MUSTANG—Oklahoma Baptists will gather Nov. 14-15 at Mustang, First for the 116th Annual Meeting. The 2022 Annual Meeting will feature times of preaching, prayer, ministry reports and other convention business.

Chris Wall, pastor of Owasso, First, is serving as president of Oklahoma Baptists and will preside over the 2022 Annual Meeting.

Oklahoma Baptists President Chris Wall is looking forward to messengers from Oklahoma Baptist churches across the state coming together for the Annual Meeting.

“I’m really excited about it,” said Wall, who serves as pastor of Owasso, First. “These are opportunities to unite around our calling to this state, nation and world. When I think about the blessing of this convention, it’s a joy that we get to come together and unite around this calling.”

Wall encourages all Oklahoma Baptist churches to send messengers to the Annual Meeting and believes the result will have a great Gospel impact.

“(Having a good attendance) makes us more effective for the Gospel because, as Jesus was praying in John 17:20-21, in our network of churches coming together unified, the world sees our unity,” Wall said. “As Jesus said, the world is going to know that ‘You (God) sent me.’ So it’s moments like this when we rally around our joint work, our unified message of the Gospel, that the world really does come to see who Jesus is and what He is like.”

Among those speaking at the Annual Meeting will be Todd Fisher who is completing his first year serving as executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. He will give his address Monday evening, Nov. 14.

“The Annual Meeting is an important time for Oklahoma Baptists—for pastors and churches all across this state—to come together for worship, prayer, fellowship, and encouragement,” Fisher said. “We have a special program planned this year that will highlight how the Gospel has been advancing across our state and beyond.”

Fisher reported the theme of the Annual Meeting will be “Anchored,” based on Heb. 6:19, “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.”

“The convention theme of ‘Anchored’ speaks to how God’s Word keeps us anchored in our message and mission, even as the world is rapidly changing around us,” Fisher said. “Please make it a priority to attend this year’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 14 and 15. I look forward to seeing you there!”

Duncan Blackwell, pastor of Elk City, First, will deliver the annual sermon at the Annual Meeting.

Wall will be giving his presidential address during the Tuesday morning session, Nov. 15. Duncan Blackwell, pastor of Elk City, First, will deliver the annual sermon during the Tuesday afternoon session.

Among the many reports that will be given at the Annual Meeting will be the report from the Abuse Prevention and Response Task Force, which was formed at last year’s Annual Meeting. Eric Costanzo, pastor of Tulsa, South Tulsa and chairman of the task force, will be presenting the report.

The Annual Meeting also will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Oklahoma Baptists Disaster Relief. A report of this important ministry will be given in the opening session, Monday evening, and a special celebration dinner will be observed.

This will be the first time Mustang, First has hosted the Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists.

Messenger registration is now open for Oklahoma Baptist-affiliated churches. Childcare is available on a reservation basis. Information is also available for lodging in the area. Visit oklahomabaptists.org/annualmeeting to register and for the latest Annual Meeting information.

“I pray that we hear from the Lord,” Wall said about expectations for this year’s Annual Meeting. “I pray that we are challenged by His Word. I pray we end the meeting with more of a resolve to live by the Word of God, with a greater appreciation of how God is at work among us and with a sense of urgency to share the Gospel.”