N.C. surf pro Book: Jesus shores up motivates faith, family ‘vulnerable’ People page 8 page 3 Page 7

MARCH 9, 2019 • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists • VOLUME 185 NO. 5 • BRnow.org Sex abuse: SBC called to action GREENWAY TO Baptist Press & Biblical Recorder staff LEAD SWBTS, .D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and pastor of The Summit STINSON NAMED PROVOST JChurch in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., gave an ad- dress to the SBC Executive Committee (EC) Feb. 18 that Compiled from Baptist Press reports outlined initial recommendations and resources from the presidential advisory group on sexual abuse. The Sexual Abuse Presidential Study Group was launched in July 2018 through partnerships with the EC and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). Greear’s address came two weeks after a three- part investigative report was published by the Houston Chronicle on sex abuse in Southern Baptist churches. Adam Greenway, above, and The report outlined roughly 700 cases of sexual as- Randy L. Stinson, right, will be sault or abuse over two decades by 380 offenders who joining Southwestern Baptist were convicted, credibly accused or confessed to their Theological Seminary. crimes. dam Greenway says he wants to continue South- “Southwestern Greear’s address focused on 10 key areas: western Baptist Theological Seminary’s (SWBTS) has had a distinct 1. A call to “repent for decades of inaction;” legacy as the “big-tent seminary of the SBC,” heritage ... of being the big-tent seminary of the SBC,” 2. The announcement of a series of 12 training videos A where Southern Baptists who differ on secondary Greenway said, “the seminary that’s been able to bring called, “Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the theological issues can unite behind rigorous scholarship, people together who may have differences of opinion on Abused;” missions and evangelism. secondary or tertiary matters, but are committed to the 3. The announcement that all six Southern Baptist Greenway, 41, laid out his vision at a Feb. 27 press main things of the Great Commission, the local church, seminaries, offi cers of the Southern Baptist Conference conference following his election as the seminary’s missions, evangelism, preaching [and] pastoral minis- of Associational Leaders and all Baptist state conven- ninth president. He comes to SWBTS from The South- try.” tions have adopted three respective “Statement of ern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, Trustees also elected Randy L. Stinson as SWBTS Principles on Abuse” documents; Ky., where he served as dean of the Billy Graham School provost and vice president for academic administration. 4. A call for Southern Baptist churches, associations, of Missions, Evangelism and Ministry. Greenway’s He previously served as senior vice president for conventions and entities to take immediate action to election signifi es a return “home,” as he completed his academic administration and provost at SBTS, as well review policies and procedures relating to abuse; master of divinity on the Fort Worth campus in 2002. as Basil Manly Jr. Professor of Leadership and Family 5. A call for the EC to make background checks a He spoke of continuing the SWBTS heritage of strong Ministry. See Action page 7 faculty and producing Southern Baptist Convention He is a recognized authority on the subject of bibli- leaders. Greenway said he has “no intention” of “trying cal manhood and womanhood, and regularly speaks at WHAT’S INSIDE to create a miniaturized version of SBTS.” See SWBTS page 10

Allan Blume: Baptist communication: it’s complicated ... 2 Milton Hollifi eld: Annie Armstrong BSC helps make churches a ‘safe place’ Easter Offering helps ‘send hope’ ...... 3 Guest Column: Impacting lostness By SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor launched last summer by J.D. Greear, president of the through opioid awareness ...... 3 Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of The Summit Identity encapsulates theme of GO conference ...... 4 n the wake of a major investigative news report about Church in Raleigh-Durham. Mark Harris withdraws from District 9 election ...... 5 sex abuse in Southern Baptist churches, the Baptist “The recent stories of sexual abuse in churches across John Stonestreet calls Christians to engage culture ...... 6 IState Convention of North Carolina (BSC) is reassur- the Southern Baptist Convention should drive each of BGR joins movement for disaster response standards ...11 ing congregations across the state that assistance is avail- us to our knees in prayer before God,” said Brian Davis, IMB mobilizer Edgar Aponte able to help them protect churchgoers, respond to abuse BSC associate executive director-treasurer. “We must to lead Idlewild missions ...... 11 allegations and minister to survivors. pray for those who have been abused, their families, and Faye Pearson, fi rst woman IMB area director, dies ...... 12 The BSC, along with all Southern Baptist state the churches where these horrors have occurred. Opportunity Corner ...... 13 conventions, has committed to act in accordance with “I am praying that God will stir the hearts of His Around the State ...... 13 a “Statement of Principles on Abuse,” developed in part- people to love and support those that have been harmed. Classifi eds ...... 15 nership with the Sexual Abuse Presidential Study Group See Churches page 10 2 Opinion MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Baptist communication: it’s complicated

ou’re enjoying a cup of coffee munication. I believe that is a mistake Baptist Theological Seminary, the Baptist ing. We hope all SBC executive leaders with a friend who is struggling that will ultimately damage CP giving. State Convention of North Carolina, the will build and maintain a strong, multi- Y in a relationship with a spouse, Effective communication to a broad Baptist Children’s Homes of North Caro- tiered communications strategy – and the co-worker or family member. “Tell me audience will not work with an “either- lina or any other CP partner. staff to make it work effectively. more about this relationship,” you ask. or” mentality. We need to understand Your BR staff is pleased not only to On the other hand, it is also to the ad- They reply, “It’s complicated.” the value of “both-and” if we want to cooperate with the skilled professionals vantage of the SBC, state conventions, CP In other words, there are reach all Baptists. Many will who serve Baptists through these orga- entities and the churches of our conven- multiple layers to the relation- not get the message if it is “dig- nizations, but also to provide greater tions that the Biblical Recorder and other ship in question that your ital only” and many will not visibility to the ways their organization state papers remain viable. A strong voice friend cannot compress into get the message if it is “print is investing CP resources for the glory of for the CP is necessary. A strong, broad, a few short sentences. Like only.” The intended audience God. local voice for our Great Commission peeling the proverbial onion, determines the communication We are not in competition with Bap- mandate is essential. it will take some time to look strategy. tist Press (BP). As fully supportive part- at all of the relational layers ners of their mission, we believe in BP’s Accountability in order to understand the Cooperative assignment as stated on their website, There is another important aspect of situation. So, pour another cup communication “Baptist Press is the official news service communication Baptists need to weigh. of coffee and listen with both There is a second layer of of the Southern Baptist Convention and Telling the story of our achievements ears for the next few minutes. K. ALLAN BLUME “complicated” Baptist commu- is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. is a good thing, but we also need a It’s complicated. Editor nications we need to under- Baptist Press is responsible for provid- healthy stream of journalism that is The same could be said stand. ing regular news releases about Southern free to raise honest questions, provide about communication in the Baptist The SBC and its entities have com- Baptists, serving as the Convention’s accurate reporting and hold each other world. It’s complicated. But, if we don’t munication departments. Baptist state press representative, and coordinating accountable. get a handle on it, we stand to lose many conventions and related state entities news operations for annual meetings of In a recent meeting of SBC editors, of the resources that have bolstered the have communication departments. Their the Southern Baptist Convention. Baptist the question was asked, “Should our Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) ef- primary assignment is to tell their orga- Press provides news service to the 42 Baptist news agencies have written the fectiveness for 174 years. nization’s story, and they do it well. All state Baptist papers.” We could not do Houston Chronicle’s report on sexual abuse A little more than a year ago, I began of them write stories about their work, what we do without BP. in the SBC?” In other words, do we have an editorial with this statement, “Com- operate a website (in some cases multiple Baptist state newspapers/websites also the responsibility to “police” ourselves? munication is the life blood of relation- sites), send emails and produce volumes want our Baptist partners to maintain Should we depend on the secular world ships.” In case you missed it, the para- of printed material. strong communications teams. We feed to do our job? That is a penetrating ques- graph continued, “Families function well One might think all Baptists will get on one another’s skills. CP is the ultimate tion. The trend toward weakening and and enjoy healthy, happy relationships to their news and information from this sea beneficiary of healthy communication. even dissolving Baptist news agencies is the extent that communication remains of Baptist websites, making state news While some SBC leaders have reduced not healthy. Healthy journalism has been strong. This is also true in the worlds outlets like the Biblical Recorder unneces- the communication flowing from our en- an historical strength in the growth of of business, government and the local sary. Not exactly. tities, IMB’s newly elected President Paul Southern Baptists. We need to examine church.” First, most Baptists do not know that Chitwood has taken steps to strengthen our willingness to maintain Baptist jour- The purpose of that editorial was to these abundant sites exist. The absence the organization’s communication team. nalism with integrity. give our readers a better perspective of of links to entity websites on our own We commend him for this wise move. That’s a broader subject for another the Biblical Recorder’s (BR) role in telling churches’ websites is enough evidence to It has the potential to increase giving to editorial, but we cannot ignore the need the stories of SBC missions, ministries, prove my point. IMB’s international assignment through for that conversation. It’s complicated, personalities and organizations. As we Second, most Baptists will not visit CP and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offer- but let’s talk about it. inform the present generation, we record multiple websites to hunt for news and history for the next generation. information. Southern Baptists need to have some The Biblical Recorder’s multi-tiered serious conversations about the way we and multi-generational communication communicate at all levels – including the streams, along with those of other state (ISSN 0279-8182) Volume 185 No. 5 Executive Committee, all of our entities newspapers, serve as supermarkets of News Journal of the Baptist State Convention (919) 847-2127 and affiliated organizations. news and information. We gather news of North Carolina Fax (919) 467-6180 I am calling attention to this subject highlights from our CP partners, publish Founded 1833 by Thomas Meredith now.org with the motive to improve our commu- it, post it and point our readers to the K. Allan Blume, Editor/President Board of Directors: Nate Jones, chair; Tony Honey- nication, not to attack any organization source. [email protected] cutt, vice chair; Meredith Snoddy, secretary; David Clary, or individual in our Baptist family. It’s Part of our assignment is to boost traf- Seth Brown, Content Editor treasurer; Kevin Atchley; Kelly Bullard; Frankie Gordon; complicated, but let’s talk about it. fic for Baptist entity websites. (919) 459-5697; [email protected] Lisa Harris; Chris Hefner, Lesley Hildreth, Todd Houston; Cindy D. Jennings; Dan Meyer; Frank Norwood; Jim Just as your local supermarket carries a Dianna L. Cagle, Production Editor Pennington Jr.; Donna Robinson; Donnie Seagle; Marilyn Reaching our audience variety of products that meet your needs, (919) 459-5698; [email protected] Thurman; Larry Whichard; and Bartley Wooten For almost two centuries we told our the BR staff writes and assembles a wide Alison McKinney Liz Tablazon Subscriptions • Individual subscriptions, $15.99 (one year); $27.99 (two message to the average Baptist primarily variety of Baptist news and information Business and Circulation Manager Advertising Manager (919) 459-5693 years); $39.99 (three years) • Bulk Plan, $11.50 • Club Plan, $13.50 through newspapers like the Biblical that our readers need to know. It’s a (919) 459-5691 [email protected] • Family Plan, $12.50 • Single copies, $.60 cents each Recorder. convenience consumers expect and need. [email protected] Payable in advance. N.C. sales tax is included. The advent of digital technology For Baptists, it’s a convenience the CP Dee Dee Vogt Carly Conley Digital rates: $5.99 (one year); $10.99 (two years); $15.99 broadened media platforms significantly. needs. State newspapers are an essential Editorial Aide Graphic Designer (three years). Baptists’ communication strategies now distribution point for our partners’ mes- Publication include many forms of digital tools. sage. Published biweekly on Saturdays with the exception of no issue at the end of December, by the Biblical Therefore, some conclude the print We are not in competition with the Recorder, 205 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511, as authorized by the Baptist State Convention in annual medium is dead and believe all Coopera- communication departments of the Inter- session at Winston-Salem, November 21-23, 1939. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC 27676. tive Program (CP) support should be national Mission Board (IMB), the North Postmaster withdrawn from printed forms of com- American Mission Board, Southeastern Send address changes to Biblical Recorder Inc., P.O. Box 1185, Cary, NC 27512-1185. MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Opinion 3 Impacting lostness through opioid awareness • The Center on Addiction estimates that 19.3 By ROBERT E. JORDAN | Guest Column Annie Armstrong Easter percent of our state budget goes to this problem. he Christian Life and Public Affairs I do hope that some of this information shocks Offering helps ‘send hope’ Special (CLPA) Committee is focusing you and causes you to think. I implore you to T on the opioid epidemic. The committee research the impacts of opioid poisoning and ’m thankful for the long and rich history that Southern Baptists desires to raise awareness of opioid poisoning addiction in your local area and discover what have enjoyed in working together to fulfill the Great Commission and addiction among N.C. Baptists. The trage- is happening in your own backyard. Check with Ithrough local, national and global missions and ministry efforts. dies associated with opioid poisoning and addic- emergency services, your local hospital, your po- One of those partnerships that we enjoy is with the North American tion impact churches within every denomination lice (local and state), Department of Social Ser- Mission Board (NAMB), which exists to help every church take its located in every community across the state. vices and the health department. They will more next step in missions and to encourage every believer to live on mis- Opioid poisoning and addiction touches fami- than likely be glad to give you some information. sion. lies across all social, racial and economic lines. The strategy of the Baptist State Convention of NAMB supports a variety of missions efforts to This is not a crisis limited to others. It is a crisis North Carolina calls N.C. Baptists to impact lost- share the love of Christ with the lost and hurting that touches all of us. The effects of this crisis are ness through disciple-making. A healthy disciple through church planting, compassion ministry, staggering. is the goal and that health is found spiritually, disaster relief and chaplaincy ministry. Consider the following: physically and emotionally. The effects of opioid In addition to supporting these efforts • From 1999 to 2017 more than 13,000 North poisoning and addiction impact each of these through the Cooperative Program, another way Carolinians died from unintentional opioid-in- areas of health for individuals and families. we support the work of NAMB is through the an- volved poisoning deaths, according to the North Satan attacks people from many sources to nual Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North Carolina Department of Health and Human create barriers between individuals and the American missions. This offering began in 1895 Services (HHS) in November 2018. gospel. It is this connection with the gospel that MILTON A. and was named in honor of Annie Armstrong in • According to current Centers for Disease makes awareness and engagement with this issue HOLLIFIELD JR. 1934 because of her leadership and action as a Control (CDC) estimates, the cost of uninten- strategic for the CLPA committee. BSC executive tional opioid-involved poisoning deaths in North Remember that awareness brings knowledge director-treasurer tireless advocate for missions. I invite you to join me in prayer for this special Carolina totaled $2.5 billion in 2017. and knowledge brings solutions. offering during the Easter season. Churches are • Since 2011, more people die from drug poi- (EDITOR’S NOTE – Robert Jordan is chair of the encouraged to observe a week of prayer leading up to the offering dur- soning than traffic fatalities in this state, accord- Christian Life & Public Affairs Special Committee of the ing a time that best fits their congregation and church calendar. ing to HHS. Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.) This year’s offering theme is “Sending Hope,” based on 1 Peter 1:3: “… He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Book: Jesus motivates ‘vulnerable’ people Christ from the dead” (CSB). You can learn more about the offering and find additional resources, hat can I even do to help?” people redeemed through the perfect Son of a prayer guide and more online by visiting anniearmstrong.com. The Once people understand God who invites and empowers His people to national offering goal for 2019 is $70 million. “W the overwhelming problem join Him in the work of caring for other broken, Your gifts support more than 5,000 missionaries who are planting of modern-day slavery, that question imperfect people. churches and taking the gospel throughout North America through often stops people in their tracks. Hu- Sadler urges Christians to under- other ministries. man trafficking is such an enormous stand their own limitations, not as I rejoice that North Carolina Baptists have been a leading supporter issue that would-be advocates find it disadvantages, but as an important of the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for many years. Please pray difficult to imagine how their individ- part of the solution. He also reminds how the Lord would lead you and your church to support the offering ual lives can make a difference. us that advocacy must not be done in again this year. In his book, Vulnerable: Rethinking isolation. It is collaborative work that The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina enjoys a strategic Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler sets takes place in communities for the partnership with NAMB to assist in church planting and missions out to answer the question of how good of the global community. efforts in several strategic North American cities. More than 270 ordinary people can fight a global Across six sections, the book churches that are part of our state convention are currently engaged in injustice such as human trafficking moves from defining exploitation to partnerships throughout North America. through a gospel-centered lens. KIMBERLY MERIDA an examination of how God cares for To learn more about how your church can become involved in one The book’s central theme is this: Book Review the defenseless. Sadler equips believ- of these partnerships, please contact our Office of Great Commission Jesus Christ motivates vulnerable ers to use daily mindfulness as a way Partnerships or visit ncbaptist.org/gcp. people, like you and me, to love other vulner- to identify people who are suffering. He debunks Thank you again, North Carolina Baptists, for your faithful prayers able people by becoming vulnerable for us, to the common myths, such as the idea that human and financial generosity in support of AAEO and other cooperative point of death. trafficking primarily occurs around big sporting missions efforts. Sadler sheds light on humanity’s default mode events. It’s a year-round global injustice. Every day, lives are being impacted and transformed in the name of – categorizing everyone as “us” or “them” – by Sadler calls us to recognize our own frailty. He Jesus because of your prayers and support. explaining how the gospel demonstrates that our acknowledges the potential effects of entering weaknesses should not shame and separate us. In the suffering of others and calls readers to wis- fact, to the contrary, our frailities actually qualify dom and practical self-care. The final sections of us to enter into the suffering of others. The gos- the book urge us to join God in pursuing justice pel message reveals that we are broken, imperfect See Book page 15 Submissions for Tar Heel Voices

Please send no more than 300 words, along with contact information, to editor@BRnow. org or Biblical Recorder, P.O. Box 1185, Cary, NC 27512-1185. Only one letter from the same writer will be published in a 90-day period. All submissions will be edited by Recorder style guidelines. Have questions? Call (919) 847-2127. 4 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Identity encapsulates theme of GO conference

By LAUREN PRATT | SEBTS

he fifth annual GO Conference focused on God’s character as a T lens through which the 834 high school and college students should view their identity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) Feb. 15-17. J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, kicked off the night by preaching about God as a Trinitarian Father found in Isaiah 9:6-7. “You will never have the identity that gives you the confidence to go until you understand Jesus as everlasting Father,” said Greear. Greear noted four broken repre- sentatives found in earthly fathers and juxtaposed them with how Jesus repre- sents for all people a perfect, everlasting Father. These four categories included: • the never-satisfied dad, • the dad who is quick to anger, • the emotionally-distant dad and • the absent dad. Panelists including, from left, Zac Lyons, director of the office for Great Commission partnerships at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina; Tim Rice, “Stop viewing your heavenly Father director of missions mobilization for the South Carolina Baptist State Convention; Chad Stillwell, student mobilizer for the International Mission Board; Derrick through the lens of your earthly one,” Rudolph, GenSend mobilizer for Send Relief at the North American Mission Board; and Brad Russell, mobilization team leader for the SBC of Virginia, discuss said Greear. “Instead, evaluate your mission trip opportunities for students. (SEBTS photo) earthly father through the lens of your revealer, Akin explained that because of Speaking specifically of the source of ships at the Baptist State Convention of heavenly one.” Jesus, we have a glimpse into the charac- salvation, Branch noted how God provi- North Carolina; Brad Russell, mobiliza- Danny Akin, president of SEBTS, ter of God. dentially guided Naaman to the cure for tion team leader for the SBC of Virginia; followed Greear’s message by teaching “If you truly want to know what his disease while ultimately leading him Tim Rice, director of missions mobiliza- on God as creator, found in Colossians God is like, all you have to do is look to to his spiritual healing. tion for the South Carolina Baptist State 1:13-23. Jesus,” said Akin. “He’s navigating these things so that Convention; Chad Stillwell, student “Nothing is more important, I believe, William “Duce” Branch, assistant you run smack-dab into the God that mobilizer for the International Mission than that you understand rightly who professor of preaching and Bible at The saves you,” said Branch. Board; and Derrick Rudolph, GenSend Jesus is and what Jesus has done,” said College at Southeastern, led the Saturday Branch exhorted students to respond mobilizer for Send Relief at the North Akin, explaining that this determines morning session, preaching through 2 to the salvation God alone provides in American Mission Board. how the believer thinks about everything Kings 5 on God as Savior. gratitude and worship. Nineteen breakout sessions were held else. Branch highlighted four key aspects “We respond not for salvation but throughout the afternoon, including “A Akin noted five positional statements of how the story of Naaman being healed from salvation,” said Branch. Frank Conversation about Pornography of Jesus’ lordship, found in the passage: of leprosy speaks to different aspects of Following Branch’s sermon, a Path- and Discipling People to Freedom,” led that Jesus is Savior, Revealer, Creator, salvation: the need, the source, the how ways to GO Panel was hosted on the main by Scott Hildreth, George Liele director Leader and Master. and the response. stage where ministry leaders discussed of the Center for Great Commission He explained how each of these Branch explained that while Naaman mission trip opportunities for students Studies and assistant professor of global positions denies various false beliefs in was known for his greatness, he was ranging from one week to one semester. studies; “Loneliness and Community,” culture today. plagued by sickness, which stands as a Panelists included Zac Lyons, director of led by Julia Bickley, associate dean of Speaking specifically of Jesus as reminder of human limitation. the office for Great Commission partner- See GO page 10 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 5 Mark Harris withdraws from District 9 election Wire reports & Baptist Press County and had never met Dowless or other local community leaders vouching ark Harris, a former South- for Dowless. ern Baptist pastor, withdrew Dowless assured Harris that he wasn’t Mfrom a new congressional collecting ballots, just using local con- race Feb. 26. tacts to help citizens participate in the Days prior (Feb. 21), the North election. Carolina Board of Elections ordered a The board, which is made up of three new election for the contested District 9 Democrats and two Republicans, was congressional seat. unanimous (5-0) in their decision. A date Former pastor of Charlotte First has not been set for the new election. Baptist Church and the Republican The seat is the last vacant congressional candidate for the seat, Harris called for seat. Democratic candidate Dan Mc- the new election after hearing testimony Cready plans to run in the new election. suggesting improper voting activity had The seat has been in Republican hands occurred in the district. since 1963. “I believe a new election should be McCready held a large fundraising called,” Harris said. advantage over Harris amid a national “It has become clear to me that the Democratic wave last fall. Mark Harris, seen here in a November 2018 photo, has withdrawn from the District 9 race, after the public’s confidence in the 9th District’s McCready called the board’s decision North Carolina Board of Elections ordered a new election on Feb. 21. (Screen shot) general election has been undermined a “win for democracy.” to an extent that a new election is war- he was struggling to remember specific 21 that certain documents had not been Harris, a graduate of Appalachian ranted.” facts key to the investigation. given to the board. State University and Southeastern Baptist In an email to state election officials Harris said he “owed it to the citizens Those documents reveal there were Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Feb. 26, Harris cited health concerns of the 9th District to have someone at multiple warnings about Leslie Mc- Forest, previously served as president contributing to his decision to pull out of full strength during the new campaign,” Crae Dowless and the possibility of him of the Baptist State Convention of North the race, which he led by 905 votes in the Reuters quoted him as saying Feb. 26. illegally manipulating ballots. Carolina (2011-2013), SEBTS trustee, November 2018 ballot count. His son, John, testified Feb. 20 about Harris said his son’s age, current loca- SEBTS chairman of the board and on the He listed sepsis and two strokes in the emails and conversations he had with his tion and lack of personal contact with the board of directors for the Biblical Recorder. email. father questioning the role of a Bladen political operative in question played a He helped mobilize N.C. churches to vote In his testimony, he referred to his re- County political operative. part in him not listening to the warnings. for a Marriage Amendment as a founding cent hospitalization and illness and said Mark Harris’ lawyer admitted Feb. He said his son had never been to Bladen member of Vote for Marriage NC. 6 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists John Stonestreet calls Christians to engage culture Mississippi moment where God has placed us.” By CHAD AUSTIN | BSC Communications convention exec Stonestreet shared four truths for uthor and speaker John Ston- believers to remember and cling to as plans to retire estreet challenged and en- they seek to engage the culture around couraged Christians to engage them. They are that Christ is risen, Christ A By ART TOALSTON | Baptist Press today’s culture with clarity, conviction, is Lord, Christ is making all things new confidence and courage without compro- and God has sovereignly determined that im Futral, 74, executive director- mising biblical principles during a pair we would live at this precise moment in Jtreasurer of the Mississippi Bap- of keynote addresses at the 2019 N.C. history. tist Convention Board (MBCB), has Baptist Disciple-Making Conference. It’s no accident that we are living in announced his retirement, effective Stonestreet, who serves as presi- this cultural moment, Stonestreet said, Oct. 31. He has dent of the Colson Center for Christian noting that the apostle Paul tells us in led MBCB for Worldview in Colorado Springs, Colo., Acts 17 that God determines the exact 20 years, since told conference attendees that engaging times that people would live and the Oct. 1, 1998. “We’ve got to address the culture in which we live, the culture is part of discipleship and is boundaries of their dwelling places. At the time and we’ve got to do it with clarity and we’ve got to every believer’s responsibility. “God wanted us to live in this time of his election do it with understanding,” said John Stonestreet “We’ve got to address the culture in and in this place and not in another Feb. 26. “It’s not an option.” (BSC photo) by the mission which we live, and we’ve got to do it time and another place,” Stonestreet board, Futral with clarity and we’ve got to do it with Stonestreet said shifting cultural said. “God actually gives us our cultural was the conven- understanding,” Stonestreet said. “It’s values have placed increasing pressure on moment and does not put us in another tion’s president not an option.” Christians and the church to compromise cultural moment. and a pastor in JIM FUTRAL The daylong conference drew approxi- their historic biblical convictions, often Stonestreet also shared four questions Jackson. He also mately 700 attendees to Green Street pitting God’s truth and God’s love in op- that Christians and churches can ask was a member of the Southern Baptist Baptist Church in High Point on Feb. position to one another. about culture as they seek to engage it. Convention’s Executive Committee 26. Attendees included pastors, church “What we’re told is, ‘If you love your They are: (EC) and a member of the local Metro staff members, ministry leaders and neighbor, you’ve got to change your mind • What’s good that we can promote, Baptist Association’s executive com- congregants from churches across North about what God says.’” Stonestreet said. celebrate and preserve? mittee. Carolina. “Or, ‘If you love God and want to be • What’s missing that we can contrib- Futral chaired the MBCB EC from The event included main sessions with faithful to what God says, then you can’t ute? 1993-96 and was a member the previ- Stonestreet, as well as a variety of break- be loving to your neighbor.’ • What’s evil that we can stop? ous three years. Futral had led Broad- out sessions with other ministry leaders “We cannot understand our faith as • What’s broken that we can restore? moor Baptist since 1985, previously and church practitioners. if God’s morality and God’s gospel are Stonestreet told attendees that God serving six churches in Mississippi In a cultural landscape that’s becom- somehow in conflict with one another.” wants to use them to engage culture and and two in Texas. ing increasingly antagonistic to biblical Stonestreet said scripture informs us encouraged them to live out their faith Futral holds master of divinity and truth, Stonestreet warned dismissing cul- that truth and love are revealed in the wherever God has placed and called doctor of ministry degrees from New ture as evil and trying to retreat from it. person of Jesus Christ, who calls Chris- them. Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. “The Bible doesn’t teach that the tians to be ministers of reconciliation. (EDITOR’S NOTE – Video recordings of Futral and his wife Shirley have world is a bad place,” Stonestreet said. “Reconciled ones are called to be Stonestreet’s addresses from the conference three children and eight grandchil- “The Bible teaches that the world is a reconcilers,” Stonestreet said. “And it’s are available at vimeo.com/channels/dis- dren . good place that has fallen thoroughly.” to be done in the context of this cultural ciples.) By slim vote, Methodists maintain biblical marriage “It should give hope to all biblically-minded Chris- the IRD’s Juicy Ecumenism blog. “There was plenty of By DIANA CHANDLER | Baptist Press tians, and it should remind all of us of what we must loud, angry protesting. So much hurt all around. It was nited Methodist bishops are promoting unity always clearly see,” Mohler said in his Briefing podcast, a rather stressful day.” in the global church after delegates narrowly “and that is that there is no way for any church or con- The Traditional Plan clarifies the definition of a Uretained biblical marriage and a ban on LGBT gregation to move ahead in two contradictory direc- practicing homosexual as described in the UMC Book of ordination at a contentious 2019 General Conference in tions at once. “Eventually the choice comes down to Discipline, limiting the term to anyone “living in a same- St. Louis. faithfulness to the scriptures or the abandonment of the sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union,” Delegates approved Feb. 26 the Methodists’ Tradi- scriptures.” Mohler said. “When it comes to the clear or “who publicly states that she or he is a practicing tional Plan by a margin of 53.3 percent to 46.7 percent, teachings of scripture, there really is no middle ground, homosexual,” Lomperis said. Among other stipulations, going against the One Church Plan backed by the and that’s not just true for the Methodists.” the plan establishes mandatory penalties for clergy who United Methodist Church (UMC) Council of Bishops in Opponents of the Traditional Plan used such tactics violate LGBT marriage and ordination policies, Lom- advance of the conference. The One Church Plan would as points of order, proposed amendments, impassioned peris said, and gives churches the right to appeal when have largely left LGBT marriage and ordination in the pleas and challenges to decisions of the chair to delay a church leaders violate policy. hands of local church pastors, while the Traditional Plan final vote for hours, and at times erupted in vocal pro- The SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of- strengthens church policy prohibiting same-sex unions tests during the proceedings that were livestreamed. fers a detailed explanation of the UMC vote at erlc.com. and the ordination of practicing homosexuals. John Lomperis, the United Methodist director of the “By voting to uphold the biblical view of sexuality, The Southern Baptist Convention has long upheld Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD), said the the LGBTQ faction in the denomination will almost biblical marriage between one man and one woman, conference showcased “deep divides” in the UMC. assuredly split from the General Conference and thus teaching the union in its 2000 Baptist Faith and Mes- “It was particularly odd to see liberal leaders call disassociate from the other conferences and other local sage, and passing resolutions to that effect at annual evangelical United Methodists hateful, ‘a bunch of evil churches within the UMC,” ERLC communications meetings. folks,’ and all kinds of names, and then at the same time specialist Joe Carter wrote. “Local churches and clergy R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of The Southern Bap- see these same liberal leaders promote their primary have until the end of April 2020 to decide whether they tist Theological Seminary, termed the conference “not liberal plan as reflecting their desire for ‘we’re better will remain in the denomination or leave and join a self- only surprising,” but “stunning.” together’ unity with us,” Lomperis wrote Feb. 27 on governing body.” MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 7

Action Continued from page 1 minimum requirement for Southern Bap- Springdale, Ark. Reactions on the EC. In a statement to EC members, tist committees and trustee boards; Greear emphasized the initial goal of Reactions to the bylaws workgroup’s he called criticism of the bylaws work- 6. A call for Southern Baptists to re- such action is “never disfellowship, but statement have been varied, including group both “unfair” and “understand- view local church ordination practices to correction.” He also expressed gratitude allegations the EC did not go far enough able.” ensure proper vetting; for the Chronicle’s investigative report for in combatting abuse to allegations Greear “I understand that the very first ‘of- 7. A call for state conventions and “shining a light on the magnitude of this should have contacted the churches be- ficial’ response to the initiatives address- LifeWay to identify questions related to horrific sin.” fore listing them in an address to the EC. ing sexual abuse across our convention abuse that can be added to the Annual He said to Southern Baptists, “We Amid the discussion, Greear released a appeared to be a superficial process that Church Profile; need to regard any exposure, any shining statement to Baptist Press Feb. 26 noting exonerated churches that had been ‘ex- 8. The announcement of program- of light on abuse, as our friend, even if it “mistakes” “made by Southern Baptist posed’ in secular media reports,” Alford ming at the SBC annual meeting that will makes us ask some uncomfortable ques- churches in the past ... should be humbly wrote. “I understand why a lot of people address abuse among Southern Baptists, tions about ourselves, publicly. Our job is and transparently addressed, and these reading our report were disappointed, including a time of lament and an event to love and serve people, especially those churches should assure the Convention disillusioned, and even angry.” hosted by the ERLC; who have suffered abuse. Our job is not to that their current policies are not only up Baptist Press contacted churches listed 9. The announcement that the advisory protect our reputation.” to date, but have been implemented in in the Chronicle’s report after Greear’s group is evaluating the possibility of cre- ways that ensure the maximum safety of address. ating a database of offenders, but Greear Bylaws workgroup responds all who attend.” Among the six responses received, acknowledged the development of such a Following a called meeting via extend- Greear added, “While we do not pre- Rodney Brown, pastor of Trinity Baptist resource is “complicated” and “will take ed conference calls Feb. 22 and 23, mem- sume the guilt of any,” the Sexual Abuse Church in Ashburn, Ga., said the church’s time to evaluate;” bers of the bylaws workgroup released Advisory Study team believes “the public minister of music confessed in 2013 or 10. A statement that the study group a statement to the full EC in response to nature” of some accusations made against 2014 he had molested a “young teen” “strongly believes” the governing docu- Greear’s call to action. churches in the media warrants “a public decades earlier and had repented. In ments of the SBC should be reviewed The group said they asked for a “dos- response.” response, Brown “fired him right there on and amended regarding the definition of sier” of information about the 10 churches EC Chairman Mike Stone told Baptist the spot.” The man continued to attend a cooperating church, so that churches that were “singled out” by Greear, which Press in written comments, “While the the church, Brown said, though he was demonstrating “wanton disregard for Greear provided Feb. 22. Upon their [bylaws] workgroup intended to convey never allowed to be alone with children. sexual abuse … are not in good fellowship immediate review, they said only three the strongest sense of the Convention’s “Church leaders came back to me and with this convention.” churches warranted “further inquiry:” revulsion toward sexual abuse, we are said, ‘Rodney, the man says he’s repent- Greear said the EC had affirmed a • Bolivar Baptist Church, Sanger, Texas also keenly aware that the Convention has ed. We’re not his judge. We’ve not seen proposed constitutional amendment • Cathedral of Faith, Houston, Texas not given to us investigative authority.” anything to indicate any of this at our and would exercise existing authority • Sovereign Grace Church, Louisville, The bylaws workgroup’s release was church,’” Brown said, adding the church to review churches that “may well have Ky. criticized in both social and traditional felt the man was gifted for ministry and already demonstrated a lack of good The proposed SBC constitutional media. reinstated him as minister of music. standing on this issue.” amendment that was approved by the EC Among others, Rachael Denhollander, When Greear listed Trinity in his re- He called the bylaws workgroup of said the criteria for triggering a review an attorney and abuse survivor who has port without contacting the church first, the administrative committee to do due of a church’s standing is, “among other worked with Greear in the Sexual Abuse Brown felt “shock” then “discourage- diligence in reviewing the standing of things,” the following four activities: Advisory Study; Megan Lively, a victim ment,” he said. the following churches mentioned in • “employing a convicted sex of- advocate; and Virginia pastor Brent Hobbs “I thought the Southern Baptist Con- recent media reports on sexual abuse to fender, all either tweeted or blogged various vention was there to support the church- determine whether they have a “faith and • “allowing a convicted sex offender criticisms of the report. es that were a part of it. I kind of felt practice which closely identifies” with to work as a volunteer in contact with ERLC President Russell Moore told betrayed because no one had bothered to the Baptist Faith & Message: minors, the Chronicle he stands “squarely behind reach out to anybody in the church, me in • Arapaho Baptist Church, Garland, • “continuing to employ a person who J.D. Greear and the Advisory Group to particular as pastor, to allow us to verify Texas unlawfully concealed from law enforce- do whatever it takes to battle this satanic or deny any allegations.” • Bolivar Baptist Church, Sanger, Texas ment information regarding the sexual scourge of the sexual abuse of children Brown addressed the issue again • Brentwood Baptist Church, Hous- abuse of any person by an employee or and other vulnerable people. in a recorded sermon posted on Face- ton, Texas volunteer of the church, or “I was not present for this bylaws book, saying that both August “Augie” • Cathedral of Faith, Houston, Texas • “willfully disregarding compliance workgroup meeting. I know this, though, Boto, the EC’s interim president, and • Eastside Baptist Church, Marietta, with mandatory child abuse reporting the ultimate arbiter of our common wit- Thomas Hammond, executive director Ga. laws.” ness and our mission together is that of of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, • First Baptist Church, Bedford, Texas In “virtually all” reported cases, they the churches themselves. I sense that had reached out to apologize for the way • Second Baptist Church, Houston, said, only a few individuals covered up there is great urgency among the churches Trinity was named by Greear. Hammond Texas misdeeds and the “church body rarely to deal with these issues definitively, for released a statement March 2 saying that • Sovereign Grace Church, Louisville, knew” the truth. On that basis, they said the sake of vulnerable people and for apology was a mistake. Ky. the EC should not “disrupt” churches the sake of the holiness of the name of “I realize now this wording has been • Trinity Baptist Church, Ashburn, Ga. with inquiries until there are indications Christ.” rightly received by survivors and con- • Turner Street Baptist Church, the congregation “acted wrongfully.” Ken Alford, chair of the bylaws work- cerned Southern Baptists as insensitive group, resigned March 1 from his position and inappropriate,” said Hammond, according to The Christian Index. “They’re Kivett’s - Your Source for Renewal Kivett’s - Your Source for Renewal right; it was.” Complete Renovations • Refinish Complete Renovations • Refinish Hammond also said Brown has since New Pews • Steeples • Stained Glass New Pews • Steeples • Stained Glass “dismissed” the music minister who Steeple Cleaning • Baptistries Steeple Cleaning • Baptistries admitted to being a sexual abuser and www.kivetts.com www.kivetts.com continued in leadership at the church. KIVETT’S INC. 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1-800-334-1139 • Clinton, NC 1-800-334-1139 • Clinton, NC 8 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists N.C. surf pro shores up faith, family

Brett Barley, 30, seen below with his family, travels the world surfing, but he got his start in North Carolina in the Outer Banks.

rett Barley has dreamed of being a surfer since he was 5 years old. Growing up in Buxton, N.C., he Bbegan competing as a young man in the Eastern Surf Association and progressed into larger surfing leagues within a few years, such as the Association of Surfing Professionals (now called the World Surf League). Now 30 years old and sponsored by O’Neill, a popular swimwear clothing line, Barley spends his time traveling the world surfing places from Pipeline to Iceland, but his favorite wave is in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. When he is not spending time with his wife and fam- ily, he’s focusing on gathering surfing ROMAN GABRIEL III clips for his huge audience on social Sports Q &A platforms and video sites. Instagram photo Roman Gabriel interviewed Barley in his home town. What he found was a man committed to God, family When I was younger, surfing champions like ambition, but I wanted to make sure I put God first. He and a passion for the sea. The following is an edited A: Kelly Slater used to come the Outer Banks for has led me to where I am now, and I definitely would transcript. great surf. not have this life without him. We were in Hawaii together once, chatting about his Casual surfing fans don’t often think of North surf farm (Artificial Wave Facility) in Santa Clara, Calif., How difficult is it to balance life as an elite Q: Carolina as a great surf destination, so what and he invited me to come surf. On my way home from Q: surfer with a family? makes the Outer Banks special? surfing the Pipeline in Hawaii, I stopped in at his surf ranch and that was really special. It was really rad to get It takes a lot. I have to make sure that before and Cape Hatteras is the closest thing to the conti- to see that place in person. A: after a trip I’m totally focused on my family. I A: nental shelf on the East Coast, other than Miami, need to be with them. Fla. Our swell has a lot of power. We have really good How has your faith impacted your surfing and I will never let anything come between my relation- sand bars and they set up for pretty epic days of waves. Q: personal life? ship with my family. Balancing surfing and my family can sometimes be Who were the surfers on the East Coast that I came to know the Lord at 12 years old. I just tough. Q: motivated you? A: knew from the get-go, and the way He revealed My wife and I are on the same page in terms of raising Himself to me, that I never wanted to abandon Him or our kids and the way we live our life. Growing up in Buxton, I was pretty isolated. leave Him for anything. For more information on Brett Barley, follow him on A: For many years I just looked up to the local guys, As I got older and saw some of my friends start drift- Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @brettbarley. like Jesse Hines, Noah Snyder, Matt Beachum and Billy ing away from the Lord, I still knew putting Him first (EDITORS’S NOTE – Roman Gabriel III is an evangelist and Hume. They made a career of surfing in the Outer Banks was my goal. I never wanted to live life apart from him. motivational speaker. Visit the Faith Family Sports website: fspn. at the time, and they’re my heroes. It brought me to a place where I was able to form net. Hear his Sold Out Sports Talk Radio program on American a relationship with my now-wife. I have two children Family Radio in 200 cities nationally or streaming live at afr. Can you tell me about your relationship with and it’s a place I never would have been had I not had a net. Visit his website: soldout-tv.com; Facebook: Roman Q: 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, who is relationship with God. Gabriel III; connect on Twitter: @romangabriel3rd. Contact at considered the greatest pro surfer ever? At the time I could’ve acted based on my own selfish (910) 431-6483 or email: [email protected].) MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 9 N.C. mission volunteer dies in Puerto Rico February to New Bern, N.C., to serve for By DAVID ROACH | Baptist Press at least the next three years as assistant aul Fisher, the leader of a North site coordinators for North Carolina Carolina Baptist mission team Baptist rebuilding efforts following Hur- Preplacing roofs in Puerto Rico, ricane Florence. died Feb. 28 in a swimming accident near Carrie Fisher told Brunson in an email San Juan. He was 36. March 1, “The Lord is my strength and Fisher and his wife Carrie were my portion and deliverer. His grace is heading up a team assembled by North sufficient. Carolina Baptists on Mission (NCBM) to “Paul loved Jesus more than anyone fix homes damaged by Hurricane Maria I ever met. I know where he is. I am in 2017. positive he heard the Lord saying, ‘Well On Feb. 28, the team completed their done, my good and faithful servant.’” work for the day early and went to the Funeral arrangements were pending at beach to swim. press time. Paul Fisher, right in brown shirt, pictured here after fixing a roof damaged by Hurricane Maria, died Feb. A riptide pulled Fisher underwater as To date, North Carolina Baptists on 28 while leading a mission team in Puerto Rico. He is survived by his wife Carrie, left in hat and neon Mission have replaced roofs on 225 he was in the process of rescuing a team shirt. (Submitted photo) member, and he drowned despite the Maria-damaged homes in Puerto Rico. team’s 30-minute effort to resuscitate to go wherever God was leading them,” and Carrie as an administrator for a Fisher’s team decided to repair one more him, according to an email from Richard Brunson told Baptist Press. mission organization – so they could do in his honor March 1 before traveling Brunson, NCBM executive director. Paul and Carrie Fisher had opted not missions full time, Brunson said. home March 2. The Fishers “were just a wonder- to buy a house in Charlotte, N.C., where They both resigned their jobs earlier “They felt that would be what Paul ful, amazing couple who were willing they both worked – Paul in construction this year and moved at the beginning of would have wanted,” Brunson said. Nigerian reaches Africa through Minneapolis One such example is Khemis Artema, By BRANDON ELROD | NAMB a refugee from South Sudan. Artema hilip Nache could have given traveled through refugee camps, where in to despair. Boko Haram, the he endured physical suffering and lack of Pjihadist militant group located in medication, before arriving in the United Nigeria, had threatened his life, martyred States. Nache said that Artema remained a convert to Christianity and continued faithful to the Lord through those trials, to intimidate Christians. and now he disciples him so that he But despite the danger, Nache ex- can return to South Sudan and plant a pected to return to his people, where church. he’d spent nearly 20 years ministering, “They [Artema and his wife] thank pastoring and planting churches. He had God,” Nache said, “that the Lord estab- come to the United States to attend The lished this church and they’re able to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a know scripture along with their chil- moment of divine timing that coincided dren.” with Boko Haram’s first threats on his Hope of Nations sent Artema on a life. short-term trip to South Sudan, which As he contemplated whether and how Annie Armstrong Easter Offering 2019 Week of Prayer missionary Philip Nache and his wife Jummai was the trip that solidified God’s calling to return to Nigeria, another divine ap- answered the call to move to Minneapolis in order to serve the African immigrant population. Nache for him to return. Nache continues to pointment redirected his steps. experienced persecution at the hands of Boko Haram in Nigeria before traveling to the United States to disciple and train future missionaries like “At that time, God opened the door become a church planting missionary. (NAMB photo by Daniel McCullough) Artema. for me to come to Minneapolis,” Nache “Our desire is to keep multiplying said. “When I was told about the need American Missions. started reaching out to their neighbors and reaching out to more people groups, here in the Twin Cities, I was still think- When he moved his family to the Twin and began house-to-house fellowships. especially people from Africa,” said ing of Africa, but after praying, I felt Cities, Nache discovered a hunger for And that’s how God opened the door Nache. He sees donations to the Annie convicted to go to Minnesota.” new churches among the various African and established His church, Hope of Na- Armstrong Easter Offering as a key part So, he decided to plan a visit. When populations. They lacked the means to tions Gospel Church. of that vision going forward. he arrived, he was surprised by what he make it happen until Nache arrived with Hope of Nations has gone to two “I must say that without the help of saw. the support of Southern Baptists. services, one for South Sudanese and the Annie Armstrong support that we are “It’s like I was in Africa – the northern “One pastor came to me,” Nache another for northern Nigerians. Nache getting from the North American Mission part of Africa. Because I [saw a] basket recalled, “and said, ‘Oh, there are a lot and many of his church members have a Board,” said Nache, “honestly speaking, full of people – Africans,” Nache recalled of South Sudanese and Ethiopians and so vision to reach not only their immediate I don’t think this work will be possible… of his first vision trip to the city. many Africans that are there. I’ve tried neighbors but the whole world. So, I seriously appreciate and thank Seeing fellow Africans opened his even to start a church with them, but I While in Nigeria, Nache pastored and God for this offering. Thank God for the mind and heart, and Nache’s disposition couldn’t because of resources.’” planted churches, and now God contin- churches all over North America that are toward Minneapolis changed. He sensed That believer asked Nache if he was ues to use his ministry in Minneapolis to helping to support this work.” God’s leading and prepared to go. willing to reach out to those populations reach the nations of Africa. In the Twin Gifts made to the Annie Armstrong Nache saw how the nations had come even though many of them were Muslim. Cities, Nache said, “we are able to iden- Easter Offering go directly to support to North America. This year he is a 2019 Nache’s response was simple, “Why not? tify potential pastors who desire to go and resource North American mission- Week of Prayer missionary for the Annie This is [why] God has brought me.” and reach out to their people and plant aries in the field. To learn more, visit Armstrong Easter Offering for North Nache joined a group of believers, churches in their own countries.” anniearmstrong.com. 10 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

Churches Continued from page 1

I am also praying that God will stir His people in our protected, ministry volunteers are thoroughly screened, churches to ask hard questions about the preparations and ministry leaders are properly trained so that our their churches have made to recognize and report abuse. churches will be recognized as safe places for all people In addition, it’s incumbent upon our churches to review to hear and experience the life changing message of the their policies and procedures to ensure children are Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Resources for safety and prevention procedures The following consultants are available for assis- Women’s ministries tance with safety and prevention procedures (orga- Ashley Allen, senior consultant “You will never have the identity that gives you the confidence to nized by topic): go until you understand Jesus as everlasting Father,” said J.D. Embrace Women’s Ministry Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Durham and president of (800) 395-5102, ext. 5559 the Southern Baptist Convention, to students at the GO conference. Children’s ministries [email protected] (SEBTS photo) Cheryl Markland, senior consultant Childhood Evangelism & Discipleship The following consultants are available for assis- Continued from page 4 (800) 395-5102, ext. 5645 tance with abuse response and counseling: GO [email protected] graduate program administration and associate profes- Abuse survivors (general) sor of ministry to women; “How to Share the Gospel Children’s missions and camps Bryan Hatcher, chief executive officer Dollie Noa, senior consultant with Your Neighbors,” led by Ronjour Locke, instruc- CareNet Counseling tor of preaching and urban ministry; and “How Do We N.C. Baptist Men (also called Baptists on Mission) [email protected] Engage Justice and Our City as Students,” led by Luke (800) 395-5102, ext. 5598 Hinson, a student at SEBTS who is studying a master of [email protected] Abuse survivors (safe homes) arts in ethics, theology and culture. Keith Henry, chief operating officer Tony Merida, pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, Church bylaws and policies Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina finished out the conference by preaching on God as Eddie Thompson, senior consultant [email protected] Lord, found in 1 Kings 18:17-46. In the passage, which Pastoral Ministries features the faceoff between the prophet Elijah and the (800) 395-5102, ext. 5644 Reporting allegations of abuse prophets of Baal to prove the true God, Merida pro- [email protected] To report allegations of sexual abuse or other mis- vided three elements of this “showdown” that reveal conduct, contact local law enforcement or social God as Lord: the proposal, the purpose and the prayer- answering champion of the showdown. Church personnel services. (More information is available at ncdhhs. Merida spoke to the emptiness of false religion as Pamela Bills, director, Human Resources gov.) (800) 395-5102, ext. 5616 he contrasted the frenzied worshippers of Baal to the North Carolina’s mandatory reporting laws require power of the God of Elijah. [email protected] any adult with cause to suspect the abuse or neglect “If you aren’t praying to the living God, it’s an exer- of a person under 18 years old to alert authorities. cise in futility,” said Merida, explaining that what set Student ministries Reports made in good faith are protected from civil Elijah’s worship apart from the prophets of Baal was that Merrie Johnson, senior consultant or criminal liability. of deep fellowship with God. Youth Evangelism & Discipleship Failure to report could result in fines or jail time. Elijah was the forerunner to Christ, the ultimate (800) 395-5102, ext. 5568 Clergy privilege does not exempt ministers or reli- mediator, prophet and king who would sacrifice himself [email protected] gious organizations from reporting requirements. on behalf of sinners in order that they might know God, N.C. Baptist churches may also contact Brian Davis, Merida noted. Student missions associate executive director-treasurer at the Baptist “If you truly have a high view of the Lord God, you Tom Beam, student summer mission State Convention of North Carolina, at (800) 395- will follow Him in bold faith,” said Merida. Next year’s GO Conference is scheduled for Feb. 7-8. mobilization consultant, N.C. Baptist Men 5102, ext. 5506, or [email protected]. (800) 395-5102, ext. 5626 The Identity Flows concert following the Friday [email protected] night sessions featured hip hop artists Legin (Nigel An- derson) and The Ambassador (Duce Branch).

SWBTS Continued from page 1 conferences on the subjects of parenting, Greenway said he hopes to continue is Maintaining a “faculty of generals” it’s our belief that this is the beginning marriage and men’s leadership. its production of denominational leaders who attract the next generation of min- of many more moments of sensing the Southwestern is unique for its “schol- for churches and SBC entities. He noted isters will be another hallmark of Green- Lord’s work, His presence and His pur- arship on fire” focus, Greenway said, former SWBTS president L.R. Scarbor- way’s tenure, he said. pose.” quoting a phrase Southwestern founder ough’s leadership in the SBC’s 75 Million Appearing alongside Greenway, Roberts, executive pastor of North B.H. Carroll used to describe academic Campaign nearly a century ago as well as SWBTS trustee chairman Kevin Ueckert Richland Hills (Texas) Baptist Church, rigor combined with passion for Christ. Southwestern alumni who have influ- and presidential search committee chair- said The seminary established the first profes- enced the SBC more recently, including man Danny Roberts said they believe Gre- “God opened the paths that we sorship of evangelism at any seminary in Jimmy Draper, Morris Chapman, Jerry enway is God’s man to lead the seminary needed to go down” during the search North America, has been known for its Rankin, Jack Graham and O.S. Hawkins. forward. process. soul winning emphasis and is poised to Southwestern should “continue to “God has provided us all a unique “It was absolutely incredibly amaz- “touch the world and impact eternity provide a pipeline for leadership in every blessing to be part of a moment like ing how the Holy Spirit worked in and right here from Seminary Hill.” aspect of convention life,” Greenway this,” said Ueckert, pastor of First Baptist through each of the different times we Another part of the SWBTS heritage said. Church in Georgetown, Texas. “And met together.” MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 11 NEWS BRIEFS BGR joins movement for Gateway to offer all master’s degrees online disaster response standards (Gateway Seminary) Gateway Seminary in Ontario, Calif., will become the fi rst Southern Baptist seminary to offer all its master’s degrees completely online in the BGR & Baptist Press neva, Switzerland, by non-governmental fall of 2019. Approval to offer the fi nal two degree programs online came from the organizations such as the Red Cross and Association of Theological Schools (ATS) on Feb. 15. “Having all of our master’s aptist Global Response (BGR) has Red Crescent under the conviction that degrees online means that more than ever before, Gateway students have optimum Bbeen accepted as an associate mem- people affected by disasters or confl ict fl exibility to hone their ministry skills as they expand God’s Kingdom around ber of Sphere, a movement to uphold have the right to receive protection and the world,” said Kristen Ferguson, Gateway’s director of online education. “We high standards in humanitarian work assistance that ensures both quality of couldn’t be more thrilled to offer this fl exibility to them.” during disaster responses. life and dignity. Besides all master’s degrees, selected certifi cates and concentrations also will be With its inclusion in Sphere, BGR Sphere members created a set of available online. “joins other international organizations minimum standards for humanitarian Louisiana College quits CCCU over LGBT policy in affi rming the need for knowing what response in four areas: water supply, to do in a time of crisis to meet the sur- sanitation and hygiene; food security and (Baptist Message) Louisiana College President Rick Brewer has notifi ed the vival needs of people,” said Pat Melan- nutrition; shelter and settlement; and Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) that the Baptist-affi liated con, BGR director of disaster response health. college has withdrawn its membership from the organization. and training. Its extensive handbook, updated The issue involves a policy passed by the CCCU board of directors endorsing Sphere membership is “a huge vali- in 2018 in print and online from a 2011 so-called “Fairness for All” (FFA) legislation to add sexual orientation and gender dation to the many years of hard work edition, has been read online in 145 identity to the list of federally-protected classes while also articulating protections and proven track record of BGR and our countries, making it the most widely for churches and religious organizations. disaster response approaches,” BGR CEO recognized compilation of humanitarian Union University left CCCU in 2015 due to “the organization’s failure to respond Jeff Palmer said. “This makes us better in standards for national and international appropriately to two member institutions that have endorsed same-sex marriage,” our disaster response, our ability to train, NGOs, volunteers, UN agencies, govern- according to an August 2015 news release. Campbell University confi rmed with the equip and lead others in disaster events, ments, donors, the private sector and Biblical Recorder that it is “a collaborative partner of CCCU,” according to an email and even more credible to countries and others. from the communications offi ce. CCCU’s website lists Campbell and two other governments we work with during a BGR is a Southern Baptist interna- N.C. schools. Campbell is the only North Carolina Baptist-affi liated university listed disaster.” tional relief and development organiza- as a member of CCCU. BGR began training as a Sphere organi- tion founded in 2006 that works with Cuba’s proposed constitution cuts religious freedom zation in 2016. the International Mission Board (IMB) to (Baptist Press) Cuban pastors are resisting pressure to support a Feb. 24 con- Now, as an associate member, BGR respond to disasters and chronic issues stitutional referendum that further limits religious freedoms in the Communist will be a part of implement Sphere such as poverty and hunger around the nation, international religious liberty advocates said. The referendum comes amid a policies on improving the quality and world. Although not an offi cial entity of growth in Christianity in Cuba, Southern Baptists active there have said, including a accountability of humanitarian aid. As- the SBC, BGR works to enhance the IMB reported 43,072 professions of faith among Eastern Cuban Baptists in 2017. sociate members, though not in Sphere’s purpose of demonstrating and making Cuban Communist Party (CCP) offi cials have gathered religious leaders, includ- governance, otherwise are fully involved known the love of Jesus to people in ing Christian pastors in several cities, to confi rm that religious leaders and their in the movement. need. congregations would support the referendum, Christian Solidarity Worldwide Sphere was founded in 1997 in Ge- Visit spherestandards.org or gobgr.org. (CSW) reported Feb. 15. At a recent meeting held Feb. 12 in Santiago, the CCP only wanted to intimidate pastors, a church leader told CSW. The proposed constitution signifi cantly reduces religious freedom and removes IMB mobilizer Edgar Aponte language in the current constitution regarding freedom of conscience, religious liberty advocates have said. to lead Idlewild missions Ruling affi rmed in Mo. Baptist Home, univ. cases By SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor and his love for the nations is compel- (Missouri Pathway) Missouri Baptists are one step closer to restoring The Baptist ling.” Home and Missouri Baptist University (MBU) to the “MBC family.” On Feb. 19, the dgar Aponte, vice president for Whitten applauded Aponte’s service state’s Appeals Court in Kansas City affi rmed a lower-court ruling ordering The Emobilization at the International at the IMB, describing it as “the greatest Baptist Home and MBU to seat trustees elected by the Missouri Baptist Convention. Mission Board (IMB) and former director missions organization in the world.” He Unless the Missouri Supreme Court agrees to hear an appeal and then overturns of Hispanic leadership development at also said the addition of Aponte’s “gifts the ruling, the two organizations would resume operating under convention- Southeastern Baptist Theological Semi- and callings” means “we just got better approved charters and duly elected Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) boards nary, will transition to the missions staff as a church, and Tampa, along with the for the fi rst time since 2001. The Baptist Home voted unanimously Feb. 26 to cease of Idlewild Baptist Church near Tampa, nations, just got brighter.” further appeals. MBU had until March 6 (after the Biblical Recorder print deadline) to Fla., later this spring. Aponte told the Recorder he hopes to fi le an application for rehearing in the Court of Appeals en banc or for transfer to the Aponte will oversee local, “honor the Lord and model 1 Peter 5 as I Missouri Supreme Court. national and international mis- seek to contribute to develop Jerry Johnson resigns as NRB president sions for the church, which is a missional culture that results in churches being planted and (Baptist Press) National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) President Jerry Johnson, led by well-known Southern hundreds of missionaries sent 54, has resigned effective March 1, NRB announced Feb. 13. Though neither NRB nor Baptist pastor Ken Whitten. to the nations.” Johnson has stated a reason for the resignation, NRB board chair Michael Little said “When we were looking “I’m very excited to serve in a news release Johnson’s departure “leaves no question about his outstanding for a global pastor to help lead this sweet congregation and moral character.” us in God’s mission, we asked continue the strong partner- Based in Washington, NRB is an international association of Christian commu- the Lord for a man who had a ship that the church has with nicators whose organizations represent millions of viewers, listeners and readers shepherd’s heart, an adminis- Florida Baptists, [the North worldwide via radio, television and the internet. Johnson has served in numerous trator’s mind and a servant’s Bibli- American Mission Board] and leadership roles in Southern Baptist life, including president of Criswell College hands,” Whitten told the EDGAR APONTE cal Recorder IMB,” he said. twice and administrative posts at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and . “I’m also excited to serve The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “God answered that prayer and led us to Dr. Edgar Aponte. with and learn from faithful and godly Full stories available online at BRnow.org. “His love for Jesus Christ is contagious pastors, like Ken Whitten.” 12 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Faye Pearson, fi rst woman IMB area director, dies

By MARY JANE WELCH | Baptist Press in student ministries in Taipei. For the next nine years, she did student ministry aye Pearson, 78, the fi rst woman in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, among students to serve as an area director for the from Jung Shan University, Kaohsiung FSouthern Baptist International Medical School, Normal University and Mission Board (IMB), died Feb. 20 fol- four junior colleges. lowing a long battle with cancer. Pearson then served a year as adminis- Pearson started her career in the early trator of the Taiwan Baptist mission. She 1960s as many women did then – work- also was religious education department ing as a secretary, teacher and church head and religious education teacher at education director. But how things had the Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary changed by 1993, when the world’s larg- in Taipei from 1982-1988, having served est evangelical missions organization earlier as a part-time professor there. elected her to lead their work in East Pearson became associate to the area Asia. In that role, Pearson supervised the director for East Asia in 1988 and held that position, along with serving as IMB’s work of approximately 450 missionaries Faye Pearson speaks at an “Experiencing God” conference in the mid-1990s in East Asia, where she relating to nine countries. East Asia cross-cultural resource special- was named area director in 1993. She was the fi rst, and only, woman elected to serve as an area direc- “Faye was a leader who cared greatly ist, until 1993 when she was elected area tor with the International Mission Board. (IMB photo) about the missionaries whom she led as director. After retiring in 1998, Pearson well as the lost millions with whom they taught at Nanjing (China) Theological were seeking to share the gospel,” said Seminary for fi ve years. Then she re- TRAINING CHURCH Clyde Meador, IMB’s interim turned to the Taiwan seminary executive vice president. “She to assist in writing curriculum was both fi rm and gentle in for a newly established mis- MUSICIANS making diffi cult decisions sions department and to direct hurches across our nation are expe- technologies to prepare them to lead and in communicating those the ministry of the World Mis- riencing a shortage of instrumental- in worship in their local churches and decisions to those who were sion Center. ists, which is greatly affecting the beyond. Pearson’s work in Taiwan C The second way the church can ad- affected by them.” quality of worship. During the four years they with students considering For many, the pianist has retired or dress the problem is to utilize tech- both served as area directors in their place in world missions – moved away and there is no one in the nologies to fi ll in the gaps where we different parts of Asia, he said, and the questions they asked – church with the skills to fi ll the position. do not have adequate instrumentalists. they had frequent dialogue stirred her to write the book A For churches with organs, perhaps no Whether your church uses a piano and/ when they were at the IMB’s FAYE PEARSON Link In God’s Chain: Fond Memo- one is available and capable to play them. or organ or a band-driven approach, a home offi ce in Richmond. ries. In it, she told the stories of For our churches that want to incorpo- number of great options are highlighted “She was a wise and helpful person 30 of the missionaries who had served in rate a worship band, they often are not on the blog at RenewingWorshipNC.org. with whom to share challenges in our Taiwan between 1952 and 1976. able to fi nd suitable musicians to fi ll out In response to this shortage of leadership responsibilities,” he said. “I A native of Laurel, Miss., Pearson a full band. church instrumentalists, we have de- came to know her as a committed ser- earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary I see at least two ways the church veloped a new seminar titled “Worship vant of the Lord – a student of missions education from McNeese State University can address this issue. First, and most with Limited Musician Resources.” deeply devoted to seeing the Great Com- in Lake Charles, La., and a master’s de- importantly, we should strive to raise up This new training will showcase the mission carried to every part of East Asia gree in religious education from South- new instrumentalists. Encourage and many possibilities for churches lacking and its peoples, whom she greatly loved. western Baptist Theological Seminary equip young people in your congregation instrumental accompanists. She was a joy and an encouragement to in Fort Worth, Texas. She did advanced to learn an instrument and use their gifts Encourage the young people in your all of us who worked with her.” studies in missiology at Fuller Seminary in the context of the local church. church to explore the musical gifts “Faye Pearson is remembered at the in Pasadena, Calif., and received an hon- Whether it’s piano lessons or taking talents and abilities that God has given IMB with much love and respect,” IMB orary doctor of divinity degree from Asia up a band instrument, we need to do all them. President Paul Chitwood said. “She Baptist Theological Seminary, headquar- we can to train these students for the fu- Don’t be afraid to utilize technology clearly was passionate about serving tered in Manila. ture. Our churches should be incubators and other resources to aid in your her Savior, working across the SBC in Before her appointment, Pearson for raising up church worship musicians. worship services until the day we have roles with churches, state conventions, worked as state YWA (Young Women’s For many years, the Baptist State adequate musicians prepared to lead Woman’s Missionary Union, the Home Auxiliary, now myMISSION) director for Convention of North Carolina has in- our churches. Mission Board, and the Foreign Mission Oklahoma Woman’s Missionary Union vested in budding musicians through the In all we do, may our worship be an Board (FMB). She exhibited the gifts God and was education director for Univer- All-State Youth Choir to develop singers. outward expres- gave her by nurturing relationships and sity Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ark. Now, this summer, we are offering a new sion of the glory modeling servant leadership. We thank She earlier held secretarial positions at Student Worship Academy to train high that is due to our God that so many fellow believers around McNeese State, taught elementary school school worship leaders. Lord. the world had the blessing of working in Lake Charles and served as a student This experience alongside Faye.” missionary in Arkansas, Florida and gives students a week Pearson felt God’s call at age 12 to California. She was an active member of of intense instruction be a missionary. Sixteen years later, in Freedom Baptist Church in Laurel as a in instruments and October 1968, she was appointed a mis- child and joined the church when she sionary to Taiwan by the FMB. While in returned later in retirement. When the EDITOR’S NOTE – Kenny Lamm is a consultant for worship language school in Taiwan from 1969-1971, Chinese Christian Church was organized and music with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Pearson taught English Bible classes, in nearby Hattiesburg, she became an ac- Contact him at (800) 395-5102, ext. 5638, or [email protected]. KENNY LAMM worked with children and was involved tive member there. Visit his blog at renewingworshipnc.org. MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 13

OPPORTUNITY CORNER AROUND THE STATE Obituaries He was called to Reynoldson Bap- HARVEY EARL BROWN, 99, died tist Church, Gates, Feb. 24. N.C., in 1964, The son of a Baptist preacher, Brown serving there until attended Wake Forest College before retiring in 2002. moving to Charlotte where he met and He served seven The Baptist State Convention of North to help participants become more com- married Elvas Al- interim pastorates Carolina is providing gospel conversa- petent and confident in sharing the mond Brown. during his retire- tions training at three separate locations gospel. Training will be held March 23 They became ment. across N.C. Gospel Conversations train- at King’s Cross Church, Greensboro; members of First He is survived BILLY PRESLEY SR. ing explains not only why but also how April 27 at Perkinsville Baptist Church, Baptist Church, by his wife of more to have gospel conversations across vari- Boone; and June 8 at First Baptist Church, Charlotte, in the than 57 years, ous contexts. Charlotte. All sessions run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 1940s and re- Claire Titmus Presley; a daughter, De The training includes both classroom Registration is $10. Visit ncbaptist.org/ mained members Anna Presley; and a son, Billy Presley Jr., instruction and experiential application event-gospel-conversations-training. until their deaths. all of Gates; nine grandchildren; and five He served in many great-grandchildren. capacities within Memorials to: the Billy Price and the church includ- HARVEY EARL BROWN Claire Titmus Presley Missions Endow- ing Bible teacher, ment Fund at Chowan University, 1 Uni- Sunday School director and deacon. In versity Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855, his later years, he regularly attended or to Vidant Hospice, 521 West Myers Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910. Baptist State Convention of North Car- a love for Christ that is centered on the the Southern Baptist Convention annual olina consultants and other experienced gospel. Sessions are held from 8:30 a.m.- meetings, and he also served on various LUCILLE “LU” EVANS PHELPS, leaders will lead age-graded breakout noon and attendees may choose to attend Baptist State Convention of North Caro- 59, died Feb. 26 after a long battle with sessions, as well as a special session for March 23 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, lina (BSC) committees. metastatic breast cancer. pastors, around the themes of teaching, Raleigh; May 11 at Elizabethtown Baptist Brown, who was serving on the BSC A Burlington, N.C., native, she is a caring and sharing in Inside Out Sunday Church; Aug. 17 at Supply Baptist Church; Business Services Special Committee graduate of Meredith College (1981) and School. These free sessions will help or Sept. 28 at Pole Creek Baptist Church, and the BSC Investment Committee, was Southern Seminary (1984). She also com- equip and encourage attendees to convey Candler. Visit ncbaptist.org/event-inside-out. recognized Jan. 28 at the BSC meeting at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia. pleted a master of school administration Brown is survived by his five children, in 2008. Edith Edney, Frances Yohman, Joyce Jol- She served in ministry with her ley, Harvey Brown Jr., and Ruth Brown; husband David W. Phelps, director of nine grandchildren; nine great-grand- missions of Atlantic Baptist Association children; his sister, Myrtle Watson; and (ABA), and in churches in North and brother, Robert “Bob” Brown. South Carolina. She also wrote preschool Memorials to: Arthur Lewis Brown Sunday School curriculum for the South- The Baptist State Convention of North will have more than 15 breakout sessions Family Student Aid Fund at sebts.edu/ ern Baptist Convention. Phelps taught Carolina presents the TELL conference, a from which to choose. You may attend alumni-and-friends/friends/Arthur-lewis.aspx. chorus in public and private schools. She time to equip leaders to more effectively the conference on March 30 at Mountain Checks can be made to Southeastern Bap- was an active member of First Baptist make disciples through gospel-centered View Baptist Church, Hickory, or April tist Theological Seminary, 120 S. Wingate Church, Morehead City. teaching, training ministry teachers and 27 at Salem Baptist Church, Apex. Cost St., Wake Forest, NC 27587, and include She is survived by her husband of 34 leaders, VBS training, classroom manage- is $10 for morning only or $15 for all-day in the memo line Arthur Lewis Brown years, David W. Phelps of Morehead City; ment and creating safe and secure min- training and lunch. The group rate for six Fund. two daughters, Sarah Beth Bdoyan of istry environments. This one-day event or more is $50 for morning only and $75 Wake Forest and Rachel Anne Phelps of will feature speaker Bill Emeott, lead for all-day training and lunch. Visit ncbap- BILLY PRICE PRESLEY SR., 83, died Raleigh; two granddaughters; one sister, ministry specialist for LifeWay Kids and tist.org/event-tell-conference. Feb. 25. Becky Evans Glass of Yorktown, Va.; and A Mississippi native, Presley was a two brothers, Tommy Evans of Jackson, graduate of Mississippi College, South- N.C.; Bobby Evans of San Francisco, eastern Seminary and the School of Pasto- Calif. ral Care at Baptist Hospital in Winston- Memorials to the Armenia Church Salem (now called Wake Forest Baptist Fund; make checks payable to Atlantic Health). Baptist Association and send to ABA, P.O. He was a Baptist minister for more Box 365 Havelock, NC 28532. Memo: “Lu than 40 years, first pastoring in Florida. Phelps Memorial Armenia Church Fund.”

Woman’s Missionary Union of North Kids Camp (April 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.) Submissions Carolina is hosting a two-day missions for boys and girls in K-6th grade. All conference April 26-27 at Trinity Baptist children should be registered by April 12 The Biblical Recorder is pleased to publish staff changes, church news and Church in Raleigh. Sandy Wisdom- and a family member must be attending events with a statewide interest. Please send information immediately Martin, executive director of the national the adult sessions. following an event, or for opportunity corner, send at least two months WMU, will be the guest speaker, and Full weekend rates begin at $60 in advance. Include cost and contact information in your email or attendees can choose from a wide variety (through March 15) with reductions for correspondence. All submissions will be subjected to Biblical Recorder styles of break-out sessions including leader- one-day attendance. To register and find and guidelines and will be edited. ship, missions and spiritual development. additional information, visit wmunc.org/ Send to [email protected] or Biblical Recorder, P.O. Box 1185, Cary, NC 27512. For the first time this year, there will be a missions-extravaganza. Call (919) 847-2127. 14 Sunday School MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

March 17 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE March 24 The Problem with Wisdom The Problem with Work Focal passages: Ecclesiastes knowledge he doesn’t have. “All this I have Focal passages: Ecclesiastes would all be passed on to someone else. 2:12-17; 7:23-39 proved by wisdom. I said, ‘I shall be wise’; but it 2:18-23; 3:9-13 “For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, was far from me. As for that which is far off and knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his s a kid, I loved to learn but exceedingly deep, who can find it out? I applied everal months ago, I had a heritage to a man who has not labored for it” also recognized that more my heart to know, to search and seek out wisdom conversation with a friend who (Ecclesiastes 2:21). A knowledge could lead to more and the reason of things, to know the wicked- Sis getting ready to retire. He King Solomon recognized his life’s opportunities. As I’ve grown older, ap- ness of folly, even of foolishness and began building his company at work was a futile if he was not serving plying knowledge in a way that is wise madness.” a young age and had spent the God. “I have seen the God-given task with has become even more important. We know God to be the last 40-plus years investing which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has Wisdom is a characteristic for which only one who has all knowl- time, energy and heart into made everything beautiful in its time. Also He King Solomon is known. edge and wisdom. Solomon it. His company had grown has put eternity in their hearts …” (Ecclesias- Yet, as one of the wisest men in his- understood that God gives beyond his wildest dreams, tes 3:10-11). tory, he considers wisdom, on its own, to wisdom to those who please but after spending almost two- Colossians also speaks to this by be void. Him and live righteously thirds of his life in his work, saying, “And whatever you do, in word or In Ecclesiastes 2:16, Solomon compares (Ecclesiastes 7:23-29). As all that effort would suddenly in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord those who are wise to those who are fool- Christians, we receive the Holy end. Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through ish. “For there is no more remembrance of the Spirit when we trust in Jesus DANIELA SANCHEZ My friend was at odds with him… Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as wise than of the fool forever, since all that now is as our Savior, making it pos- Member, The Summit how he would transition out of something done for the Lord and not for people, will be forgotten in the days to come. And how sible for us to please God and Church, Durham his life’s work. Should he sell knowing that you will received the reward of an does a wise man die? As the fool!” Without follow Him. his business? Would someone inheritance from the Lord. You served the Lord Christ, the wise, like the foolish, will Ephesians 3:19 puts it this be interested in taking it over? And what Christ” (Col. 3:17, 23-14). perish. way, “… to know Christ’s love that surpasses was he going to do during retirement? Fortunately, my friend recognizes that Knowledge and wisdom are gifts from knowledge, so that you may be filled with all Solomon also considered his work in all his work has been a gift from God. As our Father, but He has also created us the fullness of God.” The love of Christ is Ecclesiastes 2:18-23. he has prayed through this new season, with finite minds. beyond our understanding, but it has the He had invested a lot of time, money he practices laying down his dreams, his King Solomon confesses that, even as power to change our lives, and the lives and thought into the kingdom he had accomplishments and his future before a wise man, there is much wisdom and of others, forever. built, but recognized that one day it the Lord. March 17 EXPLORE THE BIBLE March 24 Unites Restores Focal passage: Mark 3:23-35 to Satan. In Narnia, that would be akin Focal passage: Mark 5:21–43 used twice in verses 28-34. The word can to saying Aslan’s power to restore came also mean “to save.” The sick woman in n C.S. Lewis’ classic book, The from the White Witch. It simply does not evoting his life to serving a leper the passage responds to Jesus’ healing Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch make sense. If Satan was behind all that colony in Hawaii, Damien de power by “trembling with fear” and she Iand the Wardrobe, we find the Pevensie Jesus had done, then it would go against DVeuster began his ministry to is- tells Jesus “the whole truth.” children making their way to Aslan, the everything Satan tries to ac- landers in 1864. He is famously The language suggests Christ has not lion. As the story progresses, the children complish. quoted for saying, “I make merely healed the woman physically. learn Aslan has the power to restore life In previous chapters, Jesus myself a leper with the lepers More importantly, He appears to have to all those who were turned to stone by has displayed Himself through to gain all to Jesus Christ.” offered her spiritual healing. Just as Jesus the White Witch. His power. He drove out Mother Theresa noted a few used sickness as a metaphor for sin in Throughout Lewis’ story, the reader demons, was tempted by Satan things that stood out about Mark 2:17, He uses physical healing as a also learns that Aslan is who he says he for 40 days and healed people. Damien’s ministry: he removed means to highlight both His power and is. As for the beginning chapters of Mark, Jesus also demonstrated His fear from their hearts and gave salvation. the increasing testimony of Christ’s work authority through conflicts, them “hope in being cured.” A similar experience occurs in Jairus’ – in both word and deed – culminates in which led up to the current This missionary brought story as well. Jesus’ comment to Jairus this passage. The main point here is that passage, where He closely Christ to both a physically and in verse 36, “Do not be afraid; just believe,” Christ is who He says He is, the Son of identifies Himself with the MIKE PARRY spiritually sick people group. coupled with the specific act of healing God and Savior of the world. people of God. Member, De Veuster himself contracted Jairus’ daughter, makes it evident. There From a literary perspective, Mark Verses 31-35 should not lead North Wake Church, leprosy not long into his minis- is spiritual healing and physical healing. Wake Forest 3:22-30 may seem out of place. But Mark us to believe Jesus teaches that try. Although he was unable to The people group De Veuster served appears to include the section to empha- family relationships are unim- physically heal himself or any were brought to faith in Christ. They size two ideas: (1) the difference between portant. Instead, He is simply pointing of the people he went to minister to, he were restored to a right relationship with Jesus’ friends and family and the scribes, to a higher priority. That higher priority did make himself available to serve and God through salvation. Having that same and (2) to explain the “unpardonable” is “the will of God.” In these verses, Mark share Christ. faith, who will you share this salvation sin. identifies Jesus as the One who is unified A Greek word that means “to heal” is with? Jesus demonstrates the seriousness of with both the Father and the people of attributing or assigning Christ’s lifesav- God. How might you demonstrate such Submissions ing power, through both word and deed, unity in your life this week? The Biblical Recorder is pleased to publish staff changes, church news and ADVERTISE in the events with a statewide interest. Please send information immediately following an event, or for opportunity corner, send at least two months in Biblical Recorder – (919) 459-5691 advance. Send to [email protected]. MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 15 ‘Who’s Your One?’ launches Book Continued from page 3 North American Mission Board for the vulnerable. Sadler concludes with an exhortation to move he North American Mission Board (NAMB) officially launched the from passive recipients of grace to active participants of grace. T “Who’s Your One?” evangelism initiative Feb. 26 as part of an effort Sadler’s book is a fresh means of encouragement and training to encourage Southern Baptists to engage people with gospel conversa- for Christ’s call to love our neighbors, both seen and unseen. It is tions throughout the year. This evangelism emphasis asks believers to Christ’s finished work on the cross that empowers compassion- pray for and focus on one individual in the hope that that person may ate neighbor-love and the pursuit of justice. Jesus has done the come to Christ. work and invites us to join Him where He is already at work. Ev- As part of the emphasis, pastors can order a free kit from NAMB that ery one of us can do something to engage human trafficking, and includes several items to help their church practice evangelism. NAMB that “something” is simply being who you were created to be. has already shipped kits to thousands of churches and pastors. Churches (EDITOR’S NOTE – Kimberly Merida is a member of Imago Dei Church can order resources at NAMB’s online store, nambstore.com, or through in Raleigh, N.C., where she is active in women’s ministry and orphan advo- whosyourone.com. Pastors can also receive assistance by calling (800) 634- cacy. She and her husband, Tony, have five adopted children.) 2462. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Denominational First Baptist Church, Maxton, NC, is seek- Associate Pastor. Gate City Baptist Church in First Baptist Church of Mauldin, SC, is seeking Flat River Baptist Assoc. seeks a part-time ing a pastor to lead in proclaiming the true Jamestown, NC, is seeking to fill the position of to hire a full-time Student Pastor. Primary Director of Missions. The DOM should be a gospel written in God’s Word; reaching associate pastor of students, discipleship and duties include overseeing the ministries of missions strategist and resource for pastors. individuals for Christ and fostering spiritual reaching. A bachelor’s degree is required and our students and their families from 6th grade Pastoral experience required; seminary growth; driven to be engaged with surround- seminary/divinity school training is preferred. through college. Applicants must possess a degree and missions experience preferred. ing community; adding unto the membership Applicants should send résumés to info@ bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience is For questions or to apply, send a résumé to is paramount; bi-vocational preferable. Send gatecitybaptist.org no later than March 31. A job preferred. Please submit résumés and/or ques- [email protected]. Deadline is April 30, résumés to [email protected]. Deadline description is available on our website under tions to [email protected]. 2019. March 31, 2019. the “About Us” page, www.gatecitybaptist.org. Calvary Baptist Church Salisbury seeks a part- Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 110 Kemberly St., Pastor Hebron Baptist Church, Statesville, NC, is time Minister of Music. We desire to be Rockingham, NC 28379, is seeking a full-time Providence Baptist Church in Shawboro, NC, seeking a part-time Youth Director. The blended in our worship experience. The min- pastor. Send résumé to the above address or to is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor. Due main function of this position is to plan, ad- ister will be responsible for the entire music [email protected]. Résumé deadline: to the retirement of our pastor after 16 years, minister, coordinate, supervise and evaluate program of the church. Please send résumé of March 31, 2019. we are searching for a man of God to lead a comprehensive and active youth ministry. interest to [email protected]. our congregation of believers into the future. First Baptist Church, Marshall, NC, is a South- Candidates should be willing to participate in Providence Baptist Church has an average ern Baptist church seeking a full-time Pastor. worship services, other activities of the church Concord Baptist Church (Granite Falls, NC) attendance of 130 and is affiliated with the Applicants must be ordained with a SBC semi- and duties as assigned by the pastor. Contact is seeking a full-time Children’s and Family Southern Baptist Convention. Please send nary degree. This person should be youthful, the church or Jesse Bragg for more informa- minister. Growing church with approx. 750 résumés to [email protected] or energetic and have good communication and tion 828-514-0378. Submit résumés to jbragg@ members. Three other full-time staff. Experi- P.O. Box 140 Shawboro, NC 27973, c/o Pastor visitation skills. Send résumé to: Pastor Search solutionsinsynergy.com. ence is required and affirm the Baptist Faith Search Committee. Committee, PO Box 484, Marshall, NC 28753, & Message 2000. Please send cover letter or [email protected]. Position: Needed Children & Youth Direc- and résumé to: [email protected] or mail SENIOR PASTOR. Lakeview Baptist Church tor. Seeking a part-time director with a vision to church at: Concord Baptist Church, Attn in Monroe, NC, is prayerfully seeking a Senior Church Staff for spiritual growth and development for Pastor, PO Box 127, Granite Falls NC 28630. Pastor. Candidate should have a minimum of Millers Creek Baptist Church, a conservative children and youth. New Hope Baptist Church 5 years’ pastoral experience and adhere to SBC church near Wilkesboro, NC, is prayer- Inc., 532 North Little Egypt Road, Denver, Eastside Baptist Church of Shelby, NC, is the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. A master fully seeking God’s man for Children’s/ NC 28037. seeking a Music Minister. We are seeking the of divinity from an accredited seminary is Discipleship Pastor (Preschool-Grade 6 and candidate that God calls to our church either preferred with a minimum bachelor’s degree adult discipleship). It is a full-time position Rocky Hock Baptist Church, Edenton, NC, is full- or part-time. Full-time position would requested. Lakeview is a theologically con- focused on leading kids and their families in seeking a Minister of Music & Education. We include associate pastor duties. College degree servative Southern Baptist congregation that evangelism, discipleship and missions. Various are a conservative, mission-minded Southern in music and/or discipleship is required. Send supports the Cooperative Program. Please pastoral roles of visitation and outreach are also Baptist church searching for the man God résumés to [email protected]. mail résumés to: Pastor Search Committee, included in the job description. Experience has chosen to lead our music and education Lakeview Baptist Church, 4602 Concord and a college/seminary degree is preferred, programs. A seminary, divinity school or Bible Miscellaneous Hwy., Monroe, NC 28110, or email to: phall@ but not required. Send cover letter and résumé college degree with formal music training Share the Biblical Recorder – FREE. Order three lakeviewfamily.org. to Millers Creek Baptist Church, PO Box 559, preferred. Previous ministry experience pre- months free. Contact [email protected]. Millers Creek, NC 28651, or by email to shannon. ferred, but not required. Send cover letter and MOVED? Don’t forget to change your address Rocky Hock Baptist Church, Edenton, NC, [email protected]. Résumés will be résumé to [email protected]. with the Biblical Recorder. Contact Liz Tablazon is prayerfully seeking a Senior Pastor. We received through March 30. at (919) 459-5693 or [email protected]. are a conservative, mission-minded South- ern Baptist church (average attendance 300) Placing a classified ad in theBiblical Recorder searching for the man God has chosen to lead Choose one of three avenues: us according to His plan. A minimum of five • Send e-mail to: [email protected]. years as a senior pastor with a degree from • Purchase ads at BRnow.org/Advertise. an accredited college or seminary is desired. • Send a Fax to (919) 467-6180. Affirmation of the 2000 Baptist Faith and Be sure to For more information, call the office at (919) 459-5691. Message is required. Send cover letter, ré- Cost for Baptist churches/organizations is $1.25 per word, number and sumé and sermon links, if available, to info@ check out stand-alone initial ($1.45 for commercial and non-Baptist entities) with a rockyhockbaptistchurch.org. Deadline March 31. minimum charge of $35. Classifieds also are carried online. our website 16 MARCH 9, 2019 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists