Norman Introduces 2017-18 Chapel Theme with Message on Following Christ

September 6, 2017

Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president for campus life, delivered the chapel message Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium at Oklahoma Baptist University. The chapel launched the 2017-18 chapel series, “Following Jesus: Understanding and Responding to the Call of Christ.” Norman’s message came from Matthew 4:12-22, which contains Jesus’s call to His first disciples.

Norman spoke on the importance of what a life should look like after choosing to follow Jesus.

“Every time the single moment of accepting Jesus becomes the goal, instead of the portal, we are going to get superficial Christians,” Norman said. “Every time we get too focused upon our personal practices of piety, we risk wandering into legalism and losing sight of Jesus.”

A native of Durant, Oklahoma, Norman completed a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Divinity from the seminary and completed a bachelor's degree in biblical studies from The Criswell College. He has served in numerous administrative and teaching roles in Baptist higher education. Prior to his service at OBU, he served as vice president for university relations at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, where he provided leadership for donor, alumni and church relations.