College History

Oklahoma Baptist Institute was incorporated on November 2, 1972. The original purpose, as stated in the constitution, was to prove a high standard of Biblical training with an emphasis on evangelism and missions.

In March of 1977, the Lord led Dr. Jim Vineyard to Oklahoma City to assume the leadership of Windsor Hills Baptist Church. Dr. Vineyard carried with him a great burden to see men and women trained in a Christ-honoring, solidly evangelistic atmosphere. Oklahoma Baptist Institute was revived at that time following three years of inactivity.

During the summer of 1977, Windsor Hills Baptist Church purchased dormitory facilities in Bethany, Oklahoma. After much hard work, they were ready for opening day of the 1977-78 fall semester. During this first year of Oklahoma Baptist Institute, under the direction of Dr. Vineyard, the school met during both daytime and evening hours. The strenuous work of simultaneously building the college and developing the soul-winning ministry of Windsor Hills Baptist Church was no light undertaking. The Lord blessed mightily, however, and both the church and the college began to grow.

The institute was expanded into a four-year program in the fall of 1978. The name was changed at that time to Oklahoma Baptist College and Institute. Many students have come to OBC since those early days. Each year, the school experiences an increase in the fire and zeal that permeates the halls. In emulating the college motto, “His ministers – a flame of fire,” our preacher boys have been trained to preach three sermons weekly and to submit related outlines. Under the leadership of out new pastor, Dr. Tom Vineyard, since January 2007, soul winning remains the prime concern at OBC.

Sixty-two percent of our student body are either missions majors or have a missions minor, reflecting an aggressive missions department. Many students have taken missions trips to places like the Amazon Basin of Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Haiti, Peru, Ireland, Israel, and the Ukraine. During this year, several of our graduates finished deputation and departed for the foreign field, continuing a great heritage here at Oklahoma Baptist College. Also this year, a number of alumni have returned on furlough bringing challenging report to students and staff alike.

The Oklahoma Baptist College Choir traveled to Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas in the fall semester. This spring, they ministered to churches in Texas. We are thankful the choir is privileged to travel to churches as a part of their training. The Melody Singers and Ambassadors are excited about traveling to churches of like faith this summer as representatives of Oklahoma Baptist College.

Although it is impossible to know what the final pages of history will reveal about Oklahoma Baptist College, it is safe to say that as people are saved in increasing numbers, as Christian lives are changed, as churches and schools are subsequently established, and as lives are rededicated by sermons preached, the emphasis will continue to be that of soul winning. Soul winning will always enjoy the blessings of God. As students and staff enjoy God's blessings, the future of Oklahoma Baptist College and Institute can only be bright.