Hidden Harvest: Oklahoma’s unchurched population analyzed
Imagine: You are standing in line at the local shopping center. It’s the weekend. The store is packed with people waiting in line to check out. You look around and see people from all walks of life, ethnicities and ages. Have you ever found yourself wondering about the spiritual lives of the people all around you? Through our survey of Oklahomans, we found out the details about all those people you see in those lines with you. You can...
How to reach Millennials: Think and act like a missionary
“How can we reach Millennials?” I was asked this question recently after leading a presentation of data from the 2017 research of the unchurched from our new book, The Hidden Harvest: Discovering Oklahoma’s Unchurched. The pastor lamented, “I want to reach Millennials in our community because we don’t have any!” The pastor is not alone, the Millennial Generation (individuals age 21 to 37 years old) is notably absent in many churches...
Planted to grow: Edmond, Grove Community looks to the future in rapidly expanding Deer Creek
EDMOND—It’s almost 10:30 on Sunday morning, Jan. 14. Already a gathering of early arrivers has assembled in the worship area. Many already have taken their seats. A line of cars file into the parking lot, unloading families, couples and singles of all ages who also make their way inside. In the lobby area, small clusters of people are standing around chatting as they enjoy coffee and donuts. Parents check their children into their...
Shining light on Lawton’s Asian ‘Hidden Harvest’
LAWTON—It’s 6:30 a.m., Monday. Chunhai Li is loading up his car with Bibles, Christian literature, song sheets and heading out with a few faithful members of Oklahoma City-area Chinese churches toward Lawton. Chunhai is a worker in Oklahoma’s Chinese Hidden Harvest, one among several of Oklahoma’s under-served, overlooked people groups or population segments. Li is pastor of the Oklahoma City, Northwest Mandarin, but every other week...
Partnership missions: Haskins School offers new classes Spring 2017
The Robert Haskins School of Christian Ministry is offering a new schedule of contextualized ministry training classes for the spring 2017 semester, bringing the total classes offered through the school from 18 to 51 total semester hours of instruction. Enrollment in the Haskins School starts January 16th and is open to any Oklahoma Baptist with a calling to ministry. There is no application fee. Classes cost $125 per 14 week...
