Oklahoma Baptist University conferred degrees upon 78 graduates during Winter Commencement on Dec. 14, 2024, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City.
After an official welcome and introduction by OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas and a congratulatory greeting from Oklahoma Baptists by Dr. Todd Fisher, executive director and treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, an investiture was conducted to award Norman Behymer, executive pastor at Council Road Baptist Church, with an OBU honorary degree.
“In honoring Norman Behymer, Oklahoma Baptist University is keeping faith with the high ideals we have set for granting such degrees,” Thomas said. “His life exemplifies high standards, excellence in achievement and genuine concern for others. Therefore, the faculty, administration and board of trustees of Oklahoma Baptist University recommend that we today confer upon Norman Behymer the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.”
For Behymer, 50 years of ministry at Council Road Baptist Church have been a journey marked by dedication, adaptability, and a love for both music and community. Hired at age 21 in 1974, Behymer began his tenure leading music and youth programs. Over the years, his role evolved, and today, he serves as the executive pastor for ministry strategy, an elder and worship pastor for the early service.
Behymer has had the unique experience of serving alongside all five senior pastors in the church’s history, making him a living testament to the congregation’s continuity and growth. While his responsibilities have ranged widely—from overseeing music, college and singles ministries to guiding the deacon ministry—his commitment to music has remained constant.
His legacy also extends into his family. He and his wife, Denise, have two adult children and seven grandchildren.
Following the investiture, Behymer delivered the commencement address reflecting on his faith, surrender and lifelong service.
Drawing from his own experiences, Behymer recounted a pivotal moment at age 17 when he prayed, “Lord, whatever you want me to do this week, I promise you I will do it.”
That prayer, he said, marked the beginning of a journey that would define his life and ministry. He recounted how that simple promise led to his first role as a worship leader at a small church.
“God wanted to know if I truly meant that I would do anything He wanted me to do that week,” Behymer said.
Through decades of ministry, Behymer embraced each opportunity, whether planned or unexpected.
“You can change jobs, change churches, or you can just change,” he said in reference to his 50 years at Council Road Baptist Church and how he has served in various roles and formed lifelong connections.
He also shared how a student at the church impacted him.
“They gave me the name of one youth who everyone knew needed the Lord,” he said. “I decided to make him my best friend and over time, God got a hold of him and he was never the same.”
Behymer described how his prayer continued to guide him, leading to his current role of mentoring young ministers.
“That prayer— ‘Lord, whatever you want me to do this week, I promise You I will do it’—is still in effect and will be until my Lord calls me home,” he said.
He challenged graduates to trust God with their futures.
“Before you get the ‘call’ or the job interview, would you consider praying to the One who is the architect of your life and say, ‘Lord, whatever you want me to do this week, I promise you I will do it,” he said.
Behymer closed by urging graduates to embrace the wide-open possibilities before them, offering his blessing.
“God bless each and every one of you and may God bless OBU,” Behymer said.
The winter ceremony included the awarding of 51 undergraduate degrees and 27 graduate degrees.
Following Behymer’s address, the undergraduate class was presented by Evan Ashmore, president of the OBU Student Government Association, and Dr. Larinee Dennis, co-provost, dean of business, health, science and education, and professor of education.
The presentation of bachelor’s degree candidates was made by Dennis and Dr. Matthew Emerson, co-provost, dean of theology, arts and humanities, and professor of religion. Emerson also led in the presentation of Summa Cum Laude candidates.
Elisabeth Jones, a 2024 Master of Business Administration graduate, and Dennis presented the graduate class.
The master’s degree candidates were presented by Emerson and Dennis.
Following the presentation of all degree candidates, Lee Ann Quirk, director of the OBU Alumni Association, inducted the graduates into the Alumni Association.
In presenting the final charge to the graduates, Thomas encouraged them to embrace a life of deliberate, diligent effort, drawing parallels between the university’s physical reconstruction and the graduates’ personal growth. The commencement ceremony marks a significant milestone for students who leave Bison Hill equipped to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Thomas began his address by reflecting on the transformation of OBU’s campus following the EF2 tornado in 2023. He noted the lessons learned from months of construction, highlighting the importance of consistent and unrelenting effort.
“Detailed, diligent effort enacted deliberately over time transforms a campus,” Thomas said. “But, my friends, today I want to say without hesitation or reservation: detailed, diligent effort enacted deliberately over time will transform your life as well.”
The theme of construction underscored his message to the graduates, emphasizing that their time at OBU has been a period of building something beautiful, despite life’s hardships and triumphs.
“Graduates, your time at OBU is done, but God wants to construct your future. And it begins today,” he said.
Thomas challenged the graduates to reject shortcuts and embrace perseverance.
“Quick work is not the best work,” he said. “The hard and honest work, accomplished over a progression of time, is the right work.”
Drawing examples from athletics and the arts, he reminded students that mastery requires sustained effort and that their dedication at OBU has prepared them for life’s challenges.
Looking ahead, Thomas urged the graduates to embrace their role as “agents of transformation and good in our world,” equipped to confront a culture often at odds with truth and beauty.
“Our world harbors dangers and threats. There are those who call good ‘evil’ and make lies of truth,” he said. “But never forget…you have been prepared for this moment. Take the lessons, the learning, the skills, and the virtues you have gained here and live them out loud in our world.”
Thomas encouraged graduates to live boldly, serve their communities, and reflect Christ in their actions. “Step into the new creation for which Christ died…so that you might bear his image in the world, for his glory and for his fame,” he said.
As the graduates embark on their next chapter, Thomas reminded them of their lifelong connection to the university. “You will always be a Bison, and you will always have a home at OBU,” he said.
He charged the graduates to make a lasting difference.
“Go and live well. Go and serve your community. Go and serve our Lord,” Thomas said. “You have been equipped. So, go do something beautiful for our God.”
Thomas’ charge was followed by “The Hymn to the Alma Mater,” led by Dr. Joshua Chism, associate professor of music, choral and vocal, accompanied by Claire Marquardt on the piano. Chism also led the benediction to conclude the ceremony.
Watch the video of OBU’s December graduation ceremony on OBU’s YouTube channel.
