The 88th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
Diocesan Convention 2025 will be October 3rd-4th at St. Crispin's Conference Center + Camp!
Annual Diocesan Convention
In recent years, we have had a diocesan theme for the year, starting with Convention. This past year, our theme was “I Have Called You Friends,” and we explored the concepts and practices of friendship with Christ and one another. At this year’s Convention, we will launch the theme “The Harvest is Plentiful” (Matthew 9:37). These words from Jesus remind us of our baptismal calling to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ” (BCP p. 305). Our guest preacher and workshop leader will be the Reverend Deacon Carrie Boren Headington, one of the Episcopal Church’s most compelling voices in the areas of evangelism and church planting.
As always, Convention will include lively worship, inspiring and useful workshops, great food, fun and friendship at our holy ground, St. Crispin’s.
Meet our Speaker
The Reverend Deacon Carrie Boren Headington is an evangelist, apologist, justice advocate, and good news herald. Carrie’s passion is to see people come to know the abounding unconditional love of God and the abundant life found in Jesus Christ. Carrie worked closely with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on his evangelism initiatives. She is an associate evangelist for British Evangelist Canon J.John’s Philotrust and is active in the Lausanne Movement, the Luis Palau Next-Gen Network, and is a frequent blogger writing for Christianity’s Today’s Exchange with Ed Stetzer, and The Living Church Covenant Blog. Carrie appears on My Faith Radio on Afternoons With Bill Arnold and has appeared on Daystar Television. Carrie is an adjunct professor for Fuller Theological Seminary teaching evangelism and church planting. Carrie serves as the Canon Evangelist for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. Carrie is also the founder of The Good News Initiative which provides resources in evangelism.
Registration
Delegate registration is now open. We are excited to welcome you to St. Crispin’s Conference Center + Camp for the 2025 Diocesan Convention!
Please note: If you cancel after Monday, Sept. 15th, your registration is transferable to another person attending the same event, but it is NOT refundable.
There are several ticket types to consider so please read this before going to the registration site.
-
This ticket is for a Priest or Deacon Canonically Resident in the Diocese of Oklahoma or who is actively working in a Congregation in the Diocese under a LOA.
-
These are a Congregation's elected lay delegates. This includes the head of a Diocesan Institution. If you are unsure of how many delegates your Congregation is allowed to bring, click HERE.
-
These are a Congregation’s elected lay alternates.
-
We are making Guest Tickets available in limited quantities. If you are a registered guest, you may not stay on campus but are welcome to stay off campus. We want to ensure ample housing for elected delegates representing their Congregations.
If you are unsure of how to register your congregation or need a mobility accommodation, please email events@epiok.org or call 405-437-0482.
Housing
Registration for Lodge Rooms, Cabins, and Primitive Camping on St. Crispin's property is now open. Click below to Register for housing on campus and for more information on housing off campus in Seminole and Wewoka.
Please note: If you cancel after Monday, Sept. 15th, your registration is transferable to another person attending the same event, but it is NOT refundable.
Convention Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2025
8:00 am Check-in
10:15 am Convention Eucharist
11:45 am Lunch
1:15-2:15 pm Workshops
2:30-3:30 pm Workshops
3:45-4:45 pm Outdoor or Sabbath Time
5:00 pm. Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm Dinner
7:15 pm Bishop’s Address
9:00 pm Compline at the Rec Hall
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Morning Worship
9:20 am Convention Called to Order
12:00 pm Lunch
Workshops
We are excited to offer a variety of engaging workshops, along with outdoor and Sabbath-time activities!
Session One 1:15-2:15 pm
-
With Archdeacon Bert Bibens
A panel of Oklahoma’s Deacons will share their personal stories, shine a spotlight on the ministry of ALL baptized Christians, and discuss the importance of Jesus’ call to us, as we reach out in service and evangelism to a challenging and hurting world. This informative and inspiring presentation should help us all better understand the significance of the diaconate, and point us toward a more fulfilling spiritual and relational journey.
-
With John Mark Hart, Lead Pastor of Redemption Church in OKC
In an increasingly diverse and divided world, how can Christians share the gospel with both conviction and compassion? Join John Mark Hart, pastor of Redemption Church, a multi-ethnic, bilingual congregation in south Oklahoma City; for an engaging workshop on Christ-centered evangelism in diverse contexts with an emphasis on community partnership. Drawing from his experience in church leadership and community development, John Mark will explore with us how to be faithful witnesses and peacemakers in our neighborhoods.
-
With the Rev. Carrie Boren Headington
God has a unique call for every congregation. Each of our churches is a local lighthouse for the Kingdom of God. We want to join God in reaching out to our communities but often don’t know where or how to start. How can we be good news in word and action to those around us? How can we reach those who don’t have a church home? How can we develop an intentional evangelistic outreach plan to stretch beyond our church walls? Come to this practical workshop as we explore together how to partner with God for the flourishing of all.
Session Two 2:30-3:30 pm
-
With the Rev. Tim Baer, Vicar of Grace Church in Yukon and Kara Davis, Lay Catechist from Christ Church Tulsa
There is a growing trend of former evangelical Christians leaving church, some full of disappointment and disenfranchisement, and others simply looking for a new expression of the faith. This breakout helps you understand who post-evangelicals (or ex-vangelicals) are, what many are looking for, and how your Episcopal Church can reach them more effectively. From inviting, to welcoming, to helping them grow deeper in relationship with God and your church.
-
With John Mark Hart, Lead Pastor of Redemption Church in OKC
In an increasingly diverse and divided world, how can Christians share the gospel with both conviction and compassion? Join John Mark Hart, pastor of Redemption Church, a multi-ethnic, bilingual congregation in south Oklahoma City; for an engaging workshop on Christ-centered evangelism in diverse contexts with an emphasis on community partnership. Drawing from his experience in church leadership and community development, John Mark will explore with us how to be faithful witnesses and peacemakers in our neighborhoods.
-
With Ron Parker, Lay Leader from St. Paul’s in Claremore
This round table session invites participants into an honest conversation about what it means to be a lay evangelist in today’s world. Centered around the question, “Are you being called to evangelism?” The session blends storytelling, guided prompts, and group reflection to explore how we share the love of Christ with integrity. Facilitated by a lay Evangelist in discernment, it offers a space to reflect on everyday opportunities for witness through listening, hospitality, and healing presence. Whether you’re experienced in evangelism or just beginning to wonder, all are welcome to join the conversation.
Sabbath Time Activites
Durning Sabbath time, 3:45-4:45 pm on Friday, we are offering a few structured activities.
Hike to the Labyrinth
Journaling and Craft Time
It is time to submit nominations and resolutions for the 88th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. Resolutions are due no later than September 11th. Nominations are due no later than September 5th.
Nominations & Resolutions
Lay Delegates
Each Mission or Parish is entitled to a certain number of lay delegate representation each year at Diocesan Convention. These numbers are determined by our Diocesan Canon 2.2.1. The Canons of the Diocese of Oklahoma state: 2.2.1. The Lay Delegates. (a) Each Parish is entitled to two Lay Delegates and an additional Lay Delegate for every 100 Communicants or major fraction thereof after the first 100.
No Parish is entitled to more than ten Lay Delegates. Each Mission is entitled to one Lay Delegate and an additional Lay Delegate for every 50 Communicants or a major fraction thereof after the first 50. No Mission is entitled to more than three Lay Delegates. The numeration of Communicants is based on the Annual Parochial Reports of the Parishes and Missions for the preceding year.
If you have questions about Lay or Clergy Delegates, please contact: Diocesan Registrar Lesli Graft at lgraft@epiok.org or 405-437-0482. If you would like to know how many lay delegates your church is entitled to the list is below.
Questions about convention? Please email events@epiok.org or call 405-232-4820.
We are the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma.