Towards a New Oklahoma Presbytery

On August 9th, the three Oklahoma Presbyteries met at First Presbyterian Church of Norman in a Special Called Meeting. They were blessed by the preaching of Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly (2024) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). They learned about trends in the denomination from Rev. Sallie Watson, Interim Associate Director for Mid Council Relations. They saw old friends and made new ones as they ate together and enjoyed the hospitality of the church. 

Photo Credit: Josh Kerr

In the afternoon, the Oklahoma Presbytery Task Force presented on their plan for the creation of a new Oklahoma Presbytery. The heart of that work is an invitation to Presbyterians across the state of Oklahoma to participate in the generative work of constructing this new presbytery. The formation of a new presbytery will be a long process, but it will be a long process we do together. OPTF also recognized that a significant amount of bridge-building and friendship formation must take place along the way. 

Another priority will be the development of the mission and ministry of this new presbytery. The work before the three presbyteries encompasses more than just technical tasks, policies, and procedures. How can this new presbytery better address the mission and ministry needs of Christ’s church in Oklahoma? How will we be called beyond the borders of Oklahoma to do ministry?

Special care will need to be taken with our siblings in Cimarron Presbytery. It is not just that they have fallen below the Book of Order requirements to be a presbytery; it is what that means. They can no longer perform the basic functions of presbyteries and will need assistance from the other Oklahoma presbyteries and the Synod of the Sun. How will we respond? Who will step up?

Following the presentation by the OPTF and additional discussion, the three presbyteries met separately to vote on the motions that they were called together to consider. The three presbyteries approved: Motion 1: To formally commit to the process of constructing and creating a new Oklahoma Presbytery. Motion 2: To agree that the three Oklahoma Presbyteries will meet concurrently during this process.

The three presbyteries will next meet on November 14-15 at The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park in Hobart, Oklahoma. This two-day, overnight meeting will give the commissioners from the Oklahoma presbyteries another opportunity to worship, learn, and eat together as they build the relationships that will be key to the creation of this new presbytery. We will also begin to dream together about what this new presbytery can be.

Blessings,

Rev. Tim BlodgettGeneral Presbyter

Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery