Kyle Tubbs, CBF Oklahoma’s new leader, plans to “dream big”

By Marv Knox

Kyle Tubbs believes Cooperative Baptists in Oklahoma will “dream big” about their future. And from what Tubbs has seen, he’s confident that future is as big and bright and open as the Sooner State’s vast horizon.

Tubbs became the Cooperating Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma’s fourth coordinator June 1, succeeding Steve Graham. Previously, Tubbs led the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s national church-starting program. Before that, he started one of CBF’s most innovative congregations, Peace of Christ Church in Round Rock, Texas. 

Tubbs and his spouse, Kaily, moved to the Norman area with their young sons, Emmett and Henry, in late spring. He has spent the summer getting acquainted with his new friends across the state.

“When the search committee reached out to me, this opportunity wasn’t really on our radar,” he conceded. “But then we got to know the people and the churches. We fell in love with the folks here; they’re people we knew we’d love being in relationship with and doing ministry alongside. 

“I loved the passion that was coming from folks I knew here—regarding doing ministry and CBF identity. It felt like a good match.”

The CBF Oklahoma Coordinating Council agreed and elected him unanimously.

Tubbs sees unique virtues among the people who comprise CBF Oklahoma.

“The people here don’t seem jaded or cynical about denominations. The CBF network is really important to them. I found that really appealing,” he said. “They are open-minded, open-hearted Baptists—folks who aren’t afraid to own the identity of being a ‘different type of Baptist.’ They really care about the ministries of CBF Oklahoma and anybody our ministries touch throughout the state.”

Those ministries are significant and solid, Tubbs added.

“We partner with Native American churches, especially in Geary and Watonga, in the western part of the state,” he said, noting the relationships are reciprocal. “We have been part of each other’s lives and ministries for many years. Pastors of those churches have served on CBF Oklahoma’s Coordinating Council.”

CBF Oklahoma also has developed a strong young-adult ministry statewide, he added. This focus began with students on university campuses, but it has expanded beyond college groups. It includes a missions component, as well as discipleship and fellowship projects. Alumni of this program have developed into some of CBF Oklahoma’s key leaders.

Tubbs also sees potential for expanded ministry in other areas, he said.

“I hope we will lead in championing and empowering women in ministry,” he noted. “There also is a desire among our churches to cooperate more for local ministry, as well as fellowshipping with each other.”

Tubbs also would like to partner with Fellowship Southwest’s new executive director, Stephen Reeves, a national leader in advocacy and public policy. CBF Oklahoma can collaborate with ecumenical partners, such as the Oklahoma Conference of Churches and Pastors for Oklahoma Kids, to shape the direction of their state, he stressed.

“I would love to see us lean into more justice initiatives,” he said. “We have a lot of really bright, talented and connected people in CBF Oklahoma life, and we can influence the kingdom of God throughout Oklahoma.”

Although CBF Oklahoma is not connected to a huge number of churches—and most CBF OK congregations are clustered in or near Oklahoma City—it embraces people across the state, Tubbs observed.

“We have a lot of people who are part of lots of churches—and not just Baptist churches,” he explained. “There seems to be a community among CBF Oklahoma. 

“I’ve loved getting to know everyone in the network, too. A large portion of people in CBF life in Oklahoma know each other. They love coming together, spending time with each other. People here look each other in the eyes; they don’t rush. They care for each other.”

Tubbs is excited to come alongside them, eager to support them. 

“The way I like to do things is empower others, whatever their calling, gifts and skills may be,” he explained. “I don’t feel I need to do it all or have the spotlight on me or to follow my preference. I just want to empower others to boldly go where God is calling them to go and amplify their voices as well. 

“I’d like for us to dream big and discern together where God would have us join in God’s good work around Oklahoma. God is already doing great things, and we’ll have to see what is next. The possibilities are endless.”

Marv Knox is the founding coordinator of Fellowship Southwest.