l, e p os g e h t of d e m a For I am not ash er of God for salvation ow p e h t is it e s u a c be t s ir f , s e v e li e b o h w to everyone
OCTOBER 2026 • VOL. 115 | NO. 10
. k e e r G e h t o t o s l a d to the Jew, an d e l a e v e r is d o G f o s s e n s u o e t h ig r e h t it A NFNo rUinA L M E E T I N G 2 0 2 6 P RwEr V IeE W : n t it is it s a t s ju , h it a f o t from faith . h it a f y b e iv l l il The rig ht eous w Romans 1:14-16
Walter Wilson Handing ‘Baton of Ministry’ with Oklahoma Baptists to Bertholomew ‘Prophet’ Bailey Staff
Todd Sanders to Lead Oklahoma Baptists’ Discipleship Ministry Efforts Staff
INSIDE THIS ISSUE October 2026 · Vol. 115 I No. 10
MESSENGER STAFF Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@oklahomabaptists.org Diane Montgomery | Communications Coordinator dmontgomery@oklahomabaptists.org
03 | The Importance of Appreciating Pastors CONNECT Todd Fisher
04 | Watch the Gap SWORD & TROWEL Brian Hobbs
Brook Daniel | Graphic Designer bdaniel@oklahomabaptists.org
05 | Upcoming Events
Jacob King | Staff Writer jking@oklahomabaptists.org
07 | A Wake-Up Call
Bob Nigh | Contributing Writer bnigh@oklahomabaptists.org
CONNECT WITH US Online | baptistmessenger.com Facebook | thebaptistmessenger Instagram | @baptistmessenger
JUST JOE Joe Ligon
08 | Oklahoma Baptists to Celebrate 120 Years of Advancing the Gospel Together at 2026 Annual Meeting, Nov. 9-10 in Tulsa FEATURE
Staff
10 | Oklahoma Baptists Pastors’ Conference: ‘Devoted to Prayer’ Jeff DeGiacomo
11 | From Beauty to Ashes The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 300 Johnny Bench Dr., Suite 300, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 35,741. 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, 300 Johnny Bench Dr., Suite 300, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104. Phone number is (405)-942-3000. 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. Member, Baptist Press News, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.
Bob Nigh
12 | Puzzles 13 | Church News 14 | Walter Wilson Handing ‘Baton of Ministry’ with Oklahoma Baptists to Bertholomew ‘Prophet’ Bailey Staff
16 | Todd Sanders to Lead Oklahoma Baptists’ Discipleship Ministry Efforts Staff
17 | Missionary Prayer Guide 19 | What To Do When A Crisis Hits TOOLBOX
Staff
CONNECT
THE IMPORTANCE OF APPRECIATING PASTORS October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and I want to urge you to encourage your pastor. Being a pastor is an incredibly rewarding vocation, but it can be difficult as well. I visit with pastors every week who are discouraged, frustrated, weary, stressed and lonely. What a pastor does in his ministry and the things he experiences and must navigate can be very challenging. Pastors must make decisions they know will not make everyone happy. They often mediate conflict within the church. There can be a heaviness in conducting funerals and ministering to those in grief, helping couples with serious marriage issues and walking with parents having problems with their children. It hurts a pastor when people leave the church. It weighs on him if the church isn’t growing very much or has financial troubles. Pastors cut vacations short and work on their day off when needs at the church arise. They work long hours and many of our pastors work multiple jobs. They are expected to be very proficient in a wide range of skills—preaching, counseling, people skills, leadership/administration, just to name a few. Many pastors face criticism and have terrible things said to them and about them by the very church members they love and want to serve.
In addition, being part of a pastor’s family can be difficult. The expectations often placed on the pastor and his family members and the scrutiny of living in a glass house are hard to live up to. Since they are always supposed to “have it all together,” it’s difficult for them to talk about problems or seek help when needed. Pastors and their family members can feel alone and isolated fearing the judgment and scrutiny of others. The demands on a pastor can make it difficult to manage his time, stress, spiritual life, selfcare and proper priorities all of which strain marriage and family relationships. The pastor’s family is a prime target of Satan. He has brought down many pastors and drawn them away from the ministry by attacking his marriage and family. Guard against your church having unfair and undue expectations of the pastor and his family. Allow them to have struggles. Support and encourage them often. Sadly, many a member of a pastor’s family has been embittered against the church or even God because of the harsh, ungodly behavior of the church against their family.
I want to ask you to be intentional in encouraging and supporting your pastor and his family. Pray for them. Make an effort to say an encouraging word, email, card or text. Give them a gift that is a tangible After the Apostle Paul enumerated the many ways expression of your appreciation for them. There’s a he suffered persecution and hardships for preaching good chance your pastor is dealing with something the gospel and carrying out his ministry, he said, “And, difficult right now. Help lessen that burden and be an apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on encouragement to him! me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). Every pastor I know can relate to that statement. On Todd Fisher top of all the things he deals with, a pastor carries a Oklahoma Baptists great burden for the well-being of the church. Executive Director-Treasurer
The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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SWORD AND TROWEL
WATCH THE GAP
I recently traveled to a large city that had a train and How do most people spend their gap moments today? subway system. Written on the train platform and There’s a break in the action, and people pull out their inside the car in large letters, it said “Watch the Gap.” smartphone and aimlessly scroll, where they are likely to be tempted by the world, the flesh and the Devil. Or According to some research, more than one-fourth perhaps a gap moment came, and you just missed an of train-related accidents happen as a result of “the opportunity to pray, read the Word or be a blessing to gap,” that small, few inches space between the train someone around you. car and the edge of the platform. How can Christians better “watch the gaps” in life? I From baby stroller wheel mishaps, to people have three ideas, using the acronym G-A-P: tripping, to people distracted by their cell phones— accidents often happen at the gap—sadly, sometimes G: Go to the Lord in prayer. The next time a gap fatal mishaps. appears in your day, let that be your cue to whisper a prayer to the Lord. Similarly, our lives have many gap moments in them. Each day contains momentary lulls in the action, A: Alert others to the danger. It could be a friend or where we have nothing particular to do. Or they can family member heading toward danger and they don’t even be seasons in life where you feel “in between” know it. God put you in their life, so warn them of where you are, and where you want to be headed. dangers you see, but do so with gentleness and care.
These gap moments are often the sole difference between a life of faithfulness and of spiritual failure. Consider how our Savior took advantage of perceived “gap” moments. We see He often retreated for focused time of prayer (Mark 1:35). On the contrary, we see King David fell into adultery during a “gap” moment in life. The Bible says, “at a time kings go off to war,” David was aimlessly meandering on a rooftop, when he saw Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Satan and his own flesh tempted him, and you know the rest of the story.
P: Persevere when you fail. Each of us is a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. We are bound to fail in life. When we do, don’t give up. Look to the Lord to restore you, like David did (Psalm 51). These are just a few ideas. Will your life be marked by faithfulness or failure during the gaps? Lord, help us. P.S. October marks Pastor Appreciation Month. I want to express my deep respect and gratitude to all you pastors out there. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do! And to Pastor Connor, my pastor, I’m so grateful to the Lord for you! Brian Hobbs Oklahoma Baptists Editor
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October 2026
events
UPCOMING
EVENTS
See what events are happening around the state!
November 9, 2026 Oklahoma Baptists Pastors Conference Tulsa, South Tulsa oklahomabaptists.org/ annual-meeting/
November 9, 2026 Missions Dinner at Annual Meeting Tulsa, South Tulsa oklahomabaptists.org/ event/missions-dinnerannual-meeting-2/
November 9-10, 2026 Oklahoma Baptists Annual Meeting Tulsa, South Tulsa
Nov. 29-Dec. 6, 2026 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Week of Prayer imb.org/lottie-moon/
oklahomabaptists.org/ AnnualMeeting
Visit oklahomabaptists.org/events/ to view more events happening throughout the year!
WatersEdge’s Ministry Accounting Services EPISODE 86 Todd and Andy welcome guest Sarah Barham, VP for Ministry
THE BAPTIST MESSENGER
Accounting Services with WatersEdge. Sarah shares the various accounting services provided to churches of all sizes.
INSIGHT
PODCAST
LISTEN AT oklahomabaptists.org/ podcast
Hope Pregnancy Center Directors share stories of ministry victories, amid challenges in a culture that promotes abortion. Download this episode today at baptistmessenger.com/podcast or find the Baptist Messenger Insight Podcast program on your preferred podcast platform.
A Wake-Up Call
It was several years ago. I had been hired as the school superintendent in Marlow, OK. It was an incredible opportunity in an amazing school system. There was only one, little, almost inconsequential problem. We couldn’t find a house to live in.
We looked for a couple of weeks to no avail. Then one day, our real estate agent called with the news of a new house that was being built south of town. I decided that we couldn’t afford it. Gayla said we could. We bought the house. There was just a teeny, tiny issue. I was supposed to start work on July 1. The house was not scheduled to be completed until August. So, we would be without a house for several weeks. Our solution was simple. Gayla and our boys would move in with her parents. I would drive to Marlow on Monday morning, stay Monday night through Thursday night in a motel and drive to my in-laws on Friday evening. Yes, Marlow had a motel. Actually, there were two motels in town.
I pulled my vehicle up to the door of the room I was assigned to. I walked to the door. Unlocked it and let it swing open to reveal a motel room that was probably built in the 1930’s or early 1940’s. No, I am not that old. It was like something out of a horror movie. I was hoping that the woman who waited on me didn’t have a son who had a big, butcher knife.
I was in a bit of a shock. This was obviously not a nonsmoking room. In fact, I’m a bit surprised the lady at the front desk didn’t give me a pack of non-filtered Camels to be used in the room. The room was dark and a bit dank. I was sure there were bed bugs. It wouldn’t have surprised me to see a bed bug riding a cockroach around the room. If Gayla and the boys were with me, I probably couldn’t have stayed in this room. But it was just me. And surely to goodness, I could stay in this room for this one week. I unloaded all of my stuff. That’s when it happened. I called back to the front desk. The same lady who had helped me get checked in answered the phone. I asked her if it would be possible to get a wake up call the next morning.
I spent a couple of weeks in one of those motels. Then, being the generous community minded person that I am, I decided I should send a little of my business to She said, “Well that depends.” the other motel in town. I drove into town early that Monday morning. Worked hard all day and then drove to the motel that I had not yet stayed in. I pulled in and walked into the office. An older lady who was none too spry made her way slowly out of the chair, hovered for a bit and walked to the counter. I asked if they had any vacancies because it seemed like the thing to do. She looked me over. I guess they had some minimum standards for customers. She obviously didn’t know I was the new school superintendent (or maybe she did).
I asked, “OK. What does that depend on? She said, “What time do you want to get up?” I asked, “How about 6:00 in the morning”? She said, “How about you come back over here. I’ll give you an alarm clock and you can get yourself up.” It was hard to argue with that.
For whatever reason, I periodically think about this story. I am reminded that we have come a ways when it comes to customer service. We have come even further when it comes to technology (like using our cell phones She asked, “Cash or credit?” I handed her my credit as an alarm clock). But more than that I am reminded card and told her I would be there for four nights. She that we ought not think too highly of ourselves. There put one of those big metal slider things on the counter, are a multitude of ways to be brought back to reality. placed my card, and a form with carbon paper in it. She ratcheted that big metal slider thing to make an imprint Joe Ligon of my card. She gave me a key that had a plastic thing Oklahoma Baptists about the size of a small boat oar on it, told me the Sr. Associate Executive Director room number, and then slowly, ever so slowly, sat down after hovering over the chair for several seconds.
Oklahoma Baptists to Celebrate 120 Years of Advancing the Gospel Together at 2026 Annual Meeting, Nov. 9-10 in Tulsa TULSA--Oklahoma Baptists will celebrate their 120th Annual Meeting on Nov. 9-10, at Tulsa, South Tulsa. This year’s Annual Meeting begins on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The theme for the 2026 Annual Meeting is “Unashamed!” based on Romans 1:14-16, “I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarian both to the wise and the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” Throughout the two-day Annual Meeting the South Tulsa Worship Choir & Orchestra and Worship Team will lead in worship through music. Annual Meeting speakers include Kim Hays, former pastor of Perry, First; Oklahoma Baptists President Owen Nease, pastor of Oklahoma City, Emmaus; and Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher. 8
October 2026
Fisher encouraged pastors and churches from across Oklahoma to participate in the Annual Meeting. “Every time we gather for the Annual Meeting, the Lord has been faithful to unify and energize us in the task to advance the Gospel around our state and to the nations,”
he said. “I want to encourage pastors and messengers to take part in this year’s meeting, and I believe you will be glad you did.” Prior to the Annual Meeting, several impactful events will be held on Mon., Nov. 9.
Walk-up registration will be available to guests the day of the conference. However, pre-registration is encouraged and available online via the SBC Workspace site.
For questions regarding access to SBC Workspace, please contact Kdie Nix at 405.942.3000, ext. 3301. All The 2026 Pastor’s Conference will be held on Monday guests are welcome to attend any of the sessions; only from 9 a.m. - 4:30 pm. Speakers include Brian Kennedy, elected messengers will have the privilege of voting Todd Kaunitz, Jeff Iorg, Nathan Lino, Andy Harrison, during the sessions. Hance Dilbeck and Heath Tucker. The theme for this year’s conference is “Devoted to Prayer,” based on Acts For more information, including a list of nearby hotels, 6:2, “So the twelve summoned the congregation of the visit OklahomaBaptists.org/AnnualMeeting. disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.’
2026 ANNUAL MEETING
On Monday afternoon, the Oklahoma WMU will hold its annual presidential election. Later that afternoon, Women’s Ministry and Global Missions will host the annual Missions Dinner to celebrate what the Lord continues to do through those on mission for Him in our state and around the world. In addition, there will be several ancillary events and a ministry exhibit area featuring extensive ministry resources available to all attendees.
South Tulsa Baptist Church 10310 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK 74133
2026 Pastors’ Conference: Monday, November 9, 2026
WMU President Election:
Monday, November 9, 2026
Missions Dinner:
Monday, November 9, 2026
9:00 am - 4:30 pm 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
2026 Annual Meeting: Monday, November 9, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 9:00 am - 11:30 am 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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PRAYER
D E V O T ED TO
ACT S 6:4 2 0 2 6 P A S TO R S ’ CO N F E R E N C E
OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS PASTORS’ CONFERENCE: ‘DEVOTED TO PRAYER’ By Jeff DeGiacomo TULSA— The Oklahoma Baptist Pastors’ Conference is an incredible gift to pastors and ministers as it provides opportunities for them to sit under the preaching of God’s Word to be encouraged, equipped and empowered to continue in the calling God has placed upon their lives.
Each of our preachers will give us practical takeaways and also lead us in a time of prayer as a part of their message. As we worship, we will also hear four testimonies from people who have devoted themselves to prayer and how the Lord has been working in them and their ministry.
This year the theme is “Devoted to Prayer.” It comes from Acts 6:4: “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” It is so easy to glaze As always, we will recognize one bivocational pastor over the first part of this verse and just focus on the who is faithfully serving in our state. This year we will ministry of the Word. The apostles, though, realized introduce a new award, “The Endurance Award,” which their most important work was to devote themselves recognizes a pastor in our state who has displayed to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Prayer is often faithful endurance in their ministry calling. the most important meeting aspect ministers forgo to To encourage attendees of the Pastors’ Conference, carry out ministry activities and responsibilities. That we will provide a prayer journal and a “catch-all” tray is why this year we want to provide an opportunity for displaying the number 6:4 to remind them to be devoted pastors and ministers alike to pray. Every preacher at to prayer. this year’s conference will testify to the power of prayer in their personal lives, family, ministry, and church. This In addition to the conference, Send Network Oklahoma is sponsoring a Pastors’ Lunch. The preacher for that year’s topics and preachers are: luncheon is Daniel Henderson. He serves as Founder • The Priority of Prayer - Brian Kennedy, Pastor of Mt. and President of Strategic Renewal and the Global Zion Baptist Church in Ontario, CA. Director of The 6:4 Fellowship, a coalition of pastors • The Pastor’s Personal, Steadfast and Powerful passionately committed to “prayer-and-word-powered” Prayer - Todd Kaunitz, Pastor of New Beginnings ministry (Acts 6:4). Every person registered for this event will receive lunch, an encouraging message and a copy Church in Longview, TX of Daniel’s book Transforming Prayer: How Everything • The Pastor’s Supporting Prayer - Jeff Iorg, President/ Changes When You Seek God’s Face. CEO SBC Executive Committee We encourage every pastor and minister to attend Tulsa, • The Pastor’s Intercessory Prayer - Heath Tucker, South Tulsa on Nov. 9. We are praying that God will Pastor of Edmond, Waterloo Road do a good work among Oklahoma Baptists during the conference, leading to more praying pastors, ministers • The Pastor’s Corporate Prayer - Nathan Lino, Pastor and churches in our state. of First Baptist Church in Forney, TX For more information about the Pastors’ Conference • The Pastor’s Family Prayer - Andy Harrison, Pastor visit oklahomabaptists.org/pastors/. of Pauls Valley, Trinity DeGiacomo, who is serving as Pastors’ Conference • The Pastor’s Persevering Prayer - Hance Dilbeck, President, is senior pastor of Immanuel, Shawnee. President/CEO Guidestone 10
October 2026
From Ashes to Beauty
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” -Isaiah 61:3
NEW YORK—In the middle of the 9/11 Memorial plaza stands a Callery pear tree that survived the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The plaza features two nearly one-acre sized reflecting pools situated in the footprints of the original World Trade Center’s 110-story Twin Towers. The plaza opened on Sept. 11, 2011, and occupies about half of the 16 acre site. The bronze panels framing the pools are inscribed with the names of 2,977 victims of 9/11 and the six people killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Approximately 400 Swamp White Oak trees fill the Memorial plaza around the pools. These trees are native to the areas of all three 9/11 crash sites: New York City; Arlington, Va.; and Somerset County, Pa. In October 2001, recovery workers discovered the severely damaged tree at Ground Zero. Members of the New York City Parks and Recreation Department removed it from the site and nursed it back to health. Having survived the events of 9/11, the tree became known as the “Survivor Tree.” It was returned to the World Trade Center site in 2010 and now stands on the plaza as a symbol of resilience and perseverance. It is eerily similar to downtown Oklahoma City’s own “Survivor Tree,” an American Elm which survived the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.
as a chaplain in the immediate aftermath of 9/11—and several times afterward in various roles—the anniversary trip brought back memories of the awful sights, sounds and smells of Ground Zero. As the fires continued to rage and smoke continued to rise in 2001, I stood amid the destruction and thanked the Lord for those courageous first responders who gave the last full measure of devotion to their fellow human beings. A quarter-century later, I was humbled again by the solemnity of the occasion, which was highlighted by the mournful strains of bagpipers playing “Amazing Grace.” The glorious sight of the 9/11 Survivor Tree flourishing amid what was once a desolate landscape brought a balm to my heart. As reverence reigned for the most part on the memorial plaza as the names of the victims were read aloud by family members, God reminded me that “the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” comes from Him alone. The “Survivor Trees” are evidence that life goes on. That light will drive away the darkness of fear and rage left behind. New York and Oklahoma City are sister cities in that their citizens have prospered in spite of the evildoers who planned their destruction. Evil will not triumph; God’s grace prevails! All glory be to Him whose tears water the desert of our souls!
Both of these trees symbolize the innate ability of people to survive the worst that humanity can throw Bob Nigh at them and thrive in the midst of shattered lives dusted Oklahoma Baptists by the ashes of fire fueled by hate. They have been Historical Secretary symbolically “watered” by the tears of those who lost family members in Oklahoma City, New York City, Arlington and Shanksville, Pa. Editor’s Note: The Baptist Messenger published a series Attending the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks this of articles and podcasts around the 25th anniversary of year was a bittersweet experience. Having volunteered 9/11, available to download at baptistmessenger.com. The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
Note: Bible translations may vary for clues
41 Psalm, sometimes 42 “Go ye into all the __, and preach” (Mark 16:15) 43 Edibles in Peter’s vision (Acts 11:5-7) 44 Pinch 45 Travel on foot 46 Beggar’s garb 47 Good News 49 German article 50 Eternity 53 I “am __ than the least of all saints” (Eph. 3:8)
55 Skeptic looks at 47 Across this way 57 Sinners run __ of God’s law 60 Modern missionary’s transport 62 Fully satisfy 63 45 Across woes 64 Device employer 65 Murdered, slangily 66 45 Across, perhaps 67 “The __ shall be first” (Matt. 20:16) 68 16 Across needed one at times (Abbr.)
DOWN
ACROSS 1 Eden’s gardener 5 “He...measured each __ of the porch” (Ezek. 40:48) 9 “He hath __ his bow” (Ps. 7:12) 13 Type choice 14 16 Across missionary companion 15 Church choir voice 16 Called “greatest missionary” 17 Opposed to (dial.) 18 Site of Christian martyrdom 19 Where believers first called Christians 21 Coastal city visited by 16 Across
23 Papua New Guinea city 24 Wager 25 OT prophet 29 “Many as are __ by the Spirit of God” (Rom. 8:14) 30 Sky color (Fr.) 32 Athletic org. (Abbr.) 33 Isaac to Esau: “Prepare me the kind of __ food I like” (Gen. 27:4 niv) 36 Knobs 37 NYSE heading 38 Joseph’s coat was multi-__ 39 Extremely zealous 40 Scotland house of worship
1 Dismay 2 Ephesians’ idol (Acts 19:28) 3 Serious 4 Saharan nation 5 God __ 1 Across in Eden 6 “We __ also to love one another” (1 John 4:11) 7 Slide on snow 8 16 Across knew how to make one 9 16 Across preached here 10 Perga to Derbe (dir.) 11 French negative 12 __-la-la, musical refrain 15 16 Across birthplace 20 Why “ye should not __ the truth?” (Gal. 3:1) 22 “Now __ your members...unto holiness” (Rom. 6:19) 26 Apostle Thomas’s mission destination, perhaps 27 Scuttle a shuttle 28 Opposite of doves 29 Company name ender (Abbr.) 30 Where to find 47 Across 31 They __ Jesus in a tomb 33 Sandal part 34 Visual partner 35 Leaks 36 God’s word as “a light that shineth in a __ place” (2 Peter 1:19) 39 Churns 40 Container
WORDSEARCH E O U E A Q J R J E K F R K Q G O S P E L M J A N B T E J Z W G U A F O F E E N H P Z R V P I K Y R I W V N K X L D G S T E C N J A D N D V O S F S K M M C L C A Y Q Q H R K U E B D T A H Q P S W U M X G Q J T M R R P G B Y W R Y S J I C M K I R V S S K N L H G Q Z E G Z V J G Y I G N O T Q O MW L S N U N A S H A M E D R G I F T B U T N S N U H M R P B I O D I N N E R R D Z P G C S E B S S S C E A R B Q H O T E L S I N K E O I E K L S M B I A E D A A G G X T R M O E A O F K C L X U V T O C Y T V Y R A C T X F H T A F Q Z L G E WM J E Q H G I A E B W P X A C T E A M Q O A Q B H I G S P B J N N R A Q A C N A D R D H G T H D R K W B L X R X G C C R M S Y N M D O K C G O O Y A S T A B L E S L E Q I B T O U N G M K O P N M X T C Y M V J I V U Y G A R O L A P J E B J K O A O E X T H E M E L B A V N I R B L T I W D G L Z W R Q G W I U P V A N Note: The word clues are chosen by Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random. 12
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42 60 Across features 43 John __, traveler with 16 Across 46 Vacation spot 48 Thud 49 Holy Land fruits 50 Authorize 51 Church ensemble, maybe 52 “I am poor and __” (Ps. 40:17) 54 Former name for 16 Across 56 16 Across mission territory 57 She was “taken in adultery, in the very __” (John 8:4) 58 “I thank my God...__ you all” (Rom. 1:8) 59 Lode yield 61 Uncle Sam’s land (Abbr.)
LAST MONTH ANSWERS
WORDS
ACTS ADVANCE ANNUAL ATTEND BARBARIAN CELEBRATE CHOIR DINNER ENERGIZE GOSPEL GREEK GUEST HOTEL
MEETING MISSIONS MUSIC NATIONS OKLAHOMA PASTOR PRAYER ROME TABLES TEAM THEME UNASHAMED
Church NEWS CHURCH PIANIST HONORED On Sunday, Sept. 20, Tipton, First held a celebration in honor of Karen Kirk, who has been serving a church pianist for 50 years. Kirk received gifts of appreciation and following the service, a lunch was served for more than 160 guests and members. Kirk has been playing piano since she was 4 years old and at age seven, “dedicated her life to God for His service at Falls Creek as a teenager. She has been using her Godgiven talent for the Lord all her life, always striving for excellence,” said Carl Ann Ward of Tipton, First.
CHURCH NEWS
75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR ALTUS, SOUTHSIDE On Sunday, Sept. 6, a 75th anniversary celebration service was held at Altus, Southside. The service included times of prayer, music and preaching, followed by a luncheon. Associational Missions Strategist Danny Ringer presented special recognition to pastor Jason Duree. Altus, Southside began as a church mission in 1946, and the church was organized and chartered in 1951. The church has “been a light in this community for Jesus” and will continue to be. Duree has been serving as pastor since 2002.
TRIBUTES Samuel Joseph Broughton died Aug. 23. He was a former pastor of Oklahoma City, Baptist Temple. Broughton served in churches in multiple states, and he also was an educator at The Academy of Classical Christian Studies.
Claire Alexandra Hall Conrad died Aug. 27. She was the wife of Spencer Conrad and participated in various ministries. The Baptist Messenger previously featured a story of Claire’s resilience and hope in Jesus in the face of a challenging cancer battle, when she was an undergraduate at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Tommie Jean Beddow died Aug. 30. She was the widow of Tom Beddow, who served as the Oklahoma Baptists Oil Patch Chaplaincy specialist. She and Tom were employed by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and served as a part of a team which coordinated Lay Renewals at churches throughout the state of Oklahoma.
The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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WALTER WILSON HANDING ‘BATON OF MINISTRY’ WITH OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS TO BERTHOLOMEW ‘PROPHET’ BAILEY By Brian Hobbs Walter Wilson will be making the transition away from his ministry leadership role with Oklahoma Baptists as African American Ministry Partner, concluding a faithful and fruitful season marked by church growth, pastoral encouragement, strengthening cooperation with African American churches in Oklahoma and the advance of the Gospel. Wilson, who began his ministry leadership role with Oklahoma Baptists in 2017, will be succeeded in his ministry role by Bertholomew “Prophet” Bailey. During his time with Oklahoma Baptists, Wilson also continued serving as pastor of Lawton, Friendship, where he has ministered for more than 17 years and where he will continue to serve as senior pastor.
WALTER WILSON: LEADER, PASTOR, GOSPEL MINISTER, FRIEND Through relationships, preaching, prayer, events and personal encouragement, God has used Walter Wilson to bear lasting ministry fruit in Oklahoma. Throughout his years of service, Wilson consistently pointed to God’s faithfulness and emphasized the value of churches working together through training, fellowship and shared mission. He championed cooperation by connecting pastors from many backgrounds and building strong partnerships across the state.
Wilson played a leading role in establishing the Oklahoma African American Fellowship. He also helped assemble a 100-voice choir from African American Oklahoma Baptists churches for the Oklahoma Baptists Annual Meeting Executive Director- and encouraged pastors and congregations as more Treasurer Todd Fisher African American churches connected with Oklahoma reflected on Wilson’s Baptists for fellowship, training and cooperative ministry. ministry and impact. A ministry trailblazer, Wilson is celebrated for his ability “Walter Wilson is a to bring people together for the sake of the Gospel. truly great leader. Wilson surrendered to Gospel ministry at New St. Paul Through his tireless Church in Texas in 1985. Before serving as a pastor, he work as a pastor served the church in numerous roles, including usher, and ministry partner, choir director, bass player, Sunday School teacher he has helped and superintendent, and ordained deacon. He later establish, encourage, pastored Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Garland, Texas, strengthen and grow helped plant churches through the Baptist General African American Convention of Texas and eventually accepted the call to churches in our state Lawton, Friendship. and expand the Kingdom of God. Walter has become a close personal friend and source of encouragement At Friendship, Wilson and the church have partnered to me. While we will greatly miss him in his role on with community organizations such as the Pregnancy staff, I thank the Lord for all the great things that have Resource Center, Great Plains Foundation and Hungry happened under his ministry leadership, and I pray he Hearts Ministry. The church also adopted a local street and his wonderful wife, Velma, have a blessed season to clean and maintain and has served the community of ministry.” through outreach efforts including block parties and food distribution. Fisher added, “As Walter hands this ministry role ‘baton’ to Prophet, the Lord has blessed us to be in a great place Wilson’s service has reflected a steady desire to of ministry now and well into the future.” establish and strengthen churches, encourage
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He has pastored and also helped churches strengthen young adult and men’s ministries across the state. Bailey and his wife, Nikol, have been married for 13 years and have three children. Bailey has described his family as active, prayerful and grateful for opportunities to serve the Lord together. Fisher said, “Prophet has served Oklahoma Baptists in his current role leading men’s ministry and young adult pastors, support church health and challenge discipleship in an outstanding way. I am grateful he will lostness together. His leadership has helped African continue his responsibilities with men’s ministry and very American churches build connections for training, confident he will continue the excellent work Walter fellowship and cooperative mission while keeping the has been doing as African American Ministry Partner. Gospel central. Prophet is a great asset to our Oklahoma Baptists team, Wilson and his wife, Velma Luckey Wilson, have been and I am excited to see how the Lord will use him in married for nearly five decades. They have one daughter, this new role.” LaQuetha, who is married to George Lewis, and For more information about Oklahoma Baptists ministry, two grandchildren. visit oklahomabaptists.org. His ministry has helped more churches connect with Editor’s Note: This article incorporates material previously Oklahoma Baptists and has served as a reminder that published by the Baptist Messenger and was expanded and churches united around the Gospel can move forward edited with the assistance of computer software tools for together in faith, fellowship and mission. clarity and readability.
BERTHOLOMEW “PROPHET” BAILEY TO ASSUME AFRICAN AMERICAN MINISTRY PARTNER ROLE Bertholomew “Prophet” Bailey Sr. will become African American Ministry Partner for Oklahoma Baptists, following Walter Wilson. Bailey brings broad ministry experience, deep Oklahoma Baptist roots and a strong commitment to helping churches reach people with the Gospel. A native of North Tulsa, Bailey grew up as the seventh of 11 children in a devoted Baptist family. His father, Bertrand M. Bailey Sr., served 38 years as pastor of St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, and his mother, Juandalyn J. Bailey, served as church secretary. Bailey said much of his childhood was spent at church, where his family participated in choir rehearsals, Sunday School, Bible study and worship. Several of his siblings serve in ministry, and Bailey and his three older brothers are ordained pastors.
The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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TODD SANDERS TO LEAD OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY EFFORTS It was recently announced to the Oklahoma Baptists Board of Directors that Todd Sanders will be moving into the role of Discipleship Ministry Partner for Oklahoma Baptists. Sanders, who has served Oklahoma Baptists since 2009 as a part of the youth ministry staff and has served as Falls Creek Program Director and Youth Ministry Partner since 2019, will make the transition into this new role on the Oklahoma Baptists staff this fall.
My wife Angela and I are confident that this is what the Lord has for us at this time. We are very excited about it,” Sanders added. Sanders holds a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry degree from New Orleans Seminary in Strategic Leadership and Christian Education. He is a Ph.D. resident through New Orleans Seminary in Christian Leadership and Christian Education.
“I am excited to work with Oklahoma Baptist churches Bertholomew “Prophet” Bailey, who recently moved to build healthy frameworks and develop discipleship to the role of African American Ministry Partner on the pathways that strengthen existing relationships, Oklahoma Baptists’ staff, had recently led in the area increase multigenerational cooperation and foster of Young Adult Discipleship. Sanders’ ministry focus genuine community in the church as a whole,” he said. will encompass all age-stages of discipleship in church “I’m also looking forward to encouraging and equipping life, as Oklahoma Baptists seek to serve and support all my brothers and sisters in Christ to grow in Christpastors and churches to advance the Gospel together. likeness, advance the Gospel, and foster the kind of Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer unity that makes the world want what we have. With Todd Fisher expressed enthusiasm for Sanders taking the Lord’s help and by His power, I believe I can help on this focused ministry role, and gratitude for his in these ways.” longstanding efforts and impact in youth ministry and at Falls Creek. He and his wife Angela, who is a published author and women’s ministry leader, have three grown children “Todd Sanders has been and will continue to be such and two grandchildren. Sanders will continue to assist an impactful and faithful leader for Oklahoma Baptists. in Falls Creek programming, as a new individual for His heart for the lost, his commitment to evangelism Falls Creek Program Director and Youth Ministry and discipleship, his experience and education—all of Partner is named and subsequently settles into these will be used by the Lord to advance the Gospel the role. in this key area of discipleship,” Fisher said. For more information about Oklahoma Baptists’ Reflecting on his ministry journey, Sanders emphasized ministry, visit oklahomabaptists.org. God’s call. “God’s call in our lives is dynamic. We always remain open to new directions, challenges and assignments. I am looking forward to taking on a new assignment and its new challenges,” Sanders said. “Since I became connected to the local church late in elementary school, trusted Christ as a teenager, and began my discipleship journey, I have had great examples, meaningful mentors and excellent educators who have fostered a passion for both personal and congregational discipleship in me. My educational and professional experience have only stoked this passion. 16
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2 0 2 6 M I S S I O N A RY
Join us throughout the year in praying for our missionaries, serving locally and around the world!
Why OK L A HOMA
Who & Where
O KLAHO MA
Matt Townsend
UGANDA
Hunger Funds
CHI LE
Caroline Reel
Colin & Larissa Stallcup
Prayer Guide
Matt serves as the BCM director at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he is actively sharing the Gospel with students, administrators, staff, faculty and coaches on campus. The BCM ministers to those on campus through their Late Night Bible Study, men’s and women’s Bible studies, Noonday meals, service projects on campus and devotions with various athletic teams.
How to Pray
Pray for the salvation of students and personnel at OPSU. The Lord has provided Matt and others with the BCM a unique opportunity to work with athletes at OPSU. Pray that they make the most of the opportunity to minister to athletes on campus. Pray for the spiritual growth of believers on campus and for divine appointments that they might share the Gospel with friends and coworkers.
Though difficult to imagine, there are Pray Oklahoma churches can continue hungry people in the metropolitan areas to partner with local school systems to of Oklahoma as well as the rural areas. distribute food to Oklahomans in need. According to statistics, 14.5% of Oklahoma Pray God will multiply resources, so no households are food insecure. Children Oklahoma families go hungry. are hungry, and parents are rationing food. Jesus Himself took care of this basic need Pray those receiving food will know that of people, and we are to do the same. Jesus loves them. Through hunger funds, churches are able to satisfy this basic need, do more evangelistic outreach, and impact lives. Caroline works with Sudanese refugees in Uganda’s captial city. Many refugees that have escaped war-torn countries are seeking a God who would love and save them. Through home visits, relationship building, meeting physical needs and providing programs that address mental trauma, Caroline and her team share Truth with people who ache for it.
Pray for God to draw refugees in Uganda to Himself—that they would know He is the One who meets their every need, and is the Source of true hope and peace.
After finishing language learning in Puebla, Colin, Larissa and their children will be heading to Santiago, Chile. They will be serving in a middle to upper class neighborhood, comprised of professionals and politicians. While the people of the area may have all the world has to offer, the area has little to no Gospel presence.
Pray that God would aid the Stallcup family as they discern where to live and minister in Santiago.
Pray for refugee believers in Uganda, that God would give them strength and vision to reach their own peoplewith the Gospel. Pray that trauma healing groups would multiply and continue so that more people who need it can find the hope that God offers us all.
Pray that the Stallcup family would boldly declare His glory among the people in Santiago. Pray that the people would see their desperate need of the Gospel, despite their material wealth.
To receive weekly missionary prayer requests, text the word PRAY to 833-942-3800.
The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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IN
ACTION!
The Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) Love in Action Gift Guide addresses diverse needs across the ministry through tangible gifts. Through your gift, you are supporting specific needs close to your heart. Together, we can bring the Hope of the gospel to the children and their families OBHC serves.
Give today!
$115
$75
$25
HOMES FOR CHILDREN
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
EDUCATION
$65
$500
$275
$50
COLLEGE AND CAREER
RENOVATE MINISTRY SITES
BABIES AND THEIR PARENTS
FOSTER CARE MINISTRIES
$150
$35
ANY AMOUNT
MAINTENANCE
SINGLE MOM AND HER CHILDREN
ALL MINISTRIES
You can provide a safe and loving environment for a child in need, help a child heal from past trauma and provide experiences for a child to expand their skills and hobbies.
You can provide stability for a child as they graduate high school and attend college or begin their careers. You can provide a safe place while they navigate early adulthood.
You can provide trauma training for OBHC staff as they help the children in need find healing, as well as counseling for OBHC staff and the children and families OBHC serves.
You can equip ministry sites with renovations or updates to better serve those in OBHC’s care and provide the opportunity to expand impact throughout the state by supporting new ministry sites as they open.
You can provide educational opportunities for children who are behind in school so they can graduate on time, in addition to parent education classes for single moms as they care for their children.
You can provide parents with life-affirming resources and encouragement they need to choose life. You can also partner with OBHC in providing support through their baby’s first birthday.
You can provide needed maintenance to our facilities, building upkeep, utilities and tools needed for day-to-day ministry work.
You can provide the means for a mom to create a brighter future for her family by providing life skills development, spiritual mentorship and community.
You can provide care for a foster family as they welcome children into their home and foster care training to ensure families feel supported.
When you give to “all ministries” your gift will immediately impact an area of the ministry that needs it most.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” PSALM 127:3 (ESV) 300 JOHNNY BENCH DRIVE, SUITE 450 I OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73104 I 405.363.6242 I obhc.org
TOOLBOX
WHAT TO DO WHEN A CRISIS HITS By Thomas Jordan and Brian Hobbs A crisis can come suddenly and unexpectedly in life. For churches, crises come in many different forms—natural disasters, personnel issues, building/facilities issues, conflict, financial, criminal allegations and more. While each kind of crisis presents unique challenges for a pastor and church congregation, there are some common best practices for pastors and church leaders to consider. Using the acronym C-R-I-S-I-S, consider the following steps in preparing for when a crisis hits.
C-LARIFY: The first step in a crisis is to ask clarifying questions when presented with an apparent crisis. This is only a preliminary gathering of facts. A leader or a team handling the crisis can gather relevant facts. Take any immediate required action, including addressing immediate safety and health needs. Next, conduct reporting for mandatory reporting scenarios without delay to DHS[child welfare]/law enforcement/authorities. R-ELY: Although this may not seem needed to say, we
should take on an attitude of prayer and acknowledge our reliance and dependence upon God in order for us to accomplish any good in His name. Once a crisis hits, feelings of imbalance and stress may come upon you. Acknowledge these feelings to the Lord and then turn to the Lord for his understanding and trust Him to make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-7).
I-NITIATE: Leaders cannot or should not “go it
alone” in dealing with a crisis. Initiate your response to the crisis by building your team. By building a team with certain key roles (legal, personnel, ministry care, operational, financial, communications), you will be equipped to handle the multiple aspects and challenges of a crisis. Ideally, your organization has a crisis team already in place when a crisis arises, so you only need to make small modifications depending on the nature of the crisis. When considering who is part of the crisis response team and the resources available to equip your team, don’t forget to involve your organization’s insurance company.
interest for a certain leader, address the leadership gaps. Third, build a plan for victim care. This can look like providing basic resources, referring victims to resources, presence, prayer, communication, and the pursuit of justice. Fourth, evaluate and take corrective action for circumstances the church controls that contributed to the harm in the crisis, if any. Fifth, adapt to the operations of your ministry to the reality of the new circumstances. Finally, build a communication plan, sharing information and your strategy with key leaders, then your membership, and then your community at large.
I-NFORM: Good communication is key in crisis
management. Be factual and compassionate when developing statements. Be aware that anything spoken or written could be shared with the general public. Have a designated spokesperson who is prepared, knowledgeable and articulate. Remember to inform key leaders in a timely manner, and have a plan to communicate to your congregation in a crisis. Consider the best means to keep congregation informed, such as a letter to be read aloud at a special-called business meeting (that is not livestreamed). Whenever difficult information is shared, consider having equipped people available to field questions and hear concerns. Interact with media judiciously—consider sharing prepared statements by email to the reporter, if it becomes necessary.
S-TICK TO IT: Crises can challenge our leadership
abilities in many ways and make a leader want to give up. A crisis can sometimes make or break a leader or organization. Stick to your plan, work it, and reassess as necessary. If we seek the Lord, minister to the hurting, make corrective actions when necessary, and communicate thoroughly with an appropriate amount of humility and transparency, we will have served faithfully, having placed our trust and dependency in the Lord.
Crises may feel intense for a combination of reasons, primarily because they often involve significant harm S-TRATEGIZE: Strategy will have different priorities being suffered or threatened. By employing these simple given the nature of the crisis, but the church should steps, and by relying on the Lord’s divine help, we can prioritize addressing any immediate safety concerns help manage the crisis and seek to honor the Lord that the church can be a part of addressing. Second, during difficult days. if the crisis creates leadership gaps or a conflict of Jordan and Hobbs serve on staff for Oklahoma Baptists. The Baptist Messenger | baptistmessenger.com
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