In 1921, R.R. founded the Omaha Gospel Tabernacle (now Christ Community Church). In 1923, Brown was invited to deliver Sunday morning services on WOAW (later WOW), a radio station that could be heard across the country, coast to coast, and reached even to the South Pole via short wave. Listeners throughout the Midwest encouraged Brown to speak at their local churches. This led to a summer tent meeting in 1935, at Arnolds Park, Iowa, near Lake Okoboji, so that listeners to his radio broadcast could meet him, along with other Bible teachers, missionaries, and musicians. That tent meeting became the annual Okoboji Lakes Bible and Missionary Conference. By 1945, the Conference secured a permanent site, and in 1950, a unique building with garage door sides was constructed to accommodate growing crowds. The event became synonymous with Brown’s leadership, continuing under his son, Robert Shuman Brown, who expanded programs and facilities over the next 30 years.

Following R.S. and May Brown’s retirement in 1994, the Conference transitioned to a team leadership model. In 2005, Rick Porter became the first full-time executive director, helping to establish a year-round ministry presence in the region. Over time, the board of directors evolved, implementing term limits and welcoming fourth-generation family members alongside new leadership. Despite changing times, the Conference remains committed to its original mission of bringing outstanding ministry leaders from across the country to provide Bible teaching, musicians and global missions perspectives for spiritual growth, worship, and Christian fellowship.

Today, our leaders continue to build upon the vision set forth by R. R. Brown, ensuring that the Conference endures "until Christ returns."