Executive Committee Meeting Summary, December 11, 2025

This executive committee meeting was the final meeting for 2025:

Opening Prayer & Devotional by Elder Nathan Shires:

Elder Shires spoke on the theme of “God with us” from Matthew 1:22–23, highlighting its practical power. He illustrated this through his wife, who faced compassion fatigue in the medical field. One morning she awoke at 3 a.m., heart racing, overwhelmed, and depleted. She used the extra time to quietly commune with God through prayer and devotional reading. As she read, she sensed the reality of Immanuel, Jesus’ presence filling her heart with peace though nothing in her circumstances had changed. She returned to work with His peace and renewed strength. Elder Shires reminded the team that time with Jesus is essential and not just one more task on your to-do list. It is the daily fulfillment of Immanuel, "God with us," every day to all who slow down long enough to receive Him. Elder Shires encouraged the team to prioritize spiritual devotion, especially during busy times.

Call to Order: 

Elder Daniel Ortega Called the Meeting to order. 

Approval of Minutes

Voted to approve the October 23, 2025 Executive Comittee meeting minutes.

New Hires & Introductions

• Edward Bryan was introduced as the new Evangelism and Church Planting Coordinator, with a strong track record in church revitalization in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference.

• Jack Manongi was introduced as the new Payroll Coordinator and Assistant Treasurer, coming from Northeastern Conference. 

• Amneris Martinez was introduced (via Zoom). The Executive Committee voted to ratify the Personnel Committee's decision to hire her as the incoming Human Resources Director effective January 15, 2026. She will be transitioning from the Allegheny West Conference. 

President's Report: 

• Office Remodel: President Daniel Ortega highlighted the progress of  the Conference office remodel with ongoing upgrades: windows installed in doors, repainting, and office updates for staff.

• Wewoka Woods Camp: Major cabin renovations (donor-funded) on cabins 2, 3 & 4 are underway, including improved insulation, wiring, and pest prevention. Target completion by summer.

• Auditorium HVAC Replacement: Voted to approve up to $125,000 (donor-funded) to replace aging AC units. Three bids reviewed; decision deferred to administration with recommendation to consult an independent engineer. 

• TV Station Opportunity: Potential partnerships for TV channels in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with no upfront costs to the conference and the request that the conference will provide local content.

  
  

• Vision, Mission, and Core Values: Elder Ortega shared that the Conference leadership team recently held a strategic day of prayerful planning to develop a clear Vision Statement, Mision Statement, and Core Values for the Oklahoma Conference:

  • Vision Statement: “Develop a culture of healthy, Christ-centered, Seventh-day Adventist disciple-makers.”

  • Mission Statement: “By the grace of God, we will impact Oklahoma by uplifting Christ, empowering spirit-led intergenerational disciples, growing/restoring healthy families, and transforming communities, churches, and schools in preparation for Christ’s return.”

  • Core Values:

    • Christ-like Love and Compassion

    • Spirit-led Excellence and Professionalism

    • Servant Leadership

    • Transparent Accountability

    • Biblical Integrity

    • Unity and Collaboration in Mission

    • Faithfulness to God’s Word

  • The Committee voted to adopt this Vision statement, Mission Statement, and these Core Values for the Oklahoma Conference. 

Departmental Reports: Hispanic Ministries Coordinator Luis Prieto presented the highlights of 2026: 

• Evangelism: “Year of Pentecost” resulted in 86 baptisms.

• Events: Couples retreat, camp meeting (900+ attendees), men’s retreat, health fair, and mission trip to Colombia.

• Property Acquisition: Purchased a new Midwest City Spanish Church building with seating capacity of 750, to be inaugurated soon.

• Future Goals: Double efforts in soul-winning and church strengthening for 2026.

Secretariat Report: Elder Nathan Shires

• Baptisms: 44 in October, 18 in November; encouraged timely reporting for accurate records.

• Attendance: Sabbath School (1,463 average), Church (2,910 average), both up from previous quarter.

• Credential Updates: voted to approved Marlowe Parks’ updated credentials due to ordination and voted to approve renewed credentials for volunteer lay pastors.

• Oklahoma City Korean Church Closure: Voted to accept the vote of the Oklahoma City Korean Church business meeting on December 7, 2025 to close the church due to unsustainable membership; process to be followed per SDA Church Manual. 

Financial Review: Elder Charles Reel

• Tithe & Offerings: Tithe income slightly below budget (~$70,000 deficit), but other income sources (donations, appropriations) are up.

• Significant expenses include:

  • Increased salaries (due to transitions, retirements, moving costs)

  • Healthcare costs (over $100,000 above budget due to major claims)

  • Property insurance (over $300,000 above budget; rates expected to rise further)

• Voted to approve: $75,000 from special donor funds for Tulsa Myanmar church parking lot

• Voted to approve: $100,000 loan request from Union Revolving Fund for Tulsa Myanmar church building project

Closing & Appreciation

• Recognition of Elder Osvaldo Rigacci’s upcoming retirement from the Southwestern Union Conference in April 2026 and his contributions to multicultural ministries.

• Closing Prayer: offered by Pastor Robert Quintana

Next Meeting: Scheduled for February 26, 2026.

Blessings, 

Nathan Shires