The Baptist Messenger

The Baptist Messenger The first issue of The Baptist Messenger came off the press on May 15, 1912. The Messenger is currently the third largest newspaper in Oklahoma.

In late 1909, Clarence P. Stealey, of West Virginia moved to Oklahoma to start a Baptist paper. It became one of the most widely circulated newspapers in the entire Oklahoma territory. When the Oklahoma Southern Baptist Convention held its annual meeting in May of 1912, copies of the first edition of the Baptist Messenger were distributed. The inaugural edition on May 15, 1912, contained stories a

bout the work of the Foreign and Home Mission Boards, Christian education, teaching about Christian doctrine and theology, and the Oklahoma Baptist Orphans’ Home. Within five years, the 16-page, weekly publication had a statewide circulation of approximately 5,000. By 1919, the convention’s board determined that the Baptist Messenger should become its official news journal and purchased the newspaper from Stealey for $5,000 under the condition that he would continue to serve as editor. Since Stealey’s era, nine others have served as editor of the newspaper. Today, the Baptist Messenger is mailed to more than 42,000 households every issue, making it the third-largest newspaper in the state of Oklahoma. In November 2011, Messenger Digital was launched, a full online edition of The Baptist Messenger, along with the Messenger Mobile companion app. On May 15, 2012, The Messenger celebrated its 100th year. In 2022, the Messenger became a monthly printed magazine. For more information, visit BaptistMessenger.com.

Pastor-In-Focus: Blake Martin, Church Planting PastorWhat if God asked you to drop everything and move from Oklahoma, a ...
05/23/2026

Pastor-In-Focus: Blake Martin, Church Planting Pastor

What if God asked you to drop everything and move from Oklahoma, a place you have known all your life, to New York City for missions and church ministry?

New York City is a place that needs the Gospel. Out of the nearly 8.8 million people living in NYC, only 6% profess their faith and regularly attend church. NYC is a melting pot of different cultures and religions, and the challenges of church work and church planting are numerous.

A major move from Oklahoma to New York like that would require a leap of faith. That is exactly what church planting pastor Blake Martin believes the Lord has compelled him to do. He and his wife Bryse are pursuing the calling they feel God has placed on them and are moving to NYC to help plant a church.

Read More - https://bit.ly/4wNAWjx

Max Barnett, Longtime University of Oklahoma BSU Leader, dies; Barnett remembered for impactful campus ministry, discipl...
05/19/2026

Max Barnett, Longtime University of Oklahoma BSU Leader, dies; Barnett remembered for impactful campus ministry, discipleship

Barnett, a native of Littlefield, Texas, helped lead a ministry at OU that celebrated its Centennial on Oct. 20, 2023. More than 500 students and BCM/BSU alumni and supporters gathered for the special 100th anniversary event.

Barnett served at OU from 1967-2004, “Where his faithful, Spirit-led leadership established a model of collegiate ministry marked by evangelistic fervor, doctrinal depth, and pastoral care for students. Max faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ for more than 60 years in Baptist collegiate ministry, giving his life to reaching university students with the Gospel and discipling generations of young men and women for Kingdom service,” said Shane Kammerer, current OU BCM director.

Read More - https://bit.ly/4dPiDmp

Pray for Nathan & Kari Shank serving in EuropeAfter serving with IMB in South Asia for over 25 years, Nathan and Kari ha...
05/14/2026

Pray for Nathan & Kari Shank serving in Europe

After serving with IMB in South Asia for over 25 years, Nathan and Kari have relocated to Europe to work in a global role with IMB’s Global Engagement Team. In this role, Nathan and Kari will consult and train missionaries, and work with national partners and other groups to advance the Gospel.

To be enrolled in the Missionary Prayer Guide texting alerts, text “PRAY” to 833-942-3800

Camp Perfect Wings: A Special Needs Ministry Founded on FaithMeeting at CrossTimbers, Camp Perfect Wings is a camp exper...
05/14/2026

Camp Perfect Wings: A Special Needs Ministry Founded on Faith

Meeting at CrossTimbers, Camp Perfect Wings is a camp experience for children and adults with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, ages eight and up.

“Camp Perfect Wings gives these kids and adults a place to come and have fun,” said CrossTimbers Program Director Sarah Hagar. “They get to spend time with friends doing things they enjoy. They hear about Jesus and the salvation only He brings.”

At Camp Perfect Wings, each activity, game, worship session and Bible teaching is designed with the campers’ special needs in mind.

Read More - https://www.baptistmessenger.com/camp-perfect-wings-a-special-needs-ministry-founded-on-faith/

Missionary Prayer GuidePray for Tyler Barnes serving in OklahomaTyler serves as a Church Planting Catalyst with SEND Net...
05/07/2026

Missionary Prayer Guide

Pray for Tyler Barnes serving in Oklahoma

Tyler serves as a Church Planting Catalyst with SEND Network. He and his wife, Chotsie, and their two children are currently in Oklahoma City at Thrive Community Church. Tyler helps churches plant churches by identifying potential church planters and coaching them through the church planting process.

To be enrolled in the Missionary Prayer Guide texting alerts, text “PRAY” to 833-942-3800

Spring Break: A Time of Sending and Gospel ImpactSpring break is often associated with rest and routine—but for students...
05/06/2026

Spring Break: A Time of Sending and Gospel Impact

Spring break is often associated with rest and routine—but for students partnering with GO Students, it became something far more significant: a front-row seat to the Gospel at work.

Across two mission efforts in Oklahoma and Kansas City, nearly 200 Oklahoma students and leaders from 15 churches didn’t just learn about living on mission—they experienced it firsthand.

Read Here - https://bit.ly/4nluID1

Missionary Prayer GuidePray for Secure Country MissionariesPray for the Oklahoma Baptists who are serving through the In...
04/30/2026

Missionary Prayer Guide

Pray for Secure Country Missionaries

Pray for the Oklahoma Baptists who are serving through the International Mission Board in areas of the world that are so dangerous we cannot reveal their names or where they serve, not just for the safety of these missionaries, but for those under their care who choose to follow Jesus.

To be enrolled in the Missionary Prayer Guide texting alerts, text “PRAY” to 833-942-3800

In late April, a series of damaging tornadoes caused widespread damage in multiple areas and communities in Oklahoma. Am...
04/30/2026

In late April, a series of damaging tornadoes caused widespread damage in multiple areas and communities in Oklahoma. Amid the devastation and wreckage, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) volunteers stepped up to serve people in need.

Oklahoma Baptist DR is planning to serve in Atoka County with chainsaw teams and also is available to serve in the Enid area, which was struck by a devastating EF-4 tornado on April 23.

Read More - https://www.baptistmessenger.com/help-hope-healing-oklahoma-baptist-disaster-relief-serving-across-the-state/

Affected homeowners can request services from Oklahoma Baptist DR by contacting 844-690-9198 or visit www.OKDisasterHelp.org.

Address

300 Johnny Bench Drive Suite 300
Oklahoma City, OK
73014

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+14059423800

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