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During the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in Orlando, messengers overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the SBC constitution, which states that a cooperating SBC church “does not act to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.” The amendment will need to be approved again by a 2/3 majority in next year’s SBC Annual Meeting to be ratified.
This amendment is related to the Baptist Faith and Message (2000), which is the SBC confession of faith. Article VI of the BF&M states, “While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.” This statement encapsulates Southern Baptists’ understanding of biblical texts such as 1 Tim. 2:12-14, 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9.
The topic of women serving as pastors/elders has been thoroughly discussed in the SBC the last five years. Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to speak with a large number of pastors and laypeople across the broad spectrum of the Oklahoma Baptists family regarding this topic. From those conversations, this is what I am hearing from our constituency in the state convention:
Oklahoma Baptists overwhelmingly and wholeheartedly affirm the Baptist Faith and Message (2000). They agree that the office and function of pastor/elder is limited to biblically qualified men. Many are in favor of the amendment and some oppose it, not on theological grounds, but on reasons related to Baptist polity/ autonomy and that the amendment could possibly be implemented in ways that go beyond its intention. Oklahoma Baptists cherish the autonomy of the church and want each one to have the freedom within the framework of Scripture to encourage women to serve in a variety of roles of ministry within the church.
Oklahoma Baptists are very concerned that the ongoing debate on this issue sends a negative message to women on their importance and value to the church in general, and to those women whom God has gifted and called to ministry in particular. Many proponents of the amendment have stated that its intention is not to prevent women from serving in churches such as leading in worship, children’s ministry, missions or other positions that are not pastor/elder.
Oklahoma Baptists wholeheartedly believe that God calls and gifts women to serve in ministry and the vast majority of our churches benefit greatly from the ministries that
women carry out in them. For example, I have discovered that about half of the Oklahoma Baptists churches I preach in across the state have women leading the music in worship services on Sunday mornings.
For Oklahoma Baptists, men serving in the role of pastor/ elder is not about the superiority of men over women. It is about obeying and being submissive to the authority of the biblical text as we interpret it. Our understanding of the Bible’s teaching on who can serve as a pastor/elder is that men have been given the role to serve in this capacity while at the same time giving women valuable roles to fulfill as well. A clear example of this in Scripture is Adam and Eve who were created as equal persons in the image of God and given distinctive roles by Him.
In the end, Oklahoma Baptists want to be carefully and unapologetically obedient to the Word of God. They do not want to view the Scripture through the lens of culture but rather view the culture through the lens of Scripture. Neither do they want to go to the extremes of taking away or adding to what the Scripture teaches.
Oklahoma Baptists value the contributions that both men and women give to the local church and the kingdom of God. They believe that men and women are equally valued by God who gave them uniquely important roles to play in the church and home.
Oklahoma Baptists have grown weary of debating this topic and want to see the SBC at every level return to a focus on the Great Commission and celebrate the making of disciples and the advance of the Gospel to every part of the world.
Oklahoma Baptists care deeply about Baptist polity, which provides for the full autonomy of each church, not under the authority of any ecclesial body, but to the Lord Jesus alone. They want to see our churches cooperate together for missions and ministry within the framework of our confession of faith that keeps us faithful to the Word while at the same time allowing for differences on secondary issues.
I am hopeful that Southern Baptists will always find a way to be faithful to the Word of God, value the roles all people play in the ministry of the church, and keep our focus on the Great Commission.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated a remarkable love, care and attention for those who were disabled or had special needs (Matt. 15:30-31, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 14:15-24).
Numerous Oklahoma Baptist churches across the state are showing His love, care and attention toward those facing disabilities or special needs through dedicated ministries. Oklahoma Baptists, as a state convention, likewise have demonstrated care and leadership in this important ministry space, such as through “Camp Perfect Wings.”
During the recent Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting, Southern Baptists as a whole highlighted the importance of this ministry need through a Task Force report and approving a resolution.
On June 10, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Disability Ministry Task Force presented its report and recommendations to messengers at the annual meeting of the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. The task force was led by Tom Stolle, who serves as executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. “If you took all the people on our planet with disabilities and added them together, you would have the third largest country in the world, just behind India and China,” said Stolle. “We cannot leave them behind.”
As reported by BRN United, “The Task Force discussed the availability and accessibility of resources for disability ministries across Southern Baptist churches, how churches are presently engaging in ministry to individuals and their families affected by disabilities, and how they can better come alongside and support families who have loved ones that are affected by disability.
“They made recommendations across the landscape of the SBC. Some of the overarching goals for Southern Baptist and church leaders include:
• “Understand that 15-20 percent of the population has a disability, but they are underrepresented in our churches, making this an opportunity to reach families with the hope of the Gospel.
• “Identify key church leaders and families in the congregation impacted by disability to help address potential physical and social barriers that may be preventing special-needs families from attending church.
• “With help from Southern Baptist entities and/ or parachurch organizations, develop a plan for inclusion for children, teens and adults with disabilities that includes evangelism, discipleship, fellowship and service opportunities.
• “Build trust within one’s communities to reach families affected by disability by meeting practical needs and pointing them to Jesus, who meets their deepest need.”
One Oklahoma Baptist ministry wife observed the significance of this. Erin Johnson said on Facebook, “I have several highlights from the SBC meeting this year, but I’ll just share two that made the biggest impact on me. The IMB Sending Ceremony, where 63 new missionaries being commissioned to the ends of the earth (6 of those from Oklahoma). And secondly, the special task force… report this year of recommendations for Southern Baptists to make disability ministry a priority across all entities and churches.”
Johnson added, “My family is blessed with a church that deeply cares for our special needs community, but this isn’t the case for all places. I think this is partly due to pure lack of resources, not necessarily a lack of desire for inclusivity. Overall, this (SBC action) is great progress, a start. The special needs community are people created in God’s image, with inherent divine worth. They are not ‘glitches.’”
Amen to that! While the SBC Task Force Report and resolution are small steps forward—they are steps forward. And the Lord can and often does work mightily through small steps of obedience.
“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel?” (Zechariah 4:10)
Brian Hobbs Oklahoma Baptists Editor
See what events are happening around the state!
July 26-30, 2026
Indian Falls Creek Falls Creek Conference
Centers, Davis, OK indianfallscreek.org/
August 2-6, 2026
Collegiate Week Falls Creek Conference
Centers, Davis, OK oklahomabaptists.org/ event/collegiate-week/
Visit oklahomabaptists.org/events/ to view more events happening throughout the year!
strengthen marriage female)
sessions, this extended format allows couples to slow down, step away from distractions, and give intentional attention to their marriage. This also helps couples see additional areas for other ways to strengthen their marriage.
Why Would You Do That?
It happened several years ago. The Associational Children’s Camp leaders asked me to preach at children’s camp. It was one of the greatest honors of my life.
I tried to imagine a bunch of children listening to me preach. I could picture them sound asleep with their heads back and a little Falls Creek drool in the corners of their mouths. So, I decided I needed to add something to spice things up for those rascals.
Here’s what I came up with. One, we would have a dance contest. That wasn’t such a good decision. For decades Baptists haven’t danced because Baptists just can’t dance. That lack of dancing ability has filtered down through the generations. Poor little, non-dancing Baptist kids. Two, I would arrange for a visit from Big Foot (I did. It was epic). And three, I would bring hundreds of “finger rockets” (600 Styrofoam rockets propelled by big rubber bands) to give to the kids.
So that Sunday evening, which was my first opportunity to be on the platform, I brought a box full of finger rockets and began to shoot them into the crowd. The kids went bonkers. Everybody was screaming for one. That’s when I did it.
If you know me at all, you know I am capable of spontaneous decisions that I would never do if I thought them out. But thinking things out is not necessarily my strong point. So, here’s what I did. As the kids in the tabernacle continued to clamor for finger rockets, I told them if they saw me tomorrow on the golf cart and they called me “Handsome Joe,” I would give them a finger rocket. The next day and for the remainder of children’s camp, wherever I went, kids literally ran after me, yelling, “Handsome Joe!”
I know the question is: “Why would you do that?” My answer is “I don’t know.” I didn’t plan it. No one suggested it. I just did it. It just sort of popped into my mind and shot out of my mouth before I thought about it.
Of course I hear the question “Why would you do that?” a lot from my wife about a lot of things.
And my response is almost always, “I don’t know.” Although “I don’t know” frustrates her, it is usually the truth. If I had known, I probably wouldn’t have done whatever it was that I did.
I had a blast at children’s camp at Falls Creek that year. I gave away about 600 finger rockets. Later that fall, I was asked to perform an outdoor wedding on a cliff between Duncan and Velma. Cliffs in wedding ceremonies can keep people from backing out.
Anyway, we got the ceremony done. I said the two were husband and wife. They kissed a little bit and everybody was happy. I stepped aside from where the wedding took place and began to fill out the obligatory paperwork when it happened.
A lady and a little girl started walking towards me. Although I wasn’t sure, it looked like a grandmother and granddaughter duo. When they got to me the lady asked for permission to ask me a question. I figured she had a Bible question, but here’s what she asked: “Are you Handsome Joe?”
I didn’t know if she was commenting on my rugged good looks or whether they had been at Falls Creek during children’s camp that summer. OK, I knew they must have been at Falls Creek. But I did have a moment of expanded ego before reality brought me back to earth. My answer to the lady’s question: “I guess I sort of am…” The lady had a most unusual look on her face as they walked away.
Here are a couple of things I learned. One, be careful giving yourself a nickname. Those things have a longer shelf life than you think. Two, if at all possible think a little longer before you blurt something out. Three, finger rockets are great. You should get you some. And, four, if you are a long time Baptist and you get invited to a dance, it may be better for everyone if you act like you have pulled a hamstring and don’t try dancing.
Joe Ligon
Oklahoma Baptists Sr. Associate Executive Director
FALLS CREEK AND CROSSTIMBERS REACH NEW HEIGHTS
DAVIS—Falls Creek Youth Camp and CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp in Davis have each experienced great summers, with many spiritual decisions made by campers, new features on both campgrounds—and Jesus at the center of it all.
FALLS CREEK
Like every summer since its founding in 1917, each week at Falls Creek Youth Camp offers moments for campers to hear and respond to the Gospel, participate in fun activities, be edified through discipleship and form a meaningful connection to God and others.
For the summer of 2026, a great line-up of Gospel speakers and worship through music has been offered. Also, Falls Creek continues to offer popular activities, such as the zip-line and the volleyball tournaments, as well as new activities. New for 2026, a large-scale ropes course was introduced called the “Bob A. Funk - Adventure Matrix” (or “Adventure Matrix”), that has been popular among campers.
At the time of writing of this article in June, more than 1,000 students had made a profession in Christ. Each summer, thousands of students at Falls Creek profess faith in Christ, with hundreds experiencing a call to ministry, as well as other spiritual decisions.
According to Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director, a pastor relayed a story of a young lady who was almost left behind because of her open and active antagonism to the Gospel. God worked in her heart and on a Friday night service she responded to the invitation.
Another young man proclaimed faith in Christ and began to feel God’s calling on his life into vocational ministry. Sanders was able to speak to him and encourage him to pray and pursue this calling faithfully.
Students have been learning about missions happening in Oklahoma and around the world.
The theme for Falls Creek this year is “The Greatest,” based on Matt 28:16-20. Sanders has been reflecting on the theme and the significance of God’s movement this summer.
“Students have the opportunity to be focused on the Great Commission,” said Sanders. “We are exploring evangelism and disciple making by training students to live out the Great Commission in our response, focus, relationships with other believers, and journey of growth and helping others grow.”
“One of my favorite parts of Falls Creek is the community,” added Sanders. “We get to connect with the students and be a part of their lives and spiritual growth.”
“The nature of the legacy makes Falls Creek unique,” said Sanders. “It’s uniquely Oklahoma Baptist. Without the support of the local church through prayer and the Cooperative Program, these stories of life change wouldn’t be possible.”
For more information on Falls Creek, visit oklahomabaptists.org/youth
CROSSTIMBERS
CrossTimbers Mission Adventure Camp is a longstanding camp offered by Oklahoma Baptists and supported through the Cooperative Program.
The camp, for children grades three through six each summer provides thousands of boys and girls with the opportunity to learn about the Gospel, about the importance of missions and discover who Christ is, according to Scripture. At the time of this writing, thousands of students have attended and hundreds of professions of faith in Christ have been made.
For 2026, the theme of CrossTimbers is “I AM,” based on John 14:6. Speakers and staffers once again worked diligently to teach campers about Jesus and about missions works around Oklahoma, the United States and the world.
One unique aspect to CrossTimbers is that with every activity—whether it’s games, crafts or teaching times—the Gospel is highlighted at each point. This summer, campers also enjoyed a new ropes course, to go along with other popular camp features, such as waterfront activities.
Once again, the CrossTimbers mission stops also focused the children on key missions areas. This year’s mission stops featured were Oklahoma Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Montana Indian Ministry and International Mission Board missions in South Asia. According to Program Director Sarah Hagar, campers are especially enjoying the Montana missions stop where they learn about Montana Native Tribe cultures and how the Gospel is being shared with them.
Hagar shared stories of life impact. “As one sponsor turned in a decision card to me, he said, ‘Do you know why this one is extra special?’ Then he said with a big smile, ‘This one is my son!’”
Hagar added, “We also had one camper so excited to come to camp that she started asking her friends if they knew Jesus on the way to camp. She led one of her friends to salvation before they even got to camp!”
“The secret sauce of CrossTimbers each summer has been our staff and their willingness to invest in students, as well as the volunteer leaders from each church,” said Hagar.
Following camp, one church adult sponsor said on social media, “Equally exhausted and full of joy! Kids Camp at CrossTimbers is always an adventure and full of truth about Jesus, so much fun and lots of opportunities for spiritual growth, strengthened relationships and making the best memories with our church! So thankful for the opportunity and for our hardworking and invested staff and volunteers! John 14:6 Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life!”
CrossTimbers exists to support local church efforts to reach lost children by placing a high priority on Scripture, worship, relationships with staff and church sponsors and opportunities for campers, and sponsors, to sharpen their skills and prepare to consistently serve the Lord after camp.
For more information on CrossTimbers, visit oklahomabaptists.org/crosstimbers.
CROSSWORD
Note: Bible translations may vary for clues
ACROSS
1 Cheat
5 Treaty
9 Bible legume
13 1813 Battle of Lake _
14 Wing-like
15 “I will __ on you no longer” (Jer. 3:12 niv)
16 Measuring instrument (var.)
17 Choir piece, maybe
18 Church feature
19 Race-runner, as Christ’s church 21 Church __, cemetery site sometimes
23 James or John’s need 24 Storm on Galilee call, maybe
WORDSEARCH
25 Martha’s worries at Lazarus’s tomb
29 Easter month, often (Abbr.)
30 Plague pests
32 “__, Lord: I believe” (John 11:27)
33 Affliction of many Jesus healed
36 Ado
37 Mary “__ at Jesus’ feet” (Luke 10:39)
38 Reveal a secret
39 Resign
40 Face a camera, perhaps
41 “He has performed mighty deeds with his __” (Luke 1:51 niv)
42 What the healed lame man does
43 “No bread, no bag, no money in your __” (Mark 6:8 niv)
44 Family member, for short
45 Affectations
46 What James and John might do
47 Several gentlemen, for short
49 East of Eden land
50 Delivery service
53 Church song
DOWN
1 “Eternal life...promised before the world __” (Titus 1:2)
2 Very angry
3 Church, __ in world of darkness
4 Boat element
5 Church pulpit occupier
6 They were brought to Jesus’ tomb
7 Nutritionist’s concern (Abbr.)
8 Helen of __
9 Church, the __ of Christ
10 Greek mythological figure
11 Punching tool
12 Vane reading (Abbr.)
15 “The __ sows the word” (Mark 4:14 niv)
20 Catch sight of
22 Tie choice
26 Household cleaner brand
27 Mustard seed “the __ of all seeds” (Matt. 13:32)
28 Fills
29 “__, and it shall be given you” (Luke 11:9)
30 Little leaven leavens many __
31 29 Across bloom, perhaps
33 Blood element
34 Eagle’s nest
35 Church is as “__ among wolves” (Luke 10:3)
36 “__ not, little flock” (Luke 12:32)
39 Natural belief in God
40 Church seat
42 Vocal cord locale
WORDS
ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
BCM
CAMPER COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
CROSSTIMBERS COMMUNITY
DAVIS
55 Like ocean bottom
57 Enlarge
60 Church section
62 Currency in Paris or Rome
63 Append
64 “They that __ soft clothing are in kings’ houses” (Matt. 11:8)
65 Sound croaky
66 Shirt clasp
67 Church is the “__ of the earth” (Matt. 5:13)
68 “Resist the devil, and he will __ from you” (James 4:7)
Note: The word clues are chosen by Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random.
43 Church, “the __ of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27)
46 Former Crystal Cathedral Schuller
48 Christ “giveth his life for the __” (John 10:11)
49 Adenoidal
50 Typical
51 Analyze syntactically
52 Mount of Olives feature, e.g.
54 Negatives, slangily
56 Vassal
57 God is, __, and ever shall be
58 No room for Mary and Joseph here
59 Genetic code (Abbr.)
61 Pot dweller
SPEAKERS
SPONSORS STAFFERS SUMMER THE GREATEST THE LIFE THE MATRIX THE TRUTH THE WAY VOLLEYBALL WATERFRONT WORSHIP ZIPLINE
SOUTH ASIA
Church NEWS
HOBBS AWARD PRESENTED
AT
SBC TO RYAN BLACKWELL
ORLANDO, Fla.—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU)
President Heath Thomas presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Ryan Blackwell on June 9 during the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. Blackwell serves as Lifeway Christian Resources president and chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to see yet another OBU alumnus recognized for their love for the Lord and exemplary leadership,” Thomas said. “Blackwell is a friend and a perfect recipient for this prestigious award. His humility, extensive pastoral experience and executive leadership will carry Lifeway to new heights. Well deserved!”
TRIBUTES
Paul West, 87, died May 20. He served as minister of music for more than 60 years at Checotah and Warner, where he served for 34 years until he retired in 2020. He also served churches in Silverton, Midland, San Angelo, and Carrollton, Texas. After retiring in 2020, he joined the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony.
Anna Cody, 92, died June 10. She retired from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma in 1998, after many years of dedicated service as Snack Shop hostess. She was a devoted member and volunteer in the churches where she attended, most recently OKC, Southern Temple.
Garry Morris died June 17. He was the father of Rowdy Morris, Muskogee Metro Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) Director.
Nellie Miller, 82, died June 18. She was the mother/mother-inlaw of Traci and Jamie Powell, (DOM/AMS) at Comanche- Cotton Association.
Mary Brown died June 18. She was the wife of retired Oklahoma City, Quail Springs music minister Jerry Brown. She was an educator and spent many years active in Sunday School teaching and choir. The Browns served in churches in Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma.
Eddie McGrath died June 18. He was the brother of Randy McGrath, Oklahoma Baptists’ Maintenance Assistant.
Mario Rivera died June 23. He was the uncle of Grace Obregon, Oklahoma Baptists’ Affinity Ministry Partner and Robert Haskins School of Christian Ministry Assistant.
Charles Hunt died June 24. He was the brother of Buddy Hunt, Regional Ministry Partner for Oklahoma Baptists.
PASTOR In Focus
CODY BRUMLEY
Jenks, First
Lead Pastor
JENKS—In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he challenged Timothy to make more disciples and to teach others how to make disciples. Disciple making has become a mainstay of Christian ministry and helps to fulfill the Great Commission given to Christ’s followers.
This pattern of disciple making is still a focus today, including in churches like Jenks, First, led by pastor Cody Brumley. In recent years, Brumley has even further emphasized making disciples, a craft he refined while serving at Little Rock, Immanuel, Ark.
In his ministry career, Brumley has served in a variety of roles, including two separate tenures at Jenks, First. Brumley’s first church role was serving as a janitor at Collinsville, Eastside, where his father was pastor. Following this, he served at Tulsa Community College as Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) director. During this time, he and his wife, Breanna, were invited to attend Jenks, First. Brumley felt the call to student ministry but was unsure how to pursue the calling since the church already had a student ministry pastor.
Not long after, the student minister moved away and Rick Frie, the pastor of Jenks, First, and the church asked Brumley to serve on staff as student minister.
From 2012 to 2015, Brumley served in youth ministry until he moved into an executive pastor role for Jenks, First. Brumley loved serving alongside the Jenks, First family and with his wife Breanna, pioneered an emphasis on foster care in the church that continues to this day.
In 2019, Brumley was called out of state to serve as pastor of ministries and missions at Little Rock, Immanuel, Ark. For Brumley’s family, leaving Jenks and the state of Oklahoma which he had known for all his life, was a difficult decision. But one he felt God had called him to make.
“Deciding to leave Jenks to go serve at another church in another state was one of the hardest things we’d ever done,” said Brumley. “Our family had grown there. We’d grown with the church, but God just made it abundantly clear that we needed to go.” Brumley and his wife have three children, and they enjoyed their time serving in Arkansas. During this time, Brumley also completed a ministry degree with Midwestern Seminary.
Three years later, when Frie announced his retirement as pastor at Jenks, First, he and the church’s leaders felt led to ask Brumley to consider returning home and take the position as senior pastor.
Brumley felt led to accept and came back to Oklahoma. Frie made plans for a retirement process in which there would be overlap between himself and Brumley serving. In 2022, Brumley took on the position full-time, and the church hasn’t missed a beat.
With a 111-year-old history, Jenks, First has a long line of people who are on mission for Christ. Because of this, moving from one generation to the next has never been a hurdle, by God’s grace.
“The people in this church really love the Word and love their neighbors,” said Brumley. “There’s consistently been people in this church who are missional in their following Jesus. They want to see the Gospel impact others.”
Two of Jenks’ top priorities are prayer and disciple making. Numerous prayer programs and discipleship groups have been formed and are already producing fruit in answered prayers and new disciples who go
on to start their own discipleship groups. Due to their success, other churches have turned to Jenks, First for guidance in similar programs. Jenks, First is also a leader in Cooperative Program giving and missions.
“I just love the Biblical idea of churches helping other churches accomplish the mission,” said Brumley. “How we see Paul navigating church partnerships so other churches can be empowered and so other nations can be reached.”
As Brumley looks to the future, he feels grateful that God has brought him full circle back to Oklahoma, where he’s serving in the Kingdom of God—and where he’s helping make disciples.
2026 SBC ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS MISSIONS, TRUTH & UNITY
By Messenger Staff & Baptist Press Staff
ORLANDO, Fla.—More than 11,000 registered messengers from Southern Baptist churches across the United States and globe gathered in Orlando, Fla. for the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting and related events. More than 300 messengers from Oklahoma participated from nearly 120 churches.
During the opening session of the 2026 SBC Meeting on June 9, the International Mission Board (IMB) Sending Celebration took place, as 63 newly commissioned missionaries are being sent to the nations. Among the 63 IMB missionaries, six Oklahoma Baptists were featured, including Tanner and Sallie from OKC, Frontline Church-South.
Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher said, “At the annual meeting, the IMB commissioned 63 missionaries going out to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples in the nations. Many of them have their identities and destinations hidden for security reasons. These are incredibly committed and courageous soldiers of the cross! This is why our churches cooperate. This is what makes us at our best. How grateful I am that 6 of the 63 commissioned today are Oklahoma Baptists. The unity, strength and mission among the churches of our state convention is bearing fruit not just in Oklahoma, but all over the globe. Praise the Lord!”
Messengers voted on various motions throughout the SBC Annual Meeting. One motion was submitted by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler to the SBC Constitution limiting friendly cooperation to churches with only men serving in the office and function
of pastors, specifically, in the role of preaching to an assembled congregation. That motion received the first of two required two-thirds votes of approval.
Messengers approved resolutions addressing Southern Baptists’ commitment to the sanctity of life through opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide. Messengers also approved resolutions on the importance of bivocational pastors, the office of pastor/elder/overseer as limited to men, and support for efforts to encourage all ministers to finish well. Additional resolutions affirmed the enforcement of borders as well as the dignity of immigrants, and the importance of in-person church amid the growth of technology.
The 2027 SBC Annual Meeting is set to take place in Indianapolis, Ind., June 13-17.
OKLAHOMA PARTNERSHIP RECEPTION AT THE SBC ANNUAL MEETING
In partnership with Oklahoma Baptists and WatersEdge, Oklahoma Baptist University hosted a special evening reception on June 9 during the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. More than 450 attendees, including OBU alumni and friends, Oklahoma Baptists messengers and WatersEdge guests, gathered at SeaWorld Orlando for fellowship and connection. This annual reception continues to be one of the largest gatherings during the SBC Annual Meeting each year. The evening featured remarks from OBU President Heath A. Thomas and Oklahoma Baptists Executive DirectorTreasurer Todd Fisher, as well as special appearances by SeaWorld animal ambassadors.
Join us throughout the year in praying for our missionaries, serving locally and around the world!
2026 MISSIONARY Prayer Guide
Who & Where Why How to Pray
Oklahoma Baptists have a heart for evangelism both at home and abroad. The Oklahoma Baptists convention offers missions consultation for Oklahoma Baptist churches. Through a global missions focus and IMB connections, enthusiastic people and churches are connected to significant ministry opportunities that advance the Gospel worldwide. This work will empower and equip Oklahoma churches to send long-term and short-term missionaries overseas.
In Latvia, Chris and Melissa work with their local church where they preach, teach, and lead worship. They are actively sharing the Gospel with those around them, and training up young believers to apply the Bible to their lives.
Pray many Oklahoma churches and missions leaders will participate in global missions training. Pray that what is learned during trainings will help to make overseas evangelism efforts successful.
Pray members of the missions teams will return home with a new fervor that impacts churches and their surrounding communities.
Pray that Chris and Melissa’s son, Lucas, would accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
Pray for the members of the Robinson’s small group who meet weekly in their family home.
Pray that more SBC churches would get involved in Latvia.
Pray for campers who attend the Indian Falls Creek Family Camp. Every year, campers representing more than 50 Native American tribes and more than 250 churches gather at Falls Creek to participate in worship services, classes, and activities that are designed to engage people ages preschool to adult. The purpose of this yearly event is to foster and promote Christian training, inspiration, fellowship, evangelism, and missionary zeal among the Indians in their Baptist church life.
In the UK and Ireland, Becky and Gary assist missionaries with their logistics needs, from securing visas to housing, transportation, and taxes. In addition to assisting IMB personnel with the details of moving to a foreign country, they are involved in their local church, leading Bible studies, building relationships, and sharing the Gospel with locals.
Pray many campers will receive a calling to reach out and serve in their home communities or into special ministry.
Pray campers will better understand Christ’s work in their lives.
Pray campers will address the needs and concerns they find around them at home.
Pray for Becky and Gary’s continued ability to secure visas for personnel coming to the field.
Pray for good solutions as Becky, Gary, and their logistics team continue to wrangle with the UK income tax situation.
Pray for Becky and Gary’s health and specifically for Becky as she recovers from a 2-year cancer battle.
Global Missions
Becky & Gary Rowland
Chris & Melissa Robinson
Indian Falls Creek
GRADUATES!
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) is thrilled to celebrate the graduates of 2026! Join OBHC in praying for the students and moms we serve as they enter the next stage of life. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see what they do next!
