SHAWNEE—One word that could describe the year 2020 would be “unexpected.” This year definitely did not turn out how anyone anticipated.

“Unexpected” could also describe how God uses people to do Kingdom work and advance His Gospel. This is why The Call Conference has “Unexpected” as its theme this year.

“God uses unexpected people to spread His message and lead His people,” said Brian Baldwin who serves as student evangelism and missions partner for Oklahoma Baptists. “The reason for that is He gets more glory for Himself. A lot of times, people have their own preconceived notions of who’s worthy to lead out for the cause of Christ, and God doesn’t play by our rules when it comes to leadership. God is always using unexpected people to bring glory to Himself.”

Baldwin said the theme is based on 2 Cor. 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

The Call Conference, which will meet 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 29 at Oklahoma Baptist University, is “designed for those who are exploring a call to ministry, whether they are discovering it or they are deepening their call,” Baldwin said.

The event also encourages attendees who don’t know about their future and God’s plans for their lives.

Now in its 10th year, The Call Conference has been increasing in attendance, reaching nearly 400 students in past years from Oklahoma and the surrounding region.

General sessions at this year’s Call Conference will feature Ed Newton, Matthew Emerson and Vedaste Ndamiye as keynote speakers. Newton is a Falls Creek favorite speaker who currently serves as pastor at a church in San Antonio, Texas. Baldwin said Newton will speak on how to confirm your call.

Emerson, the new dean of OBU’s Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry, will lead a “mega-breakout” session, which will be for all attendees at two different sessions. He will speak on the topic of how to grow in your calling.

The last speaker will be Vedaste Ndamiye who is originally from the Congo and is now a pastor and church planter in Edmonton, Canada. Ndamiye has worked with Go Student mission groups that visited Edmonton. He will talk to students about how to follow the Lord in their calling.

The Call Conference also will feature 13 breakouts, with two new topics this year covering “first two years of ministry” and “small town ministry.” Other breakout sessions cover topics that include pastoral, children, student, worship, discipleship and small group ministries.

One favorite breakout session is titled “Slash/Pursuing A Call That Looks Different.” The session covers aspects of ministry that may not be considered in traditional church settings. Dustin Cupp who is involved in a medical ministry will lead this session.

To register or find more information on The Call Conference, visit oklahomabaptists.org/thecall.