The Oklahoma Youth Ministry Forum (OKYM) hosted by Oklahoma Baptists Youth Ministry at Falls Creek, has been a place of connection, collaboration, challenge, community and conversation through practical training for youth ministry leaders for more than 30 years.
Todd Sanders, Oklahoma Baptists Youth Ministry partner, explained this year’s theme, “We focused forum this year on the spiritual, mental and emotional health of ministers, leaders, students and ministries. We understand that Healthy ministers feed healthy ministries. We recognize that we often don’t take time to give attention to what is most important. When we get pressed, we abandon those things that make the biggest difference. We want leaders to thrive in life and ministry.”
This year’s forum welcomed close to 200 leaders from across the state. Zac Workun and Julie Busler led main sessions and Stephen and Rachel Patterson and Cody Dunbar led worship. Attendees also had more than 15 breakouts on topics related to the theme to choose from.
OKYM is for any adult leader involved in their church’s youth ministry, no matter their role.
Bret Lalli, McAlester, First, commented that OKYM was the only conference he attends that ”allowed him to be empowered while also empowering others.”
Alexandra Bays, OKC, Southern Hills, values OKYM “because of the community that it fosters and provides. You’re welcome! It is always really good for me and my soul!”
Jason Peck, Moore, First, benefits from Forum because if “rekindles my passion for youth ministry and breathes life into me as a youth pastor.”
Brandon and April Baumgarten from Hazel Dell added, that they “enjoyed… learning more about effective youth ministry and how to thrive in many ministry areas such as home, church, marriage, family, and with students.”
Sarah Wooten, Oklahoma Baptists Youth Ministry Partner, commented that the hope is that “OKYM Forum will continue to find a place of relevance for new and experienced leaders.” Sanders furthered the thought, “We enjoy a strong, healthy youth ministry network in Oklahoma. We want to see new generation of leaders engage in the community. Forum is an important part of that.”
OKYM is the fourth official meeting of the year for the Oklahoma Youth Ministry Network. OKYM 2025 is set for Nov. 20-22 at Falls Creek. Registration opens in June. For more information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/forum.
