Oklahoma Baptists’ Pastors Conference is one of the great times for Oklahoma Baptist pastors to renew and restore their relationship with Jesus. The theme is “Satisfied,” drawn from the beautiful words of Ps. 103:5. It’s my prayer that pastors would be reminded that “He satisfies your desire with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.”
This year, we are adding some new elements and building on the past through moments of preaching, prayer, testimonies and worship. Last year, focused moments of prayer with other pastors were a great blessing to me, and we are continuing that this year. We hope to grow pastors not only closer to God but closer to each other. Oklahoma Baptists share a unique sense of unity and purpose; these dedicated prayer times will build on that.
The unity will also be on display through the times of worship. The worship team of Ada, First and five other Oklahoma Baptist church worship leaders will lead in several heartfelt worship sessions.
We will have a mix of nationally known pastors and several Oklahoma Baptist pastors to lead us to reflect on the theme verse of Ps. 103:5. This verse beautifully encapsulates the conference’s premise: finding satisfaction in Jesus and the gifts God bestows upon us. Along with several shorter testimonies, I hope pastors are drawn back to Christ and leave with hearts full to return to their communities with the power of the Gospel.
We will announce some of those speakers closer to the event date. One of my saddest moments was when one of our main speakers Michael Catt recently passed away. He pastored Ada, First, where I serve, in the 1980s. We had become close friends throughout the years. The Lord called Michael home in June this year. Michael would have spoken effectively on our theme. He understood what it meant to be satisfied in the Lord.
Amid all this, there will be times for fellowship and fun with other pastors. There will be free box lunches and other giveaways like Bibles, books, and a drawing for a pastor/wife weekend away to add excitement! We are also providing a special ministers’ wives luncheon, allowing the unsung ministry heroes to come together, share their journeys and draw strength from one another. And we are looking at hosting a young pastors luncheon as well.
I can’t wait for the 2023 Oklahoma Baptists’ Pastors Conference! Through God’s blessing, it will be an excellent time for pastors to remember to be “Satisfied” in Jesus and rest in His work and redemption for us. Please reach out and invite a friend to come with you this year. If you know a pastor who needs refreshing and renewal, ask them to come with you. Great preaching, free books and a free lunch! What more do you need?
Consider this my personal invitation to you and your wife to join us at Del City, First Southern on Nov. 13, for a refreshing time and renewal through Jesus Christ. I can’t wait to see you there!
