The Men’s Retreat is an annual event that takes place in the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma at a conference center known as Falls Creek. The focus is on transforming the lives of men through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The unifying force that brings these men together is threefold: first, a love for Christ and desire to be men of God who influence their world; second, to find the right next step or direction for their relationship with God; and third, to find and build godly friendships with other men.
Dr. J. Josh Smith is the lead pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Bogart, Georgia. Josh has ministered in over 25 countries, worked with international students, and served as a missionary in central Europe. His greatest passion is the exaltation of Christ and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom to the ends of the earth through the ministry of the local church. Josh is a graduate of Liberty University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Josh and his wife, Andrea, have four daughters and one son (Lily, Gracie, Josie, Annie, and Josiah). Josh is the well know author of The Titus Ten; Foundations for Godly Manhood.
Tarvoris Uzoigwe
Tarvoris Uzoigwe serves as the Evangelism and Apologetics Ministry Partner at the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention. In this role, he collaborates with churches, pastors, and laypeople to encourage, educate, equip, and train them to adopt a lifestyle of personal evangelism. He holds an undergraduate degree in Education, a Master’s in Sports Administration, and a Master’s in Theological Studies from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Currently, he is enrolled at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, working on a Doctorate of Ministry in Evangelism and Church Growth. With over 25 years of experience in street evangelism, he has developed a wide range of skills in evangelism and apologetics to train and equip others effectively. His passion is to see the church return to its foundational principles. He believes that faithfully following the God-man requires active obedience in fishing for dead men.
He has been married for 15 years to his godly wife, Erica Uzoigwe, and they have three children: Avaria (12 years old), Jon (9 years old), and Titus (8 years old). For additional training and resources in evangelism and apologetics, visit his YouTube channel: “Woe Evangelism.”, Facebook: Tarvoris Uzoigwe, and TikTok: @tarvorisuzoigwe
Sam Porter
Sam Porter is a native of Marietta Oklahoma. He was called to preach at the age of 14 while attending Falls Creek. Sam was a Baylor Bear defensive end from 1970 to 1973. He was the Pastor of 3 Baptist churches in Oklahoma from 1975 to 1998. He also worked for the BGCO in the roles of Specialist of Men’s ministry, volunteer missions, and Disaster Relief Director spanning from 1998 to 2017. In 2017 he became the National Director Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, he served in this role until he retired in 2022.
Keith Burkhart
Keith Burkhart’s life and ministry are marked by a deep commitment to cultivating spiritually strong men and families who transform their communities for the Kingdom of God. At 39, Keith began his ministry journey at First Southern Baptist, Del City, where he faithfully served for 10 years before transitioning to the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma as Family and Men’s Ministry Specialist. For another decade, he dedicated himself to equipping men and families through innovative ministry, earning recognition as a consultant for Lifeway Men and a trainer for men’s ministry across the United States. One of Keith’s greatest joys was leading the Rewired Men’s Conference and Oklahoma Faith Riders. Through these initiatives, he inspired men to discover bold ways to live out their faith and reached hundreds of motorcycle riders across Oklahoma and beyond. In May 2018, Keith answered the call to serve as Director of Conference Centers at Falls Creek and Cross Timbers. By October 2018, he returned to First Southern Baptist Church, Del City, where he now serves as the lead pastor, leading with genuine relationships, audacious faith, and a passion for guiding people into meaningful, enduring relationships with Jesus Christ. His heartfelt prayer reflects his mission: “Has there ever been a more important time to give people a credible offer of the Gospel and a place to grow and be loved? Father, may it be so!” Keith is also the author of Advanced Men’s Ministry Training: A Manual for Building Your Men’s Ministry, which has been utilized by churches in multiple states. His leadership experience extends beyond ministry, as a former small business owner and a 21-year veteran of the United States Army Reserves. Keith shares his life and ministry with Jeanette, his wife of 47 years, and finds great joy in their growing family of 10 children and 15 grandchildren. Through every chapter of his journey, Keith’s unwavering faith and leadership have left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Worship
Matt Roberson
Matt Roberson, Lead Pastor of Marlow First Baptist Church in Marlow, OK, has been serving in worship ministry since he was 18. He also coordinates OBU Worship at Oklahoma Baptist University, his alma mater. Matt has a heart for leading others in worship and equipping them to do the same. He and his wife Jennifer, married since 2000, have two daughters, Chloe and Claire. Matt enjoys baseball, golf, hunting, and sushi.
Churches will need to make their own lodging arrangements. Consider calling the cabin owner your youth uses in the summer. You may also contact cabin owners to see if they are offering beds for $10 – $25 each.
Please note: Students must be 14-17 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, not a grandparent, uncle, youth minister, pastor, or any other adult. Any minor not accompanied by their parent will be sent home.
If there is a question you do not see answered here, please shoot us an e-mail with the form located below and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.
REGISTRATION ANSWERS
Q: How do I register?
A: Registration is open between February and three weeks prior to the retreat. When registration opens, you will be able to register through our website www.oklahomabaptists.org/men/retreat.
Q: I am the group leader for my church. Can you provide me with a list of those who have registered with my church?
A: Young Men ages 14-17 when accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Q: I am a youth leader, may I bring my students?
A: The short answer is no. Students ages 14-17 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Q: Can my 13 year-old come?
A: No. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to attend the Men’s Retreat at Falls Creek. Some of the presentations given at the retreat may not be suitable for children under the age of 14 and Falls Creek will not be providing staff to properly supervise children on the grounds of Falls Creek. If you bring a student 13 years old or younger you will be asked to leave Falls Creek.
Q: May I bring my grandson?
A: That depends on their age. Boys 13 years old and younger cannot attend the Men’s Retreat. Students 14-17 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. If they are 18+, YES, they can attend! Otherwise, you will be asked to leave Falls Creek.
Q: What is included in my Retreat registration?
A: Your registration fee includes all meals included in the schedule, activities, program sessions, all breakouts, program guide, and event wristband.
Q: Is there a printed registration form for the conference?
A: No. In order for us to communicate effectively with those who attend, we require all registrations to be submitted electronically using our online registration form.
If you are a church wishing to register a group of 10 or more men, please see the next answer.
Q: If I want to register a large group of guys, can I register and pay for them at the same time?
A: YES! It will be necessary for you to obtain everyone’s personal information BEFORE registering your group online. Follow the instructions when registering as you will need to list each person’s name under yours, pay, and submit.
If you or your church is registering as a group please be advised: Children 14-17 years old may attend but must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, not a grandparent, uncle, youth minister, pastor, or any other adult. Any minor not accompanied by their parent or legal guardian will be asked to leave Falls Creek. Refer to question page 1 – Can my 13 year old come?
Q: What if I register and then cannot attend Rewired? Will I get my money back?
A: Registration is non-refundable. However, you may transfer your registration to another person who wants to attend the same year. Simply have them give their name at registration.
Q: Are there any discounts or scholarships offered?
A. We are unable to offer scholarships through our office but encourage those seeking financial assistance to contact their church or what church they are coming with if they do not have a church home.
LODGING ANSWERS
Q: Where do I sleep? What are the lodging arrangements?
Your registration does not include lodging at one of the Falls Creek dorm-style cabins. Churches will need to make their own lodging arrangements. Consider calling the cabin owner your youth uses in the summer. You may also contact cabin owners to see if they are offering beds for rent. Information for cabin owners can be found on Falls Creek’s website at fallscreek.org.
Cabins at Falls Creek: “Cabins” are the primary lodging at Falls Creek Conference Center. Sleeping inside cabins consists of dormitory-style bunks. We have included pictures of some of the dorms inside several cabins at Falls Creek. You will need to bring your own bedding – sheets, blanket, pillow, sleeping bag… whatever you prefer.
**If you would like to stay in a hotel on or off campus that is an additional cost for which you are responsible and must make those arrangements on your own. There are several options in Davis, Oklahoma. For information about staying at the hotels/lodges at Falls Creek, call 580-369-2101.
Q: Do we have to rent a cabin?
A: Yes, if your church does not own a cabin. Your registration does not include lodging at one of the Falls Creek dorm-style cabins. Churches will need to make their own lodging arrangements. Consider calling the cabin owner your youth uses in the summer. You may also contact cabin owners to see if they are offering beds for rent.
Q: Can I stay in a cabin with my friends, family, guys from my church, etc?
A: Yes! Check with your church.
Q: Can I stay in one of the hotels at Falls Creek?
A: Yes. But that will be an additional charge and you must make those arrangements yourself. Call Falls Creek Conference Center at 580-369-2101 to make your arrangements.
FOOD/MEALS ANSWERS
Q: Are meals provided?
A: If a meal is listed on the schedule, it will be provided at Retreat.
Q: If I bring my own food or do not stay in a cabin, can I get a discount?
A: No. These are part of the total package of Retreat. If you choose to do something separate for food or lodging, that is your choice and will not change the registration price.
Q: Will there be a place for me to purchase snacks or drinks between meals?
A: Yes. Falls Creek Conference Center has concessions (including coffee & beverages) available in the 1917 Café/Gift Shop in Centennial Plaza. See the schedule for open times. There is also an ATM available inside the same building.
OTHER IMPORTANT ANSWERS
Q: What do I pack for Retreat?
A: Pack what you would normally pack when you take an overnight trip. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring your own bedding – sheets, blanket, pillow, sleeping bag… whatever you prefer.
Q: Can I come for just one day?
A: On the day of the retreat, we will have day passes that cost $50. You will register when you arrive at the Retreat. Just let the person registering you know you will only be there for one day.
Q: I have to drive a long way. Can I come on Thursday night?
A: The simple answer is yes.
However, there are no activities (i.e., basketball, zipline, fishing) or food available for you. If you arrive on Thursday, you are on your own.
If arriving on Thursday you will need to have secured your own lodging rather it be in a cabin, Falls Creek Hotel, or a hotel in Davis as we do not provide lodging. Contact the cabin owner for the rental of beds at fallscreek.org. Contact Falls Creek at 580-369-2101 for a hotel room on the grounds. There will also be an additional $5 per person fee for arriving Thursday. Friday’s $5 per person fee is included in the amount when registering.
Q: What if have more questions?
A: Give us a call or shoot us an email. Be patient, we will get back to you as soon as possible!
ON CAMPUS
Q: Can I bring a backpack or bag to the main sessions?
A: If you need to bring a bag or backpack, please be prepared for it to be inspected when you enter the building.
Q: Can I bring my own golf cart, ATV, etc. to drive at Falls Creek.
A: As much fun as those sounds, sorry, no you cannot. The insurance company will not allow it.
Q: Can I bring my service animal to Falls Creek?
A: Service dogs are permitted at Falls Creek but must be always wearing their service vests and on a leash. Service dogs must meet the description as set forth by ADA guidelines (found HERE). Please indicate during online registration that you plan to bring your service animal. This will assist us in making sure that all parties are comfortable during your stay.
Q: Can I bring my own gun or bow?
A: Nope. No firearms or weapons are allowed on the Falls Creek grounds. We have security that will be present 24/7. You should also leave your nunchakus and throwing stars at home too.
Q: What can I do if I have a physical disability?
A: You will need to let your church know so they can assist you with lodging needs. Falls Creek does have a few hotel rooms for the handicapped 580-369-2101.
Q: Will there be t-shirts to purchase at Retreat?
A: Yes. We will sell t-shirts at the conference. Cash, check & credit/debit cards will be accepted. Merchandise will be sold at the 1917 Café/Gift Shop in Centennial Plaza at Falls Creek.
Q: What is there to do while at Retreat?
A: In short, a whole lot. Not including the main & breakout sessions, we have planned numerous pre-retreat activities and demonstrations on Friday. Each year we choose new activities and demonstrations, so check out the list when registration is open.
MAPS & DIRECTIONS
Q: How do I get to Falls Creek?
Whether you are traveling north or south on I-35, you will take EXIT 51 at Davis, Oklahoma.
NORTH: If you exit from the north, you will drive directly across Hwy 77 beside the Fried Pies place.
SOUTH: If you exit from the south, you will turn left onto Hwy 77 and turn left beside the Fried Pies place.
From there, you will travel to the stop sign and continue across Honey Creek, under I-35 and continue along the winding Hwy 77D to the North Entrance of Falls Creek. There you will be greeted by volunteers who will give instructions on parking and registration/check-in.
If you are using your smartphone or other guided mapping system, type in Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. The physical address is 6714 OK-77D, Davis, OK 73030
