The Role of the Conference Office
What role does the conference office play, and how do directors support pastors, teachers and local church leaders? The answer is we are here to serve.
Administrators and directors are educators, pastors, ministry leaders and financial professionals who have been entrusted with a broader scope of responsibility. This assignment doesn’t grant greater value, higher importance or special status. We don’t deserve more respect or recognition than those serving faithfully in churches, schools, camps or communities. Scripture reminds us that “there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord,” 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV).
Our varied experience may prepare us for specific areas of responsibility, but we are all co-laborers in the same field. Oklahoma is the territory God has entrusted to us—a shared field made up of local church leaders, pastors, teachers, camp professionals, administrators and support staff, all called and empowered by Him. We are one conference, one team, one family, united in purpose and mission.
The conference office plays a vital role in providing practical and mission-focused support to both employees and local leaders. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that pastors, teachers and local hires are paid accurately and receive appropriate benefits; assisting churches and schools with property purchases and insurance coverage; processing insurance claims; providing leadership training; coordinating conference-wide programming for all ages; supporting school governance; and participating in the hiring and onboarding of pastors and teachers. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, yet it is essential to the health and stability of the mission.
Serving from the conference office also comes with its share of challenges. Difficult and, at times, sensitive decisions must be made. These moments require wisdom, humility and care. Through earnest prayer, thoughtful deliberation and close collaboration with the local field, we continually see God’s faithful hand at work. We rely on His guidance every step of the way.
Our administrative team, departmental directors and support staff are committed to serving our constituents well. We don’t always have every resource we wish for, nor do we claim to have all the answers. Yet our hearts are firmly set on coming alongside you—listening, supporting and doing the very best we can with what God has entrusted to us. If we are not here to serve, to walk with you and to provide meaningful support, then we must humbly ask ourselves why we exist.
We look forward to connecting with you—by email, text, phone call or in person—and invite you to explore OKAdventist.org to sign up for the conference newsletter and discover conference news, events, inspiration and job postings. As we walk side by side in ministry, it is my prayer that God will continue to unite us, strengthen our trust in one another and guide our conference in a direction that not only fulfills the calling He has given us, but also draws us closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
By Daniel Ortega
President
