MOORE—On March 2-3, Oklahoma Baptists will host the Advance Conference at Moore, First. This annual event is for everyone involved in Christian ministry and will provide a time of fellowship, discipleship and worship for those who attend.
The theme for the conference will be M5, based on Matt. 28:16-20. This theme will focus on the five areas that ministry leaders are called to participate in. These include Making Disciples (v19), Marking Believers through Baptism (v19), Maturing Believers (v20), Moving with the Gospel and Magnifying God (v16-18).
Registration is now open, and the first 500 to register will receive a special gift once they check in at the event. Though registration is required this year, it is a quick and easy process, giving attendees one place to choose which meals and breakout trainings to attend throughout their time at Advance.
As with previous years, there will be five distinct worship events in the main hall at Moore, First. Worship will be led by Lance Gibson, worship pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. Each will include a short pre-session equipping opportunity, followed by a worship set and sermon. In between sessions, attendees will be able to explore the exhibit hall or visit with other pastors.
Advance Conference invites pastors and church leaders from around the country to speak at the event. This year, those confirmed scheduled to speak this year are as follows:
Monty Patton, Executive Director of the Arizona Mission Network—Patton has worked with the North American Mission Board in Arizona for numerous years and is the founding pastor of Glendale, Mountain Ridge, Ariz.
Connor Bales, senior pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs—Bales has authored two books, Counted Worthy and Gospel in the Home. He served as pastor for Prosper, Texas, Prestonwood North Campus, from 2019 to 2025 before beginning his service as pastor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs.
Mark Croston, Director of Black Church Ministries at Lifeway—Croston has served as pastor for over 26 years and has been on mission or preached in over 40 countries
Robert Smith Jr., distinguished Professor of Divinity at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School—Smith served as professor of Christian preaching at Beeson for more than 25 years and held the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity. Previously, he served as the Carl E. Bates Associate Professor of Christian Preaching at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Zack Randles, pastor at Washington D.C., Waterfront— Randles has served on staff at multiple churches in Texas before moving to Washington D.C. in 2014 to found Waterfront Church.
The exhibit hall will be a place to find some new, exciting ministry tools and discipleship and evangelism resources that span all ages and needs. While there, attendees can also hear more about Oklahoma Baptist affiliates and programs.
On Monday, Mar. 2, lunch will be sponsored by Send Oklahoma and will feature Christian comedian Jason Gray. Registration for this event is required.
Oklahoma Baptists invite everyone involved in ministry to attend the 2026 Advance Conference which will provide the opportunity to be inspired by the Word, equipped for the work God has set before us and encouraged to spread the Gospel.
Pre-registration for the Advance Conference is requested. For more information formation and to register online go to: oklahomabaptists.org/evangelism/advance-conference/.
