The Messenger is distributed to approximately 40,000 households and has been called the third largest newspaper in Oklahoma in terms of print circulation.

[1] The first edition of the newspaper coincided with the first annual meeting of the Oklahoma Southern Baptist Convention on May 12, 1912.

The Baptist Messenger also produces a mobile App, news website and a podcast program.

[2] The publication was owned and edited by Clarence P. Stealey, a minister from Washington, D.C.[2] In 1919, the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma purchased the paper, which had a circulation of 5,000 at the time.

[2] Stealey was removed as editor in the late 1920s after taking some controversial editorial positions in the antievolution movement.