Undeterred by the cold and rain, nearly 800 people attended the recent Falls Creek Spring Retreat. The annual event brings together collegiate and young adult groups from church and campus-based ministries across the state for a weekend of worship, fellowship and fun.
This year’s retreat featured guest speakers John Durham, pastor at Waco, TX, Highland, and Bertholomew “Prophet” Bailey, Oklahoma Baptists Young Adult Discipleship and Men’s Ministry Partner. Music was led by Bailey Byers and a team of talented musicians from Oklahoma and Arkansas who, in addition to leading worship through song, encouraged attendees to fix their eyes and hearts on the Lord through moments of focused, intentional prayer.
Guests also had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions during the retreat. Featured topics included “Scientific Evidence for the Existence of God” led by University of Oklahoma (OU) physics professor Michael Strauss and “Serving Like Chick-Fil-A” led by local franchise owner James Walker. Other breakouts explored topics such as missions and mental health.
During a break in the rain on Saturday, many guests participated in the basketball, volleyball and soccer tournaments. Others played pick-up games, relaxed in the 1917 café or stayed cozy in their cabins. The casual atmosphere gave leaders more opportunities for personal investment.
“I think it was great getting to connect with my students during free time,” stated one Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) director. “I really enjoyed those conversations.”
From the free time to the worship services, every element of the retreat was planned with purpose. This planning and God’s provision resulted in positive feedback from attendees across the board. One collegiate minister commented, “John Durham spoke directly to this generation of college students in a relevant way,” while another mentioned that the retreat “hit every area that the students needed.”
Durham spoke on Hebrews 10 and the necessity of those being sent out to draw near to God and live on mission with Him.
“The great passion of God is that we draw near to God,” Durham said.
Bailey spoke on Acts 8, exhorting attendees to be ready for the mission God has called them to – whatever that might look like for each person.
Chad Coleman, Oklahoma Baptists Collegiate Ministries director, worked alongside the Falls Creek staff and a team of college ministry leaders to coordinate the event.
“One of the really exciting things to me about this retreat is the eternal impact such a brief gathering can have,” said Coleman. “Within a few weeks, those who came will be spread out all over the world through internships, mission trips, or even just returning home. We try to focus on sending them out with purpose – commissioning, encouraging, and equipping them as ambassadors for Christ.”
