Night of Prayer sets stage for SEC
On Sun., Jan. 29, more than 200 Oklahoma Baptist pastors and other leaders gathered for a Night of Prayer event at Del City, First Southern.
The annual prayer event preceded the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference (SEC) and was led by Mark Becton, Pastor of Richmond, Va., Grove Avenue. Becton prompted attendees to seek the Lord in prayer, using the famed A-C-T-S (Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving-Supplication) acronym and dedicated times for each.
Throughout the event, various pastors and leaders led in prayer and Scripture readings. Charles Billingsley, worship leader at Lynchburg, Va., Thomas Road, led in worship through music.
“We must learn to call on the Lord through prayer in the good times as well as the bad,” said Billingsley, said.
During the event, leaders from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) and BGCO affiliates—Baptist Village Communities, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Oklahoma Baptist University and the Baptist Foundation—also led in prayer.
BGCO Executive Director-Treasurer Anthony Jordan prayed that God would enable Oklahoma Baptists to reach every person in the state with the Gospel.
Breakouts abound
Brian Baldwin leads breakout session titled “Gospel-advancing Student Ministry”
Tuesday morning, Jan. 31 offered an abundance of breakout sessions, as SEC attendee could choose from list of 16 evangelistic studies. Anthony Jordan led a session titled “How to Give an Effective Invitation,” and both of his meetings were well-attended.
SEC program leaders also were involved in breakout sessions, including Mark Becton (Seeing God’ Face and Seeing God Work), Charles Billingsley (Evangelism and Sunday Worship – How They Work Together), Rodney Keith (Learning and Living Out the Gospel of Jesus Christ), Chuck Kelley (Southern Baptists and The Great Commission: Where Are We Now?), John Meador (Can We Talk?), Frank Turek (Are Miracles Possible?) and James Walker (Understanding Islam: A Christian Perspective).
Other BGCO leaders who led breakout sessions included Brian Baldwin, student missions and evangelism specialist, whose meeting was titled “Gospel-advancing Student Ministry,” and Alan Quigley, Mobilization Team leader, who spoke on “Evangelistic Meetings: Revival or Crusade.”
Jim Stewart of Evangelism Explosion offered a new twist to the longstanding witnessing training program. His session was titled “It’s Not Your Parents’ EE.” Patty Webb of Deaf EE USA led a training for witnessing in sign language titled “For the Deaf: High-Five Witnessing/Eternity in Your Hand.”
Doug Passmore, pastor of Lawton, First East, talked on “Church Renewal Weekend,” and how to use such weekend events to revive church members. Hal and Rita Carpenter gave instructions on how to start elementary school Bible clubs. Colby Morris shared about Upward Sports. See page 8 for more information on the Upward Sports breakout session.
SEC exhibits offered promotion and perks
Matt Spahn, DOM of Cherokee Strip Association, on left prays for a pastor after his shoes were shined.
Both days of SEC ministries across the state of Oklahoma filled the exhibit hall. Visitors enjoyed the many ministries offered in the exhibit hall including Upward Sports, the Cooperative program and more.
Falls Creek Baptist Conference Centers passed out ICEEs, a popular camp treat, which became a crowd favorite. The Falls Creek 100 Year Anniversary book was also sold for 25 dollars, and can be purchased throughout 2017.
A special treat for those attending SEC was a shoe polishing station to symbolize the washing of feet of the Lord’s servants. The owner of the San Francisco-based company estimated 200 shines were completed over the span of 2 days.
