Since joining the staff of Quail Springs Baptist Church eighteen months ago, Senior Pastor Stephen Rummage has identified the core elements that drive the congregation’s dynamic growth. The Oklahoma City church has expanded its reach over the past year by prioritizing community outreach, fostering a robust network of small groups, and introducing new leadership that builds upon the foundation of an already healthy church.
“We are deeply outreach-oriented,” Rummage explains. “Our vision involves reaching the entire Oklahoma City metro area and inviting more people into our community. We maintain an outward focus, believing in the importance of engaging skeptics and providing crisis response as vital forms of ministry.”
Located in a thriving business district, Quail Springs attracts many young professionals, yet Rummage emphasizes that the church serves all demographics. This commitment to service is reflected in the congregation’s actions; some members have even downsized their homes to move into less-affluent neighborhoods to better serve their neighbors. From visiting homeless shelters to distributing food and participating in literacy ministries, the church remains dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the Oklahoma City community.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Quail Springs has used its online worship services to lead people to Christ and continues to seek ways to strengthen its digital presence, especially its small group ministry. During the state lockdown, the church learned to become more flexible and fluid, Rummage says.
In addition to the pandemic, pastors throughout the country haven’t been able to ignore the civil unrest sparked by the outrage over the killing of George Floyd.
“As a congregation, we stand for racial justice, and we stand for the value, dignity and worth of everyone,” Rummage says. “When we see that being violated, especially in the African American community, we’ve got to raise our voice and express what the Word of our God says about justice.”
As the United States experiences a period of transformation, Rummage has encouraged his congregation to commit to pray for one person and search for opportunities to share the gospel. Robb Neuschaefer, who has attended for 16 years, says that Quail Springs is a church that prioritizes such undertakings.
“We are equipped and encouraged to share God’s love with others,” he says. “We are encouraged to reach our city, state, country and world. As individuals mature both physically and spiritually, they are provided opportunities to go on mission trips across the United States and even internationally.”
Bart Newsom, a member since 2016, says the church has kept him grounded in his spiritual walk and provides an environment that stretches his faith. A deacon, youth leader and camp sponsor, among other roles at Quail Springs, Newsom says his relationships there challenge him to spend consistent time in God’s Word and be active and accountable in his walk with the Lord.
The church, he says, has grown because of spiritual community and service opportunities. There’s also its “foundational commitment to God’s Word,” he adds, “and the consistent communication that our role is to be obedient and active in service to the world around us.”
—Nadra Kareem Nittle
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QUAIL SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Senior Pastor: Stephen Rummage
Twitter: @StephenRummage
Website: QSBC.org
Founded: 1950
Affiliation: Southern Baptist
Locations: 1
Attendance: 1,975
Growth: +189 (11%)
Fastest-Growing: 95
