About Us

Words of Challenge

Words of Challenge from Pastors, Both Past and Present

Rev. John Steen, 1961

"The church is ready for a great thrust forward. It was born of challenge and tested by adversities. It can greet the unseen future with a cheerful confidence, based on faith. Let this be a teaching church. Let it be an aggressive force in the neighborhood, showing that the message of Christ is related to every area of life. Every family of this congregation will be given an opportunity to invest in the future and determine the course of Oaklawn's tomorrow."

Rev. Paul Riggs, 1980

"The church has a glorious past. The example of sacrifice and ministry of those who labored in days gone by make me proud to be a part of this church today. Will those who come after us feel we did our best? The future can be even brighter if we accept the challenge He gave us."

Rev. Tommy Hall, 1993

"Churches willing to risk in faith, open themselves to new people, stretch in giving, and push out the walls of their own comfort, will grow spiritually and, and no doubt, numerically. Have you measured yourself or your church lately? Is it time to venture more, to sacrifice more to say yes more?"

Rev. Kevin L. Kilbreth, 2001

"Smith Grove Baptist Church began because God had a vision for this community. His vision was implanted in the hearts of our forefathers and it grew into a burden to reach their neighbors with the gospel of Jesus Christ. His vision has not changed and it extends from here to the ends of the earth. We must catch that vision and nurture that burden afresh as those who comprise Oaklawn Baptist Church today. When His vision consumes us and His burden compels us, nothing will keep us from honoring our heritage and strengthening the legacy for future generations. Jesus said, "Come unto Me for my yoke is easy and My burden is light." Let us arise and build on God's vision in our day, carrying the lightened burden that comes from unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ."

Pastor Todd Haley

"The greatest days for Oaklawn lay just ahead. They will be great days, not because of big buildings, or large amounts of land, but because of the people. The people of this family represent a great and mighty heritage. The people of this body represent the greatest of hope. The future will be wonderful because the people who come into this family will minister in such a way as to accomplish the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. They will live out the Great Commandment so that the world will know that we have been here. Future generations may forget the footprints of buildings, but they will never forget the footprints of Jesus Christ that are illuminated by the love this family has for one another and for the world around them."