>> This is the September 2013 issue containing the October Bible Study Lessons Pastor- Missionary

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baptiststoday.org Global Embrace BWA keeps working to unite Baptists 4

Seven ways Christians can use social media 14

™ BIBLE STUDIES for adults and youth 17 WHY DO BAPTISTS September 2013 Vol. 31, No. 9 Argue baptiststoday.org OVER THE John D. Pierce 16 Executive Editor [email protected] Benjamin L. McDade Bible? Executive Vice President [email protected] Julie Steele Chief Operations Officer [email protected] Jackie B. Riley Managing Editor [email protected] Tony W. Cartledge Contributing Editor [email protected] Bruce T. Gourley Online Editor [email protected] PERSPECTIVES David Cassady Church Resources Editor The gospel and the ’60s not the same 7 [email protected] By John Pierce Terri Byrd Contributing Writer Policy change for Baptists starts in congregations 9 Vickie Frayne By Ircel Harrison Art Director Jannie Lister Customer Service Manager Seven ways Christians can use social media 14 [email protected] By Susan Codone Kimberly L. Hovis Marketing Associate “A pastor who still puts up with me” 15 [email protected] FEATURE By Harris Blackwood Lex Horton Nurturing Faith Resources Manager Faithful volunteer shares [email protected] Putting relationships above assignments 30 missions experience Walker Knight, Publisher Emeritus By Jerry Chiles By Terri Byrd Jack U. Harwell, Editor Emeritus Role of associate ministers during BOARD OF DIRECTORS 43 pastoral transition 31 Walter B. Shurden, Macon, Ga. (chairman) By Melissa Fallen Robert Cates, Rome, Ga. (vice chair) FEATURES Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Kelly L. Belcher, Asheville, N.C. Congregational ministry, missions calling Donald L. Brewer, Gainesville, Ga. Huey Bridgman, The Villages, Fla. IN THE NEWS go hand-in-hand for Georgia pastor 36 Mary Jane Cardwell, Waycross, Ga. Moderates challenged to embrace Jack Causey, Statesville, N.C. Whirlwind of help to Oklahoma Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. social justice 8 Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. tornado victims 42 James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, N.C. Are miracles really needed to Frank Granger, Athens, Ga. become a saint? 11 Quotation Remarks 6 Ben Gross, Chattanooga, Tenn. Leslie D. Hill, Lexington, Ky. Editorial 7 Cynthia Holmes, St. Louis, Mo. The high cost of activism 12 Fisher Humphreys, Birmingham, Ala. Michael M. Massar, Baton Rouge, La. Classifieds 28 William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. Is Eric Metaxas the next Chuck Colson? 13 Roger Paynter, Austin, Texas In the Know 28 Kathy B. Richardson, Rome, Ga. Lee Royal, Greensboro, N.C. NC network planting good seeds Lighter Side 29 Charles Schaible, Macon, Ga. to serve others 39 Macon Sheppard, Clemson, S.C. Baptists and the Civil War 32 Charlotte Cook Smith, Winston-Salem, N.C. Leo Thorne, Valley Forge, Pa. Reblog 33 Cathy Turner, Clemson, S.C. David Turner, Richmond, Va. Cover photo Tony W. Cartledge. Young Jamaican dancers join in Tom Waller, Alpharetta, Ga. Vickie Willis, Murfreesboro, TN a colorful celebration at the annual meeting of the Baptist World An autonomous, national Cynthia Wise, Birmingham, Ala. Alliance this summer. Story on page 4 news journal since 1983 READERS SERVICES

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Baptists Today (ISSN 1072-7787) is published monthly by: Baptists Today Periodical postage paid at Macon, Ga. 31208 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Baptists TodayAll rights reserved. !"#$% &'( )*#"#! +% "#'% ,. -&$"./(0/, Contributing Editor Global Embrace BWA keeps working to unite Baptists

ell over a century after its founding in 1905, the Baptist World Alliance W (BWA) continues to facilitate com- munication, understanding and some measure of unity among Baptists around the globe, “networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ,” according to its mission statement. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., the BWA has a small but busy staff and an extensive array of volunteer participants who make up a decision-making General Council and a variety of departments, commissions and ministry groups. The BWA’s work is organized around five “clusters of commitments”: worship and fel- Leaders of the Jamaica Baptist Union welcome representatives of the worldwide Baptist family to their lowship, mission and evangelism, religious island nation. liberty and human rights, relief and community development, and the promotion of relevant organizations from the other five regions con- of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship in 1970, theological reflection. tributed $225,812. The balance of support the Asian Baptist Federation (now the Asia Commissions appointed to support each came from individual churches and donors, Pacific Baptist Federation) in 1972, the Baptist area of commitment meet during the BWA’s most from North America. Union of Latin America in 1976, and the All annual gathering for business and dialogue. A Callam also touted the approval of a Africa Baptist Fellowship in 1982. larger “Baptist World Congress” is held every document of “Principles and Guidelines for Various models for relationships have been five years. Intra-Baptist Relations,” approved by the BWA’s tried and found wanting, with the latest effort After several years of financial struggles executive committee in March and by the being Callam’s initiative in calling a task force exacerbated by the global economic meltdown General Council in July. to develop a profile of the role of regional sec- in 2008, the BWA has regained a more solid The document notes retaries, with implications for the relationship financial footing. Officials recently celebrated the increasing cultural between the regions and the BWA. That report a return to a full staff with adequate support diversity of the growing was also approved. personnel for division leaders who travel the Baptist family and offers The BWA continues to grow in member- globe to promote freedom and justice issues; specific principles for ship. On July 5 the BWA’s General Council facilitate conferences for youth, women and promoting unity through approved the admission of five new member men; and provide consultation or promote respectful dialogue, bodies: the Baptist Mission of South Haiti healthy dialogue among the organization’s six mutual acceptance and a (50,000 members in 488 churches), the regional bodies. concern for the interests Glenn Stassen Connection of Haitian Baptist Churches for At the most recent annual gathering, held of others. Integral Mission (15,000 members in 58 in Jamaica this past July, the General Council Callam devoted much of his annual report churches, the Turks and Caicos Islands Baptist approved a 2014 budget of $2.56 million, up to the ongoing and sometimes thorny issue of Union (500 members in 13 churches), the 16 percent from actual expenditures for 2012. how the BWA’s various regions relate to each Baptist Church of Congo (2,850 members in 26 General Secretary Neville Callam noted that, other. churches), and the Convention of Independent while gifts from individual churches fell by two Following its inception in 1905, the BWA Baptist Churches in Brazil (67,908 members in percent in 2012, giving by individual donors existed as a single body, but Baptists in Europe 437 churches). increased by two percent, and contributions formed the European Baptist Federation in The BWA now includes 228 conventions from member bodies increased by 12 percent. 1950. After considerable debate among partici- and unions in 120 countries, representing about Member organizations from North pants, the North American Baptist Fellowship 177,000 churches and 46 million members. America gave $383,242 in 2012, while was created in 1965, followed by the formation During the annual gathering in July,

4 | Feature September 2013 the BWA honored Glenn Stassen, professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary, with the 2013 Denton and Janice Lotz Human BWA honors Duke McCall Rights Award. Stassen was lauded for more than 50 years of work as a tireless theorist and activist in the Duke K. McCall, a former BWA Garrett said. These included the launch- cause of peace and justice issues around the world. ing of Baptist Press as an independent The General Council approved 17 resolu- president and a key figure in the news service, establishing the Southern tions, most of them expressing appreciation for formation of the Cooperative Baptist Foundation to invest and admin- various persons or causes, but also in opposition ister donations, and leading the effort to to the U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba and to Baptist Fellowship, was honored raise $3.5 million to get the convention call for a peaceful resolution of violence and unrest in a special session during the out of debt. in the Middle East, North Africa, Myanmar, and When the fundamentalist move- the Korean peninsula. Other resolutions called for 2013 annual gathering of the ment captured control of the Southern corrective action regarding child sex abuse in the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). Baptist Convention, McCall became a church, gender inequality and basic human rights leading voice among moderates, once concerns around the world. cCall, who died April 2 at the narrowly losing a race for president of Some of the resolutions emerged from various age of 98, “was one of the the SBC. In 1990, McCall spearheaded commissions that met earlier in the week to discuss Mtowering figures of Baptist the formation of an alternative coopera- human rights, missions, theological education, life,” said Bob Garrett of Dallas Baptist tive giving system for moderate churches ethics, the environment and other subjects. University, in a presentation on McCall’s that was eventually incorporated into the Special sessions were held to pay tribute to legacy. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, which George Liele, a former American slave who planted McCall served as pastor of formed in 1991. churches in Jamaica and helped to bring an end Broadway Baptist Church in Louisville, McCall was such a prominent to slavery there; to early Jamaican Baptist deacon led the Baptist Bible Institute of New denominational statesman that historian and preacher Sam Sharpe, who also worked to end Orleans to become Bill Leonard called him “the personi- slavery; to African-American theologian J. Deotis New Orleans fication of the amazing organizational Roberts; and to Duke McCall, long-time president Baptist Theological success and regional strength of Southern of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Seminary, spent Baptists in much of the 20th century,” a lifelong supporter of BWA, which he served as five years as execu- and saw his death as “the end of an era in president from 1980-85. tive director of the Baptist life,” said Garrett. A report on conversations between BWA rep- Southern Baptist But McCall’s influence extended resentatives and Catholics was discussed, as well as Convention (SBC), beyond Baptist life, Garrett said. While ongoing dialogues with Muslims. Efforts for dia- and was presi- at Southern Seminary, he sold the logue with the Orthodox have been rebuffed, and dent of Southern Duke McCall oversized president’s residence to the talks with Pentecostals have been delayed, but plans Baptist Theological Presbyterians for a new seminary, and are in the works for renewed conversations with Seminary for three decades. maintained close relations between the Methodists. During McCall’s tenure at Southern Baptist and Presbyterian schools. He also BWA’s 2014 annual gathering will be held July Seminary, he led the school to admit persuaded American Baptists to send 6-12 in Izmir, Turkey. The larger Baptist World both African Americans and women to area students to Southern, Garrett said, Congress, held every five years, will meet July theological studies. promising that his faculty would not try 22-25, 2015, in Durban, South Africa — the first McCall was active in the Baptist to convert them into Southern Baptists. time a Baptist World Congress has been held in World Alliance from the age of 16 and McCall’s influence was expanded Africa. served in a variety of roles, including a through several books. Garrett cited The global Baptist family is invited to join in stint as president from 1980-85. God’s Hurry, which called for worldwide this time of worship, fellowship and service. BT As BWA president, McCall pro- evangelistic outreach, and Passport to the moted the formation and inclusion World, written with W. A. Criswell after of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship a globe-hopping trip at the behest of the and the Union of Baptists in Latin BWA, appealing to various governments America as regional bodies. He advo- to allow American missionaries. cated the formation of a fund to provide “While he was a capable administra- travel scholarships to BWA meetings, tor and visionary thinker,” Garrett said, and helped facilitate the first Baptist “McCall’s chief contribution was rooted International Conference on Theological in his ability to form stable partnerships Education. and trusted relationships with people As executive secretary of the SBC with whom he disagreed in very impor- executive committee, McCall “led the tant ways.” denomination in an astonishing chain “In that sense Duke McCall was a of achievements in rapid succession,” bearer of the Baptist spirit,” he said. BT BWA General Secretary Neville Callam, a Jamaican native, talks with local leaders.

September 2013 Feature | 5 “The far right is making a concerted effort to redefine religious freedom as a catch-all concept that gives quotation ‘authentic’ Christians the right to do what they want, whenever they want, wherever they want … When challenged, they present themselves remarks as victims or martyrs and claim the mantle of religious freedom as the want ultimate defense.” “Rick spoke about the cruel things that “Some of us to walk into a cathedral had sometimes been written about him space that reminds us of the small place —C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith after the tragedy and how the opinions we inhabit in the great arc of salvation Alliance, and Barry Lynn, executive director of of others, if they ever could hurt him, history. We want to meet the Unmoved Americans United for Separation of Church and could not touch him now. But of course Mover in an unmoved sanctuary.” State, in a Religion News Service commentary it was not his or Kay’s imperviousness —Writer Andrea Palpant Dilley, 32, on her return to but their openness, their brokenness, a traditional church (Faith and Leadership) that left us who attended a little more whole, a little more healed. No matter “We can’t earn it. We don’t deserve one’s faith, every worshipper walked it. But we get it anyway. Abundantly. away that day knowing they had seen Audaciously. Without caveat or “In 1966 he wrote (his most famous) God’s work being done.” qualification. That doesn’t make much essay that injected the phrase ‘civil —Rabbi David Wolpe of Los Angeles, who attended sense to our human understanding of religion’ into the public discussion Saddleback Church July 28 when Rick and Kay justice. It doesn’t seem fair. It isn’t fair. of the place of religion in a Warren spoke about their son’s suicide (HuffPo) And that’s precisely the point of grace.” pluralistic, and supposedly secular, —Religion News Service columnist Cathleen Falsani society.” “There is so little substance to oppose reform. It’s good for the economy, —From a 1989 story in Christianity Today “I love the game, don’t get me wrong, for law enforcement, for families, about sociologist of religion Robert Bellah, co- but I love the Bible more. I want to help communities, and congregations, and author of the best-selling 1985 book Habits of people save their lives, and have the for the moral fabric of our nation — the Heart, who died July 30 at age 86 responsibility of leading people into as a place of diversity, growth and following Christ.” welcoming.” —Darryl Strawberry, whose baseball career was —Jim Wallis of Sojourners, saying politicians’ fear marred by drug and alcohol addiction, on becoming a of constituencies is holding back widely-supported minister in St. Peters, Mo., and creating a Christian immigration reform (HuffPo) recovery program in Longview, Texas (USA Today)

“People from all different colors and faiths were reaching out to me personally to tell me they were Baptist Identity Resources: $5 each with us. There was an outpouring of love and support that the Sikh A Capsule History of Baptist Principles (Brackney) community had never experienced A Capsule History of Baptists (Gourley) before.” A Festschrift in Honor of H. Leon McBeth —Valarie Kaur, founding director of the A How-to Manual for Your Church’s History (Deweese, et. al.) interfaith group Groundswell, one year after a Henry Clay Vedder (Honeycutt) gunman opened fire in a Sikh temple in No Longer Ignored (Deweese & Durso, ed.) Oak Creek, Wis., killing six worshippers (RNS) Not a Silent People (Shurden) On Mission with God (Durso & O’Brien, ed.) The Baptists (Brackney)

6 | Perspective September 2013 Editorial By John Pierce The gospel and the ’60s not the same

Anyone else remember when the ’60s How did that happen? church life functioned more smoothly and The answer is clear: That earlier time is individual life is recalled as more stable. were bad? Well, they are not anymore. now familiar rather than fearful. The changing However, those who teach, preach and Listen to the naysayers, who tend to present and the unknown future are what always share the gospel in other ways must be very call for alarm. And especially aging critics, who speak with a holy tone, and you will hear careful. We are to call listeners to lives of sacri- felt more productive and in control back then, fice and service — and firm faith amid change of a glorious, ideal time to which we want to preserve such security and influence. and uncertainty — not to some nostalgic era Such perspectives are not based on reality. should all be seeking to return. stripped of its reality. Are there significant challenges in our It is better not to romanticize the past or ccording to this fearful narrative, the modern era? Absolutely. the present — nor to misrepresent either — last half-century has been one big rush Should we be con- but to live into a hopeful future in the midst of A toward hell. cerned about violence, new challenges brought on by technology and Of course, that is much like what many abuse, economic issues, social patterns that have great advantages as elders in the 1960s were saying about the evil ethical challenges tied well as risks. ways of that time. The only difference is the to new technologies and Besides, who wants to go back to smoke- primary blame now is placed on different polit- more? Yes, as in every filled restaurants, or having to put dimes in a ical activists, immigrant groups and so-called generation. roadside pay phone, or getting up to turn the secularists rather than primarily the Beatles. Should we be guided TV dial to one of the three channel choices? Hearing such calls to return to a yester- by fear of change and an And any Christian sensitivity to issues of year when life was ideal — and it was pretty idealist view of a time equality and justice should allow for as least darn good for many white males who had edu- that was once marked by much of the same as much confession as warm nostalgia about cational and vocational advantages — leaves criticism heard today? I find nothing honest or times gone by. me wondering what these people remember constructive about that approach. and what they have forgotten. Honest recollections of the late-’60s and We are better served and more able to Despite great advances in medicine, com- the 1970s include hearing aging relatives and live constructively today with a balance of munications technology, race relations, social neighbors wondering and worrying aloud both good memories of the past and a hopeful services for those fleeing abusive relationships, about the awful state of this country — along future that acknowledges both the needed and greater legal protection of equal rights and with all kind of assurances that the Lord Jesus helpful strides along the way and the new other strides forward, modern culture still gets would not put up with such and soon make a challenges to be faced. portrayed as one big downhill slide. big final appearance to put it all to an end. Also, it helps to know that, in about Such is clouded vision. The alarmists of And now another aging generation is 50 years, many youth of today will bemoan today are much like the alarmists of that earlier wringing its hands and pronouncing that our whatever is taking place at that time and yearn era because — like this time in history and all only social salvation is to return to the good ol’ for the slow, easy and idealistic days of 2013. other — things actually change. days that were then considered so bad. By faith we look to a time when pain However, what was considered a fearful Many Baptist sermons and writings today and trouble are no more. But it will not be time of social change in the ’60s has become seem to confuse the gospel message with a fear- yesterday when all our troubles seemed so far the ideal to which we are called to return. ful appeal to recover an era when institutional away. BT

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September 2013 Perspective | 7 +% 2/33 +$45./%, Associated Baptist Press New challenges Moderates must embrace social justice to grow, observers say

New research predicting the rise of PRRI Research Director Dan Cox said nor the conservatives usually have: balance the findings suggest that conservative churches between two extremes. religious progressives and a conserva- may have to dampen their public identification Moderates can brand themselves as tive decline presents a challenge to for politically conservative causes to reduce the places where extreme positions, right or left, exodus of young people from their congrega- are avoided and where dialogue between dif- those in the middle, including mod- tions. Moderates, meanwhile, will suffer if they fering viewpoints is accepted, said Kaylor, a erate Baptists, according to some remain quietly in the middle of the big politi- communications professor at James Madison cal and social issues of the day. University who speaks and writes on issues of leading Baptist and other Christian “Many churches, like political parties, will faith and politics. activists and thinkers. have to adapt their strategies to engage young “There is an opportunity there, a pendu- people,” Cox said. lum swing away from the older generations, he Public Religion Research Institute Baptists who studied the survey drew which could end up (on the left) with the same survey released in July examined the similar conclusions, adding that even those overbearing” attitudes often attributed to the T intersection of economics, politics and perceived as moderate — like the Cooperative Christian right. faith. Predicting the rise of religious progres- Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist However, they must not let a balanced sives (currently at 19 percent) and the decline Churches USA — may struggle if they fail approach be a passive approach on controver- of conservatives (28 percent), it shows mod- to make existing progressive leanings better sial social and political issues, he added. “If erates firmly in the middle with the greatest known. you remain silent, the only voices are on the numbers of all (38 percent). But doing that could also jeopardize those extreme left and the extreme right.” The poll goes on to examine mostly the organizations, said Bill Leonard, professor of But there are also multiple voices among interplay between progressives and conserva- Baptist studies and church history at Wake progressives, which is one of the movement’s tives, attributing the latter’s decline to younger Forest University School of Divinity. draws, said Carol Blythe, president of the Americans seeking more action-oriented, and “CBF, ABC and sometimes SBC, they Alliance of Baptists. less doctrinal, expressions of faith. have such fragile connections to their constitu- Blythe said topics ranging from support of But it’s that same factor, and the rise of ent churches and individuals that public stands Palestine and gay marriage to gun violence and the Millennial generation, that could spell on these divisive social issues are very difficult climate change regularly surface during meet- trouble for moderate churches and denomina- for them,” he said. ings of the progressive organization — but not tions, according to experts who examined the At the same time, it’s unfair to character- always with one voice. study. ize CBF and ABC exclusively as moderates. “We are not afraid to talk about things,” One of them is Brian McLaren, who said Leonard said they are progressive in varying she said. “We don’t avoid controversy.” the survey suggests moderate groups may have degrees on women’s ordination, and admittedly That approach brings in a lot of new to risk alienating traditional members if they less so in some congregations on issues sur- members. Blythe said many come to the are going to attract and keep the Millennial rounding homosexuality. Alliance from moderate groups, and others, and other younger Christians who are driving CBF’s evolving focus on missional church just the way the PRRI survey suggests. The these trends. plants and ministries, neo-monastic commu- 139-church Alliance has grown for the past Specifically, that means actively embrac- nities and urban renewal efforts can also be decade, adding one to two new partner congre- ing the social justice causes dearest to that described as progressive, he said. gations each year. generation, including same-sex marriage rights Still, CBF has been quiet on same-sex “I think Millennials respond well to that and issues around poverty and hunger, said marriage and gay clergy issues, allowing its kind of thing,” she said. McLaren, a Christian theologian, author and churches and members to decide those issues Originally, Baptists were neither moderate activist known by many for his work on the for themselves. nor conservative, but always pushing social and emergent church concept. “CBF folks have often ... raised questions political boundaries, said Blythe, a member Also, moderates must avoid framing about what it means to be moderate, and that of Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, the issue in terms of the old denominational often meant ‘lukewarm’ for some people,” D.C. It’s that spirit that can attract the restless, battles that once defined them, he added. Leonard said. “So I think the term ‘moderate’ spiritually hungry Millennials and other young “This is not a choice between the religious is in need of some revisiting for CBF types.” Christians to progressive Baptist causes, she right and the old religious left,” McLaren said. Others, including Baptist Brian Kaylor, said. “The ability to mobilize people for economic see in the PRRI data an opening for moderates “Baptists were early progressives,” Blythe action will become more and more important.” to capitalize on what neither the progressives said. BT

8 | Information September 2013 Guest Commentary By Ircel Harrison

Policy change for Baptists starts in congregations

What do Christians, and particularly Those who are passionate about issues such as sexual equality, racial reconciliation young-adult believers, want from a and poverty will be more effective at creat- denomination in the 21st century? ing change on the local level than by seeking a directive or policy from a denominational n the 20th century, the way to influence office in Atlanta or Valley Forge. policy very often was from the denomina- The African-American leaders in the civil I tion. If a group with an agenda could gain rights era of the ’50s and ’60s came out of local the favor and support of the leadership of the African-American churches and not from their organization, they would be assured that the national conventions. organization — a Christian denomination, Perhaps a way to think about this is to for example — would use its considerable contrast two military conflicts of the 20th cen- resources and influence to further their cause. tury. World War II was a conflict of nations We see this exhibited in the work of some against nations. One might argue there were denominations to support boycotts related to certain principles and values at stake on both apartheid in South Africa and lobbying for civil sides. The way to prevail was for nation states rights legislation in the United States. to fight other nation states in great campaigns We no longer live in that world. For one until one alliance surrendered and adopted a thing, denominations do not carry the kind of different system of principles and values. influence and authority they once did. Most The Vietnam conflict was very differ- McAfee School of Theology may have to take are extremely fractured ent. Despite the efforts of American forces to the lead to promote both dialogue and action over both internal and mount major campaigns, the decisive battles on volatile issues. external issues. were fought from village to village and for the 3) The local church is “where the water Our friends in the “hearts and minds” of the population. The hits the wheel.” In a recent ABP article, Bill Alliance of Baptists may emphasis was shifted from macro operations to Leonard commented on the “fragile connec- be an exception when it micro operations. tions” of local churches with judicatories such comes to solidarity, but If those affiliated with the CBF want to as CBF and ABC, and because these linkages they were formed out of pursue a more progressive agenda, I suggest can be easily disrupted, it is unrealistic to churches that had already three courses of action: expect denominational policy statements either made decisions on the Ircel Harrson 1) Individuals who want change must find to be forthcoming or to facilitate change in local level to pursue a ways to network with one another and develop local churches. progressive agenda. Their strength is in the grassroots strategies. Such individuals, many In the 21st century, progressive churches churches and not in the judicatory. of them Millennials, are already in places of and individuals cannot abdicate decisions Second, denominational groups such as leadership in denominations, churches and about justice and equality to denominational the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship don’t have religious organizations. Their influence will leaders. Churches and individuals must step up a lot of resources to toss around. Churches are continue to grow in this decade, and their and take responsibility for the things that are more focused on maintaining control over their compatriots need to encourage them. important to them. BT own mission dollars, and the global missions 2) Great sources of strength in Fellowship strategy of CBF seems to reflect this concern. Baptist life are the CBF partners — seminaries, —Ircel Harrison led collegiate ministries for the Third, churches — especially those with service providers, advocacy groups and resource Tennessee Baptist Convention and then served a congregational polity — will not defer to providers — most birthed in the past two as coordinator of Tennessee Cooperative Baptist denominational entities on “hot button” issues, decades with marginal Fellowship support. As Fellowship (1998-2008). He is a coaching con- and individuals should not expect the churches in the example of the sexuality conference held sultant for Pinnacle Leadership Associates. This to give up this responsibility. in Decatur, Ga., last year, an entity such as column is distributed by Associated Baptist Press.

“ The African-American leaders in the civil rights era of the ’50s and ’60s came out of local African-American churches and not from their national conventions.”

September 2013 Perspective | 9

+% &./!!&'($# !)/-6&./, Religion News Service Exemplary lives Are miracles really needed to become a saint?

VATICAN CITY — When the Vatican level, a saint is held up as an icon of faith for a miracle has been later explained by science. the global church.) For Gumpel, by looking only at physical announced that Pope Francis would Professor Daniele Menozzi, a church his- miracles “the church ventures in a field that is formally elevate Popes John Paul II and torian at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, not its own.” said the importance of miracles grew during the He says that the church could look for John XXIII to sainthood, two things 19th century as the church was engaged in its God’s intervention “in the many spheres of stood out. struggle against the modern world. human experience” beyond medicine. “Miracles — events that science wasn’t able “When a couple gets reconciled, or or John Paul, it was the record speed that to explain — were the church’s answer to the economic help arrives against all human expec- he reached sainthood, just eight years scientific mindset,” he said. tations — if there are hundreds of such cases, F after his death. The only other saint to be But this changed after the watershed all after praying to the same person, then God canonized so quickly in modern times was Opus Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which wants to tell us something,” Gumpel argues. Dei founder Josemaria Escriva, whose sainthood John XXIII convened. “According to my experience, a miracle is bid took 27 years. “As the church wasn’t afraid of seculariza- only the confirmation of what has been ascer- But for John XXIII, Francis decided to tion anymore, sainthood stopped being a proof tained through a long study of a person’s life, waive the church law that requires a second of the existence of the supernatural and became a writings and actions,” he said. miracle in order to be named a saint. Asked how way to promote exemplary lives,” Menozzi said. Nevertheless, a traditional miracle is still John XXIII could be named a saint without In 1983, John Paul lowered the require- what’s required in most cases, even though, as the required second miracle, the Vatican’s chief ment to one miracle for beatification and Gumpel recalls, “these are human laws, and the spokesman said, “No one doubts his virtues.” another one for sainthood, while martyrs — pope could change them if he wants.” With that rare, if not unprecedented, those who had been killed because of their faith A senior official at the Vatican’s Congre- move, Francis rekindled a years-old debate in — could be beatified without miracles at all. gation for the Causes of Saints, who asked to Catholic circles, with some asking whether mir- John Paul went on to name around 500 remain anonymous because he is not authorized acles are really needed for sainthood anymore. saints and more than 1,300 blesseds during his to speak publicly on this issue, is not convinced “I think it is time to drop the miracle 26-year pontificate — more than in the past five that the church can completely give up on mira- requirement,” says Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest centuries combined. cles when vetting potential saints. who is a senior analyst for the National Catholic At the Vatican, potential “It is true that sainthood Reporter. miracles are vetted by a team of mostly consists in the virtue “It is sufficient to look at a person’s life and specialist doctors, who are and the actions of a person,” ask, did this person live the life of a Christian called to determine whether he said. “But the church in a special or extraordinary way that can be a miraculous healing can keeps this requirement of held up for admiration and imitation by other be explained by modern a miracle as a seal, a stamp Christians?” medicine. of God’s will.” BT According to the church, miracles are per- “But medicine becomes formed by God, not the saints. The saints’ role more complex and advanced by is to bend God’s ear, to intercede on behalf of the day, so it’s possible to make those who pray to them and make sure that God mistakes,” cautions Peter Gumpel, a heeds their requests. Jesuit expert who has worked on saints’ The rationale for the miracle requirement causes for more than 60 years. is that it proves “that the person is in heaven Today, unexplained healings and listened to by God,” Reese said. make up about 95 percent of It was Pope Benedict XIV, in the 18th church-certified miracles. century, who formalized the miracle require- But it has happened in ment: Two miracles were needed to be declared the past that what “Blessed,” through a rite called beatification, was considered and two more were needed to become a saint. (The difference between the two stages is that while a “Blessed” is venerated at the local

September 2013 Information | 11 +% 5&$7 6. )6'!7%, Religion News Service The high cost of activism Evangelical pastor Joel Hunter pays a price for political opinions

LONGWOOD, Fla. — There’s a price Jewish-evangelical leaders’ dialogue, whose drawing evangelicals into “Creation Care,” a agenda includes issues such as human traffick- Christian form of environmentalism aimed at to pay for becoming the voice of ing, prison reform and religious persecution mitigating global climate change. moderate conservatism and coalition around the world. Over the past decade, he and a cohort “When I advocate for these issues, I of younger, evangelical leaders have called on politics. Even more so for refusing to see that as part of the natural influence of others to lower their voices and shift the politi- march in partisan lockstep. the church,” he said. “Most of our members cal center of gravity from the far right to the believe that it’s a good thing that I’m involved pragmatic center-right. They have also asked sk Joel Hunter of Northland Church, in policy and political matters.” their congregations and organizations to make Florida’s largest evangelical congrega- Yet pointedly, Hunter did not stay in common cause with other faiths and denomi- A tion. Hunter, 65, says his suburban Washington for the kickoff of the annual Faith nations despite fundamental differences with megachurch may have lost as many as 1,500 & Freedom Coalition mainline Protestant and non-Christian faiths members, or 10 percent of its membership, Conference, a magnet over abortion and gay marriage. as a result of his ecumenical and political for conservative national To church member Richard Milam, activism. evangelical leaders, Hunter’s comments about “turning down the But the compact, upbeat, Midwesterner is though he is a strong political rhetoric” sounded like a “left wing sanguine — likening membership departures opponent of abortion and talking point,” and for him it was the last to separating the wheat from the chaff. gay marriage. straw. He left Northland not long after. “There is no such thing as safe leader- Hunter’s high-profile Northland’s leadership is trying to cope ship,” he said. activism is not new. He with the loss of membership, which has neces- Hunter, who may be best known as Joel Hunter delivered a benediction at sitated some staff cutbacks. President Obama’s spiritual counselor, still has the Democratic National “I am somewhat concerned that people plenty of church members — around 13,500. Convention. Last year, Northland hosted a are leaving the church over Joel’s involvement,” And he is not the first evangelical to pay a price talk about exercise and nutrition by First Lady said Tom Starnes, a “shepherding elder” in the for taking a less traveled path. Michelle Obama. congregation. “But often they don’t have an Fellow evangelical Richard Cizik took Yet in the 2008 Florida Republican Presi- understanding of the role Joel has played and a harder hit in 2008 when he spoke out on dential primary, Hunter supported — and the actions he has taken.” social issues such as gay civil unions and contributed to — the campaign of former Starnes says that a majority of Northland global climate change and lost his job as Arkansas governor and former Baptist minister members agree with him that there is value in chief Washington lobbyist for the National Mike Huckabee. Hunter’s activism, and support his position on Association of Evangelicals. After 40 years as a Republican, Hunter climate change and immigration reform. Cizik said Hunter’s amiable demeanor changed his registration to Independent three And he gets support from others, such as will help him, but there’s no escaping criticism years ago, explaining in one statement that he Cizik, who believes change is impossible with- when an evangelical pastor talks about political did so in part because of the GOP’s “growing out a degree of risk taking. cooperation. uncivil/personal attack tone.” “It’s obvious that without leaders who “Give Joel Hunter credit,” said Cizik, who “We expect the party out of power to be have guts, and will pay the price of leadership, now heads the New Evangelical Partnership more negative, but the strident hyper-partisan- the evangelical movement will remain as stuck for the Common Good. “He has guts, depth of ship was something I could not support — in in the past today, as evangelicals were stuck in conviction, and hasn’t lost his integrity, nor his either party.” the racist past of the days of Bull Connor and prophetic voice.” In a veiled reference to the Tea Party, Jim Crow generally.” A good example of that leadership was Hunter released another statement saying, “the Cizik, who in the 1980s wrote a book Hunter’s two-day visit to Washington, D.C. outside voices hijacking legitimate political called The High Cost of Indifference, said the First, Hunter talked immigration reform debate is not something of which I will be a price he paid for losing his job was high, but with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., alongside part.” he added, “the real price is being paid by the a group of Florida Jewish religious leaders. In addition to his relationship with the evangelical establishment that has lost its The next day, Hunter attended an annual Obamas, Hunter has been a national leader in authority due to indifference and fear.” BT

Northland’s leadership is trying to cope with the loss of membership, which has necessitated some staff cutbacks.

12 | Information September 2013 +% !&$&* )4..6&5 +&6./%, Religion News Service Is Eric Metaxas the next Chuck Colson?

EW YORK — Before evangelical leader Metaxas seemed surprised by the prayer “It’s a genre I was looking forward to skip- Chuck Colson fell ill at a conference last breakfast’s effect. “It somehow did something to ping,” he said. Nyear and later died at the hospital, it was how people saw me as a voice in the culture,” he The summer after he became a Christian Eric Metaxas who introduced him. said. at 25 years old, someone gave him Bonhoeffer’s At the time, Metaxas seemed primed and At 5 feet 8 inches, with Harry Potter-like The Cost of Discipleship. Because his mother is ready to become the next Colson — a key evan- glasses, Metaxas does not fit stereotypes easily. German, he decided to explore Bonhoeffer’s gelical leader credited with keeping Christians He speaks quickly with energy and quick wit, story. engaged in politics and culture through books, but he suffers from chronic fatigue, something “Wilberforce, because of his faith, stood up radio and other outlets. he manages by running regularly. for African slaves,” Metaxas said. “Bonhoeffer, Metaxas took over some of Colson’s roles, Born in Queens to a Greek father and a because of his faith, stood up for Jews. That’s including co-host of BreakPoint, a radio show German mother, Metaxas grew up in Danbury, Christianity to me.” Metaxas wrote for in the late ’90s. And like Conn., and graduated from Yale. He was raised The Bonhoeffer biography almost died Colson, Metaxas took to the Christian confer- in a Greek Orthodox home and still visits every before publication. HarperOne wanted to pub- ence circuit, speaking on the issues that were Easter, singing the Divine Liturgy in the choir lish a third of the book and delay publication, so near and dear to Colson’s interests. But com- with his father. Metaxas gave back the advance, a painful deci- parisons to Colson only go so far, Metaxas said. An interdenominational evangelical, sion as he and his family struggled to continue “I’ll always want to follow in Chuck’s foot- Metaxas has jumped around the church scene in to live in Manhattan. An editor from Thomas steps, but I’m a humorist, I write poetry and New York. Since 2001, his family has attended Nelson agreed to publish the book. children’s books,” said Metaxas, whose most Calvary-St. George’s Episcopal Church. Metaxas A Christian Century review suggested recent book, Seven Men, came out this spring. says he attends because of the theologically Metaxas hijacked Bonhoeffer for his own “Chuck was a lawyer.” conservative leadership in spite of national lead- purposes. For instance, Metaxas will compare But like Colson, the Nixon adviser who ership, “which has like Wile E. Coyote sped off the Holocaust to abortions in the U.S. His converted to Christianity after serving time the cliff with single-mindedness and speed.” wife, Susanne Metaxas, directs the Midtown for his involvement in the Watergate scandal, Before Bonhoeffer, Metaxas wrote a biog- Pregnancy Support Center in Manhattan. Metaxas rose to evangelical fame later in life. raphy of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century “At times, he tends to overdo things,” For years, Metaxas struggled as a writer in English leader in the said John Wilson, editor of Books and Culture. Manhattan, contributing to VeggieTales, writ- movement to abol- “It would be misleading to say he has simply ing children’s books, apologetics books and then ish the slave trade. framed Bonhoeffer in a way that plays to current biographies. But then Metaxas’ 2011 600-page He said he had culture war conflict. That’s not true, but that’s biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German never thought part of it. That’s one thing that he’s going to theologian who was executed for his involve- about writing a have to wrestle with in the next stage of what he ment in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, took biography. does.” off, selling more than 600,000 copies. Metaxas responds that his critics have The book led to an hour-long meeting with “bitter animosity toward evangelicals and former President George W. Bush, who gave conservatives.” him high praise for the book. A letter from In 2000, Metaxas founded a series called Bush hangs in Metaxas’ Upper East “Socrates in the City” where he interviews lead- Side apartment. In another ers, mostly Christians, on the culture. Metaxas, room, a framed letter from 50, knows how to keep an audience’s inter- Woody Allen is propped up est, weaving cultural and political references on a stack of books. Allen together, his friends say. called Metaxas’ humor For now, Metaxas begins work on Seven pieces “quite funny.” Women, a book that will have short biographies The Bonhoeffer biog- of seven Christian women. In addition, he’s raphy led to an invitation to developing a mainstream TV talk show but said speak at the 2012 National negotiations are still underway. Prayer Breakfast. During “He’s not this one-sided predictable fig- his speech, he said former ure,” said Wilson. “The same is true of President George W. Bush had evangelicals as a whole.” BT read Bonhoeffer. He then handed a copy to Obama and said, “No Eric Metaxas took over some of Chuck Colson’s pressure.” Obama nearly left the roles after Colson’s death, including part of breakfast without the book but BreakPoint, a radio show Metaxas wrote for in the went back to his table to grab it. mid-’90s. Photo courtesy Eric Metaxas.

September 2013 Information | 13 +% !4!&' -#(#'/ Put your Christian identity out there. 1 Identify yourself and your beliefs on Facebook and other social media platforms. Be authentic about who you are. WAYS Share information about what God 2 is doing in your life and church, and how others can have such experi- ences. Social media applications such as Facebook and Twitter are Christians great applications for sharing faith. More than 20 million people follow CAN USE the Jesus Daily Facebook page, so sharing one’s faith on social media has a solid precedent. Build relationships with others. 3 Using your favorite social media 7 tools, whether common ones such as Facebook or niche tools like Goodreads (a site for book lovers), interact with others and create rela- tionships in which you can share your MOST OF US are common interests and your beliefs. involved with social media. The most common platforms Maintain your presence. If you’re — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, 4 going to use social media, stay Pinterest and LinkedIn — help us to keep engaged by maintaining a consistent presence. If one million people pay in touch with friends, family and others we attention to Rick Warren every day, may not see regularly either personally or success for social media use. might a few pay attention to you? professionally. While these authors didn’t And if the time you spend nudges Like me, though, you’ve probably inter- use the Bible as a scholarly reference, aren’t we the Kingdom forward just a little, acted with someone in a social environment called to do these things? By stating our iden- isn’t it worth it? only to be scared away by that individual’s tity as Christians, God asks us to share with Engage in conversations. Many of us singular emphasis on politics, religion or some 5 each other, build relationships and groups, are lurkers on social media. We read other controversial issue. engage in conversations, and maintain our what’s going on in others’ lives but Jon Acuff, a popular Christian speaker, reputation as Christ followers. never contribute to the conversa- has joked that there are three spiritually- So, on the left are seven recommendations tion. Jesus asked us to go and tell. approved times when we can unfriend We have an open microphone in the for using social media with your faith in mind. someone on Facebook: when that person has social media world. Others are cer- For someone who never had the chance tainly using it, and we can, too. (1) fallen in love, (2) had a new baby or (3) to use social media, Elvis probably said it best: gotten a new puppy. He jokes that when your We shouldn’t go around with suspicious minds. Join or create groups. Many social 6 account suddenly becomes flooded with pic- Social media has long surpassed being a media applications are built around tures and updates of any of these three things, interest communities. Pinterest trend and is now a force in society we need to it’s okay to stop being friends. allows you to share pictures of your embrace. As an online way to communicate, it hobbies and link to others with As Christians, though, we are called to offers a great opportunity to follow others who shared interests. Many social exer- live in relationship with others, share one can help build our faith and in turn to share our cise tools offer you the chance to link another’s burdens and walk together on our faith with others who might be seeking God. with others for accountability and spiritual journeys. Some Christian leaders have So, build your identity, share your faith, motivation. We meet in small groups embraced social media, seeing it as a tool to engage in conversations, create groups, main- at church. Why not through social carry out their calling. Rick Warren, pastor tain your presence, and guard your reputation. media? Go ahead, create a Google+ of Saddleback Church in California, interacts circle and invite some friends and By being wise and discerning, we can use with more than one million followers multiple see what God will do. social media as a tool to nudge the Kingdom times each day on Twitter and Facebook. forward. BT Build your reputation by making 7 As a professor, I like understanding the thoughtful, wise and consistent research behind social phenomena. An article —Susan Codone is an associate professor of tech- posts. People follow and connect published by the Kelly School of Business at nical communication at Mercer University who with social media users who use social platforms with wisdom and Indiana University identifies seven purposes researches church technology. Students earning discernment. Rather than posting of social media. The authors state that build- the BS degree in Technical Communication in the about how bad an experience was ing a presence, sharing information, creating School of Engineering can specialize in Ministry for you, write instead about how relationships, cultivating an authentic iden- Media & Technology to pursue careers related to you learned through it. Millions of tity, creating conversations, being involved in ministry and technology. For more information, others are seeking the kind of reputa- groups and enhancing reputation are all key to contact Susan at [email protected]. tion you have to offer.

14 | Perspective September 2013 +% *&$$6! +.&-7,##( “A pastor who still pastor. Seeing South Carolina in his rear-view mirror did not come easy, but Gainesville has puts up with me” become home to Bill and Claire, his wife of 37 years. They met 39 years ago at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. She would follow him to Southeastern Seminary at Wake Forest, N.C., where they both earned their masters degrees. He makes no bones about his wife’s role in his ministry. “She’s everything,” he said. “She does not seek attention, but I know she is there.” Claire Webber was everything Bill was looking for, aside from the fact that she was a Methodist. “I didn’t think my grandmother, Nan, was going to get over that,” he said. Not only did Claire become a Baptist, but she also became a Baptist preacher’s wife, which generally means life can take some unpredictable turns. As a pastor, Bill has been there for me when I grieved, but also when I celebrated. A decade ago he officiated at the Sunday morn- ing wedding of my wife, Allison, and me. So far, so good. He has a wonderful sense of humor Harris Blackwood (right) chats with his pastor, Bill Coates and puts up with my periodic abuse. When we have traveled, I have introduced him to During my half-century and a little change on this planet, I have strangers as my heart surgeon, the governor of been a member of 12 churches. I was a member of one of them South Carolina (not the one who “hiked” the Appalachian Trail), a TV weatherman and any twice. I moved away and then came back. number of noted theologians. His favorite story involving me was when ach one of the churches had a pastor, discounts before he turned 50. It gives him an we went to see an ailing church member who and I have fond memories of all of air of distinction. was recuperating at a Catholic hospital. I E them. Church has been a part of my life But when he speaks, it is an aw-shucks showed up wearing a clerical collar, which will since I was born. As soon as I was a few weeks voice honed in a simple, frame house at RFD get you a better parking space at a Catholic old, my Mama signed me up in what was Route 2 in Kershaw County, S.C. It is a voice hospital. called the Cradle Roll. Nobody uses that term that speaks from the heart of a boy raised by Unlike the other 11 pastors in my life, Bill today, but it worked for me. God-fearing mill workers who took their baby Coates has become one of my dearest friends. I I have had successes and failures in this to the Cradle Roll department at Thorn Hill am not alone in that distinction. He and Claire life, but the constant place of refuge and Baptist Church. are beloved by so many in this community strength has been God’s church. It is also a voice speaking from the experi- from First Baptist and many other churches. For the past 14 years, Bill Coates has been ence of successes and failures in life. His life I showed up at First Baptist on a Sunday my pastor. He is celebrating 15 years in the has taken him to the mountaintop and into the morning in 1999 and couldn’t imagine being pulpit of First Baptist Church of Gainesville, valley, and he talks freely about both. anywhere else. I was at home. Ga. But it is a voice that on any given Sunday The first 15 years have been wonderful. He has been my pastor longer than any of may quote Shakespeare, Gandhi, Faulkner, I hope the next 15 are just the beginning. BT the others. I don’t know whether that requires Graham or his grandmother. Both seminary prayer, sympathy or forgiveness. The best I can training and a doctorate in English literature —Harris Blackwood, a member of the First offer is heartfelt thanks. from the University of South Carolina temper Baptist Church of Gainesville, Ga., is director Not only is Bill a great pastor, but he his well-chosen words. of the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway also is a great preacher. He has a head full of In the summer of 1998, Bill Coates Safety. He is also a columnist for the Gainesville snow-white hair, earning him senior citizen answered the call of First Baptist to become its Times where this column first appeared.

September 2013 Perspective | 15 +% +$4-/ 0#4$./%, Online Editor Answers to Baptist Questions FROM A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

were the words of scripture that no human in America of the late 19th century. The >> QUESTION: interpretation was authoritative. Nonetheless, concepts of rapture and premillenial dispensa- each believer was responsible for personally tionalism, birthed in the early 19th century and Why do Baptists engaging the interpretive process under the long considered heresies, became accepted by argue over the Bible? guidance of the Holy Spirit. Underneath their many as scriptural orthodoxy following global ever-expanding tent, Baptists allowed a wide pessimism brought about by World War I. he story of Christian history thus far is array of interpretations and doctrines, with like- Creation science, birthed in the 1960s, seeks that of division rather than unity. New minded Baptists voluntarily gathering into local, to conform the ancient, pre-science biblical T Testament believers disagreed on who autonomous communities of faith. From within text to modern scientific methodology. Each was eligible to be a Christian. their local ecclesiasticity and doctrinal elasticity, of these contemporary interpretive schematics The early Church Fathers battled over Baptists birthed a new vision of Christian unity, has many Baptist followers, ensuring ongoing which manuscripts to include in the Bible. displacing creedal and theological conformity biblical debates with traditional Baptists. Creeds were crafted to establish theological with intentional, welcomed diversity. Secondly, Baptists’ belief of the priesthood correctness and punish dissenters. The Roman Disagreeing among themselves over scrip- of all believers ensures that the personal biases Catholic Church enforced proper faith by the tural interpretation yet remaining within the of all persons reading scripture — rather than threat of death. Protestant reformers continued same faith family, early Baptists debated inter- the personal biases of a select few, as remains the pattern of violence and death as a means of nally as much as they did with non-Baptists. the case in much of Christendom — are woven eradicating heresy. As did Baptists of old, modern Baptists often into the interpretive process. Accordingly, Against this backdrop Baptists emerged in fragment over biblical disagreements while yet Baptists’ arguments over the biblical text the early 17th century, quickly embracing that remaining in the Baptist fold. So important is openly take place from within a democratic which was long undesirable in Christendom: the Bible to Baptists that scripture remains the context, a model opposite from that of a top- diversity. Rather then dividing over theological focal point of contention within the modern down mandated belief system. Hence, biblical issues or punishing dissenters, Baptists created Baptist family. debates and discussions among Baptists are a large enough tent of faith to include almost Aside from formal exegesis and herme- personal, often emotional, and informed by anyone and everyone who expressed faith in neutics, Baptist arguments over the Bible, personal experiences, environment, educa- Christ and requested baptism as a believer. historically and currently, must be understood tion, knowledge, agendas and prejudices. Calvinists and Armininians alike within broad context. Disagreements among individuals are thus found a home in the Baptist family. Closed Firstly, external circumstances frequently inherent within the Baptist family, a faith communion was more common, but open- serve as a prism for biblical interpretation. For group in which diversity is fundamental. communion Baptists also existed. Pro-worship example, only after African slavery became criti- In the end, Baptists argue over the Bible music and anti-worship music factions bore cal to the economy of the American South in because the Baptist faith recognizes that all the Baptist name. Trinitarians and non- the early 19th century did most white Baptists humans are fallible creatures and equal in Trinitarians coexisted, albeit in tension, within of the American South determine that the Bible the eyes of God through the cross of Christ. the Baptist family. In addition, the Baptist proscribed African slavery. Historians sometimes Within the environment of a fallen world and insistence upon freedom of conscience, volun- refer to this as cultural captivity, terminology blemished humanity each believer bears the tary faith and the priesthood of all believers that describes the tendency of religion to sanc- privilege and responsibility of reading and — rather than the old model of hierarchical, tify prevailing social and cultural norms. interpreting scripture. While there is no per- forced faith — welcomed all manner of biblical Other examples of biblical interpretation fect interpretation of scripture, a responsible interpretation. as culturally captive abound. Modern efforts to stewardship of the biblical text — with context The Bible was the faith guidebook of exorcise alcohol consumption from scripture and personal biases taken into account — is early Baptists. So central, important and holy derive from the popular temperance movement necessary to produce healthy, rather than destructive, arguments over the Bible. BT

—This series is provided in partnership with the Baptist History & Heritage Society. Bruce Gourley serves as executive director of the society and as online editor for Baptists Today.

16 | Feature September 2013 The Bible Lessons that anchor the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are written by Tony Cartledge in a scholarly, yet applicable, style from the wide range of Christian scriptures. A graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Duke University (Ph.D.), and with years of experience as a pastor, writer, ™ and professor at Campbell University, he provides deep insight for Christian living without “dumbing down” the BIBLE STUDIES richness of the biblical texts for honest learners.

Teaching resources at nurturingfaith.net

For adults and youth HOW TO USE THESE BIBLE STUDIES October lessons in this issue 1. Order a copy of Baptists Today news journal for EACH MEMBER of the class. The Bible Lessons are found only here. 2. T eachers can go to nurturingfaith.net to access all Gospel Lessons for Daily Living of the free resources needed for presentation. Simply click on “Adult” or “Youth.” Luke 17:1-10 — Feeling Small OCT. 6, 2013 Teaching the Lessons

After reading The Bible Lessons by Tony Cartledge Luke 17:11-19 — One Came Back starting on page 18, teachers can access OCT. 13, 2013 helpful teaching resources (at no charge) at nurturingfaith.net. These include: Luke 18:1-8 — Persistent Prayer * T ony’s video overviews OCT. 20, 2013 * Adult teaching plans by Rick Jordan * Youth teaching plans by Jeremy Colliver * T ony’s “Digging Deeper” notes and Luke 18:9-14 — What Happens in Between ”The Hardest Question” OCT. 27, 2013 * Links to commentaries, multimedia resources and more Youth Lessons are on pages 22–23. How to Order The Bible Lessons in Baptists Today are copyrighted and not to be photocopied.

* Orders may be placed at baptiststoday.org or Adult teaching plans by Rick Jordan of the 1-877-752-5658. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina are available at nurturingfaith.net * T he price is just $18 each for groups of 25 or more — for a full year — with no additional costs. Thanks, sponsors! * All online teaching resources are available at no These Bible studies for adults and youth are sponsored through generous charge and may be printed and used by teachers of gifts from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (Bo Prosser, Coordinator of the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies. Congregational Life) and from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. Thank you!

© Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org | 17 Luke 17:1-10

with Tony W. Cartledge

Oct. 6, 2013 Luke 17:1-10 – Feeling Small “So you also, when you have ave you ever met a person who done all that you cited Luke 17:7-10 as his or her were ordered to Hfavorite Bible text? Have you do, say, ‘We are ever heard a sermon on it? Pastors are worthless slaves; tempted to avoid it: the image of God as we have done a slave-driver (from the Bible, no less) only what we is jarring to our sensibilities and seems ought to have disconnected from our preferred picture of done!’” God as loving and compassionate. The unpopularity of this text may be one reason why Luke is the only gospel author to cite it – and we may wonder why he didn’t leave it out as he was choosing what materials to include in his account of Jesus’ life.

Warning words others are paying attention to their each other grows from the terrible (vv. 1-6) example. To lead someone away from consequences Jesus has predicted for Christ rather than toward him is a serious those who cause others to stumble. Fellow A brief look at the larger context may failure. believers should care enough about each provide some help. If you were reading Have you ever contributed to some- other to call them to account when they through Luke’s gospel, you would note that one’s falling away from the church and are in danger of leading others astray. with chapter 17, Jesus turns his attention from Christ? The knowledge of that can The call to forgive, even seven times from the Pharisees (16:14-15) to the be a heavy load – enough to make you in a day (Matt. 18:21-22 extends it to disciples. Luke 17:1-10 consists of several 77 times), is more concerned with the sayings of Jesus whose relationship is not and left at the bottom of a lake. offended person’s willingness to forgive obvious, but discernible. Some years ago a survey asked than the sinner’s willingness to repent. There are things disciples need to representative “unchurched” people why Jesus’ command, as R. Alan Culpepper know and challenges they need to hear. they were not Christians. One of the most has pointed out, is emphatic, a future Chapter 17 begins with a warning against popular answers was “because I know tense used as an imperative: “You will the danger of causing others to stumble some Christians.” That’s the last thing forgive him” (“Luke,” in The New (17:1-2). Impeding the faith of a “little Jesus would want to hear. Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. IX [Nashville: one” (micros, either a child or a new But you probably know some Abingdon Press, 1995], 322). believer) is serious business – so serious “Christians” who could have that effect. Jesus’ strong words led disciples to that Jesus said it would be better to be Could you imagine anyone putting you in thrown into the sea with a heavy millstone that category? Jesus’ teaching, and concluded that their tied around one’s neck than to be found The second and third sayings own faith was not yet strong enough. guilty of sidetracking another’s faith challenge the disciples to be willing to Thus, they responded “Increase our faith!” (compare Mark 9:42 and Matt. 18:6). rebuke other disciples when they sin (17:3) (17:5). Disciples must be good stewards of and to forgive them when they repent, even As if the Twelve weren’t challenged against them directly (17:4). Furthermore, enough, imagine their surprise at Jesus’ Jesus said, forgiveness should continue response. On the one hand, it appears Additional background information even if the repentance becomes so Jesus was implying that the disciples had online where you see the “Digging repetitive it seems rote or insincere. no faith to increase, or that they had failed Deeper” icon The call to be accountable to to understand faith at all. If they had faith

18 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes themselves in that position, Jesus reversed said, they could command a big mulberry are available at the roles and transferred the disciples to tree to be uprooted and cast into the sea nurturingfaith.net the servant’s place: “So you also, when – suggesting that their current faith was you have done all that you were ordered practically non-existent. to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we On the other hand, Jesus’ intent may The parable presumes the case of a have done only what we ought to have have been that the disciples didn’t need to farmer who has but one servant. As such, done.’” increase their faith so much as to exercise the slave is expected to do double duty, The word “worthless” would be better the faith they already had. Who could translated as “unworthy.” Jesus did not imagine transplanting a tree from the earth as a domestic servant by night. The slave suggest that anyone is worthless. The to the sea? But even the tiniest amount of tends the master’s farm and then tends to point is not that God’s servants have no faith, when acted on, could do great things. the master’s dinner before looking after innate value, but that they will always be Why anyone would want to throw his own needs. The slave does not expect unworthy of the grace that has been given a tree into the sea is unstated and to be congratulated, thanked or rewarded to them. Their works can never earn a unimportant. The point is that the kind of for such tireless efforts. He or she has favored place in God’s heart. faith Jesus called for is strong stuff, and done only what is expected of a servant. Thus, the disciples were to see apparently not easy to grasp. Slavery metaphors don’t communi- themselves as servants. No matter what cate as well in contemporary America, God told them to do or how far God where we abhor the very notion so much called them to go, their obedience would Under the sea: Note that both that it’s hard to get past our negative be only what was expected. of these hard teachings involve perception to see the point. But, we all The situation has not changed, of something being thrown into the know a single mother who slaves day course. The would-be disciples who sea. Disciples who cause others to after day to care for her children – not for populate our churches are subject to the reward, but because it is what she has to same teaching. No matter what Jesus asks stumble would be better off if they do. were weighted down and thrown Or, perhaps we know a soldier who it might seem, it is only what we are into the sea, but disciples with has been deployed and lives in constant expected to do. mustard seed faith would have danger, not by choice, but because it is his More than 10 years ago, in the sufficient power to uproot large duty. poor industrial town of Mabopane, trees and plant them in the sea. Jesus wanted the disciples to know South Africa, I met a woman named Was the connection intentional? that this was the way he was working. He Mary Lwate. Fueled by an unending wandered Palestine without a home, taxed compassion for children – mostly AIDS What do you think? himself through constant ministry, and orphans or older children trying to survive poured his life into the disciples. Beyond in garbage dumps – “Mama Mary” and what they had yet seen, he would soon a crew of volunteers were caring for 200 Thankless work take on the role of a suffering servant who girls and younger boys in a 1,400-square- (17:7-9) would die for the sins of the world – not foot house with an attached shed. to receive a reward or the praise of those Mama Mary’s work so impressed It was in this context that Jesus told the he saved, but because it had to be done, visitors that overseas supporters troublesome parable found in 17:7-10. We and he was the only one who could do it. established the Mabopane Foundation are called to forgive without keeping score to purchase land and begin construction and to have genuine faith, however small. Thankful work of Ya Bana Village, where even more But even if we are successful, “the parable (17:10) children can be cared for, and in better conditions. how much we do, we cannot do more than Jesus’ disciples were to follow his is expected of us” (Culpepper, p. 323). example. They were to put others above know may sometimes be praised, but they The story Jesus told presupposes a self, live an upright life, challenge one do not expect to be congratulated for what society in which slavery was an accepted another, forgive one another, and exercise and commonly understood aspect of a faith they did not yet understand. everyday life. Jesus’ use of an illustration Notice how Jesus subtly switched be done, and they can’t imagine not doing drawn from a servant’s life does not mean the story around as he told it. He began it, with or without any salary. for a moment that Jesus endorsed slavery; by leading the disciples to think of They would be comfortable quoting he simply used the well-known institution themselves as the slave owner who the words of Jesus: “We have done only to make a point his hearers would expected to be served, with no need of what we ought to have done.” understand. showing gratitude. Having led them to see Can we say that? BT

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 6, 2013 | 19 Luke 17:11-19

with Tony W. Cartledge

Oct. 13, 2013 One Came Back

ealth and wholeness – not to mention happiness – are often Hclosely correlated with an attitude human body as a gift is more likely to take care of it. Those who rejoice in life’s daily blessings as ongoing grace are less likely to be stressed or angry – factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, obesity and other health problems. Luke 17:17 – Have you ever connected gratitude “Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made with faith? Last week’s lesson raised clean? But the other nine, where are they?’” important questions about the meaning of faith and God’s demands on the faithful. It who have only heard of Jesus? was a heavy text from beginning to end. With this story, Luke also returns not call the 10 men Jesus met in v. 12 Today’s text strikes a lighter tone, lepers, but “men who had leprosy.” but no less serious. We see faith at work journey to Jerusalem, begun with 9:51 and The biblical term for “leprosy” does – surprisingly, perhaps – in the form of mentioned again at 13:31-35 and 14:25. not refer to Hansen’s Disease, the condition humble gratitude for the healing and Luke has Jesus encounter the 10 outcast know as leprosy in the modern world, but wholeness God brings. While we often men on the road as a reminder that, despite think of faith as something required the periodic stops for dinner and debate conditions. Jewish law included strict prior to healing, in this story the order with the Pharisees, for interaction with rules requiring that persons suffering from is reversed: a leprous Samaritan man is the crowds who followed, and for private skin diseases – which were considered healed. Afterward, his thankful heart and teaching of his disciples, Jesus has been unclean – had to remain outside the camp recognition of God’s work are seen as slowly making his way toward a date with lest they contaminate other people. expressions of faith. death. This story takes place “on the way to Jerusalem,” in a border region where both instructions, including the demand that On the road again … (v. 11) Jews and Samaritans might be found. leprous persons should make themselves As the story progresses, we note that conspicuous by wearing torn clothes and Luke is the only gospel writer to include the disciples have dropped out of the keeping their hair unkempt. They were to this story, and he uses it to balance the picture. Although they were presumably dwell outside the camp and warn all who present and witnesses of what took place, approached by covering their mouths and with a return to the theme of grace and all of the action and dialogue takes place shouting “Unclean, unclean!” (Lev. 13:45- salvation. If the disciples who were called between Jesus and a group of unnamed 46; see also Num. 5:2-3). to live and forgive in ways beyond their and unwanted men. The men Jesus met were thus human abilities should be considered following the rules, having established a unworthy servants who had done only as Ten leprous men small community of their own outside of they were told (17:1-10), how much less (vv. 12-14) town. The outcasts kept their distance from worthy would be a band of leprous men Careful readers note that Luke had a Jesus as required by law, but instead of special concern for the poor, for the sick shouting “Unclean,” they called out “Jesus, Additional background information and for women, all of whom were easy Master, have mercy on us!” (v. 13). online where you see the “Digging targets of oppression. Luke not only tells When Luke tells us that Jesus Deeper” icon more stories about such people, but also “saw” them (v. 14a), he is introducing

20 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes Samaritans also worshipped Yahweh and are available at had their own version of the Pentateuch, Have mercy!: The word for nurturingfaith.net “master” in v. 13 is not the typical instead of in Jerusalem (see John 4). word that could be translated as Samaritan priests would have been “Lord,” but a generic term for a The healing of any advanced skin available, but the now-healed leper sensed person in authority. “Have mercy disease would have become immediately on us” was a common prayer and apparent. No more itching or pain, no more Jesus appeared to be surprised – both found often in the Psalms, but is suppurating sores, no more crusty white that nine men did not return, and that the one who did was a Samaritan. “Were not non-specific. One would suspect ten made clean? But the other nine, where that the men had heard of Jesus’ are they? Was none of them found to healing powers and “have mercy” One thankful Samaritan return and give praise to God except this may have been intended as a (vv. 15-19) foreigner?” (vv. 17-18). request for healing, but the same Try, if you can, to imagine yourself among Jesus’ sharp questions imply phrase could have been used – and that group of men who had suffered so disappointment that the nine did not is still used – by persons long but were suddenly healed. What return and wonder that the one who did seeking alms. would you do? Really? was a Samaritan. As he had previously Nine of the men continued on their lamented the lack of faith in Israel (7:9, 8:25, 9:41), Jesus seemed chagrined that an important motif of seeing and what they were ungrateful: perhaps they felt only one responded to healing with faith happens when we truly see. When Jesus an obligation to complete the assignment and gratitude, and embarrassed that the one saw the men, even from a distance, Jesus had given them, and show their thankful man was not even a Jew. he understood what they needed and But in that one who returned, Jesus immediately acted to help them. But one man felt an even greater saw something greater than physical How do we understand Jesus’ obligation: the compulsion to turn back healing. Ten men had met Jesus, but only simple command to them: “Go and and offer thanks to the one who had one had encountered God; ten had been show yourselves to the priests”? Some effected his healing. When “he saw that he healed, but only one had become whole. interpreters see it as a test of faith or at least was healed” (note the second instance of “Get up and go on your way,” Jesus told of a willingness to obey Jesus’ command, “seeing”), he turned back to Jesus rather him. “Your faith has made you well.” The Greek word behind “made you required by the law before a person cured Luke’s careful use of language is well” is the same word that means “saved.” of his disease could re-enter society, and instructive: the man came back “praising The sentence could have been translated many other steps would follow. God with a loud voice” (v. 15) as he “Your faith has saved you.” The grateful “prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and Samaritan found a depth of healing that instructed someone to act with the thanked him” (v. 16a). Luke wants us to see went beyond that of the other nine. anticipation of healing, but before it This text challenges readers on several actually took place. Earlier, Jesus had told of his healing even as he fell on his face levels. When we see others’ needs, do with thanksgiving before Jesus, an implicit we respond as Jesus did or look the other man with a withered hand to stretch it out recognition of the close relationship way? The thankful man’s identity as a (6:10). He told a dead man and a dead girl between Jesus and God and the in-breaking Samaritan leads us to think also of the to rise (7:14, 8:54). Jesus’ act of healing of the Kingdom through Jesus. “Good Samaritan,” who saw a man in need and the person’s acting as healed were The man could have gone on to the and had compassion while a string of pious closely intertwined. priest and praised God there, or later at the Jews crossed to the other side of the road “The lepers were required to act as temple, but he felt compelled to include (Luke 10:29-37). though doing what Jesus asked would make Jesus in his initial prayer of thanksgiving to Secondly, when we see what Jesus a difference, even though there was yet God. has done for us – through healing or no tangible evidence that it would” (John Luke makes a point of saying “And he forgiveness or the blessings of everyday Nolland, Luke 9:21-18:34, Word Biblical was a Samaritan” (v. 16b). life – how do we respond? Do we take the Commentary [Word Books, 1993], 846). Why does this make a difference? time to express gratitude and faith, or do As Nolland suggests, “they had at Did this man feel more free to abandon we go on about our business like the nine least to believe it was worth a try.” And, the order to show himself to a priest, since others who were healed? “As they went,” the text says, the men he was a Samaritan and not welcome in What we see – and what we do – can were “made clean” (v. 14b). Jewish towns? Probably not, because the say a lot about the health of our souls. BT

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 13, 2013 | 21 Youth lessons are made possible through the generous YouOctober 6 — October 27, 2013th support of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. Thank You OCTOBER 6

Luke 17:1-10 lead me to pay a little more attention to Think About It: what Jesus had to say!) But knowing they The disciples gave up everything to go hank you” are two words often will all fall short, Jesus reminds them they and follow Jesus, and then Jesus told them “ said by someone with manners. are to forgive and forgive and forgive again they were to do all of this without any TThere are hundreds of cards at when a wrong has been done to them. reward — without even a thank you. How Hallmark with the words “Thank you” on Jesus addresses those who cause oth- far are you willing to go without a reward them. Words, when meaningfully said, are ers to sin, talks about what to do when to serve Jesus? worth more than the payment received. We someone sins against you, and now speaks all want to be thanked for what we have to those disciples who think their faith is done for someone else, but Luke 17 shares mature and finished. Jesus says if they have Make a Choice: with us that we are to serve in the name real faith, they will be able to cause a mul- We make choices throughout the day. How of Jesus without expecting a “Thank you” berry tree to be uprooted and planted into often do we take time to think about how in return. the sea. You can almost see the letdown those choices affect others? Think about Jesus has turned his attention away on the faces of the disciples as they realize the things you did yesterday. How did those from the Pharisees and is now speaking they have a long way to go. actions affect others? directly to the disciples. In case they are Jesus reminds them they are to do all wondering if what he is about to tell them of this without expecting any thanks. They is important, he reminds them it would be are to serve, because that is what they Pray: better for them to drown than to cause a have been called to do. Ask God to give you strength and wisdom new believer to stumble. (That would also so your choices will honor God.

Thank You OCTOBER 13

Luke 17:11-19 encounters 10 men with leprosy. They ask Think About It: if they can be healed, and Jesus grants How quick are you to offer thanks and show hristmas has come and gone. Or them their wish. The 10 men then leave gratitude? Are you more like the healed maybe it is your birthday. Or maybe to go show themselves to the priest. But man who returned to give thanks or those C you have just finished opening up all one of them returns to Jesus to thank him. who did not? Who do you need to thank your graduation gifts. Whatever the occa- The other nine are under no obligation to today? sion may be, after you have opened your come back and thank Jesus. They are in gifts, your parents remind you that you fact doing what the law requires of them: need to write each gift-giver a thank-you showing themselves to the priest so they note. It seems like a dreadful task at the may enter into the community again. Make a Choice: time, but have you ever been on the receiv- But Jesus bestows a special blessing Offering thanks is a choice that requires us ing end of the thank-you note? Receiving to the one who returns to offer thanks, and to notice the ways God and others care for the note is even better than giving the gift, he does so before going to seek out the us. Will you choose to notice and be among because you know the gift was appreci- priest. Jesus reminds him that it is through the first to offer thanks? ated. In Luke 17 we read of a leper who his faith that he has been made whole. The returns to Jesus to offer a sincere “thank other nine may have been healed, but it you.” is only this one who has been made fully Pray: On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus whole. Offer a prayer thanking God for at least three specific ways God has cared for you this week.

22 | Youth Youth Lessons by David Cassady and online youth teaching resources (at nurturingfaith.net) by Jeremy Colliver build off of the Bible lessons by Tony Cartledge.

Just Keep Swimming OCTOBER 20

Luke 18:1-8 judge to ask for justice. The judge, who Think About It: does not know God, continually refuses her The widow in our story had absolutely no uke 18 has nothing to do with fish or until, at last, her persistence pays off and power in front of the judge. When we look at looking for someone or a Finding Nemo he grants her request. the unfairness of the world, it is easy to feel L type of search for someone. What Luke Before you get too excited thinking powerless. Does this parable give us hope 18 does have in common with Dori’s slo- you can become a millionaire by continu- that we can change things for the better? gan — “Just keep swimming” — is that the ally praying, notice what the woman has widow in the text shows the same perse- been praying for — justice. If we pray verance as she comes before the judge day always and do not lose heart, we can Make a Choice: after day. expect God to give us justice. We will be We pray for a lot of different things. Many Jesus gives away the ending of the vindicated not through blessings of wealth of these things are self-serving. In your parable in his introductory line: pray and health, but through the justice of God. time of prayer today, will you choose to always and do not lose heart. If you are The question then is not whether pray for those things that will serve you or paying attention at all, you will expect there will be justice but if Jesus will find for those things that will bring justice for the main character in the parable to show people who pray in this way. Will Jesus others and our world? this sort of persistence. And lo and behold, find a people of faith? When Christ returns, Jesus doesn’t let us down. The widow in justice will also arrive, but will Jesus find a Pray: the story continues daily to come to the people of faith to whom it can be granted? Pray that God will bring justice and fairness to those who are hungry, hurting, scared or oppressed.

Look at Me OCTOBER 27

Luke 18:9-14 uphold the law. Some of them take greater Think About It: pride in what they are doing instead of We are constantly tweeting what we are e all know someone who enjoys why they are doing it. The first character doing or posting pictures to Instagram of being the center of attention. It in the parable is this sort of Pharisee. The where we are. We get retweets and likes Wmight be the celebrity who does second character is a tax collector who is that boost our egos to post again. How an act of charity because the cameras are getting rich by taking more than the fair often do we do the right thing and want it on him. It might be the athlete who takes share he is supposed to collect. Everyone to go unseen? all the credit for the team victory. It could knows he is doing wrong, but there is no be someone in your youth group who way to stop him. wants to share all the drama going on in Jesus’ parable describes the two men Make a Choice: her life and what she has done to fix it. We as they offer their prayers to God. The Will you consider the ways you are already all know of people like this. It comes as no Pharisee offers a praise of himself to God, good or focus on the ways you can improve surprise that Jesus tells us a parable about while the tax collector offers a prayer of and grow? a person like this in Luke 18. mercy. Jesus explains that the tax collec- This parable is about a self-righteous tor will be exalted because he humbled man — told to a group of people who think himself, while the Pharisee will be brought Pray: highly of themselves. The Pharisees are a down low because he exalted himself Ask for forgiveness for those times when group of men who firmly and excessively instead of God. you think of yourself as better than others, and ask God to help you humbly grow and improve.

Youth | 23 Luke 18:1-8

with Tony W. Cartledge

Oct. 20, 2013 Persistent Prayer

ave you ever found yourself so tired or worn down that you Hwanted to quit, but knew that you had to keep going, to “hang in there” even when it was hard? Think of a runner “hitting the wall” in the middle of a lengthy race. Think of a young mother with two jobs and a colicky baby who wonders how she will make it through another day. Think of an aging man or woman who serves as caretaker for a spouse who suffers from dementia Luke 18:8 – and requires constant attention. “I tell you, he will quickly grant justice How does one keep going under such to them. And yet, when the Son of Man circumstances? Perseverance requires at comes, will he find faith on earth?” least two things: a personal commitment (17:20-37; compare Mark 13, Matthew crisis will pass and better days will come. 24, and Luke 21). The parable This theme is at the heart of the In these verses that lead up to chapter (vv. 2-5) parable that involves an unjust judge and 18, Jesus insists that the anticipated a persistent widow. Now that we understand the context, we coming of the “Son of Man,” a typical messianic expectation among the The setting Luke, is not about getting one’s prayer- Jews, would take place suddenly and (v. 1) shaped requests granted through much unexpectedly, as people were going about wheedling of God. The early editors who divided biblical their daily business. It’s easy to see how one might reach scrolls into chapters and verses begin a After Jesus’ death and resurrection, this interpretation: Luke begins with the new chapter with this parable, perhaps the early church re-envisioned the Jewish interpretive statement “Jesus told them a because it addresses the issue of prayer, expectation of a messianic age as the parable about their need to pray and not as does the story of the Pharisee and tax return of Christ. So, although Jesus had lose heart” (v. 1). The following story collector that follows it (17:9-14). yet to reach Jerusalem in Luke’s narrative, involves a widow who wanted something Luke’s readers would have had Jesus’ however, is not a beginning but an ending. post-resurrection identity as the “Son of gave it to her. It concludes the preceding section in Man” in mind. If a no-account, uncaring judge will which faith has been addressed from This is the setting for the story of the several angles (see the previous lessons unjust judge and the persistent widow in might think, how much more can we from 17:1-10 and 11-19), leading into 18:1-8. It begins with a call for a prayerful expect God to answer our prayers for an apocalyptic address about the Son life that does not lose heart (v. 1) despite health, wealth and happy children? of Man’s coming to bring justice to the the injustice of the present world, remain- Take note, however, that what the world and full fruition to the Kingdom of ing faithful in the hope of Christ’s return widow wanted was justice. An opponent God that has become manifest in Jesus to vindicate the righteous and make all – perhaps one of her late husband’s family things right. The text closes on the same members who was failing to provide for Additional background information theme – though not optimistically – her as called for in the marriage contract online where you see the “Digging – was doing her wrong. While her request Deeper” icon faith when he returns (v. 8). probably involved some sort of material

24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes good that was being denied her, the debating whether it means that God will central plea was for vindication in the are available at be patient (the more natural meaning), or face of the one who was making her life nurturingfaith.net that God will not delay in coming to the miserable. aid of those who suffer injustice. This is a far cry from the sort of This becomes potentially problematic prayer that asks God for healing or determined, aggressive, willing to do for those who read this promise 2,000 an unexpected check in the mail. The whatever it took to accomplish what years later, knowing that millions of widow’s plea is for justice, even as the needed to be done -- people such as Rosa believers have suffered and died in the prayer of early Christians was often for Parks or Mother Theresa or countless meantime, and the Son of Man has not vindication in the face of those who others who have devoted their lives to the returned to set things right. (For more, see opposed their faith and made their lives pursuit of justice for all, compassion for “The Hardest Question” online). hard. the least, or the needs of their families. Jesus’ teaching about the coming of In days of trial or persecution, The widow would not take “No” for the Son of Man that preceded this text believers would need to pray for Christ’s an answer, and though the judge kept (17:20-37) did not give a timetable, but return – thus expressing continued faith – refusing to listen, she kept demanding and not lose heart. justice until she wore him down. Finally, suddenly, at a time no one expected. In The parable has two main characters, in a brief conversation with himself, v. 8, Jesus insists that vindication will both of whom are essential to the story. the judge decided that he would grant come “soon.” Even though two millennia One is not more important than the other. her justice before she exhausted him have passed, we must remember that in completely. the light of eternity, “soon” can take on a a Herodian functionary is unstated – who The funny part, which rarely makes much broader meaning than we usually its way into translation, is that the term assign it. The second character is a particularly translated as “wear me out” literally The question is not when God persistent widow who has been wronged. means “punch me in the face,” or “give will come or whether God is willing to Through the stories he tells, Luke shows me a black eye.” vindicate the righteous. The question is a particular interest in widows and We’ve been told twice that the judge whether, when the Son of Man comes, he their plight. The law provided clear didn’t care what people thought of him, protections for widows, but the law was so he probably wasn’t expressing a Will believers follow Jesus’ challenge often ignored. metaphorical concern that her persistent from v. 1, persisting in prayer and not Despite the depressing circumstances complaints would give a black eye to his losing heart? Or when he returns at the of the story, Jesus likely told it with a smile reputation. He seems to have been afraid end of the age, will faith have disappeared on his face because it includes a bit of a she would actually slap or punch him – or from the earth? joke, a turning of the tables on the self- at least browbeat him with her perpetual The question is an open one. As with serving judge. It is yet another example of pleas for justice. many of his parables, Jesus leaves the Jesus’ surprising ability to use unsavory The irony is rich: a powerful judge story unresolved, so that those who hear characters as examples for teaching. overwhelmed by a powerless widow’s it (or read it many years later) can decide Earlier, he had held up a dishonest persistence. for themselves how they will respond. business manager as one who could teach How will you? BT the importance of acting decisively in The point a time of crisis (Luke 16:1-13, see the (vv. 6-8) Sept. 22 lesson). Now, he uses an unjust With v. 6, Jesus offers an interpretive Wear me out: It’s interesting human judge to provide an insight into the word. If a mulish magistrate on earth can character of the eternal judge. be persuaded to grant justice, how much that we have the same idiom in The text assumes that the widow’s more can we count on the judge of heaven English, but in reverse. While the cause was just, but her righteous cause and earth to vindicate those who have put Greek term “strike me below the had no effect on the self-focused and their trust in God? eye” could mean “wear me out,” hard-hearted judge. He persisted in Remember the eschatological in contemporary English (at least refusing to give her justice, though she context of these verses: Believers may of the southern variety), one was equally persistent in coming to court may describe a firm spanking or day after day after day (the tense of the days, but they should persist in faith and verb indicates repeated action). physical beating with the phrase This woman must have been vindicate them when Christ returns. “he/she wore him out.” quite a character. Perhaps you have The translation of v. 7, especially the known indomitable women who were

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 20, 2013 | 25 Luke 18:9-14

with Tony W. Cartledge

Oct. 27, 2013 What Happens in Between

ave you ever known someone who could, as the old saying goes, “strut Hwhile sitting down”? We meet one of those characters in today’s text. He’ll be Luke 18:14 – “I tell you, this man Have you ever known a truly humble went down to his spirit? Someone who often makes mistakes, home justified rather than the other; readily seeks forgiveness? for all who exalt We’ll meet one of those people, themselves will be too, and see if he holds a mirror to our humbled, but all who own attitudes about what it means to be humble themselves righteous – or even religious. will be exalted.”

The set-up (v. 9) but were not of their party (Mark 9:38), and this perspective, the twist comes in the how they argued among themselves about This story relates to the preceding parable who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). judgmental Pharisee than the penitent cheat. in that the subject of prayer is involved, Some of those people might be reading but it also begins a new section of stories this text today. Do we look sideways at The story about entering the kingdom of God from other people in church, quietly judging (vv. 10-13) whether we are more righteous than they? This story, like the one before it, has through humility (18:9-14), through the Would we be offended if a notorious two main characters, with God lurking simple but limited faith of children (18:15- 17) and through leaving all to follow Jesus and the street slid into the pew beside us, Pharisee, a member of a religious party (18:18-30). head bowed? that promoted perfect obedience to the law. Luke has a penchant for tipping his We must be careful not to let the hand with an introductory note indicating obvious point of the parable disguise its went beyond the requirements found in his view of the parable’s purpose (see, hidden subtleties. the Pentateuch and sought to obey many for example, 18:1), and this one is no The parable can be read in two ways, additional rules developed by the rabbis exception: “He also told this parable to both with a twist. In Jesus’ day, Pharisees in an attempt to prevent anyone from some who trusted in themselves that they would have had a generally positive violating the most basic precepts. were righteous and regarded others with reputation and tax collectors would have Because we are so attuned to the contempt” (v. 9). been seen in a wholly negative light. The routinely negative portrayal of Pharisees in Some of those people might have unexpected twist is that the righteous the Gospels, we usually fail to appreciate been in Jesus’ daily entourage of followers. Pharisee comes up short and the penitent their laudable efforts to please God by Some of them might have been among the scrupulously following every jot and disciples – remember other stories of how Luke, however, has told so many tittle of the law. And, we should avoid they sought to impede the work of others stories involving both Pharisees and tax seeing this story as a broadside against all who were doing miracles in Jesus’ name collectors that the readers’ view is reversed: Pharisees: it was and is entirely possible to we expect by now to think of Pharisees follow the law while also treating others Additional background information as self-righteous hypocrites, and of tax with grace and compassion. online where you see the “Digging collectors as crooks who are willing to In every group, however, there are Deeper” icon reform when confronted by Jesus. From bound to be those who take such pride in

26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes their personal achievements that they can’t used to say, by earning it. help but stand in judgment on those who are available at But he was wrong. He was blinded don’t measure up to their standards. The nurturingfaith.net man in Jesus’ story would have been one of super-righteousness had driven a wedge those: one whose outward pride masked an not only between him and others, but also inner insecurity that required him to look sideways, reminding God of how righteous between him and God. As we learned from down on others in order to feel good about he was by expressing thanks that he was himself. not like other men, who might be robbers moat between yourself and others without The other major player is a tax or rogues, adulterers or even someone so separating yourself from God, too. collector, also known as a “publican.” reprehensible as the tax collector he could The Pharisee’s hall-of-fame piety had Tax collectors such as this man were Jews see from the corner of his eye (v. 11). not moved him to love the people God who worked for the Romans in extracting Likewise, he thanked God that he loves, but had driven him away from them. tax money from fellow Jews, earning could pat himself on the back for his As John Nolland puts it, “If grace does an unsavory reputation as turncoats and resolute piety, even to the point of fasting not lead to grace, it turns out not to have swindlers. twice a week and tithing from everything been grace at all” (Luke 9:21-18:34, Word How could such a man dare to show that passed through his hands. Biblical Commentary [Word Books, 1993], his turncoat face in the temple? In truth, the The publican, in contrast, stood 877). tax collector made every effort not to show “afar off,” perhaps in a back corner of Do you remember those stories from his face, refusing to look up as he snuck the courtyard. He knew that he would Luke 15, the ones about being lost and into the temple courtyards to pray in deep not be welcome, and wished to remain as found? They had been directed against the contrition. inconspicuous as possible. overly righteous, too, against people who So we have these two men, both The tax collector prayed with his eyes kept themselves apart from people who standing in the temple, probably at one downward, not daring to “look God in the were both physically and spiritually needy, of the two appointed daily prayer times eye” by facing heavenward. Though he lest their piety be contaminated. (9 a.m. and 3 p.m.). It is likely that we are faced down, his prayers were directed up, But Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) – including tax to think of the popular afternoon gathering, offering a simple but abject plea for mercy collectors. And he spoke with divine on a sinner such as himself. authority when he pronounced the altar, incense burned, and priestly prayers The wretched man’s attempt to avoid penitent publican as the one who was offered in behalf of the people. attention soon fell victim to the depth of The Pharisee stood with his head his contrition, as he began to beat his chest The story is about two men who show and hands raised to heaven in the typical and perhaps to repeat his brief mantra for us two different pictures of God. For the posture of prayer. His words, however, mercy. Pharisee, God was limited to a theological were not typical for one who seeks God’s box constructed by the law: God had to grace. The take-home love the righteous (him!) and reject the Indeed, his prayer of thanksgiving (v. 14) sinner. The penitent publican, on the other seemed designed to indicate that he needed no grace. He looked up but prayed bookends that frame the parable. Jesus capable of forgiving even a sinner like began the parable by saying “two men went himself. up to the temple to pray” (v. 10). Then, The parable is a warning, as Peter Tithing: The Pharisees were so when prayers were ended, each “went Rhea Jones argues, that when we approach persnickety about tithing that they down” to his home (v. 14). It’s what God, we need to lay down not only our sins would tithe from something as happened between the going up and the but also our virtues (Studying the Parables coming down that mattered. of Jesus [Smyth & Helwys, 1999], 256). small as their kitchen herbs, and “I tell you,” Jesus said – a polite way Focusing on our spiritual accomplishments even take a tithe from items or of saying “Listen up!” – “this man (the tax and comparing ourselves to others is a food they had purchased, in case the merchant had not already rather than the other; for all who exalt This points to a danger inherent in tithed from his wares. Jesus themselves will be humbled, but all who religion, even to faithful living: We are criticized those who tithed from humble themselves will be exalted.” tempted to become proud of our piety. Sometimes the most religious people can herbs like mint and rue, but did not Here is the switch: the Pharisee thought of himself as so righteous that he be the farthest from God. practice justice or the love needed no help from God because he had Jesus has framed a compelling picture: of God (Luke 11:42). attained righteousness the old-fashioned two men, two prayers, two outcomes. way, as the Smyth Barney commercials Where are you in the picture?

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 27, 2013 | 27 Classifieds In the Know

Associate Pastor in Family Ministries: The Christian Byrd is the new coordina- Otto M. Spangler Sr. died Aug. 3 in Baptist Church of Beaufort is seeking candidates tor of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Gainesville, Fla., at age 77. He served as for the position of associate pastor in family min- Mississippi. Baptist campus minister at the University istries who is responsible for providing leadership of Florida from 1972 until his retirement and oversight in Christian education, spiritual formation and all other ministries (with the excep- M. Dwaine Greene will become the in 1999. An active member of Gainesville’s tion of music) to families. Primary emphasis is on 24th president of Georgetown College in First Baptist Church, he was longtime families with school-age children (both two-parent Kentucky on Oct. 21. He comes from chaplain for both UF Gators athletics and and single-parent households) and married cou- Campbell University in North Carolina the Gainesville Quarterback Club. ples of the same life stage. This staff member shall where he is provost and academic dean. serve in a supervisory role for other staff members related to family ministry (such as ministers/direc- Warren Woolf died July 15 in Atlanta at tors of preschool, children and youth ministries). Ryan Forbes is minister of music and wor- age 91. He directed the Baptist Student Minimal requirements include a master’s degree ship at First Baptist Church of Clemson, Union at Georgia Tech, his alma mater, from an accredited seminary or related institution, S.C. Earlier he served North Broad Baptist from 1950-1966. He then served the at least 7-10 years experience in a related ministry Church in Rome, Ga., and First Baptist former SBC Home Mission Board where he (youth, children, etc.), and a proven capacity to Church of Decatur, Ga. retired in 1984 as director of personnel. He supervise others in ministry. The Baptist Church of Beaufort relates on the state and national levels was a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church with both the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Ronnie Kiehm is pastor of Farmville (Va.) in Decatur, Ga., for nearly 45 years. and the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as Baptist Church, coming from Evergreen internationally with the Baptist World Alliance. Baptist Church in Milledgeville, Ga. Emerson and Ivy Wu were commissioned by Interested candidates should send their résumé American Baptist International Ministries to to Search Committee, P.O. Box 879, Beaufort, SC 29901. Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore is minister to serve as development workers in Macau. youth and children at First Baptist Church of Weaverville, N.C. She was ordained The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Minister of Music: Trinity Baptist Church in to ministry by First Baptist Church of Georgia announces the appointment Cordova, Tenn., is prayerfully seeking a full-time minister of music with full compensation and Asheville, N.C. of part-time campus ministers to lead benefits. Trinity is dually aligned with SBC and Cooperative Student Fellowships: Scott Lee CBF. Worship is traditional/blended with 400-475 Alan Sherouse is pastor of First Baptist at University of Georgia, Daniel Elliott at in worship attendance. Experience and a master’s Church of Greensboro, N.C., coming from Mercer University, and Dan Stockum at degree are preferred. Please email résumé to Metro Baptist Church in New York City. Georgia Tech. BT [email protected]. No phone calls please.

Minister to Students: First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Ga., (carrolltonfirstbaptist.com) is seek- Advertise today ing a minister to students for junior high through college age. This is a full-time position, salaried Print OR Web Classified Ads Web Display Ads with benefits. This person should have a call by God to this work and some previous work experi- (1 month) (1 week: large/medium/small) ence in student ministry, and be able to work with the church staff in providing pastoral care to the entire congregation. A seminary education is pref- erable. First Baptist is a 168-year-old congregation in downtown Carrollton. We support both CBF and SBC. We encourage qualified candidates, male and female, to submit résumés to steve@ carrolltonfirstbaptist.com. Children’s Sermons from Nurturing Faith ... for every Sunday by Kelly Belcher ... at nurturingfaith.net

28 | Feature September 2013 The Lighter Side By Brett Younger Lucky strikes

At 2 o’clock the girl at the counter said: violent, but I am growing in my apprecia- tion for this sport that does not penalize the “It’s $12 per person per hour or you overweight. can all bowl for $5 until 6:00, but you Bowling has a simple elegance. The pins are up. Then the pins are down. You know don’t have to bowl the whole time.” exactly how you did. Bowling is honest. ur $5 was not being used to pay for Could it be a coincidence that most of the most up-to-date equipment. The us have never heard of a church golf league, Oroundest ball I could find had been a church hockey club or a church gymnastics attacked by an angry bowler with an ice pick. association, but there are lots of church bowl- I believe the bowling balls were a ploy by the ing leagues? Church bowling teams have great owners to encourage new bowling ball pur- names: “Holy Rollers,” “Lord of the Pins,” chases in their curiously named “Pro Shop.” “Pin Pals,” “Tenpin Commandments,” and I admit the glow-in-the-dark skull ball was “Let There Be Strikes.” tempting. A life-size diorama at The International The computerized scorekeeper dealt in Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame portrays “Let the pins fall where they may.” “Call me estimates rather than exact numbers. The Martin Luther bowling on the single lane at butter ’cause I’m on a roll.” ball return never returned Graham’s first ball the side of his home. Luther, an avid bowler For a while we took it seriously, but by the — perhaps “Thunder Ball” chose to team up according to the curator, “once preached a end we were rolling the ball between our legs. with some other bowler. The shoes were, how- sermon which, if put into bowling vernacular, I won, but do not want anyone to make a big ever, as are all bowling shoes, fantastic. Only proclaimed we all strive for perfection in life. deal of it. What happens at the bowling alley the most stylish footwear has both men’s and But if we roll a gutterball, all is not lost.” women’s sizes printed on the heel. stays at the bowling alley. Bowling is not going to replace prayer or The atmosphere was inspiring — multiple We ended up having a strikingly good fasting as a spiritual discipline, but every now NASCAR schedules on the wall, “Snakes on a time with the pin pushers. Bowling is right and then we should join the gutter fingers, pin Lane” T-shirts, and 7-year-olds bowling with up our alley. What’s not to love about a sport heads and rolling pins. We try so hard to get the bumpers that eliminate gutter balls. in which you are expected to eat nachos and so much done that we forget to have fun. We To our left was a family who also bowls pickle sickles during the game? should bowl — maybe even more than once a once a year, but to our right were serious bowl- Artifacts for a game similar to bowling year. BT ers (“Alley Gators”) in serious bowling shirts were found in the tomb of an Egyptian youth who brought their own bowling balls in special who died approximately 5200 BCE. Ancient —Brett Younger is associate professor of preaching zippered bags, polished shoes, polishing cloth, Polynesians rolled stones at objects from a dis- at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. talcum powder and beer. tance of 60 feet — the same distance as from The members of my family are at about foul line to headpin. During the third and the same skill level. Carol does a cute little hop fourth centuries, bowling was a religious cer- on her left foot as she knocks down one pin emony. German parishioners had to at a time. Caleb started with a slight case of roll an object at a pin or kegel (from ebowla — you couldn’t hear a pin drop. which we get the word kegler When he finally nailed one, I wanted to for bowler) to avoid perform- shout, “I can’t believe it’s not gutter!” ing an act of penance. Whenever Graham did well, he The sport of kings enjoyed saying, “That’s how (which most people I roll.” think is horse rac- Bowling is a great sport ing, but it ought to for talking to yourself: “Keep be bowling) has your mind out of the gut- a bad reputa- ter.” “I am Don Carter” tion. “Gutter” (the only bowler I can sounds low- Available as a digital download name). “You don’t have brow and (ebook) or in print at another frame to spare.” “strike” seems nurturingfaith.info

September 2013 Perspective | 29 +% 2/$$% -*6./! Putting relationships ABOVE ASSIGNMENTS Ask a real estate professional, “What are the top three reasons a property will sell?” and the answer almost always will be “location, location, location.”

he church, however, is entirely other? Is pastoral staff investing time building outside our caves reacting to danger. different. Location is not the main relationships? Although emotions are still vital, the mean- reason a church will thrive — nor is One of the ways pastoral staff and lay lead- ing we give them and how we think about them Tit economic wealth, worship style or highly ers can be proficient in relationship building is determines our success. It is important to combine educated people. through Emotional Intelligence (EI) — intro- emotions with thinking, thus avoiding an auto- The secret to a thriving church is relation- duced in 1995 by Daniel Goleman. matic reaction. Automatic reactions are intensified ships, relationships, relationships. Goleman wrote the internationally best- by our personal history. Goleman describes these Webster defines relationship as “connecting selling book, Emotional Intelligence (1995, reactions as “emotional hijackings.” or binding participants.” This is the descrip- Bantam Books) that spent almost two years on Studies show IQ accounts for 10-25 per- tion found in Acts 2:42-47 that affirms, “They The New York Times best-seller list. He devel- cent of our performance. IQ is not what we devoted themselves to the fellowship.” oped the argument that non-cognitive skills know, but our innate ability to learn. Relationship is not a new idea for the can matter as much as IQ for workplace success Personality can predict 4-9 percent of our church. In creation, God sought fellowship with according to Wikipedia. performance in certain roles. Personality is a set humanity. Genesis 3:8 tells us, “Then the man Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, using of behavioral tendencies that become relatively and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as Goleman’s model, wrote Emotional Intelligence stable in our 20s. he walked in the garden in the cool of the day.” 2.0 and established TalentSmart,Inc. to further Sixty percent of our success is determined God comes to us to engage us in relation- explain the model. Emotional Intelligence is by emotional intelligence. More importantly, ship. To have a relationship with God, we must divided into two major categories: “personal emotional intelligence can change because it is a believe that God wants the best for us. competence” and “social competence.” set of skills that can grow. To be a member of the body of Christ, “Personal competence is your ability to Bradberry, Greaves and DeLazaro say that we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. stay aware of your emotions and manage your an effective relationship must meet three cri- This allows the Spirit to work in the garden behavior and tendencies,” they wrote. “Social teria: (1) my needs, (2) your needs and (3) the of the heart to produce the fruit described in competence is made up of your social aware- requirements of the relationship. Galatians 5:22-23. ness and relationship management skills; social If the ministers of a church are meeting As the Spirit changes us, we reflect these competence is your ability to understand other the relational needs of each other, their work changes back to God and in relationship with people’s moods, behaviors and motives in order will thrive. As laypersons observe the healthy other people. to improve the quality of your relationships.” relationships, they will seek similar relationships In an interview by Mark Galli in the March In their 2011 training material titled and meet challenges in a new way. 2013 issue of Christianity Today, William Paul “Discovering Emotional Intelligence,” When we think about pastoral-staff rela- Young said: “Relationship is about learning Bradberry, Greaves and DeLazaro say that our tionships and pastoral-lay relationships, how to trust. Trust is connecting in a huge way to brains are hardwired to make us emotional well do we meet the criteria stated by Bradberry, the character and nature of God, because you creatures. In the early days of human existence, Greaves and DeLazaro? Do we put the rela- cannot fundamentally trust someone you don’t knee-jerk emotional reactions protected people tionship first, or are we more interested in know loves you or is for you.” from danger. But we are no longer stepping accomplishing a task? For some people in the church, their rela- Do we truly want to meet the needs of tionship with God is interpreted through their others as we accomplish a task? If we are meet- relationship with pastoral staff. Can pastoral ing each other’s needs first, we will be able to staff, as William Paul Young says, be trusted to accomplish much more together than just love laypersons and be for them? completing an immediate assignment. BT Can laypersons know that even if they disagree with pastoral staff, they will be loved —Jerry Chiles of Raleigh, N.C., is a retired and cared for? Are there times when we can Christian educator and a certified Emotional agree to disagree because we care for each Intelligence trainer with TalentSmart, Inc.

30 | Perspective September 2013 Editor’s note: This article in the series “Transitions: Helping churches and church leaders in changing times” is provided by the Center for Congregational Health (healthychurch.org) based in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Role of associate ministers during pastoral transition needs clarity

By Melissa Fallen

“I will retire effective June 30.” Those etc.? Will the interim take the lead role in least, associate staff members need access to conducting those? Will that role be shared a pastoral candidate prior to issuing a call. It simple words from our pastor raised with the associate staff? Will the associate(s) be will lower anxiety levels and make for a much a lot of questions for me about what asked to carry out those duties? smoother transition if the associates know their There is no “one size fits all” answer to opinions are valued. the future might hold, not only for the these questions. Instead, a congregation can congregation but also for me as an discuss these questions with the interim pas- Love one another tor and associates to determine what the best associate pastor. This sounds really simple, but it is vitally working relationship might be for them. Most important to love one another during transi- discovered many resources about the steps a importantly, roles regarding leadership in these tion periods. Everyone is grieving in some way congregation can take to facilitate a healthy areas must be clearly defined before issues following the loss of a pastor. transition to its next pastor. However, I arise. I Things are changing, and the future is found very little guidance on how staffs uncertain. Approach it together. negotiate this process. The search process If you are a church member, find ways As part of my Doctor of Ministry project As the interim process moves along, the con- to support your associate staff. There is noth- at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, gregation will begin to form a search team for ing more defeating to an associate pastor than I interviewed other ministerial staffs to learn a new pastor. As résumés pour in, associate feeling like “second best” or that the congrega- about the interim period in congregational life. staff members need clarification about their tion is “settling” because the pastor is absent. The question at the forefront was: What can role in the discernment Associate ministers are gifted and trained to congregations, staffs and interim pastors do process. handle many ministerial duties. Affirm them, to make this period the best possible growth The first question and give them an extra pat on the back for the experience for everyone? to ask is whether or not gifts they offer to the church. The interim period is a naturally anxious associate staff members Associate ministers also have an even time in the life of a congregation. Leadership is will be considered for greater responsibility to care for the flock negotiated in different ways when the pastor’s the pastorate position. during transition. Even if the church hires an seat is vacant. Conventional wisdom interim minister, the associates usually have Nothing is more critical than having clear leans against this, but the the longer tenure, and people appreciate the lines of communication between the interim congregation must decide stability and calm that tenure can bring. pastor, staff and congregation. So I developed what it believes is best for its situation and To associates, don’t hide out in your office a list of conversation starters that might help stick to the decision. until the new pastor arrives, but be available congregations clarify and guide the role of the The second issue regards involvement of and sensitive to the broader needs of the associate pastor during a pastoral transition. associate staff members in the search process. congregation during this period. Questions stirring in their minds include: The transition to a new pastor can be Role of the interim “Will I like this person? Will he/she like me? an exciting time in the life of a church. With If a church chooses to employ an interim What if he/she doesn’t value my ministry? clear communication among the congregation, pastor, that person will have a different rela- What if the new pastor has a different style of associate ministers and the interim pastor, the tionship with staff than the pastor did. It is leadership? What if I have to find a new job?” transition time can build a strong foundation important to clarify what the expectations are This kind of anxiety can cause distraction for an entering pastor and years of effective of the interim serving in the pastoral role. for associate pastors. They need reassurance of shared ministry. BT How many days each week will he/she be their place in the congregation and a definition on site? Will he/she supervise the staff? If so, of their role in the search process. —Melissa Fallen is the associate pastor for older what will that look like? Every congregation will determine the adults and administration at Huguenot Road What about funerals, baptisms, weddings, level of involvement differently, but at the very Baptist Church in Richmond, Va.

September 2013 Perspective | 31 +% +$4-/ 0#4$./%, Online Editor In their own words

AND THE AMERICAN

his month in Tennessee, Union forces occupy Knoxville, seize the Cumberland Point Park, atop Lookout Mountain, is part Gap and take Chattanooga in rapid of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National T Military Park. Photo by John Pierce. succession and with few casualties. Yet the advance comes to a sudden and bloody stand- still when Confederates win the Battle of Chickamauga in the greatest Union defeat in the western theater of the war, totaling some 34,000 casualties, second only to Gettysburg. Despite the victory, Confederate losses are greater. Retreating to Chattanooga, the federals retrench for more battles that are sure to come. Meanwhile, earlier Confederate losses at Gettysburg and Vicksburg have led to unprec- edented revivals among soldiers and on the home front. Southern Baptist newspapers routinely report mass conversions, yet largely ignore growing army desertions. In associa- tional gatherings throughout the South, army 150 years ago Union and support of freedom for slaves. The mission work is highlighted and defiant sup- latter states: port of the Confederacy voiced. ! An editorial in the North Carolina Baptist September 1863 Resolved, That we have special occasion Biblical Recorder echoes sentiments publicly for thankfulness to God, in the eman- voiced among white Baptists: those late reverses look almost irrepa- cipation last January, of nearly three rable. Yet I know in the hands of an millions of our fellow men from bond- Our reverses are not ruinous. They are Omnipotent God those very things that age, and still another such occasion in what must be looked for in a war of such make my heart sink and flesh cringe our recent National victories. magnitude. And if rightly received, they may ultimately prove the best things will be among the most powerful agencies that could have happened for the cause Hundreds of thousands of Africans yet for good to the nation. …What we shall I deeply & devotedly cling to. I have enslaved grow more hopeful, while freed gain by this war will be blood-bought; also been anxious, O, so very anxious, persons exercise their newfound autonomy. and so sacred will be these treasures, that to hear from our darling boy far away The African-American Baptist congregation the people of the confederacy must ever in the Confederate army… Now I feel in Union-occupied Port Royal, S.C., holds a cherish and defend them next to their so anxious to know how that sickness special event to raise funds for the creation of religion. Every man, not now fit to be terminated, where he is, & what he is a monument to Col. Robert Shaw, commander a slave, must place a proper estimate on doing. O, would it please God to guard of the 54th Massachusetts African Regiment these rights and blessings for which we & guide our loved one, shield him from killed in action in July. In Washington, D.C., contend; and must ask, in all the fervor disease & death in battle, and bring 21 African Baptists, now free but exiled from of his patriotism give me a place where I him safely home to us at the right time, their home in Fredericksburg, Va., establish the can aid in achieving the independence of if it be His sovereign will. And if it be Shiloh Baptist Church. this land. And, having found his place, decreed that we should see that manly Late summer and early fall thus witness he must stay there and labor, and suffer, form and dear face no more on earth, the now-weary tale of battlefields strewn with and be hopeful, and wait for deliverance may it be Thy will we should meet in bodies. Yet the war is increasingly transformed that a just God will bring to a Christian that bright, glorious world, where wars apart from the battlefield by defiant white people struggling to be free… cannot come, where sickness and sorrow, southern men and despondent white southern pain nor death are felt nor heard no women, Confederate army revivals and deser- A Confederate Baptist mother in Kentucky, more. … tions, ebullient Northern civilians and growing however, writing in her diary, is not fully political will, and hopeful slaves and autono- persuaded by such lofty rhetoric: Within the United States, the Erie Baptist mous free blacks. Association of New York convenes and, offer- Appeals to God and providence aside, The South has had many reverses and ing sentiments similar to other northern final triumph, dark and distant, demands to me, a short sighted worm of the dust, associations, passes resolutions of loyalty to the human determination. BT

32 | Feature September 2013 Reblog

Selections from recent blogs at baptiststoday.org When greed trumps history By Tony W. Cartledge

olitical crises and massive uprisings in Syria and Egypt are not only taking a P toll on human life, public resources, and economic wellbeing. They’re also contributing to an unconscionable desecration of history. Syria, a cradle of ancient civilization, may have more important archaeological sites than any other country in the world. But formerly pristine sites that were identified but not yet excavated are starting to look like moonscapes as prospectors armed with bulldozers and

automatic weapons search for valuable arti- Syrian rebels walk through rubble and damaged buildings near the Aleppo’s Umayyad Mosque on facts to sell on the black market, destroying Feb. 11, 2013. Reuters/Aref Heretani every hint of historical context along the way. The Roman city of Apamea is a current before fleeing British forces. It’s also believed that make many thousands of dollars on a single target, and invaluable sites such as Aleppo, supernatural powers such as genies guard some prize sold to wealthy collectors. Mari and Ebla are also endangered. Most of of the gold, leading looters to cite exorcism verses Meanwhile the world’s cultural heritage is the looted goods are fenced through black from the Quran while prospecting. impoverished. marketers in Turkey and Lebanon. In Egypt, looters have taken advantage For most of us, there is little we can do In neighboring Jordan, the threat is not of the current chaos not only to dig in poorly other than shake our heads in dismay and civil war but an unsteady economy and the protected sites, but also to attack and clean (hopefully) pledge that we will never purchase hope of quick riches. out state-owned warehouses of artifacts, or to looted artifacts. But we might also want to Local legend has it that the Ottoman Turks, brazenly rob museums of precious treasures. stop for a moment and think about how we who ruled the area from 1516 to 1918, owned While they make a few dollars from the rob- look at our own past, and to be careful about mounds of gold, much of which they buried beries, operators at the top of the chain can what we trash and what we treasure. BT

often marked by big egos and big money, Giving and receiving scandals and win-at-any-cost abuse to one’s self and others. By John Pierce Steve Hummer of But this tragic incident at the first-base the Atlanta Journal- bag revealed the best of humanity in the rue generosity is not based on what Constitution reported sports spotlight. Eric Young Jr., the Mets one gets in return. Yet while we don’t that the staff and player who accidently inflicted the injury, T (or shouldn’t) give in order to receive, patients at Children’s was most remorseful. He rushed to Hudson’s it often works that way. Healthcare of Atlanta side immediately, expressed his sorrow when Tim Hudson It did for veteran Atlanta Braves pitcher made it their mission the pitcher was placed on a stretcher, and Tim Hudson who suffered a major ankle to let Huddy know he then wiped tears from his eyes as he walked injury in a July 24 game against the New was loved. back to the dugout. York Mets. Early messages of support to the His expression of kindness was just the Hudson and his wife Kim are widely Hudsons included snapshots of young first. Kids with much bigger concerns than a appreciated for the charitable work they do patients holding baseballs inscribed with crushed ankle quickly reached out to one of in person and through their foundation. get-well messages. The staff dressed in their heroes. Particularly, they are known for brightening Braves attire in tribute to a faithful friend, Oh, what lessons to be learned — the dark experiences of children who are and the hospital even served baseball fare in including the reality that sowing seeds of seriously ill. his honor. kindness often results in a bumper crop of Suddenly, the tables turned. The world of professional sports is so goodness in return. BT

September 2013 Perspective | 33 Nurturing Faith: Texts and Themes for 2014 +% "#'% ,. -&$"./(0/ *Order the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies within Baptists Today at 1-877-752-5658 or nurturingfaith.net.

Jan. 5 – John 1:10-18 Feb. 9 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Season of Easter June 22 – Jeremiah 20:7-13 “The Word That Walks” “Spiritual Secrets” Apr. 20 – Matthew 28:1-10 “Fire in the Bones” In Jesus we learn what God is like – and Some things are beyond purely mental “Who’s Afraid?” Jeremiah learned that a personal how to live as God’s children. comprehension. The post-resurrection Jesus told the message from God isn’t easy to ignore. women not to be afraid, but others Season of Epiphany Feb. 16 – 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 needed to hear the message more. June 29 – Jeremiah 28:1-17 Jan. 12 – Acts 10:34-43 “Baby Talk” “Not Just Yoking Around …” The words Jeremiah heard led to some “Who Converted Whom?” The Corinthians’ immaturity frustrated April 27-June 1 Paul, who called them babies and peculiar behavior and intense confron- Cornelius and company became Chris- The Challenges of a Changed Life pleaded with them to grow up. tations. Are we ready for that? tians, but Peter may have had the most significant conversion of all. Apr. 27 – 1 Peter 1:3-9 Feb. 23 – 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 July 6 – Zechariah 9:9-13 “Hopeful Faith” “Prisoners of Hope” January 19-February 23 “Quality Construction” Faith and hope are closely related; we All believers begin with the foundation Those who have been captured by Things That Matter can’t have one without the other. Christ laid; what we build on it is up to hope are free to hear God’s promise of us. How do our temples look? freedom. Jan. 19 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 May 4 – 1 Peter 1:17-23 “Certain Strength” Mar. 2 –Psalm 2 “Deep Love” July 13 – Isaiah 55:6-13 Deep love isn’t a surface phenomenon; Paul thanks God for the Corinthians’ “More Than Meets the Eye” “The Fertile Word” it comes from the heart. progress in the faith and affirms his Believers, like kings in Israel, are Where God’s words are planted, confidence in them. “adopted” by God and brought into amazing things grow. a special relationship that calls for May 11 – 1 Peter 2:13-25 Jan. 26 – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 transformation. “Paradoxical Living” July 20 – Isaiah 44:6-20 “Perilous Polarities” How can people be slaves and free at “The Real Thing” Divisions and polarization can threaten Season of Lent the same time? God’s word to Isaiah reveals the glory even strong people, and strong opin- March 9-April 13 of God and the folly of idolatry. ions can lead to strong divisions. Songs for Serious Seekers May 18 – 1 Peter 2:1-10 “Living Stones” July 27 – 1 Kings 3:3-15 Feb. 2 – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Mar. 9 – Psalm 32 The temple of God is built of the living “A Listening Heart” “Foolhardy Wisdom” stones of God’s people. Deep wisdom comes from listening – “Forgiveness” Paul’s thoughts on wisdom and foolish- to God. Observing Lent begins with repentance ness may be surprising. and forgiveness. May 25 – 1 Peter 3:13-22 “Good Suffering?” Aug. 3 – Matthew 14:13-21 Mar. 16 – Psalm 121 Can anything good come out of “A Picnic to Remember” suffering? Jesus fed the multitudes with far more On the “Preservation” than physical food. The confidence needed for bold living Nurturing Faith comes from God. June 1 – 1 Peter 5:6-11 “Lion Taming” August 10-August 31 Bible Studies Talking Tough Mar. 23 – Psalm 95 Temptation never goes away, but it can by Tony Cartledge “Worship” be tamed. Aug. 10 – Romans 10:5-15 in Baptists Today: The closer we come to God, the more we are drawn to worship. June 8 – 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 “No Distinction” “This curriculum … “One and Many” We may draw social lines consciously or unconsciously, but Paul reminds us The gift of the Spirit connects many is a huge time-saver Mar. 30 – Psalm 23 that God does no such thing: that salva- persons into one body – a marvelous, over what I had been “Trust” tion is for all. miraculous feat. doing. All the gather- Sheep thrive when they trust the shepherd. ing, culling and Aug. 17 – Romans 11:1-32 “What about Israel?” creating have been Season after Pentecost Apr. 6 – Psalm 130 Paul struggled to understand and done, and I feel like the “Hope” June 15-July 27 explain the ongoing place of Israel in online resources are quite Even the strongest believers face trials Words about Words — from God God’s plan. It’s not an easy issue. helpful. THANK YOU!” that force them to rely on hope. June 15 – Genesis 1:1-2:4a Aug. 24 – Romans 12:1-8 —ELAINE ANDERSON SARRATT, Apr. 13 – Psalm 118 SPARTANBURG, S.C. “And God Said …” “Everyone Is Gifted” God’s grace, like God’s salvation, is “Multi-tasking” The Bible begins with a lesson on the available to all. Every believer is gifted The psalmist blessed God, prayed creative power of divine speech. “Thank You!” for deliverance and celebrated God’s for service and responsible to be a good answer – all at once. steward of those gifts.

34 | Information September 2013 “This has been a wonderful study for our class. None of us had ever ven- tured into a study of Revelation because we were worried about not understanding the symbolism that seemed so difficult to understand. We feel this book has become in our American culture a symbol about ‘doom and gloom’ rather than the book of encourage- ment it was written to be. All of the class members have really enjoyed this six-week study. Tony’s videos have been extremely helpful. Thanks again for helping us stretch our comfort zone and realize that this is a book to encourage and not threaten us in our walk with Jesus.”

—ANN BOLINGER, WEAVERVILLE, N.C.

Aug. 31 – Romans 12:9-21 Nov. 2 – Joshua 3:7-17 “A Labor of Love” “Crossing the Jordan” Paul unleashes a string of imperatives – all of which Crossing rivers with no bridges calls for creativity can be fulfilled through genuine love. and faith.

September 7-September 28 Nov. 9 – Joshua 24:1-25 Hard Lessons “Making Choices” Joshua’s call to “choose this day” is really a call to Sept. 7 – Matthew 18:15-20 make good choices every day. “Confrontation and Community” What should we do with sinners in the church? Nov. 16 – Judges 4:1-17 “What Women Can Do” Sept. 14 – Matthew 18:21-35 Women can do whatever needs doing – as illustrated “The Power of Forgiveness” by Deborah and Jael. Forgiveness is not a one-time thing; it is a life-long attitude. Nov. 23 – Ezekiel 34:1-31 “The Good Shepherd” Sept. 21 – Matthew 20:1-16 Sometimes it’s good to be a sheep. “A Question of Fairness” When the first are last and the last first, what’s fair Season of Advent about that? November 30-December 21 An Adventurous Advent Sept. 28 – Matthew 21:23-32 “Who’s in Charge?” Nov. 30 – Isaiah 64:1-9 Honoring human authority while remaining faithful to God can be tricky. “The Cry of the Clay” The Advent season begins with a cry of hope. October 5-November 23 Growing Pains Dec. 7 – 2 Peter 3:8-15a “While We Are Waiting” Oct. 5 – Psalm 19 Israel and Christians alike look toward a coming day of “Silent Speech” consummation. While waiting, our behavior matters. God speaks in many ways; not all of them are audible. Dec. 14 – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 Oct. 12 – Exodus 32:1-14 “Imperatives Abounding” “Rebels Without a Cause” Paul could get very specific about what God expects from those who anticipate the Messiah’s arrival. The golden calf episode was a tragedy; Moses’ intercession was instructive. Dec. 21 – Luke 1:26-38 Oct. 19 – Exodus 33:12-23 “When Heaven Comes to Earth” “Holy Boldness” Gabriel’s visit to Mary set world-changing events in motion. Moses’ determination to seek God and intercede for the people earned a reward. Season of Christmas

Oct. 26 – Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Dec. 28 – Galatians 4:4-7 “A Good End to a Good Life” “Children of God” Moses’ death was a reminder of both possibilities and As we celebrate a baby in a manger, we remember limitations. that we are all children of God.

September 2013 Information | 35 +% 2#*' )6/$-/

Jimmy Lewis (left) talks with Drs. Fola and Tosin Fasuyi at the annual Tomato Sandwich Party that builds support for a free medical clinic behind First Baptist Church of Morrow, Ga. The most recent party raised more than $50,000. Hand-in-hand Georgia pastor blended congregational ministry, missions calling

immy Lewis didn’t choose between the Hearing-impaired persons attended another message was much more direct. pastorate and missions service. The two church services and were involved in congrega- He asked someone to interpret his pasto- Jbecame seamless and complementary tional life. ral prayer and received the terse response: “You throughout his ministry career. When exploring doctoral work back at his do it.” Lewis retired in June from the First seminary alma mater in Louisville, Ky., profes- So he did. Jimmy learned sign language in Baptist Church of Jasper, Ga. He served four sor Clyde Francisco urged Lewis to create a order to preach directly to the entire congrega- congregations over 40 years with a brief stint unique ministry model for working within this tion and to better engage hearing-impaired as missions coordinator for the Cooperative community. persons socially and pastorally. Baptist Fellowship of Georgia. In an initial survey, Lewis was surprised “I got pushed into this concept of mis- by some results — especially those indicating a sions and ministry by my deaf people,” he preference for having sermons interpreted by a said appreciatively. “And I could visit in their SOUND OF SILENCE translator rather than coming directly from the homes and pray with them.” Out of seminary Jimmy became pastor of Cave preacher. The relationship between the school and Spring Baptist Church in northwest Georgia. Upon further exploration, however, the church grew. And so did the young pastor’s The small town near Rome, Ga., is home to he discovered those responses were more a understanding that missions and pastoral the Georgia School for the Deaf. reflection of familiarity than preference. And ministry are not exclusive.

36 | Feature September 2013 thing grew until people started volunteering to do it each time.” The multiplication and diversity of mission opportunities and volunteers is what pleased Lewis the most. “I think the key to missions is your people buying into it and seeing that it is not just one thing.”

FREE HEALTH CARE When Jimmy became pastor of First Baptist Church of Morrow, Ga., he discovered a congre- gation that accepted the realities of its changing community. “The church knew I was committed to doing missions,” he said. One of the opportunities for ministry on The Good Shepherd Clinic in Morrow, Ga., is the first of several medical clinics for the uninsured that Jimmy Lewis has helped start in Georgia, each an ecumenical and community-supported effort. Atlanta’s south side was a need for medical care for the uninsured. His Doctor of Ministry project focused on They were “blended together in a common cause.” There were no physicians in the congrega- the impact of language on the mission of the Knowing that hammers and saws don’t fit tion, Lewis said, but the church called Judy church. That language as well as the opportuni- every hand and that many needs require some- Conway to serve as parish nurse. ties for ministry, he said, vary in every context. thing other than shelter, Jimmy invited other A Presbyterian layman and physician Tom “That kind of shaped my idea of how we church members to go with him into downtown Kelly told her he had long wanted to start a free do ministry,” he said. “We don’t do it on our Atlanta and volunteer in a large-scale feeding medical clinic using health care volunteers. So terms, but on the terms of the people.” ministry at Thanksgiving. the good doctor and the pastor met for lunch. It became an annual project. But driving “The first thing we needed to do was cre- BEYOND THE WALLS back from Atlanta after serving food, Jimmy ate a 501(c)3 apart from the church, said Lewis. asked his faithful coworkers: “What’s wrong Now an experienced Baptist pastor, he explained Lewis went to his second pastorate, Locust with this picture?” why: “Because churches have too much trouble Grove Baptist Church in Smyrna, Ga., knowing One church member responded: “We came making decisions.” it would be different from his first, but ripe with at Thanksgiving; we ought to do it all the time.” Jimmy asked a recently retired accountant mission opportunities. Participation in feeding those in need in the church to help form the non-profit orga- “We have to discover the mission of the grew in numbers and frequency, and with just nization. Instead he wrote a generous check and church,” he noted. “It is not the same in every encouragement from the pastor. said, “Go get it done.” place.” Missions moved from being an annual Presbyterian and Baptist volunteers reno- In this traditional congregation envel- summer trip, he said, to an ongoing way of vated a home behind First Baptist Church to oped by Atlanta’s continuous expanse, Jimmy congregational life. Lewis said he discovered the house the clinic. Physicians, nurses and other expanded his own pastor-missionary approach. importance of “finding lots of different things volunteers were enlisted. Sample medicines were He became a founding board member and for people to do.” acquired. And the word of a free clinic for the early chairman of the Cobb County Habitat for “When people are committing themselves uninsured was spread. Humanity in the 1980s. Working in ecumenical to something greater than themselves,” he said, “We began to tell the story everywhere community missions fueled his enthusiasm for “they rise to the cause.” people would listen to us,” said Lewis of congregational ministry that goes beyond Jimmy and others began working with churches, civic clubs and other places. familiar church walls. alcoholics and drug addicts through a Saturday The clinic, which opened for the first time Within his congregation were those night worship service at a non-threatening place on a well-publicized Monday (from 4pm-8pm) with exceptional building skills that could be called “The Hole in the Wall.” in 1998, was staffed with volunteers and ready. used for homes locally and churches widely. “Church members would go with me and “That first night, we had one person come Lewis led volunteers to erect church buildings they’d come back overwhelmed at what they had in,” said Lewis. “ I was devastated. I had told in Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, Illinois, seen and heard,” he recalled. the deacons we’d be overwhelmed.” Missouri and Georgia. When Thanksgiving rolled around, they So Jimmy changed the church sign to read They were good at it. They even had a planned a dinner at “The Hole in the Wall” for “FREE CLINIC” with a phone number. People well-equipped truck ready to go on short notice. whoever might come. They asked fellow church would call and ask: “What do you mean by “We could dry in a church in a week,” he members to prepare an extra turkey or ham or free?” said. “It was hard work.” batch of potato salad for this occasion. “It just took off,” said Lewis. Clinic hours Lewis said the construction of homes and “They’d bring the food over on were expanded and more volunteers enlisted. church buildings shaped the volunteers as well. Thanksgiving morning,” said Lewis. “That Years later, it is still going strong.

September 2013 Feature | 37 Churches in other areas sought advice on tenth and most recent one netted more than BLESSINGS BOTH WAYS following the Morrow model. Eventually Lewis $50,000. “I was blessed in all of those places to have a and Kelly formed an organization now called “Kroger donated everything but the toma- church willing for me to spend time on those toes, which came from a farmer,” said Lewis. the Georgia Charitable Care Network to assist projects,” said Lewis. “I talked about it and “So there are no expenses for the fundraising those starting new clinics and for active free never tried to hide it. I wanted the people to be clinics to cooperate. event.” involved.” “In the clinic I learned the power of col- While leading missions for the Cooperative The starting point is discovering the needs laboration,” said Lewis. “It’s all right, and Baptist Fellowship of Georgia, Lewis helped within the community, he said, and then con- downright liberating, to work with other people launched the Open Arms Clinic in Toccoa, Ga. sidering the gifts the congregation can bring. in a common cause.” At his request, the local Lions Club sponsored “Then you ask them to do it.” the organizational meeting, and Lewis chaired He urges: “Don’t limit God, and don’t limit PASS IT ON the new board. your people. Find ways for them to be involved When he accepted the pastorate in Jasper, in the Kingdom. It’s bigger than the church.” Lewis has good, practical advice for those who Ga., the mountain community had already In most cases, said Lewis, the church serves launch such ministry efforts as a free medical opened a clinic. Lewis was chairman of that best as the initiator of a wider community mis- clinic. The first is to be well prepared to answer board when he retired. sion effort. That was the case in Jasper, just the “three big questions” coming from church He assisted a group in Dahlonega, Ga., before his retirement, when a group home for leadership: that started a free clinic and consults with those persons with developmental disabilities opened. 1. “Where are you going to get the money?” in other communities who express interest. “But it’s not always about building some- 2. “Do you have insurance?” Lewis sees his role as offering guidance but thing,” he said. “It’s about touching the lives of 3. “Where are you going to get the people to do also encouragement. people.” this?” “I just happened to be the person who said, The use of existing church buildings for Addressing the liability concern was eased ‘You can do this and I’ll help you. Here are the community missions can result in pushback by Georgia’s Good Samaritan law. Dr. Kelly’s steps.’” from within congregations, he said. It requires practice covered his insurance just to be sure. The most effective community missions, helping people discover the joy and purpose As with most nonprofits, fundraising was said Lewis, involve a wide and large base of that comes from finding their places in effective a challenge. Oddly, an annual event called the support and a willingness to explore new ministry. Tomato Sandwich Party raises the most money possibilities. “The challenge of a pastor is to invite for the clinic. In other words, he said, “It’s got to be people in the church to engage in missions that Gifts the first year totaled $7,000. The bigger and freer than the church.” fit their personalities and gifts.” BT

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38 | Feature September 2013 +% 2/33 +$45./%, Associated Baptist Press

NC network * planting good Lifeon the seeds to serve others * * Cooperative Baptists in North Carolina are forging a network of church and other faith-based garden andFarm farming ministries in hopes of inspiring more congregations to grow food for those in need.

he effort’s center of gravity is Healing “I wanted to be part of creating a com- Springs Acres, a community farm munity where survivors and hard-living people T in Denton founded by former CBF could feel welcome.” Foundation President Don Durham. He struck upon the idea of a farm that The farm has been producing thousands could both feed that population and provide of pounds of produce for area feeding min- them with a means of serving their fellows. istries since 2011, catching the eye of CBF “Helping a neighbor goes over well with North Carolina leaders who view the opera- them because for them it’s really a survival tion as a potential incubator for nurturing and mechanism. It’s how the fabric of life works,” creating similar ministries across the state. Durham said. The resulting partnership provides non- Healing Springs Acres is on a 70-acre profit status administrative aids for Durham farm, of which 20 acres are cleared and two and his ministry. In return, CBFNC has gained are being used for growing food. It produced a community-farming expert with proven net- 8,000 pounds of food in 2011, 2,000 pounds working skills to harness a growing, but largely the second year and this year is on track to unorganized, garden and farming ministry match the first-year totals, Durham said. movement in the Tar Heel state. About 90 percent of it is given to a biker “Don, with his expertise ... is able to ministry that operates a daily feeding program consult with those churches and expand those nearby. Food is also donated to other ministries ministries,” said Larry Hovis, executive coordi- as available. nator of CBFNC. Durham said he hopes his ministry That also enables the organization to inspires others. Don Durham grows okra and other crops for live more fully into its purpose, Hovis said. “The solution for Healing Springs Acres is local feeding ministries. Photo by John Pierce. “It helps us to follow the call of Jesus to feed not to get bigger and bigger, but for more and Skeen, who shared an office with Durham hungry people,” more churches to participate in this kind of when the latter had his vision about a farm ministry,” he said. ministry, consulted the whole family about the Serving the ‘hard-living’ idea. For Durham, it all started in 2008 when he A wider impact “None of us had the heart to sell the experienced a powerful insight that his mission Durham’s work at Healing Springs Acres has homestead since it’s the family heritage, but we in life is to minister to “the blue-collar culture, also been like a calling for the family who owns didn’t have any use for it and none of us lives the hard-living and survivor kinds of people” in the land, said Gary Skeen, president of CBF’s near it,” Skeen said. BT the region of North Carolina where he grew up. Church Benefits Board and a son of the farm’s He thought about starting a church, but owner. —Editor’s note: A cover story featuring Don dismissed that idea. He realized that church for The property sat empty the past 35-40 Durham and Healing Springs Acres can be that population “is just one more place to be years. Prior to that it had been his grand- found online in the October 2011 issue of told you’re not good enough,” Durham said. parents’ home, Skeen said. Baptists Today.

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Whirlwind ofHelp NC furniture manufacturer, volunteers aid Okla. tornado victims

PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY felt deep It was an answer to the congregation’s near the hardest hit areas in Moore. sympathy for the people of Oklahoma after the prayers, but the cost and logistics of transport- However, the ministry soon outgrew the spate of powerful tornados last May. Hundreds ing that much furniture posed quite an obstacle. new space. of homes were wrecked, hospitals damaged, That’s when Ogburn made a phone call to First Baptist representatives called on Feed and public service centers reduced to rubble. Kevin Hagan, president of Feed The Children The Children again, and the organization pro- Children lost their schools. (FTC), one of the world’s largest international vided $30,000 to secure a 60,000 square-foot Many wanted to help, but how? One and domestic relief organizations, which hap- warehouse near the interstate in Moore. Early Oklahoma City congregation knew right away. pens to be headquartered in Oklahoma City. in July, a mission team from Calvary Baptist Several years ago, Tom Ogburn, pastor of Ogburn knew that FTC owned a fleet of Church in Humboldt, Tenn., assisted with the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, had tractor-trailers. move to the new location. learned about a furniture ministry implemented Hagan and Gary Sloan, senior vice First Baptist leaders anticipated serving by Kim and Marc Wyatt, Cooperative Baptist president for domestic operations, seized the more than 500 families by the end of the sum- Fellowship field personnel serving in Canada. opportunity. Feed the Children was already pro- mer. Families receiving assistance were grateful. The ministry serves 60-75 families a year and viding food boxes and household essentials such “We don’t know what we’d be sitting on or targets the working poor, single parents, and as cleaning products to shoppers at the furniture sleeping on if it weren’t for these kindhearted recent immigrants who need basic furnishings bank. folks,” said one recipient. for their homes. In recounting the whirlwind of recent Ogburn proposed the ministry idea to months, Ogburn said: “God used this moment his congregational leaders and, by 2011, the to grow ministry [in Oklahoma City] beyond Oklahoma City area furniture bank was up our wildest imagination. I’m just so grateful to and running with help from regional partners, be a part of it.” including several area churches. Such a moment would not have been pos- The ministry was serving about 50 fami- sible without the witness of the Wyatts’ ministry lies a year despite a meager $6,000 budget and in Canada, the support from Feed The Children church volunteers supporting the operation. But locally, the generous furniture donation from everything changed May 20 when a deadly EF-5 North Carolina’s Thomasville Company and tornado came rolling through the city of Moore, countless church volunteers from all over the on the south side of the Oklahoma City metro- country. politan area. “We were so happy to partner together Even in the midst of utter devastation, the “We were in over our heads fast,” Ogburn with the furniture bank ministry sponsored by kingdom of God is coming in Oklahoma. BT said. “We knew there was a great need in our First Baptist Church,” Hagan said, “because community for this furniture, but we knew we it helped both of us further our mission — to —Elizabeth Evans Hagan is a freelance needed more and more quickly.” bring hope to a group of people in a time of writer and minister dividing her time between Tom Connell, a community leader great need.” Arlington, Va., and Oklahoma City. employed by the Armstrong Transportation Within a matter of hours the inventory Company called. Thomasville, a large furniture grew to more than $3 million in products, but Top: Moore, Okla., was hit by a deadly tornado manufacturer in North Carolina, had offered to the furniture bank needed adequate facilities. on May 20, leading to compassionate responses donate 40 truckloads of new products to relief nationwide. Left: Truckloads of furniture from With assistance from the Federal Emergency Thomasville, N.C., were sorted and distributed efforts, Connell said — provided that trans- Management Agency, the furniture bank moved to those whose homes in Moore, Okla., had been portation could be arranged. from a small space at the church to a storefront destroyed.

42 | Feature September 2013 !"#$% &'( )*#"# +% "/$$6 +%$(

Bob Stevenson sits in the library of First Baptist Church of Auburn, The Best Trip Ala., and flips through a book MISSION EXPERIENCES ADD UP he’s written titled 39 and …: FOR FAITHFUL VOLUNTEER My Volunteer Stories. n 1987, Stevenson took his first mission trip to Anderson, Alaska. As of this summer, Ihe has been on 40 trips and number 41 is scheduled for Recife on the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Recife is the largest metropolitan area in the northeast region. At least 25 of his 40 trips have been to Brazil where his heart has found a special calling. “About 25 years ago, Wallace Baldwin, a member of Auburn First Baptist, began leading mission trips to Brazil,” said Stevenson. “After Wallace led for a while, Dr. Paul Smith led for a couple of years and, now, I’ve led them for the past 15 years.” The church began working with mission- aries in Brazil through the Baptist convention office in Pernambuco, a state in the northeast region of Brazil. “They wanted our help to build a church for a small congregation there,” said Stevenson. “So we went and built the church and taught Many volunteers have come from within his arranged for only one trip a year. Vacation Bible School as well as some English congregation — along with Auburn University “Somehow, God allowed us to come up as a Second Language classes.” students hailing from California to Romania. with the people and then the money to go But over the years, Bob has learned to stay In Brazil the volunteers have often worked back in July of that year and we built that flexible about what volunteers will do or expe- with Southern Baptist missionary Louise third story.” Bob said. “Today, that church is rience when they go on mission. Donaldson. flourishing.” “Most of the time we’ve helped with “One time she called us and said that a A couple of years ago, Bob, now 87, construction,” said Stevenson. “But we’ve also little church in Recife, pastored by the son- sensed that he needed to capture the stories of taught classes or held eye clinics where we’ve in-law of the president of a local girls college, these mission experiences in Brazil and many distributed glasses from Lions Clubs.” really needed help with their building,” said other places. “One of our most important philoso- Stevenson. “Their property was hemmed in “People often asked me to share the phies,” said Stevenson, “is that we don’t go on all sides, but the congregation was really stories from these trips,” he said. there to do something for them. We go to help growing.” So, he decided to write them down — them with something they want to do. We’re So Bob took a team to build a second leading to a book filled with the adventures of just blessed to work alongside them.” story onto the church but then realized more his travels and how God placed within him a Over the years many of his family members space was needed. heart for people and for missions. have become involved in these mission endeav- “We came home after building the second These mission trips mean the world to ors as well. “It’s been a blessing,” he said. story in February but really felt like we needed Bob, and his eyes get a little misty when recall- In addition to family, more than 120 to return and build another story,” he said. “So ing such life-changing experiences. people from different places have become a we prayed for God to make it possible.” “Every time we go,” he said, “we come part of the mission experiences he has led. Finances and volunteers had been back and say, ‘That was the best trip.’” BT

“We came home after building the second story in February but really felt like we needed to return and build another story. So we prayed for God to make it possible.”

September 2013 Feature | 43 P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318