Q&A WITH N.C. CHURCH PUTS RUSSELL MOORE

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JULY 2, 2016 • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists • VOLUME 182 NO. 14 • BRnow.org GAINES WINS SBC presidency as GREEAR steps down

Compiled by BR staff Tennessee pastor Steve Gaines elected by and the convention to be united, Gaines Following the runoff, SBC President acclamation as president of the SBC. said. Ronnie Floyd reported results of the ollowing a runoff vote that Greear told the convention he prayed On the original ballot, the three candi- election at the beginning of the Tuesday didn’t produce a majority winner the night before and believed “we need dates included Gaines, Greear and New night session. Of the 7,230 messengers on June 14, North Carolina pastor to leave St. Louis united.” Orleans pastor David Crosby. registered at the time of the first runoff, FJ.D. Greear announced June 15 he Gaines said “there’s no way God is not In the first ballot cast by 5,784 messen- 4,824 ballots were cast. To be declared a would withdraw from the race for presi- doing something in all of this.” He said gers, Crosby received 583 votes or 10.08 winner, Gaines or Greear needed to win dent of the Southern Baptist Convention he had decided internally the night of percent; Gaines received 2,551 votes, 50 percent plus one of ballots cast, or (SBC) during the SBC’s annual meeting June 14 to withdraw but agreed to serve or 44.1 percent of the votes; and Greear 2,413 or more votes. in St. Louis. Greear’s decision – an effort as president after a conversation with received 2,601 votes, or 44.97 percent. Gaines received 2,410 votes (49.96 per- to help bring unity following a close Greear. None of the candidates received 50 per- cent) while Greear received 2,306 votes vote – avoided a second runoff and left “I just wanted Jesus to be lifted high” cent or more of the votes. See Gaines page 8

SBC messengers pass historic resolution on Confederate flag sion June 14 a resolution that urged “brothers and past actions regarding slavery and racism. The SBC, By TOM STRODE | Baptist Press sisters in Christ to discontinue the display of the which began in 1845 in part in support of slavehold- essengers to the 2016 Southern Baptist Confederate battle flag as a sign of solidarity of the ing missionaries, approved a resolution in 1995 Convention (SBC) renounced display of whole body of Christ, including our African Ameri- repenting of racism and asking for forgiveness from Mthe Confederate battle flag in a historic, can brothers and sisters.” African American Christians. overwhelming vote June 14. The Confederate battle flag resolution was an- It also has acted in a variety of ways in an attempt The convention adopted late in its afternoon ses- other step in the convention’s effort to address its See Flag page 15 2 Opinion JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Reviving civility

read a lot of online articles and blogs, “I think there is a dumbing down of versation on television in my opinion.” The organization believes the big but I avoid the comment sections society to the point where fewer people I asked DeMoss if he considered problems of the day demand that people Ibecause many are filled with the verbal can make an articulate case for some- reviving The Civility Project. Yes, he has engage with each another in a civil way. sewage of vulgarity, false accusations and thing. All they can do is shout and hurl thought about it, but he said, “I still have “This is fundamental to our life together ruthless attacks. Twitter posts, insults,” he said. “Condoning the dilemma of time and attention to de- in community,” Dahnke said. “We have Facebook comments and other incivility is equivalent to saying vote to it. ... All I was trying to do was to to be able to do this because we know forms of social media carry ‘Anything goes.’ generate some conversation and debate we are not going to agree. Whether you their own share of violent, hos- “As a parent, if my children around the subject, and we did accom- are talking about the color of the carpet tile and offensive language also. see me behave in an uncivil plish that, but it could use a lot more. in the sanctuary or how to do Social Se- It appears to me that Ameri- way to a waiter in a restaurant, The thing I am most disappointed about curity, we have different ideas, and we’re cans live with high levels of or an employee at the Delta in not continuing is I do know there are a not going to agree. But we have to be able anger and, as a result, have ticket counter, or somebody in lot of people who feel like me, but don’t to talk with one another rather than just abandoned basic civility. traffic, how would I punish my know what to do. It’s a pretty helpless bashing one another.” In the first part of this edito- child who treated their teacher and hopeless feeling.” They developed a definition. “Civility rial (published June 18, 2016) I K. ALLAN BLUME or another student the same Those who favor civility are “swim- is claiming and caring for one’s identity, raised some concerns about the Editor way? I look at television and a ming upstream” according to DeMoss. needs and beliefs without degrading need to restore civility in public presidential candidate is calling “But I think there was a day when you someone else’s in the process.” conversation and behavior. I shared part other people ‘losers’ or ‘morons.’ I don’t would have been swimming upstream if People do not have to agree on ev- of Mark DeMoss’ story that described see anything good in that. I don’t think you behaved like Donald Trump.” erything, she said, but we have to find a his concerns about the lack of civility, it’s a big leap to move from common inci- way to explain our differences and move especially in the political arena. He is the vility to violence. Incivility says if I don’t Institute for Civility forward without getting submerged in founder of DeMoss, a public relations get my way, I will resort to any tactic to in Government destructive battles with each other. firm based in Atlanta, Ga., that special- get my way.” There are other people that share De- IFCG leads workshops, seminars and izes in faith-based organizations. The current political climate is puz- Moss’ concerns. I spoke with Cassandra student forums. They resist the tempta- You may recall news reports that De- zling to DeMoss. He said politics as a Dahnke about her leadership at the Insti- tion to be a watchdog organization that Moss stepped down from the executive whole “may be one of the worst examples tute for Civility in Government (IFCG), points out when people are misbehav- committee of Liberty University’s board of incivility we see today. ... I couldn’t based in Houston, Texas (institutefor ing. When this principle is explained to of trustees in April citing differences have a successful PR firm and behave the civility.org). Dahnke and Tomas Spath are elected officials, their faces show instant with the school’s president over the pub- way a lot of people do in politics. No- Presbyterian ministers who founded the relief, said Dahnke. lic endorsement of presidential candidate body would hire me, and nobody would organization. She tells leaders, “You’re adults and Donald Trump. He told The Washington Post work for me, frankly. “When we launched in 1998 nobody you already know if you’re behaving in a that Trump’s uncivil behavior was a rejec- “Political candidates are the only could understand why we were con- civil way or not. People recognize civility tion of the university’s values and those product in America that we sell by telling cerned about civility,” Dahnke said. when they see it, and they know when it of its founder, Jerry Falwell Sr. DeMoss you the other product stinks or the other “People said, ‘Why don’t you work on is missing.” declined further comment on the rift. guy is a bum,” he explained. “We don’t something important like hunger?’ We Elected officials are afraid of commit- DeMoss told me why he launched market cars that way; we don’t market said if we can’t talk with one another, we ting to a pledge, she explained, because The Civility Project in 2009, then closed hotels that way. We don’t market any can’t do anything else.” they know it will be used against them. down the effort two years later. product by saying, ‘Buy this product The institute’s website says they “in- They resist watchdog groups because While he is still passionate about civil- because the other product stinks.’ If the teract directly with elected officials, staff, they are keenly aware of their own imper- ity, the main reason DeMoss dissolved only case you can give me for voting for and constituents, offering models that fect human nature. So IFCG avoids both the project was the lack of time to do it you is that the other guy is a bum, that’s a cut through partisan noise by emphasiz- strategies. right and make it successful. “I think we worse reflection on you than it is on your ing active listening, tolerance, and the “Our goal is to create a national were successful in some ways, but either opponent.” importance of claiming one’s own needs movement so that we shift the culture I needed to put more money and staff Surprisingly DeMoss finds a refresh- without degrading the needs of others.” from one of antagonism to one of mutual into the project or dissolve it. I didn’t ing exception in the weekday television It is not affiliated with a specific respect,” she said. They hope people want to do it half-way,” he said. show “Morning Joe” on MSNBC. He religion or faith group, and does not take who act badly will become the exception “I didn’t dissolve it because only three admitted that most readers of the Biblical a position on issues. “In the context of rather than the norm. people signed the pledge. The fact that Recorder are not likely to watch the show, faith we remind people that Jesus said According to Dahnke hundreds of only three signed it would be a compel- but he calls it a “shining example of civil to ‘love God with all of your heart, soul, grassroots organizations have sprung ling reason to keep going,” he added. debate and disagreement.” The program mind and strength and to love your up across the country with the goal of There are serious long-term conse- has a panel of liberals and conservatives, neighbor as yourself.’ I cannot find a promoting civility. Most are on university quences to unchecked incivility, accord- and for three hours in the morning it car- single exemption to that in scripture,” campuses or in small communities. They ing to DeMoss. ries what he calls, “the best political con- she added. See Civility page 16

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JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Opinion/News 3 Baptists respond to West Virginia est Virginia Baptists are left for West Virginia June 27 with W responding to the needs of additional teams (assessment and those affected by recent flooding chaplaincy) being recruited for the and have invited North Carolina coming days. Cleanup teams will Baptist Men (NCBM) Disaster likely be needed later in the week. Relief to assist. NCBM leadership Visit baptistsonmission.org/wvflood. Fire destroys counselor cabin Revival, unity, reconciliation ire destroyed a counselor’s Several fire stations responded to Fcabin June 24 at Cameron Boys the call. Officials say the cabin was on display at SBC meeting Camp, which is part of the Baptist home to one of the camp’s counsel- Children’s Homes of North Caro- ors who was not there at the time. his year’s Southern Baptist Convention influential pastor. He is a strong pastor-leader, lina. The cause of the fire is under (SBC) annual meeting was historic in an effective communicator, and he consistently A power company worker investigation, but early reports many respects. As I have taken time preaches the truth of God’s Word. I am thank- T discovered the fire when he re- indicated lightning may have been to reflect on the events that took place in St. ful to have him as pastor of a North Carolina sponded to a power outage report. the cause. Louis, I am thankful for the strong emphasis on Baptist church. In addition to their commit- spiritual renewal, spiritual awakening, racial ment to evangelism, disciple-making, church reconciliation and unity that were on display at planting and missions, The Summit Church has An appeal to younger this year’s convention. also made significant strides, in recent years, in The emphasis on revival flowed from the its support of missions through the Coopera- Southern Baptists heart of our outgoing tive Program. In fulfillment of a missions finan- convention president, cial growth plan adopted three years ago, The ecently, the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention Dr. Ronnie Floyd. I know Summit is now one of the top Cooperative Pro- was held in St. Louis, and over 7,000 messengers attended. That that Dr. Floyd is a man gram giving churches in our state convention. Ris quite a bit larger than recent years, and I have to say, the event who is deeply devoted to This congregation also invests large numbers impacted me in a couple of significant ways. That is the reason for this ap- prayer, and it was evident of dollars in Southern Baptist missions through peal. I write to ask you, young Southern Baptist, to consider your involve- that he had spent much Great Commission Giving. ment in our convention. Does your church send representatives to the time before the Lord fast- This year’s annual convention meeting convention? Have you ever been? ing, praying and listen- included a panel discussion on racial unity In my estimation, this year’s convention was deeply significant. Some ing to what God wanted in America, and messengers overwhelmingly pretty important issues were discussed on the MILTON A. him to do and say at this adopted a resolution condemning the display floor of the convention, some sharp rebukes were HOLLIFIELD JR. year’s convention. of the Confederate battle flag. delivered and some magnificent displays of unity BSC executive For the second con- While we recognize that this flag serves as occurred. It was more than a convention. It was director-treasurer secutive year, Dr. Floyd a memorial to many Southerners who bravely a defining moment in the direction of our giant devoted a significant por- fought and died in the Confederate military cooperation of churches, and there is a chance his- tion of the meeting program to focused prayer during the Civil War, there are many other tory will remember it that way. What is more, I was for spiritual awakening for the church, for our citizens in our nation who do not have that there and I did not just watch it happen, I helped nation and for our world. same memory or understanding. For them, the make it happen. I am grateful for the leadership he gave as Confederate battle flag represents a symbol of That is the beauty of the Southern Baptist Con- our SBC president. atrocities that occurred during a time period KEELAN COOK vention. We are America’s largest protestant de- We also witnessed something unprecedent- in our nation’s history, and sadly, racism still Guest Column nomination, and we are not run by some elite board ed in this year’s election of a new SBC presi- exists in our country today. of decision makers. We are run by a room full of dent. Following a closely-contested election Can we recognize that in the Bible, we are church members from across the United States and Canada. Our decisions that did not yield a winner after two rounds called upon us to set aside our preferences are made by small church pastors, bi-vocational church planters, scholars of balloting by messengers, both candidates for the sake of the gospel, especially when and automobile mechanics. Technically, our denomination only exists for – Pastor J.D. Greear of The Summit Church in they become a stumbling block to others? The two days a year, when all of our churches have the opportunity to send Raleigh-Durham and Pastor Steve Gaines of Confederate flag is a stumbling block to many people to speak on matters concerning this cooperation we have created. Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tenn. of our African-American brothers and sisters in It is powerful and it is beautiful. Unfortunately, I am afraid our generation – both expressed their willingness to concede Christ, as well as others who have not yet come knows little of that. to the other. into the family of faith. I agree with former SBC I struggle with this myself. I remember growing up in church, sitting After these two men spent time praying President James Merritt who said in speaking through business meetings, and thinking that we were wasting God’s individually, as well as together, and convers- for the resolution from the convention floor time. I can remember arguments over pastoral benefits and carpet color. ing with one another about the best decision, that “all the Confederate flags in the world are Our generation does not like that. In fact, most of us are fed up with that, J.D. withdrew his candidacy and encouraged not worth one soul of any race.” and rightly so. However, I fear we can make an error that is at least as messengers to support and unite behind Steve In light of everything that took place during egregious when we think the solution is avoiding the business meeting Gaines. this year’s SBC meeting, I left St. Louis hopeful See Appeal page 5 On Wednesday morning when Pastor Greear and excited about the future of our convention. said these words, the audience erupted with Throughout our convention’s history, there celebrative applause indicating their apprecia- have been issues that have divided us, and Submissions for tion for his willingness to sacrifice his run for some of the issues we addressed this year office in 2016 in favor of a wonderful spirit of could have done the same. But the spirit of Tar Heel Voices unity among the messengers. unity and cooperation that were on display this Pastor J.D.’s actions spoke volumes about year underscores our longstanding belief as Please send no more than 300 words, along with contact the kind of person and leader that he is, and Southern Baptists that we can accomplish more information, to [email protected] or Biblical Recorder, P.O. Box 1185, the entire SBC saw why so many North Caro- together than we can alone. Cary, NC 27512-1185. Only one letter from the same writer will lina Baptists have great respect and much ap- “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for be published in a 90-day period. All submissions will be edited preciation for him. brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1 by Recorder style guidelines. Have questions? Call (919) 847-2127. At 43-years-old, J.D. is a very effective and (NKJV). 4 JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Christian flag movement defines patriotism unanimous. They said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ So I took it to the By K. ALLAN BLUME | BR Editor deacons to see what they think.” Bible-based movement began Sun., July 5, At first a few thought it was “silly and unpatriotic” 2015, on the front lawn of Elizabeth Baptist to put the Christian flag above the American flag, Welch A Church in Shelby, N.C. The church raised two explained. But as the deacons discussed the subject at a flags on a single, newly installed flagpole as part of a retreat and understood the biblical and historical values unique patriotic ceremony after the morning worship involved, “the men were unanimous that we should do service. In a break with tradition, the Christian flag was this. We told the church what the deacons said, and the hoisted above the American flag. church applauded it.” Along with the flag-raising ceremony, the church’s West Asheville Baptist installed a flagpole in front of senior pastor, Rit Varriale, launched the “God Before their building and raised the flags on Sat., Oct. 25, 2015. Government” (GBG) movement to call attention to the The next morning Welch announced to the church that ultimate priority of the Bible – the glory of God. the flags were flying. “Again, there was thunderous ap- The national motto of the United States, “In God we plause,” he said. trust,” was signed into law in 1956 by President Dwight Knowing that some in the community would not D. Eisenhower. Varriale said the statement acknowl- understand, Welch gathered some talking points to edges that there is a Divine Being to whom we are all help the congregation explain the flags to others. “It’s accountable. about education,” he said. “Our people need to know GBG emphasizes that Christians are accountable to where we’re coming from historically and biblically as God before they are accountable to any human govern- a nation. We want to put our people’s attention on the ment. cross, Christ and our Christian heritage.” “If you stop and think about it, [flag etiquette] is Welch said the church expected opposition, “espe- inconsistent with what the Bible teaches us,” Varriale cially in Asheville. But it’s been an opportunity to wit- said. “We are first and foremost Christians who are ness, and we’ve been kind to those who disagree. When called to serve the living God.” you do the right thing, you don’t put your finger in the He added, “We certainly want to respect and obey wind to see which way it’s blowing. You bring people’s the authorities, but when the authorities start asking attention back to the cross and to Christ. We want you to do things that violate your relationship with God, to continually say that we are one nation under God. that’s when the church has to stand up and say respect- When we get to heaven there will not be an American fully, ‘No. God comes first.’ That’s what we have failed flag there.” to do as a church.” A man who opposed flying the Christian flag above In the past the American flag wrote a letter to the local newspaper, year Varriale has the Asheville Citizen Times, asking if that was against the learned that the law. One of the newspaper’s editors explained it is not GBG principles are against the law, and the church has a right to do this. A consistent with the local television station also produced a feature story that pledge of allegiance included comments from a veteran who spoke against it. to the American Above, West Asheville Baptist Church flies “We have had about four-to-one positive comments the Christian flag above the American flag flag and historic from others,” Welch said. “I can’t go a lot of places at its church. At left, a Navy Bible ordered documents. The without somebody saying ‘thank you for what you’re to be given to sailors by President Franklin doing.’” precedent was set Roosevelt in World War II. The inside cover in the U.S. Navy depicts the Christian flag above the Ameri- One day a lady walked into the church office and where the Christian can flag, and the text indicates this is the said, “I don’t know if you know it, but your flags are pennant was to be proper display during church services. reversed.” flown above the Welch told her that the order of the flags was inten- American flag dur- tional. “She was a veteran and after I explained what ing worship services on the ship. When Welch learned about Elizabeth Baptist’s flag- we were doing, said she understood it. She said, ‘If our In World War II President Franklin D. Roosevelt raising service, he said it resonated with him. nation has a chance it will be because we turned back to ordered the distribution of Bibles to all military per- “It’s not something that is necessarily the popular God.’” sonnel. The inside cover included his signature and a thing to do,” he said. Welch said most veterans favor the movement. “Our drawing of the American flag with the Christian pennant “It’s not the politically correct thing to do, but I do veterans get it. They say, ‘As a Christian veteran, I get above it. “So here you have the president’s endorsement believe it’s the biblically correct thing to do. Our nation this.’ They understand that some will not get it, but of putting Bibles into the hands of soldiers, sailors and continues to go down the tubes morally, spiritually, they have no problem with it whatsoever.” airmen,” Varriale explained. ethically, and in every way. If there’s anything that will He would like to see more pastors stand with them “In the case of the Navy, he instructed them that the jar us back, I think this is the type of movement that in the movement. “I hope others will join us as we at- only flag they can honor above the American flag is the could gain some traction.” tempt to be unapologetically Christian first and patriots flag that represents Christianity. For us as a church, He wanted to lead West Asheville church to join the second. that’s powerful because it speaks to the fact that our GBG movement. Considering Varriale’s military back- “People do not know our history and they are con- whole purpose is about worship. So when we fly the ground, pastoral leadership and knowledge of America’s fused about many things like the meaning of ‘separation Christian flag above the American flag, we’re following a historic foundations, Welch invited him to be part of a of church and state,’” he added. precedent that was set in our military.” series of services that featured a different speaker each “They don’t know that the phrase was introduced The GBG movement caught the attention of Stan night. 13 years after the constitution in a letter to Baptists in Welch, senior pastor of West Asheville Baptist Church. “Rit presented the God Before Government vision Danbury, Conn. They just don’t have a clue. They don’t Varriale and Welch knew each other well through their and what Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby did with know that the purpose is to keep the government out of service on the board of directors of the Baptist State their flags,” said Welch. “Our people were very fired the church, not the church out of government. So it is Convention of North Carolina. up to do this. I talked to my staff about it and they were an education process.” JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Opinion/News 5

commission on religious liberty and eth- sion partnership that has lasted 171 years, those two days, and your church has the ics that intercedes with the government and maybe it is time we see it as such. very real ability to affect those decisions. Continued from page 3 Appeal on behalf of kingdom principles and J.D. Greear’s candidacy for president Every single messenger can approach the LifeWay creates biblical resources and was a lesson for many this year. The grace microphone and have their voice heard, altogether. The solution to bad business curriculum for churches far outside the and humility with which he withdrew and every single church has the opportu- meetings is not to avoid them, it is to reach of our denomination. galvanized a divided room. J.D. was right; nity to send messengers. Several resolu- change them. That takes participation. Every year, our convention gathers we can do more together. There were a tions this year passed or failed on the I believe most young Southern Baptists messengers in order to decide how we lot of different opinions in that room, but passionate appeal of a messenger from know little about their denomination use these great resources for the spread despite those differences, the unity that the floor. and the way it works. That is a shame, of the gospel and making disciples. The comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ Furthermore, consider being a mes- too. Tens of thousands of churches work convention is not simply a business meet- is more than enough to foster coopera- senger yourself. Perhaps you did not like together, often in the midst of disagree- ing; it is a weighty stewardship. It is the tion. one of those decisions. Every vote this ment, to demonstrate unity and share chance for our churches to guide our And for us younger folk, J.D. provides year did not go the way I wanted it to, resources for the Great Commission. Af- cooperative resources. As with anything, another lesson. He ran. Instead of avoid- but the only way to speak into those is by ter all, that is why our denomination was they can be steered in a way that is inef- ing “convention politics” or dismissing being there. That takes a lot for someone started in the first place, to send mission- fective, or they can be harnessed and this great stewardship, he placed his hat our age, I believe. It takes a change in aries, and that is really the only thing that used for God’s glory among the nations. in the ring. He chose to get involved and posture. Personally, I want to go to a con- has held it together. Our convention has But the ability to steward only comes to pick up the responsibility that comes ference to “learn something” or “be edi- a missions legacy that is unprecedented. those who participate. with an inheritance. He did not do so fied” or whatever other term you attach I wish more young Southern Baptists Perhaps we do not see ourselves as the with an attitude of conquest or division. to sitting passively while others are doing could experience that. ones who should wield such steward- That was clearly demonstrated when stuff. We need to see the real opportunity ship. After all, our parents have been the he withdrew and cast his vote for Steve to advance the gospel through our actions This is a stewardship issue ones who made these decisions for the Gaines, encouraging his supporters to do at the Southern Baptist Convention, and In the end, it is not about a bunch of longest time. On average, our generation so. After all, together we can do more. we need to grab that inheritance while people wasting time but about figuring is far more interested in attending a Pas- we can still learn from those before us. out how to use our resources (and we sion conference than our annual business Get involved Let us take a cue from J.D. and roll up have a lot) for the Great Commission. We meeting as Southern Baptists. Maybe we So my appeal to you is simple: get our sleeves as well. As I watched our con- have two giant missions agencies that have taken the posture of the recipient involved. I know the concerns and things vention this year, I was thankful to God send thousands of church planters and for so long that we do not know what it that disappoint friends my age about for all that he has done to bring together missionaries the world over. We have means to make the decisions about how our denomination. These things do not such an interesting group of churches. six seminaries that together are training it is done. Nevertheless, there is a point change when we avoid responsibility. We The fact that our convention exists is an the lion-share of pastors, church planters where the children become the leaders. need to participate in the right way, in act of the Spirit and God’s great grace. I and missionaries in the United States. For us young Southern Baptists, that time a biblical way, with grace, humility and felt a responsibility for it, and I pray that Generally speaking, they are the biggest quickly approaches. We have an inheri- thanksgiving for the cloud of witnesses more people my age will do the same. seminaries in the country. We have a tance of cooperation and Great Commis- before us. We need to be the kind of gen- Avoidance is not the answer, steward- eration that makes the previous genera- ship is. This is not conquest, it is not a tion proud to pass the baton. We need generational war for control, but a great to remember that one of our greatest cooperative effort. strengths is our diversity – methodologi- (EDITOR’S NOTE – Keelan Cook leads cal and theological diversity. It sharpens the People Next Door project and is the urban us and constantly calls us from drifting resource coordinator at Southeastern Baptist too far afield. Theological Seminary. This article was original- Make sure your church sends a delega- ly published on blog.keelancook.com. Used tion. So many decisions are made over by permission.) Orlando massacre spurs prayer Baptist Press 7 p.m. June 14 in cooperation with the Greater Orlando Baptist Association and alls for prayer and compassion rang several pastors across various denomina- Cout from Southern Baptists nation- tions. wide hours after the mass murder of 49 Confirmed as terrorism by the FBI, and the injury of 53 early June 12 at an Or- according to media reports, the mas- lando, Fla., gay nightclub in the deadliest sacre came days before the start of the mass shooting in U.S. history. Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Armed with a handgun and a Sig Sauer annual meeting in St. Louis, Mo., where MCX rifle, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, SBC president Ronnie Floyd had already a U.S.-born citizen of Afghan parents, scheduled a special prayer service for walked into the Pulse nightclub around 2 spiritual awakening and other concerns. a.m. and began shooting among the more “Our hearts are broken for the people than 300 patrons at the club as it pre- of Orlando,” Floyd told Baptist Press. pared to close for the day. Police killed “May America rise up and pray for the Mateen around 5 a.m. after a three-hour families of the victims and the entire city. standoff as the gunman held at least 30 Our Southern Baptist family will do so hostages inside the club. During the from across the world as well as from our horror, Mateen called 911 and pledged convention.” allegiance to ISIS Islamic terrorists, ABC The gunman was a resident of St. News reported. Lucie County, Fla., worked as a security First Baptist Church of Orlando host- guard and had spoken with his father the ed a community-wide prayer meeting at day before the crime. 6 JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists ERLC 2016 National Conference: Q&A with Russell Moore

“Engaging culture” is a popular ministry over issues about adolescents the priority, the gospel is eventually lost. By SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor Q: topic of discussion, but there’s who are grappling with gender identity And so I think in many cases, we engage he Ethics & Religious Lib- a wide variety of opinions as to what questions. The churches are seeking how the culture from a moral standpoint first erty Commission (ERLC) of the exactly that phrase means. It’s said to address those very big questions in a or from a political standpoint first, and T Southern Baptist Convention is to be represented by everyone from culture where the transgender movement we want to affix the gospel in as one of holding its third annual national con- the downtown street preacher to the has become the new norm. These are the the steps to fix the problem. That’s the ference Aug. 25-26 in Nashville, Tenn. uptown painter to the rural voter sorts of questions that we weren’t asking wrong way to approach this. The Biblical Recorder interviewed ERLC registration assistant, and all sorts in or preparing for even just three, four, five We start with the understanding of president Russell Moore by email to get a between. What do you mean by engag- years ago. what the gospel is and what it means to closer look at the purpose for the event, ing culture? be on mission with Jesus Christ in car- which is titled “Onward: Engaging the Most people do not wake up in rying the gospel. So the gospel informs Culture Without Losing the Gospel.” The Engaging culture is something Q: the morning and decide to lose us about what matters and who matters, transcript below is lightly edited. A: that every person does whether the gospel. Something about it seems and is the starting and ending point in Christian or non-Christian. If you are more subtle. How can Christians begin all of these conversations. I think the way The 2016 ERLC national confer- not intentionally and proactively en- to evaluate their beliefs and practices we typically lose the gospel is to see it as Q: ence bears the same name as gaging the cultures around you, then to remain faithful to the gospel as they a means to end. your latest book, Onward. Why should those cultures are engaging you. One of engage culture? That can happen very subtly, where we Christians attend the conference the reasons we are hosting this confer- see the gospel as a way to make bridges rather than simply read the book? ence is because I really believe that the Losing the gospel is not something stronger, or a way to make children bet- most dangerous cultural issues we are A: most people choose to do inten- ter behaved, or a way to have a better The book was meant to be a facing are not the things that are being tionally. But if the gospel is not explicitly See Moore page 16 A: conversation starter. The confer- debated most fiercely on cable news or ence is the next level of the conversation. Facebook. The most dangerous cultural We’re bringing in a variety of voices of issues we face are the cultural issues we people who have been engaging culture don’t talk about at all – either because ‘Then’ well and in different ways, and so there we’ve accommodated ourselves to them will be a broad conversation of issues or because we simply don’t know what’s “Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have The hope that Ezekiel shared with ranging from art and film, to politics, to happening around us, what’s coming spoken it and performed it.” (Ezekiel 37:14) Israel was a promised hope that was community questions of dealing with down the pike. not yet completed. The final chapter people who disagree with us. This conference is not simply about hen Mount St. Helens would be completed at a later point. There will be rich content from speak- equipping churches to better address erupted in May 1980, a The hope they experienced and looked ers and breakout leaders at the confer- the issues they are facing right now, it’s W cataclysmic wave of water to can be seen in the use of the word ence and frankly, one of the things I also purposed to serve as a kind of Paul and debris changed the surrounding “Then.” look forward to most at our events are Revere, equipping churches to think landscape suddenly and dramatically. The term points to a time and place the hallway conversations. What I have about the issues they’re not addressing The total energy output of the blast in the future when God would inter- found is God tends to do remarkable right now that they will have to in the was equivalent to 400 million tons of vene and deliver. It would happen things with people who are gathering years to come. For instance, one of the dynamite, which is approximately the when God determined and to the mea- together, talking about some of the ideas biggest questions I get right now comes same as 20,000 Hiroshima-sized atomic sure and degree that He desired. they have encountered. from youth ministry and children’s bombs. 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1-800-334-1139 • Clinton, NC 1-800-334-1139 • Clinton, NC JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 7

SOUTHERN BAPTIST BRIEFS

Bellevue sings of ‘King’ on Fox, Carnegie Hall (Baptist Press) The choir from newly elected Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Steve Gaines’ pastorate sang the gospel alongside Elvis hits in New York’s Times Square on Fox TV June 20 in advance of their concert the same night at Carn- egie Hall. “We always want to sing about the King,” said an Elvis impersonator, one of two Bellevue Baptist Church choir members who impersonated the rock star on the live broadcast of Fox & Friends just before 9 a.m. Eastern Time but emphasized the true King Jesus. “So, most times we sing about Jesus, sometimes we sing about Elvis. Whatever draws people closer to Jesus, man, that’s what we’re about.” About two-thirds of the 250-member choir and 45 members of the orchestra were on a week’s mission trip in New York under choir director Mark Blair’s leadership. The concert featured Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning gospel artist Natalie Grant in her Carnegie Hall debut, Grant has noted on her website. Gaines, elected SBC president June 15 at the St. Louis annual meeting, gave his testimony at the concert and preached June 21 at Brooklyn Tabernacle during a 7 p.m. service featuring the Bellevue choir, Bellevue’s director of communications Jim Barnwell told Baptist Press. In an earlier June 19 event, the choir sang in an outdoor concert and community outreach with a new church plant in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the Living Water Church. A total of 280 Bellevue members and friends made the trip, Barnwell said. Seminary presidents honor Bill Sumners (Baptist Press) The Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Council of Seminary Presidents, which oversees the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives (SBHLA), honored Bill Sumners June 15 at the SBC annual meeting in St. Louis. Sumners is retiring as director of SBHLA effective July 29. After 33 years, he is the longest-tenured director sinces SBHLA’s establisment in 1953. He and his wife Don- na were given a certificate of appreciation along with a trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. “I don’t know if I ever envisioned staying here forever,” he said. “But I must confess, I never looked for anything else.” Full stories available online at BRnow.org. 8 JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

Official numbers will be released later culture and ministry concerns, including free exercise. Kelvin Cochran, who was Gaines Continued from page 1 in June; the state-by-state numbers do a resolution repudiating the display of fired as Atlanta’s fire chief after writing not include guests or children. the Confederate battle flag. in a book that homosexual behavior is Next year, with the convention return- Messengers voted on the proposals immoral, presented the resolution to the (47.80 percent). However, 108 votes were ing to Phoenix, Wells said he expects the over both days of the annual meeting, convention as a member of the commit- considered invalid because the wrong registration to dip because of the location adopting resolutions that expressed tee. ballot was used or an indistinguishable being out of driving distance for mes- compassion for those devastated by the • called for prayer for and pledged mark was made. Robert’s Rules of Order sengers, guessing at a registration total of Orlando mass shooting, urged consistent support to those affected by the June 12 require that the 108 invalid votes be just below 5,000. evangelism of unbelievers and encour- killings in Orlando. counted to determine a majority, Floyd The unofficial messenger registration aged care for refugees. They also passed • encouraged faithful proclamation of said. “The rules are clear.” numbers by states and U.S. territories measures that included calling for the the gospel by churches and intentional A second run-off election between the are as follows: Alabama, 371; Alaska, 19; federal government not to discriminate evangelism by individual Southern Bap- two pastors had been scheduled for the Arizona, 33; Arkansas, 357; California, 115; against people who support only the tists locally, nationally and globally. June 15 morning session. Colorado, 46; Connecticut, 4; Delaware, biblical, traditional view of marriage and • declared “unrelenting opposition” 5; Florida, 353; Georgia, 394; Guam, 1; opposing an effort to require women to to efforts by military leaders and the Registration Hawaii, 11; Idaho, 4; Illinois, 533; Indiana, register for the military draft. Obama administration “to increase the The annual meeting drew 7,321 mes- 146; Iowa, 26; Kansas, 81; Kentucky, 477; For Stephen Rummage, chairman likelihood that women will be placed in sengers from the nation’s 46,000-plus Louisiana, 237; Maryland, 69; Massachu- of the Resolutions Committee, the call harm’s way” along with voicing support Southern Baptist churches. The unofficial setts, 12; Michigan, 46; Minnesota, 3; Mis- for Southern Baptists to evangelize was for service members and their families. total is 35 percent above last year’s 5,407 sissippi, 318; Missouri, 887; Montana, 10; central to the 10-member panel’s delib- • called on the government to enact messengers in Columbus, Ohio. Nebraska, 6; Nevada, 43; New Hampshire, erations in presenting the 12 resolutions strict security in screening refugees and When registered guests, exhibitors 5; New Jersey, 28; New Mexico, 34; New to the messengers. for Southern Baptists to compassionately and others are included, the count of York, 28; North Carolina, 397; Ohio, 138; The resolution on evangelism “might minister to and share the gospel with those at the SBC annual meeting rose to Oklahoma, 212; Oregon, 5; Pennsylvania, just seem like a standard resolution for an them. 11,581 as of June 15. 37; Puerto Rico, 5; South Carolina, 193; evangelical body such as Southern Bap- • urged participation in voting and SBC registration secretary Jim Wells South Dakota, 14; Tennessee, 824; Texas, tists to pass,” Rummage said at a news prayer for God to provide “spiritual, said the results were higher than his pre- 487; Utah, 15; Vermont, 7; Virgin Islands, conference June 15, “but really that is at moral, ethical, and cultural renewal.” annual meeting estimate. 1; Virginia, 218; Washington, 13; Washing- the heart of everything that we talked • encouraged churches to consider “I thought we’d have between 6,000 ton, D.C., 16; West Virginia, 36; Wiscon- about, including what we had to say increasing ministries to Alzheimer’s and 7,000,” he said. “7,321 is very good. sin, 13; Wyoming, nine. There were three about the Confederate flag. Everything and dementia patients and their family The location being very accessible and messengers who were approved through that we do should have as its end and as caregivers. the election year made a difference.” the credentials process but were unaffili- its goal reaching people with the gospel • called for pastors to support free- Missouri churches turned out in force ated with a state convention. of Jesus Christ.” dom of the press and journalists to prac- in St. Louis, the first time the SBC annual Wells was first elected registration Echoing a comment made in support tice that freedom responsibly. meeting has met in their state since 2002; secretary in 2002 and was re-elected of the measure on the Confederate flag, • affirmed “In God We Trust” as the their 887 messengers dwarfed their 2015 to another term June 14. He is a retired Rummage said resolutions “build bridges national motto and encouraged its public total of 182 in Columbus and represented director of missions and denominational and they tear down walls, but we’ve got display. the largest contingent of messengers from worker and a member of Crossway Bap- to cross those bridges with the gospel • supported Israel’s right to exist as a single state convention. tist Church in Springfield, Mo. and take Jesus to people because that’s a free state and encouraged renewed The state with the next largest number what it’s all about and that’s the only prayer for peace in and salvation of Israel. was Tennessee at 824, with Illinois com- Resolutions hope for our world, for our nation and • expressed gratitude to God as well ing in third at 533. North Carolina Baptist Messengers ap- indeed for Southern Baptists.” as Southern Baptists in the St. Louis churches sent 397 messengers, making it proved 12 resolu- In addition to the Confederate flag area and all others who helped with this the sixth most represented state. Guam tions on a measure, the other 11 resolutions: year’s meeting. and the Virgin Islands sent one mes- variety of • affirmed Southern Baptists’ com- The convention passed the first seven senger each. mitment to biblical sexuality and urged resolutions during the Tuesday afternoon the protection of religious See Gaines page 12

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

Bob Lowman, Metrolina Baptist Association, on Face- book: JD Greear demonstrated the humility of Jesus-honoring servant leadership by withdrawing so Steve Gaines could become SBC Presi- dent. Steve (Gaines) was ready to do the same thing. This lesson is more important than who the SBC President is. Now, let’s do the Great Com- mission Together, united in Jesus’ name! Ed Stetzer on Twitter: @jdgreear is modeling at #SBC16 what it looks like to avoid an entitlement mentality. It’s something that is needed in many SBC quarters.

A tugboat sails on the Mississippi River near the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis. (BP photo by Adam Covington) JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 9 SBC seminary presidents recap campus highlights Baptist Press

residents of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) six seminaries noted growth in minis- Ptry, enrollment and financial support in their reports to messengers June 15 at the SBC annual meet- ing in St. Louis. The individual seminary lunches also shared highlights from each school.

Southeastern Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) President Danny Akin, in his report to messengers June 15, spoke on the mission and vision to work with churches in making disciples of all nations. A new way SEBTS is partnering with local churches is to make theological education accessible to lay leaders. Starting this fall, SEBTS will offer new GO certificates for Christians at any level. “We’ve been praying and thinking for several years, how is it that we might also serve our local churches even better, in a more direct Danny Wood, third from left, pastor of Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., prays for the Southern Baptist seminary presi- kind of way,” Akin said. dents, from left: Jeff Iorg, Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention (formerly Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary); Chuck The certificates are completely online and provide Kelley, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Jason Allen, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Danny Akin, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Albert Mohler, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological a flexible schedule for students to work at their own Seminary. (BR photo by Dianna L. Cagle) pace. SEBTS has redesigned its master of divinity de- grees to strengthen core curriculum and reduce the total “One of Southeastern’s objectives is to be able to hours to 81. In addition, the seminary created several see not just more people raised up to reach the already new master of arts degrees and now has six fully online reached, but to see people going to the most difficult degrees that can be completed from anywhere. places in the world,” Greear said. Akin also reported that the seminary, located in Wake Akin was the new president of the seminary in Janu- Forest, N.C., is in its sixth year of record enrollment ary 2004, when the Elliotts were killed in March. with more than 3,500 students. The Kingdom Diversity The Elliott’s son, Scott, told Akin that his parents Initiative, an effort to make the SEBTS student body would have gone to Iraq even if they knew for certain more reflective of the church in heaven, made significant they would die. strides, going from 8.3 percent in 2011 to 15.5 percent in “This is an additional way for Southeastern to honor 2016, growth of more than 137 percent in the non-white Kristyn and Keith Getty, from left, perform their new hymn “For the that legacy,” Akin said. student population. Cause” with other musicians. The Gettys dedicated the song to In closing, Akin mentioned the new official SEBTS Akin thought he would be introducing the new presi- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) because of its hymn, “For the Cause,” written by Keith and Kristyn commitment to the Great Commission. SEBTS has adopted the song dent of the Southern Baptist Convention at the SEBTS Getty and Stuart Townend. The Gettys performed their as the school’s official hymn. (SEBTS photo) luncheon. new hymn, along with their hit “In Christ Alone” as “What you saw yesterday (June 14) and today (June During the SEBTS lunch, guests had the opportunity well as other songs during the lunch. 15) was unprecedented in Southern Baptist history,” to see how two students have answered the question, Each attendee received a printed and audio copy of Akin said. “J.D. (Greear) today did what I think is the “Where are you going?” the seminary’s new hymn. most magnanimous thing I’ve ever seen at a Southern “I remember sitting in my first chapel service and Baptist Convention. He deferred to an older brother, hearing Dr. Akin give a charge to us to take the gospel Gateway and I think, did something that has probably brought to the lost,” said Andrew McNair, pastor for preaching The seminary’s name change from Golden Gate us closer together to move forward into the future than and vision at Lamp City Church in Clarkston, Ga., and Baptist Theological Seminary to Gateway Seminary of anything I’ve seen in many, many years.” a SEBTS alumnus. “He said that the question we should the Southern Baptist Convention was affirmed by SBC The older brother Akin referred to was Steve Gaines, be asking ourselves is not ‘why should I go?’ but ‘why messengers after a first vote in 2015. SBC bylaws require pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tenn. should I stay?’” two consecutive years of messengers’ approval for such In a tight race, Greear chose to withdraw after two tight While at SEBTS, McNair saw how the Great Commis- a change. votes. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh- sion is tied to the local church, which led him to return President Jeff Iorg called the seminary’s transition Durham, N.C., was one of the speakers during the to his home state to reach the nations. “Unreached peo- over the past two years “one of the most significant alumni lunch. ples are now within arm’s reach of your local church,” relocations in American history.” Calling the SBC a tool, the Great Commission a mis- McNair said. “It is now clear that one can be in America The new campus in Ontario, Calif., will open July 5. sion and the Holy Spirit unpredictable, Greear said the and still go. Global kingdom advancement can happen Iorg said enrollment at the former Bay Area campus election process did not go as planned, but stressed his right here in our cities.” in Mill Valley declined as its closure became imminent, faith in the God who allows His followers to walk on Alumni and friends also had the opportunity to hear but the regional campuses and the online enrollment water. “God has led faithfully all the way, and I know from a former Muslim who is a SEBTS student. increased so that the seminary’s overall enrollment that He is doing that now,” Greear said. Even though the lunch was free, participants were remained steady. He knows the future needs “a united convention of asked to give to The Larry and Jean Elliott Memorial Iorg reported that Gateway has multiplied the $85 churches. It’s going to take all of us.” Scholarship Fund to provide money to students pursu- million received for the sale of the Mill Valley prop- Greear expressed his gratitude for being part of the ing the call to closed countries. The Elliotts were killed erty to more than $100 million in assets for future use, SEBTS community. in a 2004 drive-by shooting in Iraq. The couple had including about $70 million in real estate, without any David Platt, International Mission Board (IMB) presi- served IMB in Honduras for many years before being deferred maintenance – and designed for ministry in the dent, praised the seminary’s Great Commission efforts. called to Iraq. At retirement age, the couple chose to go 21st century – all debt-free. Calling IMB’s last couple of years “very trying,” Akin into a harsh environment to help get pure water to the “When we conclude the construction process, we said, “I believe with all my heart God put the right man people. Larry and Jean were among a total of four mis- will own two debt-free campuses in prime locations in at the controls to lead us into the future.” sionaries killed. There was one survivor from the attack. See Seminaries page 11 10 JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists IMB, NAMB celebrate missions partnership, strategies

Compiled by BR staff from wire reports world, with potential for the force to grow to thousands more in the days to come. ighlighting the partnership between Southern “Now some might say, ‘You just said goodbye to Baptists across North America and around the hundreds of missionaries for financial reasons; what’s Hworld to spread the gospel and plant churches, the IMB’s strategy for sending thousands more in their the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) two mission place?’” Platt said. “In the months ahead, we are going entities held a “Sending Celebration” at the conclusion to be talking with you across this convention of church- of the SBC’s annual meeting June 15 in St. Louis. es about creating more pathways for more people with International Mission Board (IMB) President David the Spirit of God to go to more places with the gospel of Platt and North American Mission Board (NAMB) Presi- God.” dent Kevin Ezell called Southern Baptist messengers With Lottie Moon Christmas Offering gifts increas- to join in celebrating the sent – those missionaries who ing, and the cost of sending a missionary being about have gone out into the near and far places of the world $50,000, “then we can send a couple of hundred more to bring the hope of Jesus Christ; the sending – those missionaries,” Platt said. “That’s the kind of thinking churches who are equipping, encouraging and coming David Platt, left, president of the International Mission Board, called we must avoid. Our goal as a group of 40,000 churches pastors to be faithful disciple-makers at the 2016 Pastors’ Confer- alongside church planters and missionaries; and the is not just to send a couple of hundred more mission- ence June 13 in St. Louis. Kevin Ezell, right, president of the North lives transformed by the gospel because of Southern aries. We want to send thousands more missionaries, American Mission Board, gives the Joint Mission Presentation with Baptists’ sending. Platt at the annual meeting June 15. (BP photos by Matt Miller) and the potential for doing that is real if we’ll create the The celebration specifically featured the ways Clifton pathways for that to happen.” Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky.; Cornerstone Church happening,” he said. “And we wanted to do it in the “Let me be crystal clear: the IMB is still going to in Ames, Iowa; Candeo Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa; and context of the local church. As God has raised up new send full-time, fully-funded career missionaries just like Anthem Church in Columbia, Mo., equip and send mis- leaders to plant churches, we’re amazed at all that He we’ve always sent,” he said. “They are the priceless, pre- sionaries from their churches. has done.” cious, critical core of our mission force.” Celebrating “sending” churches includes the thou- Platt read Romans 16:1-15 and challenged the mes- Those career missionaries will be surrounded with sands of Southern Baptist churches giving through the sengers to consider the cooperation displayed in the professionals, students, retirees and others who collec- Cooperative Program, the Lottie Moon Christmas Of- Scripture. tively show that global mission “is not just for a select fering for International Missions and the Annie Arm- “Here we sit, 2000 years later, a group of 40,000 few people in the church, but for multitudes of Spirit- strong Easter Offering for North American Missions, the churches with millions of church members … all across filled men and women across the church,” he said. leaders noted. And it includes the cooperative effort of the Southern Baptist Convention, every one of them “God, give us a vision of thousands more people Southern Baptists to spread the gospel to those who’ve important, and together, we’re all cooperating on mis- going from all of our churches through all kinds of never heard it. The presentation also recognized South- sion,” Platt said, noting the roles of both NAMB and pathways for Your glory in all kinds of places all over the ern Baptist pastors and the role they play in shepherding IMB. “So let’s do this: let’s mobilize them to pray, and world,” he implored. and mobilizing local churches on mission. to give, and to go in North America, to start right where “We have so much to celebrate, but there is still more they live to make disciples.” NAMB report: ‘Is it working?’ to be done,” Ezell said, leading into a spoken word The Great Commission is not a “comfortable” call for Addressing Southern Baptist messengers during performance by lyrical artist Amena Brown. any Christian to come, be baptized and sit in one loca- NAMB’s annual report, Ezell asked them and himself – Platt talked on stage with John Kimbell, pastor of tion, he said, but rather it is a clear command for every “Is it working?” Ezell’s question referred to the overall preaching and discipleship, and Shawn Wright, pastor follower of Christ to go, baptize and make disciples of strategy and direction of the mission board. of leadership development at Clifton Baptist Church, the nations. “NAMB’s primary reason for existence is to help noting their role as a sending church is not just about “So as people are making disciples right where they Southern Baptists reach North America for Christ,” sending missionaries. It’s about making disciple makers, live, God will, by His Spirit, sovereignly set apart some Ezell said June 15. “That is the mission that runs through he noted. The pastors said they saw healthy growth and of them to make disciples in other parts of the country,” everything that we do.” Ezell thanked messengers for value in their church as they related to members sent Platt said, emphasizing God will also lead people to faithfully giving to the Cooperative Program and Annie out as missionaries. other parts of the world. Armstrong Easter Offering. “As people engage in a cause much bigger than them- “This is why we exist: to bring together millions of Ezell turned his attention to NAMB’s Send North selves – which is what we’re made for – there is a joy men and women who are gathered together in tens of America focus and church planting. Then he asked his in that,” Kimbell said. “And then we begin to experi- thousands of churches under the banner of the Bible for question. entially recognize the greater value of Christ and of the the spread of the gospel to the nations of the Earth,” he “Since 2011, NAMB has directed an increasing gospel, and that infiltrates every part of their lives as said. “Every member of your church has a part to play in amount of its resources to church planting,” Ezell said. they are living as members of our congregation.” this mission.” “It is fair to ask after five years – is it working?” Ezell introduced messengers to leaders of a church Starting with church planting’s impact on baptisms (Cornerstone) that planted a church (Candeo) that IMB report: ‘Pathways, people, places’ rates, Ezell said church plants “baptize one person for planted a church (Anthem): Troy Nesbitt, founding In the entity’s annual report, Platt praised God for every 14 members, compared to one for 52 in existing pastor of Cornerstone Church; Jeff Dodge, lead pastor, Southern Baptists’ commitment to stand beside IMB, churches. This is true in the South and non-South. For Cornerstone Church; Paul Sabino, lead pastor, Candeo evidenced by increased giving to the Cooperative Pro- example, Louisiana Baptists recently reported that their Church; and Stan Hayak, church planter, Anthem gram and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Inter- church plants have averaged 126 decisions for Christ Church. Cornerstone is committed to planting 20 national Missions, which reached a record $165.8 million each month since 2010.” churches near colleges in the next five years. this year. Platt projected that IMB will be operating Ezell shared several examples of areas where The most difficult thing to do in church planting is to with a balanced budget for 2017, with the stage set for a churches planted since 2010 contributed a significant send your best staff, the church leaders said, noting that healthy financial future. “Thank you, Southern Bap- percentage of total baptisms from their states last year: when churches send their best, they take people with tists, for saying, ‘We believe in the IMB. We care about In Vermont it was 83 percent; in the Baptist Convention them. But that is where fear and faith come together, people who’ve never heard the gospel. And we want to of New England, which includes six states – 39 percent; they contended. get the gospel to them,’” Platt said. and in Canada, 53 percent of baptisms from Baptist “Don’t send the guys you don’t want,” Nesbitt said. Thousands of missionaries and seasoned leaders churches came from churches planted in 2010 or later. “Send the guys you don’t want to lose, because then with thousands of years of collective experience remain Ezell said directly to the crowd, “Southern Baptists, your heart goes, and then God will replace them.” on the field, he said. This mission force maintains IMB church plants reach people for Christ and the more we “Nobody is more shocked than we are about what’s as the largest missions organization of its kind in the plant, the more baptisms we will see.” JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 11

Seminaries Continued from page 9

California worth over $52 million,” Iorg full-tuition scholarships are available for nary community, includes the hiring of the seminary held a similar event on said. “We will also own a development students serving in Alabama, Louisiana two Latino professors and the availability Southwestern’s campus in Fort Worth, lot in Ontario worth $4 million. We will and Mississippi. The program places a of Spanish online courses at a reduced Texas, hosting 2,000 men and boys. own a building in Brea, Calif., worth high value on biblical exposition and cost. Patterson addressed the ongoing work about $4 million. We will own two evangelism. Students receiving the schol- Mohler also recognized the June 10 of Global Theological Innovation (GTI) – student apartment complexes worth over arship are required to engage in at least announcement that Matthew Hall would an initiative developed at Southwestern $8 million and the new Casey and Doris one gospel conversation each week. The be the next dean of Boyce College, the to cultivate and develop networks of DeShon Missionary House in Ontario results have been phenomenal. undergraduate school of Southern Semi- partnerships to influence theological edu- worth $500,000.” “In the past two years, these students nary, which has grown an enrollment of cation worldwide. Since its beginning, During Gateway’s alumni lunch, Iorg have had 7,585 gospel conversations with 1,200 students. GTI has formed 96 international partner- announced grand opening events Oct. people who are lost,” Kelley said. “Four The more than 450 attendees of the ships. GTI partners with each seminary 6 and 8. The school also honored three thousand, seven hundred and eighty- luncheon also received a copy of the to review curriculum, send Southwest- alumni with distinguished alumni of the seven of them got to the point to ask “President’s Report,” a publication pro- ern professors and SBC pastors to teach year awards: Robert E. Haskins, Frank someone to give their lives to Jesus Christ viding a summary of the 2015-16 academic courses, and train its faculty members. Lewis and Chang Sun Moon. and 1,061 people were born again.” year. During its alumni lunch two recipients Kelley was surprised when he received were named as distinguished alumni: Ted Midwestern the distinguished alumnus award to mark Southwestern Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church Midwestern Baptist Theological his 20 years at the helm of NOBTS. The Paige Patterson, president of South- in Pensacola, Fla., and Daniel Sanchez, Seminary (MBTS) President Jason Allen seminary also named Fred Hewett, ex- western Baptist Theological Seminary professor of missions at Southwestern reported to messengers that its mission ecutive director of the Montana Southern (SWBTS), noted to messengers how the Seminary. of existing for the church is the reason Baptist Convention, and Tommy King, theology of all six SBC seminaries leads New alumni officers were elected. for a dramatic enrollment increase and president of William Carey University to evangelism and missions. Mark Mucklow, pastor of First Southern other signs of God’s favor over the past in Hattiesburg, Miss., as distinguished Patterson told of the evangelistic zeal Baptist Church in Glendale, Ariz., moved four years. alumni. Mel Jones, a distinguished of 75 SWBTS students and faculty who from vice president to president by ac- Noting an enrollment surge of almost alumni award winner, was also awarded a participated in Crossover St. Louis. After clamation. Kevin Moore, pastor of Lamar double since 2012, a report by school ac- long-overdue diploma from 2001. five days, 105 people had made a profes- Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, was creditors of MBTS being among the fast- sion of faith. nominated and elected vice president. est growing seminaries in North America Southern Additionally, Patterson noted an- (EDITOR’S NOTE – Communications and stories of key financial contributions The Southern Baptist Theological Sem- other recent evangelism initiative by the offices from each seminary published reports to the school, Allen said all are signs of inary’s (SBTS) record-setting enrollment seminary that resulted in the salvation which Baptist Press compiled. Dianna L. Cagle, God’s evident blessing upon the Kansas numbers testify to an ideological paradox of 192 men and boys. Patterson, who has Biblical Recorder production editor, added to City-based school. of the cultural revolution, President R. spoken at multiple wild game and sports and further edited these reports. For full stories, It was announced during the semi- Albert Mohler Jr. said during his June 15 banquets across the United States, said visit online at BRnow.org.) nary’s alumni lunch that the school is report to messengers in St. Louis. launching the Center for Public Theol- Despite the supposed death of con- ogy, which will be directed by Owen servative theological education foretold Strachan. by mainline liberalism 50 years ago, the Allen honored John Mark Clifton, confessional seminaries of the SBC are senior director of church replanting at healthier than ever, Mohler said. Al- the North American Mission Board, as though experts in theological education the recipient of the seminary’s alumnus said only seminaries that adopt a secular- of the year. ized message would survive, that has not Additionally, Allen honored Ron- been the case, he noted, pointing to the nie Floyd, now former president of the fact that Southern Seminary’s enrollment Southern Baptist Convention and senior exceeded 5,000 students for the first pastor of Cross Church in Fayetteville, time in its history during the 2015-2016 Ark., with the school’s distinguished academic year. denominational service award. “Here’s the great paradox: The seminaries that followed that methodol- New Orleans ogy and adopted that trajectory are the New Orleans Baptist Theological Semi- seminaries that are dead or are dying,” nary President Chuck Kelley took the op- Mohler said. “It is the seminaries that portunity to express thanks for the SBC’s have refused to bend the knee ... that are Cooperative Program for the $149 million not only surviving but by God’s grace, given to NOBTS during his 20-year tenure thriving.” as president. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics Kelley lauded an anonymous dona- & Religious Liberty Commission was the tion given to establish the Fred Luter recipient of the 2016 distinguished alum- Crossover St. Louis Jr. Scholarship for African-American nus of the year during the SBTS alumni Send Relief Home Fire Campaign volunteers Jeremiah Akintunde, left, and Luis Oliva, help a students, which will provide $150,000 lunch. Ferguson, Mo., resident test a newly-installed smoke alarm in his home. Akintunde and Oliva are per year for African-American students Mohler also discussed the seminary’s students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, serving the city as studying in New Orleans and Atlanta. recently launched Hispanic Initiatives, part of Crossover St. Louis 2016 prior to the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. Another anonymous gift in 2014 which seeks to reach the Spanish-speak- Akintunde is a member of African Evangelical Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, while Oliva is a member of First Baptist Church in Washington, N.C. The final totals from Crossover included established the Caskey scholarships for ing world with theological education. 556 salvation decisions, an increase for the first time in three years. Almost 4,000 volunteers bivocational ministers and those who The program, which is part of a move- participated in 8,379 gospel conversations. (BP photo by John Swain) serve smaller membership churches. The ment to cultivate diversity in the semi- 12 JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

Gaines Continued from page 8 session (June 14) but was unable to vote on the remain- convention and a local association criteria by which a der because time for their consideration expired. Mes- church is deemed to be in friendly cooperation with the sengers approved the final five resolutions as a package SBC. Wednesday morning. • A motion by Steve Taylor of Northeast Park Baptist The committee chose not to act on resolutions sub- Church, Evansville, Ind., for the Executive Committee mitted regarding gambling, a million more baptisms by to study the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 article on 2034, sexual predatory behavior among Southern Bap- faith, “as the definition of faith given is lacking the idea tists, forced termination of pastors, character develop- of belief, but describes faith as ‘a personal commitment ment of boys and churches not being political lobbyists. of the entire personality.’” Jason Duesing, provost and associate professor of • A motion by Ed Stetzer of Grace Church, Gallatin, historical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Tenn., for the Executive Committee to study the pos- Seminary in Kansas City, Mo., and a member of Antioch sibility of the SBC affiliating with the National Associa- Bible Baptist Church in Gladstone, Mo., served as vice tion of Evangelicals and to report its findings at the 2017 chairman of the committee. The other committee mem- Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix. bers, in alphabetical order, were: Cochran, chief stra- • A motion by Doug Hibbard of East End Baptist tegic officer, Elizabeth Baptist Church, Atlanta; Linda Church, East End, Ark., for the Executive Committee Cooper, member, Forest Park Baptist Church in Bowling to consider amending the SBC bylaws to require all Green, Ky., and national president of Woman’s Mis- amendments to the report of the Committee on Nomina- sionary Union; Mark Harris, senior pastor, First Baptist tions within 45 days of the annual meeting be published Church, Charlotte, N.C., and former candidate for the no later than seven days before the annual meeting. U.S. Senate and House of Representatives; Brad Jurkov- Messengers approved the referral of one motion to ich, senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Bossier City, the Committee on Order of Business: La.; Shannon Royce, member, Columbia Baptist Church, • A motion by John Boquist of Cardinal Baptist Falls Church, Va., and chief of staff/chief operating offi- Church, Ruther Glen, Va., that the Committee on Order cer of the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C.; of Business, when planning the 2017 Southern Baptist Rolland Slade, senior pastor, Meridian Southern Baptist Convention, be advised to allot more than one hour Chuck Reed, a messenger from The Summit Church in Raleigh- Church, El Cajon, Calif.; Jim Smith, member, Ninth and and 14 minutes for the reports and presentations of the Durham, N.C., holds up ballots for collection during the first runoff of O Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., and vice president of North American and International Mission Boards. communications for the National Religious Broadcast- the election for president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the SBC annual meeting June 14 in St. Louis. (BP photo by Adam Twelve motions were ruled not in order by the ers in Washington, D.C.; and Mat Staver, member, First Covington) Committee on Order of Business because they sought Baptist Church, Orlando, Fla., and founder/chairman of to direct, rather than request, the work of SBC enti- Liberty Counsel, with offices in Florida, Virginia and tions to the Executive Committee: ties. One motion was ruled out of order because it was Washington, D.C. • A motion by Richard Spring of First Baptist presented in the form of a resolution. Seven motions Church, Hesperia, Calif., to amend the SBC constitution were ruled out of order because they proposed that the Motions to add the affirmation, approval or endorsement of racial convention exercise authority beyond that of the SBC or Messengers also proposed 22 motions, the most since discrimination as a criteria by which churches would be messengers. 2010. Ten motions were referred to convention entities deemed to be not in cooperation with the convention. (EDITOR’S NOTE – This story compiled from reporting by for further study and for a report at the 2017 SBC meet- • A motion by Andy Perryman of First Baptist Meredith Flynn, managing editor of the Illinois Baptist; Brian ing in Phoenix. Church, Washington, Ga., to amend the SBC consti- Koonce, assistant editor for The Pathway, newsjournal of the The Committee on Order of Business automatically tution to make intentional cooperation with a state Missouri Baptist Convention; and Baptist Press staff.) referred four motions to SBC entities and/or the Execu- tive Committee: • A motion by Steve Bailey of Calvary Baptist Church, Osceola, Ark., for the SBC to amend its bylaws to require all nomination speeches for officers of the SBC to include the percentage of Cooperative Program gifts given by the nominee’s church. The motion was referred to the Executive Committee. • A motion by Lonnie Wilkey of Tulip Grove Baptist Church, Old Hickory, Tenn., to ask trustees of all SBC entities to consider examining their media policies, and if they do not have clearly defined guidelines, to con- sider establishing a policy that trustee and committee meetings be open to the public. The motion was re- ferred to the Executive Committee and all SBC entities. • A motion by Victoria Gurgone of Peace Church, Wilson, N.C., for the Executive Committee to consider adding a “veteran” and/or “active duty” option on the online registration form, as well as adding “veteran” and/or “active duty” to SBC name badges. The motion was referred to the Executive Committee. • A motion by Graham Weaver of Lenexa Baptist Church, Lenexa, Kan., to encourage SBC presidents past and present through LifeWay Christian Resources to write their memoirs. The motion was referred to Life- Mark Harris, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, and Kelvin Cochran, chief strategic officer for Elizabeth Baptist Church in Way Christian Resources. Atlanta, served on the Resolutions Committee for the Southern Baptist Convention. Here, Harris, left, and Cochran stand on stage June 14 Messengers approved the referral of five other mo- during the SBC annual meeting in support of a resolution about the Confederate flag. BR( photo by Dianna L. Cagle) JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 13

AROUND THE STATE CHURCH NEWS Obituaries for years. He purchased and distributed Bibles to the children served on the van HORACE L. JACKSON, 90, died June ministry and to many others. He taught 7 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in about missions in Vacation Bible School. Florence, S.C. He is survived by three children: He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World Margaret Leigh Shipman of Sugar Land, War II and a graduate of Southeastern Texas, Robert Lane Kimbrough of San Seminary. Jackson was a former presi- Antonio, Texas, and Carol Leslie Kim- dent of Brother’s Food in Dillon, County brough of Birmingham, Ala.; five grand- Commissioner for four years, and Probate children; two brothers, Jim and Bob Kim- Judge for four years. brough; and sister Martha Carol Brown. He was presently serving as pastor of Memorials to: Laurel Springs Baptist Swift Creek Baptist Church, Hartsville, Church, Music Ministry, 7504 U.S. 421 S.C. He was former pastor of Oak- South, Deep Gap, North Carolina 28618. dale Baptist Church, Fairmont, N.C., Franklinton Baptist Church, Franklinton, Staff changes N.C., and Sunset Baptist Church, Wilm- ington, N.C. He retired in March 2005 South Yadkin Baptist Associa- Rocky Hock Baptist Church, Edenton and continued on after his retirement tion, Statesville, has called MICHAEL with 31 interims in N.C. and S.C. He was BROWN as On May 29 during morning worship, Rocky Hock Baptist Church, Edenton, hosted North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry’s (NCBAM) Yvetta Smith, who spoke about how NCBAM can help people in the Rocky a member of Calvary Baptist Church, interim director Hock community. Prior to Smith’s visit, the church hosted its fourth annual fishing tournament April 20 Florence. of missions. He at the Bayside Marina in Edenton. All of the proceeds from the tournament will go to NCBAM. The church He is survived by his daughters, San- is a retired pastor presented a check to Smith for more than $700. Pictured, from left: Mike Denny, minister of youth and dra J. Truax and Susan J. Turner, both of with more than 30 children; Smith; Brad Gosser, chairperson of the tournament; and James Horton, senior pastor. Florence; son, Richard D. Jackson of Dil- years in ministry, lon; sisters, Betty Campbell and Virginia including serving Deep Creek Baptist Jackson, both of Dillon; seven grandchil- 11 years as direc- Church, Wadesboro dren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two tor of missions in Deep Creek Baptist Church, great-great-grandchildren. Milwaukee, Wis. Wadesboro, had a special note-burning celebration Sun., June 5. Their 10-year sanctuary ANDY PHIL- MICHAEL BROWN CLINT KIMBROUGH, 83, of Deep and facilities renovation loan Gap, N.C., died May 24 in Boone after an LIPS has been was paid in 20 months. Special extended illness. called as pastor to Laurel Branch Baptist guests included Anson County A Florida native, he was a graduate of Church, Marshall. Phillips previously Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., and served as a youth pastor at Cane River and North Carolina State Sen. Soutwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Baptist Church, Burnsville. Tom McInnis. Pictured, from left: Texas. He served as an International Mis- Landon Chaney; Jimmy Flake, deacon chairman; Mark Perko, sion Board music missionary to Rio de Mount Carmel Baptist Church, pastor; Russell Lindsey, trustee; Janeiro, Brazil, for 24 years before retiring Asheville, has called CAMERON “CAM” and George Hatcher. Chaney and to North Carolina. Kimbrough was music MCLAUGHLIN as youth and family Hatcher represent the wide range minister, choir director and organist at pastor. A Liberty University graduate, he of ages at the church, Perko said. Laurel Springs Baptist Church, Deep Gap, was ordained May 22. OPPORTUNITY CORNER

Hope in Style is a silent auction, fash- turing boys and girls from BCH. Tanya ion show and brunch to benefit Baptist Rivera of WFMY News 2, will emcee Led by specialists in church audio, Saturday cost is $45 (early) or $50. Children’s Homes of North Carolina the event, and Letters from Home will these regional seminars address the • July 15-16: Neuse Baptist Associa- (BCH). The Aug. 13 event will be held at perform. Belk is sponsoring the event. skills that an audio technician needs to tion Greensboro Country Club (410 Sunset Tickets are $30. The event is also looking be effective in the local church. Learn • July 29-30: Raleigh Baptist Associa- Dr., Greensboro) and opens at 9 a.m. for other sponsors to help offset the cost the basics of sound and understand the tion with the auction and is followed by the of the event as well as donations to the functions of a variety of audio equipment • Aug. 12-13: South River Baptist As- 10 a.m. fashion show and brunch fea- silent auction. Visit HopeinStyle.org. (mixer, equalizer, monitors, micro- sociation Submissions phones, etc.) as well as the role of the au- • Sept. 16-17: Crestview Baptist dio technician. The basics class is offered Church, Forest City The Biblical Recorder is pleased to publish staff changes, church news and Friday night with an optional hands-on • Sept. 30-Oct. 1: West Chowan Bap- events with a statewide interest. Please send information immediately component. Saturday, the basics class is tist Association following an event, or for opportunity corner, send at least two months in the morning with an advanced class in • Oct. 21-22: Ashe Baptist Association in advance. Include cost and contact information in your email or the afternoon; lunch is included Satur- • Nov. 18-19: Piedmont Baptist As- correspondence. Send to [email protected] or Biblical Recorder, P.O. Box 1185, day. Cost is $15 (early registration) or $20 sociation Cary, NC 27512. Call (919) 847-2127. for the Friday basics class. Visit worshipaudio.org. 14 Sunday School JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

July 10 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE July 17 Transformed By My Choices View Money Properly

Focal passage: Matthew 7:13-27 Jesus, is narrow, giving rise to a difficult Focal passage: Proverbs 23:4-5; 30:5-9 only places security is important. Turn on path, but it “leads to life, and few find it” your television this evening or listen to ver the past several weeks, I (Matthew 7:14). ontentment and security rest in the radio on the way home and you will have spent hours research- This illustration reminds us that we God, not in money. inevitably be bombarded with numerous Oing used cars on the Internet. must each make a deliberate choice to C Imagine you are about to messages about finding inner peace and The time has come for me to replace my follow Jesus. Truly following scale your first climbing wall security. According to these voices and vehicle, and I am diligently exploring my the One who gave His life for at a local gym. Slightly nervous many others, accumulating wealth and options. Would I prefer a manual or au- us, surrendering our hopes about the dangers of dangling material possessions is the ultimate key tomatic transmission? How important is and dreams to His Lordship, is 50 feet in the air, you diligently to contentment. Save for retirement and the latest technology? What color shows like entering the narrow gate. inspect your harness to ensure invest wisely, they tell us, because this is the least amount of dirt? How much do I It is rarely easy and can be dif- your safety. With buckles the only way to find peace in an ever- want to pay? And the list goes on … ficult and lonely, but only on fastened and cords tight, you changing world. It is amazing how much time and this difficult path will we ever bravely begin your ascent, According to Proverbs 23:4-5, such energy I have devoted to this decision. I find overflowing and abundant comforted by the high quality a strategy will always be fruitless. We realize my car choice will impact the next life. of your security measures. should never wear ourselves out in at- few years of my day-to-day life, and as a I have invested innumerable Nearing the top, you come tempt to gain riches, because all our result, I want to be wise and informed. hours in car research because EMILY ANTHONY to a disturbing realization. earthly wealth and possessions will Member, Imago Dei Jesus asks his followers to make an im- I believe buying a vehicle is a The hooks on your harness eventually disappear. While it is true that Church, Raleigh portant choice as well – not about which significant decision. And yet, may appear to be perfect, but God very well may use money to provide car (or donkey cart) to buy, but about no matter what car I choose, they were never connected for our needs and allow us to bless others which road to take. in a few years it will be scratched up and to your partner’s rope on the ground. with our abundance, trusting in money “Enter through the narrow gate,” Jesus de- outdated. The choice I make about my The impressive straps around your waist for true contentment is like placing our clares, explaining in Matthew 7:13-14 that next car may be important, but it pales in provided only a false sense of security. trust in a climbing harness without at- we must choose between two gates and comparison to the choice we must each They were pointless, and any protection taching it to the rope. It will inevitably the paths beyond them. One gate is broad make to follow Jesus. The choice of a new you felt during your climb was in fact a end in disaster. True hope can only be and wide, leading to a well-traveled car may change my drive to work. The complete delusion. found when we find our refuge in the path, yet this path ends in destruction. choice to follow Jesus will transform my Security is paramount when climbing God who made us, loves us, and prom- The second gate, the one commended by eternity. a wall, but these gyms are far from the ises to provide for us.

July 10 EXPLORE THE BIBLE July 17 Judged Anointed! Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 15:7-15; 22-23 destroy all things. Sacrificing to God was Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 16:4-13 what we appear to be. We tend to be a wonderful worship desire. But, their quick to judge people by appearance, be- here is an account of a man disobedience negated the importance of ave you checked the labels on fore we get to know them. In our account whose dog had just been killed the worship. How could they truly wor- your grocery items lately? You this week, we find that even Samuel the T in a forest fire. In a heartbroken ship the One whom they had blatantly Hmay be getting less than you prophet of Israel was guilty of this. state, he recounted how it happened. disobeyed? thought. According to 1992 U.S. God sent Samuel to anoint the person He often took his dog with him when he Saul’s disobedient act News & World Report, some who would replace Saul. Anointing in worked outside. That particular day he would come with conse- manufacturers are starting to the Old Testament was a rite of inaugu- left the dog in a clearing and commanded quences. He would eventu- sell us the same size packages ration of a person into one of the three him to stay and watch his lunchbox. The ally lose the kingdom, and it we are accustomed to, but they typical Jewish offices: Prophet, Priest or faithful dog understood and did exactly would bring about his demise. are putting less of the product King. Samuel knew from God he was to that. God wants His children to in the box. They are still doing go to the house of Jesse and anoint his As the fire spread in the woods the learn from this account. Dis- that today. son to be the next King of Israel. Appar- blaze soon spread to the clearing where obedience is sin in the eyes of For example, you used to be ently, not knowing which son, Samuel the dog was. True to his nature, he did God. Sin brings consequences, able to buy sugar in 5-pound had some preconceived ideas of what not move in obedience to his master’s no matter the motive we might bags. The last time my wife the King would look like. However, his word. The owner then said, “I always think we have. There can be THOMAS MARSHALL bought it at our local store, she ideas were not God’s ideas. Samuel was had to be careful what I told him to do, forgiveness for the sin, but Member, Spring Hill came up short with her canning looking at the outward appearance while because I knew he would do it.” How we the consequences will remain. Baptist Church, Wagram recipes. God was concerned with the inner man. admire the obedience a dog shows to its If you wreck your car while After checking out the bag, With God’s guidance, Samuel was led master! driving drunk, God will forgive the sin, she found that it was now a 4-pound bag. to a young man named David who was The point in this passage of 1 Samuel but your car will still be wrecked. Same size bag, less sugar. a man after God’s own heart. David was is that God expects us to obey Him. We We need to learn from the past ac- How something appears doesn’t al- the king that God meant for Israel, even can often confuse the good for the best. counts that God has saved in His Word ways show us what’s really on the inside. though the people had used their stan- Saul, in our account, wanted to worship to help keep us from falling in the same That’s true with people as well. We can dards to choose Saul. God by offering the sheep as sacrifices to patterns and sins. We can be spared some wrap ourselves up in the same packag- Waiting for God’s guidance and direc- Him. It sounded like a good motive. The very harmful results if we take His Word ing every day – nice clothes, big smile, tion is always better than our own. We problem is that God had told them to to heart. Obey, that’s the way. friendly demeanor – yet still be less than must learn to trust Him and wait on Him. Visit Be sure to check out our Website JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 15

Flag Continued from page 1 to bring about racial reconciliation and involve African tion, he said, “[A]ll the Confederate flags in the world preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Americans and other minorities in leadership roles in are not worth one soul of any race.” Smith expressed gratitude to the Resolutions Com- the convention. Calling it “a seminal moment in our convention,” mittee and Dwight McKissic, who submitted the The Resolutions Committee brought a proposal to the Merritt said, “This is not a matter of political correct- original version of the resolution. McKissic, an African messengers calling for “sensitivity and unity” regard- ness. It is a matter of spiritual conviction and biblical American, is pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in ing display of the Confederate battle flag. Its resolution compassion. We have a golden opportunity to say to Arlington, Texas. called for Christians who display the flag “to consider every person of every race, ethnicity and nationality Calling it “an extraordinary moment,” ethics leader prayerfully whether to limit, or even more so, discon- that Southern Baptists are not a people of any flag. We Russell Moore told BP, “We watched a denomination tinue its display” because of the “undeniably painful march under the banner of the cross of Jesus and the founded by slaveholders vote to repudiate the display of impact of the flag’s symbolism on others.” grace of God. Today, we can say loudly and clearly to a the Confederate battle flag in solidarity with our African After two messengers spoke against the resolution, world filled with racial strife and division that South- American brothers and sisters in Christ. former SBC President James Merritt offered an amend- ern Baptists are not in the business of building barriers “I can’t recall ever seeing anything like it,” said ment that went beyond the committee’s proposed and burning bridges,” he said. “We’re about building Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty language. His two-fold amendment deleted a paragraph bridges and tearing down barriers.” Commission. “And my hope and prayer is that we will that said the flag “serves for some not as a symbol of Messengers approved both the amendment and the work together in our churches toward modeling for hatred, bigotry, and racism, but as a memorial to their amended resolution by wide margins. the rest of the world what it means to be brothers and loved ones who died in the Civil War, and an emblem to SBC leaders gratefully and warmly welcomed the sisters in the kingdom of God.” honor their loved ones’ valor.” It also removed language convention’s latest action in support of racial reconcili- After the vote, Paul Pressler, a leader in the SBC’s about prayerful consideration and called for a halt to ation. conservative resurgence and a messenger from Second displaying the flag. Kevin Smith, the new executive director of the Bap- Baptist Church in Houston, protested in a point of order Merritt, lead pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Du- tist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and an African he was unfairly prevented from addressing the resolu- luth, Ga., said he offered the amendment not just as a American, told Baptist Press (BP) he was “very thankful tion, apparently in opposition. pastor but as the great, great grandson of two men who and very moved by his clarity [Merritt] brought to the Chief parliamentarian Barry McCarty explained that fought in the Confederate Army. issue today.” the electronic microphone ordering box for recogniz- “[N]o one can deny” the Confederate battle flag is He was “pleasantly surprised” by the convention’s ing messengers is a ‘blind’ system and Pressler had not “a stumbling block” for many African Americans to the adoption of Merritt’s stronger language and believes been treated unjustly. He advised SBC President Ronnie witness of Southern Baptists, Merritt told messengers. it will help the SBC in the future, said Smith, who has Floyd to rule the point of order not well taken, which In a comment that produced a partial standing ova- been assistant professor of church history and Christian Floyd did. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Pastor Temple Baptist Church is currently seeking a Green Creek First Baptist Church, Colum- The East Campus of First Baptist Indian Trail Yadkin Baptist Church in the northern foothills Senior Pastor. Temple Baptist is a traditional bus, NC, is seeking a Full-time Student (NC) is a congregation averaging roughly of NC is seeking a full-time Pastor. Five plus moderate Baptist church located in a beautiful, Pastor. We are a rural church with a mixed 400 in attendance that is seeking to expand years of pastoral experience, college degree residential section of historic Wilmington, NC. worship service, conservative theology and our staff in the areas of children and family and Southern Baptist seminary/divinity degree The church has excellent facilities at its main approximately 200 members. Affiliated with ministry, as well as education. Please send required. Our ministry priorities include: a campus and a modern Christian activity center the Polk Baptist Association, SBC, BSC of resumes or recommendations for these posi- gifted teacher who is an effective communica- on a 10-acre site 3 miles from the main church NC and align with the BF&M 2000. Position tion to [email protected]. tor of well-prepared sermons, a skilled care- campus. We are seeking an energetic pastor requires the ability to oversee all student giver/counselor, a person of vision, one who who leads by consensus, shares a collective ministries and lead Bible studies for Jr. High Green Street Baptist Church, High Point, NC, emphasizes evangelism and the importance of vision with the congregation, places a priority and High School age students. Some educa- is seeking a full-time ​Student ​Pastor. Semi- lifestyle witnessing. Resumes must be submit- on evangelism, pastoral care and visitation. We tion in youth/children’s ministry along with nary and at least five years ministry experience ted by September 30, 2016, to Yadkin Baptist desire a pastor that has strong leadership skills some college is preferred. Send resumes to preferred. Send resume to [email protected] Church, Pastor Search Committee, PO Box and proven experience. Resumes along with [email protected] by August 12. or 1701 Westchester Dr. Ste. 620, High Point 37, Patterson, NC 28661, or email: dtownsend@ references welcomed through July 15, 2016, to NC 27262. caldwellbaptist.org. [email protected]. Full-time Youth Pastor. Marble Springs Baptist Church in western NC seeks an indi- Children’s & Youth Director. Bunn Baptist Church Staff vidual to give leadership to our student min- Church in Bunn, NC, is looking for a part-time First Baptist Church of Oakboro seeks part- istries. Please send resume and cover letter Children’s & Youth Director. Duties include time Director of Music. This individual will to [email protected]. directing, teaching, planning and coordinat- be responsible for leading the church in the de- ing special children & youth events. Contact Be sure to velopment and conducting of a comprehensive Cornerstone Baptist Church seeks FT direc- (252) 303-1069. music ministry. Worship style is traditional tor of Music Ministry. Blended worship check out our with blended elements. Bachelor’s degree is style which includes choir and praise team. Miscellaneous preferred. Applicants should send letter of Knowledge and utilization of audio/visual. Make plans to join NCBAM at Fort Caswell website interest, resume and references to dhuneycutt- Email [email protected] or mail resumes on August 15-19 for amazing food, fun, and [email protected]. to 8947 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte, NC 28227. worship at SummerFest – a retreat for retired and semi-retired adults. Call NCBAM at Placing a classified ad in the Part-time Children’s Director. Harvest Bap- 877.506.2226 or Fort Caswell at 910.278.9501 Biblical Recorder tist Church, Burlington, NC (hbcburlington. for more information. Choose one of three avenues: net), is seeking an experienced person to lead Share the Biblical Recorder – FREE. Order a • Send e-mail to: [email protected]. our children’s ministry: Nursery-5th grade. Sundays, Wednesdays, VBS, & one week of three-month free subscription. Contact Liz • Submit the information via the Recorder’s website at BRnow.org. local camp are main responsibilities. Submit Tablazon at (919) 459-5693 or [email protected] to • Send a Fax to (919) 467-6180. cover letter & resume to: [email protected]. make arrangements. For more information, call the office at (919) 459-5691. Cost for Baptist churches/organizations is $1.20 per word, number and MOVED? Don’t forget to change your address stand-alone initial ($1.42 for commercial and non-Baptist entities) with a ADVERTISE with the Biblical Recorder. Contact Liz Tablazon minimum charge of $35. Classifieds also are carried online. (919) 459-5691 at (919) 459-5693 or [email protected]. 16 JULY 2, 2016 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

Civility Continued from page 2 Moore Continued from page 4 are not typically Christian organizations, but are good- functioning social order. Now all of those things are hearted people that want to promote basic standards of important and all of those things are good, but the civil behavior. gospel is an end in and of itself. One of those groups is Speak Your Peace, The Civil- The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ is the ity Project (dsaspeakyourpeace.org). Their key message is to Lord of the universe and He and He alone reconciles promote nine simple tools for practicing civility from P. M. sinners to God through His shed blood and His empty As Americans we know that the American Forni’s book Choosing Civility: Twenty-five Rules of Considerate tomb. And so we have to be constantly reminding A: republic presupposed a certain set of virtues in Conduct. Forni is one of the six board members for IFCG. ourselves of what the gospel is and how to represent the American people. When those virtues are eclipsed Often called “the guru of civility,” he is cofounder of the that to people, and that means viewing issues through or challenged, self-government becomes very difficult. Johns Hopkins Civility Project and a long-time professor at the grid of the gospel. As Christians we know that we always live in a fallen Johns Hopkins University. Why do people long for the things they long for? and broken world, and we know that the answer to Speak Your Peace has been influential in the passage of Why are people afraid of the things they are afraid of? that is always the distinctive message of the gospel. I resolutions on civility in several cities and towns. Their Why are some issues really controversial? Well, the think that this year, as troubling as it is, might serve goal is to promote civil discourse in local governments and gospel explains all of that for us. as a wake-up call to the church that we cannot simply help cities find positive resolutions to community issues. It explains to us why it is that we, left to ourselves, outsource our witness to institutions and political The movement focuses on nine tools of civility: pay atten- tend to shrink back from the open proclamation of the movements and political parties. tion, listen, be inclusive, do not gossip, show respect, be truth, and why that open proclamation of the truth Instead, we have to be a prophetic people will- agreeable, apologize, give constructive criticism, and take is the only way that we ultimately bring about real ing to stand by our convictions and principles – even responsibility. change. Losing the gospel is something that can hap- when those convictions and principles are not seen by While I do not believe these nine tools are the best pen really subtly and before we know it, as the book others as a means to getting votes. And so I’m deeply statements of biblical civility, they clearly embrace bibli- of revelation tells us, we have lost our lampstand. In disturbed by what we see in American political life. I cal values. I commend individuals and organizations who which case we have nothing to say to any culture any think the only way that we could get to this point is are motivated to encourage decency in conversation and longer. with a generation habituated by pornography. behavior. The coarsening and degradation of American cul- But I am concerned that those of us who are commit- Christians believe God has defeated sin, but ture is everywhere now apparent. What’s even more ted to live by biblical standards are not doing more to lead Q: it often feels like sin prospers in American alarming is that there are many Christians willing to the way in this discussion. Civilization is rooted in biblical culture. Take, for example, the crude presidential baptize that degraded pornographic culture as long as values. All of the basic standards of civilized behavior are campaign of Donald Trump that has received sup- it is, “on our side.” I think that we have the opportu- biblical in nature. Without these standards of decency, bar- port from millions of voters thus far. What should nity to be a truly distinctive people who are willing to baric behavior flourishes. I believe that is exactly what we Christians do when they feel like giving up on cul- call for repentance across the board and to offer good are now witnessing. What are we going to do about it? tural engagement? news across the board.