Pastors & Teachers Meet Together for 1st time in over six years

Since making disciples of young people is a shared objective of Adventist educators and pastors, the Oklahoma Conference leadership decided to invite both groups, who usually meet separately, to the Embassy Suites Conference Center for a joint 2026 worker's meeting in Oklahoma City Jan 5-7.

Scott R. Ward, DMin, author of Following Jesus: Stories of Discipleship and Devotional Life was the keynote speaker. He highlighted importance that creating space for bonding, devotional life, deep Bible study, outreach, evangelism, and worship have in for churches and schools. Pastors and teachers participated in breakout sessions and reflected on who their spiritual mentors were, remembered how these activities helped them connect with the gospel. Next they brainstormed how they can facilitate the transfer of the gospel and get the most from activities that encourage spiritual growth. Ben Maxson's Encounter Bible spiritual growth model reviewed, It begins with vision, gospel, oneness, presence, then Lordship. There is a progression how people grow spiritually. How we preach and process information—what is learned about God, matters. Our personal testimony and how we lead, treat and encourage young people at all stages of their walk, will be remembered!

The science of how people learn follows patterns of orientation, exploration, reflection/choices, and then celebration, which leads to significance, belonging, and honor. The value of true learning involves whole cycles of activities which pastors and teachers in Oklahoma now are encouraged to work on together. The purpose of this joint worker's meeting was to cast vision and provide ideas and introduce tools and knowledge that will strengthen Adventist Education and Churches across Oklahoma, now and in the future.

Breakout sessions generated many new ideas.

Oklahoma Conference teachers and pastors began the year at a joint worker's meeting in Oklahoma City.

Here are some key points:

Effective discipleship is about balancing bonding, studying, serving, worshiping, and personal devotion. Discipleship should be personalized, considering individual personalities, learning styles, and spiritual temperaments. Activities should be thoughtfully structured to maximize spiritual growth, not just participation. Strong partnerships between pastors, teachers, and community leaders enhance spiritual outcomes. Sharing experiences and testimonies reinforces learning and encourages community.

Key Takeaways:

• Discipleship is relational and multifaceted, requiring intentional engagement in various activities.

• A clear, compelling vision of God and the gospel is foundational for spiritual growth.

• Educational models like the Spiritual Growth Model and Transformational Planning Framework provide practical structures for ministry.

• Collaboration and resource sharing between pastors, teachers, and schools are vital for effective ministry.

• Reflection, application, and testimony are essential components of learning and spiritual transformation.