On March 4, Bob Mayfield, 65, longtime ministry leader who has served with Oklahoma Baptists state convention staff, died after a protracted battle with cancer.
Funeral service will be Friday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at Edmond, First.
Mayfield, prior to joining Oklahoma Baptists’ staff in 2005, served in a similar position at the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention. He also served as minister of education at churches in Texas and Arizona, and as an interim minister of education at churches in Arizona and Oklahoma.
He holds a degree from Texas Tech University and a master of arts degree in religious education from Southwestern Seminary. Mayfield was a frequent speaker at LifeWay Sunday School events, and managed a wide array of online training websites. He was author of two books – Missional Pivot Points and The 5 C’s of a Missional Group.
Among his many ministry accomplishments while serving in Oklahoma, God used Mayfield to lead a multi-year initiative in Oklahoma and beyond called ReConnect Sunday School, which enabled churches across Oklahoma to revitalize Sunday School and small group ministry in the local church.
Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, said, “Bob was a faithful servant. His leadership and passion for the Lord showed in many areas of life and ministry, including Sunday School, small groups ministry and evangelism. His ministry through the years has reached countless people, and because of his ministry, many people have come to know the Lord. Please be in prayer for his wife, Tracy, and their two grown children, Mary Kathryn and Zachary.”
Oklahoma Baptists remember Mayfield fondly
At the news of Mayfield’s death, an outpouring of support, love and admiration was seen from Oklahoma Baptists over social media.
“Today (March 4) I lost a great friend as did Oklahoma Baptists and (the) SBC,” said Anthony Jordan, retired Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer. “Bob Mayfield went home to His Savior. He was one of best Sunday School and small group leaders in the SBC. Pray for His wife Tracy and adult children Zach and Mary Kathryn.”
Bob Pittenger, a minister with Tulsa, BattleCreek said, “(I) loved serving with Bob Mayfield. In April 2019, he worked with Tulsa Metro Group leaders to organize the Tulsa Group Summit at Jenks, First. He arranged for several top tier Group Experts to come in and train our Group Leadership. Bob’s heart was to connect people together to ensure they advance in their journey of becoming disciples! He will be greatly missed, but thanks to his faithful service, there are many who are better equipped to see that the GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST continues to be shared!”
Heath Tucker, pastor of Edmond, Waterloo Road added, “What a great man. The Lord used Bob to grow me in small groups ministry,” and Kevin Baker, pastor of Altus, Martha Road said, “Bob we will miss your passion for making disciples through Sunday School.”
Look for future coverage in the Baptist Messenger.
