LAX POLICIES LEAVE CHURCHES OPEN to LAWSUITS ‘Servant Leaders’ at Home by SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor by DAVID ROACH | Baptist Press S the U.S

N.C. PASSES 72-HOUR BSC ANNOUNCES ABORTION WAIT PERIOD annual meeting theme

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JUNE 20, 2015 • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists • VOLUME 181 NO. 13 • BRnow.org Churches promote, equip LAX POLICIES LEAVE CHURCHES OPEN TO LAWSUITS ‘servant leaders’ at home By SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor By DAVID ROACH | Baptist Press s the U.S. Supreme Court justices deliberate over argu- ments regarding same-sex marriage, many Christians hen Fred Luter had a son, he worry about the possible effects of the high court’s wanted to give him a bibli- A decision on their congregations. W cal name. So he decided on “Chip.” As in, “chip off the old block” Some wonder, “If same-sex marriage becomes a 14th Amend- ment right, what will happen if we refuse to allow ceremonies – a reference to the oft neglected biblical or other services in our church facility that celebrate homosex- principle that children’s lives are shaped ual unions? Can churches be successfully sued like Washington by the spiritual, intellectual and emo- florist Baronelle Stutzmann when she declined her services to tional leadership of their fathers. a homosexual couple for their wedding?” “When I started living for God and Furthermore, recent media attention on an instance of then I got married and God blessed me church discipline at The Village Church in Texas led with a son, one of my prayers to God Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News was, ‘Let me be the spiritual man in my Service, to ask whether public displays of alleged son’s life that I didn’t have in my home “shame” and the open discussion of personal growing up,’” said Luter, pastor of information merit any legal action against the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New church. Orleans. “And God honored that.” Christiana Holcomb, litigation counsel for Today Fred “Chip” Luter III is cam- the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), said pus pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church’s churches that do not have specific and clear pol- Sulphur Springs campus in Tampa, Fla. icies leave “gray areas that can be exploited.” Fred Luter Jr., a former Southern Baptist The rapidly changing culture in America Convention president, is among the Bap- is placing an increasing amount of scrutiny tist leaders seeking to teach men practically what it means to be the leaders of on church policies, especially policies about their homes. membership, employment and facility use. “Men are supposed to be, according to If the Supreme Court were to rule in favor scripture, the provider, the protector and of same-sex marriage, Holcomb said, “I the priest of their family,” the elder Luter think we’ll see an immediate increase in the told Baptist Press. number of lawsuits against churches in all As providers, men are responsible to areas.” See Lawsuit page 9 meet their families’ needs financially, Luter said. In the Garden of Eden, “before God ever gave Adam a wife, God gave Adam a Look for SBC 2015 coverage in next issue job.” Biblical Recorder’s June 20 print deadline falls on June 15, the day before the Southern Baptist As protectors, men should guard their Convention’s annual meeting begins in Columbus, Ohio. So all print coverage of the event is slated for wives and children from physical threats, the July 4 issue. shield them from harmful content on Check online at BRnow.org for up-to-date coverage of the annual meeting. You can also keep up television and the Internet, and keep with SBC news by following us on Twitter (@biblicalrecord and @brnow) or by visiting our Facebook their teenagers from dating unwholesome page. Use #sbc2015 for related social media posts. The general sessions will be livestreamed at people, Luter said. sbcannualmeeting.net. A man’s priestly role involves teaching Have news from the annual meeting to share? Three BR staff will be in Columbus for the annual his family the Bible. Luter noted, “I don’t meeting and related events; find us and share your stories. You can also email [email protected]. care how long the wife’s been saved, how See Equip page 7 2 Opinion JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Celebrate Dad illy Graham once said, “A good and man-of-God. Print the puzzle, roll about Daddy, such ... Whether it’ a cookout or an indoor father is one of the most unsung, and tie with ribbon. – “What do you love most about feast, involve the kids in its preparation Bunpraised, unnoticed, and yet • Take a great photo with your dad. Dad?” and make it great fun. Before the meal, alone of the most valuable assets in our Make a 2-by-3-inch print for his billfold, – “How much does Dad weigh?” or low each child to pray, thanking God for society.” with a “love you” note on the – “What does daddy do that makes one specific thing about their dad. Help your children show back. you laugh?” Mother’s Day is often celebrated well, love for Dad with a well- • Kidnap Dad and take him Make a little booklet of the answers. but since God’s Word instructs us to planned, poignant Father’s out for breakfast. Ask ques- • Simple handmade coupons make honor our father and mother, why not go Day gift or love demonstra- tions about his childhood and a sweet gift. Be creative with promises, all out to help your kids celebrate God’s tion. Try one of these starter his work. Ask him about how such as grilling assistant, foot massage, a gift of a dad? ideas: he came to know God. Tell Dad race down the sidewalk and back. (EDITOR’S NOTE – Diana Davis, on the things you love about him. • An older preschooler might enjoy Web at dianadavis.org, is an author, colum- High school or college setting up a simple treasure hunt for Dad, nist and ministry wife in Pensacola, Fla. She son or daughter: Elementary-age son or with a small gift at the end. is the author of Fresh Ideas, Deacon Wives • Write a long, heartfelt, DIANA DAVIS daughter: • Make it a meal to remember. Prepare and the newly released Six Simple Steps – hand-written letter to Dad, Guest Column • Blow up dozens of bal- a fabulous meal of Dad’s very favorite Finding Contentment and Joy as a Minis- listing things you admire loons and write one thing you foods on Father’s Day. try Wife.) about him. Be very specific. love and appreciate about Dad on each. • Find two photos of you and Dad – Words can be funny, serious and creative Fond memories of Dad one with you as a baby or small kid and or simple phrases such as “Thank You, Some of the fondest memories of my dad include waking up early for one of you with him this year. Put it in a God, for my dad.” Fill a small room, such school and catching him in the act of reading the Word and praying. I dual frame. as dad’s closet, with the balloons. Or can picture him at his desk, on the couch or in his big leather chair with • Take Dad to lunch – just the two tape them around his workbench or desk his head bowed praying, interceding on behalf of his family members, of you – your treat! Be intentional about or around the house. friends, fellow church members or the people he was counseling that sharing your heart and goals. Take a selfie • Ask Mom to help you plan a special week. Even when my father, who was an [International Mission Board] with him and proudly post it on Insta- outing – just for Dad and you – such as missionary for years and still an active pastor, had tough weeks and I gram or Facebook. go-cart racing, fishing or a ball game. mean REALLY tough weeks, you could still find him faithfully spending time with the Lord. What an encouragement that was then and continues • Write a simple poem about Dad. to be now. I know each day my dad continues to intercede in prayer over Middle school daughter or son: Add a scripture, such as 1 Corinthians the things in my life along with praying for others, and that always encourages me. His continual • Use one of many free word search 16:13, Joshua 24:15b, Ephesians 6:2a. Frame faithfulness challenges me to not only examine my daily conversations with the Lord, but see how websites to easily make a personalized it or use a free app to convert it to a rap. much I really love people. If I could be half the person my dad has been, I would be truly blessed. word search game about your dad. First, Abby Edwards list lots of descriptive words – traits you Preschool daughter or son: Team leader assistant, Great Commission & Associational Partnerships admire, nicknames, hobbies, favorite • Mom, make a list of questions, rang- Baptist State Convention of North Carolina things along with words like hero, dad ing from silly to serious, to ask your child Why Christian denominations aren’t going away

Religion News Service vention will gather in Columbus, Ohio, on June 16-17. within Christianity – Christians and churches claiming During the same week, the Evangelical Free Church of “none” when it comes to denominational affiliation. ummer is the time when America will host its national conference in Vista, Calif. A century ago, most Christians saw themselves as many Protestant denom- Denominational meetings may go on as usual this Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, Lutherans and so Sinations hold annual or summer, but denominations, as a whole, have fallen on forth. biennial meetings to assess the hard times. In the last 50 years, with the decline of mainline state of their union, make policy The Pew Forum’s survey of America’s religious land- Protestantism and the rise of the cross-denominational decisions and figure out the best scape showed a rapidly declining percentage of Ameri- evangelical movement, many American Christians began way to maximize their partner- cans claiming a Christian identity. Among the 70 percent to abandon their denominational homes. ship. who still claim to be Christian, fewer and fewer identify Today, many of the largest and fastest-growing The General Assembly of the themselves by their church’s denominational affiliation. churches in America do not belong to a denomination, Presbyterian Church in America The rise of “the nones” (those claiming no religious while many churches that remain denominational have meets June 8-12. Thousands of TREVIN WAX affiliation on surveys) has gotten a lot of press in recent dropped the moniker from their church’s name (perhaps “messengers” from the churches Guest Column years, and deservedly so. to avoid unnecessary barriers or baggage), and have thus of the Southern Baptist Con- But we shouldn’t overlook the rise of “the nones” See Denominations page 16

K. Allan Blume, Editor/President Board of Directors Publication [email protected] Chris Byrne, chair; Jerry Stephens, vice chair; Cindi Published biweekly on Saturdays by Stevens, secretary; Kevin Atchley; Kelli Benfield; Angela Biblical Recorder Inc., 205 Conven- Seth Brown, Content Editor Brady; Christina Brown; Kevin Clubb; Gene Fowler; Lisa [email protected] tion Drive, Cary, NC 27511, as autho- Harris; Gerald Hodges; Chester Jones; Lee Pigg; Rob rized by the Baptist State Convention (ISSN 0279-8182) Dianna L. Cagle, Production Editor Pochek; Michael Smith; Aaron Wallace; Tammy Weeks; in annual session at Winston-Salem, News Journal of the Baptist State Convention [email protected] Peggy Weiss; Keith Whitfield and Ed Yount November 21-23, 1939. of North Carolina Alison McKinney Erin Gandy Subscriptions • Individual subscriptions, $15.99 (one year); $27.99 (two Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, Founded 1833 by Thomas Meredith Business and Circulation Manager years); $39.99 (three years) NC 27676. Advertising Manager (919) 459-5693 • Bulk Plan (10+) $11.50 [email protected] Volume 181 No. 13 (919) 459-5691 • Family Plan, $12.50 Postmaster (919) 847-2127 [email protected] • Club Plan, $13.50 Send address changes to Biblical Fax (919) 467-6180 Emily Blake Kelly Hunter • Single copies, .60 cents each Recorder Inc., P.O. Box 1185, Cary, now.org Editorial Aide Graphic Designer Payable in advance. N.C. sales tax is included. Digital rates: NC 27512-1185. $5.99 (one year); $10.99 (two years); $15.99 (three years). JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Opinion 3 Can These Bones Live? refreshing yet brief Summer allows time

hurch planting has enjoyed a renewed congregation. It is not a gimmick that promises an interest in recent years. Droves of practitio- easy transition process in every decision. Henard is for student mission Cners have joined together to form massive clear that revitalization is messy work that requires church-planting networks, published stacks of books patience and wisdom from pastors and congrega- opportunities on the subject and have written a whole host of blog tions alike. So, he provides an outline for pastors to posts discussing the various approaches to planting consider as they implement changes. ur state convention strategy of “impacting lostness churches. While this increased attention to church The matrix is a potentially helpful resource for the through disciple-making” is not just for individu- planting is encouraging, church revitalization has not church revitalizer, but the chapter felt dissatisfying Oals older than 25. Many of our North Carolina Bap- always experienced the same level of careful contem- because of its brevity. tist middle, high school, college and seminary students will plation. It is sometimes viewed as the less appealing Henard tried to unpack the Change Matrix – a be giving up a leisurely, summer vacation in order to spend option for pastoral ministry. distinguishing feature of the book – in a their time away from school investing in God’s Kingdom This trend is changing with more pastors meager seven pages, not enough space for through a number of summer mission and ministry opportu- and academics championing the cause of readers to fully grasp how to utilize the ma- nities. revitalization. One of those advocates for trix in their respective ministry situations. Many students from our N.C. Baptist churches will serve church revitalization is Bill Henard, pastor Additionally, there were a few topics the Lord this summer by providing leadership with younger of Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lex- that were noticeably omitted from the students who attend camps and retreats at Caswell, Caraway ington, Ky., and a professor of evangelism at book. For instance, recovering biblical and Truett Camp. Some will serve God this summer with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. church membership is a component that church groups fulfilling mission assign- His book, Can These Bones Live?, is a clear, seems essential to the process of church ments in North Carolina communities practical guide to help ministers accom- revitalization; it is largely missing in the while others will serve in Boston, New plish the difficult work of revitalization. CODY CUNNINGHAM book. Henard mentions the importance York, Canada, Appalachian coalfields, The title, which is based on the proph- Book Review of a “New Member” class, but very little New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont and ecy of Ezekiel 37, clues readers into two im- discussion about what constitutes church Hawaii. Some will be engaged on mis- portant characteristics of Henard’s work: his desire to membership can be found. sion for Jesus in other countries. see dying and declining churches experience life once Many, if not most, declining or dying congrega- Merrie Johnson, senior consultant again and his deep trust in God’s life-giving power to tions have lost sight of what it truly means to be a for the evangelism and discipleship transform congregations. member of a local church. After all, statistics show group has already selected, trained and There is much to praise about the book, especially that almost two-thirds of Southern Baptists are miss- equipped her “Be Do Tell” team for MILTON A. Henard’s contention that church revitalization is im- ing from corporate worship each week, according to HOLLIFIELD JR. student summer missions at Fort Cas- possible apart from the Holy Spirit working through a 2014 Baptist Press report on the Southern Baptist BSC executive well; her team is already at work with the preaching of the Word and prayer. His focus is Convention Annual Church Profile. (See related story director-treasurer students attending this year’s summer refreshing in light of the vast number of resources that on page 5.) Henard overlooked an important opportu- youth weeks. In 2014, 6,573 individu- focus on methods and programs as primary means nity to encourage churches toward recovering healthy als from 264 churches attended these camps at Caswell. Of for achieving church growth. Henard warns, “Not church membership. those attending, 487 students made professions of faith and all church growth is healthy church growth. Not all Along the same lines, the topic of church discipline 425 made commitments to vocational Christian service. Will churches that are growing experience biblical church was missing from the book. God has given us church you commit to pray for a great movement of God again this growth. Drawing a crowd is not the same as growing discipline as a means to purify His bride (Matthew 18; summer in the hearts of student leaders and campers? a church.” 1 Corinthians 5), and any congregation seeking revi- World Missions Week and Deep Impact mission camps Henard is right to point readers to the true spiri- talization must reclaim the biblical practice of church are sponsored by North Carolina Baptist Men and will be tual nourishment that only the Lord can provide. discipline. It seems peculiar that a practical guide to conducted this summer at Caswell July 5-11. This experience Church revitalization is not simply church revitalization would neglect provides campers from all age groups the opportunity to about growing a church’s membership to give churches wisdom on how to learn how they can be involved in exciting missions op- roll, but about seeing God produce a implement church discipline, a practice portunities in the state, across the nation and around the harvest of men and women commit- that is sadly missing from many South- world. World Missions Week and Deep Impact provide ted to following Christ with all of their ern Baptist churches. many students with their first opportunity to learn about lives. Our country, our own denomina- God’s heart for the nations and experience what it means to The subtitle of Can These Bones Live? tion even, is filled with churches that be “on mission” for Him. The experience of being a part of a describes the book as “a practical guide desperately need a fresh wind from the missions project is a life changing experience for many of the to church revitalization,” and readers will Spirit. While we cannot produce spiri- students who participate. not be disappointed with the wide tual renewal through our own efforts, As you think about and pray for all of the many missions range of topics addressed. Written for the Lord has a history of graciously opportunities that will be available this summer, also be re- pastors or involved laypersons, Henard pouring out his revitalizing Spirit on minded that each of us are to be “on mission” for God every offers numerous lists of practical as- churches that align their hearts and day wherever we are. In the Great Commission given to us sessment questions for churches. These practices with the Word. Henard does in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs us to make disciples as questions bring up a host of issues, churches a service by providing a book we go about the normal routines of our daily lives. I chal- ranging from organizational structure that gives readers practical questions lenge you to always be sensitive and ready to respond, in the to the condition of women’s restrooms. to assess and address areas that need to be realigned power of the Holy Spirit, to the opportunities that God pres- While some books on church and ministry stick to with God’s scriptures. Even though readers could ents to you. Boldly minister to and befriend those He brings abstract theological truths, Henard’s pastoral experi- benefit from a fuller discussion of church member- across your path each day. Give them opportunity to accept ence becomes apparent as he guides readers through ship and discipline, the book still provides a great Christ and when they do, help them grow in the faith. a number of practical – and often overlooked – areas deal of wisdom and guidance as church leaders labor Remember to pray daily that God will work in the hearts that should be addressed in church revitalization. to build up the body of Christ. It is certainly worth and minds of our student missionaries this summer. Pray for The majority of the book focuses on the assessment a read for those who are interested in the work of their protection and pray that they will be obedient coura- of one’s local church, and the final chapter introduces church revitalization. geous followers of Jesus. Pray for a harvest of new believers Henard’s “Change Matrix.” (EDITOR’S NOTE – Cody Cunningham is a student at this summer. This matrix is a four-step course of action that Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He writes at “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of pastors can use to implement needed changes in their codycunningham.com.) men” (Matthew 4:19). 4 JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Cowboy church ropes hearts with rodeo, worship

bull rider, was paralyzed in a 1998 bull By DIANNA L. CAGLE BR Production Editor | riding accident. He and his wife, Tiffany, ach year Triad Cowboy Church raise livestock for rodeos. (TCC) attracts people from its Most of TCC’s members volunteer to Ecommunity and beyond by host- help with the event. The church’s flag ing a professional rodeo. team performed, and a member sang the While roping calves and riding bulls national anthem. are not generally associated with most “Just about the entire church is churches, this Archdale congregation involved,” Doug Davis said. “This is a places a high priority on offering a free major deal. It takes a lot of hands on deck event to the cowboy community. to pull this off.” “It’s just a good, clean, multi-hour The rodeo has grown over the last event that a family can go to,” said Pastor five years from 1,000 people at an indoor Doug Davis. “We provide everything. arena to more than 3,000. Davis said the Rodeo is something people are attracted prayer is that the event will continue to to.” grow. It began at a time when the econ- The May 2 event attracted more than omy was struggling, Davis said. Typical 3,000 people and resulted in 121 salvation rodeo events cost $25 per person for decisions and 249 rededications. Dur- adults about $10 for children, but Davis ing the worship service, Davis shared an said TCC wanted to offset those costs as evangelistic message and invited commit- much as possible. They recruit sponsors, ments. Some filled out cards, which were who are recognized for their contribu- then placed in buckets, but others came tions. The larger sponsors are allowed to set up displays, but they can’t sell forward into the arena to pray and make Doug Davis, right, along with Jim King, left, bring Chelsea Kindall up out of the water. Kindall was one of anything. public decisions. Those who made com- five Triad Cowboy Church members that were baptized on May 2 at the church’s annual rodeo. (Contrib- mitments were given a cowboy-themed uted photo) “We blanket our community,” Davis New Testament Bible and a booklet said, to recruit support. Rodeo events included team roping, Davis and his wife Tiffany, host the event called “Living in Christ.” (EDITOR’S NOTE – TCC is available to as- mutton busting, greased pig chases, on their property. The Davises (no rela- This year’s event was the first time the sist other cowboy churches in planning their own barrel racing and bull riding. Outside tion to Pastor Doug Davis) are members church offered a public altar call during evangelistic rodeo. Contact pastortcc@yahoo. the arena, volunteers set up slides and of TCC. Jerome Davis, a world champion the worship service. com.) bounce houses and had a train to ride. This was also the first year the church The only cost was for food, which the held a public baptism. Five members group tries to keep affordable. agreed to be baptized by Davis and Jim Davis said the rodeo takes all year to King, TCC’s associate pastor, in a water plan and costs more than $10,000. Purse trough on a trailer towed by a truck into prizes are given to winners of the pro- the arena. fessional events. The church also held a “This year, the stands filled up for that drawing for an iPad. event,” Davis said. “For the first time it World champion bull rider Jerome was like a holy hush fell over the entire arena. People were not talking; people were totally engrossed in the baptism. It was absolutely unbelievable.” Decisions will be sorted and spread- sheets shared with pastors in Randolph Baptist Association (RBA). For those outside RBA, information will be forwarded to the appropriate association for follow up with the participants. JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 5 SBC reports more churches, fewer people One of the biggest declines last year prayer and repentance will lead our Total missions expenditures decreased By CAROL PIPES | LifeWay Research was Southern Baptist church member- people to revival.” 4.98 percent to $1.2 billion, but the report outhern Baptists are adding ship, which fell 1.5 percent to 15.5 million Frank S. Page, president of the SBC shows three Baptist state conventions did more churches but serving fewer – still the largest Protestant denomina- Executive Committee, said he is sad- not report this data – California, Georgia, Smembers who are giving fewer tion by far, but at the lowest level since dened to hear the recent statistics, and Oklahoma. While Great Commission dollars, 2014 data compiled by LifeWay 1993. Weekly worship attendance de- though not surprised. Giving, which reports total denomina- Christian Resources shows. clined 2.75 percent to 5.67 million Sunday “This is the lowest baptisms that we tional giving, increased in 2013, it was The number of cooperating churches worshippers. have seen since we crossed the 300,000 down 18 percent in 2014 to $637 million, within the Southern Baptist Conven- Baptisms declined for the third year mark in the late 1940s,” Page said. with four state conventions – Alabama, tion (SBC) rose for the 15th consecutive in a row, although the rate held steady “While we might complain about the Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma – not year, but the churches lost more than with one baptism for every 51 members. many churches who are not reporting asking churches for that data. 200,000 members, the biggest one-year Churches recorded 5,067 fewer baptisms, their baptisms, and we can, the reality is Giving through Southern Baptists’ decline since 1881, according to the An- a decrease of 1.63 percent to 305,301. Re- that we are simply not sharing our faith Cooperative Program (CP) mission initia- nual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by ported baptisms have fallen eight of the like once we did. tive is not included in the ACP annual LifeWay in cooperation with Baptist state last 10 years, with last year’s the lowest “In this year’s Southern Baptist Con- report. Instead, totals are reported by conventions. total since 1947. vention, I will be making a call for South- the SBC Executive Committee, which Average attendance, baptisms and giv- The declining picture painted by ern Baptists to be involved in evangelism facilitates the mission gifts to the SBC’s ing also declined. the ACP data comes at a pivotal time in and stewardship like never before,” Page national and international missions and The ACP is an annual statistical report Southern Baptist life as the convention said. ministries. churches voluntarily provide to their lo- prepared for its June 16-17 annual meeting “The truth is, we have less people in CP gifts forwarded from state conven- cal Baptist associational organizations or in Columbus, Ohio, which took place af- our churches who are giving less money tions to SBC causes in fiscal year 2014 their state conventions, which relay the ter the Biblical Recorder printed this issue. because we are winning less people to were 0.76 percent below the previous data to LifeWay. “It breaks my heart that the trend Christ, and we are not training them in year. However, year-to-date contribu- The number of churches in the con- of our denomination is mostly one of the spiritual disciplines of our Lord. tions for 2015 are 2.09 percent ahead of vention grew by 374 to 46,499, up 0.81 decline,” said Thom S. Rainer, president “May God help us to be as serious the same period the year before and 2.57 percent from the previous year. SBC of LifeWay. about sharing our faith and discipleship percent above the year-to-date budget churches also reported 4,595 church-type “This new data confirms SBC Presi- as were the first-century Christians,” projections. missions last year, down 194 from 2013. dent Ronnie Floyd’s call for next week’s Page said. “God forgive us, please, and Statistics for the national ACP are However, some state conventions no convention to focus on prayer for a great draw us back to a place of passion for reported by individual churches to their longer use the designation of church-type awakening. Programs and meetings are winning souls to You!” local association and/or state convention, mission, which impacted that total. not going to revive our people – only and national totals are compiled and re- Giving & missions expenditures leased when all cooperating state conven- Total and undesignated church tions have reported. receipts according to the ACP data also (EDITOR’S NOTE – Carol Pipes is a writer declined last year, 0.49 percent and 0.24 for LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern percent respectively. Baptist Convention.) Abedini beating intensifies calls for release

Baptist Press at an October women’s retreat sponsored by the Baptist State Convention of North merican pastor Saeed Abedini Carolina’s Embrace Women’s Missions has been “viciously” beaten and Ministry. Visit ncbaptist.org/womensre- A in the Iranian prison where he treat15. is being held for his Christian faith, the Fellow prisoners attacked Saeed American Center for Law and Justice Abedini June 3, punching him in the face (ACLJ) reported June 10, prompting and demolishing a table he used while renewed calls for Abedini’s release as a studying and reading, the ACLJ reported. condition of any nuclear deal between Prison guards stopped the attack and a the U.S. and Iran. prison doctor determined Abedini did “It is crucial to speak out for Saeed not have any broken bones. as we approach the June 30 deadline Naghmeh Abedini said Saeed’s father between the United States and Iran,” was able to visit him recently but he was Abedini’s wife Naghmeh said in a June 10 limited to a short visit. Facebook post. She added June 30 is also In testimony before Congress June 2, their 11-year wedding anniversary. Naghmeh Abedini said U.S. negotiators Naghmeh Abedini is scheduled to be should discuss her husband and other Americans held captive in Iran during Kivett’s - Your Source for Renewal nuclear talksKivett’s rather - thanYour merely Source mention for Renewal- ing them on the sidelines. Complete Renovations • Refinish Abedini has Completebeen imprisoned Renovations in •Iran Refinish New Pews • Steeples • Stained Glass New Pews • Steeples • Stained Glass Steeple Cleaning • Baptistries since Sept. 26, 2012,Steeple because Cleaning of •his Baptistries Chris-

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NATIONAL BRIEFS

Gallup: Pro-lifers at lowest number since 2008 (Baptist Press) Abortion pro-choicers significantly outnumber pro-lifers in the U.S. for the first time in seven years, according to the Gallup 2015 Values and Beliefs poll. Half of Americans identified themselves as pro-choice in the poll that has since 2001 tracked Americans’ views on abortion. The last time pro-choicers accounted for such a large chunk of the populace was in 2008, when they also numbered 50 percent. Of those polled, 44 percent identified themselves as pro-life, the same percentage found in 2008, Gallup reported. “The pro-choice view is not as prevalent among Americans as it was in the mid-1990s, but the momentum for the pro-life position that began when Barack Obama took office has yielded to a pro-choice rebound,” Gallup concluded. “That rebound has essentially restored views to where they were in 2008; today’s views are also similar to those found in 2001.” Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd said the faithful must be vigilant in holding to the biblical worldview that human life begins at conception. Phil Lineberger, former BGCT president, dies BSC announces annual (Baptist Press) Houston-area pastor Phil Lineberger, a former president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, died May 31 at age 69. A son-in-law, Brian Seay, told the Baptist Standard newsjournal that Lineberger “lost a battle with depres- meeting theme sion and took his own life.” At the 2015 BSC Annual Meeting, By CHAD AUSTIN | BSC Communications Lineberger had been on medical leave from the pastorate of Sugar Land Baptist scheduled for Nov. 2-3 at the Koury Con- Church, since mid-March, the Baptist Standard reported. Lineberger had led the n echo can be defined as a vention Center in Greensboro, attendees church, formerly Williams Trace Baptist Church in the Houston suburb of Sugar sound that’s heard again and will learn more about what it means to be Land, since 1995 during his 48 years in the ministry. A again after being reflected from a disciple and how to be about the work In addition to Sugar Land Baptist Church, Lineberger had led churches in Tyler its source. of making disciples. Visit the recently and Richardson, Texas; Little Rock, Ark.; and Huntsville, Ala. He was a longtime It’s also defined as closely imitating launched website, ncannualmeeting.org, to board member of Texas Baptists Committed, a Baptist moderate organization, serv- another person’s ideas, or a person who learn more about this year’s meeting and ing as co-chair in 1994. theme. reflects or imitates someone else. Fred Luter named NAMB ambassador When you think about it, an echo Hotel reservations can be made (NAMB) The North American Mission Board (NAMB) has named former South- sounds a lot like the disciple-making through the website; the meeting sched- ern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Fred Luter as its new national African process. ule and speaker biographies are also American ambassador. In that role, Luter will focus on involving more African- “Echo: Reproducing Gospel available. The website will be American churches in the SBC and in church planting. Life in Others” is the theme for periodically updated with new “We still have a lot of lost souls out there who aren’t in anyone’s church,” Luter the 2015 Baptist State Conven- information. said. “One of the primary messages I’ll have for pastors is to encourage them to have tion of North Carolina’s (BSC) This year’s theme, “Echo: compassion for the lost. If we’re going to be successful in church planting, that has Annual Meeting. The theme is Reproducing Gospel Life in to happen.” based on 2 Timothy 2:2. Others,” as well as the theme Luter will speak on behalf of NAMB throughout the year and represent the mis- In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul verse of 2 Timothy 2:2, were sion board at a variety of SBC events, sharing NAMB’s goal to increase the number encourages Timothy to make selected after prayerful consid- of African-American churches in the convention from 4,000 to more than 5,000 in disciples by saying, “And the eration by the BSC’s Commit- the next five years. Luter will continue to serve as senior pastor of Franklin Avenue things that you have heard from tee on Convention Meetings. Baptist Church in New Orleans. In 2012, he became the first African-American to be me among many witnesses, commit JOSH PHILLIPS “The theme of the 2015 elected president of the SBC in its 167-year history. these to faithful men who will be Annual Meeting has been able to teach others also” (NKJV). derived with the desire for all churches Pastor Protection bill passes Texas House, Senate In this verse, we see disciples being within the Baptist State Convention of (Southern Baptist TEXAN/Baptist Press) Passage of the only surviving religious reproduced through four generations. North Carolina to ‘echo’ the very words liberty bill in the 84th session of the Texas Legislature gives pastors some legal pro- Paul (first generation) instructs Timothy of Paul,” said Josh Phillips, chair of the tection against litigation should they refuse to preside over a same-sex marriage. (second generation) to teach faithful men Committee on Convention Meetings. Senate Bill 2065, the Pastor Protection bill, passed overwhelmingly May 21. (third generation) who will teach others “The BSC has become very intentional With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to rule by the end of June on whether states (fourth generation). This passage demon- in its approach to disciple-making. The must recognize same-sex marriage as a constitutionally protected right, conserva- strates obedience to the Great Commis- theme of this year’s Annual Meeting is tive Texas legislators filed bills that would, if passed, provide legal standing for sion of our Lord Jesus Christ when He intended to promote and support the citizens, businesses and clergy against an anticipated wave of legal action. But the instructed His followers to “go and make direction that our great convention is lack of support from state leadership and the legislators’ self-imposed censorship disciples” in Matthew 28:19-20. heading.” in the wake of protests at Indiana’s capitol in April left stymied all other legislation that would have given a legal defense for those opposed, on religious grounds, to same-sex marriage. The lone religious liberty bill to be debated, SB 2065, passed the House of Representatives 141-2 on its second reading, garnering even the support of two gay representatives. The next day it passed unanimously, 142-0, earning the votes of its two earlier opponents. The bill ensures clergy and churches cannot be compelled by the government to solemnize or facilitate a wedding that is in conflict with their deeply held religious convictions. The law also provides legal standing for them if sued for refusing to perform a wedding. Full stories available online at BRnow.org. JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 7

Equip Continued from page 1 long she’s been in church, it is God’s domineering, demanding become spiritual leaders in their homes desire that the husbands and dads be the and abusive.” and the church,” Rummage said. spiritual leaders of their families.” Jordan responded, The story is similar at First Baptist Thanks in part to Luter’s persistent “Nothing could be fur- Church in Las Cruces, N.M. Through a emphasis on reaching men for Christ ther from the teaching of Saturday morning men’s Bible study that and teaching them to lead their families, scripture or the article meets once per month and an emphasis Franklin Avenue’s membership is 47 we added to our state- on men volunteering to serve the commu- percent male – eight percentage points ment of faith. It just isn’t nity, First Baptist teaches men practically better than the average U.S. church’s there. To say so is to be how to lead. male attendance, according to the U.S. dishonest. Article XVIII Men “understand about prayer,” said Congregational Life Survey. of the Baptist Faith and Richard King, associate pastor at First The continuing goal – and challenge – Message is an excel- Baptist. “They understand about their of developing male leadership in families lent statement of bibli- responsibility with their family. But actu- extends beyond Franklin Avenue. Chip Luter and his father Fred Luter, a former Southern Baptist cal truth. It calls for a ally translating that understanding into Sociologist Sally Gallagher concluded Convention president, are beginning a new relationship, with Chip husband and wife to love action” is more difficult. in her book Evangelical Identity and Gen- becoming a campus pastor in Florida after serving as youth minister each other deeply and A man can start leading through dered Family Life that evangelicals who under his father at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. (BP live in harmony fulfilling simple acts like gathering his family for claim to believe in male leadership in the photo by Bob Carey) their God-given roles in prayer apart from meal times twice per family are “pragmatically egalitarian” in that “the time is right to reconsider the marriage.” month or volunteering with his wife and many cases. one-dimensional portraits of conservative Many congregations continue to defy children at a ministry or other nonprofit She gave an example of a 35-year-old Protestant parents – and, particularly, the secular stereotype by equipping hus- organization, King told BP. homeschooling mother in Minnesota who notions of an authoritarian evangelical bands and fathers to live out the vision Husbands must serve their wives and told researchers she “sent” her husband father.” of biblical manhood articulated in the make decisions “in consultation” with to a men’s ministry event. Such notions, the researchers wrote, BF&M. them, King said. Sociologist Christian Smith criticized were “unflattering,” “inaccurate” and Among them is Bell Shoals Baptist “But I am the one who is holding my Southern Baptists in particular for not did not reflect evidence “that evangelical Church in Brandon, Fla. Pastor Stephen family up. Therefore, the responsibility living out the Baptist Faith and Mes- parenting yields positive benefits for the Rummage, who also once pastored Hick- falls to me.” sage’s (BF&M) claim in Article XVIII that children raised in such homes.” ory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, King remembers being struck years while “the husband and wife are of equal Bartkowski, Wilcox and Ellison told BP selfishness is among the great- ago on a Saturday morning by his own worth before God,” a husband “has the wrote, “To be sure, evangelicals distin- est obstacles to godly male leadership in responsibility as a father. God-given responsibility to provide for, guish themselves from most other par- Christian families. Overwhelmed with his children’s to protect, and to lead his family.” ents by the premium that they place on “Men are not thinking about leading frantic schedule of soccer, baseball and Smith wrote of Article XVIII in children’s obedience and by their more at all,” Rummage said, “or the places we other activities, he made a rule that each Christian America?: What Evangelicals Really frequent use of corporal punishment. aspire to lead are outside the primary role child would be limited to one extracur- Want noting, “By the time the principles However, critics of religious conserva- of leadership that God has given us in the ricular endeavor. The resulting margin in behind these key words are actually tives would do well to remember that homes. A lot of men are seeking to lead in life made room for discipleship as well as worked out in ordinary evangelicals’ many of the values embraced in progres- their business or seeking to lead in their relaxation. daily lives, their marriages do not look sive quarters – i.e., admonitions against favorite recreational activity or even seek- Leadership decisions like that, while much like what one imagines the Baptist parental yelling, encouragement of ing to lead within the organization of the at times difficult to make, can help men leaders were hoping to produce.” open emotional expression and paternal church. But they don’t have a desire to recapture the biblical vision of marriage Smith may have a flawed view of what involvement – are clearly present within pour themselves out sacrificially to lead and fatherhood, King said. Baptist leaders “were hoping to pro- evangelical homes. Indeed, these progres- in the home.” “As a father, I can’t just sit back with duce.” When Article XVIII was initially sive parenting strategies are utilized more At times, men do not feel godly the remote in my hand and expect my adopted in 1998, the media largely viewed by evangelicals than by other parents.” enough to lead their families spiritually, wife and expect my children to” grow it as promoting patriarchal rule rather Anthony Jordan, executive director of Rummage said. spiritually, King said. “I have to be ac- than the servant leadership in the home, the Baptist General Convention of Okla- That’s why Bell Shoals emphasizes tively engaged.” which the article lifts up as the biblical homa and chairman of the committee that men’s accountability groups and offers He added, “When we do that, our norm. proposed Article XVIII in 1998, said at regular leadership classes for men. The kids are going to develop a respect for us, Indeed, sociologists John Bartkowski, the time, “Many within the secular and congregation’s men also receive weekly and more times than not, they’re going to Bradford Wilcox and Christopher El- religious media teed off” on the issue of encouragement emails. follow our example.” lison noted in a Harvard research project male leadership and saw Article XVIII’s “We’ve seen some guys who have (EDITOR’S NOTE – Father’s Day is June shortly after Article XVIII was adopted call for it “as an entree for men to be really stepped up as a result of that and 21.) Resources for men’s ministry

The following are men’s ministry resources recommended by • Edwin Louis Cole. Maximized Manhood (New Kensington, PA: • Men’s Fraternity, The 33 Series. This series of studies teaches Stephen Rummage of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Fla.; Fred Whitaker, 1982). This book teaches men to realize their full potential in men to pursue authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus during His Luter of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans; and Richard Christ, addressing several key issues. 33 years on earth. Study topics include a man’s design, his work and King of First Baptist Church in Las Cruces, N.M.: • Tony Dungy, Uncommon Manhood (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, common traps into which men fall. • Henry and Tom Blackaby, The Man God Uses (Nashville: B&H, 2012). This book encourages men to focus on character, integrity and • Gene C. Wilkes, Jesus on Leadership (Nashville: LifeWay, 1998). 1999). This seven-week study helps men understand how God is courage rather than status. This study draws principles of servant leadership from the life and working in their lives and how to surrender completely to Him. Topics • Tony Evans, Kingdom Man (Carrol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2012). This teachings of Jesus. covered include a godly man’s relationship to family, work, church and book explains how men can be godly in their personal lives, families, (EDITOR’S NOTE – Compiled by David Roach, chief national cor- community. churches and communities. respondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention’s • Al and Lorraine Broom, One to One Discipling (Multiplication • Tony Evans, No More Excuses (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1996). news service.) Ministries). This nine-lesson study is designed for one person to teach Drawing on the lives of men in scripture, this book teaches men to another the basic doctrines of Christianity. deal with difficult circumstances in a Christ-like manner. 8 JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

The Lottie Moon offering – and regular missions giving by churches through the Southern Baptist Lottie Moon Convention’sCooperative Program – fund missionary salaries, housing, medical care, children’s education, Christmas field transportation and other expenses. Supporting one fully funded missionary overseas costs an average of $141 per day, or about $51,000 per year. Offering Every penny of the Lottie Moon offering, named for Southern Baptists’ most famous missionary, goes to the gifts top IMB overseas budget, which directly supports missionaries and their work. The 2014 offering will account for more than half of the total 2015 IMB budget of $301.1 $153 million million. The offering enables missionaries to go into areas untouched by the gospel, engage people groups What enabled missionary Maridith with no believers or Scriptures, start churches and make Lane, right, to move to the em- battled new nation of South Sudan disciples. in 2013? A calling from God – and IMB missionaries and their ministry partners com- the prayers and support of South- municated the gospel to more than 1.7 million people, ern Baptists through the Lottie led nearly 275,000 people to faith in Christ, baptized Moon Christmas Offering. She more than 190,000 new believers and started more than serves there, despite the dangers, 13,000 churches and many more believer groups that with her husband Robert and their will become churches, according to IMB’s 2014 annual two young children. (IMB photo by statistical report (reflecting 2013 year-end statistics). Joanne Bradberry) Beyond that, trained disciples among 235 people groups engaged their own people inside their countries. First Baptist, Cary; Epoch, Greensboro; McLean Road, By ERICH BRIDGES | IMB Connecting Disciples among 62 people groups engaged different Charlotte; and Denver Baptist, Denver. groups or cities within their countries – and workers s they plan creative new ways to reach the “Every dollar given to the Lottie Moon offering will representing 26 peoples went beyond their own coun- lost, International Mission Board (IMB) enable a man, woman or family to stay on the field, to tries to reach different groups. A and Woman’s Missionary Union leaders ex- lift the light of Jesus Christ amidst some of the dark- pressed gratitude to Southern Baptists for the generous est, most dangerous and difficult-to-reach places, and Two hearts burdened support churches gave to the 2014 Lottie Moon Christ- to make disciples among unreached peoples,” Platt Two of the missionaries supported by Lottie Moon mas Offering for International Missions (LMCO). noted. “God has given His people wealth for the sake of gifts represent the commitment of many others: Robert Finalized in early June, the 2014 Lottie Moon offer- His worship, and I praise Him for how this money will and Maridith Lane took a major risk when they moved ing totaled $153,002,394.13 – the second-highest total in serve as a tool in His hands for the multiplication of the to South Sudan, a battleground nation in northeast the 126-year history of the offering. While it fell about church and the magnification of His name.” Africa. But they see it as a risk worth taking. When the $1 million short of 2013’s all-time record offering of $154 Wanda Lee, executive director/treasurer of Woman’s Lanes first visited in 2010, their hearts became burdened million, the 2014 total surpassed the previous record, Missionary Union (WMU), which promotes the offering for the more than 400,000 people unreached by the $150.4 million in 2007, by more than $2.5 million. in partnership with IMB, also expressed gratitude. gospel in South Sudan, which became independent of “We have so much grace from God to celebrate in “We are grateful for the continued strong financial Sudan in 2011. They came back for good in 2013. this offering,” IMB President David Platt said. “This is support and fervent prayers of Southern Baptists for Now, the Lanes and their missionary teammates are the second-largest Lottie Moon international missions,” Lee said. “Praying for our learning to live a life more difficult than they ever imag- offering ever. It will supply more missionaries and giving of our resources to aid in the ined as they reach out to the Dinka Rek people group, than half of our total IMB budget. work of overseas missions is at the heart of who we are who number nearly 3 million. We are deeply grateful for the in WMU. As Southern Bap- “We need to be ready for those hardships, ready faithfulness and obedience of the tists learn how God is at work for those difficulties, ready to be used as a sacrifice for countless churches and individu- around the world, they give of Christ as we try to make His name famous,” Robert als who have given sacrificially to their resources and offer more said. “The Dinka are very strong and proud. In tradi- this offering. Because they love informed prayers for those who tion, they’re extremely warlike. They say, ‘We hate our God more than the pleasures, have committed their lives to enemy, we hate this other people group, we hate people possessions and pursuits of this following the Great Commission who try to take anything from us or keep us from politi- world, and because they want into all the world so the gospel cal power.’” to glorify His name among all DAVID PLATT will be proclaimed among all However, the Lanes have no doubt South Sudan is nations, we’ll be able to partner people.” where God has called them. Getting into the country is with them and missionaries sent from Southern Baptist Platt, who was elected last usually difficult, but they’ve been able to gain access, set churches around the world to take the gospel to people year to lead Southern Baptists WANDA LEE up a house and build relationships with local people in who have never heard it. into a new era of international a short period of time. “It’s not been easy by any stretch Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem led North missions, wants to greatly expand pathways for church- of the imagination,” Robert said. “But in a lot of ways Carolina Baptist churches with the largest gift to LMCO es and individuals to participate in God’s global mission we’ve been able to do something that should really be and gave the second largest gift nationally. The other top – especially in cities and difficult places. Those avenues impossible, and I see that as a very big confirmation of 10 N.C. churches that gave the largest gifts were Park- will include many new ways for congregations, profes- God’s will to have us in South Sudan.” wood, Gastonia; Hickory Grove, Charlotte; The Sum- sionals, students, retirees and others to join “limitless They stay there with the Lord’s help, the support of mit, Durham; Mount Vernon, Boone; Green Street, High teams” to reach the unreached. their missionary co-workers – and Southern Baptists’ Point; First Baptist, Hendersonville; Bay Leaf, Raleigh; Full-time missionaries are more important than ever prayers and giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Denver Baptist, Denver; and Lawndale, Greensboro. in new approaches. They will lead many of those teams Offering and the Cooperative Program. Multiply their IMB also reports the churches that gave the largest and continue to be the key strategic workers in some of story by several thousand, and you get a glimpse of the gifts per capita. The 10 N.C. churches that led in this the toughest areas on earth. That’s why the Lottie Moon real impact of the Lottie Moon offering in the ministry category are Central, Henderson; Parkwood, Gastonia; offering is so crucial: More than 4,700 IMB missionaries of more than 4,700 missionaries worldwide. Elm Grove, Nashville; Merrimon Avenue, Asheville; depend on it to pay day-to-day expenses and fund their (EDITOR’S NOTE – Erich Bridges is IMB global correspon- Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach; Mount Vernon, Boone; efforts to spread the gospel. dent.) JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 9

Lawsuit Continued from page 1

Membership policies It can create more problems, he said. “Churches that do not have clear If your church has been involved in a lawsuit related to Instead, Davis suggested looking for membership policies,” said Holcomb, any of the issues in this story, contact the Biblical Recorder omissions or gaps in the church docu- “are more vulnerable to lawsuits.” and tell us your story. Email [email protected]. ments where important issues should be Brian Davis, associate executive addressed. director-treasurer of the Baptist State Then begin to fill those gaps without Convention of North Carolina, added Facility-use policies • Churches should create or update creating contradictions, he said. that courts might become involved any The use of church-owned facilities is their statement of faith. Davis also suggested inviting an “out- time a member is denied a specific right another area of potential vulnerability. The ADF legal guide also suggests inside set of eyes,” like associational mis- – like the denial When churches allow non-members or cluding a declaration about final author- sionaries or state convention resources. of congregational other organizations to use their facilities, ity on matters not specifically addressed There’s an order of priority in govern- voting privileges in they make themselves open to “allega- in the statement of faith. ing church documents, said Davis. church discipline tions that they are a public accommoda- Policies about marriage (and other “We believe the scriptures are our – especially if the tion, which would make them subject religious services, like funerals) should governing documents, but when we start process deviates to certain non-dis- also be tied to the dealing with legal matters, the courts are from a church’s crimination laws,” “Churches that do not have statement of faith. looking for a constitution, bylaws and standard practice Holcomb said. clear membership policies Be clear about “mar- policies/procedures.” or written proce- To date, no court riages that pastors The constitution (or charter) of a dures. has ever considered are more vulnerable can or cannot offici- church is usually the first thing a court Churches could a church facility to ate,” Holcomb said. considers, then bylaws, then day-to-day BRIAN DAVIS to lawsuits.” also be open to be a public accom- • Religious em- policies and procedures, according to defamation charges modation. – Christiana Holcomb ployment criteria Davis, though he said his words should if a public church discipline case conveys “However,” she should be estab- not be taken as legal advice. false information about someone or pub- added, “I’m anticipating that there will lished as well. “Churches are often very “Where [a policy] appears, that’s licizes private information without prior, be some test-cases in the very near future lax about having any written employment where it’s binding,” he said. informed consent. alleging that a church that allows out- policies,” Holcomb said. The problem comes when churches “Informed consent” is a key factor side organizations to use its facility has “Even the ones that they do have com- have a policy that’s scattered across in membership and church discipline thereby turned itself into a public accom- monly only list physical duties entailed multiple documents, “Which one rules issues, according to Peacemaker Minis- modation.” by the position. I want to see them take the day? … especially if there’s a contra- tries, a non-denominational organization Davis named two other areas where it a step further. Talk about the spiritual diction.” dedicated to helping churches resolve churches can be susceptible to legal duties of the position. How does this “Consistency is your friend,” Davis conflict. action: business transactions and negli- particular position further the church’s added. The organization states on its website, gence. mission and message?” Policies must be stated clearly in “one of the most effective defenses to Churches may conduct business trans- • Create a facility-use policy. Hol- governing documents, they must not any lawsuit is informed consent.” State- actions like buying and selling property comb expressed concern that churches contradict other policies in the governing ments of faith or membership covenants or incurring debt, but – as with other might exclude non-members and documents and they must be followed that detail church discipline policies, practices – they must do so without devi- outside organizations from using their consistently. to which all members sign their agree- ating from what is facilities due to increased risk of law- Holcomb referenced the checklists ment, are common ways of establishing stated in their gov- suit. Don’t stop allowing others to use and sample documents in the ADF legal informed consent. erning documents, the facility, she said. guide as resources to help churches up- It can be more difficult for a church said Davis. Rather, have a detailed policy that date policies. without written discipline procedures He added that clearly states the facilities are privately “Even though it may seem like a long to establish informed consent, but not churches could be owned and to be used in ways consistent and onerous process,” she said, “I think impossible, according to Peacemaker. held liable if some- with the church’s faith. it’s a healthy process for the church to “Implied informed consent” may be one is injured on • A church “increases its religious go through – to really grapple with these obtained “by communicating with at- church property liberty protection” when it has a for- issues.” tenders to ensure that they understand due to negligent mal membership policy, said Holcomb. Davis encouraged churches to ap- that [relational commitments] will apply maintenance or Such policies should outline procedures proach the process not as merely updat- to them if they continue to attend your safety practices. CHRISTIANA HOLCOMB for initiating and revoking membership, ing policies, but as becoming an orga- church.” “There’s really along with church discipline practices. nized and prepared disciple-making unit. no bright line or silver bullet with any of He offered a guiding question: “How Employment policies this,” said Holcomb. Taking the first steps does this help us fulfill the Great Com- Churches are also vulnerable to “So, it’s not to say that a church that Holcomb answered the question, mission? litigation if they attempt to hold their fails to clearly define its policies has no “What first steps can churches take to- “If we’ll keep that in mind, it will go employees to a biblical sexual ethic yet religious protection.” ward protecting themselves?” by suggest- a long way toward making sure that we do not have clear employment policies, Clearly defining policies, and practic- ing the appointment of a committee made have language in place that’s gospel-cen- said Holcomb. Churches are free to hire ing them, simply puts the church into a up of key church leaders that can assess tered, that’s Christ-focused, that helps us and fire as they see fit, Davis said, but stronger legal position, she added. “… as the church’s governing documents. to engage people with the gospel.” they must follow their stated policies and an attorney that’s the position that I want ADF and the Ethics and Religious Lib- procedures for doing so. to see churches in.” erty Commission provide resources, like Additionally, some personnel poli- a freely available legal guide called “Pro- cies apply to ordained ministers that do Updated policies tecting Your Ministry,” to help churches not apply to other, non-ordained staff help protect churches assess and update governing documents. members. When churches do not care- Holcomb named four key things Davis warned against taking docu- fully follow and apply their policies, they churches can do to help protect them- ments and policies from one church and could be in danger. selves from possible lawsuits. dropping them into another. 10 JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Wright brothers in flight: with or without faith?

they ever talked about.” By DAVID ROACH | Baptist Press At times, Wilbur’s anti-liberal rhetoric ith attention focused anew seemed to suggest belief in traditional on the Wright brothers by Christian doctrines. In 1898, for instance, W a New York Times bestseller he wrote, “There is no law in America chronicling their pioneering work in avia- requiring churches to leave the essentials tion, the religious beliefs of these sons of of their faith and practice to be legislated a conservative clergyman remain elusive. upon from time to time as majorities may David McCullough’s The Wright Brothers dictate. ... It is the privilege of churches topped the bestseller list for nonfiction to protect the rights of their legitimate for the third week in a row in the June 7 spiritual children in future times.” rankings, and Tom Hanks and HBO have Orville, who disliked writing and at agreed to partner in making the book times avoided it, also took their father’s into a miniseries. The Southern Baptist side in denominational conflicts. Such Theological Seminary President R. Albert conflicts were part of the larger funda- Mohler Jr. recommended the latest work mentalist-modernist controversy of the by McCullough, a two-time Pulitzer The Wright brothers’ 1903 flight marked the first time a manned airplane took off under its own power late 19th and early 20th centuries pitting Prize winner, on his 2015 Summer Read- and landed at a point as high as its starting position. (Library of Congress photo from Wikimedia Com- those who wanted to preserve traditional ing List. mons) Christian orthodoxy against those who Yet for all the attention on Wilbur and sought to adjust Christian doctrine to Orville Wright, little is known about Wilbur’s first piece of published writ- “might, in fact,” be accurate. “It’s really make it more palatable to the modern their religious beliefs. ing was an 1888 tract opposing liberals hard to tell,” Crouch said, whether the world. “I’ve never heard anyone mention within the denomination who sought to brothers’ personal beliefs were atheist, Though Wilbur died in 1912 at age 45, their faith,” said Rick Lawrenson, pastor open church membership to participants agnostic or Christian. Orville lived to see their invention used of Nags Head Church near the site where in secret societies like the Freemasons. “The only thing you know for sure in both World War I and World War II. the Wright brothers conducted the first Yet Wilbur’s tract never mentioned is that they weren’t churchgoers,” said In the end, opinions vary on what the successful manned airplane flight in 1903 biblical doctrine or theology, focusing on Crouch, a curator in the aeronautics de- Wright brothers believed concerning on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Among denominational procedure instead. The partment of the Smithsonian National Air God, the Bible or eternity, from a 1991 the members of Nags Head Church is a brothers typically did not attend church, and Space Museum. Answers in Genesis article asserting, woman whose grandfather witnessed the and at least one psychologist has implied Wilbur’s defense of the conservative “Wilbur and Orville both received Jesus first flight. they took little interest in contemplating cause in United Brethren disputes was Christ as their personal Saviour during Two other pastors on the Outer Banks their own spiritual conditions. “personal and political,” Crouch said. their youth,” to McCullough’s impres- told Baptist Press similar stories. They A 1982 study by Adrian Kinnane con- Whether he also held to conservative the- sion that Wilbur occasionally attended have learned much about Wilbur and Or- cluded that they “regarded introspection ology is difficult to determine, and the worship at cathedrals “mainly for the ville by serving churches near the Wright as irrelevant at best and possibly even meticulous Wright family records make architectural uplifting.” Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil destructive of the efficient pursuit of use- little mention of religious matters. Crouch called the Wright brothers Hills, but local lore doesn’t include sto- ful goals.” It is “strange that there isn’t more talk “ultra-rational” – “two guys who in- ries of their faith. McCullough believes the Wright of that kind of thing in memories [and] vented the airplane but had their feet on McCullough, author of John Adams and brothers may have stopped attending papers,” Crouch said. “It’s not something See Wright page 15 narrator of Ken Burns’ Civil War docu- church under the influence of books by mentary, mentions what may be the rea- Robert Ingersoll, a 19th- son for this dearth of information: Among century agnostic who CHURCH NEWS hundreds of pages of surviving family mocked religious belief. correspondence, “religion was scarcely Their father “seems to ever mentioned” by Wilbur and Orville have accepted” their lack or their father, a bishop with the Church of church attendance of the United Brethren in Christ, a U.S. “without protest,” Mc- denomination related to Methodism. The Cullough writes. smattering of facts historians have about At a lecture and book the Wright brothers’ religion has led to signing May 24 in Kill mixed conclusions. Devil Hills, McCullough On one hand, Wilbur and Orville nev- said Milton Wright er worked on Sundays, didn’t drink al- encouraged his sons “to cohol or use tobacco and were described read everything, includ- by a friend in Kitty Hawk, as “Christian ing the works of the great agnostic of the time Rob- gentlemen and moral to the core.” 2015 State Bible Drill, Speaker’s Tournament finals As their friend put it, “During all the ert Ingersoll, which was The 2015 North Carolina State Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament Finals were held April 25 at Parkwood Baptist Church, years of my acquaintance and close as- [among] the books he had in his own collection [of] Concord. Finalists included 14 youth, seven high schoolers and four speakers that represented churches from all across the sociation with them, I never heard one state. The highest scorers were: theological subjects. And of them utter an oath, never saw one of • Youth division: First place, Destiny Demery (Mt. Airy Baptist Church, Pembroke); Second place, Rachel Boland (Salem them get angry, never heard one of them they read Ingersoll, and Baptist Church, Apex); Third place, Caleb Langdon (Coats Baptist Church, Coats). tell a story that bordered on obscene.” they went for it.” • High school division: First place, Josh Wagner (Coats Baptist); Second place Anna Langdon (Coats Baptist); Third place, Moreover, the Wright brothers sided Tom Crouch, author Matthew Cooke (University Hills Baptist Church, Charlotte). • Speaker’s tournament: First place, Callie Beasley (Coats Baptist); Second place, Jeremy Taylor (Burkemont Baptist Church, with their theologically and socially of The Bishop’s Boys: A Morganton); Third place, Hannah Edwards (Abbotts Creek Missionary Baptist Church, High Point). conservative father Milton Wright during Life of Wilbur and Orville Wright, told BP that The first place winners – Destiny Demery, Josh Wagner and Callie Beasley – will represent North Carolina at the National controversies within the United Brethren Invitational Tournament on June 19 at First Baptist Kingsland, Ga. The three winners will also receive a $2,500 scholarship to McCullough’s theory Church. the college of their choice. JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 11 SEBTS, Campbell, Garder-Webb leaders offer graduates advice BR staff

t the May 2015 commencement ceremonies 110 North Carolinians graduated from Campbell University, Gardner-Webb University, A Southeastern, Midwestern and Southern Baptist theological seminaries with religious degrees at the masters and doctorate levels. Presidents and keynote speakers offered sage advice to graduates at each of the schools on what to focus on as they move forward in their ministries and careers. In keeping with their nickname, “The Great Commis- sion Seminary,” Daniel Akin challenged graduates at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with Jesus’ last words in Matthew 28:18-20 in his May 15 commencement address. He highlighted God’s sovereign power, plan and promise. “As you go and do what God has called you to do, you need to daily continue to acknowledge His authority,” Akin said. “Now that you are in Christ you have access to His authority and power.” Campbell University’s May 8 ceremony was bittersweet as president Jerry Wallace made his last commencement address before retirement ... He told the class of 2015 they will always have a special place in his heart. “You are the last class that will bear my name on your diplomas,” Wal- lace told the students. “So we are always bonded together. Don’t you let me down, and I’ll try not to let you down.” At the Gardner-Webb University May 9 commencement exercises, several students were chosen as keynote speakers. Elizabeth Hope Arnold of Drexel, who earned a master of divinity in biblical studies, offered a speech during the ceremony. She shared her thankfulness for the opportunity to fully embrace the Gardner-Webb experience. “From the first day of class, it was apparent that we would not all think alike, but we began to understand that our identity as the Kingdom of God does not depend on our uniformity, but rather on our love for one another,” Arnold said. “ Today, we celebrate our success, the accomplishment we could not have obtained without each other. I am profoundly grateful for this community of faithful, loving people and the privilege to walk alongside them as friends.” (EDITOR’S NOTE – Compiled by Emily Blake, editorial aide for the Biblical Recorder.) SEBTS photo GRADUATES

Southeastern Baptist Griffin Jr., Rocky Mount; Vickery Jackson, Supply; Garduce, Wake Forest; Elizabeth Ann Stamp, Wake counseling/member care – Biju Kunjumon Theological Seminary Taylor Knock, Charlotte; Nikolas M. Lingle, Raleigh; Forest. Chacko, Morrisville; Michael Eugene Gross, Cary. Master of arts in Christian studies – Jill Caleb Alexander Mathews, Murphy; William Whid- Midwestern Baptist Campbell University Causby Barbour, Clayton; Craig Barker, Holly bea Nipper Jr., Charlotte; Jeremy Stephen Parker, Theological Seminary Master of arts in Christian ministry – Kim- Springs; Jon Chleboun, Durham; Vincent Taylor Pine Hall; William B. Royal, Shiloh; Michael Casey Doctor of educational ministry – Jae Youn berly Dail Holley, Richlands; Kevin Todd Johnson, Myers, Raeford; George E. Schreck, Knightdale; Short, Wake Forest; Jonathan Matthew Spallino, Cho, Durham. Smithfield; Jillian Taylor Martin, Benson; Karen Timothy John Stevenson, Hillsborough; Benjamin Wake Forest; Walter Hugene Turner Jr., Charlotte; Master of arts in theological studies – Jae Sparrow McLamb, Clinton; Vicki Parker Medlin, Wickel, Raleigh. Bradley Wayne Williams, Locust; Joshua Daniel Geun Kang, Durham. Clayton; Robert W.R. Peltz, Fayetteville; Christina Master of arts in Old Testament – Andrew Woodall, Raleigh. Gardner-Webb University Loizou Powell, Raleigh. Glen Daniel, Eden. Master of divinity with international church Master of divinity in biblical studies – Eliza- Master of divinity – Dustin R. Bannister, Master of arts in biblical counseling – planting – Mitchell L. Davis, Tryon. beth Hope Arnold, Drexel. Newton Grove; Ann René Beck, Apex; Donald Heather Gamble Hassert, Raleigh; Lauren Michele Master of divinity with ministry leadership – Master of divinity in Christian education Keith Blizzard II, Wilmington; Tiffany Brown, Jones, Raleigh; Sydney Elaine Jones, Asheboro; Jason Dean Currie, Zebulon. – Lauren Elizabeth Brown, Mooresville; Sarah Rutherfordton; Andrew Ryan Burnette, Mebane; Craig Stevens Morrisette, Wendell. Master of divinity with pastoral ministry – Elizabeth Briggs, Arden; Tabatha Kristine Coker, Steven Charles Chewning II, Pittsboro; Fredrick D. Master of arts in Christian education – Mer- Roger Carl Bowden, Mint Hill; Kevin Homer York, Shelby; Chad Eric Dillard, Forest City; Keri Mead- Culbreth, Fayetteville; Abbi Leigh Davis, Fremont; edith Brooks Strickland, Elon. Statesville. ows Durrah, Charlotte. Lacey Brittany David, Drexel; Heather Eileen Master of arts in ministry leadership – Master of theology – Andrew Joel Beckham Master of divinity in intercultural studies Giunta, Lillington; Marcus W. McClellan, Raleigh; Joshua Joyner, Cary. Jr., Henderson; Jon Campbell, Kinston; Ronald – Johnathan Warren Bryson, Gastonia; Richard Carla Burkes Page, Spring Lake; Falon M. Pope, Master of church music – Anne Charlotte Mills Bradley Harrison, Wilmington; Timmy R. Jerni- Contreras, Charlotte. Fayetteville; Ann Taylor, Fayetteville. Shelton, Clemmons. gan, Whiteville; Eric Neal Peacock, High Point; Master of divinity in pastoral care and coun- Doctor of divinity – Walter Graham Byrum, Master of divinity with advanced standing Endalkachew Tefera, Cary; James Weddington, seling – Jerret Cornelius Fite, Kings Mountain; Winterville; Lionel Edward Cartwright, Fayetteville; – Bradley Ezra Norris, Whiteville; Jordon Wil- Charlotte. Richard Junior Hopper, Gastonia; Kanita Michelle David Michael Durham, Burlington. lard, Roanoke Rapids; Jason Charles Vineyard, Doctor of education – Mitchell Grady Evans, McGahee, Charlotte; Cameron Neal Mitchell, Char- The Southern Baptist Mooresville. Wake Forest; Joseph Phan, Raleigh. lotte; Roxanne Aiken Terry, Rutherfordton; Morgan Theological Seminary Master of divinity with Christian ministry – Doctor of philosophy – Darren Scott Hildreth, Gabrielle VanSlyke, Gold Hill; Christie Danelle Master of divinity – Michael J. Lopes*, Me- Ryan Christopher Burris, New London; Timothy Raleigh; Kristin Lynn Kellen, Charlotte; David Williamson, Shelby; J.P. Webber Jr., Shelby; Phyllis bane; Robert W. Morgan, Penrose; Kyler J. Smith, Lee Callicutt, Bonlee; Joey Chafton, Youngsville; Chipley Summey, Raleigh; Mark Alton Talbert, Lekisha Williams, Shelby. Charlotte. William Robert Daniel, Charlotte; James Alvah Madison. Doctorate of ministry in pastoral ministries – Farthing IV, Kure Beach; Nathaniel Kevin Ford, The College at Southeastern Barbara Starr Barner, Raleigh; Jonathan Michael *Not a resident of N.C., but member of a N.C. Franklin; Matthew Brian Foshee, Wake Forest; Na- Master of arts in intercultural studies – Sara Bundon, Kings Mountain; Garin Hunt Hill, Shelby. church. thanial Perry Goss, Hendersonville; Timothy Parker Elizabeth Anastasio, Wake Forest; Christopher Doctorate of ministry in pastoral care & 12 JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists N.C. passes 72-hour abortion wait period

By COURTNEY CRANDELL | WORLD News Service facilities, expands the state’s statutory Since Republicans gained a majority the NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina rape definition and includes regulations in the legislature in 2011, the state has (formerly known as the National Asso- orth Carolina’s state legislature related to child support and sex offend- passed several laws regulating abortion, ciation for the Repeal of Abortion Laws) approved a bill June 3 that ex- ers. including the 24-hour wait period. Some said they would deliver thousands of Ntends the state’s abortion wait- Tami Fitzgerald, executive director pro-lifers credit the laws with reducing petitions for him to veto it. ing period to 72 hours, joining four other of the N.C. Values Coalition, said the the number of abortions in the state by 26 “Going back on his word by allowing states that have passed similar legislation. bill represents a “major victory that percent since 2010. these new restrictions to become law The Senate approved the bill by a 32-16 will protect women and save the lives of Gov. Pat McCrory said he plans to would represent a fundamental betrayal vote after the House passed a version unborn children in North Carolina.” She sign the measure. Signing the bill won’t of voters’ trust,” Alison Kiser, a Planned of the bill in April. The legislation also urged the governor to sign it as soon as violate his 2012 campaign promise not Parenthood South Atlantic spokeswom- requires a doctor or other medical pro- possible. to enact further abortion restrictions, he an, said. fessional to inform a woman before she About 26 states currently require said, because the measure is about pro- But the bill’s advocates maintain the obtains an abortion that alternatives exist a waiting period before a woman can tecting women’s health. law will protect women and save chil- and she has the right to review materi- undergo an abortion. But only three – “We ensured that contact, includ- dren. als that describe the unborn baby and Missouri, South Dakota and Utah – have ing a simple phone call, would start a “Seventy-two hours is not asking for abortion alternatives. The bill allows an 72-hour delays. Oklahoma’s 72-hour wait reasonable process that protects women’s too much for something this important,” exception for medical emergencies. period law takes effect in November. health, and we also more clearly and House co-sponsor Rep. Pat McElraft said. The bill increases the information North Carolina already had a 24-hour rationally defined medical training and “Why do we not want [women] to have provided to state regulators about certain wait period. The bill’s supporters said qualifications to ensure there will be no the opportunity to change their minds? second-trimester abortions and clarifies increasing it would allow women more further restrictions on access,” he said. Please let women have this opportunity that abortion facilities must be inspected time to collect information about the pro- Before McCrory announced he would to reach out to pregnancy clinics to guide annually. It also prohibits anyone under cedure. The bill’s House sponsors hope it sign the bill, Planned Parenthood and her … for alternatives.” 18 years old from working at abortion will reduce abortions in the state. PASTORS, WHO YOU GONNA CALL? N.C. House overturns istory reminds us it’s never in these moments. Others call their governor’s marriage bill veto been easy to be a pastor. But parents, or maybe confide in a few down the state’s constitutional amend- there is something different loyal church friends. But very few call By SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor H ment defining marriage as one man and going on today. Seems all of society’s pastor friends. And almost none calls he North Carolina House voted one woman, forcing same-sex marriage problems for the past 50 years have a counselor, because they believe that, June 11 to override Gov. Pat on a citizenry that voted to uphold the piled up into one giant ball of prob- of all people, they should have it all T McCrory’s veto of Senate Bill traditional understanding of the sacred lems. Now pastors are faced with together. 2, which allows government officials the institution,” said Mark Creech, executive issues at a level never seen before. However, if they don’t reach out for ability to opt out of performing same-sex director of the Christian Action League. Sure, every generation of clergy help soon, a deadly trio usually sur- marriages. McCrory vetoed the bill May “Subsequently, at least 16 magistrates had difficult issues to face. faces: isolation, fatigue and 28, saying government workers needed to resigned their posts. Eight were known Theological, leadership anger. Now very dangerous uphold their oath of office and perform to have resigned because they felt their challenges, conservative temptations await. their duties, according to WRAL. faith prohibited them from performing vs. liberal, character is- But what if a pastor The Senate voted 32-16 against the veto gay nuptials.” sues, tongues, lack of heart could tell someone totally four days later, before it moved on to the Opponents of the bill, like Gov. Mc- for God, unity, politics, anonymous what they are House. The House voted 69-41 to over- Crory, argue that magistrates and reg- overbearing church mem- going through? Would that turn the governor’s action. Ten members isters of deeds must fulfill all of their bers and the family chapel prompt them to reach out? of the 120-member House were not pres- constitutional duties, upholding their syndrome. Now add to that Someone who will simply ent at the time of the vote. obligation to the law. cohabitation, pornography, listen, understand and pray? The bill says magistrates and registers He said in a statement after the vote, divorces, LGBT issues, con- EDDIE THOMPSON The North American Mis- of deeds have the right to opt out of per- “It’s a disappointing day for the rule of gregational expectations, sion Board and Focus on the forming any marriage if they do so based law and the process of passing legisla- apathy, fatigue, family issues, burnout, Family have recently created a pastor on “any sincerely held religious objec- tion in North Carolina. … I will continue lack of personal boundaries, social care line dedicated solely to pastors tion.” to stand up for conservative principles media, counseling, school shootings, and their families. For peace of mind, Opponents argued that the bill allows that respect and obey the oath of office marathon bombings, PTSD, bullies, Focus on the Family doesn’t share any discrimination. Supporters noted that for public officials across our state and sext messaging, anxiety, depression, information about the caller. there is no “duty” under state law for nation,” according to WRAL. narcissism, terrorism and on and on. Their trained, professional coun- magistrates and registers of deeds to Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of Our culture spews out new problems selors have gone to great lengths to perform marriages. It is an “additional the N.C. Values Coalition, said in a press like Ben & Jerry’s invents new flavors. ensure pastors get real and confiden- authority” of the office. release, “It’s hard to believe that any gov- Honestly, no one can possibly tial help. But they can’t help unless Supporters also said the bill pro- ernor – much less a conservative one – prepare pastors to deal with all of someone reaches out. So if you are a tects freedom of religion for government would veto a bill protecting the religious these issues – or even a few. “Over- pastor who is in a real struggle, you officials. freedoms of his constituents. whelmed” is a common feeling among are not alone. Call (844) 727-8671 (8 Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “This “The House and the Senate made the pastors. a.m.-10 p.m. ET). Perhaps this is God’s bill strikes a critical balance to make sure right call in overriding Gov. McCrory’s That begs the question … what answer to your prayers. the freedoms granted to some under ill-advised veto and we are grateful for do pastors do when they are feeling (EDITOR’S NOTE – Eddie Thompson is recent court orders do not erase the their continued leadership in fighting overwhelmed or in their own personal a consultant on family evangelism and dis- constitutionally-protected rights of oth- to preserve this fundamental American crisis? cipleship for the Baptist State Convention of ers.” freedom.” In my opinion, pastors lean heavily North Carolina. Contact him at ethompson@ “The legislation became necessary (EDITOR’S NOTE – Compiled by Seth on their wife for comfort and support ncbaptist.org or (800) 395-5102, ext. 5644.) after federal court rulings knocked Brown, BR content editor.) JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 13

N.C. Senate recognizes NCBAM AROUND THE STATE By CAROL LAYTON | NCBAM Obituaries Staff changes he North Carolina Senate recently recognized North JAMES “JIM” CHARLES MOONEY, DAVID WITH has been called by First T Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry 75, of Concord died May 24 after a year- Baptist Church, Clayton, to the position (NCBAM) for five years of exemplary ser- long battle with Merkel cell cancer. of associate pastor and youth minister. vice to aging adults. At its May 28 general Born in 1939 in Ontario, Canada, he With previously served as youth minister assembly session, Sen. John Chadwick became a naturalized U.S. citizen in at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh. (“Chad”) Barefoot of the 18th district, 1972. acknowledged the fifth anniversary of Sen. Chad Barefoot, left, of N.C.’s 18th district Mooney is a graduate of Piedmont Oakdale Baptist Church, Statesville, the ministry that helps aging adults welcomes Sandy Gregory, director of North Bible College and Guilford College. He welcomes DANIEL MELTON as part- maintain their independence through its Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry, to the Senate floor received a master of divinity degree time youth minister. Melton formerly partnerships with North Carolina Baptist following the Senatorial Statement which was from Southeastern Seminary and doctor served as youth minister intern at Fair- churches as well as other denominations placed upon the Journal of the general assembly of ministry degree from Drew University view Baptist Church, Statesville. and public and private sector entities. session on May 28. (Contributed photo) in Madison, N.J. Barefoot congratulated NCBAM for in the Senate. In addition to co-chairing He pastored Southern Baptist MATTHEW EADES has been called helping to meet needs in 96 of North two committees and serving on numer- churches in North and South Carolina to the position of pastor by Oakdale Bap- Carolina’s 100 counties. (Since the state- ous others, Barefoot also serves on the before his retirement in 1990, includ- tist Church, Statesville. Eades formerly ment was released, NCBAM has reached North Carolina Institute of Medicine ing in N.C.: Bear Creek Baptist Church, served as pastor at Green Memorial Bap- all 100 counties.) Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease and Hubert; Catherine Lake Baptist Church, tist Church, Charlotte. The Senatorial Statement also ref- dementia. He is the son of Sam Barefoot, Richlands; Northeast Baptist Church, erenced NCBAM’s Call Center which senior vice-president at Baptist Chil- McLeansville; West Corinth Baptist Dover Baptist Church, Seagrove, has receives more than 350 calls each month dren’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH). Church, Mooresville; and Lake Wylie called CHRIS BOULDIN as pastor. – connecting callers with services in their Barefoot volunteers for BCH each year by Baptist Church, Charlotte. area or with local N.C. Baptist volun- speaking to churches throughout the Tri- He was a member of University Hills KEITH MCKINNEY has been called teers. Noted also were NCBAM’s Priority angle area about the institution’s annual Baptist Church, Charlotte. as pastor by Boiling Springs Baptist #1: Prevention programs that assist aging offering which supports children and He is survived by his wife, Barbara Church. McKinney previously served as adults with grab bars, wheelchair ramps, families in need. Cordelia Calton Mooney; sister, Mary interim pastor of the New Bessemer Bap- smoke alarms and tools for safer medica- North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry Ann Mooney of Brantford, Ontario; and tist Church, McLeansville. His other N.C. positions were at First Baptist Church, tion management. is a ministry of Baptist Children’s Homes brother, Murray LaRoy Nichols of Till- Rural Hall; Quaker Gap Baptist Church, Barefoot is serving his second term of N.C. sonburg, Ontario. King; and First Baptist Church, East Flat Memorials to University Hills Baptist Rock. Florida’s CP giving called ‘great sacrifice’ Church Building Fund, 1500 Suther Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213. Fairview Baptist Church, Apex, has By DIANA CHANDLER | Baptist Press to the North American Mission Board called MATT CAPPS as senior pastor. (NAMB), according to state figures. MERVIN J. GARRISON, 76, died Previously Capps served at The Fel- he Florida Baptist Convention’s “The importance of our unified efforts May 27 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice lowship Church, Nashville, Tenn., and (FBC) unprecedented deci- as churches in missions defines us as Home in Winston-Salem. at LifeWay Christian Resources as the T sion to begin giving more of its Southern Baptists,” said Green, whose He attended N.C. State University brand manager for The Gospel Project. Cooperative Program (CP) dollars to the pastorate First Baptist Church in Bran- and graduated from Wake Forest Col- His other positions in North Carolina Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) than don, Fla., gives 10 percent of undesig- lege in 1962. He completed his master of churches include Calvary Baptist Church, to the state signals a sacrificial commit- nated gifts to the CP. “The critical nature divinity degree at Southeastern Semi- of this hour cannot be missed and the Winston-Salem, and Hickory Grove Bap- ment to the Great Commission, newly nary in 1966. tremendous opportunity needs to be em- tist Church, Charlotte. elected executive director J. Thomas Ordained by Enon Baptist Church, braced. The scriptures teach us that unto Green told Baptist Press (BP). East Bend, in 1964, he Garrison pastored whom much is given, much is required NATHAN FINN has been named dean Green, who began serving June 8 as churches in Virginia and Florida, as well (Luke 12:48).” of Union University’s School of Theology executive director/treasurer of the FBC, as four churches in North Carolina: West Green plans to accomplish the change and Missions in Jackson, Tenn. He served has pledged beginning in 2016 to send Bend Baptist Church, Lewisville; Quaker 51 percent of CP gifts to the Southern by steering the FBC toward “regionaliza- as director of the Center for Spiritual Gap Baptist Church, King; French Broad Baptist Convention for international and tion and personalization” in ministry, he Formation and Evangelical Spiritual- Baptist Church, Hendersonville; and national causes, and to keep only 49 per- said, while remaining “deeply committed ity, and associate professor of histori- Goodwill Baptist Church, Kernersville. cent within Florida for Baptist missions to reach Florida and beyond with the cal theology and spiritual formation at Both before and after retirement in and ministries. gospel.” Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest. 2004, he and his wife, Kay, served on “I believe we are in the midst of The funding redistribution “will lead Finn has held a variety of positions at the N.C. Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief teams an amazing moment of ministry for us to downsize our convention staff,” seminary since 2006. and remained active in the work of the the church and we must respond in a Green told BP, but will not decrease the Pilot Mountain Baptist Association. He sacrificial manner,” Green said. “The emphasis on state ministry and missions. was a member of Clemmons First Baptist Great Commission and the Great Com- SBC leaders including Frank Page, SBC Submissions Executive Committee president, Kevin Church. mandment compel us to respond with The Biblical Recorder is pleased to Ezell, NAMB president, and R. Albert Mervin is survived by his wife of generosity in order to reach the world for publish staff changes, church Mohler, president of The Southern Bap- nearly 54 years, Kay Spainhour Garrison; Christ.” news and events with a statewide tist Theological Seminary in Louisville, son, James A. Garrison of Arden; daugh- If 2016 CP gifts received in Florida interest. Send to [email protected] or Ky., have applauded Green for the move. ter, Dawn G. Atkinson of Raleigh; four mirror the 2015 budgeted amount of Biblical Recorder, P.O. Box 1185, Cary, The change will have an even greater grandchildren; and a brother, Alvin G. $28,800,000, the funding shift would NC 27512. Call (919) 847-2127. impact on national and international Garrison of Lewisville. spell an additional $2.88 million in gifts Have story ideas? Send to editor@ funding, because the state will no longer Memorials to Baptist Children’s to the SBC Executive Committee, with BRnow.org. $1,445,000 of the increase going to the In- retain four precent of CP gifts but will Homes of N.C., PO Box 338, Thomas- ternational Mission Board, and $656,000 establish a 51/49 split. ville, NC 27361. 14 Sunday School JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

June 28 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE July 5 Move Beyond Failure Work Through Conflict

Focal Passages: Joshua 7:13-15, Let’s be clear, sin does not ruin God’s Focal Passages: Joshua 22:11-12, the Jordan suspect that the two and a half 19-21, 25-26; 8:1 plans. He is almighty and His plans are 15-18, 26-27, 33-34 tribes across the Jordan have turned away never thwarted. But the rebellion in our from the Lord’s commands. If true, this ave you ever experienced the heart, disobedience against God’s com- ow do you handle conflict as has to be confronted. Notice that they are thrill and joy of a great success mands, inevitably causes us to stand in you lead others? Most of us have not just upset over the landscaping across Honly to be met promptly by a opposition to what God is doing. The Hprobably experienced some un- the river. resounding defeat? result cannot be success. healthy, and ultimately ungodly As leaders, we need to know which It is a sobering experience, not unlike God is Holy and perfect, responses to conflict. Some re- issues we should confront firmly and the Little Leaguer who rounds third base and He cannot let sin go un- spond to conflict by avoiding which matters warrant a softer touch. As at full speed on his way to home plate, resolved. In the battle for Ai, confrontation and hoping the we saw previously, sin cannot go unchal- imagining in his mind that he is about we find that God loves Israel issue will resolve itself. Others lenged. We are called to lovingly con- to win the World Series, only to find too much to let them win as take a more direct approach, front sin, and here the Israelites believe himself meeting the ground early due to sin pollutes them. Sin must be confronting without any they are doing just that, and they express an unfortunate slip. dealt with. regard for peacemaking. We, their concern with love. It is in those moments of failure that As leaders, we should however, are concerned with a The conflict resolution doesn’t end we are soberly reminded of our human respond to sin and failures as different kind of approach. As here. From the Israelites we learn the weakness. As leaders, we are affected not Joshua did: we confront it, leaders under the lordship of importance of listening. Without this MANNY PRIETO just by our own limitations, but by those we deal with it appropriately Christ, we want to know how important component, the situation in Lay Pastor, Imago Dei of the people we lead. and we move forward. God we are to respond to conflict Joshua 22 might have turned out quite Church, Raleigh Joshua was coming off the heels of a will not let sin go unchecked, in a manner that brings Him differently. A God-honoring approach resounding victory at Jericho. God had but mercifully for those of glory. to conflict resolution is fair to the other delivered the city into the hands of Israel. us who are in Christ, sin has been dealt In this passage, we find the Israelites side. Notice the resolution of the conflict Yet now, at only their second battle, Israel with decisively! We don’t ignore sin or with a potential civil war on their hands. between the Israelites: God receives wor- is met with defeat. rationalize it. It’s a simple case of misinterpreted ship as a result. This should be the end But why? Was it Joshua’s leadership? As Christ-followers we confess it and motives. We should take note of a few goal every time we encounter conflict. Had their military techniques failed? repent, painful as it may be, but we don’t important elements here that ought to in- Conflict is not easy nor is it pleasant, Had God failed to keep His promise? The wallow in defeat. Christ our Savior has form how we handle conflict in our own but the leader who longs to glorify God text gives us a clear answer: sin. Sin had conquered sin and death, therefore we lives. First, we should recognize what the recognizes it as an opportunity to display brought about the defeat. press on in the battle! conflict is about. The Israelites west of the greatness of God.

June 28 EXPLORE THE BIBLE July 5 Is This of God? Real Love

Focal Passage: 1 John 4:1-6 a chaotic spectacle. I left confused and Focal Passage: 1 John 4:7-21 power and the pattern for real love. wondering, “Is this of God?” We have the power to love by the iscernment is not one of our How do we know when something is erhaps fairytales and Hollywood Spirit of Christ in us (1 John 4:13). strengths in this age. Ours is truly of God? There is no substitute to have distorted our understand- Our passage tells us that God is Love Da day where most people give learning God’s Word. Ping of love. and, if He lives in us, His love will be toleration the pride of place among The more we know truth, the better Real love is not just a sentimental feel- evident through us (1 John 4:8, 16). virtues. While there are many benefits to prepared we are to discern error. In our ing that swells in your heart and causes You do not need to wait for that warm toleration, it can also numb us over time passage John gives us the clear- butterflies in your stomach. fuzzy feeling or for tears to roll down to the importance of standing for truth. It est test. Love has more to do with our your cheeks. is not unloving to stand for truth. In fact, Ask yourself, “Does this actions than our feelings. Choose today to look for ways to love it is in the context of teaching about lov- teaching or activity magnify Or, as John Mayer sings, people. ing one another that John mentions the Jesus or detract from Him?” “Love is a verb. It ain’t a Trust God to empower you. necessity of discernment. J.I. Packer compares the thing.” We have the pattern for love in the Our adversary is not dormant. Just work of the Holy Spirit to a Real love is also one of work of Christ for us. as he was a real threat to the health of well-placed floodlight focused the distinctive marks of true John says, “By this we know love, that he the first-century church, he is active on Jesus. On the front of our Christians. laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay and trying to deceive our churches. You church property we have a Jesus told His followers down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16). cannot trust every preacher you hear on beautiful white cross as the fo- MICHAEL WILKES that their love for one another In his writings John mentions love 116 TV, regardless of his/her popularity. Do cal point in a rock garden with Pastor, New Life Baptist would be so distinct in the times because he was absolutely gripped not believe everything you read – even if a bench. Church, Henderson world that others would be by God’s love demonstrated at the cross. the book is a best seller and came from a At nightfall floodlights able to identify them as His Real love involves sacrifice, even Christian bookstore. beneath the cross illuminate it. When disciples by this love (John 13:35). for people who don’t deserve it. Jesus Several years ago I attended a special you drive by in the dark, it’s hard to miss Only people with God’s Spirit living suffered and died for you and me even service in a church on the Gulf Coast that the cross. You don’t see the actual lights within are able to really love. though we were sinners and enemies of claimed to be experiencing five years of because they were not placed to draw What the world calls love is a coun- God (Romans 5:8, 10). ongoing revival. attention to themselves. They bring your terfeit. Reflect on the love of God towards you I had to witness it, but afterwards was eyes to the cross. It may share some of the same charac- and let us together show the world what greatly disturbed. Remember, concerning the work of teristics, but love is only authentic when real love is. They claimed miraculous works of the Spirit, Jesus said, “He will glorify me” it comes from God. Lord, magnify your love to us and the Spirit were taking place, but it was (John 16:14). As true Christians we have both the multiply it through us! JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists 15

Wright Continued from page 10 the ground the whole time” – and not prone to super- sioned mankind. I sometimes think that the desire to 1901, I said to my brother Orville that men would not fly natural musings. fly after the fashion of birds is an ideal handed down to for 50 years. Two years later, we ourselves were mak- Wilbur’s 1908 acceptance speech upon receiving the us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across ing flights. ... It is not really necessary to look too far Aéro-Club de France’s Gold Metal in Paris typified the trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously into the future; we see enough already to be certain that Wright brothers’ attitude toward their achievement. He on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, it will be magnificent. Only let us hurry and open the was gracious and eloquent but also entirely humanistic. above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air. roads.” “In the enthusiasm being shown around me,” Wilbur “Scarcely 10 years ago, all hope of flying had almost (EDITOR’S NOTE – David Roach is chief national correspon- said, “I see not merely an outburst intended to glorify been abandoned; even the most convinced had become dent for Baptist Press, the news service of the Southern Baptist a person, but a tribute to an idea that has always impas- doubtful,” Wilber continued, “and I confess that, in Convention.) CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Denominational Turner Memorial Baptist Church is searching Church Staff DIRECTOR OF MUSIC – Part-time position Carolina Baptist Association in Hendersonville for a Senior Pastor. We are seeking candidates Loves Creek Baptist Church in Siler City, NC, (15-20 hrs/wk). BA in music and 3 yrs experi- will be accepting resumes for Director of with strong leadership skills who shares our is looking for a part-time worship leader. The ence required. Compensation dependent Missions from May 18-June 30. Email to vision for growth by proclaiming God’s Word ideal candidate should be a Christian male, upon experience and education. View job [email protected] or mail to 601 Hebron St., and evangelizing the lost in our community and able to lead a choir, a praise team and description at www.edentonbaptist.org. Submit Hendersonville, NC 28739. and around the world. With a blended style congregational worship in a blended style of resume to 200 S. Granville St., Edenton, NC of worship and a heart for missions, TMBC contemporary music and hymns. The ability 27932, or email to [email protected]. The Biblical Recorder has an opening for a full- is committed “To Know Christ and To Make to play instruments is preferred. Please send time circulation & social media manager. Him Known” through worship, discipleship, resume and contact information to pastorkb06@ Bethany Church is seeking a part-time Min- The ideal candidate must be oriented to community and outreach. Established in 1961, gmail.com. ister of Music to plan, direct and coordinate details, gifted in administration, experienced TMBC serves an area of dynamic growth in worship for both contemporary and traditional with computers, savvy with social media and southern Wake County just outside of Garner, Farmington Baptist Church in Mocksville, services. See website for more details: bethany. possess excellent people skills. Writing skills NC, and has an average worship attendance NC, is seeking a part-time pastoral intern ws. 3-5 yrs experience is desired. and database experience are valuable. Please of 218. The ideal candidate will be a strong with strong administrative skills. Send resume email resume to [email protected] or mail to proclaimer of God’s Word, have a minimum with references to: 1835 Farmington Road, Lakeview Baptist Church (Monroe) is seek- Editor, P.O. Box 1185, Cary, NC 27512. education level of seminary degree, have 5+ Mocksville, NC 27028, or email: secretary@ ing a part-time minister to senior adults. years of experience, and possess the leadership farmingtonbc.org. For information please call Dr. Steve Jirgal @ Pastor skills to assist in our eventual relocation 704-283-0019. Corinth Baptist Church, located in Elizabeth and building of a new church campus in Associate Pastor of Worship and Music. First City, NC, is seeking candidates for a full- our community. TMBC is a Southern Baptist Baptist Church, Asheboro, North Carolina, is Arlington Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, time permanent pastor. We are an active congregation connected to the Raleigh Baptist seeking an associate pastor of worship and NC, is seeking a Part-time (20-30 hours a congregation with approximately 325 Association, the Baptist State Convention and music. A bachelor’s degree in music, seminary week) Director of Music. The director of attending worship weekly. Corinth is seeking the Southern Baptist Convention. Resumes a plus, and five years of experience is required. music would lead the congregational music, a compassionate, caring servant led by the with letters of reference may be sent to Submit resume to First Baptist Church, 133 plan and conduct choir rehearsals and lead the Holy Spirit. Applicants should be biblically [email protected]. N. Church Street, Asheboro, NC 27203, Attn. adult choir. Work with the ministerial staff in grounded, demonstrate a commitment to Worship Pastor Search Committee or to preparation of worship services. Handle other God-centered biblical worship, and possess a First Baptist Church of Biscoe, N.C., is seeking [email protected]; www.fbcasheboro. ministerial duties as assigned. Send resumes servant’s heart. To find more information on a full -time senior pastor. We are a relatively com. to: [email protected]. our church, including a copy of our Pastoral Job small, but inclusive congregation from various Description, please visit our website at www. ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds Parkwood Baptist Church of Concord, NC, New Hope Baptist Church in Denver, NC, is corinthbaptist.com. Interested applicants should with a strong belief in the radical love and is seeking a full-time Minister of Children/ seeking a part-time Youth/Children’s Pas- send their resumes to Corinth Baptist Church, grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for all persons. Family. Requirements: Called of God to lead tor. Experience and theological training. Send Attn. Pastoral Search Committee, 1035 Hwy 17 A sense of community is our strength with a children’s ministry, a committed Southern resume to [email protected]. South, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, or submit “love in action” attitude and a focus on local Baptist, has a seminary degree. We are open electronically to [email protected]. missions. We partner primarily with CBF and to female candidates that are not seeking or- Miscellaneous Montgomery County Churches in Action. dination. If interested email resume to info@ NCBAM is preparing to open an upscale Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Alexis, N.C., a Our congregation strives to use its many gifts, parkwoodbaptist.com by June 30th. For more info resale store that will benefit the outreaches member of the South Fork Baptist Association, one of which is music, to fellowship, worship about our church visit www.parkwoodbaptist.com. of NCBAM. Fancy Finds NCBAM needs vin- is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor. Five and serve. We are seeking a pastor who is tage, antiques or gently-used items. Email years of pastoral experience is preferred. The preferably a divinity school graduate, has Samaria Baptist Church, Raleigh, seeks part- Renee Gregory, store director at rgregory@bch church is situated 20 miles west of Charlotte in excellent skills in building relationships, and time Minister of Music, to play piano/organ family.org to learn how to make a tax-deductible southern Lincoln County. Please send resume will lead us to grow spiritually as we respond for Sunday morning music, Wednesday night donation. and cover letter to Pastor Search Committee, to the call of Jesus. Please send resumes to: rehearsal and special events. Prefer some Mt. Zion Baptist Church, P.O. Box 70 Alexis, [email protected] or Pastor Search Team, church music experience. Send resume to: At- MOVED? Don’t forget to change your address NC 28006. Dwight Saunders, First Baptist Church, tention HR, Samaria Baptist Church, 3621 Poole with the Biblical Recorder. Contact Erin Gandy P.O. Box 36, Biscoe, NC 27209. Deadline for Rd, Raleigh NC 27610, or email bwpeoples@ at (919) 459-5693 or [email protected]. receiving resumes is July 1, 2015. nc.rr.com. Share the Biblical Recorder – FREE. Order a Placing a classified ad in theBiblical Recorder Part-Time Worship Leader needed for three-month free subscription. Contact Erin blended worship services for a progressive and Gandy at (919) 459-5693 or [email protected] to Choose one of three avenues: growing church in Western North Carolina. make arrangements. • Send e-mail to: [email protected]. A bachelor of music degree or the equivalent • Submit the information via the Recorder’s website at BRnow.org. in experience is required. This position is Do you have staff changes at your church or • Send a Fax to (919) 467-6180. approximately 20 hours per week which in- association? Let the BR know by calling (919) For more information, call the office at (919) 459-5691. cludes practices and worship services. Salary 847-2127 or email [email protected]. Cost for Baptist churches/organizations is $1.20 per word, number and range is mid to upper $20’s. Inquiries can be stand-alone initial ($1.42 for commercial and non-Baptist entities) with a made electronically to [email protected] or to minimum charge of $35. Classifieds also are carried online. Newfound Baptist Church, Attn: Music Search Committee, P.O. Box 6, Leicester, NC 28748. 16 JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists

Denominations Continued from page 2 become like their “nondenominational” counterparts, at reinvent a system or structure that already exists?” For The question for Christians in denominational least outwardly. me, it’s a matter of stewardship, a willingness to work churches is this: How will we steward the resources and The bad news is that loyalty to historic church groups within a denominational structure and make it better, institutions we’ve received for the mission Christ has is waning, and for this reason, many Christians feel not do away with it and start from scratch. given us? free to jump from one church to another, regardless of But others might say, shouldn’t we downplay denom- That question should be at the forefront of all the denominational identity. inations and celebrate “the ecumenism of the trenches”? annual gatherings taking place this summer, because The good news is that the imminent demise of After all, we’re stronger when we stand together on the the denominations most likely to thrive are those that denominations is premature, and a denominational af- cultural battlefield and cross denominational lines when devote their attention and resources not to the perpetu- filiation is not the “hindrance” many believers consider it comes to serving the poor, caring for the environment ation of their own identity, but to the fulfilling of Jesus’ it to be. or speaking up on the sanctity of all human life, and the “Great Commission.” A recent survey by LifeWay Research shows that non- reality of marriage. (EDITOR’S NOTE – Trevin Wax is managing editor of The religious people have a more favorable than unfavorable I recognize the benefit of “mere Christianity,” the Gospel Project and author of multiple books, including Clear view toward a wide range of faiths. While many Chris- term C.S. Lewis used to describe Christians who wor- Winter Nights: A Journey Into Truth, Doubt and What tians have a difficult time explaining the differences ship in various “rooms” (where they approach various Comes After.) between denominations, the nonreligious are even less aspects of faith and practice differently), but then likely to understand these differences. meet together in the hallway (to enjoy fellowship That’s why having a denominational affiliation in and unity in the foundational tenets of the faith). your church’s name is unlikely to matter much to some- But I also see the benefit of church life in its glori- one considering your church. In fact, the “Baptist” and ous particularity – not a watered-down “we appeal “Catholic” labels have the highest rate of familiarity and to everyone” generic church experience, but a they top the survey for favorable impressions. textured and historic approach to Christianity. As a millennial, I’m supposed to be adverse to Leaders of newer churches and networks institutions and interdenominational squabbling. The quickly discover the need to recreate the kind individualistic ethos and anti-institutional attitude of of infrastructure for mission work that denomi- my generation has led many of my peers to dismiss the national churches already have at their disposal. relevance of denominational structures. “Why bother Furthermore, these newer networks often demand with red tape when you want to get stuff done?” they a quasi-denominational allegiance of their own. A ask. century from now, it’s likely that there will be new To be sure, denominations contain relics of a bygone and different denominations within Protestantism; era and many elements need to be repurposed, or, in it’s unlikely that denominations will have totally some cases, done away with. But my response is: “Why disappeared.