OBU to Host Pastors School in July

March 7, 2014

OBU will host the 2014 OBU Pastors School, July 14-16, on the OBU campus in Shawnee. The theme for the 2014 school is "Sent: Preach the Gospel of Good News," based on Romans 10:14-15.

Designed to provide an opportunity of ministry development for Baptist pastors, the event will feature devotions, Bible studies, breakouts and plenary sessions. The theme for the 2014 Pastors School is "Sent: Preach the Gospel of Good News," based on Romans 10:14-15. The OBU Pastors School includes all sessions, housing on campus for two nights, two evening meals, two breakfasts and one lunch for $99.

The school will feature faculty from the OBU Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and two Baptist scholars and pastors, Dr. Tom Elliff, president of the International Mission Board, and Dr. Jim Shaddix, pastor for teaching and training at the Church of Brookhills in Birmingham, Ala.

Dr. Tom Elliff	Dr. Jim Shaddix

"The OBU Pastors School is a revival of its summer programs from the 1940s through the 1960s," Dr. Whitlock said. "We were pleased to reestablish the OBU Pastors School two years ago. In its third year, this year's school promises to be a time of encouragement, equipping, and challenge that will ultimately strengthen the pastor and the entire congregation."

During the 2014 Pastors School, Dr. Anthony Jordan, executive director and treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, will lead the morning devotions. Elliff and Shaddix will expound on the theme, "Sent," with practical teaching, encouragement and application for ministry of preaching at churches of any size.

Elliff has become a leading evangelical voice on the importance of global missions and family ministry. He has pastored congregations in Tulsa, Okla.; Lakewood, Colo.; and Del City, Okla. Elliff previously served as chairman of the Southern Baptist Council of Family Life from 1999-2003; president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) from 1996-98; and president of the SBC Pastors' Conferences in 1990. His books include "The Seven Pillars of a Kingdom Family" and "What Should I Say to My Friend?"

Tom and his wife, Jeannie, have been guests on such widely received programs as Family Life Today, Focus on the Family and For Faith and Family. Tom is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University (BA), Southwestern Seminary (M.Div.), and Southern Seminary (D.Min.).

Shaddix has pastored churches in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Colorado, and also served as dean of the chapel and professor of preaching at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, La. Jim is the author of "The Passion Driven Sermon" (Broadman & Holman, 2003) and co-author of "Power in the Pulpit" with Jerry Vines (Moody, 1999).

Jim and his wife, Debra, focus much of their attention on discipling and mentoring young leaders and spouses. Shaddix has successfully mentored pastors who are leading some of the strongest congregations in the nation. His students continue to have a vision for the world that has resulted in a movement of young leaders sending and being sent.

"Pastors attending will receive the finest in encouragement, practical guidance and straight forward Bible teaching from experienced pastors, professors and denominational leaders," said Dale Griffin, OBU dean of spiritual life.

"OBU has a rich heritage in investing in the lives of pastors," said Wendell Lang, OBU's church relations director. "This summer at our Pastors School, we will provide meaningful education coupled with powerful inspiration concerning preaching the glorious message of the gospel as those who have been sent. I can't wait for our Pastors School as we sharpen our tools in the wonderful privilege of proclaiming the word of God."

The event also will feature breakout sessions, including those taught by OBU professors from the Hobbs College. Breakout session speakers include Dr. Alan Bandy, Rowena R. Strickland Professor in New Testament / assistant professor of New Testament; Dr. Bobby Kelly, Ruth Dickinson Chair of Bible; Dr. Ish Mudliar, Dickinson Chair of Religion at OBU; and Dr. Scott Pace, Reverend A.E. and Dora Johnson Hughes Chair of Christian Ministry. The OBU faculty will bring their expertise to the fore as they explore additional insights from their fields of study for preaching the Word. Dr. Stan Norman, OBU provost and executive vice president for campus life, will join the Hobbs College faculty in leading breakout sessions.

Bandy joined the Hobbs College faculty in the fall of 2009. He earned a bachelor's degree from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College; a master's degree from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary; and a doctorate from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously served as assistant director of Ph.D. studies for Southeastern and as an adjunct professor of biblical and theological studies in Liberty University's Distance Learning Program. He also served as assistant professor of Christian Studies at Louisiana College. He has served in several ministerial positions including pastor, pastor to students and pastor to children/youth.

Kelly joined the OBU faculty in 1997. He received OBU's Promising Teacher Award in 2000 and the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2011. A native of Kentucky, he earned a bachelor's degree from Clear Creek Baptist College and a master of divinity degree and doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to teaching at OBU, Kelly served five years as a teaching fellow at Southwestern Seminary, leading classes in biblical language appreciation, New Testament and preaching. He has served as an interim pastor at several churches across Oklahoma.

Mudliar joined the OBU faculty in 2012 He earned a bachelor's degree in theology from Union Biblical Seminary; a master of arts degree from Johns Hopkins University; and a master of divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He received his doctorate in Hebrew Bible and Northwest Semitic Languages from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He most recently taught as an assistant professor of Old Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to his teaching career, he served as an associate pastor, youth minister and associate pastor of family ministry and outreach.

Pace joined the Hobbs College in 2009. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from North Carolina State University; a master of divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; and a doctorate in applied theology from Southeastern. He served for more than a decade as a student pastor, associate pastor of doctrine and as teaching pastor and administrator at First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Fla. He previously worked as a corporate accountant and a business manager.

Norman has served in administrative and teaching roles in higher education for 13 years. Before coming to OBU in 2009, he served as vice president for university relations at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. He previously served on the faculty of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for eight years. While on the seminary faculty, he created and directed the Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry, which provided resources and programs to further the integration of theology and ministry. He also served on the research doctorate oversight committee, which administers the NOBTS Ph.D. programs. Norman completed a bachelor's degree in biblical studies from The Criswell College in 1987, a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1990, and a Ph.D. in systematic theology from the seminary in 1997.

"With so much talk about the Gospel these days, God's spokesmen are to be encouraged to boldly proclaim his Word no matter their context of ministry," said Dale Griffin, dean of spiritual life at OBU. "As an administrative dean in higher education, I am looking forward to the messages, training and refocus of energies anticipated through the OBU Pastors School this year."

"Oklahoma Baptist pastors, you will have an unforgettable experience at the OBU Pastors School," said Dr. Mark McClellan, dean of the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry. "You will be taught, enriched and inspired by nationally known preachers and scholars. What a unique opportunity you will have to get to know and share with them personally. This is not a conference. It is a uniquely designed school at one of the finest Christian universities in the country, and it is just for you. Join us."

The cost for the entire event including housing and meals is only $99.