OBU hosts Generation Why Youth Apologetics Conference, Equips Youth To Articulate Faith

March 10, 2026

OBU hosted its annual Generation Why Youth Apologetics Conference on March 7 at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee, with 1,300 middle school and high school students from across the region in attendance.

"We are continually amazed at how the Lord uses Generation Why to strengthen and encourage young believers from around the state and region,” said Dr. Brandon Smith, chair of the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry. “We have heard countless stories already about how this year's conference helped students grow in their knowledge of objective truth, moral reasoning and God’s goodness."

The conference focused on equipping youth to understand and articulate the Christian faith. The 2026 theme was “Finding Meaning Amidst the Chaos.”

Nationally noted speaker and author Dr. Sean McDowell delivered the primary plenary messages. Dr. Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer, also addressed attendees and shared his personal testimony.

Worship during the general sessions was led by the OBU Worship Team.

Breakout sessions throughout the day addressed topics including truth and meaning, technology and human identity, science and Christianity, Christ and culture, biblical apologetics, missions and evangelism, Christianity and morality, practical theology, spiritual formation and world religions and cults.

Breakout speakers included Dr. Alan Noble, Dr. B.R. Dunk, Dr. Timothy Darr, Dr. Keith Hess, Dr. Chuck Baukal, Dr. Paul Inman, Dr. Jessica Rohr, Micah Lynn, Dr. Mario Melendez, Dr. Paul Sanchez, Dr. Todd Sanders, Kyle Opskar, Eric Hernandez, R.J. and Chrissy Stokes, Dr. Micah Meek, Aaron Hembree, Stephen Presley, Dr. Stephen Stallard, Dr. Jeff DeGiacomo, Erin Guleserian, Dr. Matt Kearns, Dr. Elbert Smith and Daniel Ray.

The conference, hosted through OBU’s Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry, created an environment for thoughtful dialogue around pressing cultural and theological questions. Through plenary sessions and focused breakout discussions, participants engaged complex topics while developing the ability to think critically and articulate their faith with clarity.

Generation Why also brought together youth, ministry leaders, pastors and scholars for a day of shared learning and worship. The gathering offered practical guidance in apologetics and discipleship, equipping attendees to engage confidently in classrooms, churches and everyday conversations about faith.

Make plans to attend next year’s conference scheduled for March 6, 2027.

For more information about Generation Why, visit okbu.edu/events/generation-why.