Overview

Beginning in January 2019 individuals who are members of an Oklahoma Baptist (BGCO) church (and living in Oklahoma) may request to receive a free subscription to the Baptist Messenger, courtesy of the Cooperative Program.  Individuals who are not members of Oklahoma Baptist (BGCO) churches will still be able to enjoy The Baptist Messenger with a purchased subscription.

To purchase a subscription:

Subscribe to enjoy the same publication that has been informing and inspiring readers since 1912.

In order to receive your free subscription, you will need to sign up through your church secretary.

In the past, Oklahoma Southern Baptist Churches have been able to offer The Baptist Messenger to their members, but have had to pay for that benefit out of their church budget.  Thanks to the Cooperative Program, beginning in 2019, this service is now free to BGCO churches.

Due to these changes, we understand there may be questions.  Your first step is to let your church secretary know that this is available to you, and that you would like a subscription.

You will begin to receive your free subscription in January, 2019.

If you need further assistance, please see the FAQ below or contact The Baptist Messenger at (405) 942-3800.

Dear Baptist Messenger friend,

For more than 100 years, the Baptist Messenger has been informing and inspiring Oklahoma Baptists and others, and serving as the flagship publication for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

In January 2019, the Baptist Messenger will enter a new era. To be specific, the Messenger print edition will make a major move from a weekly print publication to a semi-monthly (printing two editions per month) publication, as well as be enhanced with a new look and features.

As the Baptist Messenger print edition moves to semi-monthly, Oklahoma Baptists connected to a BGCO church can request and receive the print publication subscription pre-paid (at no subscriptions cost to churches) as of January 2019. The number of pre-paid subscriptions available to Oklahoma Baptist churches is limited and is intended for church members only.

This cost-free, pre-paid subscription option for BGCO church members is made possible by the Cooperative Program and Messenger paid advertising. The move to printing semi-monthly will be cost effective for the BGCO and for churches who previously paid for subscriptions through church budgets. (Individuals who are not connected to a BGCO church may purchase a subscription.)

Next, as of January 2019, the Baptist Messenger/Church newsletter wrap program will no longer be offered. Instead the BGCO Print Shop will offer affordable church newsletter assistance options that churches can consider independently of The Messenger. We are exceedingly grateful for the churches and associations who have participated in The Messenger wrap program over the years.

To accompany the 2019 changes to the print publication, The Messenger will expand upon its growing product line, which includes a breaking-news website (BaptistMessenger.com), the free Messenger Go smartphone app, an award-winning blog (WordSlingersOK.com), the Messenger Insight podcast, social media channels and a quarterly Spanish edition. With new digital media channels at our fingertips, the Baptist Messenger will enhance its focus on bringing you stories and news through online resources, while continuing a strong print presence.

Moreover, the same great content readers enjoy, such as missions and church news, Walker Moore’s column, the crossword puzzle and more will continue in 2019, with an enhanced layout, as well.

We greatly appreciate your partnership in the Gospel.
In Christ alone,

Brian Hobbs
Editor, Baptist Messenger

Frequently Asked Questions