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Story and photos by ‘A broader Craig Bird family of faith’ Baptist minister finds home with Episcopal church

other changes and were willing to embrace OERNE, Texas — The rector wasn’t looking whatever it took to become the kind of church God wants us to be.” for a Baptist when he placed the classified Maltsberger — who also is a consultant for Natural Church Development — had notice in the small Texas newspaper. And the served as interim minister of education at his home church, First Baptist of Boerne. Baptist minister/professor had never consid- “I had really gotten used to getting to ered being a staff member of an Episcopal worship with my family and the thought of having to return to driving all over Texas on church — until he saw the want ad. weekends wasn’t very attractive,” he said. “So when I saw St. Helena’s ad, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to check it out.” But just over a year ago, in a modern-day Canada and a current assistant professor of Maltsberger discussed the unusual Bacting out of the Apostle Paul’s teaching that biblical and theological studies at the Baptist arrangement with his pastor at First Baptist the parts of the body need each other, St. University of the Americas in San Antonio. Boerne, who also said: “By all means, go.” Helena’s Episcopal Church in Boerne, Texas, So far, it has been a pleasant path of There was a lot to like. Maltsberger placed its Christian Formation program in discovery for all concerned. found Read to be “a young, visionary priest” the hands and heart of David Maltsberger, a “St. Helena’s was growing, and we and St. Helena’s to be “a congregation that former Southern Baptist missionary to needed someone to guide our Bible study realized, as uncomfortable as it may be, that and discipleship programs,” explained they needed to make changes in how they Rector David Read. “I was hoping we might did church.” attract a lay person with a bachelor’s degree Those changes already had begun. in education. Then David — an experi- When Read arrived at St. Helena’s in late enced, ordained minister with a Ph.D. — 1998, average attendance was 158 and there applied.” were few youth or young adults. Weathering his initial surprise, Read Additionally, interest in hands-on missions thought through the basic question: “What — especially in Piedras Negras, Mexico — could Baptists contribute to what God was swelling. wants St. Helena’s to be?” By the time Maltsberger joined the staff, He came up with three basic answers: the church had already added a youth minis- (1) They know how to do Sunday school. ter. A contemporary worship service had (2) They have a strong evangelical bend that been started, and the rector’s emphasis on in- matches the desire St. Helena’s has and that depth Bible study was drawing scores of I have to spread the Gospel. adults to the Sunday school class he taught. (3) They have a deep knowledge of The first of many pleasant surprises for scripture. Maltsberger was the worship experience. His basic conclusion: “Let’s give it a try.” “I was really impressed by the amount Read wondered what some of the mem- of scripture,” he explains. “Every service bers might think, but took comfort in the includes an Old Testament reading and a David Maltsberger participates in congregational prayer during the 9 a.m. worship service at fact that the congregation had already New Testament reading as well as readings St. Helena’s. proven to be “accepting and flexible toward from a Psalm, an Epistle and a Gospel — 2 Baptists Today • May 2004 F E A T U R E and the congregation is involved in most of them.” Maltsberger enjoyed support and coop- eration as he began building the Sunday school and discipleship programs. His first step was to get a feel for the level of biblical literacy among the membership. He spent his first year teaching fifth and sixth graders. This year he is working with 4-year-olds. “Historically, Episcopalians have paid minimal attention to Bible study in Sunday school,” Maltsberger said. “The lessons tend to come more from a story-telling perspec- tive with the aim of teaching morals and ethics — they use the Bible as a vehicle for illustrating how people should live. “Baptists, on the other hand, really stress Bible knowledge and see that knowl- edge is the natural foundation for producing good morals.” Clarifying his point, Maltsberger said Episcopalians tend to stress application of biblical truth while shorting knowledge of David Maltsberger visits with St. Helena’s member Walter Klingman before the 9 a.m. contemporary service. Maltsberger and his wife, Elaine, helped Klingman and his family move into their new home biblical truth. But Baptists, he said, tend to earlier in the week. focus on learning without doing the applica- tion well enough. St. Helena’s, he explained, seemed eager long-range benefit. But the short term is ships,” Read said. “We decided eating to do both. In addition to the rector’s adult that the adults listen too — and I get an together would do that as well as remove class, there are smaller classes for men and amazing amount of feedback from what I lots of excuses for not coming to church. So for women. A discipleship program say from the adults.” we have breakfast every Sunday morning Maltsberger introduced has spawned three Maltsberger said that St. Helena’s is set- and a catered supper on Wednesdays. And lay-led groups — even though it requires an ting trends in the Episcopal Diocese of West we encourage every meeting to begin with a hour of Bible study a day as well as 21/2 Texas. One example he gave is that 100 of shared meal. Our choir, for example, eats hours of lecture each week. Additionally, a the 600 people from the entire diocese to be together every week before practice.” high percentage of members is involved in involved in mission projects last year came “I’m still a Baptist,” Maltsberger Bible Study Fellowship. from St. Helena’s. insisted. “My understanding of scripture and Average worship attendance — in three That bodes well for another of my personal beliefs led me there and keeps services — is pushing 400. There are 140 Maltsberger’s goals — to have every member me there.” active members of the youth group, and of the congregation participate in a mission Though a staff member at St. Helena’s, Sunday school attendance has packed out all trip. he retains his membership at First Baptist available space at 150. On the receiving end, Maltsberger sees Boerne. Two youth groups and three adult lessons that Baptists can learn from St. “But I’ve found we have so much in groups made mission trips to Mexico last Helena’s, especially the emphasis on families common as followers of Jesus Christ and so year, and the church operates a mobile and fellowship that has fueled the church’s much to share in learning from God’s medical clinic for area residents. rapid growth. Word,” said Maltsberger of the unusual rela- “Adults who grew up Episcopal often “Check out the newspaper ads for most tionship. “ There are some small theological are hungry for Bible study,” said churches and you see a picture of a build- differences, but on the whole I have discov- Maltsberger. “For many, this is their first ing,” he observed. “But St. Helena’s ads have ered a much broader family of faith than I opportunity to get it and they respond.” pictures of people, because fellowship is cen- realized existed by being part of St. That reaction includes his weekly tral to the way they engage people so they Helena’s.” children’s sermon. can share the gospel with them.” “This is the most loving, exciting and “The children will not remember any- That emphasis has produced something alive church I’ve ever been a part of,” thing they hear in those sermons, but they else Baptists might find familiar — food Maltsberger confessed. “And that includes will never forget that their church thought evangelism. the ones where I was the pastor.” BT that they were important enough to give “As we started growing, we were look- part of the service to them — and that Bible ing for ways people could get to know each —Craig Bird is a freelance writer living in study is important too,” he said. “That’s the other and then maintain those relation- San Antonio, Texas.

Baptists Today • May 2004 3

Volume 22 • Number 5 • May 2004 John D. Pierce Executive Editor Baptists Today serves churches by providing a reliable [email protected] source of unrestricted news coverage, thoughtful Jackie B. Riley analysis and inspiring features focusing on issues An autonomous national Managing Editor of importance to Baptist Christians. [email protected] Baptist news journal

Keithen M. Tucker Development & Marketing [email protected] P E R S P E C T I V E I N E V E R Y I S S U E 9 Baptists indebted to Henlee Barnette Gail Hardison 6 Quotation Remarks Circulation Manager E.Y. Mullins [email protected] 7 Editorial 30 Churches and the Tony Campolo Jannie Lister Office Assistant defense of marriage 8 Readers’ Responses Bruce T. Gourley 31 God’s will allows for Tony Cartledge 10 Baptist News Online Editor [email protected] human will 18 Back-row Birdie Furious Minds 19 Formations Commentary Designer I N T H E N E W S Walker Knight Jack U. Harwell 22 The Resource Page Publisher Emeritus Editor Emeritus 11 BWA committee responds to SBC accusations 23 Classifieds Board of Directors James T. McAfee, Atlanta, Ga. (chair) 25 Religion News Thomas E. Boland, Alpharetta, Ga. 12 Annuity Board president defends investment Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. policy, holdings 33 In the Know Nannette Avery, Chattanooga, Tenn. Jack C. Bishop Jr., Waynesville, N.C. 13 Medical group expands CBF partnership Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. 34 The Lighter Side Wilma B. Cosper, Cullowhee, N.C. 15 Mission-sending agencies asking hard Carolyn W. Crumpler, Cincinnati, Ohio 35 Faith Experience James M. Dunn, Washington, D.C. questions about personal safety Jimmy L. Gardner, Alpharetta, Ga. 36 The Media Shelf W.M. Gilbert Jr., Lavonia, Ga. 16 Southwestern Seminary to start under- William B. Greenhaw Jr., Macon, Ga. graduate college Kate J. Harvey, Valley Forge, Penn. R. Scott Walker, Waco, Texas Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. 26 Bipartisan bill aims to provide $100 million to improve security at houses of worship Board of Advisors Mary Jayne Allen, Chattanooga Tenn. 27 Mainline evangelicals endorse amendment Barbara Baugh, San Antonio, Texas Hardy S. Clemons, Greenville, S.C. to ban gay marriage W. Henry Crouch, Asheville, N.C. James L. Evans, Pelham, Ala. R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. Randy L. Hyde, Little Rock, Ark. F E A T U R E Harold A. Phillips, Liberty, Mo. Cecil E. Sherman, Richmond, Va. Gayla Sherman, Overland Park, Kan. 28 Fred Phelps: ‘Prophet’ Joel Wayne, Louisville, Ky. of God’s hate Baptists Today (ISSN 1072-7787) is published monthly by: Baptists Today P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 Cover photo by Craig Bird. David Maltsberger teaches Sunday To subscribe or place an advertisement, school at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church call 478-301-5655 or to gage the depth of Bible understanding toll-free 1-877-752-5658. 32 At 95, George Beverly at different levels and to model different Subscription rates: Shea publishes new teaching methods and styles. This year he 1 year, $18; 2 years, $32 book 1 year groups of 25 or more, $15 is teaching the 4-year-old class. 1 year Canada, $35 Story on page 2. 1 year foreign air mail, $50

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“I thought what would happen was we are no more or less intolerant “Women can give birth to all of us, … that we might add conservative than our critics, but the standards of change our diapers, wipe our drool, professors to each seminary cam- our critics are too low.” dry our tears, … bind our wounds, pus.… But God’s design was to clean —Daniel Taylor, professor of English at ease our pain, bear our burdens, … house.” Bethel College, and author of send their sons and daughters to —Judge Paul Pressler, speaking at Southern Is God Intolerant? (BGC World) seminary, to space, to war. They can Seminary March 23 about the takeover of the lead universities, hospitals, cities, Southern Baptist Convention that he helped “Adults under the age“ of 30 grew up entire nations. They can” be teachers, launch 25 years ago (BP) in the era of the Internet, music surgeons, soldiers, Supreme Court videos and cable television shows justices. They just can’t be Southern “We better be careful that we don’t that continued to push the moral Baptist preachers or pastors or let liberal Northern Baptists tell us envelope, and may not remember a military chaplains.” how we need to handle our affairs. If time when profanity and sexual —David Waters, columnist for The Commercial they are offended, they need to form content were more taboo.” Appear in Memphis, Tenn. their own convention and call it the —Gallup contributing editor Heather Mason ‘Northern Baptist Convention.’” on poll results showing younger adults to be less “The U.S. Supreme Court has raised —Tami Jarrell of Zachary, La., in a letter to the pessimistic about America’s moral and ethical its fist and shaken it in the face of editor of The Baptist Message, opposing renaming climate than older citizens (RNS) Almighty God.” the Southern Baptist Convention —Pat Robertson, televangelist and author of The “Growth is not the objective of Ten Offenses, blaming court rulings in the early “Fundamentalism … instructs all the church. The objective is to 1960s that outlawed government-sponsored prayer subscribers to compromise their and Bible reading in public schools for the increase individuality on the altar of conform- be a faithful, Christian commu- in teen pregnancy, drug abuse and divorce (RNS) ity; that expectation is based on nity, and when you meet that preset standards of a hypocritical, objective your church will “This is an election year, and every- know-it-all piety.” body is trying to out-God each other. —Charles W. Deweese, executive director-treasurer grow in many ways.” We have spent this whole session of the Baptist History and Heritage Society in —Thomas E. Frank, professor of church seeing who is more religious than administration at Emory University (RNS) Brentwood, Tenn. (Baptist Studies Bulletin) others.” “You can get most of the types of —Sen. Nadine Thomas, following the Georgia “The direct line between religion junk food you can get in the rest of Senate’s 42-8 approval of a non-binding resolution and violence is staggering, as parti- the store.” supporting the placement of the Ten sanship replaces servanthood, and Commandments in government buildings —Rabbi Yossi Moya, kosher food supervisor at group-think replaces personal ethics. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) the ShopRite grocery in New London, Conn., on The problem isn’t disagreement, but the wide variety of food products making up the the tendency of religious group-rage $150-billion a year kosher industry (RNS) “I’m not asking why the building was to erase all norms of civility and burned. I stopped asking questions tolerance.” of God, because you can’t figure out “This is the worst we could have —Religion News Service columnist Tom Ehrich God sometimes.” thought of.” —Pastor Joseph Winsett of Pittsburgh’s Ebenezer —James Marks, director of the CDC’s chronic “God does not call us to be tolerant; Baptist Church where a deadly fire claimed two disease center, on research data showing obesity firefighters and a historic building (AP) he calls us to love. It is a much poised to pass smoking as America’s leading cause of higher standard. In the final analysis, preventable death (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) 6 Baptists Today • May 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E e d i t o r i a l Fear, freedom and faithfulness By John D. Pierce

hile moving through a bustling However, if we allow our fear of losing religious choices. Anything less than freely airport recently, I joked about evangelical Christianity as a dominant reli- chosen faith is not faith at all. Wactually overhearing two people gious expression in our community or nation There is a better alternative than trying nearby speaking in English. I was in Orlando to cause us to prop up our particular brand to shore up our religious preferences with gov- — or was it Atlanta, Dallas or Washington, of faith with government support, then we ernmental favoritism and railing against those D.C.? will be more responsible for the breakdown with differing perspectives and priorities. It is It could have been just about anywhere of religious freedom in this country than more courageous, considerate and Christ-like in America. Recent reports show that our those we fear. to see the challenges before us as opportuni- eyes and ears do not deceive us. The chang- We must not sacrifice ties for ministry rather than threats. ing face of American culture is continuing at freedom out of fear. If we We have long honored missionaries an unprecedented rate. genuinely believe the abroad for crossing difficult barriers to convey Regardless of where we live in this claims of Christ, then we the timeless, matchless and unhindered gospel nation, those around us no longer look, must be willing to let the message. It is now time for all of us to seize speak, act, think or worship just like us. And Holy Spirit work along the new opportunities to cross the many cul- growing pluralism brings its share of with our free and faithful tural barriers arising in our own communities. challenges and even discomfort. witness — not with the Such a bold and risky commitment has There is something appealing about liv- strong arm of governmental force. its requirements. We will need to live more ing in Mayberry where values are widely Suppose the worst fear of some is real- consistent lives so the Christian message of shared and no problem takes more than 30 ized and our faith expression is no longer our daily living more clearly matches the life minutes to overcome. There, everyone shows such a dominant religious force in this and teachings of the one we claim to follow. up for worship at the community church — nation. In that case, nothing would be more We will have to sort through our familiar and even Otis Campbell dries out by Sunday crucial to our spiritual exercise than a firmly expressions of faith and determine what is morning. established commitment to religious liberty really biblical and what is cultural. We will The reality of 21st century American life for all persons. need to grant freedom to those with whom is quite different however. Freedom of religion without governmen- we disagree. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and non- tal interference has served this country well We are at our Baptist best when we religious persons are no longer those to since its formation and has allowed for the stand tall for the freedom of all Americans to whom we send missionaries. They are our vibrant faith of many Americans. express their religious convictions. In doing neighbors, co-workers and classmates. We can only demand for ourselves the so, we retain our cherished rights to express Facing religious and cultural pluralism is rights of religious liberty that we are willing the love of Christ in the clearest, most attrac- not a choice for American Christians. But the to extend to all others regardless of their tive ways possible. BT way we face this pluralism is certainly of our choosing. Some see this unstoppable cultural shift as a threat to their comfort and their deeply “I want to subscribe today!” held faith. They are afraid of losing that I have enclosed a check in the amount of $______which is familiar and cherished. subscription Name ______They look for ways to fortify their pre- J 1 year $18 ferred values and viewpoints with cries of J 2 years $32 Address ______“We were here first” and acts of legislative favoritism. City ______State ______Zip ______Some couch the challenges of religious Phone (______) ______pluralism in terms of spiritual warfare — as if evil is the soul property of those outside our Church ______churches. Life is described as a conflict between “us” (good orthodox Christians) and Please fill out this form and return it to Baptists Today, P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318, or call “them” (anyone who does not agree with our 1-877-752-5658. theological perspectives and political tactics). Baptists Today • May 2004 7 P E R S P E C T I V E r e a d e r s ’ r e s p o n s e s

Sees different fault line Calvinists and Arminians among Baptists to that whatever they can’t control, they want to EDITOR: I agree with David Dockery’s focus on our common ground in the gospel destroy. opinion that Calvinist and Arminian Baptists and avoid attempts to marginalize the others I am 71-years old and have served the have much in common and should not with whom we disagree about secondary SBC for 56 years. The church that I have divide from each other (April 2004, page 16). matters. pastored for nearly 40 years is still a member However, I do not agree that belief in eternal Roger E. Olson of the SBC even though I, personally, can no security is either the “fault line between the Waco, Texas longer support the leadership of the SBC. two” or evidence that one is probably a (Olson teaches theology at Baylor University’s Miles E Wesner Calvinist. George W. Truett Theological Seminary.) Tom, Okla. (Wesner is pastor of the First Baptist Church of The fault line between Calvinism and Tell us more Arminianism lies in the nature of saving grace Tom, Okla. He wrote these comments as an as either irresistible or resistible. Calvinists EDITOR: In a guest commentary (March open letter to SBC Executive Committee believe it is irresistible and only the uncondi- 2004, page 33)), is Dr. (George) Braswell President Morris Chapman.) telling us that some (Baptist) organization tionally elected are saved because God Followers are important too “bends their wills” to accept grace. heads actually have a valet, cook or Arminians believe God genuinely wants chauffeur? EDITOR: As critical as leadership is, and as all to be saved and extends prevenient (assist- I had heard before of the out-of-sight scarce as it seems at times, should leadership ing and enabling) grace to all through Jesus salary ranges for the LifeWay head, be the sine qua non that consumes print, Christ and the Holy Spirit and all are saved Executive Committee, etc., but was bowled audio, video, seminar and conference agen- who do not resist it but respond to the gospel over by the assertion that they had chauf- das? One cannot go into media stores with repentance and faith. Grace is resistible, feurs. Has a salary range for high [Baptist] without having to vault over the sections however, and all who do resist it to the bitter officials ever been released to the public? dedicated to leadership. end are condemned. Perhaps Dr. Braswell could enlighten us Where are the books on “followship?” Is All real Arminians believe in eternal a bit more. Very interesting! a follower relegated to a lower status easily security as opposed to eternal insecurity; they James M. Sweet replaced? believe that believers in Jesus Christ are safe Midwest City, Okla. If everyone has the potential for leader- and secure in his grip and grace so long as (Sweet is a missionary emeritus of the ship and everyone actually becomes a leader, they do not reject that grace and tear them- Southern Baptist Convention.) who will do the following? Or is following selves willfully out of his grip. passé and for our collective self-esteem, we all No longer feels welcome Some Arminians believe it is possible to are leaders now? fall finally and fully away from saving grace, EDITOR: For 25 years I was welcome in the All endeavors require leaders, but leaders and others believe that is impossible. Southern Baptist Convention. My wife and I cannot do it by themselves. There must be Arminius himself was not sure of the right led the music in revivals during this time. followers for effective outcomes. answer as he found that Scripture was We even wrote for Church Training mag- If no one is willing to follow, then every ambiguous on the possibility of apostasy. azine, WMU programs for Mission Friends leader who emerges will be shot down, ren- The Remonstrace (Arminian articles of and the Big A Club. Broadman published dered ineffective or simply ignored. Some faith of 1610) said that “Jesus Christ assists three of our books. groups understand that to succeed, a few them [believers] through his Spirit in all I no longer have a voice in the SBC. I must lead and many must follow. Others temptations, extends to them his hand, and if feel like a victim of a brutal robbery. have never learned the skills and importance only they are ready for the conflict, and desire The convention that I knew growing up, of following. his help, and are not inactive, keeps them and served as a young pastor, no longer exists. Don’t we also need Followship Network, from falling, so that they, by no craft or The policies and doctrines the SBC champi- Center for Creative Followship, Followship power of Satan, can be misled or plucked out oned are now denied. Journal, Servant Followship, The Followship of Christ’s hands, according to the Word of Friends who served on the mission field Challenge, Followship is an Art, Followship God….” are being fired; my seminary classmates who 101, Situational Followship, Courageous Many (perhaps most) Baptists are later became professors there have all been Followship, Cooperative Baptist Followship? Arminians who happen to believe that no fired. Come, follow. Follow the Christ. Follow truly saved person ever will fall away from When the takeover began, my friends and serve — especially if you become a Christ. It would be good to note that the tried to placate the Fundamentalists. But, one leader. very first Baptists were Arminians. by one they were all fired and treated like Ruben Swint With Dockery, I appeal to both criminals. From my point of view it seems Snellville, GA

This forum gives readers a chance to participate in respectful, though often passionate, dialogue on important issues. Your opinion is welcomed. Please include your name, address and phone number, and limit your letters to 200 words. Send by e-mail to [email protected], by fax to (478) 301-5021, or by mail to Editor, Baptists Today, P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318. 8 Baptists Today • May 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E g u e s t c o m m e n t a r y Baptists indebted to E.Y. Mullins By Henlee Barnette

ne of the most neglected American Recently the document was revised to Southern Seminary. Today few professors in theologians is Edgar Young fit the fundamentalist theology of current these universities urge their students to OMullins, who transmuted Southern Southern Baptist leadership. It now down- attend a Southern Baptist seminary. Rather Baptist theology from sterile Calvinism to a plays such basic Baptist beliefs as freedom of they are directed to more than a dozen creative biblical one. religion, competency of the soul and the divinity schools and seminaries developed by “We are learning to discard both names priesthood of the believer. mainline Baptists. (Calvinism and Armenianism) and to adhere Most seriously, the revisers have gnosticised Mullins also was intently interested in more closely than either to the Scriptures, Jesus by demoting him as the crown and cri- missions and evangelism. He encouraged while retaining the truth in both systems,” terion of divine missionaries in their work such as George Mullins wrote in his magnum opus on the- revelation. Washington Bouldin, who became president ology, The Christian Religion in Its Doctrinal Mullins’ writings of Seinan Gakuin, now a prestigious school Expression. widened his impact in Japan. Yale scholar Harold Bloom, author of greatly. Axioms of He also was in demand as a preacher of The American Religion, declared: “Pragmati- Religion influenced the gospel. Mullins ushered Southern th cally, (Mullins) is more important than Baptists abroad, espe- Baptist theology into the 20 century pro- Jonathan Edwards, Horace Bushnell and the cially in England. viding a theological basis for dealing with Niebuhrs” because he “reformulated” the Thousands of seminary scientific issues, especially evolution, rein- faith of a major denomination. students read his The forcement of world missions, evangelism, Mullins’ influence on Southern Baptist Christian Religion in Its Doctrinal Expression statesmanship in leadership, and in acade- theology and theologians is immeasurable. and preached its theological principles. mia the wedding of spirituality and W.T. Conner, professor of theology at As a Christian statesman, Mullins scholarship. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, impacted the lives of Baptists worldwide and Yet, there are some in Southern Baptist did graduate studies with Mullins. His writ- served as president of the Baptist World life who claim that Mullins and his followers ings reflect Mullinism in terms of Alliance. are responsible for a so-called “theological personalism, separation of church and state, Under Mullins’ leadership as president apostasy” of Southern Baptists today. These priesthood of the believer and soul compe- of the Southern Baptist Theological proponents of Boycean theology would have tency. He set the theological tone for Seminary, trustees opened classes to women us go back to Calvinism; back to the thousands of students that prevails today in in 1902. W.O. Carver was instrumental in absolute sovereignty of God without the the Baptist General Convention of Texas. establishing the Woman’s Missionary Union absolute love of God; back to a theology Russell Dilday, former president of Training School in 1907. that sanctioned slavery; back to a theology Southwestern Seminary, wrote his doctoral A.T. Robertson published his great of second-class citizenship for women in the dissertation on Mullins and carried on the Grammar of the Greek New Testament in church, the Kingdom of God and society; Mullins tradition. When dismissed for his 1914, and the seminary moved to a new 60- back to a theology of arrogance; back to a “liberal views,” he became the dean of acre campus in 1926. With Mullins, the theology that appeals to the primitive Baylor University’s Truett Seminary in seminary moved into its golden era. motives of prejudice and persecution of Waco, Texas. His theological concepts of personal- those who do not believe and conform to It is no surprise that Dilday was elected ism, separation of church and state, their theological ideology. president of the Baptist General Convention priesthood of the believer, religious freedom, In short, Christianity becomes commit- of Texas in 1997, which has announced its autonomy of the local church, soul compe- ment to a legal system rather than a loving “autonomy” from the Southern Baptist tency and the Lordship of Christ prevailed Savior. Convention. All of this is in keeping with until the seminary was taken over by funda- the Mullins tradition: the tone of modera- mentalists. These basic beliefs are being tion, progressive conservatism and rejection eroded away by the acids of convention- —Henlee Barnette taught ethics for many of authoritarianism. cratic authoritarianism and power politics. years at Southern Baptist Theological Mullins helped to shape the theology of Under Mullins’ leadership, graduates Seminary and was a clinical professor in the millions. His Baptist Faith and Message filled positions in both Baptist and other psychiatry department at the University of (1925) became the confessional statement of colleges with competent scholars. In turn Louisville School of Medicine. At age 92, he Southern Baptists. they guided thousands of students to continues to live in Louisville, Ky. Baptists Today • May 2004 9 I N F O R M A T I O N N E W S D I G E S T Baptist News From Staff and Wire Reports Elvis and Elijah? Scholar says knowledge of modern and ancient cultures needed for effective preaching

By John Pierce studies or, at least, by “A static text will produce a static ser- developing a related mon that will kill your soul,” said Hull. He ATLANTA — Can you imagine a seminary sabbatical program. urged preachers to “find the movement of class on the impact of Elvis Presley on “Seminary grads the text” that will move the congregation America, or one exploring “Why Georgia is don’t know the impact toward a specific goal. obsessed with this little Confederate flag of Vietnam on the “Too many preachers,” he added, “glory thing?” Baptist theologian William E. Hull American mind,” said in the irrelevance of their messages.” can. Hull, giving another Effective preaching involves both a tex- Hull, who delivered the William L. Self example. William E. Hull tual analysis and a cultural analysis of the Preaching Lectures at Mercer University’s Failure to “engage biblical message, said Hull. “We have to eval- McAfee School of Theology March 8-10, the modern world like we engage the uate the sermon not only for what it says, said knowledge of modern culture, as well as ancient world,” said Hull, can result in but for what it does in the life of the people.” the cultural settings of the Bible, is vital to preaching to a generation that no longer Hull’s emphasis on strategic preaching effective preaching. exists. will be part of a larger work on leadership “I don’t think we visited the 20th cen- “The only generation we have to he intends to have published. He was a tury in any seminary class I took,” said Hull address is the generation is which we live,” longtime professor and administrator at of his own academic experience. “I don’t said Hull. “We’ve got to know the context Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. think we’ve studied the world the preacher — then and now.” Hull also served a 12-year pastorate at lives in enough.” Hull said that “strategic preaching,” the the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, La., The New Testament scholar said theo- subject of his lectures, focuses on context before joining the administration of logical education could be enhanced by rather than just content, and seeks to move Samford University in 1987 where he has including a specialist who teaches American real people toward a specific goal. been a research professor since 2000. BT

State agency, Baptist home disagree over children’s church attendance

NASHVILLE (ABP) — The state of March 23, Millsaps asked the state to “allow agency that doesn’t take the state’s money to Tennessee will no longer place at-risk chil- us to continue to partner with DCS to meet do it.” He estimated that in the 113 years of dren in the care of Tennessee Baptist the needs of children.” He suggested TBCH its existence, TBCH has saved the state of Children’s Homes, in part because the chil- resembles foster care more than institutional Tennessee between $65 and $70 million in dren’s ministry requires residents to attend care — children are placed in groups of six child-care expenses. church. with two house parents in single-family The children’s homes are funded by The state Department of Children’s homes. “The children relate to their house gifts from Tennessee Baptist churches and Services last year ended the long-standing parents, not to the administration,” Millsaps other evangelical churches. While the organ- relationship with the children’s homes, citing said of the 10 TBCH sites. ization has a capacity of 149 children, 46 the state’s change of emphasis from institu- “There is either a deeply ingrained prej- beds are currently empty, due primarily to tional care to foster care, according to udice toward a Christian approach to child the DCS decision. TBCH president Bryant Millsaps. Although care or a total lack of understanding on the Millsaps emphasized, however, TBCH the state considered resuming the place- part of DCS as to what ministries like the will continue to operate. “We’re always ments last fall, it was under the condition Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes do,” going to have children,” he said. “We still the children not be required to attend Millsaps later told the Baptist and Reflector, have families that place children with us. We church. Tennessee Baptists’ newspaper. still have pastors that lead families and chil- “We’re not going to do that,” Millsaps Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes is dren to us. We get calls from law told the state House of Representatives’ at the center of the debate, he said, because enforcement agencies and judges who are committee on family and children’s affairs. it is the oldest and largest statewide child- trying to mediate issues before they reach In testimony before the committee care ministry and because “we’re the only the crisis point that refer children to us.” BT

10 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N

BWA Executive Committee issues statement on Southern Baptist Convention flap

By Robert Marus “centrality of the Great Commission” to the Paul Montacute, the director of Baptist Christian faith, and BWA’s “joyful affirma- World Aid, said he had repeatedly asked FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — Hoping to tion of faith in the mediation of Jesus Christ members of the SBC study panel to provide put their controversy with the Southern as solely and entirely sufficient for salvation.” examples of the “questionable enterprises” Baptist Convention behind them, members The SBC study committee’s report con- they had accused BWAid of funding, but of the Baptist World Alliance’s Executive tained undocumented allegations that BWA that they refused to cite any. “We were Committee issued a joint statement affirming leaders had been open to “positions contrary amazed that such a powerful committee of historic Christian doctrines March 10. to the New Testament and to Baptist doc- Southern Baptist leaders could make unsub- The action came during a regularly trines.” The report also accused BWA stantiated charges,” he said. “We’re still scheduled committee meeting at BWA head- meetings and officers of exhibiting a “decided waiting to hear what it is that we’ve been up quarters in the Washington suburb of Falls anti-American tone in recent years” and to and what makes it a ‘questionable enter- Church, Va. It was the group’s first meeting accused the group’s international relief arm, prise.’” since the SBC’s Executive Committee voted Baptist World Aid, of funding Committee members expressed perhaps in February to recommend that the denomi- “questionable enterprises.” their greatest indignation at the charges of nation break all ties with the 99-year-old Prior to issuing the statement, BWA “anti-Americanism.” Theo Angelov, secretary umbrella group for Baptist denominations Executive Committee members spent about of the European Baptist Federation and a around the globe. two hours responding to and discussing the survivor of Communist persecution of The SBC is the BWA’s largest member SBC’s allegations. Christians in Eastern Europe, noted his body and most generous contributor. If mes- Speaker after speaker characterized the father was arrested and imprisoned for eight sengers to the SBC’s annual meeting in June charges as completely without merit. Fausto years on charges of being an American spy approve the recommendation, the BWA will de Vasconcelos, a Brazilian Baptist leader and even though he had never visited the U.S. stand to lose $300,000 in funding next year. the director of BWA’s evangelism and educa- The government was suspicious of his father, Observers of SBC life say a vote to accept the tion division, described his anguish over the he said, merely because he was a Baptist. committee’s recommendation is virtually situation because of the close relationship “Now, we are going to be persecuted certain. that Brazilian Baptists have had with the SBC from the other side in such a way?” Angelov The statement — written by an ad hoc over the years. Noting his 10 years in the asked. “Let somebody who has suffered more committee that BWA President Billy Kim United States as a student in Southern to come and accuse us.” appointed during the meeting — expressed Baptist seminaries, he said, “I am a Southern BWA General Secretary Denton Lotz “great appreciation for the SBC’s contribu- Baptist.” and Kim both urged the committee mem- tion to kingdom work around the world,” But de Vasconcelos added that, despite bers to pray for a miraculous reconciliation but added that committee members “regret the fact some of the anecdotes cited by the between BWA leaders and SBC leaders prior the current tensions” that have led to the SBC as examples of liberalism stemmed from to the SBC’s vote on the issue in June. But SBC-BWA split. events his division of BWA sponsored, “I Lotz also said the purpose of this meeting Responding to an SBC study commit- have not seen or heard anything that has to was to put the matter behind them and tee’s stated reasons for the recommendation be defended at this point.” move forward in BWA’s work. to cut ties, the statement also affirmed ortho- He concluded: “The idea in Brazil is Citing Philippians 3:13, Lotz said, dox Christian doctrines “including, but not that we’re not dealing with a theological mat- “After this Executive Committee meeting, we limited to” the unique nature of Christ, the ter, but with a political problem.” will forget that which is past.” BT Jeff Iorg nominated as president of Golden Gate seminary

MILL VALLEY, Calif. (BP) — Jeff Iorg, Bill Crews, Golden Gate’s chancellor Iorg is a graduate of Hardin Simmons executive director-treasurer of the and immediate past president, said Iong University (B.A.), Midwestern Baptist Northwest Baptist Convention since 1995, “is a loyal Southern Baptist whose com- Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and has been recommended as the seventh mitment to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Southwestern Baptist Theological president of Golden Gate Baptist Message Statement is beyond question.” Seminary (D.Min.). BT Theological Seminary.

Baptists Today • May 2004 11 I N F O R M A T I O N N E W S D I G E S T Annuity Board president defends investment policy, stock holdings

By Tony Cartledge standard of fiduciary responsibility as it Hawkins said networks of subsidiaries Biblical Recorder invests participants’ retirement dollars. The and the complicated nature of investing make board is obligated to seek a good return for it virtually impossible to invest money with- DALLAS (ABP) — The Southern Baptist its participants. out some risk of exposure to undesirable Convention’s Annuity Board tries not to Some retirement participants also have industries. Even if the board chose to buy no invest in so-called “sin” stocks, but there is no complained about the Annuity Board’s hold- stocks and put all the money in a bank, he guarantee of purity in investing, said board ings in Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels, and said, the bank could then loan the money to president O.S. Hawkins. Starwood Hotels and Resorts (parent com- a liquor store and profit from the interest. The board’s screening policies prohibit pany of Sheraton and Westin hotels), all of Because they are publicly recognized as investment in companies that are “publicly which offer highly profitable pay-per-view tobacco companies, Hawkins said the recognized” to be involved in alcohol, pornographic movies. Annuity Board will not purchase stock in tobacco, gambling, pornography or abortion. The board also has holdings in satellite companies like R.J. Reynolds and Philip But not all Annuity Board participants define and cable TV companies that provide on- Morris, even though tobacco is no longer “publicly recognized” in the same way, demand or premium-priced pornographic their major business. The Disney Company is Hawkins told Baptist editors in a briefing in programming, including cable providers also off limits, he said, because the SBC has late March. Comcast, Time Warner, and Cox taken action to boycott the company. Hawkins acknowledged some Southern Communications, and satellite provider The Annuity Board staff is responsible Baptists have expressed concerns about the EchoStar Communications. for the practice of “due diligence” in oversee- board’s holdings in companies such as Those stocks were not directly addressed ing investments and the social restrictions Carnival Cruise Lines, whose self-proclaimed in the press briefing. But Hawkins made ref- that govern them. The board employs invest- “fun ships” feature gambling casinos and erence to the difficulty of avoiding some ment companies to screen and purchase alcohol sales. support of such industries. stocks, but the final decision about acceptable According to an Annuity Board report “While we are against alcohol and equities rests with the Annuity Board’s from June 2003, the Baptist retirement pornography, almost any hotel you could trustees, said Roddy Cummins, executive agency owned 26,200 shares of Carnival in choose to stay in will have a bar in its lobby officer for investment services. its Equity Index Fund and 337,600 shares — or may have some option for offensive The Annuity Board, which is planning to worth about $16 million dollars at current movies on its cable selection. But we all use change its name to GuideStone Financial prices — in its Value Index Fund. those hotels. We all fly on airlines that serve Resources and offer its services to other evan- Hawkins said Carnival earns less than alcohol, even though it is morally repugnant gelical organizations, has a list of 350 to 400 three percent of its revenues from gambling. to us. Companies benefit far more from indi- companies in which it will not invest, Unlike individual investors, Hawkins viduals purchasing their products than they Cummins said. He declined a request to make said, the Annuity Board is held to a different do from individuals owning their stock.” the list public, however. “We never have.” BT Baptist Women in Ministry group relocating to Atlanta campus By John Pierce committee to study the organization’s employees to lead the organization that future. provided placement services and produced ATLANTA — Baptist Women in Ministry Founded in Louisville, Ky., BWIM the publication, Folio, for two decades. (BWIM), started in 1983 to support most recently was based at Central Baptist BWIM President Karen Massey, a Southern Baptist women serving as minis- Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kan. member of the McAfee faculty, said the ters, will move its offices to Mercer The group faced declining membership group remains in transition and is still University’s McAfee School of Theology in and funding in recent years that resulted in evaluating its future. The relocation, she northeast Atlanta. elimination of staff in 2003. added, will give BWIM greater access to The group celebrated its 20th Executive Director Susan Miller and the growing number of Baptist women anniversary last summer and formed a Office Manager Kim Snyder were the last entering ministry. BT

12 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N

Baptist Medical/Dental Fellowship Judge dismisses suit by expands partnership with CBF Mo. Baptist Convention; appeal may follow By Lance Wallace 1. Creating a congregationally-based (RNS) — A judge has dismissed a CBF Communications medical/dental clinic network and co-hosting lawsuit by the Missouri Baptist a national conference in the next three years Convention against five agencies that PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga.— The Cooperative to bring attention to health care missions. rebelled against it, but convention Baptist Fellowship (CBF) and Baptist Other Christian organizations such as officials describe that ruling as a pro- Medical/Dental Fellowship (BMDF) CrossLink, Health Resources Network, cedural matter that could be appealed. announced the renewal of a partnership April Association of Free Clinics and others will Cole County Circuit Judge 2 during the 27th annual BMDF meeting in also be invited to be involved. Thomas Brown dismissed the suit Pine Mountain, Ga. The agreement expands 2. Hosting medical/dental clinics in March 11, ruling that the convention’s the existing partnership to include establish- Gambia in support of the Gambian Baptist executive board and six churches ing medical/dental clinics in Gambia, Union. BMDF would sponsor health care named as plaintiffs did not have legal providing medical/dental care in impover- missions projects to Gambia in collaboration standing to sue due to the organiza- ished rural counties in the United States and with CBF and the Gambian Baptist Union. tional structure of the convention, the working together in the appointment of The goals are to host one in 2005, two in Associated Press reported. healthcare missionaries. 2006 and three in 2007. The convention sued the agencies CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal and 3. Providing medical/dental care in poor in 2002, contending that they violated BMDF Executive Director James Williams rural counties in the United States. An out- their contract with the regional organ- signed the six-point partnership agreement growth of Partners in Hope, CBF’s rural ization that calls for convention prior to Vestal’s April 2 address. The BMDF poverty initiative, this joint effort calls for approval of trustees. Executive Committee approved the agree- BMDF to work collaboratively in Perry In a statement, the chairman of ment April 1. The partnership strengthens County, Ala., and in Frankfort, Ky., with the convention’s legal task force said the link between the two fellowships in their CBF to establish long-term, continuous the ruling was a “bump in the road” shared commitment to meeting the needs of health care ministry. that may prompt a change in legal the world’s most neglected. 4. Meeting medical and dental volunteer strategy. “We have admired and supported the needs globally. BMDF would help recruit “The judge did not rule on the good work of BMDF through the years,” volunteers for CBF health care missions proj- key issue in the case, whether these Vestal said. “The results of our past projects ects, and CBF would help recruit members five corporations can violate the plain together show clearly that God can do more from among CBF-affiliated churches to join meaning of their own charters, that through us working together. This partner- BMDF. Both groups agree to publicize each the Missouri Baptist Convention shall ship to medical and dental missions work is a other’s events and ministry opportunities. have the right to select their trustees,” powerful way for us to live out our vision of 5. Developing a medical missions men- said Gary Taylor, pastor of First being the presence of Christ in the world.” toring program for young professionals. The Baptist Church of O’Fallon, Mo. CBF and BMDF have already partnered goal of this project is to impart the vision of “The convention has directed on specific projects, such as the purchase and sharing gifts and talents in the name of Christ that we get a final judicial ruling on distribution of medicine and medical supplies throughout the world to a new generation of that legal issue, and we are determined in North Korea. The new partnership health care professionals. to honor the convention’s mandate, covenant between CBF and BMDF formal- 6. BMDF will be willing to assist CBF even if that means going to the court izes the connection with the aim of increasing in the possible appointment of a full-time of appeals.” involvement of Fellowship churches in health care missionary who relates to both Others involved in the case inter- medical/dental missions opportunities. organizations. The position would focus on preted the ruling differently. James R. “BMDF is eager to continue amplifying work among the most neglected, in keeping Smith, president and treasurer of the our partnership in health care missions with with CBF Global Missions strategy. Missouri Baptist Foundation, called it CBF,” said Fred Loper, who became the act- “the end of a lengthy and expensive ing executive director following Williams’ (Editor’s Note: According to an Associated Baptist Press new release received at press time, the newly-elected president of chapter in Missouri Baptist history” announcement at the meeting that he was the BMDF, Danny Barnhill, resigned April 11 and is while Missouri Baptist University resigning his BMDF position effective May 1, withdrawing his membership from the organization. In an President R. Alton Lacey said “a 2004. e-mail to BMDF members, Barnhill said: “My personal shadow has finally been lifted from The covenant specifically addresses six beliefs match perfectly with those stated by the SBC.... I am the university.”BT areas: not comfortable being an officer in or financially supporting the new CBF-affiliated BMDF.” ) BT Baptists Today • May 2004 13 I N F O R M A T I O N N E W S D I G E S T Louisiana College president leaves post, VP resigns, trustees ignore protests

PINEVILLE, La. (ABP) — Trustees of trustees’ December decision to require faculty The new textbook policies were enacted Louisiana College met March 16 without members to get all classroom materials pre- after a student complained about two books revisiting a controversial textbook policy or approved by the academic VP. Critics say the available in the bookstore — A Road Less commenting on the recent resignations of the new policy amounts to censorship. But Traveled by Scott Peck and A Lesson Before Baptist school’s president and academic vice trustees and school officials say the policy is Dying by Earnest Gaines. Lee ordered the two president. reasonable and not uncommon. books removed. Trustees did add an unscheduled meeting Some critics worry the high-profile resig- In addition to the book-screening policy, for April, but did not disclose the agenda for nations will only speed conservative changes trustees now require all new faculty members the meeting. at the college, which is affiliated with the to submit a worldview statement that includes Rory Lee, president for seven years, Louisiana Baptist Convention. their views on the sanctity of life and announced March 15 he is leaving at the end “The immediate question is: ‘Who’s marriage. of the semester to take a job in Mississippi. going to run the show?’” history professor Lee, 54, is leaving to become executive His departure came just days after the resigna- Thomas Howell told a local newspaper. director of the Mississippi Baptist Children’s tion of Ben Hawkins, vice president of Howell said trustees, some of whom have “a Village, which has five branches in Mississippi. academic affairs. very rigid religious agenda,” now have the “I am grateful for the opportunity I have Both Lee and Hawkins said their resigna- chance to appoint people to the school’s top had to serve Louisiana College and for the tions were not in response to new positions who share that view. support that has been given to me by all con- conservative policies enacted by trustees, Blake Cooper, president of the Student stituents,” he said in a statement. “It is a which have sparked protests from some Government Association, said student leaders stellar institution, and my prayers and best faculty, alumni and students. feel their protests and requests to meet with wishes will always be with LC.” The trustees did not say if replacing Lee trustees over the new policies have been Lee’s tenure at Louisiana College was and Hawkins was discussed during their ignored. He told the Town Talk newspaper he marked by a 23 percent increase in enroll- meeting, during which they handled routine hopes the students won’t be ignored during ment, a 40 percent increase in the number business, including a tuition increase. the search for new leaders. “We feel it is in of faculty members holding doctorates, a About 50 alumni and students rallied on the best interest of the student body to let fund balance increase of more than $500,000, the campus March 15 — as trustees convened students and faculty get involved in this and completion of numerous building their closed-door session — to protest the process,” Cooper said. projects. BT

calls for the Fellowship to work with World CBF, World Vision to partner in Kenyan ministries Vision in an Area Development Project, a NAIROBI, KENYA – The Cooperative churches to make an impact on the interna- transformational development ministry that Baptist Fellowship, Baptist Convention of tional HIV/AIDS pandemic,” said David World Vision currently operates in the Kenya and World Vision announced a min- Harding, the Fellowship’s associate coordina- Soweto neighborhood and through this istry partnership to participate in the Hope tor for emergency and humanitarian relief. partnership will expand to include the Maili Child Sponsorship Program addressing the “World Vision has a proven track record of Saba neighborhood. needs of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. connecting resources to areas of the world The Baptist Children’s Center in The partnership with World Vision, that need attention and a Christian message. Nairobi is a partnership ministry of the which includes World Vision U.S. and They are an international leader in Baptist Convention of Kenya, the World Vision Kenya, calls for the Fellowship HIV/AIDS ministry, and by partnering with Fellowship, and Buckner Africa, a subsidiary to sponsor 350 children in the Soweto area them, we are giving churches and volunteers of Dallas-based Buckner Baptist of Nairobi, Kenya, where CBF Global direct access to meaningful ministry.” Benevolences. BT Missions field personnel Melody and Sam Initially, First Baptist Church of Rome, Ga., “This is a tangible way for Fellowship Harrell currently work. The Hope Child has sponsored 80 children, and College program allows a sponsor to connect with a Park Baptist Church in Orlando, Fla., has churches to make an impact on the child and support them for $30 a month. sponsored 12. “This is a tangible way for Fellowship A second component of the partnership international HIV/AIDS pandemic.”

14 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N

Mission-sending agencies asking hard questions about personnel safety

By Ken Camp wrecks and malaria. Today, it’s bandits and car stances, as Paul did when he made his final wrecks. There simply aren’t any safe places, return to Jerusalem. No one should require DALLAS (ABP) — When missionaries answer even here in the United States. While safety is another to risk their life. And we should what they believe is Christ’s call, a growing important, every missionary decides as part of always be prudent about the risk we incur, number also may hear echoes of the martyred obeying the missions mandate that it is better while being obedient to the Spirit of Christ,” German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer who to serve God where he calls than it is to dis- Tinsley said. wrote 60 years ago: “When Christ calls a man, obey and remain where it is ‘safe.’” Parks, who served on the board that cre- he bids him come and die.” Former IMB President Keith Parks, who ated WorldconneX, agreed. And he admitted Risk has been inherent in missions from went on to become coordinator of Global he finds it ironic that few who ask whether the first century to the 21st century, observers Missions for the Cooperative Baptist missionaries should be allowed to serve in dan- note. But others, including some mission- Fellowship, noted the board’s current position gerous places ask the same questions about sending agencies, are asking hard questions is consistent with its historic policy. military personnel. about what counting the cost of discipleship “Running risks has been a constant part “Why is this true? Is it easier to justify the means. of missionary history. Both missionaries and loss of life to protect our American way of life “The easy spots to do missions have all mission board staff have had the spirit of tak- than in extending the kingdom of Jesus been done. We’re left with working in some ing the gospel to the whole world, no matter Christ? Many do not recognize we are in a hard spots now,” said Bob Klamser, senior where it leads, no matter what it costs,” Parks spiritual war. It appears American Christians associate for security with the Evangelical said. tend to use our cultural standards of safety, Fellowship of Mission Agencies. In addition to the “perennial threats” of comfort and success rather than Jesus’ high- The growth of Islam and the rise of mili- “hostile governments and antagonistic reli- risk, self-denial standards,” he said. tant Muslim extremists particularly make this gions,” missionaries always have been subject The slain and injured IMB workers trav- a more dangerous world for Christian mission- to health risks and other dangers, he noted. eled to Iraq to assess the need for water aries, Klamser said. “No part of the world was ruled out purification and other humanitarian aid proj- “Missions personnel are in greater danger because of danger, difficulties or hardships. ects, not plant churches or preach. today than at any time in recent history,” he Missionaries have served with courage and Even so, they were Americans serving in a observed. faith in spite of war, personal threats, stonings, Muslim country occupied by United States Within one week in mid-March, four burning of church houses, kidnapping, rape, troops. Southern Baptist humanitarian aid workers imprisonment, house arrest and many other For the IMB, those are risk-assessment were killed and another critically wounded in forms of danger,” he said. factors that have to be weighed in deciding a drive-by shooting in Iraq, and two The board always has encouraged its whether board-appointed personnel should Americans serving with the African Inland workers to exercise “sanctified common sense” serve in an area. But they are not insurmount- Mission International were shot to death in regarding risks, Parks said. able hurdles. Uganda. “Missionaries were urged not to court “Our approach is to focus on all the peo- In the past 16 months, terrorists have martyrdom. Each family had total freedom to ple groups of the world, and risk is a killed eight Southern Baptist International follow the Lord’s leadership in staying or leav- characteristic of a place, not a people group,” Mission Board workers, and the shooting in ing. Each family was to follow its own leading Kelly said, noting the board is not likely to Iraq was the deadliest tragedy in the board’s without judging how others were led,” he said. change its policy based on the Iraq incident. history. That’s consistent with the example of the U.S. military involvement would be rea- “If the number of missionary deaths are Apostle Paul in the New Testament, said Bill son enough for the Cooperative Baptist increasing, it is because the world is becoming Tinsley, staff leader for WorldconneX, the mis- Fellowship to keep its personnel out of a coun- more dangerous, and missionaries are every- sions network launched by the Baptist General try, said Gary Baldridge, co-coordinator of where,” IMB Executive Vice President Clyde Convention of Texas. Global Missions. Meador said. “There are times when Christians should “We will not have anyone in places where Danger is nothing new for missionaries, seek safety as Paul did when he was lowered the United States is occupying a country, IMB spokesman Mark Kelly said. over the Damascus wall in a basket. But there mainly because it is too easy for them to be “Missions has always been a dangerous are other times when Christians must walk seen as agents of the U.S. government rather enterprise,” he said. “In 1845, it was ship- into the center of the most dangerous circum- than who we are,” Baldridge said. BT Baptists Today • May 2004 15 I N F O R M A T I O N N E W S D I G E S T Southwestern elects trustees as deans, plans to open undergraduate college

By Ken Camp The seminary has no school,” he said. target date set to open Cook predicted the creation of South- FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — Southwest- the college, Patterson western College would have an impact on all ern Baptist Theological Seminary trustees said, but he added: of the universities affiliated with the BGCT. have elected two of their own board members “We’re going to get on it Even so, he added: “There are probably as deans and agreed to create an undergradu- right away. We have had enough students to go around for all of us.” ate college on the Fort Worth campus. a lot of pressure from Jerry Johnson, president of Criswell During their April 6 meeting, trustees parents as well as stu- College, could not be reached for comment. elected their chairman, David Allen, as dean dents who want a Paige Patterson At the same board meeting, trustees of the theology school and Denny Autrey, baccalaureate school.” approved in principle establishing a school of chairman of the trustees’ academic affairs Southwestern will be the fifth of the six evangelism and missions on the Fort Worth committee, as dean of the J. Dalton Havard Southern Baptist Convention-supported semi- campus. School for Theological Studies in Houston. naries to start an undergraduate college, a role In other business, seminary trustees: Both positions are effective Aug. 1. historically left to state Baptist conventions. Allen, pastor of MacArthur Boulevard Southwestern College will be just 30 • Elected David Galvan, pastor of Primera Baptist Church in Irving and professor of miles west of Dallas Baptist University, a Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida in Garland, as expository preaching at Criswell College in school affiliated with the Baptist General chairman of the board and Van McClain, Dallas, has been a seminary trustee since 1992. Convention of Texas, and 40 miles from associate professor of Old Testament at The board voted to create the Criswell College, the Bible college where Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary’s Southwestern Center for Expository Patterson was president 17 years. northeast branch in Schenectady, N.Y., as vice Preaching and charged Allen with developing Patterson acknowledged to reporters chairman. the new center. At Criswell College, he the presence of the two institutions in the directed the Jerry Vines Institute for Biblical same market and concern for them “slowed • Adopted a $31.5 million budget for the Preaching. me down” in proposing the creation of next year, a 2.6 percent increase over the Allen is a graduate of Criswell College, Southwestern College. “I view DBU and previous budget. and he earned a master of divinity degree Criswell as sister institutions that are deeply from Southwestern Seminary and a doctor of committed to the same things” as • Established the David McDonnall philosophy in humanities degree from the Southwestern Seminary, he said. Missionary Scholarship Fund in honor of the University of Texas at Arlington. But he concluded the seminary’s International Mission Board humanitarian aid Autrey, a seminary trustee since 1999, emphasis on world missions and a planned worker who was killed in Iraq in a drive-by was chairman of the search committee that specialized program in biblical studies and shooting that injured his wife and also killed called Paige Patterson as seminary president. Western ideas would make the seminary- three of his colleagues. Autrey, pastor of First Baptist Church in based college “pretty much unique to Lindale since 1996, will serve as chief resident anything else offered in the state of Texas.” • Elected eight faculty: Octavio Esqueda as officer for the seminary’s theological center in Gary Cook, president of Dallas Baptist assistant professor of administration and Houston. He is a graduate of Stephen F. University, agreed the seminary’s missions foundations of education in the school of Austin State University and holds both master emphasis sets it apart from most liberal arts educational ministries; James Hamilton as of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees undergraduate schools. But he noted DBU assistant professor of biblical studies and John from Southwestern. recently added a missions professor to its Laing as assistant professor of systematic Both Autry and Allen have served in faculty — Bob Garrett, formerly at South- theology and philosophy in the Houston leadership of the Southern Baptists of Texas western Seminary — to help fill that void. center; and Paul Hoskins and John Taylor as Convention, which broke away from the “If a student asked me whether I would assistant professors of New Testament, Steven Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1998. recommend going to DBU or to Smith as assistant professor of preaching, Trustees also approved in principle cre- Southwestern for an undergraduate educa- Michael Wilson as associate professor of ation of Southwestern Baptist Theological tion, I would say it’s better to get a liberal arts pastoral ministry and John Mark Yeats as College, an undergraduate school that will undergraduate degree at the university, and assistant professor of church history, all in the offer baccalaureate degrees. then go on to a seminary for graduate school of theology. BT 16 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N

Appeals court rules against Shorter College reorganization By John Pierce trying to remove the GBC as the rightful thankful that this court decision confirms owner of the college. the convention’s position.” ROME, Ga. (ABP) — Shorter College’s The college transferred its assets to a Schrader was traveling out of the coun- dissolution and reorganization that created new foundation following an April 2003 try and unavailable for comment according a self-perpetuating board of trustees last ruling by a Dekalb County Superior Court to his office. However, Shorter trustee chair year “cannot stand” without the Georgia judge. The new entity was then named as Gary Eubanks, an attorney from Marietta, Baptist Convention’s approval, a state Shorter College Inc. Ga., said college leaders are “disappointed” appeals court ruled March 17. The appeals court has ruled that “the with the appeals court decision but plan to The ongoing legal battle between trial court erred in failing to consider the appeal the case to the Georgia Supreme the GBC and the liberal arts college in GBC’s contention that the dissolution was a Court. northwest Georgia appears headed for the sham.” “We’ll know pretty soon whether Georgia Supreme Court. In a prepared statement, GBC they’ll take the appeal,” said Eubanks. The college has claimed in recent years Executive Director Robert White said con- Management of the college will not that the convention has put the college’s vention leaders are grateful for the ruling. change until the legal battle has run its accreditation at risk by unduly influencing “The thought of losing Shorter College was course, Eubanks added. “As long as the trustees. Convention leaders charge Shorter like losing a member of our convention appeals continue, Shorter College will President Ed Schrader and trustees with family,” said White. “We are extremely march ahead.” BT Anonymous donor contributes BGCT names minorities to chair all seven $5 million to CBF Global Missions appointed committees

By Lance Wallace Barbara Baldridge. DALLAS (ABP) — For the first time CBF Communications The CBF Global Missions team has in the history of the Baptist General Con- grown from 18 field personnel in 1992 to vention of Texas, ethnic minorities chair ATLANTA – Cooperative Baptist more than 150 today. Establishing an effec- all seven of the appointed committees. Fellowship Coordinator Daniel Vestal tive Christian witness among the world’s The convention’s officers, led by announced April 12 the Fellowship has most neglected people is CBF’s No. 1 BGCT president Ken Hall, made the received a $5 million anonymous contribu- priority in global missions. appointments to integrate minorities into tion to be used for a variety of designated “This very generous gift makes it possi- the convention’s work, they said. “Until we projects in support of global missions. ble for us to increase in a substantial way create leadership opportunities for our The gift will be used over the next three our efforts in ministry among those living broadest element — our diversity — we fiscal years, impacting a wide array of Global with HIV/AIDS, those struggling to feed are not addressing it,” Hall said. Missions ministries. The proposed plan for their families, those living without clean Almost half of Texas’ 20 million expenditures includes deploying nine new water, and those who have never had the people are nonwhites. field personnel, helping 15 envoys, doubling opportunity to experience the gospel of Ethnic minorities lead the BGCT the number of stipends for student summer/ Christ,” Baldridge said. committee on committees, committee on semester missions and helping 10 indige- It costs approximately $130,000 per credentials, committee on convention nous missionaries. It also will fund field year to support a career missionary family. arrangements, committee on the order of projects, wellness programs, purchase of The Fellowship anticipates commissioning business, committee on resolutions, com- vehicles, training, secure communications, up to 10 new field personnel during the mittee on memorials and committee on emergency response, HIV/AIDS initiatives, 2004 General Assembly, June 24-26, in nominations for coordinating boards. micro-enterprise development grants for Birmingham, Ala. BT Ethnic minorities also comprise more the poor, other community development than one third of the committee members. projects, church planting in the United The gift will be used over the next And this year is the first year that the States, and Partners in Hope, the three fiscal years, impacting a wide BGCT has elected two racial minorities as Fellowship’s rural poverty initiative, accord- officers and that an African-American ing to CBF Global Missions Co-coordinator array of Global Missions ministries. chairs the executive board. BT Baptists Today • May 2004 17 P E R S P E C T I V E b a c k r o w b i r d i e A needle in a stack of needles By Keith D. Herron

couldn’t help but break out into a grin search committee. When she got to Birdie, “Preacher, you need a worship partner when I heard Birdie’s name called out at she said, “Birdie brings a civilian’s point of and you can count on me! We’re going to get Iour last church business meeting. The view to the process. She sees stuff the rest of his done!” Her enthusiasm was remarkable. chair of our nominating committee read the us miss. We need her as our guard dog to “Birdie, I don’t know what you did to list of proposed names out to a sparse, but this process to help us make the right pick. deserve this kind of service, but you must faithful, crowd who met dutifully every We’re looking for a needle in a stack of nee- have offended someone up at the top.” month to do the church’s business. Seems dles and she’s got great instincts for “Preacher, don’t be coy with me. I know like if someone wanted to take over a searching for our next minister of music.” it was you who did it. No one else has the church and run off with it, it would only With that, the church members nodded nerve. But I wanted you to know I’m on duty take a few to pull off the coup. their heads silently and voted the slate in as and will see to it that we find the one God Hearing Birdie’s name called out was a group. We stopped the meeting at that wants to join us here in this little endeavor. I my handiwork, and only the nominating point and prayed for them. We prayed that woke up this morning thinking about what committee chairwoman and I knew it. I God would lead them in the search. The we need. So I jotted down the characteristics asked specifically for Birdie, and the chair church moderator is a Baylor grad, and so of the person I think we should look for. Do was willing to put her on the list. We need he added the benediction to the prayer with you really think there’s someone out there our best hands at the wheel when it comes a hearty “Sic ‘em!” and the church added the who will want to come work with us?” to seeking staff. holier version, “Amen!” Her naiveté was endearing, so I didn’t The other names nominated were as Thus, duly consecrated and appointed, want to spoil it with misplaced humor on predictable as dirt. They were the load-bear- the committee left the meeting that night my part. Instead I said, “Our previous min- ing members who keep the wheels of the with a sense of holy unction to begin the ister of music told us he felt God was church turning. They’re faithful and every process of seeking our new minister of music. leading him to his next church. Some didn’t church’s got a handful like them in order to Birdie didn’t wait long to show up at want to hear it and got mad because they keep it healthy. God must salt the church my office. The next morning her head felt he betrayed us. They said that other with this kind of folk to give it character poked through my door. “Boo! Wondered church ‘stole’ him. Didn’t seem to matter and maybe as insurance against the knuckle- when I might show up?” She had a mischie- that we ‘stole’ him from his previous church heads who couldn’t pray their way out of a vous grin on her face and entered without 10 years ago so he could come here. None paper bag. waiting for me to wave her in. of it really matters. If what he said was true, Birdie’s name was a wildcard for the then we have to believe that God will lead process. It was true she was as faithful as us to our next one. God knows what’s going anyone in the church; it’s just that on. God will lead us. We have to believe she’s kept to herself and had not that, don’t you think?” served on committees. But it “Gosh, preacher, that makes remarkably was not hard to recognize that good sense. You’ve given me something to Birdie’s kind of faithfulness share with the committee. In fact, that’ll be keeps the wheels turning my ticket to the first meeting. Maybe I’ll too; it’s just that she’s not give you credit for it … but then again, been the one turning the maybe I won’t.” wheels. Not being “Birdie, you’re talking to a preacher! a power broker didn’t You don’t think we think up our best stuff mean she had no on our own, do you?” backbone. “Preacher, you’re talking to someone So why was she asked who hears you every week! Who’s reassuring to serve? The chair of the whom? I know you borrow on occasion. I committee gave a brief freely tell everyone you got your best stuff synopsis of each member from me!” nominated and said something about what —Keith D. Herron is pastor of Holmeswood they might offer the Illustration by Scott Brooks Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo. 18 Baptists Today • May 2004 2004 Formations Commentary Bible Study resources for the adult Formations lessons available from Smyth & Helwys Publishing (www.helwys.com)

LESSONS FOR: comforts by imparting strength to those who by a bland utilitarianism. Their designers Sunday, June 6-June 27, 2004 worship, so Psalm 84 celebrates the strength focus on size, function and cost, and congre- worshippers find in their encounters with the gations think of beauty as an expensive Guy G. Sayles Jr. is pastor of the First Divine (v. 5). Verse 6 refers to an unknown luxury. Perhaps our worship would be Baptist Church of Asheville, N.C. region, “the valley of Baca” (perhaps a valley enriched if we recovered an appreciation for where “baka,” or balsam, trees were plenti- the aesthetic dimensions of worship, not only ful). That unidentified valley was a place of in architecture, but also in music (vv. 2, 4) June 6, 2004 adversity, but travelers moved through that and in the language of prayer and preaching barren territory and even transformed it into (which could be more metaphorical and Worship Comforts Us “a place of springs” (v. 6) by going “from poetic — like the Psalms!). Psalm 84 strength to strength” (v. 7). The power of worship does not come, Worship also comforts by reminding ultimately, from its aesthetic excellence, how- This lesson begins a four-week unit on wor- worshippers that God is their protection ever significant such excellence may be. The ship. Some studies of worship focus on what from harm (their “shield,” vv. 9, 11) and dynamism of worship comes from the pres- worshippers offer to God — praise, thanks- their light in the darkness (their “sun,” v. 11). ence of “the living God” (v. 2), who lavishes giving, confession, listening minds, open God’s gifts of comfort generate in them a “favor and honor” on worshippers who turn hearts, commitment. These lessons explore response of glad trust (v. 12). These powerful to God in trust (vv.11-12). worshippers’ experiences of God and the gifts experiences with God convince the worship- In what ways have you experienced com- worshippers receive from God. Each lesson pers that a single day in God’s courts “is fort in worship? What connection is there, if highlights one of the possible experiences of better than a thousand elsewhere”; it is better any, between familiarity (well-known hymns worship. In worship, we may be comforted or to be a servant in God’s house (“doorkeeper”) and scripture passages) and being comforted? challenged or united with others or taught. than to live “in the tents of wickedness” What are your experiences of being com- This week: worship comforts us. (v. 10). forted by beauty (whether “in church” or the Psalm 84 is one of several “songs of J. Clinton McCann (New Interpreter’s broader creation)? Zion” found in the Psalter (others are Psalms Bible, Vol. IV, p. 1013) has pointed out the recurrence of the word happy in this Psalm 46, 48, 76, 87, 122). “Zion songs” were June 13, 2004 likely sung by travelers on pilgrimage to (vv. 4, 5, 12). Worship helps us to identify Jerusalem. In a sense, these “songs of Zion” authentic happiness and to claim genuine joy. Worship Challenges Us were hymns of preparation for worship. They Often we associate the need for comfort with Jeremiah 7:1-7 anticipated what the Jerusalem-bound pil- conditions of sadness and woundedness, and grims would see, hear, feel and do when they the promise of happiness, if superficially and offered their worship in the Temple. glibly offered, can seem like “cold comfort” The first seven verses of Jeremiah 7 are the The word comfort does not appear in to persons who struggle in those ways. opening words and first movement of Psalm 84; instead, the Psalmist offers images However, a faith community characterized by Jeremiah’s well-known “Temple Sermon” and metaphors of comfort. Worship comforts joy can serve those who need comfort by (7:1-20), one of scripture’s sternest challenges by satisfying worshippers’ yearnings for the reminding them that their brokenness, how- to worshippers. Chapters 7-10 are a “collec- beauty of God’s “dwelling place” (v. 1), by ever profound and consuming it may seem, is tion of prophecies about true and false forms meeting their longing for God (v. 2) and by not the only reality. The community’s happi- of worship and the true and false conceptions evoking from them songs of joy to the living ness can offer the assurance that present of God underlying them” (R. E. Clements, God (v. 2). Just as the sparrow might find a trouble does not cancel all future hope. Jeremiah, Interpretation, p. 43). home in the Temple and the swallow might This psalmist understood the value of As we know from a parallel report of the build a nest near the altar, so worshippers beauty in worship. Verse 1 speaks of the sermon, found in Jeremiah 26:1-24, the find a sheltering home living in God’s house “loveliness” of God’s dwelling place. The prophet preached the Temple Sermon “at the and singing the praises of God (vv. 3-4). Temple was marked as sacred space by beginning of the reign of King Jehoiakim son Our word comfort has Latin roots (fortis) symbols of God’s greatness and of Israel as of Josiah of Judah” (26:1). Elizabeth from which we derive words for “strength” God’s people. Too often, our modern (post- Achtemeier wrote that the sermon was “deliv- (words like fortress and fortitude). Worship modern?) church buildings are characterized ered in the gate to the outer court of the

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship provides these Bible study resources to church leaders through this supplement to Baptists Today. For more information on how CBF is “serving Christians and churches as they discover their God-given mission,” visit www.cbfonline.org or call 770-220-1600. F O R M A T I O N S C O M M E N T A R Y

Jerusalem Temple in 608 B.C.E., probably as into partnership with God in that work of unity (v. 1) and ends with the affirmation pilgrims were thronging to that court during healing and reclamation. that such unity finds its ultimate source in one of three annual pilgrimage feasts In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus God’s blessing (v. 3b). The NRSV translation (Tabernacles, Passover, or Weeks)” (Jeremiah, addressed the temptation for worship to be kindred, like the KJV’s brethren, leaves the John Knox Preaching Guides, p. 40). merely verbal: “Not everyone who says to me, contemporary reader with the impression Verses 5-7 voice the dominant theme of ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of that the unity the psalm celebrates is the the sermon Jeremiah preached to the gather- heaven, but only the one who does the will togetherness of an extended family. It is also ing worshippers: God demanded that they of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:21). The possible, however, that this psalm delights in “amend their ways and their doings” by living wise person does not simply hear his words “tribal” unity — the close ties created by a justly with each other, refraining from but puts them into action (Matt. 5:24-27). common history and shared interests. oppression of the weakest members of society The Apostle James warned against a kind of The psalmist offers two images for unity: and murder of the innocent, and turning self-deception in which one believes that “precious oil on the head and running down from idolatry. These divine expectations were “hearing the word” is enough; authentic “reli- the beard of Aaron” (v. 2) and the “dew of well known in Judah during Jeremiah’s min- gion,” he insisted, in words reminiscent of Hermon which falls on the mountains of istry. They are a summary of the teachings of Jeremiah’s, is “to care for orphans and widows Zion” (v. 3a). As Walter Brueggemann notes, Deuteronomy, which expressed the heart of in their distress, and to keep oneself “oil is a measure of extravagance and well- the covenant between Judah and Yahweh. unstained by the world” (James 1:22-27). being, of blessing beyond expectation” (The If Judah would repent and honor the Jeremiah challenged the people to realize Message of the Psalms, p. 48). Pouring oil over covenant, God would continue to dwell with there is a vital connection between “worship” the head may have been a gesture of hospital- them in the land. As verses 11-15 make clear, and “ethics.” Keeping the “first command- ity, “signaling joy and relatedness” (McCann, however, God would not abide with them if ment,” to love God, requires honoring the p. 1214; see Pss. 23:5, 92:10, 141:5; Luke they persisted in idolatry, oppression and “second commandment,” to love one’s neigh- 7:36-50, esp. v. 46). Genuine and generous injustice. In the years leading up to 587 bors (especially the most vulnerable) as hospitality toward a guest is both a means B.C.E (the fall of Jerusalem and the begin- oneself. toward and a sign of unity. ning of exile), Jeremiah persistently claimed, In what ways can worship lull us into Anointing was also the means of conse- in Walter Brueggemann’s words, that “land is complacency rather than motivate us for mis- crating Israel’s kings and priests; and, of not an unconditional gift, but is premised on sion and ministry? How can the church forge course, Aaron and his sons were set aside as Torah obedience” (Jeremiah 1-25, p. 75). a closer connection between worship and Israel’s priestly order. This reference to Jeremiah warned that the people must ethics? What examples have you seen of faith- Aaron’s consecration serves to “broaden the not presume upon God’s prior commitment ful connections between the love of God and focus beyond the local extended family” to dwell in the Jerusalem Temple. Apparently, the love of neighbor? How would you (McCann, p. 1214). Unity delights those they believed that God’s pledge to be present describe the kind of preaching that effectively who experience it; and it also “consecrates” in and to protect the Temple “limited God’s challenges the church? and “ordains” them; in its power, like priests, judgment in response to Israel’s action. In they serve both God and others. such a view, obedience is not a crucial dimen- For “the dew of Hermon” to fall “on the June 20, 2004 sion of faith” (Brueggemann, p. 74). God mountains of Zion” (v. 3) would be miracu- would not, they cavalierly claimed, abandon lous. Mt. Hermon was located in the north the Temple or allow an invasion of Jerusalem Worship Unites Us 200 kilometers from Jerusalem and, while it (which occurred, of course, in 587 B.C.E.). Psalm 133 was known for its abundant dew, it did not They were safe, because of the Temple, from reach Jerusalem (McCann, p. 1214). For it to severe judgment. Jeremiah challenged them Psalm 133 is the 14th of 15 “psalms of ascent” do so would be as miraculous as manna’s to realize they were taking comfort in an illu- (Ps. 120-134). Such Psalms were “originally appearing in the wilderness. sion. They should not, he said, be lulled into used by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem or Unity is “beyond natural”; it makes pos- complacency by their repetition of words as part of a festal celebration in Jerusalem. sible a mutuality and generosity that would from their liturgy: “This is the temple of the Each psalm is relatively short and capable of not otherwise exist. This metaphor, like the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of being memorized” (J. Clinton McCann, New previous one, presses beyond the simple unity the Lord” (v. 4). Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. IV, p. 1176). They are of a family or a tribe: togetherness manifests Jeremiah reminds us that speaking and called “psalms of ascent” because travelers to itself as the abundance of outlying territories hearing the language of prayer and worship Jerusalem thought of themselves as “going (Hermon) serves “the center” (Jerusalem). It are necessary but not sufficient. Genuine up” to Jerusalem/Zion (see Ezra 1:3; Zech. points toward God’s intention of “gathering worship leads to transformation of the indi- 14:17) and as “ascending the hill (or moun- the larger family, the whole people of God … vidual and of the community of faith, and, tain)” of the Lord (see Ps. 24:3). [T]he focal point of Psalm 133 is finally not through them, to the transformation of the Walter Brueggemann has suggested “the on families but on Zion (v. 3), which is the world. The God who has been revealed in voice [of the psalmist] may be that of a rallying point and gathering place for God’s Jesus Christ and whom the church gathers to revered elder, anxious that the younger gener- larger family”(McCann, p. 1214; see Pss. worship wills to heal the earth and reclaim its ation not destroy itself in conflict” (Jeremiah 122:3-4, 125:1-2). people from the power of sin and death. 1-25, p. 48). This elder begins with a celebra- Christian readers of Psalm 133 will be Genuine worship leads those who worship tion of the “good and pleasant” experience of reminded of pleas and prayers for unity in 20 Baptists Today • May 2004 F O R M A T I O N S C O M M E N T A R Y the New Testament. For example, Jesus her healing as a liberation because he consid- untying of the animals that would be led to prayed for future generations of his followers: ered her condition to be the result of an evil water. If cattle can be untied and led to “I ask not only on behalf of these [his current spirit’s oppression of her. water, why shouldn’t a crippled woman be disciples] but also on behalf of those who will The leader of the synagogue was angered unbound from the evil spirit that crippled believe in me through their words, that they by Jesus’ action. In his view, the healing her? may all be one” (John 17:20-21). Paul wrote could have waited until another day. The Often when we think of Jesus’ teaching, to the Ephesians: “Make every effort to main- woman’s condition was chronic, not critical, we have in mind his extended discourses tain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of and he saw little harm in a day’s delay, since (such as “the sermon on the plain” in Luke peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just such a delay would respect the command- 6:17-49) or his parables. As today’s text as you were called to the one hope of your ment to honor the Sabbath: “There are six shows us, Jesus also taught by his actions — calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, days on which work ought to be done; come healing, feeding, welcoming sinners and the one God and Father of all, who is above all on those days and be cured, and not on the outcast, blessing children — and his reactions and through all and in all” (Eph. 3:3-6). Sabbath” (v. 14). Interestingly, when Luke to questions and conflict. Jesus’ crucifixion, Authentic unity cannot be found in reports Jesus’ reply, he calls Jesus “the Lord” which is the center of his revelation of God’s bland behavioral conformity or in lowest- (v. 15), perhaps to remind the reader that mercy and grace, is nearly wordless: he common-denominator uniformity of Jesus is “Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5). “taught” by means of his radical self-giving. opinion. It is, instead, a divine blessing — a “The Lord” was impatient with the We are shaped both by what we see and gift — that diverse worshippers discover as hypocrisy of the synagogue leaders and those by what we hear. In worship we remember they lift their voices in shared praise of the who shared his views. He reminded them and celebrate the words and works of God. One God. that, according to their own interpretation of We listen to what God has said, and we mar- In the contemporary church, worship is the Law, it was permissible to lead cattle to vel at what God has done. What’s more, often a cause of tension (debates over the water on the Sabbath. Caring for cattle on many of our most important worship prac- form of worship and style of music) rather the Sabbath was allowed as an expression of tices hinge at least as much, if not more, on than a source of unity. What are the personal compassion for them. Could they not see our action rather than on our speaking: bap- attitudes and community commitments that that their understanding of compassion was tizing, sharing communion, giving our tithes would enable worship to be “a good and confused if it could not extend to this and offerings, extending a handshake or pleasant” experience of unity? What hinders woman? embrace of welcome. such unity? Jesus is arguing from the lesser to the How do the actions of Jesus shape and greater: what is right for cattle is surely right guide your life? Other than the sermon, what for human beings. If cattle could be watered elements of worship teach you? How? Music June 27, 2004 on the Sabbath, shouldn’t this human being, is a powerful means of teaching. How have this “daughter of Abraham,” be healed on the your favorite hymns and songs shaped your Worship Teaches Us Sabbath? Note that Jesus emphasized the understanding of God and of yourself? Luke 13:10-17

The incident in today’s text occurred as Jesus made his journey to Jerusalem and the cross (Luke 9:51-19:28), and the tensions that led to his crucifixion are heightening. On a Sabbath, in an unnamed village, “he was teaching in one of the synagogues” (v.10). Jesus’ teaching ministry is a major focus of Luke’s Gospel (see 4:15, 31; 5:13-17; 6:6; 11:1; 13: 10, 22, 26; 19:47; 20:1, 21; 21:37; 23:5). This occasion is the last one on which Jesus taught in a synagogue. Luke does not tell us what Jesus spoke about; instead, his teaching, serves as prelude to the healing of “a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for 18 years” (v. 11). Luke’s description evokes sympathy from the reader and compassion from Jesus: “She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight.” Jesus called her to come near him, spoke liberating words to her – “you are set free” — and laid his hands on her. “Immediately, she stood up straight and began praising God” (v. 13). Luke describes Baptists Today • May 2004 21 R E S O U R C E S

Brought to you this month 2004 by Jerry Chiles The Resource Page ... creative and practical ideas

“Christian education is a journey, not a destination. As we travel on our journey, we encounter people Adults in Christian Education and ideas that help us to become more like Christ.” Because Baptists affirm the priesthood of Challenge turned into ministry opportunity the believer, we expect adult believers to be in charge of their spiritual growth. My church has recently begun a visioning process. As a investment proved to be a positive influence in the Malcolm Knowles in The Adult Learner: staff, we asked ourselves two questions, “Can we ask church’s process of visioning. A Neglected Species puts forth four basic laypersons to go through a process we have not experi- Because of our experience, we were able to offer characteristics of adult learners that enced ourselves? Where and how do we find the time to new insight and encouragement to laypersons who were support the priesthood of the believer: have such an experience? expressing an openness to God’s direction. We became Together we established a staff covenant that more sensitive to the doors God was opening to us. We 1. Adults should be involved in evaluating clarified our working relationships. It was amazing to began to hear and recognize ideas and projects that may their progress toward self-chosen goals. participate in an effort in which God spoke through have been there all along. 2. Adults bring a lifetime of experience to different persons at different times to keep us moving The church has adopted its mission, vision, core the learning situation. forward. It was frustrating and difficult, and at times we values and beliefs. Our task at hand is to translate all this 3. Adult readiness to learn is directly wanted to walk away. into strategies and actions. We will never be finished connected to the recognition of the There were, however, times of wonder and joy. Was with this process, because God is constantly calling us to need to know. it worth it? Yes. As a team, we grew closer together. Our minister in a changing world. 4. Adult education should be problem- centered rather than theoretically oriented. Showing appreciation for adult leaders Rewarding and exciting ideas • Present and/or commission leaders in a worship service. In an attempt to focus our congregation on praying for Hints for Christian educators • Honor leaders at a banquet; ask class members to those around us, our church prepared a prayer token prepare desserts in honor of their leaders. that read on one side “Praying for You” and on the • Truly love laypersons and build relation- • Present a special book bag just for leaders. other side “In Jesus’ Name” with a cross. Members ships with them. • Post pictures of leaders on a wall and encourage persons were given three tokens to give to persons in need of • Help laypersons discover their spiritual to write notes to their leaders. prayer while offering also to pray for them. It was gifts and trust them in ministry. • Give potatoes wrapped in plastic with a label that reads: amazing. Folks came back time and time again for • Be a theological guide while focusing on “The EYES have it! You’re the best! Thanks for teaching more tokens. the mission and vision of the church. children!” As an outreach project for young adults, our • Learn to be flexible and take new • Provide bags of animal crackers with labels that read: church prepared a display at the largest wedding show directions in ministry. “It would be a ZOO without you! Thanks for teaching in our city. Our nearly/newlyweds staffed the booth, • Give your ministry away through boys and girls!” giving away CDs of wedding music, a free counseling equipping leaders. session, a bookmark telling about our ministry and a • Become part of a peer-learning/support Send us your opinions sash labeled “bride.” We also had a drawing for the group. series Five Love Languages. We continue to hear from • Determine the design of your church How would you describe the church of the future, and those who attended the wedding show. As a follow-up, and develop a plan to meet its needs. how will you become that church? Respond to: info@baptiststoday. our women’s ministry made Valentines for each couple.

Recommended resources THE RESOURCE PAGE is provided by the Congregational Life office of the Cooperative Baptist Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg www.CurrentThoughts.com. Fellowship in partnership with Baptists Today and for Leadership Network Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer those dedicated lay leaders working in the educa- www.nwgs.edu Devotional Classics, ed. Richard Foster and James Smith tional ministries of local churches. This month’s page www.ethicsdaily.com Fling Open the Doors: Giving the Church Away to the Community, Paul Nixon Leadership That Works, Leith Anderson was written by Jerry Chiles, minister to adults at Forest www.barna.org Moving Off the Map: A Guide to the Changing Church, Thomas G. Bandy www.ChurchStaffing.com. Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C., with assistance Sacred Stories of Ordinary Families, Diana Garland www.EpicTeam.com from his peer learning group, Tracey Allred, Allison The Church on the Other Side, Brian McLaren Lairmore, Julie Ledford, Hal Melton, Marcus Mims, www.SmartLeadership.com The Leadership Fables of Patrick Lencioni [email protected] The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren Jeff Pethel, Brent Rector, JoAnn Stancil, Glen Warren, digitalministry.bscnc.org/ Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions, George Barna Stan Yancey and Steve Zimmerman; fellow staff mem- What Is So Amazing About Grace?, Phillip Yancey bers; and Forest Hills laypersons A.G. Bullard and Who Moved My Cheese?, by Spencer Johnson Carroll Sasser. 22 Baptists Today • May 2004 C L A S S I F I E D S

First Baptist in Blowing Rock, N.C., assistants and part-time custodian. opportunities. A graduate degree in off-campus small groups. Master’s is seeking an interim pastor with a We partner with CBF, SBC, state music or worship from a recognized of Christian Education (or equiva- B.D. or M. Div. for a 300+ diverse and local Baptist entities, and vari- seminary and experience in leading lent) and proven experience in congregation in a small mountain ous other Christian organizations worship are desirable. Send résumé church growth, spiritual formation, resort town. Candidates must be and social ministries. Please send a with references to: supervision and teamwork required. duly aligned with CBF and SBC. cover letter and résumé by June 1 [email protected] Snyder Memorial Baptist Church is a Please submit résumé and refer- to: Ancil Baird, Chairperson, Pastor or Worship Search Committee, growing CBF/SBC church averaging ences to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Search Team, 180 Parkview Dr., Second Avenue Baptist Church, 823 1000+ in worship. Send résumé Box 3, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Commerce, GA 30529. E. Second Ave., Rome, GA 30161. and references to: Dr. Mark J. Olson, Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Dr., Fayetteville, NC Vienna Baptist Church (VBC), a cul- First Baptist in Blowing Rock, N.C., University Baptist Church, Baton 28305 or [email protected]. is seeking a pastor with a B.D. or Rouge, La., is seeking a senior turally diverse American Baptist M. Div. for a 300+ diverse congre- pastor. UBC is a diverse congrega- congregation, affiliated with Virginia gation in a small mountain resort tion cooperating with CBF and SBC. Baptists, Alliance of Baptists and Minister of Adult Education and town. Candidates must be duly Please send résumé and references the Baptist World Alliance, and Missions: First Baptist Church, aligned with CBF and SBC. Please to: Search Committee, University located in suburban Northern Statesville, N.C., is seeking a full- submit résumé and references to: Baptist Church, 203 Leeward Dr., Virginia, seeks a full-time associate time minister to coordinate the adult First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. pastor beginning summer 2004. The education program and all mission Blowing Rock, NC 28605. new pastor, under the pastor of spir- projects. This minister will concen- itual formation’s direction and trate on developing a comprehen- Choirmaster/Organist: Historically supported by lay teams, will work sive program emphasizing Bible inclusive Baptist church desires First Baptist Church, Montezuma, directly with children, youth and study, mission activities and musician for music education, wor- Ga., is seeking a full-time pastor to their families. VBC’s active youth programs relating to personal ship leadership (traditional lead a congregation of approxi- and children’s ministries include: spiritual formation. A job description service/classical music) and various mately 150 people. Our church has regular Bible study, retreats, music, is available on our website, ministerial duties with team ministry ties to SBC and CBF. Please send dramas, worship, discipleship pro- www.statesvillefbc.org. Mail approach. Send videotape (playing résumé to: First Baptist Church, P.O. grams and local, national and résumé to: First Baptist Church and conducting) and résumé to: Box 357, Montezuma, GA 31063 or international mission projects. Search Committee, Minister of Adult Pastor Sarah Shelton, 2117 [email protected]. Candidates must have a seminary Education and Missions, 815 Davie University Blvd., Birmingham, AL degree and experience working with Ave., Statesville, NC 28677. 35233. For additional information youth and children. For more about The Oaks Baptist Church in Lyons, about Baptist Church of the 1/2 VBC, visit www.vbc-va.org. Send Ga., founded 1 years ago, with a Covenant, visit www.bcoc.net. North River Baptist Church, a moder- current membership of 125, is seek- letter of interest and résumé to: Associate Pastor Search Team, ate congregation north of Atlanta, ing a pastor. Mail résumé to: seeks a minister of music and A Rome, Ga., Baptist congregation Vienna Baptist Church, 541 Marshall Pete Frost, 721 Sharpe Dr., Vidalia, youth. Candidates will have experi- of 500 with an average attendance Rd., SW, Vienna, VA 22180. GA 30474. ence in recruiting, equipping and of 220 for worship is seeking leading teams of volunteers to help résumés for the position of minister University Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Commerce, of worship. The minister of worship accomplish the church’s vision of Baltimore, Md., is seeking a full-time Ga., is seeking a full-time pastor is a full-time minister of the church reaching its community for Christ. He associate pastor and minister of with a master’s of divinity degree or whose major responsibility is to or she will have the ability to relate education with emphasis for pro- additional training to lead in growing model, serve and lead the Body of to and motivate students, and be gramming to grow. A church in and nurturing the people of the Christ in worship. This new position able to lead worship in a variety of decline for 10 years, the church has church and community. This person is the result of a two-year visioning styles. If this sounds like you, and made a commitment to revitalization will lead and coordinate the work of process and will work in concert you would be interested in becoming the staff: associate pastor for youth with our new pastor to enhance and new life. It offers modified litur- part of our team, please address your and children’s ministries, part-time our current traditional style worship gical worship and a contemporary résumé to: NRBC, 12090 Hard- music minister, two administrative service and to explore new service in evenings for the growing scrabble Rd., Roswell, GA 30075. college ministry. Located directly across the street from Johns The First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, Fla., is receiving résumés for the Hopkins University, we are associ- First Baptist Church, Clemson, S.C., position of senior pastor to a congregation of 474 members. We are an ated with the ABC, District of is seeking a full-time minister of historic downtown church founded in 1889. We are not a neighborhood Columbia Baptist Convention and students and singles, with empha- church, but draw our membership from a wide area. We are a Baptist CBF Mid-Atlantic. We are seeking sis on student ministry. Send church treasuring and striving to practice historic Baptist principles: the someone with a seminary degree résumé to: Search Committee, First priesthood of all believers, autonomy of the local congregation, separation and experience to help us discover Baptist Church, 397 College Ave., of church and state, and soul competency. We believe everyone is created and implement our vision and strate- Clemson, SC 29631. in God’s image, and we welcome all persons as members and leaders gic plan. Our web site is without regard to race, gender, family status, age or social situation. We ubcbaltimore.org. Our pastor is Dr. Progressive Baptist church in beauti- are looking for an energetic and experienced person with effective leader- Lamar King. Send résumé and refer- ful coastal community seeks ship skills to help us continue to grow and seek God’s will for our future. ences to: [email protected]. dynamic minister of youth and A candidate must have experience in a successful program of church recreation. Please send résumé to: growth. The applicant must also have strong preaching abilities and be able Minister of Education and Search Committee, 1501 Beasley to relate scripture to our daily lives. For a complete job description and Spiritual Formation: Dynamic, inno- Rd., Wilmington, NC 28409, or call other relevant information, visit our website at fbcfortmyers.org. Please vative, outreach-oriented minister (910) 395-0343 for job application. send résumé to: Mr. William Carlson, Chair of the Pastor Search sought to lead our Christian educa- Committee, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 780, Fort Myers, FL 33902. (239) tion program, including Sunday More classifieds 936-1991 (daytime); (239) 939-4453 (evenings); (239) 334-7747 (church). school, discipleship training and page 24 ­ Baptists Today • May 2004 23 C L A S S I F I E D S

Minister of Youth and Adults: First For rent: Water Lily #45, Coast Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, N.C., Advertise in Baptists Today 1-877-752-5658 is seeking a person to plan and Cottages, St. Simons Island, Ga. coordinate ministries for youth and 5-year-old Victorian vacation Display Ads (width x height; black and white / color) adults, plan mission trips/projects and home. 3 BR/3 BA. Sleeps 8-10. Full page 7 3/4 x 10 3/4 $1200 / $1550 1/4 page vrt. 1 3/4 x 10 3/4 $325 / $425 camps/retreats, and coordinate the Complete furnishings. Delightful 3/4 page vrt. 5 3/4 x 10 3/4 $975 / $1275 1/4 page hrz. 7 3/4 x 2 1/2 $325 / $425 educational ministry, outreach and decor. 3 porches overlooking 3/4 page hrz. 7 3/4 x 8 1/4 $975 / $1275 1/8 page vrt. 1 3/4 x 5 1/4 $175 / $225 visitation. For a full job description, marsh. Community pool/pavilion. 1/2 page vrt. 3 3/4 x 10 3/4 $650 / $850 1/8 page hrz. 3 3/4 x 2 3/4 $175 / $225 1/2 page hrz. 7 3/4 x 5 1/4 $650 / $850 call (828) 286-9047. Submit résumés 1/2 block to private beach to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 839, entrance. $1600/week/spring. Classified Ads Classified Display Ads Rutherfordton, NC 28139. $2100/week/summer. 3-night • One month print/web = $1.00 per word • Textbox/no graphics min. Contact: Jackie Riley (478) • One month web only = 50¢ per word • One month print/web = $30 per inch 471-9274 or Ga. Coast Realty • No frequency discounts (width 2 in.) • $25 min. print/web • One month web only = $15 per inch First Baptist Church (ABC), (800) 638-1144. • No frequency discounts Springfield, Ohio, is seeking a senior • $30 min. print/web pastor. FBC is a lively, diverse urban congregation of 300 members that ­ More classifieds page 23 attempts to balance ministries of jus- tice and spiritual growth. It seeks a pastor who has, or is eligible for, ABC ordination. Contact Jim Huffman at Baptist News 1911 St. Paris Pike, Springfield, OH 45504 or [email protected]. Baptist Views

For rent: Beautiful 2 BR/2 BA BAPTISTS guest house at Lake Junaluska, N.C. Completely furnished includ- ing 42-foot porch with swing and TODAY rocking chairs and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. $450/ An autonomous national Baptist news journal week. 3-day min. $295. Contact: [email protected] or (828) 456-4887. 877-752-5658

24 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N ABC grows while denominational rankings remain mostly unchanged since last year

(RNS) — The nation’s 10 largest churches remain unchanged from last year, according Roman Catholic Church to the 2004 Yearbook of American and Southern Baptist Convention Canadian Churches, with the American Baptist Churches in the USA reporting the United Methodist Church fastest growth of any Protestant denomina- Church of God in Christ tion. The annual report of church member- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ship figures, compiled by the National Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Council of Churches, found 161 million adherents in some 215 different denomina- National Baptist Convention USA tions in 2002, the latest year for which National Baptist Convention of America figures are available. American Baptist Churches reported a Presbyterian Church (USA) growth rate of nearly 3 percent, marking the Assemblies of God second year of sustained growth after two previous years of decline. American Baptists 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 rose from 20th to 19th place, with a total of 1.48 million members. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Among the top 10 churches, Catholics, Fifty-nine churches that reported finan- Church, which last year had the most signifi- Southern Baptists, the Church of Jesus Christ cial data said they had collected $31 billion cant growth percentagewise, with an of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and the in giving. Several large churches, including astonishing 11 percent, saw a decline of 1.18 Assemblies of God all reported growth. Mormons, were not included in that figure. percent in the new yearbook. Eileen W. Mainline Protestant churches in the top 10, Overall, per-person giving rose by 5.6 percent Lindner, the yearbook’s editor, said the drop including the United Methodist Church, to $658 dollars, well ahead of the 2.4 percent was likely due to “a small portion of those Presbyterian Church (USA) and the rate of inflation for 2002. new members failing to continue their mem- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, all The Yearbook noted a decline, however, bership a second year.” reported declines in membership. Three his- in “benevolence giving” — money used at The Orthodox Church in America lost torically black churches — the National the local level to help other people — to 14 100,000 — or 10 percent — of its members, Baptist Convention USA, Inc., the National percent, down from 15 percent last year. knocking it out of 25th place. It was replaced Baptist Convention of America, Inc. and the “Such a decline is occurring even as reports of by the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), Church of God in Christ — reported stable requests for aid at shelters and soup kitchens which reported 944,857 members. memberships. are rising,” Lindner said. BT Seventh-day Adventists reaffirm marriage as man-woman union

(RNS) — The Seventh-day Adventist established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus caused by sin coming into the world,” the Church has reaffirmed its belief that mar- to be a lifelong union between a two-page reaffirmation reads. “We hold riage is a “lifelong union between a man man and a woman in that all people, no matter what their sex- and a woman” in response to the current loving companionship.” ual orientation, are children of God. ... debate over same-sex unions. They also reiterated However, it is very clear that God’s “That which for centuries has been past statements describ- word does not countenance a homo- considered to be basic Christian morality ing marriage as a sexual lifestyle; neither has the in the marriage setting is now increasingly “covenant-based union of Christian church throughout her 2,000- called into question, not only in secular two genders” and the “only year history.” society but within Christian churches morally appropriate” form of The statement was approved by the themselves,” said the statement released “intimate sexual expression.” Administrative Committee, or ruling March 9. “Homosexuality is a body, of the worldwide headquarters of the Church officials reaffirmed their fun- manifestation of the disorder and broken- Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is damental belief that “marriage was divinely ness in human inclinations and relations based in Silver Spring, Md. BT

Baptists Today • May 2004 25 I N F O R M A T I O N N E W S D I G E S T Religion News From Staff and Wire Reports Bipartisan bill aims to provide $100 million to improve security at houses of worship

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of say they will seek similar backing from National Cathedral have increased security lawmakers unveiled a $100 million bill Christian and Muslim groups. and vigilance, particularly at heavily attended April 1 that they say will help protect “soft Supporters say the bill protects the sepa- events such as holidays or public services. targets” such as churches and synagogues ration of church and state by delivering “Rest assured there is always more that from terrorist attacks. money to middleman contractors who will can be done,” said Greg Rixon, a spokesman The High-Risk Non-Profit Security install the new security measures, and will for the cathedral. “Certainly, if there were Enhancement Act would open $50 million not directly fund faith-based groups. opportunity to do more as appropriate, we in government grants to allow hospitals, the- “This is no different than government would take the opportunity.” aters and houses of worship to beef up providing fire and police protection to pri- While high-profile sites like St. Patrick’s security. vate institutions, whether religious or not,” Cathedral in New York might seem to be The money could not be spent on rou- said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., a leading natural recipients for the aid, supporters say tine security systems that are “reasonably critic of President Bush’s “faith-based initia- the more vulnerable targets are Jewish com- necessary due to nonterrorist threats,” but tive” but a supporter of the security bill. munity centers that service children, the instead for concrete barricades, shatter-proof- “No money is going directly to a faith- elderly and families. ing windows and fortifying entrances. based institution.” “Al-Qaida has made very specific threats An additional $50 million would be Under the plan, applicants would apply against Jewish sites around the world, so available for local police departments to pro- first to state homeland security agencies. If there’s definitely a feeling of vulnerability,” vide additional security to areas with high they are deemed “high risk,” their applica- said Chuck Konigsberg, vice president of concentrations of at-risk targets, such as hos- tion would be sent on to the federal public policy for United Jewish Commun- pitals, schools or museums. Department of Homeland Security, which ities, an umbrella group for 156 Jewish local “It’s not a question of if, but when, would make the final call. federations. where and at what magnitude our charities In order to be considered “high risk,” Nadler said a survey of nonprofit groups ... will face a very catastrophic event,” said organizations must demonstrate a threat showed it would take between $1 billion and Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn. “That is from international terrorism, show the “sym- $2 billion to fully upgrade security at all the reality.” bolic value of the site as a highly recognized sites. The bill has attracted support from United States cultural or historical institu- The bill is sponsored in the Senate by major Jewish organizations — the Union of tion” and be the destination for at least 100 Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., and seven Orthodox Jewish Congregations, the United people per month or 500 people per year. others; in the House by Rep. George Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, Nethercutt, R-Wash., Nadler, Shays, Rep. United Jewish Communities — and officials 2001, major landmarks like Washington Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., and 17 others. BT Disney, Walden Media to distribute Chronicles of Narnia movie (RNS) — The Walt Disney Studios has by Andrew Adamson, known for his direc- “I think this is just the kind of movie announced that it has entered into an tion of Shrek and Shrek 2. audiences are looking for, and we’re agreement with Walden Media to distrib- The book deals with a war between thrilled to be able to bring it to the ute the motion picture The Chronicles of good and evil as the lion Aslan fights screen,” Cook said in a statement. Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the against dark forces in the magical world of Added Adamson, in a statement: “It’s Wardrobe. Narnia. The classic series sold more than been a longtime dream of mine to bring The film, based on the first book in a 85 million copies worldwide starting in these classic stories to a new generation of popular series published by Christian 1950. moviegoers and readers.” writer C.S. Lewis, is scheduled to be Dick Cook, chairman of the Walt The agreement between the Southern released Christmas 2005 by Walt Disney Disney Studios, and Cary Granat, chief California-based entertainment companies Pictures. executive officer of Walden Media, jointly permits a continuing partnership for The live-action movie will be directed announced the agreement March 1. future films in the series. BT

26 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N

Harvard professor becomes highest ranking lay woman in Vatican

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope John women theologians Commission, and Hallensleben has written Paul II has appointed Mary Ann Glendon, will serve on the on religion and culture in Eastern Europe. a Harvard Law School professor, to serve as International Glendon, married and the mother of president of the Pontifical Academy of Theological three, is Learned Hand professor of Law at Social Sciences, making her the highest Commission. The Harvard Law School and a member of ranking lay woman in the Vatican. commission is an President Bush’s Council on Bioethics. An Glendon, 65, who teaches and writes advisory body attached opponent of abortion and divorce, she has on human rights, comparative constitu- to the Vatican also written on family law in the United tional law and legal theory, has been a Congregation for the Mary Ann Glendon States and Europe. member of the academy founded by the Doctrine of the Faith. Named one of the “Fifty Most pope in 1994 to advise the Vatican on The appointees are Sister Sara Butler, a Influential Women Lawyers in America” by social concerns and promote research aimed member of the Missionary Servants of the the National Law Journal in 1998, she is a at improving society. She led the Vatican Most Blessed Trinity, who teaches dogmatic past president of the International delegation to the Fourth U.N. Women’s theology at the University of St. Mary of Association of Legal Science and a member Conference in Beijing in 1995, the first the Lake in Mundelein, Ill., and Barbara of the editorial boards of the American woman to hold such a post. Hallensleben, who teaches theology at the Journal of Comparative Law and First The Vatican announced Glendon’s University of Fribourg in Switzerland. Both Things and the advisory boards of the appointment March 9 following the women have been active in ecumenical dia- Harvard University Human Rights announcement three days earlier that for logue. Butler has been a member of the Initiative and the Harvard Law School the first time since its creation in 1969, two Anglican-Roman Catholic International Human Rights Program. BT

Mainline evangelicals endorse amendment Planned to ban gay marriage, ‘preserve institution’ Parenthood names

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Conservative by Diane Knippers, an Episcopal laywoman. its first chaplain activists in five mainline Protestant denomina- Organizers say they will gather signatures (RNS) — Planned Parenthood tions have endorsed a federal amendment that and forward the statement to President Bush, Federation of America has announced would prohibit gay marriage. who has endorsed a federal marriage amend- the appointment of its first chaplain. Coordinated by the Washington-based ment, and leaders of Congress. Ignacio Castuera, a United Association for Church Renewal, the one-para- Episcopal Presiding Bishop Frank Methodist minister from Los Angeles, graph statement released March 12 says a Griswold is the only major mainline Protestant was selected for the new position, constitutional amendment is necessary to “safe- leader to speak publicly about the proposed said Gloria Feldt, president of the guard this fundamental social institution from amendment. He expressed skepticism about its New York-based organization known unwarranted and destructive revision.” merits, and said he was concerned that an for its abortion-rights stance. “It is becoming increasingly clear that legal amendment would stifle debate and dialogue “Reverend Castuera will bring to measures to protect the definition of marriage within churches over homosexuality. the PPFA family his wealth of experi- as the union of one man and one woman are Christopher Hershman, president of the ence in ministry, especially his efforts necessary to preserve the place of marriage in Evangelical Lutheran Confessing Fellowship, over the last 24 years to address sexu- our society,” the statement said. said allowing gay couples to wed would “bring ality issues,” Feldt said in a statement Signers include leaders of evangelical our society to the edge of an abyss.” released March 8. “His expertise in “renewal movements” in the United Church of James Kushiner, editor of the ecumenical offering spiritual insight and guid- Christ, the Presbyterian Church (USA), United journal Touchstone, said opening marriage to ance to the reproductive health Methodist Church, Evangelical Lutheran gay couples would also give sanction to movement is invaluable.” Church in America and American Baptist polygamy and polyamorists. Castuera, senior pastor of St. Churches in the USA. “Once we approve homosexual ‘marriages,’ John’s United Methodist Church in The Association for Church Renewal is excluding these other sexual arrangements from the Watts community of Los Angeles, based at the Institute for Religion and official approval would be discrimination with is known for his abortion rights Democracy, a conservative think tank headed no basis in law or logic,” he said. BT advocacy. BT Baptists Today • May 2004 27 F E A T U R E

“And be sure your sin will find you out.” (Num. 32:23) Fred Phelps An American ‘Prophet’ of God’s Hate

By Jim Lewis Religion News Service

OPEKA, Kan. — Pastor Fred Phelps is preaching about God’s hate, bent over a Bible printed in large letters for failing eyes. Hate for sinners — adulterers, divorcees, Bob Dole, Mister Rogers, Billy Graham and, especially, gays and lesbians. TThe 74-year-old preacher sits at a table in his church office, a utilitarian, paneled room bathed in harsh fluorescent light, poring over pages marked with yellow highlighter. Intense blue eyes searching the Old Testament for verses that prove God hates, not loves. Love? That’s a story that “kissy-poo ministers” tell mis- guided parishioners so they’ll stuff the collection box on Sunday, Phelps insists. “You’re not going to get nowhere with that slop that ‘God loves you,’” he scoffs in a deep Southern drawl. “That’s a diabol- ical lie from hell without biblical warrant.” His God is wrathful, punishing, willing to pitch humanity into fiery damnation for its sins, particularly for homosexuality, he says. To Phelps, homosexuality is the greatest threat to society: The “militant fag agenda” is being forced onto society by “fags” and “dykes” and all those who believe in tolerance, he says. For years, Phelps has waged war against homosexuality from his independent Kansas church. He has faxed vitriolic news releases to churches, ambassadors, the media, private citi- zens — anyone who he thinks is in need of his preaching — declaring God’s hate for wayward celebrities, politicians, reli- gions, states and countries, everyone from Cher to Canada. Phelps and the small congregation of his Westboro Baptist Church — mostly his children, grandchildren and in-laws — took his preaching to the streets about 13 years ago, condemn- “There’s something ing homosexuality from the sidewalks around Gage Park, a partly wooded park in Topeka where Phelps claimed gay men were having sex at night. wonderfully Phelps drew national attention in 1998 when he picketed the funeral of Matthew Shepard, a college student who was slain liberating, for being gay. Phelps became the country’s best-known gay- basher, appearing in Rolling Stone and The Washington Post, and in the notion that you’re on television’s “20/20” and “The Ricki Lake Show.” George magazine named him one of its “20 Most Fascinating Men in Politics” in 1999. 100% right.“ Phelps’ fire-and-brimstone take on the Bible is “a very myopic view,” says Jeffrey Siker, chairman of the theology 28 Baptists Today • May 2004 F E A T U R E department at Loyola Marymount “Everybody in this church works,” filed about 400 lawsuits, mostly in federal University in Los Angeles. “There’s a Phelps says, “so everybody has money. I court, including a suit against President segment of the Christian tradition that has don’t want anybody to mistake us for those Reagan for sending an ambassador to the emphasized the wrath of God, but the money-grabbers like Jerry Falwell and Vatican. majority of the Christian tradition sees Graham, giving the notion that you can buy Fred Phelps takes on everyone, conser- that as a dangerous tactic and basically bad salvation.” vative or liberal. theology.” Phelps was accepted to West Point He calls Bob Dole, a Kansas Not Phelps. He insists that hate “is not when he was 16, but he never made it there. Republican, a “whoremonger” because Dole an evil passion,” and his pickets are an act The summer after his high school gradua- divorced his previous wife to marry of love. He compares himself to a doctor tion, he attended a revival in his hometown Elizabeth Dole. who has the courage to tell his patient that of Meridian, Miss. As the minister delivered He criticizes the late Fred Rogers, host he’s dying of cancer instead of hiding it a fire-and-brimstone sermon, Phelps experi- of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” for fail- from him. enced an epiphany: He had “The way to prove you love thy neigh- to preach. “Old-time preach- bor is to warn them they’re committing sin,” ers call it an impulse on the He calls Bob Dole, a Kansas Phelps says. “I’m the only one who loves heart,” Phelps says. the fags.” “It sobers you up and Republican, a “whore- The symbols that dominate the sanctu- focuses your thoughts 24/7, monger” because Dole ary of Phelps’ Westboro Baptist Church are as they say nowadays, and not crucifixes, but picket signs condemning makes everything else rela- divorced his previous wife gays. tively insignificant,” he says. They sit on the altar, leaning on easels “There wasn’t any question, to marry Elizabeth Dole. that stand alongside a grand piano and a hasn’t been any question. podium. Red, green and yellow, one depict- That’s what I was supposed ing two cartoon dogs, each wearing earrings, to do — preach.” ing to warn children that sodomy is a sin. vomiting into each other’s mouths. “Fags Phelps left home to study the Bible, “He needs to be preached to, but he’s dead Wed,” it reads. and was ordained at the age of 17. now,” Phelps says. About 25 pews line the narrow sanctu- He met Margie in Phoenix while work- He condemns Billy Graham, once a ary, sitting on a rose-colored carpet. Phelps ing as an evangelist at her church. One day, friend of Phelps while the two attended Bob opened the church on a Sunday in 1955, after a church meeting, he drove her home Jones University, a conservative school of and has preached in it ever since. in his Ford, and told her to open the glove theology, for forsaking his fiery preaching Phelps and his wife, about hell for more moderate “psycho- Margie, live upstairs. babble.” “I wrote him the other day saying Outside, the English Tudor He criticizes the late Fred we’re going to picket his funeral,” Phelps architecture is partially hid- says. den by a banner, stretched Rogers, host of “Mister His pickets are so common that they’ve across the front, that adver- Rogers’ Neighborhood,” for become part of the daily cityscape — rain, tises one of Phelps’ Web sites: snow or shine. Godhatesamerica.com. On a failing to warn children that On a cold March morning, Margie pole in the yard, the Phelps is standing in a relentless rain at a American and Canadian flags sodomy is a sin. Lutheran church, wrapped in a Dallas fly upside down — the inter- Cowboys jacket and clutching an oversized national sign of distress, umbrella. A band of pickets, covered in wet Phelps says. compartment. She found a diamond ring. ponchos, stands on the sidewalk. “I no longer have any love for the coun- He proposed to her in the car. Rotten weather. But the protest at the try,” he says. “Too far gone.” The Phelpses moved to Topeka in modern stone and glass church must go on, The church sits in a middle-class neigh- 1954, and nine years after opening his Margie Phelps says. “They bury fags here,” borhood of frame houses. Phelps’ family — church, Fred Phelps earned a law degree she says. nine of his 13 children are church members from Topeka’s Washburn University. He Phelps spends most of his time reading — lives in all but one of the homes in the worked as a civil rights lawyer, and received religious texts, especially a 350-year-old, church’s block, and wooden fences that run an award from the NAACP after defending two-volume treatise on the book of Job that between the buildings form a kind of com- two black men who were searched by police he bought from a Chicago preacher for pound. Inside, there’s a swimming pool and at a party. $800. His life is consumed with preaching a running track. But he was disbarred in 1989 after nine and the Bible, he says. He can recite verses The church probably survives on tithes federal judges signed a complaint against by heart. from the family, says Mark Potok, a him that charged he made false accusations “There’s something wonderfully liberat- spokesman for the Southern Poverty Law against them, according to the Southern ing, especially when you’re 74, in the notion Center, a hate-group watchdog in Alabama. Poverty Law Center. By then, Phelps had that you’re 100 percent right,” he says. BT

Baptists Today • May 2004 29 P E R S P E C T I V E g u e s t c o m m e n t a r y Churches and the defense of marriage By Tony Campolo

he Defense of Marriage Amendment As I listen to fundamentalist church evangelical churches will have no credibility if being proposed by the Bush adminis- leaders declare that the Bible requires them to they go on condemning gay marriages with- Ttration is going to be a hot issue in condemn gay marriage, I wonder how they out revisiting the question of what the Bible this year’s election. reconcile their claims of full obedience to has to say about marriage itself, and divorce, Democrats already are contending that Scripture with their willingness to welcome and the nature of all sexual activity. President Bush is introducing this proposal those who are divorced and remarried into Unless they are simply homophobic, for political purposes and, by so doing, is their congregations. these churches will soon discover that they polarizing the country. Republicans are quick Doesn’t Mark cannot get tough with gay people and just let to point out that they are not the ones who 10:11-12 describe Jesus everybody else off the hook. raised the issue of gay marriage, but are sim- specifically declaring I am not in favor of The Defense of the ply defending the nation from the onslaught that divorced people Marriage Amendment, but if there must be of liberals and their “gay agenda.” who remarry are living one I think it should also deal with divorce, Churches are further inflaming the con- in adultery? If such instead of just picking on gays. After all, it’s troversy through their own infighting. The leaders insist on “doing high time we made getting out of a marriage argument over gay marriage has put every the Bible thing,” then more difficult than getting out of a traffic major denomination in danger of schism. they ought to at least be ticket. Church leaders have weighed in on both sides consistent. Again, don’t misunderstand me: of debate with many contending that nothing It isn’t fair to use the Bible to clobber Divorces must remain available to those who less is at stake than the future of the family. gays who want to get married without also must escape destructive situations like spousal What is being ignored, however, is that using it to exclude divorced people who want abuse. Nevertheless, both church and state it is not gay people who have put the family to get remarried. If they must call their mem- have condoned easy divorces for too many in jeopardy. The traditional family is in dan- bers’ gay sons and daughters an abomination people, and these divorces have left millions ger, not because so many gays want to get to God, should not those preachers also start of children emotionally shattered for the rest married, but because so many heterosexuals condemning the children of their congregants of their lives. have chosen to get divorced. who are living together out of wedlock? Am I suggesting that unhappy couples In fact, nearly half of new heterosexual When I ask my fellow evangelicals to ought to remain together for the sake of their marriages now end in divorce. In addition, explain this obvious double standard, I am kids? Absolutely. more than 30 percent of today’s young cou- often told that when it comes to divorce and As far as I am concerned, innocent boys ples choose to live together without even remarriage we must communicate grace and girls are the best reason to really defend bothering to get married. above all else. To this I can only respond, marriage. Churches, however, have made no head- “When will we start communicating the lines around these issues lately. On the same grace to our gay brothers and sisters?” —Tony Campolo is an author, sociologist and contrary, when it comes to divorce, lately we Don’t get me wrong: I am no advocate Baptist minister living in St. Davids, Penn., Christians have had little to say. of gay marriage. All I am saying here is that when not speaking just about everywhere.

30 Baptists Today • May 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E g u e s t c o m m e n t a r y God’s will allows for human will By Tony Cartledge

he recent Easter celebration and the had simply given us Bethany on loan for a master. We are endowed with both freedom runaway success of The Passion of while, before “calling her home” when he and responsibility. Tthe Christ, reminds us of one time needed her more than we did. They assured When facing hard times, we often in history when the purposes of God clearly us that we would understand one day, quote Rom. 8:28: “And we know that God lay behind a human death — in this case because “God has a purpose for everything.” causes all things to work together for good the death of Jesus, whom we believe to be None of those well-meaning folks real- to those who love God, to those who are both fully human and fully divine. ized that such sentiments made us want to called according to his purpose” (NASB). Other deaths aren’t as easy to explain. scream. Who wants to Many people assume this means that Often they appear entirely senseless, as seen serve a God who toys God is behind everything that happens, in the recent killings of four Baptist mis- with parents’ hearts, planning every event (even the horrible sionaries whose only desire was to love and simply parking a child ones) for some good end. Assigning a divine to aid the people of Iraq. with them until he purpose to every tragedy may bring comfort, Was God behind their deaths? needs the little one to but it also absolves humans of responsibility. My wife Jan and I have struggled with fill a gap in his chil- The truth of Rom. 8:28 is not that all the same question in the 10 years since our dren’s choir or his things are good, because they are not. Nor daughter Bethany fell victim to a drunk flower bed? does it teach that all things happen accord- driver. We’ve been writing a book about it “God-causes-everything” theology has ing to God’s purpose, because they do not. over the past few months, stirring up old deeper roots in imagination and folk- The great truth of the verse is that God is questions as well as old memories and religion than in Scripture. Believing that with us even in the vagaries, the uncertain- wounds. God is all-knowing and all-powerful does ties and the tragedies of this world. One of the things we have learned is not make God all-responsible. Because God is with us, his amazing that people seek to explain death in differing The Bible teaches clearly that God cre- grace and unending love can bring goodness ways. In the weeks following Bethany’s ated humankind “in his own image” (Gen. even from the worst of those things that death, we received cards, letters, phone calls 1:27), and one aspect of that image is the happen. and visits from hundreds of well-wishers. freedom of choice. We learn from some of I believe that God shares our pain when Some of them truly ministered to us the earliest stories in our biblical heritage the innocent die. God is present with us, with love and grace. Others — who were that the people God created have made bad and will work through us to bring healing just as well meaning — brought condo- choices — choices clearly opposed to God’s and hope to our lives. To the extent that we lences we would rather not have heard. will — from the beginning. encourage others through what we have There is something about a human that We know that one person’s bad choices learned, God can bless others as well. wants to explain things. We want to believe can cause other persons to suffer. It is not Our choices are often bad, but our God there is purpose in our living, and I believe fair that the innocent should suffer for the is always good. there is. sins of others, but that is the price we pay Many people stretch that belief to for humanity. assume there must be a reason for everything If we had no human freedom to choose —Tony Cartledge is editor of the Biblical that happens. An overzealous view of provi- good or evil, we would all be like robots, Recorder, the historic newspaper of North dence leads many to the conviction that God unable to choose, unable to love, unable to Carolina Baptists. His commentary is directly causes all things — including every laugh or cry. But God is no divine puppet- reprinted with permission. death — for his own purposes. Thus, we received multiple cards expressing the sentiment that God needed Read about it in another angel in the heavenly choir, or that Baptists Today we should rejoice because God picks only the loveliest flowers for his heavenly garden. Those sentiments, including the unfortunate DISCUSS IT AT allusion to our child as an ornamental garden plant, were not helpful. www.BaptistLife.com Some expressed a belief that the Lord Baptists Today • May 2004 31 F E A T U R E At 95, Billy Graham’s soloist George Beverly Shea publishes new book

By Adelle M. Banks of a song that began “Singing I go along life’s Religion News Service road, praising the Lord, praising the Lord.” He took the bass part when his family gath- sk the man long known as Billy ered around the dinner table to sing the Graham’s soloist for his favorite hymn Doxology — which begins “Praise God from and he’ll say it’s not a fair question. whom all blessings flow” — in harmony. A He would flip through the pages of the But it doesn’t take long for George Beverly Shea to pick one among the many he church hymnal as his father preached in likes so much. churches in Houghton, N.Y. “I must admit that I have not tired of “The rustle of the pages might have ‘How Great Thou Art,’” he told Religion been a little distracting, but I know he for- News Service in a recent interview. “It’s just gave me,” Shea wrote. so marvelous and ... just so foundational and When he was 23, Shea composed the scriptural and the melody is so old-fashioned music to the hymn “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and great and it’s easy to sing.” at a time when he was still determining his Shea, 95, has performed solos and sung career. with choirs at the crusades of the famous hands have made” with “consider all the A few years later, inspired by that song, evangelist for decades. He has also written a worlds thy hands have made” and changed he declined an offer to sing with a secular new book, How Sweet the Sound: Amazing “I hear the mighty thunder” to “I hear the singing group and ended up working for a Stories and Grace-filled Reflections on Beloved rolling thunder.” Christian radio station in Chicago. Hymns and Gospel Songs (Tyndale House). Those alterations from 1955 have While at WMBI he performed on a With his deep voice occasionally drift- endured among congregations and celebrities. morning program he started called “Hymns ing into song as he discusses a range of “I got a bang when I used to hear Elvis from the Chapel.” In 1943, Graham heard hymns, Shea said music can sometimes affect Presley sing my two words,” Shea said. the broadcast and invited Shea to sing on the the listener as much as the spoken words of In that same year, the crusade singer evangelist’s new radio program. worship. wrote the words and music to “The Wonder So began a friendship that has lasted for “There’s certain Scriptures that might of It All.” Composed on an ocean liner, Shea decades. get to the heart in a hurry, like John 3:16,” was inspired by a Jewish publisher who Shea, who lives in Montreat, N.C., he said. “Hymns, the poetry, just gets to the inquired about why so many attended about a mile from Graham, said the man 10 heart.” Graham’s crusades. years his junior used to honk his horn as he The evangelist with whom he teamed The musician told him of the volunteer drove by. Now, in the later years, they speak has similar sentiments. choir and the preaching and said, “Oh, sir, if on the phone. “Songs can touch and open a heart to you could see it, the wonder of it all!” Their song and sermon combination hear God when sermons and preaching may The publisher challenged him to write a continues. Graham is scheduled to lead a fall on deaf ears,” Graham said in the fore- song of that title. Finding himself awake in crusade in Kansas City, Mo., in June and word to Shea’s book. “Music is such a the wee hours of the next morning, Shea Shea already knows he’ll be singing “He universal language — and God has used Bev composed a song about “the wonder of the Died for Me” with the choir. to be an instrument to touch and enrich sunset” he’d seen over the ocean the previous Apparently the evangelist would hear lives.” evening and “the wonder that God loves nothing of it when Shea suggested to The book features the lyrics of more me.” Graham and crusade choir director Cliff than 50 songs, recollections of Shea about Shea, who has written the music to Barrows that it was time for him to retire. them and related “devotional interludes” by other hymns, continues to improvise on the “Billy said, ‘You’re afraid you’re going to Betty Free Swanberg, a writer for Tyndale organ in his home — and even volunteered lose your teeth or something?’” Shea recalled. House Publishers. to put the phone down and play a few notes “’If you do, just come and whistle.’” Shea described how he changed the for a listening reporter on his three-manual Shea, who sometimes flashes hand sig- words of “How Great Thou Art” — dubbed instrument with 800 pipes that dates to nals at musicians to tell them the key he a “timeless classic” in the book — when he 1926. wishes to sing in, considers his contribution sang his favorite hymn with a Toronto The longtime singer was literally to be a “kind of divine appointment.” crusade choir. brought up on church music, waking on “I just feel the responsibility of doing it He modified “consider all the works thy school days to his mother singing the chorus right, if I can,” he said. BT

32 Baptists Today • May 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N i n t h e k n o w Keeping up with people, places, and events

PEOPLE Jody Long, a May graduate of McAfee the church’s commitment to provide a School of Theology, is minister of youth at $1 million endowment for the Daniel O. Earline Barker died April 7 following a bat- First Baptist Church of Macon, Ga. Aleshire Chair of Practical Theology. tle with cancer. She worked for the SBC Home Mission Board (later North American Robin Carlson Norsworthy was installed as Mercer University’s McAfee School of Mission Board) in Atlanta from 1988-1999. pastor of University Baptist Church in Theology in Atlanta will hold its first She and her husband, Russ, grew up Montevallo, Ala., Feb. 8. She is a 2002 grad- Doctor of Ministry seminar July 6-26. The together in the Georgia Baptist Children's uate of Mercer University’s McAfee School doctoral program, led by Ron Johnson, will Home. Russ is the retired director of of Theology in Atlanta. accept 15 students initially. missions for the Atlanta Baptist Association. Providence Baptist Church of Cookeville, EVENTS The Barkers made their retirement home in Tenn., has called Melissa M. Roysdon as Clarkesville, Ga. co-pastor for church ministries to serve with The Advent Spirituality Center is offering Jim Rennell, pastor since 2000. the E. Glenn Hinson Spiritual Formation Pope A. Duncan, retired president of Institute June 6-11 and Creating Space: An Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., died in PLACES Experiential Prayer Retreat July 21-24. December. Previously he had served as presi- Both events will be held in North Carolina. dent of two Georgia state colleges and on Baptist Theological Seminary at th For more information, visit the faculty of Mercer University, Stetson Richmond celebrated its 15 anniversary http://main.nc.us/adventspiritualitycenter/ University and Southeastern Baptist March 13 and announced the following or contact Paula Dempsey at (828) 206- Theological Seminary. gifts: $500,000 from trustees toward a 0383 or [email protected]. $11 million campaign; $1.2 million from James C. Hefley Jr., died March 20 in Mr. and Mrs. Harwood Cochrane of Providence Baptist in Charlotte, N.C., will Hannibal, Mo. at age 73. He was the Rockville, Va.; $1 million commitment celebrate its 50th anniversary May 22-23. founder of Hannibal Books, and chronicled from Deborah Carlton Loftis, the seminary’s The event will include special activities for the takeover of the Southern Baptist professor of church music; and $250,000 children and charter members, a dinner, Convention from a conservative perspective. from Fredericksburg Baptist Church toward concerts and worship. For information, call (704) 366-2784.

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Baptists Today • May 2004 33 P E R S P E C T I V E t h e l i g h t e r s i d e Out on a limb By Kathryn Hamrick

’m neither a theologian nor a seminar- It was my turn to quit breathing. totally inexplicably, he sawed off the very ian, but I have always loved that great Miles quickly reassured me that though branch he was tied in to! Iverse on motherhood: Luke 2:51b. he had been hurt, he was okay. “I’m at the Old lumberjacks warn that this happens Though mothers never get paid or house where I fell out of the tree. There are — that after so many limbs, you lose track recognized for it, a great reward and duty of lots of fine-looking women here fussing over of them. motherhood is to ponder in our hearts me. If they think they need to, they’ll call I bought into this explanation until I truths too deep for words. Since my hus- 911.” later saw the tree. Miles not only had sawed band and I were entrusted with the raising I went limp. My husband took over the off the limb to which he was tied, but it was of four boys on our family farms, I have had cell phone, getting as many of the details as the only limb left on the tree! I asked him much to ponder. we could process. what in the world was he thinking. Just when I thought I couldn’t ponder We learned that the first couple of trees “Don’t you get it, Mama?” he asked. another child-rearing experience, our had gone down without a hitch. Miles was “That’s what caused this. I wasn’t thinking.” youngest son, Miles, decided the quickest winding up on the third tree, having taken He later confessed that the man who way to earn money for his senior year at NC great pains to properly tie himself into the had taught him the trade had stated over State U. was to become a lumberjack. strongest branch of the big oak. Some and over the cardinal principle of tree trim- Although I’ve drawn a line in the 50 feet off the ground, he was ming: “You snooze; you lose.” sand about tree toppling, our sawing away on a massive Miles should not have survived this grown sons respond by sharpening 250-pound branch. mishap. But as he was free falling, his their saws and jumping over my Unfortunately and safety belt hung up on a sawed-off objections. stob. He estimates he had If mothers live long fallen approximately 10 feet enough, we do reap what we and was facing the Pearly sow. I reckon the seeds Gates when his descent were sown years ago on (or ascent) was halted. the farm when I encour- A friend said, and as a aged these boys to run mother I believe this, “God along outside — to climb reached out and placed the trees, jump creeks and boy’s rope over the stob that day.” chase dreams. As the One of the country locals warned sampler encourages, I Miles to keep this quiet. “You bein’ was giving them both a college boy, I don’t believe you should “roots and wings.” be tellin’ folks how you sawed your- Fast forward to the pres- self out of a tree.” ent … or to last summer, when But, this May on my husband and I left for the Mother’s Day, for this and beach for a few days — without other miracles, I’m a grateful any children. mother. Listen, and you’ll Five hours later, while I was toting a hear me shouting from the peck of South Carolina peaches into treetops … and in profound silence, the beach cottage, the cell phone rang. pondering deeply in my heart. Miles was on the phone, breathless, possibly because of cracked ribs. —A layperson, Kathryn Hamrick is He slowly said: “Mama, you a trustee of North Carolina have always told me ‘that God Baptist Hospital in Winston- will never forsake us, no matter Salem and has served as what happens.’ Well, I’ve president of the General learned today that that’s the Board for the N.C. truth.” Baptist State Convention. 34 Baptists Today • May 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E f a i t h e x p e r i e n c e Cheeparootse By Colleen Burroughs

“ heeparootse” is an African song my are weary and heavy laden, and I will give see a special doctor, hoping for brain surgery. sisters and I grew up singing. It is a you rest.” This was our shot at Emily having some Csong about choosing to let someone By the third verse, these women have relief from daily seizures. The first round of else help carry heavy burdens. The women taken off their invisible burdens and trusted tests went well, and we could hardly wait to would begin the song by bending over and them to Jesus. They are no longer bent over, find out when we would return for our dancing like they had a big burden on their but are able to dance around the room with- miracle surgery. back. African women carry heavy loads on out the weight of what they carry. They have Never in our wildest dreams did we their heads, on their backs and in their a Shamwadee who helps them carry their imagine the option the doctor gave us. We hearts. load. were not surgical candidates. We could try a These ladies know the meaning of bur- There is a picture of joy. Joy is the free- special diet, but that sounded like wishful den. Still they sing, bent over by the weight dom to dance despite the burdens that thinking. We were told to quit looking for a of all they carry. They sing about a friend, a surround us. It doesn’t mean the burdens miracle and find a day care that would take a “Shamwadee,” who wants to help them carry won’t be there; it just means they will be blind and deaf child with multiple daily their load. What an interesting concept for more bearable. seizures. When the doctor left, we collapsed these women in a land where they have to A few years ago my sister and I took her in tears. carry most everything. But here is this friend, 11-month-old baby, Emily, to Johns Hopkins What are we supposed to do now? Jesus, who says, “Come unto me all you who hospital. We’d been waiting for six months to Weren’t you listening, God? We asked for our miracle. We walked out and back through the waiting room trying not to look devastated in front of everyone else who might still get their miracle. We had heard there was a 20- story Jesus somewhere in the hospital so, with nothing left to do for three hours until our shuttle came to take us away, we wan- dered the halls in search of Jesus. I was skeptical, mainly because there was no 20-story building anywhere around. And besides, what did it matter how big Jesus was anyway? We found him. He wasn’t 20 stories, but he was big and strong and had these huge outstretched hands that reached toward the main entrance of the 100-year-old hospital. I wanted to fling my soul upon Jesus and cry for my sister and for Emily and all that was not to be. Then I saw the words written below his feet. “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” I heard the African women singing. I knew it was one of those moments when you have to will yourself to trust Christ with the burden.

—Colleen Burroughs is executive vice president of Passport Inc., in Birmingham, Ala.

Baptists Today • May 2004 35 P E R S P E C T I V E t h e m e d i a s h e l f Reviews by Jackie Riley

Hard Questions, Real Answers Harry Emerson Fosdick, various devotional writers and the concrete William Lane Craig Henri Nouwen, Mother experiences of the prophet Elijah, along with Teresa, Charles Spurgeon, her own perspective, she combines teaching In an intellectual and informational Thomas Merton, George and reflection on different aspects of the jour- approach leading to devotional conclusions, Buttrick and William ney with activities and disciplines that will the author tackles some of the most explosive Willimon. help readers practice solitude and silence. issues of our day: abortion, An excellent tool for Although the reading style is uncompli- homosexuality, doubt, unan- spiritual formation, this volume encourages a cated, readers should not expect a quick read; swered prayer, failure, richer prayer life, an expanded understand- the requirements for the journey are challeng- suffering and evil, and salva- ing of the historic tradition of prayer, ing and require concentration. tion through Christ alone. recovery of neglected dimensions of prayer in Although he is contemporary traditions, and discovery of $15.00 / hb / 144 pp / InterVarsity Press / unashamedly a conservative insights from less traditional writers. ISBN 0-8308-2386-7 / www.ivpress.com evangelical who ultimately offers God as the The writings are skillfully grouped into only hope, Craig avoids trite phrases and pat sections on the purpose of prayer, psalms as answers. Instead he offers honest insights Deep Peace prayer, patterns for prayer, passion for prayer, gained from a life of study and ministry, Healing in Our Lives posture of prayer, problems with prayer, declaring that his Christian faith is stronger J. Ellen Nunnally powerlessness and prayer, public and private as a result of intense research of doctrine and prayer, pastoral prayer and power of prayer. “Before we can become people of peace, we issues. have to find healing in our own lives. … If Likewise, he calls on his readers – and $17.99 / hb / 302 pp / Howard Publishing Co. / we begin to heal, then others around us will the church — to pursue intellectual engage- ISBN 1-58229-287-6 / www.howardpublishing.com begin to heal and find peace ment of social and theological concerns themselves.” rather than accepting “easy” answers: “It is To assist us in this pur- part of the broader task of Christian scholar- Invitation to Solitude and Silence suit, Nunnally takes us to ship to help create and sustain a cultural places of the heart by explor- Experiencing God’s Transforming milieu in which the gospel can be heard as ing the dimensions of an intellectually viable option for thinking Presence suffering and the redemptive men and women.” Ruth Haley Barton power of prayer. She examines several facets Even if readers do not agree with his “We are starved for mystery, intimacy, rest, of healing through the prism of different faith conclusions, Craig provides excellent research quiet.” According to Barton, the spiritual dis- traditions and a variety of exercises that and reasoning for formulating his beliefs and cipline of solitude and silence is the most allows us to access the deep peace within. decisions. His words will challenge ministers, challenging and least experi- Hers is an enlightening, ecumenical approach scholars, students and laypersons alike. enced of the Christian to deepening spirituality by calling on the disciplines. In this volume, Bible, the contemplatives and history. $14.99 / pb / 176 pp / Crossway / ISBN 1-58134-487-2 / www.crossway.com she invites readers to meet An excellent resource for either personal God deeply and fully outside devotional reading or group study, Deep Peace the demands and noise of is actually three books in one. Nunnally The Contemporaries Meet the daily life; to undertake a encourages readers to pick and choose what- Classics on Prayer quest toward spiritual transformation through ever will help from these short volumes: (1) Leonard Allen, compiler time spent alone with God. “healing stories” from the Gospels on trans- “Prayer is the natural, original language of “Unlike a trip designed to get us some- formation, Sabbath, foreigners and outcasts, human beings. … In the Christian commu- where as efficiently as possible, a quest friends and death; (2) “healing prayer” as it nity we are taught that language — by saints requires us to leave familiar dwelling places relates to the prayer of Jesus, open prayer, new and ole, by pastors and friends, in bro- for strange lands we cannot yet envision, word prayer and visual prayer; (3) “healing kenness and healing, in secret and in public.” without knowing when we will return. This practice” based on conscious choices con- With these words Allen introduces us to journey requires a willingness to say goodbye nected to the rhythm of hours, rule of life, the writings of contemplatives from the to life as we know it because our heart is life in the Spirit, Sabbath time and practic- 1500s to the present such as John Bunyan, longing for something more.” ing peace. Richard Foster, Martin Luther, Walter Barton beckons readers to risk leaving Brueggemann, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Amy their comfort zones as they seek to hear God’s $12.95 / pb / 144 pp / Cowley Publications / Carmichael, C.S. Lewis, Calvin Miller, call more clearly. Calling on the wisdom of ISBN 1-56101-219-X / www.cowley.org 36 Baptists Today • May 2004

F E A T U R E Lloyd Elder By John Pierce on Leadership (Editor’s note: Baptists Today editor John Pierce had a recent conversation with Lloyd Elder, who will retire June 1 as director of the Moench Center for Church Leadership at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Elder previously held the H. Franklin Paschall Chair for Biblical Studies and Preaching at Belmont and was president of the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board from 1984-1991.)

BT: We have all heard the term “born leadership has to do with willing leader.” Are leaders born or are they trained? “followship.”

LE: Yes. A born leader is one of the concepts Power does not always translate into of leadership. There are those who are born willing followship. with excellent attributes and characteristics and traits that make them natural leaders. BT: So would you make a distinction But the primary way I view leadership between power and authority? today is that most leaders are developed. They may start with a fairly strong natural LE: Yes. But authority can be misused. If ability, but leadership can be learned. you have authority over someone, that is not So both are true. There is some truth in leadership. You can become a kind of benev- the born leader concept, but not the whole olent dictator. truth. I guess I once thought leaders would Another theory of leadership has to do always do the right thing. Maybe that was a with positional leadership. That is, if I’m a naïve hope or dream or expectation. CEO then I’m a leader. But there is only Both in the Bible and otherwise there some truth in that. are cases where someone had leadership skills Positional leadership gives the opportu- and even power and didn’t use them wisely. nity for leadership, but leadership has to do with behavior and skills, and how you BT: What then are the common characteris- address situations. tics of good leaders?

BT: Where did your interest in leadership LE: I would start with the word “example.” come from? Efficiency and effectiveness are basic to good To use a common cliché, someone who leadership, says Lloyd Elder. walks the talk; someone who sets a good LE: It goes all the way back to being pastor example of what they want others to be and of Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort LE: If I have a particular position, some will do. Worth, Texas, in the ‘60s and ‘70s. I began assume I have leadership. That is not partic- Let’s go quickly inside of Christian at that time to have opportunities for leader- ularly so. There is a misconception that leadership. That example would have to do ship to elected offices and started reading position equals leadership; it doesn’t. with character, integrity and honesty. very extensively in the area of leadership. I have served on volunteer committees That example will also be to develop I found that was very helpful to me in in my church where the chairman of the your skills — to be able to do your own job pastoring and in being an informed elected committee may not necessarily be the leader. well is the finest influence you can have on leader of various Baptist groups. Then I dis- There may be some member or members on those who work with you. So one character- covered in doing that, that I had some the committee that show abilities in leader- istic is to model. interest in and skills for leadership that were ship. So position doesn’t equal leadership. A second characteristic of leadership has being developed and discovered. Power does not equal leadership. Power to do with persuasion. Persuasion is an awe- can be so abused that even if you have some word; it’s a biblical word and in our BT: What are some common misconcep- wealth or position or leverage, power current terminology. tions about being a leader? does not equal leadership. It may be only Persuasion is used by those who want an occasion for abuse or for force, but to change and influence others, but do not

38 Baptists Today • May 2004 F E A T U R E want to command it. Persuasion is a lot stronger BT: Should the church be intentional about force than command. leadership training? MOENCH CENTER FOR Those two characteristics are at the top of my CHURCH LEADERSHIP list. Another characteristic of leadership that I’m LE: Amen, yes, right on. We have done a good job BELMONT UNIVERSITY working hard on is called servant leadership. It has in program leadership training. We’ve done a lot to do with the pattern of Christ. better job in how to be a deacon, choir, Sunday Lloyd Elder, director How did Christ lead? If I can discover how school leader, mission leader — and that’s crucially Joyce M. Byrd, Christ led and lead that way, then I am moving important. associate director toward true leadership. We have not done as good a job training lay The Moench Center for Church Another way is to think in terms of ethical members — and I’ve been a lay member of a local Leadership at Belmont Univer- leadership. Why is it that we do not refer to church for 30 years — in concepts and practices of sity in Nashville was formed in (Adolf) Hitler or (Bernito) Mussolini or one of the leadership and in the skills necessary to carry out 1996 through a generous gift old whipping boys as great leaders? One is ethical the mission of the church. from the late Ernest J. Moench content. A new frontier for us is to think in terms of Sr. Ministers and lay leaders Leadership has to do with using power and those in the local church who want to do better from churches and church- resources and abilities right — to do things for the and, when trained to do better, will do a better job related organizations in 26 right reasons. So leadership has to do with ethical and get more satisfaction out of it and work with states have been trained content. more sense of purpose. through the resources of the Another dimension of leadership is to be effi- We don’t need to necessarily work harder. We center. cient. I have a job to do and others depend upon need to work better and make sure we are doing it Among the resources me to do it well. When I do it well, I am showing for the glory of Christ. provided is SkillTrack Online, leadership even when I do not have a position Yes, we need to do more leadership training in a computer-based, professional called leadership. the local church and we can. That is one of the curriculum of training courses. Still another is effectiveness. Leadership is things we are passionate about in the Moench More information can be seen in choosing what has the priority. What is the Center. obtained by calling most important thing I ought to be doing with my (615) 460-5580 or visiting time? BT: What are the challenges of church leadership www.belmont.edu/skilltrack. Efficiency and effectiveness are two of the today? basics of leadership by anybody anywhere. Not only do I want to be a good leader, but I want to LE: One of the greatest challenges for a local con- equip others to be good servant leaders. gregation under the leadership of the pastor is to be able to clearly state its mission. That is a challenge. BT: Will you take leadership a little more into the One thing that is not a variable is that a local church? church needs to state its own mission. Then the second challenge is to allocate its resources toward LE: If you are a born-again believer, you are a achieving that mission. minister. If you serve well, that very service is the Quite often we have positions to fill and we avenue that leads you toward leadership. fill them. We have a budget to develop and we Servant leadership is not just a contemporary develop it. These may or may not address the description of some lofty idea. In a local church, mission of the church. the strongest, most effective and successful kind of Challenge one is to state the mission. Out of leadership comes from those who work and make that, develop a vision for what we are going to do it happen. about it on this corner, in this community, today. It is not necessarily those who hold the posi- The next challenge is to really put the resources of tion or the pulpit, but those who serve in the life the church behind that. of the church are the leaders. Now there are lots of other challenges like When you think of leadership as those serving understanding the changes in the life of the church the cause of Christ, then you have a lot of women and the basic needs of the members that call this and retirees. One of the delights in the local church home. church is when the chair of a committee asks, Another challenge is how to intentionally “What is the mission of the church, and what can bring about change. This is as old as humanity I and the other committee members do to help itself. Are we going to fight change, or are we achieve it?” going to learn how to shape change? It is great when you have the heart of a leader Servant leadership is on the side of recogniz- and the position. Servant leadership isn’t just for ing that change is painful and not always desirable. those in senior leadership of the church. It should But it is a challenge to move toward our mission cascade down into the whole life of the church. rather than seeing change as a problem to be solved. BT

Baptists Today • May 2004 39 Q: What do these churches have in common? A: Through group subscriptions to Baptists Today, they keep up with the latest issues facing Baptists. American Baptist Church, Ft. Collins, Colo. First Baptist Church, Hartselle, Ala. Loray Baptist Church, Gastonia, N.C. QArdmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. First Baptist Church, Independence, Mo. Madison Baptist Church, Madison, Ga. Baptist Church of the Covenant, Birmingham, Ala. First Baptist Church, Jefferson, Ga. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. Believers Baptist Fellowship, Hendersonville, Tenn. First Baptist Church, Kannapolis, N.C. New Hope Baptist Church, Hickory, N.C. Boulevard Baptist Church, Anderson, S.C. First Baptist Church, Lavonia, Ga. North Riverside Baptist Church, Newport News, Va. Briarcliff Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. First Baptist Church, Lincolnton, N.C. Northside Drive Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. Broadmoor Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, La. First Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. North Stuart Baptist Church, Stuart, Fla. Calvary Baptist Church, Asheville, N.C. AFirst Baptist Church, Marion, N.C. Northwest Baptist Church, Ardmore, Okla. Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Ala. First Baptist Church, Manchester, Ga. Oakhurst Baptist Church, Decatur, Ga. Central Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, Fla. First Baptist Church, Monroe, N.C. Parisview Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C. Central Baptist Church Bearden, Knoxville, Tenn. First Baptist Church, Morganton, N.C. Peachtree Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. Chapel Creek Church, Broken Arrow, Okla. First Baptist Church, Morrow, Ga. Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, Urbana, Ill. College Park Baptist Church, Orlando, Fla. First Baptist Church, Mt. Olive, N.C. Pintlala Baptist Church, Hope Hull, Ala. Covenant Baptist Church, Gastonia, N.C. First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Providence Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C. Crosscreek Baptist Church, Pelham, Ala. First Baptist Church, Orangeburg, S.C. Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Little Rock, Ark. Cullowhee Baptist Church, Cullowhee, N.C. First Baptist Church, Pensacola, Fla. Riverside Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. Druid Hills Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. First Baptist Church, Riverdale, Ga. Rocky Creek Baptist Church, Forsyth, Ga. Emerywood Baptist Church, High Point, N.C. First Baptist Church, Savannah, Ga. Royston Baptist Church, Royston, Ga. Fellowship Baptist Church, Fitzgerald, Ga. First Baptist Church, Spruce Pine, N.C. Second Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas Fernwood Baptist Church, Spartanburg, S.C. First Baptist Church, Statesville, N.C. Second Baptist Church, Memphis, Tenn. First Baptist Church, Abilene, Texas First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Fla. Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. First Baptist Church, Aiken, S.C. First Baptist Church, Tifton, Ga. Shades Crest Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. First Baptist Church, Albany, Ga. First Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. Shurlington Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. First Baptist Church, Asheville, N.C. First Baptist Church, Washington, N.C. Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Stone Mountain, Ga. First Baptist Church, Athens, Ga. First Baptist Church, Waynesville, N.C. South Main Baptist Church, Houston, Texas First Baptist Church, Avondale Estates, Ga. First Baptist Church, Whiteville, N.C. St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, La. First Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau, Mo. First Baptist Church, Wilmington, N.C. St. John’s Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C. First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Ga. Flat Rock Baptist Church, Mt. Airy, N.C. St. Matthews Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky. First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tenn. Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, Meridian, Miss. Tabernacle Baptist Church, Carrollton, Ga. First Baptist Church, Chickasaw, Ala. Haddock Baptist Church, Haddock, Ga. Trinity Baptist Church, Cordova, Tenn. First Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. Hardwick Baptist Church, Hardwick, Ga. Trinity Baptist Church, Moultrie, Ga. First Baptist Church, Dalton, Ga. Hendricks Ave. Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Fla. Vineville Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. First Baptist Church, Decatur, Ga. Highland Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky. Wake Forest Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. First Baptist Church, DeLand, Fla. Highland Hills Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. Wieuca Road Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. First Baptist Church, Forsyth, Ga. Holmeswood Baptist Church, Kansas City, Mo. Winter Park Baptist Church, Wilmington, N.C. First Baptist Church, Frankfort, Ky. Immanuel Baptist Church, Greenville, N.C. Woodhaven Baptist Church, Apex, N.C. First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Fla. Johns Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, Ga. Yates Baptist Church, Durham, N.C. First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Ga. Kirkwood Baptist Church, St. Louis, Mo. First Baptist Church, Greenwood, S.C. Knollwood Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. … Your church can be better informed, too, for as little as $375 per year (minimum 25 subscriptions at $15 each). Just send a list of names and addresses, along with a check, to:

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