Oklahoma Reconnect: A Movement to Bring Our Church Family Home
By the Oklahoma Conference Communication Department
The Oklahoma Conference has launched a bold, Spirit‑led initiative called Oklahoma Reconnect, a movement designed to realign church culture with Heaven’s culture and reclaim members who have drifted from active fellowship. In a recent conversation, Conference President Daniel Ortega and Executive Secretary Pastor Nathan Shires shared the heart, purpose, and upcoming training opportunities for this growing ministry.
“The aim or vision statement is to realign church culture with Heaven’s culture,” Pastor Shires explained. “Christ’s mission was to seek and save those who are lost.”
More than half of the members across the Oklahoma Conference have disengaged from regular church life. Oklahoma Reconnect seeks to reverse that trend through prayer, intentional visitation, and meaningful acts of love that draw people back into community.
A Mission Rooted in Action, Not Just Conversation
Ortega emphasized that Reconnect is not merely a discussion about missing members—it is a call to action.
“We don’t want to just talk about the problem. We want to do something about it.”
Every local church is invited to work collaboratively with pastors, elders, and members to actively seek out individuals who have drifted away. The initiative encourages congregations to pray for missing members, visit them personally, and create pathways for reconnection that reflect Christ’s compassion.
Training the Church for Spirit‑Led Reclamation
On September 29, nearly two hundred members gathered at the Midwest City Church for the first Reconnect training event. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants eager to learn practical strategies for reclaiming former members.
Now, the focus turns to the Tulsa Metro area, where a special two‑day training will be held October 9–10.
This event will center on reclaiming our children, addressing the growing concern of young people who have become disillusioned or disconnected from the church.
“We invited a special guest speaker who is very passionate about this,” Shires shared. “He’s spoken at camp meetings and conference events, and he’ll train churches, parents, pastors, and teachers on how to reconnect with children who have drifted away.”
As a former youth director, Ortega expressed deep enthusiasm for this focus, noting how often families share burdens about children and grandchildren who have left the church.
Event Schedule: October 9–10, Tulsa Metro Area
Friday, October 9 — 6:30 PM • Opening presentation: Foundations for reclaiming our children through meaningful, loving ways.
Sabbath, October 10 • 11:00 AM — Worship service and second presentation • Lunch provided for all attendees • 2:30–4:30 PM — Workshops Part 2 and Part 3
The guest speaker will share proven approaches used successfully in other conferences—methods that have helped young people rediscover Jesus, understand the gospel, and reconnect with the church family.
“These are things he has seen applied in other settings, and they’ve seen many young people rediscover their relationship with Jesus.”
Free Registration — A Ministry for Every Family
To ensure broad participation, the Oklahoma Conference has chosen not to charge a registration fee.
“We really want everybody in our conference who cares about young people to be able to come and attend,” Shires said. “There will be a love offering, but otherwise we just want to encourage you to come.”
Materials, training, and lunch will all be provided.
A Movement of Hope and Restoration
The Oklahoma Conference leadership has already heard powerful testimonies from churches that have begun implementing Reconnect principles. Members are returning. Relationships are being restored. Hearts are being softened by prayer and personal outreach.
Ortega expressed his excitement for what God is doing:
“We’ve heard amazing testimonies of how God is working through churches that are being intentional. Now we look forward to hearing stories about our young people coming back to the church.”
The October training represents the next step in a statewide movement to reclaim not only former members, but the next generation of disciples.
An Invitation to the Entire Conference
The Oklahoma Conference officers, pastors, and administrative team will be present throughout the weekend to support, encourage, and connect with attendees.
“We hope to see you there. Have a wonderful day. God bless.”
Oklahoma Reconnect is more than an initiative—it is a mission to bring our church family home. Through prayer, love, and intentional action, we believe God will reclaim hearts, restore relationships, and strengthen the body of Christ across our state.
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