Lay Renewal

by Phil Bailey

During the 1970s, Lay Renewal was a ministry throughout churches in Oklahoma. It was just that—renewal and re-dedication conducted by lay people. Its purpose was to stir greater spiritual activity among church members.

The way it usually worked was for small groups of lay people from one or more churches spending a weekend in a specific church at the invitation of that church’s leadership. The emphasis was on repentance, focusing on existing blessings, and in some instances, healing of differences among the membership.

Council Road, at the invitation of our soon-to-retire pastor, Fred Willhoite, brought in a group of lay people to share its stories with our congregation. The result was change in our church, which I think exists to this day. That weekend in 1974 was foundational in the way Council Road operates now as far as worship within and outreach as well.

In 1974, several of our members went to other churches to share our own stories. Communities like Guymon, Ponca City, Hugo, El Reno and downtown Oklahoma City were ministered to during that time. Again, I think it is fair to say that Lay Renewal was foundational in the way our church functions to this day.

Such programs as Whiz Kids at the CUBE and Big A Club that ministered to children at a local apartment complex are a few examples, along with mission trips to Asia.

Since Lay Renewal participation, our church has been blessed with four pastors, each of whom has fit our needs at specific times throughout our history. Their individual ministries, in my opinion, were made easier by the re-focus of our congregation and our acceptance of their individual style of leadership.

It has been an honor to see God work through our staff and our lay people to minister to our community and beyond the past 60 years. I pray that the next decades will be as fruitful as the past.

Author Bio
Phil Bailey and his wife, Gwen, have been members at Council Road for 55 years. They have both served in various Bible studies, in the Preschool Ministry and on committees during that time. They have been married for 66 years. They have two adult children, Cheri Kohs and Tom Bailey, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Phil is a retired vocational rehabilitation counselor, and Gwen is a former vocational home economics teacher.