Oklahoma OUTLOOK | April 2023

Reaching the Least, Last & Lost of Oklahoma

Coming Up

May

OSOM – OKC May 6

OSOM – Muskogee May 13

Youth Camp #1 May 28-31

June

Youth Camp #2 May 31-June 3

OSOM – OKC June 3

Youth Camp #3 June 5-9

OSOM – Muskogee June 10

Youth Camp #4 June 12-16

Youth Camp #5 June 19-23

Youth Camp #6 June 26-30

July

Kids Camp #1 July 10-14

Kids Camp #2 July 17-21

Kids Camp #3 July 24-28

*All events, dates, locations, announced speakers, times, etc., are subject to change.

A Message from our Pastor

Dear Oklahoma Assemblies of God Family,

We are so thankful for you. The OKAG is a family of ministers and a network of churches sharing the love of Jesus with the least, last, and lost. Our prayer is Ephesians 4:16, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

2022 was an amazing year. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my wife, Faith, and my children, Lindsay and Cody, Isaac, and Emery. They are the wind beneath my wings. We have always done ministry together, and I am so grateful for their willingness to travel with me each week and be involved with everything OKAG. I am forever indebted to them for their encouragement, flexibility, involvement, and prayers. I also express my sincere gratitude to our Executive Presbytery, Sectional Presbytery, Directors, Support Staff, and each minister serving on a team. These men and women propel our vision and mission daily. Your constant support and never-ending encouragement are life-giving to me. Please allow me to share a few highlights from 2022.

2022 will always be remembered as the year the OKAG launched our new Compassion Ministry department. Jamel and Melissa Crawford joined our team to equip our churches to impact our communities. We are grateful for their anointing and their three children, Jace, Jacoby, and Journey. A few months after they arrived, their leadership successfully launched our new OKAG Foster Care network in conjunction with Backyard Orphans and Compact Family Services. The church’s response in fulfilling our Biblical mandate to care for orphans has been overwhelming. As we travel and preach each week, Faith continues to promote her passionate vision, “If every church in the OKAG would just have

one family who fosters or adopts, we would end this crisis in Oklahoma.”

Our media team was busy in 2022. Under the direction of Director Jayson Evans, this team completely revitalized our website. OKAG.org is now much easier to navigate and search. They also reimagined our Outlook, which is now a full magazine mailed to all our ministers quarterly. With this change, the media team launched a monthly E-news containing timely updates and information delivered electronically to each minister on the first of each month.

Under the direction of Director Kevin Conner, our operations team successfully transitioned our database from Legacy ACS to Realm technology. The interface for ACS was dated and challenging. The updated interface provides better access to connect amongst our presbyters and ministers through an app and website portals. This also provides many future opportunities for on-ramping ministers. With the size of our organization and accompanying database, Realm informed us this may have been the largest database transfer in church history. I am grateful for Shelle Anderson and the entire team that worked through the technical challenges of this mammoth task.

One of the most exciting developments of 2022 was Roots Church. Announced at our 2022 Council, Dean and Joy Guthrie begin working on this new church plant through prayer and financial support by many of you. Located in the Moore area, we know that this church will reach many for Jesus and impact their community.

The first “Called Conference” was led by Director Heath Corrales. Connecting with students who first feel called to ministry is vital in creating a pipeline of ministers. We were overwhelmed with 200

students who attended and expressed a call of God to serve our churches and ministries. This new ministry will be key to the future of our fellowship. Thanks to Heath and his team for dreaming big and executing well.

Who could ever forget the ministry of Dr. Bryan Jarrett and Michael Dickenson at our 2022 Council? Matthew Barnett and Brad Rosenberg encouraged all of us at our 2022 DMR. Our Sectional Councils provided an opportunity to meet with God and encourage one another. Fall tour included Deacon training and opportunities for entire church boards to dream bigger together.

Our Youth, Childrens, Mens, Womens, Media, Compassion, Finance and Operations, Missions, Chi Alpha, and Camp Departments provided events and resources to encourage our ministers and ministries. Our Mission Director, Gary Davidson, spent much time overseas encouraging our Missionaries. Our Women’s Ministries Director, Susie Purkey, led our Daughter’s Conference to record attendance. Our AGOK Foundation continued to grow under the chairmanship of Pastor Frank Cargill.

Two years have now passed since you asked us to serve in this role as Superintendent and Network Pastor. We are truly humbled and honored to serve. On April 27, 2021, I asked you to pray for a healthy transition for my family, a smooth transition for my church, and a move of God across Oklahoma. My family is thriving, and I am getting ready to be a grandfather! SpiritCHURCH is stronger than ever and growing with new believers. I see a move of God happening in every church that we visit. Thank you for praying, and PLEASE CONTINUE. Prayer works.

Although the cultural headwinds are strong and the ministry mountains are steep, our God is stronger, mightier, and more powerful than anything we see on the horizon. Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost. Everywhere around us, we see the broken lives that the evil one has ravished. May God use us to share the love, joy, and peace of Jesus with the least, last, and lost of this generation.

We truly love you and know that we are BETTER TOGETHER,

Darryl & Faith Wootton

Dr. Darryl & Faith Wootton OKAG Superintendent

Welcome to our Family

By Dr. Darryl Wootton

Welcome to the Oklahoma Assemblies of God. We are a family of ministers and a network of churches dedicated to the glory of God and focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. We believe we are better together.

Who Are We?

Our OKAG team consists of over 1500 ministers serving over 450 churches in all 77 counties of Oklahoma. Together, our network supports over 100 missionary families across the globe. The sun never sets on Oklahoma Assemblies of God missionaries.

Nationally, the Assemblies of God includes 13,000 churches with a membership of 3 million adherents. The Assemblies of God is one of the youngest and most diverse church groups in America. Nearly 44 percent of our members are ethnic minorities. 53% of our members are younger than 35.[1]

Internationally, we have approximately 370,000 churches and nearly 70 million members. The Assemblies of God is just over 100 years old. According to Professor D.I. Joseph, the AG is perhaps the fastest-growing Church body the world has ever seen.[2] The Assemblies of God is currently one of the 4th largest Christian groups in the world.[3]

What Do We Do?

Our mission is to network together to better share the love of Jesus with the least, last, and lost.

We define the least as the next generation of children and teenagers. The last are those in need, including orphans, widows, addicts, prisoners, the hungry, and the displaced. The lost are those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Together, we team up to provide opportunities to strengthen ministers and ministries. The OKAG team provides Kids Camps, Youth Camps, Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries, Church ministries, Compassion Ministries, Mission ministries, Evangelism Ministries, and much more. Recently, we just launched our own OKAG Foster Care Network.

What Do We Dream About?

Our Vision is to have a healthy church in every Oklahoma community. There are currently 624 high schools in our state, and our goal is to have 624 vibrant churches across Oklahoma.

To have healthy churches, we must have healthy ministers. We are dedicated to helping our ministers stay healthy through spiritual renewal, healthy relationships, practical resources, and release into ministry opportunities.

[1] Carter, Joe, Joe Carter is a senior writer for The Gospel Coalition, Jeremy Treat, Thomas Kidd, John Perritt, Trevin Wax, Rynn Driver, et al. “9 Things You Should Know about the Assemblies of God.” The Gospel Coalition, August 14, 2021. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-assemblies-god/.

[2] Joseph, Daniel Isaiah. “Largest Christian Denominations in America: The Top 100.” Christianity FAQ, April 26, 2022. https://christianityfaq.com/largest-christiandenominations-america/.

[3] Staff, Crosswalk.com Editorial. “What Is the Assemblies of God? 10 Things You Should Know.” Christianity.com. Christianity.com, August 16, 2018. https://www. christianity.com/church/denominations/what-is-the-assemblies-of-god-history-and-beliefs.html.

What Do We Believe?

We unify around our core doctrines:

Jesus Saves

The doctrine of Salvation forms the core of our Christian faith by proclaiming God’s victory over sin in our lives. This truth results in deliverances, healings and restored lives. Whether a new member or a mature Christian, every believer should have a clear understanding of salvation and the difference this truth makes in our lives and churches.

Jesus Heals

Wherever Jesus went, He ministered with compassion and healed the sick. Christ’s example showed an interconnection with salvation as many believed following their healing. Our Lord continues to heal today and it is vital that the church preach, teach and practice this biblical truth. Scriptures command believers to pray in faith and trust God for the outcome.

Jesus Empowers by His Spirit

The doctrine of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is our distinctive. This truth explains the passion and power of our witness. Jesus promised His followers they would receive power from on high so that they would be His witnesses. We believe this truth is just as relevant today as our Fellowship continues to take the gospel message around the globe.

Jesus is Coming Again

With the world experiencing natural disasters, economic downturns and increasing uncertainties on many fronts, the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming is more relevant than ever. Believers must rest in the certainty of the imminent return of our Lord and share this hope with others.

To better understand these four core doctrines, we promote the 16 Fundamental Truths.

What Are the 16 Fundamental Truths?

1.The Scriptures Inspired

The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

2. The One True God

The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM,” the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

THE ADORABLE GODHEAD

(a) Terms Defined

The terms trinity and persons, as related to the godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from “gods many and lords many.” We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God, who is One Lord, as a Trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely scriptural (examples, Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16,17).

(b) Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead

Christ taught a distinction of persons in the godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but that this distinction and relationship, as to its mode is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because unexplained (Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Matthew 11:25-27; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3,4).

(c) Unity of the One Being of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the Father which constitutes Him the Father and not the Son; there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and there is that in the Holy Spirit which constitutes Him the Holy Spirit and not either the Father or the Son. Wherefore, the Father is the Begetter; the Son is the Begotten; and the Holy Spirit is the One proceeding from the Father and the Son. Therefore, because these three persons in the godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and His name one (John 1:18; 15:26; 17:11,21; Zechariah 14:9)

(d) Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are never identical as to person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in

the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation, and authority. Hence, no person in the godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others (John 5:17-30,32,37; 8:17,18).

(e) The Title, Lord Jesus Christ

The appellation Lord Jesus Christ, is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament either to the Father or to the Holy Spirit. It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God (Romans 1:1-3,7; 2 John 3).

(f) The Lord Jesus Christ, God With Us

The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father, but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man. He is, therefore, acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man, is “Immanuel,” God with us (Matthew 1:23; 1 John 4:2,10,14; Revelation 1:13,17).

(g) The Title, Son of God

Since the name Immanuel embraces both God and man, in the one person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title Son of God describes His proper deity, and the title Son of Man, His proper humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God belongs to the order of eternity, and the title Son of Man to the order of time (Matthew 1:21-23; 2 John 3; 1 John 3:8; Hebrews 7:3; 1:1-13).

(h) Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ

Wherefore, it is a transgression of the doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title Son of God solely from the fact of the Incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption. Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of God; a denial of the Father and the Son; and a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (2 John 9; John 1:1,2,14,18,29,49; 1 John 2:22,23; 4:1-5; Hebrews 12:2).

(i) Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord

The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him. And having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Spirit that we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father that God may be all in all (Hebrews

1:3; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28)

(j) Equal Honor to the Father and to the Son

Wherefore, since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son, it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Spirit to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of deity, and to give Him all the honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the godhead except those which express relationship (see paragraphs b, c, and d), and thus honor the Son even as we honor the Father (John 5:22,23; 1 Peter 1:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Philippians 2:8,9; Revelation 7:9,10; 4:8-11).

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:

a. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).

b. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).

c. His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).

d. His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

e. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4).

f. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).

4. The Fall of Man

Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26,27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

5. The Salvation of Man

Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

(a) Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).

(b) The Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness

of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

6. The Ordinances of the Church

(a) Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4).

(b) Holy Communion

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements—bread and the fruit of the vine—is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers “till He come!”

7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost (Mark 16:20).

8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:410,28), but different in purpose and use.

9. Sanctification

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). Scriptures teach a life of “holiness without which no man shall see the

Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command: “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15,16). Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5).

10. The Church and Its Mission

The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her Great Commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23). Since God’s purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshiped by man, to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, and to demonstrate His love and compassion for all the world, the priority reason-for-being of the Assemblies of God as part of the Church is:

a. To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16).

b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13).

c. To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12).

d. To be a people who demonstrate God’s love and compassion for all the world (Psalms 112:9; Galatians 2:10; 6:10; James 1:27).

The Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:

a. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3,4).

b. Adds a necessary dimension to a worshipful relationship with God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 12-14).

c. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ and care for the poor and needy of the world (Galatians 5:22-26; Matthew

25:37-40; Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Colossians 1:29; Galatians 5:22-26).

11. The Ministry

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fourfold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20), (2) worship of God (John 4:23,24), (3) building a Body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11,16), and (4) Meeting human need with ministries of love and compassion (Psalms 112:9; Galatians 2:10; 6:10; James 1:27).

12. Divine Healing

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).

13. The Blessed Hope

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52).

14. The Millennial Reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans 11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4).

15.

The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11- 15; 21:8).

16. The New Heavens and the New Earth

“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21,22).

What is a healthy Church?

God chose the local church to be the hope of the world. We believe a healthy church is Christ centered, Spirit-led, Biblebased, community impacting, and life-giving. Healthy churches honor God in worship, connect in fellowship, grow in discipleship, serve in ministry, and go towards the lost. Our goal is for every church in our network to be healthy.

What is a healthy minister?

We believe a healthy minister is full of integrity, humility, generosity, forgiveness, and joy. A minister is defined as ‘one who serves.’ Healthy ministers serve the great commandment and the great commission of Jesus. The great commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. The great commission is to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Our goal is for every ministry to lead their personal life, their marriage, their family, and their ministry in a healthy way.

How do I join the team?

We believe serving in leadership in the church of Jesus Christ is the highest calling on earth. Ministers deal with weighty matters of eternity. When you go to a medical doctor you want someone who is well trained in medical matters. The same should be true for spiritual leaders. The Assemblies of God offers three levels of credentials: certified, licensed, and ordained. Each level involves increasing focus on Bible understanding, theology, and practical ministry training.

How is the OKAG structured?

In the OKAG, every team member is as important as any other team member. We all have different roles and assignments that mutually strengthen everyone. Our Superintendent and Network Pastor, Darryl Wootton, has a team of directors that serve as a hub for our vision and mission. Our Executive Presbytery consists of an Assistant Superintendent, General Presbyter, East Regional Presbyter, and West Regional Presbyter. Each of these leaders are charged with protecting the unity of our fellowship. In addition, we have Sectional Presbyters that geographically cover the entire state. The Superintendent, Directors, and Presbyters work together to encourage healthy ministers and healthy churches.

Where Do I Start?

If you are interested in joining the OKAG team, simply contact our office at okag.org or by phone at 405.475.1100. Our support team will be glad to connect and provide information on how you could be a part of the most exciting thing happening in Oklahoma – the Oklahoma Assemblies of God.

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

“HE MAKES THE WHOLE BODY FIT TOGETHER PERFECTLY. AS EACH PART DOES ITS OWN SPECIAL WORK, IT HELPS THE OTHER PARTS GROW, SO THAT THE WHOLE BODY IS HEALTHY AND GROWING AND FULL OF LOVE.”

IN REVIEW

OKAG Missions

Gary & Wilma Davidson Missions Elders

Wilma and I recently returned from a week in Addis Ababa, where we represented our OKAG network in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Ethiopian Assemblies of God. This vibrant fellowship has come through unprecedented persecution and currently has 740 churches and plants 100 new congregations a year. It is such a witness that we are BETTER TOGETHER in partnering with local indigenous networks!

We were also celebrating the ministry of our own Dr. Loretta Wideman, who has given her life to the African continent for 37 years and expects to continue her invaluable ministry in the years ahead. We witnessed countless pastors spontaneously publicly and privately acknowledge her unstinting commitment to training local pastors for the Pentecostal Ministry. Loretta is an outstanding example: by partnering with her OKAG family and our African AG networks, we are BETTER TOGETHER!

295 OKLAHOMA GLOBAL WORKERS

$7,512,794 Total World Missions Giving in 2022

Top 25 Oklahoma Churches in Missions Giving

Top 25 Oklahoma Churches in AGWM Giving Per Capita

OKAG Finance

& Operations

Kevin Conner

Finance & Operations Director

In the area of Finance, The Oklahoma Assemblies of God is truly Better Together. This goes even further than the local, national, and global mission initiatives. By coming together as a network, the OKAG can invest in churches and ministers through things like the Revolving Fund Loans, The Oklahoma Ministers Benevolence Fund, contributing to the retirement accounts of Oklahoma Ministers, providing assistance to churches and ministers in need, and reinvesting money back into missions through the AGOK Foundation.

New Revolving Fund Loans

Contributions to Oklahoma Ministers Retirement Accounts

Oklahoma Ministers Benevolence Fund

Annual Distributions through the AGOK Foundation

The figures presented in this report are sourced from the Independent Auditor’s Report provided by the accounting firm FORVIS (https://www.forvis.com/), formerly known as BKD, LLP.

OKAG Compassion

Ministries

Jamel Crawford

Compassion Ministries Director

The Assemblies of God is committed to fulfilling a four-fold mission. The Assemblies of God’s primary reasons for being are to: Evangelize the lost, Worship God, Disciple believers, and Show compassion. The Oklahoma Assemblies of God (OKAG) is committed to showing compassion through reaching the LEAST, the LAST, and the LOST.

The OKAG Compassion Ministry serves and resources churches and pastors in Oklahoma in reaching the LEAST, the LAST, and the LOST in their community. As a Network, there is an opportunity for the church to be intentional in demonstrating compassion for: The orphan and widow (James 1:27), the poor (2 Thess. 3:7-10), the prisoner (Matt. 25:36-40), and the hungry (Matt. 25:35). Even more opportunities can be listed because the need is great.

In a short time, the OKAG Compassion Ministry has assisted in starting the OKAG Foster Care Network. In November 2022, an OKAG Foster Care Network Event happened. More than 100 individuals representing 27 churches attended the kick-off event. We had five different partners (Backyard Orphans, 111 Project, COMPACT Family Services, Circle of Care, and For the Children) as church resources. The OKAG Foster Care Network encourages, engages, and empowers every church to do something to serve families in Oklahoma.

Jesus demonstrated compassion; compassion is needed, and we are to be intentional in offering compassion. Bill Wilson, the founder of Metro World Child, once said, “the need is the call.” Let’s work together as we demonstrate compassion today in reaching the LEAST, the LAST, and the LOST!

OKAG Youth

Ministries

Heath Corrales

Youth Ministries Director

In Oklahoma Youth Ministries (OYM), we love students, and we love youth pastors. Throughout the year, OYM hosts events that unite students and youth pastors to connect with other students and youth pastors from different churches and cities. Why? To remind them that we are better together. Whether you are a leader or a student, life can be very challenging, and youth ministry can sometimes feel very lonely, so everything we do is a reminder that you don’t have to do life alone. In other words, things can improve and get better if we don’t try to face them alone. Camp, retreats, and anything we do will always be better together.

$194,054.41

WHAT IS SPEED THE LIGHT?

The concept of Speed the Light is simple: we give so others can speed the Light of the gospel to a world in darkness. This is accomplished by providing the “essential transportation and creative communication” equipment for missionary evangelism. Through modern transportation, radio, television, print, audio, and digital equipment, our missionaries can help make Jesus known. Speed the Light is a student-initiated, volunteer, charitable program that provides much-needed equipment to missionaries across the nation and in over 180 countries around the world. It began in 1944, and nearly 75 years later, Speed the Light is one of the most effective youth missions ministries in existence. Since its beginning, over $300 million has been raised for missionary equipment worldwide. And, Speed the Light is still helping disciple students to live a life of generosity as they become personally responsible for the mission of God by helping our missionaries make Jesus known throughout the world.

5,074 2022 Youth Camp Attendance

147

Saved for the First Time

RAISED FOR SPEED THE LIGHT IN 2022

206 ATTENDEES

406 PARTICIPANTS

667 ENTRIES

921 ATTENDEES

OKAG Children & Family

Jason Warnock

Children & Family Ministries Director

Oklahoma Children and Family Ministry exists to help churches embrace the mission of raising and discipling the next generation. We want to support local churches in the God-given assignment of reaching children and families by giving them the opportunity to utilize various camps, retreats, conferences, and connections with other children and family ministers. Oklahoma Children and Family Ministry desires to inspire leaders to embrace the calling to disciple this generation, to lead families to a faithful commitment to God, and lead with love and loyalty as we strive for excellence.

Beach Beach Party Party

2,853

2022 Kids Camp Attendance

192

Holy Spirit Baptisms

$312,799.94

Total BGMC Giving in 2022

BGMC is the missions education program for all kids in the Assemblies of God. BGMC stands for “Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge.” Kids are challenged to help our missionaries, challenged to sacrificially give to missions, challenged to help the needy in the world, challenged to pray for missionaries, challenged to pray for various people groups, challenged to love and accept people of all races, challenged to reach the lost, and challenged to keep their hearts open to the call of God for full-time missions. The money raised through BGMC is used to provide our missionaries with the supplies they need to reach people around the world. BGMC equips kids to know, care, pray, give, and reach the lost. BGMC has a two-fold purpose:

1. to reach the children of the world and

2. to create a heart of compassion in kids.

Girls Ministries is a church-based discipleship program that has a legacy of godly women coming alongside girls, guiding them on a path to become mature and godly women. Our goal is simple: To see every girl moving toward a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and to realize her importance and potential in the kingdom of God.

ATTENDEES

Junior Bible Quiz is the go-to resource for helping kids learn God’s Word and build a faith that lasts a lifetime.

OKAG Women’s

Ministries

Susie Purkey

Women’s Ministries Director

Reaching the Least, Last, and Lost of Oklahoma. We Are over 450 Churches and 1,500 Ministers, providing training and ministry events to help you grow closer in your walk with God. We are here to help maximize the Call of God upon your life. Better Together!

OVER

1,200 ATTENDEES

The OKLAHOMA NETWORK OF WOMEN MINISTERS is for women who:

Are credentialed and currently serving in ministry WHO FELT A DIVINE CALL and desires more Leadership Training and Connection

Are non-credentialled and currently serving in ministry WHO FELT A DIVINE CALL and desires more Leadership Training and Connection?

FEEL A DIVINE CALL, and currently in pursuit of or considering credentialling

131 ATTENDEES IN 2022 EVENTS

Cynthia Dobbs Network of Women Ministers Director

WHAT IS LIFE?

LIFE is an acronym that stands for Ladies Investing for Eternity, and is one of the powerful missions arms of the Oklahoma Assemblies of God. LIFE provides many tangible resources for over 200 missionaries and their families throughout the world, as well as ten incredible nonprofit ministries who advocate for orphans, single-moms, children’s feeding agencies, the sanctity of the unborn and many others. Currently, Oklahoma Women are #1 in the United States, in Assemblies of God Mission’s Giving! We couldn’t provide what we do without our grass-roots women’s groups and local churches encouraging your women to support Missions through our OKAG LIFE Fund. We could not do what we do without PRAYER, FASTING, and YOU!

2022 LIFE Special Project

$37,268 Raised for Africa Oasis Water Filters

$30,000 DONATED TO PROVIDE NEW FLOORING AT NEW LIFEHOUSE TEEN CHALLENGE

Provided over $15,000 in Birthday and Christmas

Love-offerings to Widows, Single Moms, and over 200 OKAG Missionaries

OKAG Media

and Communications

Jayson Evans Media & Communications Director

The Media and Communications Department’s purpose is to embrace the call of the Great Commission and communicate the Gospel clearly for the world to hear. In 2022, we laid the groundwork for being a conduit of network communication and resources by restructuring our website, focusing on reaching people through social media, and converting our minister database to a new app-based program called REALM. Also, in 2022, in the 75th year of its publication, the OUTLOOK magazine is now a quarterly edition that focuses on telling the stories of our network family.

As we embrace the next year, we believe that the OKAG network is better when we pool our resources, specifically in media and technology. One church (or network) will not have all the answers, but together, we can create a network that can provide support, resources, and ideas that will continue to further the Kingdom of God for His glory.

108K

WEBSITE VISITS IN 2022

69% of web visitors are using mobiles devices

15,711

Attendees Registered for an Event in 2022

Ordination Class of 2023

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Tim Adkins Rebecca Barbee Mindy Bright

Andrew Buske Nathan Carson

2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT)

Les Castleberry Kraig Hayden Randy Jackson

Tami Johnson Ngul Lian (Kham) Cing

Sharron Knowles

Lynn Lea

Michael Lokey

Jeremy Olson

Trisha Proulx

Kristie Ridge

Angela Ryals

Blaine Ryals

Sharon Smith Virginia Smith

Brian Snow Kaylynn Tresler Zachary Williams

In Memory Ministers

In Memory

Ministers’ Spouses

of the Late James C. Girkin

Kathryn Lee

Spouse of the Late Glen Lee

Photo Not Available

of the Late

Donna J. Hocker

12/1/30 - 7/3/22

Spouse of the Late John Hocker

Sonjia M. Lowry

Spouse of Lester Lowry

JoAnn

Sisk-Scarberry

Spouse of the Late Don Sisk

Martha McDonald

Spouse of the Late Dewey McDonald

Alberta Holybee

2/23/36 - 12/12/22

Spouse of Charles Holybee

Jo Ella Parker

Spouse of Aaron Parker

Mary L. Stafford

10/9/36 - 3/13/23

Spouse of the Late Kenneth Stafford

Mary B. Zigmont

Spouse

of Bob Zigmont

Frances

Ellen Thompson

Spouse of the Late Lesslie Thompson

Beverly A. Rackley

2/5/49 - 11/7/22

Spouse of Bill Rackley

Alma Weaver

10/5/39 - 8/15/22

Spouse of the Late Ray Weaver

have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

Lavada L. West

8/16/39 - 3/14/22

Spouse of John West, Jr.

Betty Jo Brummett

- 5/20/22

Spouse of the Late Vernon Brummett

Marquieta Butcher

-

Spouse of the Late Lee Butcher

Donna L. Coberly

“Eva” M. Coleman

-

3/23/22

10/27/31

- 8/30/22

Diana Elmore

12/25/48 - 5/22/22

11/14/41

- 5/12/22

10/15/75

- 7/23/22

9/27/34

- 7/3/22

12/5/58

- 2/15/23

Vallie M. Gibson 2/6/35 - 8/14/22

Spouse of the Late Elton Gibson

Jessie L. Girkin

1/29/31 - 3/12/22

Lillian Heddlesten

7/31/32 - 12/26/22

Virgil Heddlesten

6/18/34 - 2/9/22

2/9/55 - 2/1/22

3/26/31 - 10/24/22

8/17/38 - 12/2/22

12/5/48 - 3/18/22

10/4/33 - 1/12/22

12/18/47 - 4/14/22

I

2

Our Team

Executive Leadership Team

Sectional Presbyters

Dr. Darryl E. Wootton Superintendent Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent

Jamie Austin Corporate Secretary

Bruce McCarty Executive Presbyter East Region

Darren Pilcher Executive Presbyter West Region

Section One Jackie Crafton

Section Two Keith Williams

Section Three Mark Davidson

Section Four Robert Yandell

Section Five East Dave Mewbourne

Section Five West Jason Byers

Section Six Jeromye Jackson

Section Seven Jimmy Keith

Section Eight Kelly Coffey

Section Nine North Kevin Fouts

Section Nine South Steve Lance

Section Ten Chad Allred

Section Eleven Charlie Newman

Section Twelve Arlis B. Moon, Jr.

Finance & Operations

Missions

Compassion

Children’s & Family Discipleship

Youth

Kevin Conner Director

Miriam Luginu Accountant Shelle Anderson Administrative Assistant

Renae Elmore Records & Real Estate

Gary & Wilma Davidson Missions Elders

Dona Bunn Administrative Assistant Greg & Susan Tiffany Chi Alpha

Jamel Crawford Director

Jason Warnock Director Debora Wilson Administrative Assistant Liz Moon Girls Ministries

Bev Robertson BGMC

Steve Grisham Junior Bible Quiz

Heath Corrales Director C.J. Fields Administrative Assistant

Mark Cain Fine Arts Beki Johnson Bible Quiz

Women

Media & Communications

Minsiter Care

School of Ministry

Senior Heritage

Susie Purkey Director

Melissia Flores Administrative Assistant

Cynthia Dobbs Network of Women Ministers

Jayson Evans Director Chris Ainsworth Video Producer & Production

Jonathan Yandell Transitional Leader

Sherri Anderson Administrative Assistant

Martin & Janice Perryman

Barbara Miller Executive Assistant For Minister Care

Itinerating Missionaries

MC

Kirk & Karla Ford kirk@nexusministries.org

Brandon & Stacey Garrett brandon@osuxa.com

TH

Daniel & Janene Hazelrigg hazelrigg.d@gmail.com

Cory & Angela Hogan Hogansinmexico@gmail.com

A.J Jenkins aj.jenkins@agwmafrica.org

SL

Joni Middleton jonimiddleton@gmail.com

David & Patricia Schatzmann dave@schatzmann.com

Isiah Smith iamisiahsmith@gmail.com

JS

Stephen & Kimberly Snow sk3ksnowfamily@gmail.com

Michael & JayLynn Sperry sperry1232@gmail.com

David & Shirley Swafford dswafford@cstonline.org

**Sensitive Country

Nexus Ministries/Church Planting in Europe

OSU Chi Alpha

Intercultural Ministries, Sensitive

Mexico, Latin America/Caribbean

Mexico, Latin America/Caribbean

Mozambique

**Sensitive Country

France, Europe, Project Rescue

Pohnapei, Asia Pacific

Netherlands, Europe

**Sensitive Country

Intercultural Ministries, Hispanic

UCO Chi Alpha

Coastal South America and the West Indies

Around our State

New Pastors

• Sand Springs Prattwood – Gary Dotson

• Soper – John Florez

• Porum – John C. Brown

• McCurtain First – Tim Adkins

Transfers Out of State

• Darren Overton Arkansas

Information

• Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.

In Memory

• Wendell E. Cox (10/18/1934 – 2/27/2023)

• Fred C. Ticeahkie (11/26/1947 – 4/01/2023)

• Frank E. Spinden (4/12/1951 – 4/04/2023)

We Are

A NETWORK OF CHURCHES AND A FAMILY OF MINISTERS FOCUSED ON FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION