The Oklahoma Baptists’ Pastors’ Conference (OKBPC) is scheduled for Mon., Nov. 11 at Moore, First. OKBPC serves as a time of renewal and inspiration for church leaders across Oklahoma, and this year’s theme, “Well Done,” seeks to encourage pastors to stay strong in ministry. “Well Done” is based off the words of Jesus from Matt. 25:23: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
This year, the concept of faithfulness will be highlighted in five key areas of a pastor’s life: family, preaching, leadership, longevity in ministry and personal life. Each theme area will be explored in depth through various sermons, testimonies and focused times of reflection and prayer.
New to this year’s conference is the presentation of the J.B. Rounds Award. This award will honor a bi-vocational pastor who has demonstrated exceptional faithfulness in their ministry. Named in honor of Rounds, one of the founders of Falls Creek and leader of Oklahoma Baptists, this award is meant to highlight the importance of recognizing those who labor in smaller or underserved churches while also maintaining other careers.
Notable and respected voices from outside Oklahoma are slated to speak this year. Mark Clifton will bring a wealth of experience to the conversation on leadership and longevity in ministry. Clifton, known for his passion of church revitalization, will resonate with those who are facing challenges in their congregations.
Author and advocate for Gospel-driven ministry Jared Wilson is also scheduled to take the stage. His session, which aims to focus on the personal life of the pastor, will be a great encouragement for weary pastors serving their churches faithfully and will inspire them to keep Christ at the center of their preaching and ministry.
In addition to these national figures, Oklahoma Baptists will be encouraged through stories of God working in the lives of pastors through testimonies and messages rooted in God’s Word. Those who will also share at the conference include Rob Lindley, Brayden Buss, Jase Hargrove, Jake Adams and Keith Wigington.
Of course, there will also be time for pastors to worship together, pray for one another and enjoy times of fellowship. Dustin Searles from Durant, First will lead times of worship throughout the day and guided prayer sessions in the Psalms will give attendees the chance to intercede for one another, their churches and their communities.
There will also be a separate time for the pastors’ wives during lunch featuring Tara Matlock and free lunch hosted by Sara Holmes which is sponsored by Moore, First. They will have a panel discussion with a special door prize and other surprises.
The 2024 OKPBC team of Luke Holmes, Jeremy Freeman and Landon Warren have been working hard to ensure that pastors who attend will leave equipped to hear those cherished words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not only in eternity but throughout their ongoing ministry. Led by pastors, and created for pastors, the OKBPC promises to be a time of rejuvenation, renewal and encouragement for all who attend.
