Dear Oklahoma Baptists,
I hope this letter finds you doing well and preparing for an exciting summer. As you likely know, Hance Dilbeck has resigned as executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists and has accepted the job as president of GuideStone Financial Resources.
While his departure is a significant loss for our state, he has been given a tremendous opportunity for expanded leadership and influence, and he goes with our love and support. Ultimately, this opportunity for Dr. Dilbeck is the result of his strong leadership, ability to carry out a clear vision, as well as evidence of the tremendous work being done by pastors, ministers and Baptists all across our state.
With his departure, our state is now in need of finding God’s man to be our next executive director-treasurer. On May 25, the Board of Directors voted on a search committee to begin this work. It is my honor to serve as chairman, and I am grateful for a strong group of men who were selected to be a part of this team.
I would like to acquaint you with the members of this committee. The seven men elected by the Board of Directors were Michael Butler, Russell Duck, Jeremy Freeman, Rusty McMullen, Heath Tucker, LeRon West and myself.
I believe this committee represents a good cross-section of our state, not only geographically but also in age and experience. We have two members in their 30s, three in their 40s, one in his 50s, and two in their 60s. Among the eight of us, there is an average of 28 years of vocational ministry. I am grateful for the wisdom of the men I will serve with on this search committee.
We have met together twice already and have our next meeting scheduled for June 24. Please pray for us as we work together on this task. We are fully reliant upon the Holy Spirit to direct our steps.
In addition to your prayers, I also want to invite all Oklahoma Baptists to share your insights and thoughts as we walk this journey together. Please know that we welcome your input and would love to hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions you would like to share. You can email our search committee at execsearch@oklahomabaptists.org, and we will look forward to hearing from you.
I will do my best to lead this fine committee in a way that is prayerful, thoughtful, careful, diligent and honoring to Christ. I am humbled by the privilege to serve in this way and look forward to seeing the provision of the Lord for Oklahoma Baptists.
In Christ,
Michael Staton
Chairman, Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Search Committee
Pastor, Mustang, First
