2021/September/30

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends First person: The Bible is the Word of God >> ADAM GREENWAY

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Podcasts & the pews

Just Joe: Tales from living dangerously >> JOE LIGON

OBU Prison Divinity Program offers hope and transformation

Oklahoma Baptists Board meets at Falls Creek

I grew up living dangerously. I am not talking about battling with bears, tackling tigers or skirmishing with Sasquatch kind of dangerous. That kind of stuff doesn’t even compare to the kind of dangerous I grew up with—at least according to today’s standards.

For example, I actually drank water from a water hose on numerous occasions. Little did I know back then, that could kill you dead!

I also actually rode in a car a bunch of times where no one, including me, was wearing a seat belt.

>> KENNY DAY

>> STAFF

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) President Heath A. Thomas, administrators, faculty, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) officials, Oklahoma Baptists leaders and 40 inmates from the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center (LARC) recently celebrated the beginning of a new program designed to transform the lives of inmates and their families while radically improving the culture within the prisons in which they reside.

DAVIS—On the heels of an eventful summer of missions and ministry, more than 50 members of Oklahoma Baptists board of directors and others gathered Sept. 14 at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center for a regularly-scheduled board meeting.

Oklahoma Baptists President Todd Fisher, who is senior pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel, led the meeting, which featured various ministry reports, times of prayer, fellowship and key business items.

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>> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Going Ku-Ku >> WALKER MOORE

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Appreciate your pastor >> BUDDY HUNT

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry Oklahoma Baptists worship music groups ready for Christmas >> CHRIS DOYLE

Page 10 | Church Toolbox 7 truths to consider when life hurts >> CHUCK LAWLESS

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

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First person: The Bible is the Word of God & ISSIONS SPORTS & >> by Adam Greenway

SOUTHWESTERN SEMINARY PRESIDENT

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)—Words matter. Without them, we cannot make claims or delineate truths. Sometimes, the claim we want to make or the truth we want to delineate focuses on just a single word. Indeed, a recent article illustrates the importance of the very word, “word.”

On Sept. 16, Baptist News Global published an opinion piece in which columnist Terry Austin argued that “the Bible is not the Word of God;” only “Jesus is the Word of God.” He made some of the same arguments that were a central motivation for the Southern Baptist Convention’s Conservative Resurgence several decades ago. I responded to the article with a tweet, noting the article is a reminder of why a high view of Scripture is the first non-negotiable pillar of our big-tent vision for Southwestern Seminary. The Bible is the Word of God written down, and Jesus is the Word of God incarnate, I noted.

Mr. Austin later responded to my tweet and essentially said that our tent is not big enough. On that point, we agree. The Southwestern Seminary tent is not big enough for people who deny that the Bible is the Word of God, instead affirming it only as the words of men. The Bible is not merely a record of how ancient men believed they encountered God experientially that somehow God can use today in a neo-orthodox or mystical way. Contra Austin’s assertion, the Bible is a collection of God’s words to us, not just a collection of words about God. Mark Wingfield, publisher of Baptist News Global, took note of my tweet, writing: L I N E bat“In case you’ve forgotten whatO theN two-decade NEW T TENwas tle within the Southern Baptist SIVE CON(SBC) XCLUConvention EB-E W about, our columnist, Terry Austin, stirred up the old debate with a piece he wrote this week about Jesus being the Word of God, not the Bible… You’ll recall that it was this very issue—the 2000 version of the doctrinal statement removed a line about Jesus being the criterion by which the Scripture is interpreted— FOthe INfrom that caused many of us to IC finally away ION Tbreak A L B U P SBC and its new devotion to Bible worship.”

M the Bible as the Word of God Obviously, affirming T R YBut Mr. Wingfield is not akin to worshiping M I N ItheS Bible. adds that in the Baptist News Global style guide: “We refer to the Bible as the ‘word’ of God, meaning it is the written word of God, but we refer to Jesus as the ‘Word’ of God, the incarnate spoken presence of God.” Mr. Wingfield’s statements remind me of two things.

First, the important theological issues atO stake X in the O O LofBbeing T H year 2000, when I had the privilege in OrlanC R U H C do as a messenger to the historic SBC annual meeting where the Baptist Faith and Message (BFM) was revised. It was there, of course, where the long-disputed wording about Jesus being the “criterion” by which the Bible is to be interpreted was clarified.

I was a student at Southwestern Seminary then, and I remember vividly being theSmeeting hall I F I Eina D A S S when C L debate during the BFM Texas pastor declared that the Bible was “just a book.” It is worth remembering that the original BFM adopted in 1925 did not include the criterion sentence. Indeed, it was added in 1963 specifically to rebut claims about the Bible coming out of the Elliot Controversy—a harbinger of the Broadman Bible Commentary controversy just a few E Slater.

I Cyears VO Garth Pybas, a member of the 1963 BFM revision committee, later went on record that the criterion statement was included precisely to refute claims of the Bible being just an error-filled book written by men. Unfortunately, because the criterion language was often used by some leaders and professors in Convention life to drive a wedge between Jesus and the Bible, claiming that the former, but not the latter, is the Word of God, clarification was necessary again in 2000.

The desire behind a broader interpretive understanding in 1963 is made clear in a 2004 doctoral dissertation by A.J. Smith. Through extensive research, Smith discovered that the original draft language of the criterion sentence was more expansive: “the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ.”

After reviewing that language, Dale Moody, theology professor at Southern Seminary, replied that the phrase “teachings of Jesus” should be struck as it was “already being used by fundamentalists to

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS OCT 7

Singing Churchmen Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Tulsa, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

OCT 14

Singing ChurchWomen West Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Lawton, First West oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

OCT 15-16

Send Relief Serve Tour Greater Tulsa area To register or for more information, visit ServeTour.org

SIV WEB-EXCLU OCT 16

Chaplain Refresher Training $10, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baptist Building oklahomabaptists.org/ chaplaincy

OCT 17

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

Durant, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

OCT 21

Singing ChurchWomen East Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Inola, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

TRUSTEES: EC responds to task force, authorizes funding at September meeting LAURA ERLANSON | SEPT 22

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

In its first meeting since messengers to the June 2021 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting called for an independent, thirdparty review of the SBC Executive Committee, the EC responded to several routine motions and moved to fund the independent review but declined to waive attorney-client privilege for the time being.

EVENTS

Pro-lifers hopeful as high court sets date for abortion ban arguments TOM STRODE | SEPT 22

Southern Baptists and other pro-life advocates greeted with hopefulness the news that a date has been set for arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the most significant abortion case in nearly three decades.

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 40,221. 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. September 30, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 17.

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

EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF

>> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com

FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

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prove that Moses wrote all five books of the E PenNT AINM tateuch… the unity E of N theTbook and the E RofTIsaiah…

Exile date for Daniel.” He knew the original draft language would undermine what many of his faculty colleagues were already teaching, and argued (successfully) that it should be reduced simply to “is Jesus Christ,” thereby allowing interpretive latitude for those whose trajectory P was O P L E to&sepaEultimately rate Jesus from the Bible as “the Word ofN God.” EWS H C R U H C Second, I am reminded of the claims made after the 2000 SBC Annual Meeting by some dissenters to the updated confessional language removing the criterion sentence and replacing it with the affirmation, “All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.” Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler, former Woman’s RE T UMisL U C & S W E sionary Union executive N secretary and early leader with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), was quoted at the 2000 CBF general assembly saying that “Southern Baptists have the Bible as their authority while the CBF has Jesus as theirs.”

Such a sentiment is utter nonsense. What Jesus is she referencing? The Jesus of Scripture. There is no true knowledge of Jesus apart from that which we find in the pages of the Bible. It is a fool’s errand to pit Jesus and the Bible against each other. Her sentiment, however, demonstrated the deep divide between conservatives and moderates at the time.

The 2000 debate about the Bible was the crescendo of the Conservative Resurgence, which worked to clarify unambiguously where Southern Baptists stood on this critical issue. The Bible is the Word of God, and here we stand with clarity and conviction. Not a single person on the faculty of Southwestern Seminary today believes otherwise, and I am confident the same is true of our five sister SBC seminaries.

All Southern Baptists can and should have confidence that the same convictions fought for in the Conservative Resurgence are maintained today.

There is not and should never be any liberal drift related to the inspiration, authority E I N sufficiency N L and EW O Nwritten of the Bible as the Word of God. NT EBecause, T USIVE CON after all, words -EXCLmatter.

EBindeed Wdo

September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

>> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Just Joe: Tales from living dangerously But perhaps the most dangerous thing I did growing up had to do with riding my bike. Back then, our safety gear consisted of worn out PF Flyers on our Oklahoma Baptists’ Interim Executive Director-Treasurer feet, cut off jean shorts and a worn out t-shirt. Today, kids who go out to ride their bikes wear more @marlowpreacher safety gear than those original Gemini astronauts.

In fact, it is amazing to me that kids wearing that I grew up living dangerously. I am not talking about much safety gear can even walk to their bikes much battling with bears, tackling tigers or skirmishing less ride them. with Sasquatch kind of dangerous. That kind of stuff Some of you are probably wondering if I ever had doesn’t even compare to the kind of dangerous I grew a bike wreck when I was growing up. Of course I did. up with—at least according to today’s standards.

All of the kids back then were incredibly prone to bike For example, I actually drank water from a water wrecks. But unless you had a bone sticking out of your hose on numerous occasions. Little did I know back body in a place that it wasn’t sticking out before the then, that could kill you dead! wreck, you just rubbed dirt on your injury, straightI also actually rode in a car a bunch of times ened out your handle bars, and got back on your bike. where no one, including me, was wearing a seat And if you did have an extraneous bone protruding belt. In fact, I can remember riding on that place from your body and you went home, your mom was between the back seat and the back window. Little more than likely going to put some Campho Phenique did I know that people up to 21 years old and un- on it, cover it with a Band-Aid, and then give you a couder 200 pound are supposed to be buckled into an ple of pieces of bacon because bacon makes everyindestructible car seat. And anyone over that age thing better. That’s just how we rolled back in the day. and weight needs to be strapped in with seat belts.

Sometimes it was more than one kid who got hurt Little league baseball was another one of those dan- in a bike wreck. Occasionally, one of your buddies gerous things I did. Our “batting helmets” consisted of would ask you if you would pump him somewhere. two pieces of hard plastic that were connected with For the uninitiated among you, that meant your strips of elastic and were intended to cover our ears. buddy was asking if you could give him a ride someOf course, that left our foreheads and the top of our where. The answer was always “yes, I will pump you.” heads completely exposed. At some point, someone Back then, there were just a couple of options when it involved with little league baseball obviously made came to two kids riding the same bike. Sometimes our the decision that it was better for a kid not to get a bikes (especially the older ones) had a flat, metal piece cauliflower ear from getting hit in the ear with a base- that extended over the back tire. That made a good seat ball than it was to take one off the noggin. for your buddy as you pumped him somewhere.

Joe Ligon

Sometimes our bikes (especially the newer ones) had an elongated seat that we called a banana seat that provided room for two kids. But more often than not, the buddy that wanted you to pump him somewhere would go around to the front of your bike and hop up on the handle bars. And then you would start pumping him to his destination.

That wasn’t the safest way to get your buddy to his destination, but it was efficient. At least it was efficient until you wrecked your bike and you and your buddy both had bones sticking out of your bodies.

Interestingly enough, we never complained about pumping someone somewhere. In fact, we often saw it as an adventure and an opportunity for you and the kid on your handlebars to see how far you could go before you wrecked. Those were good days—dangerous days—but good days.

I am not sure when the last time was that someone asked me to pump them somewhere. But occasionally, someone could sure use someone to just walk alongside of them to their destination. It might be way out of your way. It might take you further than you really want to go. It might postpone your doing something else that you wanted to do.

But sometimes, folks just need us to go with them to a particular destination or through a particular season of life. Let me encourage you to take the opportunity to walk with someone anyway.

And remember, if you are not sure how that might turn out, take some bacon with you. Bacon makes everything better.

Sword & trowel: Podcasts & the pews Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

In recent centuries, there have been nearly limitless advances in communications technology. From the invention of the wired telegraph in 1837, to the radio in 1895, to the Internet in 1991, people have been able to share information at an ever more rapid pace.

With each advance, this means Christians have increasingly been able to share the Gospel over new media. One of the fastest growing communication platforms today is podcasting.

According to a Forbes Magazine survey “in 2020, 37 percent of Americans (age 12 and older) listen to at least one podcast each month, up from 32 percent in 2019. The continued growth of podcast listening is expected. In 2020, an estimated 100 million people listened to a podcast each month, and it’s expected to reach 125 million in 2022.”

Research shows that podcasting is increasingly reaching the younger generation, whom we are urgently trying to reach for Christ.

I am thankful to report that Oklahoma Baptists have been on the leading edge of leveraging podcasting technology for the sake of the Gospel. In fact, October of this year marks the 12th anniversary since the beginning of “Insight Podcast,” a news and information podcast program presented by the Baptist Messenger and Oklahoma Baptists.

Since “Insight Podcast” first launched, the program has aired nearly 450 episodes and developed into a weekly program. With each episode averaging 20 minutes in length, “Insight Podcast” takes on key issues facing the church. From missions to evangelism, church planting to parenting advice, religious liberty to protecting the unborn, the program has featured a wide array of authors, pastors, missionaries and other guests.

From among the nearly 450 episodes available online at baptistmessenger.com/podcast, several feature guests people might recognize, including Franklin Graham, Joni Eareckson Tada, Albert Mohler, Dennis Jernigan, Kirk Cameron, Lee Strobel, Michael W. Smith and others.

Yet many of the most downloaded episodes were not necessarily featuring a nationally-recognized name. They are the episodes featuring Oklahoma Baptists who are helping advance the Gospel right

here in Oklahoma and around the world.

From news in local churches and associations, to news at the state convention—or key updates from Oklahoma Baptist University and Baptist Village Communities—“Insight Podcast” is putting a spotlight on what God is doing right here in Oklahoma.

“Insight Podcast” is free to download and is now available on all major podcast platforms, including iTunes and Spotify, along with the Messenger’s website. Each episode is hosted by Chris Forbes, myself, or other hand-picked show hosts.

I would encourage you to go online to baptistmessenger.com/podcast today to hear an episode, or simply search for “Baptist Messenger” in your preferred podcast platform.

I would also encourage pastors and churches to consider podcasting opportunities themselves. Podcasting is increasingly becoming a great tool for churches to reach people who are not currently in church.

When God allows people to make a communications or technological advance, we can and should find a way to harness it for the Kingdom. In the end, God calls us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:14).

Whether in person or by pulpit or by podcast, today, let’s all talk about Jesus.

Voices | September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: Going Ku-Ku & PORTS

& MISSIONS Walker Moore M I N I S T RY

S MENT E N T E R TA I N

President Emeritus of Awe Star Ministries Email | walker@awestar.org @WalkerDeanMoore

X L B inOChillicothe, O Oyears T H I spent my teenage Mo. I lived C R U H C

there during the “Happy Days” era of our culture.

The town was perfect for teenagers. On the north end of town was the Ku-Ku hamburger joint. There were more than 200 of them during the ’60s. Most of these restaurants were in the shape of a cuckoo clock with the iconic cuckoo bird perched on a plank near theF EofDtheS building. The food was I topIand C L A S Sgood, reasonably you couldn’t beat the price.

Our Ku-Ku restaurant was in the parking lot of a shopping center. As you came out of the Ku-Ku, you turned left and headed south on Washington Street for 2 1/2 miles. When you reached the south end of town, you made a left-hand turn, pulling into the Dog n Suds restaurant. You drove slowly around, S all the cars and people, and O I C Eout Vchecking then headed back north to the Ku-Ku. Every Friday and Saturday night, almost every teenager was on this loop, driving from one end of town to the other. Sometimes we would park and lean against our car, watching the parade of friends go by. We took notice of who rode with whom.

In those days, we modified our cars. We thought it was cool to install a set of Cherry Bomb mufflers and feel the legendary deep and mellow thump as we crept along. We hand-washed and waxed our cars just for the night. Sometimes we would jump into a friend’s car to make the loop or get in our own and join the parade.

It seemed as though our town was divided into two groups: the Ku-Ku group and the Dog n Suds group.

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N I hung out on the north end at the Ku-Ku, which may explain how I ended up where I am today.

E FriendI have such great memories of these T U Ryears.

L U C & S W E ships were Nmade, love connections were made and lost, all in one day. But all good things must come to an end, and the Ku-Ku chain went out of business—or so I thought.

Not long ago, I was on my way to speak at Lenexa Baptist Church in Lenexa, Kan. I had Googled my route, and I discovered I would be going through Miami, Okla., during lunch hour. I got on Trip Advisor to check out places to eat, and up popped a KuKu restaurant.

The site went on to say that the Waylan’s Ku-Ku restaurant was built in 1965 and is the last Ku-Ku restaurant left in America. On Friday, I pulled into the Ku-Ku parking lot. Out front, they have a display of vintage cars. I ordered my usual. The burgers are still good; the French fries are hot, and the memories of days gone by remain vibrant.

I finished my conference in Lenexa at 11 a.m. and had to leave for Hannibal, to speak at the 150th anniversary of Antioch Baptist, the church where my wife and I were married. The drive is straight across Missouri from Kansas to a few feet from the Illinois state line.

It was a tight schedule, but our route took us through Chillicothe. I pulled off the highway and made the loop one more time. It was a little sad: the Dog n Suds is gone; the Ku-Ku is gone, but halfway between these two on the loop is Calvary Baptist Church. This is the church where I learned about missions in the Royal Ambassador program. It is the church where I felt the call to ministry, and it is the church that licensed me to preach the Gospel. It is also the church that kept me grounded during my teenage years.

Yes, right between the Ku-Ku and the Dog n Suds, God had a church. I can’t go back to these restaurants, but I can return to the church. Many of those who poured into me as a youth are still living. Like me, they are older and slower, but they are still serving the church. The only things that will last for eternity are the things God has done through his people.

As you can see, this experience was quite a journey—from finding the last Ku-Ku restaurant to returning to where God touched my life and finally speaking in the church where I met and married my wife. I am usually so busy that I don’t take time to reflect; I need to stop and reflect more, because God asks us to look back on His work: “Remember Your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1a).

Besides, if you don’t reflect, you might go Ku-Ku!

Appreciate your pastor Buddy Hunt Oklahoma Baptists Regional Ministry Partner

The month of October is “Pastor Appreciation Month.” You may be wondering who started this recognition for Pastors. It was actually the Apostle Paul.

In 1 Tim. 5:17, Paul says “The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” God’s Word says we are to give double honor, not just honor, but double honor to those who preach and teach the Word.

Honoring pastors in October actually began in 1992 with the purpose of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries, and ministry workers. Everyone loves to be appreciated and encouraged, and probably no one ever gets too much appreciation and encouragement.

Yes, there are those who really do think that pastors only work one day a week. On Sunday, without any preparation, the preacher steps into the pulpit, and his sermon just starts flowing out of his mouth.

Though this is a common presumption, it is not reality. The pastor spends hours preparing just one sermon, and many pastors preach at least two if not three sermons a week.

Then there are the outreach, ministry and hospital visits a pastor makes each week. No matter the size of the church, there are several hours of administration work a pastor needs to take care of each week. Not to mention the phone calls, the drop-in visits, the counseling and so many other unplanned things a pastor has to handle on a daily basis. The

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truth is, a pastor is on-call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You might say a pastor’s work is never done, and you would be correct.

Pastors are God-called servant-leaders who minister to God’s people. They spiritually feed the people of God through preaching and teaching God’s Word and lead God’s people by providing spiritual oversight of the church. They definitely deserve double honor, and the month of October is an excellent time to show your pastor your appreciation for all he does each and every day of the year.

Here are some ways you can show appreciation to your pastor: • Send him a letter of appreciation for all the he does for the Lord and your church throughout the year.

• Put together a video to show on Sunday morning of members giving testimonies of what your pastor means to the members.

• Throw a surprise party or fellowship for him.

• Buy your pastor and his wife dinner, or invite them over to your home for a meal.

• Give them a gift or gift card to show them your appreciation.

• Offer to mow your pastor’s lawn or clean their house to show appreciation to his wife who also needs encouragement and appreciation.

• If they have children, offer to babysit, so they can go out for a date night.

September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

• Take up a love offering for your pastor and his family, so they can go away for a short vacation or maybe a week’s vacation.

By the way, don’t stop with the pastor. Show encouragement and appreciation to all your ministerial staff. Sometimes they may need it most of all.

If your pastor is a multi-vocational pastor, he is our hero and probably deserves triple honor.

Thank you, Pastors, ministerial staff, and all those who have answered God’s call to ministry. Oklahoma Baptists appreciate all you do for the Lord and for advancing the Gospel together.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

Oklahoma Baptists worship music groups ready for Christmas PEOPLE & OX OOLB CHURCH T

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1) Randy Lind leads a rehearsal with the Singing Churchmen at Oklahoma Baptist University. 2) The Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus, with Lind, front center, and director Wynn Anne Hook, front center left, were a part of the recording ‘The Majesty of Christmas.’ >> PHOTOS: 1) CHRIS DOYLE; 2) PROVIDED

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>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

The Singing Churchmen (SCM), Singing ChurchWomen (SCW), Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus and Oklahoma Student Worship Choir joined together to perform a Christmas project.

In August, all Oklahoma Baptists worship music groups recorded “The Majesty of Christmas” at Moore, First. Randy Lind, Oklahoma Baptists worship-music ministry partner, led the conglomeration in the recording of the Christmas cantata that will be published through Lifeway Christian Resources.

“This is a project that is produced by Phil Barfoot, and this is the Christmas project for Lifeway,” Lind said “They are going to print this for 2022.

We will be doing the premiere on Nov. 4 at Moore, First at 7 p.m.”

O I music groups Lind also said theV worship also will perform a premier in New York City’s Carnegie Hall this November.

SCW going to Nashville The Singing ChurchWomen are preparing for a trip to Nashville in October to do a studio recording. Lind said the trip has other highlights.

“This was a trip that was scheduled two years ago,” he said. “We are going to be singing in a church in Nashville, plus going to a Night of Worship with the Dallas, Texas, Prestonwood choir and Ricky Skaggs.”

Many will also be attending the Dove Awards, Lind said.

“This will be our first studio project in years, and it will be a great experience for the ChurchWomen,” he said.

SCW begin their 2021-22 season in October with regional performances. SCW-West will have a concert at Lawton, First West on Oct. 14, and SCW-East

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

OPPORTUN

Cleaning?

I

OKLAHOMA

These ministries have various on-going 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

will be performing at Inola, First on Oct. 21. All performances begin at 7 p.m.

Visit oklahomabaptists.org/worship-music/scw for the complete concert schedule.

SCM celebrate 60 years in upcoming season Singing Churchmen are celebrating their 60th year in the group’s 2021-22 season. The first performance will be at Tulsa, First, Oct. 7. Other stops include Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, Jan. 13; Tulsa, South Tulsa, Feb. 3; Ponca City, First, March 3; and Oklahoma Baptist University, April 7. All performances begin at 7 p.m.

For all schedules of Oklahoma Baptists worship music groups, including Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus, Oklahoma Student Worship Choir and Oklahoma Baptist Symphony, visit oklahomabaptists.org/worship-music.

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Oct. 30—DR Facility, 7180 NW Expressway, Okarche 73762 Visit okdisasterhelp.org for the most recent information and to register.

Chaplaincy: Oct. 16—Refresher training for endorsed chaplains. $10.00 payable in advance; Baptist Building, 3800 N. May Ave., OKC; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To register, email: mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org Deadline: Sept. 30.

Downsizing?

Need space?

Good News!

Love Packages is now in Oklahoma!

Give a second life to your used Bibles and Christian Books by donating them to be sent to hungry hearts overseas to 154 countries.

What we collect:

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Ronnie Payne

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Troy Taylor

Ronnie is Baptist Collegiate Ministries director at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. Pray for God to inspire creative ways to reach the NWOSU campus.

Troy is director of missions in Comanche Cotton Association.

His ministry includes encouraging and assisting the 57 churches in Comanche Cotton to fulfill the Great Commission.

•Bibles and New Testaments •Devotionals/Bible Study Books •Outdated curriculum/Quarterlies Find a drop-off location near you or contact us: On Facebook: Bible Rescue (map of drop-off locations) RescueBibles@gmail.com 918-732-9077 *Love the World!*

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

Missions & ministry | September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Send Relief Serve Tour to host first stop in Tulsa /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

On Oct. 15-16, Send Relief will host the first stop of the Send Relief Serve Tour in Tulsa. In cooperation with Oklahoma Baptists, local projects and events will occur that are designed to help churches minister to those communities and share the Gospel. >> PHOTOS: PROVIDED

>> by Brandon Elrod NAMB WRITER

TULSA—When Jordan Stowe, pastor of Sand Springs, Angus, heard about a tragedy in a local mobile home community, it led him to reach out to the manager to let them know he and the church were there for them if they needed anything.

Making that connection enabled Stowe to serve the family in need and share the Gospel with the manager of the complex. On Oct. 15-16, participants on the first stop of the Send Relief Serve Tour in Tulsa, will help build a needed fence for that community.

“This Serve Tour is a way to inspire and engage churches to take their next missional step in compassion ministry,” said Sammy Simmons, national project director with Send Relief. “Our heart is to engage with state convention, local association and local pastors to share the love of Christ throughout Tulsa.”

Volunteer teams from across North America will travel to serve those in the city through various projects and events.

“We have had a tremendous outpouring of Oklahoma Baptist churches who have signed up to be part of this Gospel effort,” said Alan Quigley,

associate executive director-church resources for Oklahoma Baptists. “We are praying that the Lord would move mightily through this tour.”

As churches and volunteers participate in the Serve Tour, they will meet tangible needs by painting schools, doing small construction projects and hosting block parties and assisting local church replants and revitalizations whose facilities may need repair.

Stowe has been a part of planning for the Tulsa stop of the Serve Tour. He hopes the event will inspire churches throughout Tulsa.

“Sometimes, a church can get their blinders on and see the main things they do inside their church building so much that they don’t see the needs outside their building,” Stowe said.

Opportunities to serve across the community will provide a model for how churches can replicate these methods of service to begin opening doors for the Gospel in their communities.

“Serving has been really impactful for us,” Stowe said. “So, having the opportunity to be a part of something like this on a much greater scale is pretty exciting for me. I saw what it’s doing for our church where we’re trying to breathe new life. It will be impactful for the churches that come and be a part of this.”

While churches and volunteer teams will come in from out of town, the projects they participate in will be connected to local churches in ways that will help them build long-term relationships with those in their community.

“We are just excited to love the Tulsa metro area and not just with projects but with sharing the Gospel,” said Mike Lehew, project manager for the tour stop and pastor of Sapulpa, Church Inside Out. “Our aim is to address the brokenness in our city with hope,” Lehew said. “My prayer is that through all of this the Tulsa metro area will know that Southern Baptists love Tulsa and that we don’t want something from them. We want something for them, and that’s hope through Christ.”

Tulsa is the first stop in Send Relief’s Serve Tour with additional stops beginning in 2022. More information about the Serve Tour can be found at ServeTour.org.

“We are pretty excited about being the first city that Send Relief has considered to do this,” Lehew said. “We are learning a lot and excited about what’s going to happen beyond Tulsa. My biggest prayer is that revival would start through this.”

OBU Prison Divinity Program offers hope and transformation /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Kenny Day

OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) President Heath A. Thomas, administrators, faculty, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) officials, Oklahoma Baptists leaders and 40 inmates from the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center (LARC) recently celebrated the beginning of a new program designed to transform the lives of inmates and their families while radically improving the culture within the prisons in which they reside.

The OBU Prison Divinity Program (PDP) formally celebrated the beginning of the fall semester, Sept. 7, with an OBU Convocation service very similar in nature to the service held every fall in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee. This service, however, was held inside the prison walls at the LARC in Lexington, and the students in attendance were inmates specially selected for this first-ever, four-year bachelor’s degree to be offered inside an Oklahoma prison.

OBU launched the Prison Divinity Program in partnership with ODOC and Oklahoma Baptists to positively transform the inmate population within the Oklahoma prison system through moral rehabilitation. Based on similar programs

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implemented in prisons in Louisiana and Texas, the program will produce graduates who will in turn positively impact other inmates within Oklahoma’s prisons and create positive change to the cultures in those facilities.

The service featured guest speakers including Gov. Stitt; President Thomas; OBU Dean of Theology, Arts and Humanities Matthew Emerson; OBU PDP Director Bruce Perkins; and former Oklahoma State Senator Wayne Shaw, who each encouraged and inspired the students, as well as a student/inmate-led time of praise and worship.

The 40 men enrolled in the 128 credit-hour program were selected from 172 applicants and 65 interviewees. They will complete courses over a fouryear period, receiving the same education in their bachelor’s degree program as students who are enrolled on the OBU campus in Shawnee. These students are likewise learning the traditions of Bison Hill and what it means to be an OBU student, including learning the famous school chant “KaRip.” The program is entirely funded through the generosity of donors, support through the Oklahoma Baptists and facilities provided by ODOC.

September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

Oklahoma Baptists Board meets at Falls Creek /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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>> by Staff DAVIS—On the heels of an eventful summer of missions and ministry, more than 50 members of Oklahoma Baptists board of directors and others gathered Sept. 14 at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center for a regularly-scheduled board meeting.

Oklahoma Baptists President Todd Fisher, who is senior pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel, led the meeting, which featured various ministry reports, times of prayer, fellowship and key business items.

Ligon lauds camp leaders, previews Annual Meeting theme In his address to the board, Joe Ligon, interim executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists, reported that a record number of campers—2,645— made professions of faith during the 2021 summer camp season of Falls Creek.

At the meeting, Ligon publicly recognized leaders with Associational Children’s Camp, CrossTimbers Mission Adventure Camp, Falls Creek, Indian Falls Creek and Collegiate Week.

“These leaders served the Lord faithfully this summer, in which we saw a record number of salvations,” Ligon said. “While we recognize the great challenges that COVID presented, we are thankful to God that He poured out His blessings on so many people.”

“These camp leaders are among my heroes, as they overcame so many challenges,” he said. “I’m so thankful for what they accomplished this summer, by God’s grace and power.”

Ligon also previewed the theme of the 2021 Annual Meeting, which is “One.” He noted that, in these divided times, churches need to be united in mission to advance the Gospel.

“Unity is the foundation of Gospel advance,” Ligon said. “Unity is not natural. Naturally, our sin divides. As we read the Scripture, it is clear the Spirit is who unites us. As our churches get stronger, more people will be saved. And as more people get saved, our churches will be stronger.”

Ligon noted that at the Annual Meeting (Nov. 1516 at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills), resources will be provided for pastors and churches to be able to focus upon biblical unity.

Key convention business covered Among business items conducted at the meeting, board members approved the 2022 financial plan for the state convention. With a total Cooperative Program objective of $24 million, 43 percent or $10,320,000 is designated to Southern Baptist Con-

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>> PHOTOS: 1) BRIAN HOBBS; 2) CHRIS DOYLE 1) Oklahoma Baptists board members approve a motion during the Sept. 14 meeting; 2) Thomas

Jordan, Oklahoma Baptists director of church/employee benefit services, introduces Barbara Spess, left, and Norma Woodard during a special recognition. Spess and Woodard have been leading tax seminars for Oklahoma Baptists for 34 and 24 years, respectively.

vention causes; 42 percent, or $10,080,000 is designated to Oklahoma Baptists; and 15 percent or $3,600,000 is for Oklahoma Baptists’ Affiliates.

The total 2022 financial plan increased by 1.3 percent from the 2021 plan. Oklahoma Baptists Chief Financial Officer Leslie Osborn thanked board members for their financial wisdom and oversight.

Michael Staton, pastor of Mustang, First, serves as chairman of the executive director-treasurer search committee. He shared an update with board members, noting that committee members have been meeting frequently, working the search process diligently and, above all, urgently seeking the Lord in prayer.

On Sept. 21, Staton contacted board members to schedule a specially-called business meeting for Oct. 5, as the search committee has now selected a candidate for executive director-treasurer. The candidate’s name was not shared in the announcement. The Messenger will offer news coverage of the Oct. 5 meeting at baptistmessenger.com.

Affiliates highlight ministry impact Each of the affiliates—Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC), WatersEdge Financial Services (formerly the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma), Baptist Village Communities (BVC) and Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU)—presented reports to the board.

OBHC President Greg McNeece shared that two of its Hope Pregnancy Centers are seeing a recent increase in abortion vulnerable clients, in the wake of the Texas Heartbeat law that halted abortions in the state of Texas. He noted that OBHC continues to see professions of faith through its ministries.

Jerry Vaughan, WatersEdge Ministry Services president, reported that the organization now serves churches in 22 different states through its church building loan program that enables churches to expand facilities in order to reach people for Christ, all while WatersEdge primary focus remains on Oklahoma Baptists.

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Bill Pierce, BVC president, noted that the ministry continues to be well-positioned to serve the aging population in Oklahoma.

“We have been doing what we do for 63 years,” Pierce said. He also shared his conviction that senior adults can and should continue to be involved in ministry service and volunteering.

“Spiritual gifts last all your life,” he said, “and I’m 100 percent convinced we can ignite a passion in this generation of older adults to serve.”

OBU President Heath Thomas shared his vision of “multiply,” and how the Lord is working in students’ lives at Bison Hill.

“We continue offer a distinctively Christian education. We are building future shapers who live all of life, all for Jesus,” Thomas said.

Regional ministry, global impact During the morning session, board members partipated in regional meetings. Members living in each of the four Oklahoma Baptist-designated regions—east, northwest, east central and southwest—met to strategize about ministry opportunities and to pray with one another.

Board members also met in the following committees: executive, church resources, communications/Cooperative Program, finance and support services.

In addition, board members heard from Mark Dance, pastoral development director and regional ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, about the “Ministry Pipeline.” This emphasis is organizing cohorts in churches across the state to mentor and meet with people who have sensed God’s call to ministry leadership.

The board received a clean audit opinion, as reported by Larry Rhodes, chairman of the Audit Committee.

The next board meeting is set for March 8 at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City.

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1) Inmates enrolled in the OBU Prison Divinity Program spend time in worship through music during the first OBU Convocation service at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center; 2) Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delivered an inspirational greeting to the students, encouraging them to persevere and to never give up; 3) OBU President Heath Thomas told the students ‘We believe in you and that you were called for a purpose;’ 4) Bruce Perkins, OBU Prison Divinity Program director, center black robe, and Thomas take a photo with members of the inaugural class of the OBU Prison Divinity Program. >> PHOTO: COY CYPERT

The LARC was specifically selected as the location for the program because inmates transfer to and from this facility to other prisons around the state. Upon completion of their degrees, graduates will be sent in teams of three or four as field ministers to other prisons throughout the state system. This element of equipping and sending inmates to minister to fellow inmates is a unique educational opportunity for those incarcerated.

Gov. Stitt, who reviewed the studies on the effectiveness of moral rehabilitation programs within prisons, personally invested time and resources into the program since its inception and advocat-

ed for the program’s creation. As he delivered an inspirational greeting to the students, he encouraged them to persevere and to never give up.

“God has His hand on your lives,” he said.

“There’s no telling what He is going to do for you and through you.”

Thomas recognized and thanked Governor Stitt, former Senator Shaw and ODOC Director Scott Crow for their partnership in OBU’s founding and establishing the program.

Thomas then delivered the Convocation address, telling the students, “We believe in you and that you were called for a purpose. God uses us no matter where we are or where He takes us. This is a worthy calling, a worthy mission.”

Visit okbu.edu/theology/prison-divinity for more information about the Prison Divinity Program at Oklahoma Baptist University.

Features | September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Momentum meets S D E LT U R E I F I S S A CL NE WS & CU at Yukon, Trinity VOICES Cheyenne, First celebrates 125 years

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

Above, Tom Richter, pastor of Cullman, Ala., First, speaks to more than 1,000 young adults during Momentum, Sept. 10 at Yukon, Trinity. The annual event is designed for young adults in the 18-24 year age range, no matter what they are experiencing in life.

Cody Dunbar and Matt Roberson led times of worship through music. Momentum also featured representatives from the International Mission Board. Oklahoma Baptists Conference Centers shared about opportunities to serve.

For more information about Young Adults and Baptist Collegiate Ministries visit oklahomabaptists.org/collegiate.

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Cheyenne, First celebrated its 125th anniversary with a two-day event, Sept.

18-19, that drew many current and previous members, pastors and staff members. The Saturday, Sept. 18, celebration service featured Earl Bengs, former pastor and retired missionary; Milton Gage, former pastor; Mark and Janice Brim, former music and youth pastor and wife; Ken Shiplet, former pastor; Jace Marrow, current youth pastor; Mark Jones, former music and youth pastor; Pat Doughterty former music and youth pastor; Fred King, former pastor; Jeff Hurlbut, former pastor; and Stephen Clark, former music and youth pastor.

Featured above are Danny Ringer, director of missions in Great Plains Association, recognizing Nelda Davis, left photo, as the oldest church member and Larry Bradshaw, as longest standing member. Ringer presented Davis and Bradshaw certificates from Oklahoma Baptists.

Coming event OCT. 27-28, 30-31. Lindsay, First, 401 S.W. 3rd Street, is hosting Judgement House. On Wednesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 28, performances will be from 6-9 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 30, performances will be from 1-4 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 31, performances will be from 3-6 p.m. Lindsay, First will start taking reservations Oct. 4. For reservations and further information, call 405/756-2266, Mondays through Thursdays from 8 am.-4 p.m.

September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

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Tulsa Festival for Christ DS LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE WS & CU makes Gospel impact 1

EWS CHURCH N CHURCH STAFF CHANGES CHAD KAMINISKI has resigned as pastor of Allen, First to serve in another position at a funeral home.

OMA H A L K O E H T HIVE T ARC P T I SPLEASE TO SHARE EMAIL ALL INFO B ANEWS,

VOICES

TO BAPTISTMESSENGER@OKBAPTIST.NET

Baptist Village Communities Names CDO >> by Jason Davis

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>> by Brian Hobbs

BVC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

EDITOR

TULSA—Tulsa, South Tulsa hosted a major five-day series of events designed to share the Gospel with people in the Tulsa and surrounding communities. The Tulsa Festival for Christ events took place Sept. 18-22 at South Tulsa’s church grounds, where hundreds of people gathered each day for the festivities.

Pastor Eric Costanzo was greatly encouraged by the response.

“This is a major undertaking to plan a series of outdoor events like this, but we have seen the Lord leading every step of the way,” Costanzo said. “He is at work in people’s hearts.”

From free food, a 5K/Family Fun Run and an outdoor concert featuring popular musician Grady Nichols, there were plenty of activities to attract attendees from the area.

Rich Conrad, a member at South Tulsa, shared his testimony on Sept. 20, how God radically saved him and how he prays thousands will ultimately come to Christ in the wake of the events.

Other speakers including Chris Stull, an Arizona pastor and church planter; Greg Stier

Baptist Village Communities (BVC) has named Steven J. Thomas as chief development officer. Thomas brings more than 35 years of development experience to the role.

This includes serving with Oklahoma Baptists, where he directed the capital campaign that raised more than $34 million for Falls Creek.

Steven J. Thomas He previously served at Oklahoma Baptist University and Golden Gate Seminary.

“Steve possesses an incredible amount of knowledge and proven success in not just development and fundraising, but in many other areas as well,” said Bill Pierce, BVC president. “We are very blessed that he is joining us in ministry as we seek out generous servants who can help us continue to shape the future of aging services.”

“There is no ministry operated by Oklahoma Baptists that touches more Oklahomans each day than that of Baptist Village Communities,” Thomas said. “I am blessed to be involved in helping others join BVC’s vision in preparing to meet the needs of the increasing number of senior adults.”

BVC is the largest not-for-profit provider of senior adult housing and services in Oklahoma, impacting the lives of more than 2,300 senior adults and their families. For more information about Baptist Village Communities or to learn how to support BVC’s ministry, call 866/887-2872, or visit baptistvillage.org.

>> PHOTOS: 1) BRIAN HOBBS; 2) FACEBOOK.COM

1) People gathered every evening during the Tulsa Festival of Christ; 2) The event featured many outdoor activities, food and fellowship and numerous guest speakers who shared the Gospel.

of Dare2Share Ministries; and Jeremy and Caleb Freeman, of Newcastle, First.

At the time of press, the total number of professions of faith and other spiritual decisions was not yet published. For photos and more information, visit southtulsa.org.

SUDOKU

RCH WORD SEA Note: The word clues for the Word Search are chosen by the Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random.

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>> PHOTO:STACIE MCCRACKEN

Oklahomans observe See You At The Pole

Schools and communities across the state of Oklahoma gathered around flag poles on Wednesday, Sept. 22 to observe the national prayer event, See You At The Pole (SYATP).

Featured above are students at Minco High School who met around their flag pole early Wednesday morning.

Todd Sanders, Oklahoma Baptists youth ministry partner, said about SYATP, “Encouraging to see Oklahoma Baptist leaders & students from every part of our state gathering at their schools together to pray! Asking the Lord for lasting fruit from these gatherings and for God to do what only He can do!”

Baptist Messenger will feature additional coverage in a future edition on Oklahoma Baptists participating in SYATP events.

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Construction Blinders BreatheOpportunities Churches Relationships Community

Gospel Impactful Impactful Projects Inspire Simmons Lehew

StoweConstruction Outpouring Relief Tangible Inspire Lehew Opportunities Outpouring Painting Send Tour Quigley Relationships Relief Send Projects Serve Tulsa Stowe Quigley Tangible Simmons Tour Tulsa Volunteers

People & Church News | September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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7 truths to consider DS CLASSIFIE when life hurts

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N F RO M T H E G E R S B LO G WO R D S L I N WS &

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REVIVAL AND COVID >> BLAKE GIDEON

VOICES

Comforter for those who follow Christ. And, it’s beyond my comprehension that God Himself has chosen to take up residence in us. The One who created us now lives in us.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was 4. Life makes little sense if it all ends previously featured on chucklawless.com. in death—but, it doesn’t end there. That was the Apostle Paul’s point, too, in 1 Cor. A few weeks ago, my family said goodbye 15:12-19. Our faith is worthless if there is no to my mother with a memorial service that resurrection, and life itself loses some of its I trust honored Mom and glorified the Lord. purpose if the grave is the end. It’s not the This was followed by my family celebrat- end, however. ing the homecoming of my father-in-law, 5. How we live today will determine who recently passed away. Needless to say, how we are remembered tomorrow. It’s the last month has been gut-wrenching at my blessing to celebrate my mom’s last six times, but we’ve learned some things that months of life after she became a believer, might be helpful to you: and I’m equally grateful for my father-in1. The peace God gives may be beyond law’s many years of faithfully walking with our understanding (Phil. 4:7), but it’s real God. I cannot describe the joy I feel when nonetheless. In no way can I explain how we talk about their faith. we’ve rested in the power of God’s grace 6. Our worries and anxieties seem a and the promise of eternal life—but the little silly when eternity is in view. HonLord has made Himself known through it all. estly,EI’m embarrassed these days about T H that have sometimes consumed my O Mthings F Rus. We can trust Him when life rages around G past. If I believe God is in LOthe E R S Bin 2. Grieving is right, but we truly R doDgrieve S L I N Gthinking O W differently than the world does. Frankly, I control of forever, I can surely trust Him don’t know how non-believers face the reali- with today. ty of death with any hope at all. My fear is they 7. The celebration of life ought to also bank on a false hope that all good people go increase our burden over the destiny of to heaven apart from a relationship with Je- the unsaved. I am at complete peace about sus. No matter what trouble we believers face my mom and my father-in-law. I have no S though, over others I love who in this world, our grief is temporary. peace, S AY E such V A D 3. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us is don’t yet know Jesus. In fact, my heart ansupernaturally calming. He is, after all, the guishes over them today. >> by Chuck Lawless

SOUTHEASTERN SEMINARY DEAN OF DOCTORAL STUDIES, CHUCKLAWLESS.COM

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

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

LOT T I E M O O N C H R I S TM A S O FFE R I N G®

NOVEMBER 15-16, 2021 OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

Downloadable resources for this year’s Week of Prayer (Nov. 28-Dec. 5) and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® are available now on the IMB’s website.

The 2021 Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists is Nov. 15-16, at OKC, Southern Hills. To pre-register and find other important information visit:

imb.org/lmco and imb.org/weekofprayer

oklahomabaptists.org/annual-meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY, SOUTHERN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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September 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

Recently my wife and I had aA bad Y Scase of COVID. We S E V A D spent four weeks doing nothing except lying around in bed. Kelly even spent six days in the hospital on oxygen.

It hit us hard. We are so grateful for all those who reached out and checked on us. My heart goes out to all who have faced a similar trial or even lost loved ones to this virus.

At the same time, I realize now that Kelly S I are ultiI S T and P Tmight A B A M mately thankful we got the virus.

That catch you off O H OKLA T H G I L H guard, but let me explain why.

E H IG E S O URCthe Before weRcontracted virus, we were super busy with church stuff and kid’s activities. Plus, I was traveling to a lot of different places to preach. So, I had gotten into a routine of just going through the motions. Sadly, I was even letting my guard down in some regions of my life. But when I contracted COVID, God put me in a quiet place. It was there in the quiet place that God once again got a hold of my heart.

While I was in this place, I focused on four things, and I want to share them with you.

First, I remembered God’s past faithfulness. God has been so faithful to me. He has never let me down. Nor has He ever failed to provide for my family. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He faithfully led His chosen people out of Egyptian bondage and through the Red Sea.

To read the rest of Blake’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-revival-and-covid

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

D AV E S AY S KEEP THINGS FRIENDLY, BUT REACH AN UNDERSTANDING Dear Dave, B A P TWeI S T S A M My husband and I own a small business.

O H A L OK I GHtoT have a large account providing H IG H Litems E wholesale C R U O S E R a client. Our original agreement was to work on 30-day payment periods, but he is three months behind on the bill. We live in a small town, and the businesses here stick together and help each other out, so we don’t want to ruin the relationship. Do you have some advice on handling this situation?

—Hollie Dear Hollie, From what you said, I assume this guy’s not a cheat or anything like that. He’s probably like a lot of small business owners in that he’s just a little disorganized. Still, you need to correct this behavior.

If it were me, I’d go to his office and have a friendly, sit-down meeting about things. There’s no reason to start throwing threats around, but he needs to understand you can’t be his bank. You’re a small business, too, and you need your money.

Ask a few questions, and find out what’s really going on. Then, let him know it will help matters if he can get current on the bill by a certain date. You’ve provided goods and services, and he owes you money, so this is a fair request. You might think about adjusting your payment agreement to reflect that once he’s current, payment must be within 10 days of delivery from that point on.

If that’s not workable, you may have to switch to a cash-only basis—where payment is due on delivery. And if none of these options work, well, you should probably tell him to find another supplier.

—Dave

The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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Rate: $1.00 per word, $25.00 per issue, minimum • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form in need of a lead vocalist/keyboard or guitar player. We have a bass player & drummer in place already. Email Pastor Adam at: adamlamle@att.net.

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JO B L ISTIN G V EH IC L E M ISC.

ma. Please send resumes to: tushkabaptist@gmail. com or mail to: Tushka Baptist Church, 202 N.E. 2nd St. Atoka, OK 74525, Att. Pastors Search Community.

E SYOUTH PASTOR: NewPoint Church, Ponca V O I C>>F/T City, OK is seeking a F/T Youth Pastor responsible

EMPLOYM ENT

>>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Chisholm Heights Baptist Church Mustang is looking for a F/T Student Minister. If interested, please send resumes to: Student Ministry Search Committee, 2243 W. State Highway 152 Mustang, OK. 73064 or email: dbryan@chbcmustang.org.

>>WORSHIP LEADER: First Baptist Church Antlers, OK, is seeking a Worship Leader to lead our blended worship service as well as our choir. Email resume to: Search Committee, fbcantlers@hotmail.com or mail resume to: 208 NE B Street, Antlers, OK 74523.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: College Heights Baptist of Chickasha, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: College Heights Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Chickasha, OK 73023 or by email to: chbcsearchcmte@gmail.com

>>PASTOR: We’re seeking a God called Pastor to lead & disciple our congregation. We’re a small church in a rural town with opportunities to minister to members & the community. Send resume to: richardking6735@gmail. com or FBC, P.O. Box 67, Mannsville, OK 73447.

>>F/T PASTOR: Southside Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Mail cover letter, resume & current sermon video to: 1223 S. Perkins Rd. Stillwater, OK, 74074 or email: southsidestillwater@gmail.com with the subject as ATTN: Pastor Search Committee.

>> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: First Baptist Duncan is prayerfully searching for a F/T Youth Pastor.

Please send resumes to: youth@fbcduncan.com. >> BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Worship Minister. Please submit resume & cover letter to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. >> BI/VO YOUTH/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Enterprise Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Youth Pastor/Associate Pastor. We are excited to meet the man God calls to help our small Church. Please send your resume to: brandonsburris@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Spring River Indian Baptist 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. >>COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Chisholm Heights Baptist in Mustang, seeks a Communications Specialist skilled in graphic design, video production/editing, bulletin creation & social media presence. Email resume & portfolio to: jkimes@chbcmustang.org. >>F/T STUDENT/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Harmony Baptist Church Atoka is in search of a F/T Students/Associate Pastor. If you are someone called to serve Christ, students & His church please submit your resume to: harmonybaptistatoka@hotmail.com. Contact (580) 889-2646 for more info.

>>F/T WORSHIP/YOUTH PASTOR: North Fork Baptist Church in Eufaula is seeking a minister to lead these ministries. We will consider P/T for both positions separated. Please submit resumes to: P.O. Box 506, Eufaula, OK 74432 or northforkeufaula@gmail.com. >>F/T OR P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK. Send resume to: Sharon Baptist Church, Music Search Committee, 19002 Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801 or email at: cdpreacher@gmail.com. Resumes due by 9/20/21 >>F/T PASTOR: Overbrook OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email a cover letter & resume to: Eastman Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, 5343 Eastman Rd., Overbrook, OK, 73453 or eastmanchurch@gmail.com.

for developing & leading all aspects of the 6th-12th grade Student Ministry of NewPoint Church. Email: info@newpoint.church for more info or to apply.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: FBC of Muskogee is seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: tiff_tennant@yahoo.com or mailed to: 111 S. 7th St., Muskogee, OK 74401. >>BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC, a small rural church, is accepting resumes for a BI/VO Youth Pastor. Send resumes to: FBC, P.O. Box 150, Thackerville, OK 73459, Atten: Clerk OR email to: fbc_clerk@yahoo.com.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Highland Park Baptist Duncan is seeking a Pastor to lead our church & inspire our youth. Please come grow our church with a loving spirit. Please send resumes to: hpbc@ cableone.net or 1002 S. 10th St, Duncan, OK 73533.

>>MINISTER: Grace Baptist Church in Chickasha, OK is accepting applications for a Minister. Please send resumes to: Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 644, Chickasha, OK 73023. Contact Royce at (405) 201-7796 or Gary at (405) 922-0134 with questions.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Lone Star Baptist Church, a rural small in attendance church near Miami, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor to lead their multigenerational congregation.

Send resume to the church at: P.O. Box 561, Afton, OK 74331 or email jasonggibson@gmail.com.

>>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: The FBC of Fort Gibson, OK is searching for a F/T Youth Pastor. All Candidates please send your resume & cover letter to: fbc.ftgyouthpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>>F/T MINISTER OF STUDENTS/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church in Durant, OK is seeking a F/T, hard-working & energetic Minister of Students/Associate Pastor. Resumes can be sent to: P.O. Box 1028, Durant, OK 74702 or can be emailed to: search@calvarydurant.org.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: True Oak Fellowship of Tuttle is seeking a P/T Worship Leader. We are

>> F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Searching for F/T or BI/VO Pastor for Tushka Baptist Church, Tushka, Oklaho-

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC McLoud is seeking a P/T Music Minister for Sunday Morning Worship. Please send resume & references to: Debbie Nida (Personnel) at deborah.nida@gmail.com. >>F/T YOUTH/WORSHIP PASTOR: The Elk River Baptist Church in Grove, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth/Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: elkriverworship@sbcglobal.net. >>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Boswell in Southeastern OK is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Parsonage is available & benefits are provided.

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12 Cooking tool Tamar used 40 16 Assist “The place whereon ___ standest is holy” ACROSS (2 Sam. 13:9) 42 Silently 5:15) 1 David did weep and ___ for his child (2 Sam. (Josh.

15 “___ her in whatsoever business” 43 Israelites’ inheritance (Josh. 1:6) 17 Part of sword used to kill 12:21)(Rom. 16:2) 46 Large people occupying land (Josh.

10:28)wanted (Josh. 12:4) 5 Footwear 20 Sailor’s “hey” Israelites Numbernations of days Israelites marched 9 “Pluck away his ___” (Lev. 1:16) 22 Resource 48 18 Foreign were snares and around Jericho 13 Reverberate 26 Deluxe ___ for Israel (Josh. 23:13) “Be strong andofofwar a good _____” 14 Joshua commanded to keep this 49 19 27 “O ___ and see” Israelites (Ps. 34:8) Another spoil (Josh.

22:8)(Josh.

28 beard (2 wds.)

50 1:9) Raccoon-like animal spoilUnder (along awith 49 Down) (Josh. 22:8) 29 “Give fi___, 51 21 Cycle Bezer and Golan were cities of refuge to the 15 Playing eld O ye” (Deut. 32:1) 30 Steam bath 52 Saying 31 Great man among Anakims 54 Towering, as the Anakims (Josh. 14:15) (Deut. 2:21) 33 Belt 56 Organization (abbr.)

34 Ocean jewel of great price 57 “___ had brought them up to the (Matt. 13:46) roof ” (Josh. 2:6) 35 Sri __ 58 Sticky black substance 36 Pros opposites 59 Government agency (abbr.)

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

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Ryan, OK is seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is provided.

Please send resumes or questions to: FBC Ryan, Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 519, Ryan, OK 73565 or email to: fbcryan1@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: FBC, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030.

>>PASTOR/YOUTH LEADER/MUSIC LEADER: FBC Roosevelt is accepting application for the following positions: Pastor, Youth Leader & Music Leader. Qualified applicants can apply by email: rooseveltfbc@swoi.net or mailing address: P.O. Box 218, Roosevelt, OK 73564.

>> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Whitefield Baptist Church is looking for a BI/VO Youth Minister. Housing is available. If you feel called to share the Gospel & minister to youth please send us your resume. Send resume or questions to: wbc.cyndi@gmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: Board Camp Baptist Church is seeking a F/T Pastor. Board Camp, AR is located 10 miles east of Mena, 72 miles west of Hot Springs. Please send resumes to: Bill McCourtney, barmcranch@yahoo.com or 228 Dogwood Springs Lane, Mena, AR 71953.

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

>>P/T YOUTH PASTOR/DIRECTOR: Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church is accepting resumes for a P/T Youth Pastor/Director. Resumes can be sent to: Blackburnchapel@aol.com or call Pastor Mark Compton at (405) 220-0324.

>> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: 20 hrs. weekly (includes service times), blended worship & choir skills preferred. Mail resumes to: Eastern Heights Baptist Church, 2401 Haskell Blvd., Muskogee, OK 74403 or email to: each1reach1@easternheightsbaptist.net.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC, Cheyenne, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: FBC, Attn: Search Committee, P.O. Box 56, Cheyenne, OK 73628 or email: fbcchey@gmail.com.

>>P/T DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: Salt Fork Baptist Association is currently accepting resumes for the Director of Missions position. Please send resumes to: saltforkbaptistassoc@gmail.com or mail to: Salt Fork Baptist Association, Box 34, Nash, OK 73761.

>>F/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: The Church at Quail Creek in Amarillo, TX is searching for our next F/T Children’s Minister. For more information go to: http://tcqc.org/about/jobs.

Please submit resumes to: kclayton@tcqc.org.

Please send resumes to: fbcboswell@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Crowder, OK is accepting resumes for Multi-Vocational Pastor.

Mail resumes to: P.O. Box H, Crowder, OK 74430.

You can also email them to: dom@pbaok.net. >>F/T MEDIA DIRECTOR: FBC Sapulpa is seeking a F/T Media Director to oversee the mission & vision of the church visually to internal & external audiences. Email: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com for more info or to apply. >> F/T COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR: FBC Sapulpa is seeking a F/T Communication Director to create an environment to communicate the church’s vision to audiences internally & externally. Email: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com for more info or to apply. >>F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Duncan is prayerfully seeking a F/T Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: music@fbcduncan.com. >>F/T WORSHIP/GROUPS MINISTER: FBC Muskogee is seeking a F/T Worship & Groups Minister. Send resumes to: kwood@fbcmuskogee.org or 111 S. 7th St, Muskogee, OK 74401. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Freedom Hill Baptist Church just outside of Mannford, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resume to: freedomhillbaptistchurch@yahoo.com.

RD

___ (Josh 20:8) 23 “This our bread we took ___ for our provision” (Josh 9:12) 24 Rahab and ___ family were spared 25 Afternoon nap 29 Aurora 30 Talk back 32 Football conference (abbr.)

33 Spread out 36 Insertion mark 37 Tree (Isa. 44:14) 38 “Lest he ___ my soul like a lion” (Ps. 7:2) 39 “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou ___?” (Matt. 14:31) 40 Opposed 41 “Joshua sent messengers, and they ___ unto the tent” (Josh. 7:22) 42 This ceased after Israelites found food in Canaan (Josh. 5:12) 43 “To whom then will ye ___ God?” (Isa. 40:18) 44 Accompanied Israelites around wall of Jericho (Josh. 6:8) 45 __ Major (Big Dipper) 46 One of the armed tribes (Josh. 4:12) 47 North American river 49 Container 50 Accountant (abbr.)

53 “Your God hath given you ___” (Josh. 1:13) 55 Signaled by audio 57 What thief came to do (John 10:10) 60 Actor Alda 62 Nothing 63 “___ is that people, whose God is the LORD” (Ps. 144:15)

64 “Save that which was ___” (Matt. 18:11) 65 Buck 66 Epochs 67 “Shall suffer ___” (2 Cor. 3:15) 68 Floor covering DOWN 1 “Elders of Gilead went to ___ Jephthah” (Judg. 11:5) 2 Sound of a sneeze 3 Joshua’s command to people on last day circling Jericho’s walls (Josh. 6:16) 4 Travel around 5 Attacks 6 Flax was “laid in ___ upon the roof” (Josh.

2:6) 7 Tooth 8 “Every ___ shall bow” (Isa. 45:23) 9 Greek island (Acts 27:7) 10 Pastor (abbr.)

11 “Not ___ thing hath failed thereof” (Josh.

23:14) 12 Cooking tool Tamar used (2 Sam. 13:9) 15 “___ her in whatsoever business” (Rom. 16:2) 20 Sailor’s “hey” 22 Resource 26 Deluxe 27 “O ___ and see” (Ps. 34:8) 28 Under a beard (2 wds.)

29 “Give ___, O ye” (Deut. 32:1) 30 Steam bath 31 Great man among Anakims (Josh. 14:15) 33 Belt 34 Ocean jewel of great price (Matt. 13:46)

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G ABL E S T U B E G L OB GHAN A N L U T E R I GOR E Z ER RY AN E AT OPE NED 35 Sri __ I B M C A K E A V E A Lopposites L U L OV E S H I N 36PPros BE L Z EROS ABC S 39ARChallenges U E A A N DW WR I T E 40AAssist SK BROS B I D E S S I E HON T ED 42NSilently I T E E Dinheritance D Y E (Josh.

R E M1:6) 43AIsraelites’ H I RA ARAD I GAL 46SLarge C Israelites E L L I R people E N occupying W O V E land L E E R ARE S S P E(Josh.

D 12:4) wanted

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Classifieds | September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Puzzle 7: Numbers 48 Foreign nations were snares and ___ for Israel (Josh. 23:13) A L spoil AD H I CE 49GAnother of M warA (Josh.

22:8) R EO BRAKE PRE Y 50O Raccoon-like animal DE V I HENCE RODE 51SCycle A I L BOAT DRONE S S I X 52 Saying A R M SC AD SAD EY RAR 54STowering, as the Anakims CARE D V I I E L I (Deut.

R O 2:21) CK I C I ER E V I L UT D (abbr.)

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D A black S Rsubstance AV E N OL EO 58EESticky D I T ARE S T E S AU 59RGovernment agency AN W I S H (abbr.) E R R 61 Meaningless Puzzle refrain 9: Deuteronomy B A N K S

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Puzzle 10: F E T C H

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LT U R E NE WS & CU

DS C L A(CSOSNTIINFUEIDE) >>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC, Cordell is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Pastor. Send resumes to office@fbccordell.com or mail to: FBC, P.O. Box 287, Cordell, OK 73632. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: OKC Chinese is seeking a missions-minded Youth Minister to lead students 6-12th grade in Sunday school & worship by building on solid Biblical foundation. For more detailed information, email: Jiameeikou@gmail.com. >>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: Basehor, KS. Outstanding opportunity in a rapidly growing community in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Experience preferred. Please send resumes to: fbcbasehor@ sbcglobal.net or P.O. Box 236, Basehor, KS 66007. >>F/T PASTOR: Cardin Baptist Church of Miami, OK is accepting resumes for a F/T Pastor. Send resumes to: 9525 S. HWY 137, Mi-

ami, OK 74354 or to: CBCsearch@hotmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Beaver, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Resumes can be sent to: fbcbeavr@gmail.com or mailed to: FBC, P.O. Box 6, Beaver, OK 73932.

by, OK. Submit resumes to: contact@riverview-church.org or mail to: Riverview Baptist Church, 13201 South Memorial, Bixby, OK 74008.

E S MUSIC MINISTER: FBC Hobart is lookV O I C>>INTERIM ing for an Interim Music Minister to lead our con-

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Bethany is prayerfully seeking at F/T Pastor. Interested applicants should email a resume & cover letter to: fbcb@coxinet.net or mail them to: 3800 N. Mueller Ave., Bethany, OK 73008. >>WORSHIP LEADER/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Will build relationships with people to inspire them to follow Christ through leading the music ministry & serving in pastoral role. Send resumes to: fbcanadarko@sbcglobal.net by Oct 31, 2021. >>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Student Pastor Position at Riverview Baptist Church, Bix-

gregation in worship on Sunday mornings. If you are interested, please email: paula@fbchobart.org. >>LEAD TEACHING PASTOR: Heritage Church, Shawnee, OK, is seeking a F/T Lead Teaching Pastor to minister to the members & congregation in the Shawnee area. Please submit resumes to Dr. James Wilder at: heritagechurch.office@gmail.com.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >> FREE COPIER/PULPIT: Free to a church home.

Full size Minolta Bizhub 350 Copier (good for at least 1 year with drum that is provided). Has storage cabinet below for paper, etc. Also free, full size, used church pulpit. Contact by email: jlwfbcole@pldi.net. >>BIBLE REPAIR & BINDING: Hand Sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 West Benedict, Shawnee, OK 74801. www. mcspaddenbookbindery.com (405) 275-7788.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Small rural church seeking Bible believing BI/VO Pastor to feed our flock. Send resume to: randkvance217@ sbcglobal.net or call (405) 397-7884.

UPCOMING CONCERT

Sunday, October 10 at 3 PM

CANTERBURY VOICES

Tickets:

405-232-7464

JUBILATE DEO

CanterburyOKC.com Group Discounts Available

| Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall

featuring DAN FORREST composer-artist-educator

and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic

FREE Choral Reading Session and Meet & Greet | Sat. Oct 9 | Register at CanterburyOKC.com

SAVE THE DATE OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

12

September 30, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

NOVEMBER 15-16, 2021 OKLAHOMA CITY, SOUTHERN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH