Spiritual Life Stories and Features
Heartland Worship Conference Brings Ministry Leaders Together
October 1, 2025
The 2025 Heartland Worship Conference, sponsored by OBU, brought worship leaders, pastors and musicians together September 26–27 at Together We Church in Yukon for two days of teaching, music and training. The event featured…
Dr. Jessica Rimmer to Speak at OBU Chapel Sept. 24
September 15, 2025
Dr. Jessica Rimmer, chief executive officer of Solomon Strategic Advisors and author of “The Purpose Formula,” will speak during OBU’s chapel service Wednesday, Sept. 24. The service will begin at 10 a.m. in the…
Hundreds of OBU Students Volunteer for Serve Shawnee
August 18, 2025
About 520 OBU students, including freshmen, transfers and upperclassmen, spent the morning of Aug. 18, 2025, serving the Shawnee community during the University’s annual Serve Shawnee event. Held the Monday before the fall semester…
OBU Impacts Lives Near and Far in Summer 2025
July 24, 2025
While the temperature and humidity rise in the summer, OBU’s push to “live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ” never weakens, on and off Bison Hill. Through camps, conferences and trips, the OBU family…
Heartland Worship 2024 Unites Worship Leaders at OBU for a Day of Inspiration and Fellowship
October 7, 2024
Worship ministry leaders from across the heartland gathered on October 5 for the Heartland Worship 2024 event at OBU. The full-day conference, designed to equip and inspire worship leaders, brought together pastors, musicians, and ministry…
Preparing Ministry Leaders: Formed to Inspire and Equip
March 18, 2024
Oklahoma worship leaders and ministry enthusiasts are invited to gather on Bison Hill this spring as OBU hosts the “Discover, Connect, Inspire” Worship Ministry Panel on April 25, 2024, at 4 p.m. inside OBU’s…
President Thomas Delivers Annual Convocation Address Aug. 30
August 30, 2023
OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas delivered the annual Convocation address Aug. 30 during chapel. The service took place in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Dr. Joy Turner, associate professor of missions, led…
FOCUS Week Scheduled for Feb. 20-23 at OBU
February 15, 2023
OBU is hosting its annual FOCUS Week February 20-23. This year’s FOCUS Week is organized in conjunction with Life Action Ministries and will include five main sessions emphasizing spiritual growth and discipleship. Dr. Matthew Kearns,…
OBU Commissions Students and Employees for Global Service During Chapel April 27
April 28, 2022
OBU held a special chapel service April 27 to commission almost 100 students and employees who will serve this summer on Global Outreach trips (GO trips), in internships or at camps. The commissioning service took place inside Raley…
Julie Busler to Speak During Women’s Missions and Ministry Day Chapel March 9
March 3, 2022
Julie Busler, Oklahoma president of Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), will speak during OBU’s Women’s Missions and Ministry Day chapel Wednesday, March 9. The service will take place at 10 a.m. in Raley…
Rhone to Speak at Next Courage and Connection Event Nov. 12
November 5, 2021
OBU’s First Lady Jill Thomas will welcome guest speaker LaShai Rhone for the next Courage and Connection event Friday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. The event will take place in the backyard of the Cargill Advancement and Alumni Center. All…
University Hosts Pastors Conference Oct. 21-22 During ‘The Weekend’
October 22, 2021
OBU hosted a Pastors Conference Oct. 21-22 on its campus in Shawnee. Around 55 pastors, church staff and members of the OBU community attended the free event. The conference kicked off activities for “The Weekend,”…
Busler Shares Powerful Mental Health Story with Students at Courage and Connection Oct. 1
October 6, 2021
OBU’s First Lady Jill Thomas and guest speaker Julie Busler hosted a special Courage and Connection event Oct. 1 in the Cargill Advancement and Alumni Center on the University’s campus in Shawnee. All female students were…
Kearns Joins OBU Staff as Director of Student Ministry
September 16, 2021
Dr. Matthew Kearns recently joined the OBU staff as director of student ministry. He assumed the role effective Aug. 12. Kearns earned a Bachelor of Science in mass communication/ public relations from Southeast Missouri State University. He…
University Holds Annual ‘Holy Week Chapel’ March 31
March 31, 2021
Oklahoma Baptist University held its annual Holy Week Chapel Wednesday, March 31, in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. Students and faculty presented musical selections, scripture readings and more, as a worshipful observance of Holy…