The time has finally come. After more than a thousand articles, this is my last Perspective. It has been such a privilege to come into your home each week. You have been so kind to take the time to read my articles.

I love Oklahoma Baptists. Leading the work we do together has been a blessing from our Lord, and it has been a remarkable journey. Twenty-two years ago, I stepped from serving as pastor of a church I loved with all my heart to begin the journey of a lifetime.

You have honored me with the privilege of preaching in your churches. I have a map in my office that marks the places I have preached in these 22 years—it covers every nook and cranny of our state. What an honor to open the Word and declare the glorious Gospel to my beloved Oklahoma Baptists!

While it is hard to say goodbye, it is exciting to step onto the next leg of an uncharted journey of faith. Polla and I look forward to a slower pace and more time together. While we will not stop serving our Lord, I will not be locked to such a rigorous schedule. In the next few months, Lord willing, we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and our 50th year in ministry.

After retirement in April, I plan to take a few months off and next fall begin preaching and teaching again. I am a bit intimidated with the prospect of handling my own schedule! Please be patient with me. For 22 years Bonnie High and Lori Warren have kept me on track. Now I am being let loose on the world! Pray!

I owe so much to the incredible people God has allowed me the joy of serving beside. Team leaders, staff, entity presidents, pastors, directors of missions, the board of directors, donors and the presidents and officers of the convention. My leadership would have been so much less effective if it had not been for these godly and good people.

I hand the baton to my longtime friend, Hance Dilbeck. He is eminently qualified for the task. If I had been given the responsibility to choose my successor, I would have chosen Dr. Dilbeck. Godly in character, winsome in spirit, pastoral in leadership, faithful in proclamation and sure in calling, he is God’s man for the hour. I wish the very best and a double anointing of God’s Spirit upon him. Oklahoma Baptists are in good hands.

Thank you, my beloved Oklahoma Baptists, for these years. Polla and I love you deeply.

Contact info after April 15:

Drajordan49@gmail.com

405-990-9191

11901 Rosemeade Court

Oklahoma City, OK 73162