Oklahoma Baptist Leader Glenn Austin Brown Remembered for Faith and Service
Glenn Austin Brown, a dedicated servant of the Lord, died on December 1, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 92. Brown was a beloved figure in the Oklahoma Baptist community, known for his unwavering faith and his tireless contributions to spreading the gospel.
Born on September 6, 1932, in Porum, Oklahoma, Brown’s life was deeply rooted in Christian values. With two grandfathers who were preachers and devoutly Christian parents, faith was woven into the very fabric of his upbringing.
His parents exemplified their faith through their actions, transforming a dilapidated schoolhouse near their Danville, Arkansas, farm into a space for Sunday School and worship. Their teachings and example led young Glenn to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior.
Brown’s journey in ministry began after graduating from Shawnee High School in 1950. He enrolled at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), where he met his first love, Jean Stith. Their courtship blossomed during their college years, culminating in marriage on December 22, 1951, during their sophomore year.
Over the next few years, Brown felt a profound calling to devote his life to ministry. He diligently pursued his theological education, earning a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy with a minor in music from Tulsa University in 1962 and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 1968.
His passion for ministry led him to serve in various roles. He ministered as Music, Education, and Youth Director at churches like Tulsa, Springdale; Tulsa, First; Sallisaw, First; and Oklahoma City, Britton. He also served as Minister of Education at Ada, First.
In 1971, Brown’s dedication to Baptist education earned him a position with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO). He joined the organization as Associate Director of the Department of Religious Education, later transitioning to Associate Director of Planning and Promotion. He eventually became the Director of Communications and Editor of their weekly newspaper, the
_Baptist Messenger_ — a role that amplified his impact across the state.
Brown’s passion for stewardship was deeply entwined with his work. He led stewardship conferences in several states and even served as president of the Stewardship Development Association (Association of state stewardship development directors). His commitment to this cause extended internationally, as he participated in short-term mission projects in 16 countries.
Brown was also invited by the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) to work with denominational and mission leaders in Hong Kong, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to develop plans for stewardship development projects.
His impact within the BGCO was profound. Brown’s writing and preaching engagements became familiar to Oklahoma Baptists who deeply respected his scholarship and dedication. He was known for his ability to connect with people, his down-to-earth demeanor, and his genuine love for the Lord.
In 1997, Brown and Jean retired to Fort Worth to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. The latter years of Jean’s life were marked by dementia, a challenging journey that Brown navigated with unwavering love and compassion. He patiently tended to her needs, demonstrating faith-filled resilience to his family.
Two years after Jean’s passing in 2011, Brown found love again, marrying Euna Hancock, a cherished friend from church. Together, they embraced each other’s faith and prioritized their church community. Brown continued to serve as a Sunday School teacher and active deacon, finding joy in spending time with their friends and family over shared meals and lively games.
Glenn Austin Brown’s life was a testament to the transformative power of faith. He dedicated himself to spreading the gospel, nurturing the next generation of believers, and leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. His unwavering commitment to service continues to inspire the Oklahoma Baptist community and beyond.
How did Glenn Austin Brown use the _Baptist Messenger_ to communicate his views on the divisions within the Oklahoma Baptist community during the early 1990s?
Thematic interviews by grouping them according to shared topics. For example, we could create separate interviews about Brown’s early life and upbringing, his ministry work, and his role with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
Here’s a sample interview focusing on Brown’s role as editor of the _Baptist Messenger_ and the tensions within the Oklahoma Baptist community during his tenure:
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re remembering the life and legacy of Glenn Austin Brown, a dedicated Baptist leader who passed away recently. Mr. Brown served as the editor of the _Baptist Messenger_ during a time of significant change and tension within the Oklahoma Baptist community. Can you shed some light on that period?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. Glenn Brown took the helm of the _Baptist Messenger_ in the early 1990s, a time when disagreements about the direction of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma were coming to a head. There were growing divisions between more conservative and moderate factions within the denomination. [1](https://www.baptistlife.com/flick/CBFO/history.htm)
**Interviewer:** And how did those divisions manifest in the pages of the _Baptist Messenger_?
**Alex Reed:** Glenn Brown was known for being a strong supporter of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO). He believed there wasn’t room for both the BGCO and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma (CBFO), a more moderate group that had emerged. In fact, in 1992, he wrote an editorial stating as much. [1](https://www.baptistlife.com/flick/CBFO/history.htm)
This stance made him a controversial figure in the eyes of some Baptists who felt the CBFO represented a necessary voice within the broader Oklahoma Baptist community. The tensions escalated further when Joe Ingram, a former executive secretary of the BGCO, was censured for being too friendly to the CBFO.
**Interviewer:** Clearly, this was a challenging time for Glenn Brown. How did he navigate these difficult issues?
**Alex Reed:** Despite the controversy, Glenn Brown remained steadfast in his beliefs. He used the _Baptist Messenger_ as a platform to advocate for his vision of Baptist life in Oklahoma. While his views may have been divisive, there’s no denying his commitment to his faith and his dedication to spreading the gospel.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights into this fascinating period in Oklahoma Baptist history.
**Note**: This interview is just a starting point, and further research could be done to explore the complexities of the issues involved and the specific impact Glenn Brown had on the Oklahoma Baptist community. Remember to cite sources appropriately and strive for a balanced and objective perspective.
