DAVIS—On Feb. 6-8, multi-vocational pastors (MVP) and their wives from across Oklahoma attended the annual MVP Pastors and Wives Retreat at the Falls Creek Conference Center.
For numerous pastors and wives, the retreat has grown into an annual rite of passage—a time set aside for renewal, encouragement and fellowship with others who understand the unique calling and challenges of multi-vocational ministry. The event brought together pastors and leaders from churches and associations across the state, with one pastor and wife coming from the Panhandle and another Oklahoma Baptist pastor from Blackfork, Ark.
This was one of the highest attended MVP retreats with more than 200 at the retreat. Multi-vocational pastors and their wives filled all the motel rooms at Falls Creek, highlighting the growing impact of the annual gathering.
“The staff at Falls Creek are absolutely the best, they found a way to accommodate everyone who wanted to attend,” said Philip Jones, Oklahoma Baptists Multi-Vocational Pastors ministry partner.
Derek and Valerie McMurtry, who have attended several MVP Retreats and currently serve at Chattanooga, First, described the retreat as a highlight of their year and an important source of encouragement for their ministry.
“Out of all the all the things that Oklahoma Baptists offer, if I had to choose one event to attend, the MVP Retreat is it,” said McMurtry. “This retreat is our favorite. Being able to connect with other pastors and wives going through the same issues makes this retreat a real blessing. All of the amenities, and the scheduling, there is just no stress with anything. Everything is well thought out, it is just a great time to recharge.”
The retreat also welcomed first-time attendees, including Daniel Litchford, Associational Mission Strategist for the Caddo Association, who attended with three couples from his association.
“This is my first retreat to attend. We had three couples from our association attend,” said Litchford. “Pastor Donny and Ruth Crittendon from Cyril said that they never miss and encouraged others to come. So this being my first time, I can see why it is treasured by those who serve multi-vocationally. The preaching, the breakouts, everything encourages those who serve.”
Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in worship services, breakout sessions and times of fellowship designed to strengthen both personal faith and ministry effectiveness. The main speakers for the event were Joe Ligon, Oklahoma Baptists Sr. Associate Executive Director; Alan Quigley, Oklahoma Baptists Associate Executive Director and Church Resources Leader; and Brett Selby, Central Regional Ministry Partner, each bringing messages centered on faithfulness, perseverance and spiritual renewal.
Ligon preached from Hebrews 11, sharing a message about the unnamed servants referred to as “the others.” He emphasized that many who faithfully serve Christ may remain unknown in the eyes of society, yet their sacrifices and service are fully seen and valued by God.
Quigley delivered a powerful message from Philip. 3:10, focusing on the importance of truly knowing Christ. He encouraged those in attendance to move beyond simply knowing about Jesus and to pursue a deeper, more personal relationship with Him.
In the final session, Selby preached from Isaiah 40:3, highlighting the need for renewal and revitalization within the church. His message emphasized the call for a voice crying in the wilderness, urging God’s people toward meaningful change and renewed commitment for church revitalization.
Worship leadership for the retreat was provided by Xavier Abraham and the worship team from Lawton, First, along with Dustin Searles and the worship team from Durant, First. They led attendees into meaningful times of worship and reflection throughout the retreat.
As the retreat concluded, pastors and wives returned home from Falls Creek encouraged and refreshed by the opportunity to reconnect with one another and with the calling God has placed on their lives. For many, the MVP Pastors and Wives Retreat continues to stand as a treasured time of renewal and fellowship each year.
