The Cooperating Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma (CBFOK) is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization composed of individual Christians, partnering churches and other entities adhering to historic Baptist distinctives. "Cooperating"
In Baptist polity, every church and every entity stands autonomous, capable of choosing its own leaders and adopting its own policies and procedures. In this autonomy, there is freedom; however, we as Baptists see the benefits of working together rather than in isolation. "Baptist"
Early in the 1600s, the Baptist movement was born. Conflict and persecution in Europe led our foremothers and forefathers to espouse and hold on to what have become known as the Baptist Distinctives, or Four Fragile Freedoms:
Soul Freedom – We believe in the priesthood of all believers. We affirm the freedom and responsibility of every person to relate directly to God without the imposition of creed or the control of clergy or government. Bible Freedom – We believe in the authority of Scripture. We believe the Bible, under the Lordship of Christ, is central to the life of the individual and the church. We affirm the freedom and right of every Christian to interpret and apply scripture under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Church Freedom – We believe in the autonomy of every local church. We believe Baptist churches are free, under the Lordship of Christ, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whomever they perceive as gifted for ministry, and to participate as they deem appropriate in the larger Body of Christ. Religious Freedom – We believe in freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. We support the separation of church and state.
3. "Fellowship"
The CBFOK is not a convention of Churches; rather, it is a fellowship including both individuals as well as churches and other institutions. There are a number of people in Oklahoma who partner with us, but do not belong to a CBF affiliated church.
4. "of Oklahoma"
Even before its incorporation in 1992, critics have asked, “Why does Oklahoma need another Baptist body?” Put simply, the CBFOK provides a Baptist presence and voice other Baptist entities do not offer. This voice speaks for, but is not limited to: Freedom in both biblical interpretation and congregational governance; the participation of women and men in every aspect of church leadership and ministry; and religious liberty for all people. COMMON BELIEFS
While CBF OK does not mandate a creed among churches or individuals, there are general common beliefs:
> The separation of Church and State.
> Religious liberty for all.
> Every believer is a priest, fully capable of being both approached by God and responding to God individually.
> Freedom under God for all to exercise the gifts of the Spirit.
> Intellectual freedom within a non-creedal faith.
> Inspiration and authority of the Scriptures in matters of faith and practice.
> Every Baptist body is autonomous, independent, and free to determine its own practices, policies, and leadership.
> Living and working in comity toward transforming the kingdom of this world into the Kingdom of God.
> God reaches to the world through the way exemplified through Jesus Christ. VALUES
We value missional focus and connection. This has been a priority of our Fellowship since its inception. CBFOK has partnered in international mission endeavors in Barcelona, Spain, and has found domestic opportunities for service and mission in the Rio Grande Valley, with Hispanic church starters in western Kansas, and with the Oklahoma Indian American Baptist Association in western Oklahoma. We value, bless, and affirm both women and men leaders, lay and clergy. We have encouraged churches to consider women in their staffing decisions and have worked to create opportunities for both women and men to preach in the worship context. We have sought to create a leadership model in our own organization that mirrors that of many of our participating churches in which both women and men serve as leader/servants with equal status alongside one another. We value healthy and vibrant partnerships. CBFOK seeks to partner with a variety of groups to spread good news. We seek partnerships with local churches, parachurch ministries, and with our national organizations. These relationships are characterized by a spirit of mutual respect, openness, and cooperation as determined by the Coordinating Council. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
We hope to support our local churches through lay leadership initiatives, including strong and healthy deacon ministries. We hope to continue to support contextual, meaningful, and transformational local and global mission efforts. We hope to continue our healthy church initiatives, providing intentional care for ministerial health, church health, and building healthy church starts. We hope to continue young adult ministries, providing space, care, and support for young Baptists as they discern God’s calling for their lives.
