation of Professional Futurists, chal lenged us to see beyond the headlines of declining church attendance reports. Stra tegic foresight in research can shed new light on societal trends analyses and key market indicators. That can empower lead ers to break free from the push of the past and the pull of the future.

BLOGFROM THE DAV E SAYS

This kind of research helps churches to discern the times as we press onward with the hope of the Gospel and power of the Holy Spirit.

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

HIGHLIGHT

COOPERATIVE PROGRAM MONTH

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS ANNUAL MEETING

Oklahoma

& CULTURE A N N UA L M E E T I NG I N F O

I often call grief a tricky beast, an emotional shapeshift er armed with multiple tactics, weapons and disguises. Whether you see it coming from a mile away or it catches you completely off guard, each encounter hits hard and cuts deep.

E SAYS

The deepest of these wounds tend to linger. They may find some healing along the way, but they never really leave us. They change us and become part of us, a scar in visible to the untrained eye.

HIGHLIGHTOKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

Many of us try to hide our scars, thinking we just need to get over it and that no one wants to hear about our wounds. I recently read a quote that said “After a certain point, people lose patience with your grief. They just want you to move on.” This feels so true.

For these reasons (and the vulnerability it would require), I had not planned on revealing my own story in this space. I just wanted to offer hope to others who might be hurting. A trusted friend read my original draft and encouraged me to share from my heart and not just my head. God used her to remind me that He has given me these experiences for a reason, and that I stifle His glory when I remain silent about what He has done, so here it goes.

To read the rest of Carissa’s blog, visit

THE DAV E SAYS

BLOG

To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

PAY OFF THE MORTGAGES?

NOT SO FAST…

Dear Dave,

OKLAHOMA BAPT

HIGHLIGHT

My husband and I are retired. I receive a small pension, and we are both on Medicare and Social Security. We have about $25,000 left to pay on our mort gage, along with a second mortgage of $18,000. These are our only debts. We also have a nest egg of $30,000 set aside, and a small annuity that’s worth about $20,000. Would you recommend paying off our mortgages with our savings?

Dear Jane,

If you know me at all, you understand how much I’d love to see everyone in control of their finances and living debt-free. But being broke, even in a house that’s paid for, isn’t a good idea. Believe me, I understand. The idea of paying off the house and everything is aw fully tempting. But if you two did that, you’d be left with very little. To me, that’s a scary thought when your small pension—along with Social Insecurity and Medicare—are all you have coming in.

No offense, but your nest egg is kind of small to begin with, so I don’t think I’d be raiding it right now. On the other hand, if you’d told me you had $400,000 or $500,000 saved up, I’d tell you pay off the house and second mortgage today.

If you’re not doing this already, I’d advise you two to start making and living on a regular monthly budget. Give every dollar a name on paper before the month begins, because if you don’t, your mon ey will control you instead of you controlling it. Make sure you’re liv ing on less than what’s coming in, and hopefully you can devise a plan to have the house and other debt paid off in a few years.

God bless you two!

—Dave

The views expressed by

grief-part-1

>>F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Mary Niblack Road Baptist Church, Ardmore, OK is prayerful ly seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: maryniblackroad@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: Is needed for Galey Baptist Church. Galey is a friendly, country church. Please send resume to: DMount.quiver@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: Bethel Baptist Church of Anadarko, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Candidates should email a resume to: scot.gpglass@att.net or mail to: Beth el Baptist Church, Attn. Pastor Search Com mittee, 501 W. Florida, Anadarko OK 73005.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Jay is accepting re sumes for a F/T Senior Pastor. Please email resumes to: fbcjay@yahoo.com or mail to: P.O. Box 304 Jay, OK 74346. Attn: Pastor Research Committee.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC, Noble prayerfully seeking Sunday morning Worship Leader. Interest ed applicants email resume to: stbrasier@aol.com.

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

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Konawa, a small rural church is prayerfully seeking the right man of God to serve as Pastor. Parsonage is included. Submit resume to: FBC Konawa, P.O. Box 308, Konawa, OK 74849 or fbckonawa129@gmail.com.

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

>>BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: CrossPoint Bap tist Church of Coweta, OK is seeking an in dividual who has a calling to serve as our Youth Pastor. For more information regard ing this BI/VO position, please email our of fice at: crosspointcoweta.office@gmail.com.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: New Hope Bap

tist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403 is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister to lead & disciple youth 6th - 12th grades. Send resumes to above address or email to: NHBC2022YouthMinister@gmail.com .

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: New Hope Bap tist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403 is prayerfully seeking P/T Music Minister. Send resume to above address or email to: NHBC2022MusicMinister@gmail.com.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Faxon is seeking a BI/ VO Pastor. We are a friendly, small, country church seeking a family Pastor to love & serve the Faxon community. A newly updated par sonage is provided. Please send resume to: FBC Faxon, 215 SW 7th St., Faxon, OK 73540.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR WORSHIP/MIS SIONS: First Baptist West, Lawton, is accept ing resumes for this F/T position. Please send resumes to: worship@firstbaptistwest.com.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. In terested candidates should mail a cover let ter & resume to: FBC, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: Mount Zion Bap tist Church, Edgerton, MO is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Our church is located on the northern edge of the Kansas City, MO met ro area. Please visit www.mzlife.org to ap ply. Candidates must support the BFM 2000.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Main Street Baptist Church in Stigler, OK is looking for a P/T Youth Min ister to disciple/lead grades 6-12. Inquire or apply by sending a resume to: jeffkberger@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: Eastside Baptist Church in Elk City, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. A parsonage is provided. Candidates should sub mit a cover letter & resume to: eastsidesec@ outlook.com Attn: Pastor Search Committee.

>>F/T MUSIC/YOUTH MINISTER: FBC Idabel, OK seeking a F/T Music/Youth Minister to join us in beautiful SE OK. Committed to blended worship & creating a discipling culture in our teens. Compet itive salary with parsonage. Send resume & wor ship leading links to: fbcidabel@sbcglobal.net.

>>F/T FAMILY PASTOR: FBC Maysville is in search of a F/T Family Pastor. Please email a cover letter & resume to: fbc.maysville@yahoo.com or

mail to: FBC Maysville, Attn: Family Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 745, Maysville, OK 73057.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: WHBC is seek ing a F/T Youth Minister who loves young people & desires to see them grow in their relationship with Christ. Send resumes to: mail@whbcok.org or Woodland Hills Baptist Church, 313 S. Hwy 76 Newcastle, OK 73065.

>>BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Northeast Baptist Church, located in Norman, is seeking a BI/VO Youth Minister. Please send resume to: esasnett@ nebaptist.com or mail it to: Northeast Baptist Church, 905 E. Rock Creek Rd, Norman, OK 73071.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: New Hope Bap tist, an elder lead church, in Jay, OK is seek ing a F/T or BI/VO, Spirit-called Pastor. Please email resumes to: nhbcjayok@gmail.com.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Spring River Indian Bap tist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Mail cover letter & resume to: Spring River Indian Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, 5600 S. 630 Rd., Quapaw, OK 74363-1997 or email: sribc1939@gmail.com.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Ninnekah, OK is prayerfully seeking for the right indi vidual to lead our worship services. Hour ly wages plus milage. Send resume to: ninnekahbaptistchurch@hotmail.com.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Hydro FBC in Hy dro, OK is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Min ister to disciple/lead our youth. Inquire or send resumes to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com.

>>P/T OR BI/VO YOUTH/STUDENTS MIN ISTER: FBC Pauls Valley, OK. Applicants must affirm the 2000 BF&M & be able to pass a criminal background check. Current col lege students are encouraged to apply. Send resume to: fbcpvpastor@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Hollis is prayerful ly seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage is provid ed. Please send resumes to: FBC, P.O. Box 589, Hollis, OK 73550 or fbchollis@pldi.net.

>>P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: New Beginnings Church is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Pastor. What we believe: https://www.nbcshawnee.com/ about-3. 1203 East 42nd St., Shawnee, OK. Con tact: 2700 N. Kickapoo, #273, Shawnee, OK 74804. newbeginningschurchshawnee@gmail.com.

>>SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Granite, OK is prayerful ly searching for the man God is calling to fill the Sr. Pastor position. If you feel called, please email a resume to: fbcgraniteresumes@gmail.com.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Possibly leading to F/T. We are small in number but anxious to grow & willing to work. Parsonage can be provid ed with all bills paid. Send resume to: High Hill Baptist, 33 Church Rd, McAlester, OK 74501.

>>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: FBC New Bos ton, TX, is seeking a F/T Student Minister Please send your resume, references & testimony (personal statement of faith) to: FBCNBYouth Search@gmail.com Compensation Package: $62,000 in salary & benefits. Salary negotiable.

>>F/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC New Boston, TX, seeking a F/T Minister of Music for blend ed music ministry. For more information about the position, please visit: https://www.fbc newboston.com/music-minister-search/. Send your resume to: office@fbcnewboston.com.

>>PASTOR: FBC of Kellyville is prayerful ly seeking a Pastor. Please send resumes & DVD or CD, if available, to: Pastor Search Com mittee, FBC, Kellyville, P.O. Box 637, Kelly ville, OK 74039 or email: kvfbc1@yahoo.com.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR/WORSHIP: FBC, Mannford, OK. Primary ministry empha sis is Worship/Media but responsibilities also include pastoral leadership & care. Please email resume to: fbcmannford@cimtel.net.

>>VOLUNTEER WORSHIP LEADER: Sun nyside Baptist Church, 8091 S 305th E Ave, Broken Arrow is seeking a volunteer to lead our mostly traditional worship service. Con tact us by email: rcheasbro@outlook.com.

>>SENIOR PASTOR: Senior Pastor sought. Expe rience required. Adherence to BFM2000. Send re sumes, recommendations to: Pastor Search Com mittee, First Baptist Church, 125 S. Delos, Haysville, KS 67060 or pastorsearch@fbchaysville.org.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Asher, OK is seek ing a Pastor to shepherd a rural town church fam ily. Staff includes Worship Pastor, Youth Pastor & P/T Admin. Parsonage with paid utilities includ ed. Email resumes to: fbcasher@windstream.net.

>>F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Frederick is prayerfully searching for a F/T Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: admin@frederickfirst.org.

C R O S S W O R D

Sarah