TULSA—The 120th Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists was held on Nov. 9-10 at South Tulsa Baptist Church. The convention meeting was attended by 737 registered messengers from 349 churches, as well as more than 150 guests, all focused on the theme of being “Unashamed!” of the Gospel (Rom. 1:14-16).
The 2026 Annual Meeting was preceded by the annual Pastors’ Conference that focused pastors and church leaders on being “devoted to prayer.” The Annual Meeting built upon the conference and included times of worship, preaching, prayer, fellowship events, conducting business and ministry equipping.
On Monday evening, the Annual Meeting opened with worship by Tulsa, South Tulsa’s orchestra and choir. Oklahoma Baptists President Owen Nease, lead pastor at Oklahoma City, Emmaus, then welcomed those in attendance and called the meeting to order.
Eric Costanzo, pastor of Tulsa, South Tulsa, thanked the group for allowing the church to host the annual meeting, encouraging anyone who was given the opportunity to do so.
Amanda Nease then read the theme Scripture verses, Rom. 1:14-16. The theme for this year’s annual meeting was “Unashamed!”, challenging pastors to proclaim the Gospel unashamed in all areas of their lives. Following scripture reading, Frank Fu prayed for the meeting in his native Chinese language.
Strategy for Sharing the Gospel
Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher and Oklahoma Baptists Evangelism and Apologetics Ministry Partner Tarvoris “Coach Tee” Uzoigwe offered a preview of a forthcoming evangelism strategy. Titled “G.A.M.E. Time,” the program will feature leader and learner resources, as well as some video learning support, all designed to equip pastors to create a culture of evangelism and train members to advance the Gospel.
Nease then led the appointment of committees and Scott Watkins, chairman of the Credentials Committee presented the Credentials Committee Report. Nease then led the first business session where messengers voted to approve the 2026 Annual Meeting schedule and next year’s Annual Meeting location, Newcastle, First.
One Team, One Mission
On Monday evening, Fisher delivered the Executive Director-Treasurer’s Address. The theme of the address was “United in Mission,” also based on Rom. 1:14-16. He reminded those in attendance that all Oklahoma Baptists are one team, and the Gospel is a blessing we must be willing to share.
“God has given us this priceless, priceless gift of the Gospel,” Fisher said. “As followers of Christ we are in debt until we discharge it into the world.”
Fisher said that until we give the Gospel to people, we are indebted to all people because the Gospel is for all people.
“If your theology prevents you from sharing the Gospel, then you need new theology,” Fisher said.
To conclude the address, Fisher announced numerous programs in the works that will help pastors financially, physically and spiritually. The first was a plan to soon offer options to help churches manage rising insurance costs. Fisher also announced next year a church administration conference will be held to address requests by pastors for administration assistance. Next, a 2027 Pastoral Wellness initiative, led by East Central Regional Ministry Partner Andy Taylor was announced. This initiative will help better pastors physically, mentally and spiritually. Fisher also announced a ministry trip opportunity for pastors to go in the “Footsteps of Paul,” scheduled for March 20-29, 2028. More details will be announced in coming weeks. Finally, Fisher announced a special partnership with Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) to help pastors and students afford ministry related education. Sarah Melott closed the first day of Annual Meeting in prayer.
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
On Tuesday morning of the 2026 Annual Meeting, worship by Tulsa, South Tulsa’s worship team began the day followed by First Vice President Kevin Moss, pastor of Spencer, Antioch Fellowship, calling session to order.
OBU President Heath Thomas then delivered the OBU report, reflecting on all God has done over the past few years. 2026 was the fifth consecutive year of growth for OBU, totaling 1,987 students which is a 16.7 percent increase over last fall with 10.29 percent more freshmen. OBU’s new engineering program, held in Thurmond Hall, currently has more than 90 students. Additionally, OBU plans to establish four new Advanced Healthcare degrees, two of which have already begun in 2026.
In addition to highlighting OBU’s growth, Thomas also stressed OBU’s goal of shaping the next generation of Kingdom leaders.
“Our spire of hope stands firm on top of Raley Chapel,” Thomas said, referencing the Spire of Hope in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “It reminds us of our purpose: to equip the next generation of future shapers to serve God.”
James Swain, president of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC), reported 67 people made professions of faith through OBHC ministries this year. He explained that the impact OBHC has made is only possible by relying on their three Pillars of Hope: Filling campuses, furthering the work of Hope Pregnancy Centers and finding OBHC’s place in foster care.
Swain then introduced the 300-by-130 Challenge where OBHC hopes to serve 300 people through their own ministries, serve 300 people through Hope Pregnancy Ministries and engage 300 churches in foster care by 2033. He then concluded by highlighting the Elim Family Retreat that was held over the summer, only made possible by the generosity of churches.
“Thank you for your support for what we do throughout the state,” Swain said. “Your continued support is essential for the individuals who continue our work.”
Nease then opened the Tuesday morning session of business where Brandon Adams, Finance Committee Chairman, proposed the 2027 financial plan which messengers approved. The 2027 Cooperative Program objective is set at $24.5 million, with the allocation being distributed as 40 percent to the Southern Baptist Convention, 45 percent to Oklahoma Baptists and 15 percent to Affiliates, which is the same as the prior year.
Following that, Nease and Moss led 2027 officer elections where messengers reelected Nease and Moss as president and first vice president by acclamation. Messengers also elected pastor Hau Suan Khai of Tulsa, Myanmar Zomi, as second vice president.
During the program, Fisher took time to recognize United States military veterans in the room, for Veterans Day. He then recognized four graduates from Haskins School of Christian Ministry, who received their diploma during the Haskins Lunch: Jerry Hook, Michael Ridgway, Joey Landara and Andrew Bailey.
From Left: 1st Vice-President Kevin Moss, President Owen Nease, 2nd Vice-President Hau Suan Kahi
Historical Commission inducts Hall of Fame honorees, presents awards at annual luncheon
The induction of three new members into the Oklahoma Baptists Hall of Fame highlighted the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission’s annual luncheon Nov. 10 at Tulsa, South Tulsa. Other annual awards also were presented at the event held in conjunction with Oklahoma Baptists’ annual meeting.
New HOF inductees included Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief founder Laddie Adams; Bailey Eugene Smith, one of the most influential Southern Baptist pastors and evangelists of the late 20th Century and longtime pastor of Del City, First Southern; and Jesse Marvin Gaskin, first chairman of the OBHC and Historical Secretary for 45 years, and the founder and editor of The Oklahoma Baptist Chronicle.
Gary Lillie, pastor of Nash, Bethel Hawley for 49 years, received the Distinguished Service Award, and the Gaskin Church History Award for 2025 went to Stigler, Main Street.
Max Barnett Remembered
Chad Coleman, state director for Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), gave a special presentation about the significant life, leadership and ministry impact of the late Max Barnett, longtime director of the University of Oklahoma BSU/BCM. Coleman emphasized Barnett’s impact on countless students’ lives and his exemplary ministry leadership advancing the Gospel.
“Max made disciples who made disciples,” Coleman said.
Passing On What We Received
Following a time of prayer led by Moss, Nease delivered the President’s Address. Themed “To Be Continued” and based on 1 John 1:1-4, Nease highlighted the importance of sharing the Gospel. He warned against falling to distractions, disunity, apathy and resistance, encouraging attendees to always push the Gospel forward. Nease said that we must rely on the Gospel, churches, evangelism and the next generations to continue the work.
“We pass on what we received,” Nease said. “The Word of God will not return void.”
After lunch and worship, WatersEdge CEO Robert Kellogg highlighted the ministry’s explosive growth and impact. Across the board, WatersEdge’s assets and portfolios increased and the number of churches, and states, they have reached also increased. Kellogg said that their goal for last year was to allocate $25 million annually, and Kellogg shared that WatersEdge allocated $41 million in 2025.
Then, Baptist Village Communities (BVC) retiring President Bill Pierce delivered their ministry impact report. Messengers expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Pierce for his 36 years of service and leadership, as well as welcomed president-elect Ricky Coleman.
On behalf of Oklahoma Baptists, Fisher presented special recognition and words of appreciation to Pierce, thanking the Lord for his Gospel-centered ministry and longstanding faithful efforts with BVC and in our state.
‘Do Not Lose Heart’ in Ministry
Following worship, Kim Hays, retired pastor of Perry, First, delivered the annual message.
Hays’ titled the sermon “Hey Dude” and encouraged pastors to not lose heart in the ministry. He said that in all things pastors must remain focused on the Gospel and on preaching the Gospel.
“Sometimes we lose heart in the ministry and think that the grass is greener on the other side,” Hays said. “The apostle Paul said, ‘Do not lose heart!’”
Hays also reminded pastors to not minister for their own goals and to refrain from “walking in craftiness.”
“Resist the devil and he will flee from us, but the problem is we don’t resist the devil,” he said.
To conclude, Hays again encouraged pastors to not lose heart and the best way to stay motivated is to love Jesus. Pastors and church leaders are called to preach Jesus and when they do that, blessings follow.
“We must remember that Christ Jesus is Lord,” Hays said. “We must preach that message when we feel like it and when we don’t feel like it because that is our calling: to preach Jesus.”
Fisher concluded the 2026 Annual Meeting by thanking those in attendance and recognizing the outgoing officer. Messengers and other attendees walked away, inspired to be devoted to prayer and Gospel advance.
The 2027 Annual Meeting is set for Nov. 15-16 at Newcastle, First. For more information or videos of the 2026 Annual Meeting, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org.
