April 20-21 at Sullivant Center
“I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil.”
—Psalm 101:2b-4
Within the last several months, multiple youth pastors in Oklahoma have forfeited their ministries because of moral failure. In an attempt to stem this tide and bring youth pastors together for a time of genuine repentance and honest accountability, a retreat has been planned April 20-21, at the Sullivant Retreat Center in Norman.
“On The Edge: A Retreat for Youth Ministers” began as a call to arms by Mike Keahbone, youth pastor at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills. After a recent troubling event in a sister Oklahoma City church, Keahbone felt God leading him to call on other youth pastors to rally together and challenge one another to walk in holiness.
“I posted a note to youth pastors on Facebook and the response was overwhelming,” said Keahbone. “It was immediately evident that God was stirring us to action, but as is often the case with these things, it was difficult to know exactly how to respond. You just know you want to be obedient to whatever God asks of you.”
Because of a gracious gift, the Sullivant Retreat Center was secured for the retreat, and youth pastors will be able to attend at no cost. Andy Harrison, BGCO student ministry and education specialist said, “The retreat is free of charge for youth pastors, but they need to pre-register on our Skopos Web site (www.skopos.org, click on the events tab).
“At first appearance, this retreat seems hastily put together,” Harrison added, “almost like a knee-jerk reaction to bad news; but indeed, I believe God has moved the collective heart of youth pastors for this time and this place, so He may speak and be heard.”
“Talk to your pastor and spouse about the importance and significance of what we are doing,” Keahbone urged. “Every obstacle in the world will begin to rise to the surface. It is up to you to make this a priority. The urgency of this time is unquestionable. It’s like there’s a serial killer who’s stalking ministers and ministries . . . and our choices will determine his success.”
