SHAWNEE—More than 450 students from more than 50 churches attended The Call Conference Sept. 6 at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). This annual event is designed for students in middle and high school who are exploring or pursuing a call from God to ministry leadership.

“Is God calling you?” is the foundational question that must be answered by anyone considering entry into a lifetime of ministry or missions leadership. God is calling a new generation of Kingdom leaders, and The Call Conference is designed to help students answer that question, providing tools needed to work through the process of pursuit and calling.

“The Call Conference continues the long legacy of Oklahoma Baptists equipping new generations of ministry leadership,” said Oklahoma Baptists Youth Ministry Director Todd Sanders. “What a blessing and a privilege to partner to develop these students in this way. It is a testament to our commitment of local churches across the state to advance the Gospel generationally.”

Mike Keahbone, pastor of Lawton, First, and Matt Kearns, director of student ministry at OBU, served as keynote speakers for the event, challenging students to fix their eyes on Christ and to remain faithful to God’s call to ministry in their lives. Additionally, a panel of ministry leaders from various levels of experience discussed “What Isn’t Ministry.” In addition to the main sessions, 20 breakout sessions were available. These offered students the opportunity to explore important and practical things they need to know as they pursue a call to ministry. Breakouts focused on making visits, conflict resolution, communication, leading their peers and more.

The Call Conference, which is ministry of Oklahoma Baptists in partnership with OBU and is supported by the Cooperative Program, was developed for “individuals who are exploring or pursuing a call from God to ministry leadership,” and it is widely promoted at Falls Creek and other student ministry settings. It operates on a three-year rotation of topics which allows students a more holistic approach to exploring ministry calling. Next year’s conference will focus on theology and the year after will focus on specific ministry areas.

For more information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/thecall.