Fisher Announces New Pastoral Support Initiatives and OBU Growth

Oklahoma Baptists convened the 2026 Annual Meeting on Tuesday to address rising ministerial pressures and institutional growth through a series of new support initiatives and educational expansions.

The gathering centered on a dual focus of theological mission and practical relief for local clergy. According to the Baptist Messenger of Oklahoma, leadership emphasized that the core mission remains the distribution of the Gospel to all people, regardless of existing theological frameworks.

“If your theology prevents you from sharing the Gospel, then you need new theology,” Fisher said.

The meeting’s agenda moved quickly from theological mandates to the economic and physical realities facing modern churches. Fisher announced several upcoming programs designed to provide financial, physical, and spiritual assistance to pastors, including a new plan to help congregations manage rising insurance costs.

Fisher Announces New Pastoral Support Initiatives and OBU Growth

Recognizing the increasing administrative and personal burdens on church leadership, the organization unveiled a timeline of support services. A church administration conference is scheduled for next year to address direct requests from pastors for organizational assistance.

Looking further ahead, a 2027 Pastoral Wellness initiative will launch under the direction of East Central Regional Ministry Partner Andy Taylor. This program aims to support pastors across three specific dimensions: physical, mental, and spiritual health.

The organization also highlighted opportunities for spiritual renewal through travel. A ministry trip titled “Footsteps of Paul” is scheduled for March 20–29, 2028, with additional details expected in the coming weeks, Baptist Messenger of Oklahoma reported.

Oklahoma Baptist Preachers' Meeting 2026- Tuesday AM — Heartland Baptist Bible College

The meeting also served as a platform to report on the institutional health of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). President Heath Thomas delivered the OBU report, noting that the university has achieved its fifth consecutive year of growth.

Enrollment figures show more students are enrolling. The following table outlines the recent growth metrics reported by the university:

Metric	Current Figure/Change
Total Students	1,987
Year-over-year Enrollment Increase	16.7%
Freshman Class Increase	10.29%
Engineering Students	More than 90

Beyond general enrollment, the university is diversifying its academic offerings to meet modern workforce demands. A new engineering program, currently housed in Thurmond Hall, has already attracted more than 90 students. OBU is expanding its medical education by establishing four new Advanced Healthcare degrees, two of which commenced in 2026.

Thomas linked this academic expansion to the university’s broader spiritual mandate. “Our spire of hope stands firm on top of Raley Chapel,” Thomas said, referencing the Spire of Hope in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “It reminds us of our purpose: to equip the next generation of future shapers to serve God.”

To bridge the gap between education and ministry, a special partnership with OBU was announced to help pastors and students manage the costs of ministry-related education.

The first day of the Annual Meeting concluded with a prayer led by Sarah Melott, following an opening session called to order by First Vice President Kevin Moss, the pastor of Antioch Fellowship in Spencer.

Worth a look