More than 900 middle school and high school students gathered at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) on March 1, 2025, for the annual Generation Why youth apologetics conference. The event, hosted by OBU’s Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry, equipped students with practical tools to understand, articulate and defend their faith in an increasingly post-Christian culture.

Themed “Apologetics and Evangelism,” the conference featured Dr. Paul Gould and Mary Jo Sharp as keynote speakers. Students engaged in worship, breakout sessions, and discussions designed to strengthen their faith and ability to share it with others.

Brandon Smith, chair of the OBU Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry, said, “We were blown away at another huge turnout this year. This was a great opportunity for OBU to serve churches across the state and region.”

The conference is designed for middle school, high school and college students, providing a foundation for engaging faith in today’s world. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from logical arguments for Christianity to practical evangelism strategies.

Smith added, “In every generation, students are confronted with all sorts of challenges to their faith, both internally and from the world around them. We pray that Generation Why serves as one tool to help this generation ‘give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you’ (1 Pet. 3:15).”

Looking ahead, next year’s Generation Why conference is set for March 7, 2026, and will feature Dr. Sean McDowell, a nationally recognized Christian apologist, speaker, and associate professor at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. McDowell, known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of modern culture, will challenge students to think critically and live out their faith with confidence.

“We are just getting started,” Smith said. “We need continued prayer and support as we immediately begin planning for next year.”

Find more details on Generation Why 2026 at: okbu.edu/genwhy. For questions, please contact amber.meek@okbu.edu.

For more information about the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry, go to
okbu.edu/theology.