The Okmulgee Association of Christian Leaders (OACL) has announced its newly elected board of directors for 2026, marking another milestone for an organization rooted in prayer, unity and service to the Okmulgee community.

During the group’s recent annual meeting, outgoing OACL President Pastor Mickey Baldwin reflected on the organization’s growth and the deep sense of unity that has developed among local churches over nearly a decade.

“This year has been exciting as there has been new organization launched to connect our City together in many ways,” Baldwin said. “One of those entities actually came together formally at the end of 2024, gaining momentum over the years through Prayer365 Okmulgee.”

Prayer365 Okmulgee began as a Facebook page in March 2017, created to provide a platform for area pastors to pray over the city daily while fostering unity through monthly prayer luncheons. Baldwin credited the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Larebee for launching what would become a cornerstone of interchurch collaboration in Okmulgee.

“It all began with a simple and pure vision,” Baldwin said. “Since around 2018 and 2019, I have had the opportunity to help schedule ministers to pray, and with the help of so many we have been faithful to promote the page to new levels as additional pastors and churches have come together to pray.”

According to Baldwin, the results have been evident.

“Over the past almost nine years, there has been an incredible unity across our community,” he said. “I would say, ‘Prayer works.’” Serving as OACL president over the past year, Baldwin said the experience has been deeply meaningful.

“Serving as President this past year, alongside some of the most incredible leaders I know, has been a joy and delight living here in Okmulgee,” he said.

He recognized several leaders who served during his term, including Vice President Pastor Jonathan Hanshaw of Okmulgee First Assembly, Treasurer Dr. Brayden Buss of First Baptist Church at 5th and Seminole, Youth Pastor Mary Rosson of Okmulgee First Assembly, and Lane Pilkington, who served as the organization’s non-pastoral member.

During the meeting, Baldwin said he encouraged the association to consider new leadership for the coming year.

“I reflected on unity and the connection we have in Christ Jesus,” Baldwin said. “Praying for you, our community and serving our City each day of the week is more than a job – it’s a relational encounter with people the Father has given us to live and serve.”

With that spirit in mind, Baldwin asked the group to select another minister to serve as president, noting the depth of leadership within the local faith community.

“There are so many gifted ministers in our community,” he said.

The newly announced 2026 OACL Board of Directors includes Rev. Matthew Wood, Director of the Okmulgee Baptist Village, who will serve as president; Pastor Jonathan Hanshaw of Okmulgee First Assembly as vice president; Dr. Brayden Buss of First Baptist Church at 5th and Seminole as treasurer; and Rachel Husman of First Free Will Baptist Church. Chaplain Kevin Thompson was also named as the organization’s new Facebook coordinator.

“Thank you for your service to our community,” Baldwin said in announcing the new board.

In addition to leadership updates, Baldwin also announced details for the next Pastor’s Prayer Luncheon. The luncheon will be held Thursday, February 19, at noon at the OSUIT Cowboy Café and will be hosted by Pastor Roxie Lilley of Acts Christian Temple.

The Pastor’s Prayer Luncheon is typically held on the third Thursday of each month, though Baldwin noted that some luncheons this year may be scheduled on Saturdays.

“My hope is to communicate appreciation and engage bi-vocational pastors to attend and be encouraged,” Baldwin said.

Churches or pastors interested in connecting with the Okmulgee Association of Christian Leaders can contact Mickey Baldwin at 918-815-2430 or reach out through the organization’s Facebook page.

“Matthew Wood and the others would love to hear from your pastor too,” Baldwin said. “Thank you for letting me lead these past many years among some amazing men and women in our community.”