Oklahoma Baptists see Gospel ‘advance’
DEL CITY—Evangelism, baptism and discipleship were emphasized throughout the Advance Conference, Jan. 27-28 at Del City, First Southern. Having “Immerse” as its theme, the conference did make an emphasis on baptism, but many main session and breakout session speakers shared how baptism is an important representation of evangelism and discipleship. “As Baptists, we love baptism so much we named our denomination after it,” Ed Stetzer,...
First person: A big Gospel for small places
I grew up in Laverne, a town of barely over 1,000 people, tucked away in the far corner of NW Oklahoma. I was shaped and formed in that place. To many, Laverne is just another drive-through or fly-over place—a small place of little consequence—but for me, it is one of the most important places in the world. It is the place I first heard the Gospel, learned how to follow Jesus and grew to love people. Though I don’t live there anymore,...
Greear urges churches to ‘Fill the Tank’ on Easter
NASHVILLE (BP)—J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), is calling SBC churches to participate in a nationwide focus on baptism this Easter Sunday, April 12. After the success of the first “Baptism Sunday” in September 2019, Greear and other SBC leadership hope to continue to focus on growing proclamations of faith through public baptism services. “We have heard some of the most amazing...
IMB workers see Light break through Scotland’s gray skies
Patrick and Erin Schwartz are now used to the darkness that often clouds Scotland’s beauty. According to the World Weather Information Service, Scotland only has around 100 days of sunshine each year. That leaves most days rainy or cloudy. Patrick says their family has missed the sunshine they enjoyed in New England, but after a few months back in the U.S. on a stateside assignment, they are ready to return to Glasgow this spring....
YEC increases attendance, prepares students to share the Gospel
DAVIS—The Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) drew more than 3,000 people from 160 churches this year, as students across Oklahoma met at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center Jan. 19-20 to be taught how to share the Gospel in their communities. “Kids were excited and engaged,” said Brian Baldwin, student evangelism and missions ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists. “You could tell they wanted to learn more about sharing the Good News...
New name, new schedule, same purpose: Advance Conference offers new elements while pursuing evangelism
Oklahoma Baptists will experience a new name this year to a traditional event that maintains its consistent purpose. What has been known for many years as the State Evangelism Conference will now be called the Advance Conference, which will convene Jan. 27-28 at Del City, First Southern. Alan Quigley, associate executive director of Oklahoma Baptists’ church resources group, explained the purpose behind the Advance Conference and gave...
