Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

Tent Ministry 

"Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp." Exodus 33:7

With assistance from the North American Mission Board and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, the Evangelism Office has tents available for evangelism / outreach events. Tent sizes, approximate seating capacity, and fees are as follows:

The tents are made of vinyl and are brightly colored. Fees cover the cost of maintaining the tent ministry across the state. Oklahoma Southern Baptist Churches or  Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma affiliates may use the tents for revivals, church planting, block parties, or other evangelistic events. Individuals are not eligible

Reasons for Using a Tent

1. Some people will attend a service or activity in a tent who would not come in a church building. A tent is a "neutral" place.
2. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.
3. Because it is different or unusual, some people will be attracted to it.
4. For some, there is an emotional stirring of nostalgia from earlier times.
5. Others will have memories, but stories heard from their parents or grandparents also create an urge to attend the event.
6. A suitable building may not be available.

Scheduling the Tent

Only churches and/or associations affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma may use the evangelism tents. When a tent is needed, it should be requested early. Tents may be scheduled as follows:

1. Call the Baptist Building, Evangelism Office (405/942-3000, ext. 4327) or email aquigley@bgco.org  to check for availability and request an application.
2. Complete the application form and return it to the Evangelism Office with the appropriate fee.
3. The Evangelism Office will send a confirmation form only when the Evangelism Office has received the application and deposit.
4. Contact your insurance company to provide proof of liability insurance. A minimum of $300,000 Limit of Liability is required.  The BGCO must be listed as "Additional Insured" during your use of the tent.

Transporting the Tent and Equipment

The tents are stored on utility trailers in the Oklahoma City area. The user will be responsible for picking up and returning the tent. Trailer hitch and light hookup specifications will be sent to the user before the pick-up date. The trailer will also contain materials such as stakes, poles and ropes, which are necessary for setting up the tent. The user must provide all equipment such as sledge-hammer, sound system, chairs, platform, pulpit and other miscellaneous items. The tent must be placed on a flat surface, free of power lines and trees. The user will need to provide 20 or more men for set-up and duct tape to secure the ropes.

Tent Set Up

The tent must be placed on a flat surface, free of power lines and trees. The user will need to provide 20 or more men to set up the tent and secure the ropes. If 20 men are not present to help set up the tent it will not be erected and must be returned. The weight and size of the tents demand a full crew of 20 volunteers because safety is an issue. The Tent Consultant will assist in the tent set up and take down process. His contact information will be provided when the confirmation information is sent.