I Love Oklahoma

Oklahoma is becoming one of my favorite states. I see things there that truly encourage me, particularly in terms of my tradition, the Southern Baptist Convention. Examples:
–Doug Baker, the new state paper editor, came from NC and is a friend. Doug gets so much that is happening these days and has fresh eyes, which is refreshing. Read his stuff. In a day when so much rhetoric seems unhelpful and at times unhealthy, Doug speaks with wisdom.
–Anthony Jordan. Anthony, the state exec, came from outstanding pastorates before taking the leadership role in the state convention. He is more than a denominational leader, for he is an outstanding preacher. In fact, we both spoke at the Missouri Baptist State Evangelism Conference a few years back where I heard him preach from Luke 7 on being a friend of sinners. Such a searching, convicting sermon. Few have affected me like that one did.
–Bob Mayfield. Bob has put together one of the best (if not the best) annual state convention gatherings of which I have ever been a part. His Missional Ministry Conference sets the standard for the kind of meeting needed in our time, in my view. I was honored to speak last year to a packed house, and will again this year. This time my friend J.D. Greear will join me as we look at the theme Missional Theology: Conveying Truth in a World of Opinion. The conference is March 25-26, 2010, at the Embassy Suites in Norman.
–John Elam. John is director of missions for the Northwestern Baptist Association in Woodward, OK. He has put together a unique meeting called For the World: Becoming a Great Commission Church. My colleague and Church History prof Nathan Finn will join me, as will Anthony Jordan. Here is the schedule of the conference which is coming up Nov 2:
9:00 am
Finn: Getting the Gospel Right
10:00
Reid: Getting the Gospel Out
11:00
Jordan: The Gospel and Cooperation
Lunch: At the hosting church.
1:00
Panel: Discussion moderated by Doug Baker
2:00
Finn: The Gospel and the Church: Why We Do What We Do
3:00
Reid: The Gospel and Culture

I know there is a lot of chatter today about how we do what we do as Southern Baptists, and state conventions and associations are a big part of that. I think the leaders and meetings noted above demonstrate how leaders from various levels, national, state, association, can come together and lift up the great gospel to the glory of God. I am always honored to be a part of these kinds of gatherings for I have seen how helpful they can be. We can do much more good together as we serve our great God.