Regional News Archives - Christian Church in Oklahoma

Kyle Maxwell Honored by OK Disciples Foundation

Celebrating 60 Years of Ministry, Mission and Generosity

Rev. Dr. Kyle Maxwell was honored at the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation’s 60th Anniversary event held November 14, 2025.

The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation (ODF) marked a major milestone as more than 150 supporters, partners, and friends gathered at the Capitol View Event Center in Oklahoma City to celebrate the Foundation’s 60th Anniversary. The evening was filled with heartfelt stories, meaningful gratitude, and a forward-looking vision for the next decade of ministry.

Honoring the Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Kyle Maxwell

A central highlight of the evening was the celebration of the lasting legacy of Rev. Dr. Kyle Maxwell, whose years of service as minister at First Christian Church of Edmond and as ODF’s first full-time executive director helped shape the Foundation into what it is today. His ministry continues to inspire our work and mission.

Guests responded generously in his honor, contributing over $2,700 to the Kyle Maxwell Fund, which supports unrestricted grant gifts—an important tool in ensuring ODF can respond faithfully to emerging needs throughout the state. Click here if you would like to make a gift in honor of Kyle.

Reflecting on Growth and Looking Toward the Future

During the evening, Eric Gray, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, shared reflections on where the Foundation has been and where it is headed. He noted that ODF will soon surpass $1 million in grants given during the ten-year history of the grants program—a remarkable milestone made possible by the generosity and vision of many donors and churches that have closed but made a conscious effort to continue their legacy by establishing permanent endowments to fund grants.

Eric also celebrated another significant achievement: the Foundation’s assets have now grown to more than $45 million, strengthening ODF’s ability to support congregations and ministries for generations to come.

Gray said “As we look forward to the next chapter of ODF’s ministry, we remain deeply thankful for the community that surrounds us—and we step boldly into the future inspired by the faithfulness of the past 60 years.”

CCOK3012025-11-25T11:32:16-06:00Nov 25, 2025|Regional News|0 Comments

Oklahoma Disciples Help with Disaster Relief

What do we feel when we hear the phrase, “the Oklahoma standard,” in times of crisis? The Oklahoma Region, in conjunction with Week of Compassion, has provided $8,750 in Disaster Relief for congregations and families in the Region this year.

A total of $4,000 was given for Fire Recovery early in the year when several Oklahoma families lost their homes to fires.

Since May, $4,750 has been provided for Storm Recovery. Two Oklahoma Congregations experienced damage to their church buildings, and an Oklahoma family’s home was also damaged during storms.

A gift was sent to tornado-damaged Disciples churches in St. Louis, MO, from part of the offering at our Called Regional Assembly.

First Christian Church, Healdton, and their youth group made a special donation to our neighbors in Texas, directed for relief efforts after the Guadalupe River flash floods.

Thank you for helping your neighbors in your community and through the relief work of the Region and the Week of Compassion.

Michael Davison2025-10-13T11:14:31-05:00Oct 13, 2025|Regional News|0 Comments

Sense of the Sacred: Fall Annual Fund

Each morning, The Daily Question arrives in my inbox from grateful.org. This site offers me a moment of pause, should I choose to accept it, to ponder, wonder, and explore gratitude. Personal reflection is one practice of grateful living that the founder, Br. David Steindl-Rast, suggests for understanding the experience of gratitude.

Three questions from August continue to wrestle with me:

What connects me to a sense of the sacred? (Aug. 31)

When I shift from problem-solving mode to approaching a situation with curiosity, what changes? (Aug. 30)

What are three simple things that bring me joy? (Aug. 21)

Your gift to the Annual Fund helps the Region support our congregations and clergy. We walk alongside as they sense the sacred, approach the future with curiosity, and recognize joy (connect, equip, and empower) as an alternative voice of the good news of God. It is one way we love and serve like Jesus.

I invite you to join Lisa and me in making a gift to the Annual Fund this fall. Thank you doesn’t begin to express my gratitude for your faithful giving in the past and today. You are a blessing.

Stay centered in God’s shalom. Peace

Rev. Michael Davison, Regional Minister

Prayerfully consider a monetary gift to the Regional Church Annual Fund. Please visit our secure link on the Regional website, or return your gift in the envelope mailed to you.

Give A Gift

Retirement account require a “minimum distribution”? Direct a charitable donation to the Christian Church in Oklahoma. Contact your financial advisor.

As I travel around the Region and correspond by email this fall, I’m asking Oklahoma Disciples:

Describe your church in 3 words

Join the conversation!

Email me HERE

Left: Regional summer camps; Right clockwise: Patrick McKenzie ordination; Called Regional Assembly with Jesse Jackson, Regional Minister Michael Davison and Madi Showalter; DOC General Assembly 2025, Memphis, TN; Texas flood relief drive Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC.

CCOK3012025-09-16T09:13:51-05:00Sep 18, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Disciples at General Assembly 2025

Oklahoma Disciples participated in various aspects of the General Assembly. Many visited the National Civil Rights Museum either with a GA Tour or on their own.

Seventy-two (72) Oklahoma Disciples attended GA25, representing thirty (30) congregations, journeyed to Memphis, TN (July 12-15) for what has been described as a family reunion, CampbellCon or DiscipleCon: a gathering of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). What happens at GA? Many reconnect with old friends and meet new friends. The Assembly responds to the issues of the day, and delegates from congregations conduct the business of the denomination. Around the table and through our service, we reaffirm, The Design, the covenant that binds the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) together as we claim Christ and Christ’s mission of reconciliation seeking to be the church we claim to be.

There are workshops providing training, continuing education, and good conversation about mission and ministry. So much happens around tables. Lunches gather graduates of Disciples-related colleges, universities, and seminaries. Dinners recognize the work of the General Church and other organizations: Office of General Minister and President, Disciples Home Missions, Global Ministries, Christian Church Foundation, Disciples Church Extension Fund, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, Week of Compassion, National Convocation, Obra Hispana, Alliance Q, and NAPAD. There aren’t enough evenings, so Disciples Peace Fellowship and Pension Fund offer breakfast gatherings that tell the story of their work since the last Assembly. Tables of exhibitors offer ideas, connections, merch, and opportunities to join in ministry beyond local congregational life.

At the 2023 General Assembly, it was decided that revisions to The Design and the frequency of the General Assembly must be addressed for a sustainable and relevant future. Since the 2023 Louisville General Assembly, a group has been working to implement portions of the tentative revisions of The Design. Following extensive study, webinars, and conversations, the General Assembly in Memphis voted to revise The Design. Along with changes to the size and recruitment of members of the General Board, a significant change is that the General Assembly is in perpetual existence and can hold meetings digitally and in-person as needed. The next in-person and digital gathering of the Triennial Assembly is in 2028. Between now and then, there will be a digital General Assembly in 2026 and 2027. Details for these gatherings are in development. Click here to read all the resolutions, business items, and reports of the General Church and our ministry partners.

Ronnie and LaVonna Hopkins joining Michael Davison

Oklahoman's in GA Choir

Sharyn Cosby representing the Green Chalice Ministry

Oklahoma well represented

Oklahoma's Jeff Champeau serving as chair of the General Nominating Committee

Michael Davison joined by Isreal Hogue and Ashley Gibson

Martha and Janet from Central Christian CC, Enid

Ye'Maya Rodgers outside the Lorraine Hotel

Jesse and Carmen Jackson with Terri Hord-Owens

Rev. William Barber speaks at Moral Mondays event

Dwayne Rodgers visits the National Civil Rights Museum

Don and Mary Heath

CCOK3012025-08-12T18:18:15-05:00Aug 11, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Region Calls Michael Davison as Regional Minister

06-28-25

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma has called Rev. Michael A. Davison, Jr. to serve as the next Regional Minister during a called regional assembly on June 28, 2025. He will begin his ministry on August 1, 2025.

Rev. Davison currently serves as Oklahoma’s Associate Regional Minister, a position he has held since 2010. He has grown the Region’s youth and camp ministry throughout his tenure, organized clergy retreats, and faithfully provided care to the Region’s congregations and clergy.

“Rev. Davison has articulated a compelling vision of rejuvenation and rediscovery of our identity —one that aims to foster deeper community and stronger connections among our congregations and clergy. He is theologically grounded, articulate, informed, compassionate, and deeply committed to ministry in Oklahoma. His passion for youth and mentoring will be a valuable asset. Rev. Davison’s understanding of the Region’s needs aligns closely with what we heard in our listening sessions,” says search committee chair Rev. Susan Payne.

Prior to his ministry in Oklahoma, he served as Associate Regional Minister in Kentucky, interim ministry in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as in associate ministry in Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas.

Michael is a graduate of Texas Christian University and received his M. Div. at Brite Divinity School. He was ordained into Christian Ministry at First Christian Church Lubbock, TX in November 1991. Michael is married to Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa.

The Search Committee is grateful for input from the Region’s congregations and clergy in guiding their decision. Members include chair Rev. Susan Payne, Rev. Jerry Black, Pastor José Garza, Ashley Gibson, Ruth Moore, Rev. Dwayne Rodgers, and Madison Showalter.

Press Release

CCOK3012025-07-01T09:58:20-05:00Jul 1, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

Regional Board Votes on Regional Minister Candidate

In a Called Regional Board Meeting, Saturday, May 17, 2025 the Regional Minister Search Committee and the Executive Committee presented their recommended candidate for the position of Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.

After meeting with the candidate and further discussion, the Regional Board enthusiastically recommends that Rev. Michael A. Davison, Jr. be called as our next Regional Minister.

The recommendation from the Regional Minister Search Committee laying out their discernment that Rev. Davison embodies the qualities and priorities needed by the Oklahoma Region now and for the journey ahead. Read Search Committee Letter

Final Step: A Called Regional Assembly will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at First Christian Church in Edmond for final consideration and vote by the Assembly on calling Rev. Davison as Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Oklahoma.

Further details are available on the Called Regional Assembly web page, certification of voting delegates from each congregation, and an introduction to Michael for those that do not already know him well from his 15 years of service as our current Associate Regional Minister.

We are grateful for the dedicated work of the Regional Minister Search Committee and invite your prayers as we continue this journey together.

If you have questions, reach out to me, Stacy Minnick, Regional Moderator, at stacy.l.minnick@gmail.com or to Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister, at rkuss@okdisciples.org

Stacy Minnick
Regional Moderator

CCOK3012025-05-28T14:42:27-05:00May 27, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

New Life Emerging in Our Region

By Rev. Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister

Thank you for your generous giving to the Regional Church! Your gift helps Oklahoma Disciples connect and love and serve like Jesus.

In the Spring we see New Life emerging in our churches, our Region and beyond. We see it in pastor’s classes and baptisms; in youth in New York and Washington, DC for International Affairs Seminar. New Life is spotted as elders, deacons, children and youth sponsors, and other leaders connect and learn at Empower & Equip. It emerges as adults, youth, and children travel to Christmount for Hurricane Helene recovery work. New Life sightings appear in clergy on retreats to refresh and renew their spirits, and as young people sign up for our summer camps. And, of course, we seek New Life in the call of a new Regional Minister!

Glimpse below a few signs of New Life springing forth. Find more on our website at okdisciples.org and in our monthly email Regional Roundup. Thank you for loving and supporting your church.

We are in mission and ministry together, and cannot do this ministry without you!

Prayerfully consider a monetary gift to the Regional Church Annual Fund. Please return your gift in the envelope mailed to you or visit our secure link or use the (QR code below).

Be well in your witness, Disciples, and thank you for your generous giving to the Regional Church!

Note: If your retirement account requires a “minimum distribution” you may direct a charitable donation to the Christian Church in Oklahoma. Contact your financial advisor.

Donate Securely Through Givelify

2025 Spring Empower & Equip at Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC

Seeking new life in the call of a Regional Minister

Disciples Women conference

Youth Mid-winter Retreat

IAS students & sponsors visit the MLK monument in Washington, DC

Table of Nations event hosted by Britton Christian Church, OKC

Sr. Minister Josh Bell lead FCC Perry mission work @Christmount Camp for recovery from Hurricane Helene

Sr. Minister Christine Pomaville’s installation at FCC Thomas w/ Assoc. Reg’l Minister Michael Davison

CCOK3012025-05-01T10:26:16-05:00May 5, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

Connect at 2025 Empower & Equip

Put March 1, 2025 on your calendar and plan now to CONNECT @ EMPOWER & EQUIP, the Region’s one-day leadership development event for Oklahoma Disciples. This in-person event will be held Saturday, March 1st at Crown Heights Christian Church in Oklahoma City from 9:15 am – 2:00 pm. The event offers

Fantastic workshops on vital ministry topics for elders, deacons, board members, teachers, children’s and youth leaders, and other lay leaders.
Lunch to continue the conversation in community.
Powerful worship experience with guest preacher Rev. Dewayne Rodgers, senior minister of Wildewood Christian Church, Oklahoma City.
An option to donate items to The Spero Project mission project.

Learn More!

CCOK3012025-02-06T13:45:03-06:00Feb 6, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

Join the 2025 Disciples International Prayer Vigil

From January 1 to April 20, 2025, Disciples across the United States and Canada will unite in a powerful season of prayer for the annual Disciples International Prayer Vigil. This initiative spans New Year’s Day through Easter Sunday, providing an opportunity for congregations to lift up their voices in prayer for personal needs, their church and community, the nation, and the world.

Oklahoma’s Day to Pray: The 8th of Each Month

The Oklahoma Disciples family is invited to take part in this vigil by dedicating the 8th day of each month—January 8, February 8, March 8, and April 8—as a day of focused prayer. By doing so, we join hands with fellow Disciples across North America, embodying our shared faith and commitment to prayerful action.

Flexible Participation
Each congregation is encouraged to tailor their prayer vigil to fit their unique needs and context. Whether you host a 24-hour prayer chain, a guided prayer service, or a quiet day of reflection, your participation contributes to the shared spiritual energy of this meaningful event. For ideas and inspiration on how to organize your vigil, download the resource guide below.

Let Us Know Your Plans
If your congregation plans to participate, please share your plans with Rev. Dr. Joshua Bell, Chair of the Commission on Worship and Spiritual Growth. You can reach him at joshbell373@gmail.com. Your involvement helps us celebrate the unity of Disciples in Oklahoma and beyond as we engage in this sacred journey together.

Let’s come together in prayer as we reflect on God’s grace and guidance in our lives and communities. Mark your calendars and join us in this meaningful act of faith.

Prayer Vigil Resource Guide

CCOK3012024-12-09T16:37:07-06:00Dec 9, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off

Canceled – Fall Empower & Equip Event

Following close of registration last week, numbers for the Fall Empower & Equip Event in Tulsa were reviewed and the leadership team determined they were too low to proceed.

NEXT OPPORTUNITY . . . Put March 1, 2025 on your calendar when the SPRING EMPOWER & EQUIP is scheduled to happen in El Reno. Workshops have not yet been identified for that one though it will likely include some of the same ones. Look for news in the New Year!

CCOK3012024-11-07T13:53:27-06:00Nov 7, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off