BaptistsTexas Committed October 2002 Newsletter of Mainstream Baptists of Texas Vote for These BGCT Leaders: Campbell, Camacho and Ferrier Bob Campbell, a longtime denominational leader and pastor of Westbury Baptist Church, Houston; Rudy Camacho, a longtime leader in both the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas and member of Gambrell Street Baptist Church, Fort Worth; and Debbie Ferrier, a laywoman with extensive involvement in church and denominational endeavors and a member of Tallowood Baptist Church, Houston; will be nominated as officers of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at the annual convention in Waco, November 11-12, 2002. Campbell to be nominated for second term as Texas convention president By Marv Knox Editor, The Baptist Standard ABILENE—Bob Campbell will be nominated for a second term as president of the Baptist General Conven- tion of Texas when it meets in Waco Nov. 11-12. Campbell, pastor of Westbury Baptist Church in Houston and a veteran denominational leader, was elected to a one-year term as BGCT president last year in Dallas. Mike Chancellor, pastor of Crescent Heights Baptist Church in Abilene, announced Campbell’s nomination last week. ”Bob and I have known each other for 30 years. He was my Baptist Student Union director,” he said. “I am thrilled to nominate him.” see Campbell, page 2… Bob Campbell Camacho to be nominated for TBC Online! www.txbc.org BGCT first vice president at Waco session INSIDE Message from the Chair By Marv Knox Bill Brian ...... 4 Editor, The Baptist Standard Matter of Perspective FORT WORTH—Rudy Camacho, a longtime leader in both the David Currie ...... 5 Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Hispanic Baptist Con- vention of Texas, will be nominated for first vice president of the A Courageous Stand BGCT this fall. Ray Higgins ...... 6 ”Rudy Camacho is a soul-winner, a great Christian and a great ‘Find Your Voice’ friend, and he will make a wonderful first vice president,” said his Jim Newton ...... 7 pastor, Clyde Glazener of Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort Worth, who plans to nominate him. Whatever Happened to Baptist Rudy Camacho see Camacho, page 2… Missions? Becky Matheny .... 8 Etica y Misiones South Texas laywoman a nominee for Joe Trull...... 10 BGCT vice presidency in Waco Bridge Out Allen Thomason ...... 11 By Marv Knox Editor, The Baptist Standard Bring Your Garbage… HOUSTON—Debbie Ferrier, a layperson with extensive involve- Joe McKeever ...... 12 ment in church and denominational endeavors, will be nominated for BGCT Network Confirmed second vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Ken Camp ...... 14 ”She is a great, great lady. She represents the very best in Baptist local church leadership,” said her pastor, Duane Brooks of Tallowood Uncooperative Baptists Baptist Church in Houston, who plans to nominate her when the John Pierce ...... 15 BGCT meets in Waco Nov. 11-12. BGCT 2002 Convention ”Her grandmother gave the land for South Texas Children’s Home information ...... 16Ð17 Debbie Ferrier see Ferrier, page 3… — 1 — …Campbell, from page 1 …Camacho, from page 1 The election will be held during the Campbell deserves a second year in of- panic Baptist Theological School (in San BGCT annual session, Nov. 11-12 in Waco. fice because he has been a strong role model Antonio) to reach beyond their campus and Camacho is the immediate past presi- and representative in office, Chancellor to lead people to Christ. Dallas Baptist Uni- dent of the Hispanic Baptist Convention said. versity also is reaching people for Christ, and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the ”As a pastor, he has represented pastors and they’re proud they are an evangelical cause of Christ in the state, Glazener noted. well at a time when religious leadership presence in that setting.” ”He’s represented the BGCT through- has come under scrutiny, and it has been Reports presented by the BGCT State out Texas with pastors and churches, help- disappointing,” he noted. “He is a guy of Missions Commission are thrilling, he said. ing them to understand who we are and to deep faith, and he has a deep devotion to “Its commitment is to lead people to Christ, want to relate to us and be a part of our mission and ministry,” Glazener said. “He’s Scripture. no matter what it’s doing, and it does this heavily involved in Texas Baptist Life and ”He also cares about people who do not in a variety of ways.” the life of the kingdom.” know Christ. He has a good, strong family. Everywhere he looked this year, On the local level, Camacho is “a won- He has a great sense of humor but is aware Campbell saw the BGCT’s evangelistic/ derful churchman,” Glazener added. “He is of his own foibles.” ministry spirit: “The huge number of Mis- active in our deacon body and serves on Campbell also has represented Texas sion Service Corps volunteers in Texas and our missions committee. He is a good friend Baptists well, Chancellor added, stressing beyond Texas. The excitement of the Mexi- and a great friend to the BGCT.” the importance of identification with people can partnership and their desire to come If elected, Camacho said, he hopes to be who call the BGCT their denominational here and help us win people to Christ who a convention supporter and a builder of home. have crossed the border. This is not us bridges within the BGCT. ”Ever since I can remember, I have been ”He exemplifies Texas Baptists of to- being Big Brother, but a true partnership. promoting others. That’s what I am all day—independent but cooperative. He is Campbell has been pastor of Westbury about,” he said. “I would rather support not going to be intimidated, and yet he is Baptist Church since 1991. He was chair- others, ... but after awhile, I said, ‘I think I open to working with folks from all across man of the BGCT Executive Board in 1996 have some contributions to make.’” the Baptist spectrum.” and 1997. He also was chairman of the Those contributions can be comprised Campbell also fills the president’s role BGCT Seminary Study Committee in 2000. of linking BGCT Baptists together, he because “he has a sense of who we have Previously, Campbell was pastor of Cal- added. “I am a people person. I have estab- been historically,” Chancellor suggested. vary Baptist Church in Garland; Northwest lished relationships with others—primarily ”Bob also has represented the state con- Baptist Church in Ardmore, Okla.; Salt Hispanics, but also blacks and Anglos. I vention well—it’s about its people, educa- Creek Baptist Church in Brownwood; Plum can reach across to everybody. I would lis- ten, communicate and, of course, cooper- tional institutions and human services in- Grove Baptist Church in Markley; and Cal- ate.” stitutions,” he said. vary Baptist Church in Forest Hill, La. Camacho’s experience as president of ”He is proud of getting on the campuses; He also was assistant professor of Bible the Hispanic Baptist Convention has given by the time the convention arrives, he will and Greek and director of religious activi- him the background to emphasize and have visited every BGCT university cam- ties at Howard Payne University. He has “speak of the many positives” the BGCT pus,” Chancellor said. “He is been telling been an adjunct professor at Southwestern has to offer, he said. Those include the them, ‘We appreciate the role you have in Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort convention’s tremendous diversity, as well shaping Baptist life, and we want you to Worth and New Orleans Baptist Theologi- as its broad range of ministries, which in- know we appreciate you and want you to cal Seminary. clude hospitals, child care institutions, ag- continue to be supportive in meeting our Campbell is a graduate of Louisiana ing care institutions, scholarships for uni- versity and seminary students, and programs goals.’” College in Pineville and Southwestern Bap- to start churches throughout the state, he Campbell said he is willing to be nomi- tist Theological Seminary, where he earned added. nated for a second term because he appre- a doctorate. He and his wife, Judith Ann, ”We are growing; we have more church ciates the challenge and particularly enjoys have two adult children, Michael Andrew starts than any group, and that speaks to “seeing Texas Baptists’ work firsthand.” Campbell and Michelle Andrea how the BGCT has reached out,” he said. A key priority will be visiting all 23 Zimmerman. “I want to be able to speak to many groups, institutions affiliated with the state conven- Westbury Baptist Church has 1,387 resi- not only Hispanics, to say how the BGCT tion. By annual session time, he will have dent members and averaged 508 in Sun- has made such vital contributions.” been to all nine Baptist universities. day School attendance last year, when it Camacho is retired from the U.S. Postal Campbell has learned a great deal trav- baptized 35 new Christians, according to Service and is a lay preacher. In addition to serving as president of the Hispanic Bap- eling among Texas Baptists this past year, the 2001 BGCT Annual. The church con- tist Convention, he is a member of the but “the thing that I’ve been most impressed tributed $63,705—or 5 percent of its bud- BGCT Executive Board, the George W. with is the evangelistic attitude,” he said. get—to the BGCT Cooperative Program Truett Seminary board of advisers, the “I have watched what they do at the His- unified budget. continued page 3… — 2 — HOW UNBAPTIST CAN SOME BAPTISTS BE?

By David R. Currie convention if it chooses. A church may support a state conven- Executive Director tion but not a national convention. Two Baptist state conventions are considering moving Certainly a state convention has the right to set its own away from Baptist principles in dramatic fashions. requirements for affiliation, but it is not Baptist to make sup- In Missouri, the president of the state convention has or- port of one entity a requirement to affiliate with another mis- dered messenger registration cards for the upcoming state sion entity. You can do it, but you cannot call it Baptist. convention not be sent to six churches that have dropped The BGCT could, if it wanted, pass a motion that for any affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention. church to send messengers to the annual meeting, that church The Louisiana Baptist Convention will consider changing must give Howard Payne University (my alma mater) $1,000 its constitution to define a “cooperating” church as one that per annum from their church budget. The BGCT could do it, supports both the state and Southern Baptist Convention but it would not be Baptist. The BGCT has no right to tell a through the Cooperative Program unified budget. local church to support a specific Texas Baptist university or Both these actions violate everything it has ever meant to any other Baptist entity. Yet this is exactly what is happening be Baptist. in Missouri and may happen in Louisiana. The principle of local church autonomy means a local It is time for Baptists to stand up and demand that Baptist church will make the decision about whom it will partner entities honor Baptist principles or Baptist freedom will cease with. A church may join a local association, but not a state to exist.

…Camacho, from page 2 Texas Baptist Laity Institute board of di- and committee on committees and is a of the state. “I would look forward to serv- rectors and the board of directors for church greeter. ing with Texas Baptists as we reach the Howard Payne University, his alma mater. Through her missions leadership, she lost here in our own state, as well as across He also is active in Tarrant Baptist Asso- oversees the church’s program that helps the nation and throughout the world.” ciation. teenage girls obtain statewide certification Through her work on the Committee on His wife, Micaela Camacho, is second in the Acteens missions program, Brooks Nominations for Institution Boards, she has vice president of the Hispanic Baptist Con- noted, adding she has helped countless girls enjoyed the opportunity to meet the presi- vention, the first woman to be an officer of receive college scholarships through dents of the BGCT’s 23 institutions and to that convention. She also is a trustee of Acteens. examine the ministries of those institutions. Hispanic Baptist Theological School. Ferrier is chairperson of the BGCT Com- “They reach people all over this state The Camachos have established a stu- mittee on Nominations for Institution with the gospel, and the majority of Texas dent scholarship fund through the Hispanic Boards and is a member of the Missions Baptists have no idea about the extent of Baptist Convention, and the convention Review & Initiatives Committee. the reach of our institutional ministries,” named the scholarship in their honor. The She is a member of the boards of direc- she said. “I want to help educate them.” scholarship currently helps five students and tors for Hispanic Baptist Theological School She also wants to build support for His- previously has provided funds to seven and the Texas Baptist Laity Institute, and panic Baptist Theological School and for other students. she served on the BGCT’s Strategy Com- the statewide ministry of the Texas Baptist mittee. Laity Institute. In Union Baptist Association in Hous- “There are many avenues Texas Bap- …Ferrier, from page 1 ton, she has served on the missions long- tists have to reach Texas, and Hispanic Bap- range planning committee and other com- tist Theological School is one of them,” in Beeville,” Brooks said. “She is the daugh- mittees and has worked on associational she explained. “I would like Texas Bap- ter of a Baptist preacher. She grew up lov- Woman’s Missionary Union committees. tists to consider supporting HBTS—put- ing the Lord and serving the local church. She was chairperson of the Cooperative ting the school in their church budgets as “She has been a widow for eight years, Baptist Fellowship’s general assembly Tallowood has, sending teams to help the and she has invested her life in the church steering committee in 1998, and she is on school and pledging to pray for (HBTS and given her time and energy and, I am the Texas CBF coordinating council. President) Albert Reyes and his staff.” sure, her resources to advance the cause of If elected to convention office, Ferrier She also wants to encourage Texas Bap- missions. ... She is a great champion of will help the BGCT maintain its focus on tists to learn more about missions and to be missions. In the great tradition of Phoebe missions. personally involved, she said. in Romans 16, she is a great servant in her “Texas Baptists always have been a “I have been in the Baptist church since church, a commendable servant.” people with a heart for missions, and that’s the womb,” she added. “It is wonderful Ferrier is Tallowood’s director of where my heart is,” she said. Texas Baptists are willing to nominate a women’s ministries, an umbrella that coor- “But the world is right here with us,” woman for second vice president.” dinates the work of 33 groups. She also she said, pointing to the racial and ethnic Ferrier’s daughter, Catherine, is a se- serves on the church’s missions committee diversity that is changing the complexion nior at Baylor University.

— 3 — own possession, so that you may proclaim The civil religion of a “Christian na- the excellencies of Him who has called you tion” is a watered down, faceless religion. out of darkness into his marvelous light.” The notion of a Christian nation does not Message (1 Peter 2:9). serve the God who plainly stated that each from Did the United States call itself “a Chris- of us must be “born again” (John 3:3) into the Chair tian nation” in its early days? No. Article a relationship with him so that each of us, 11 of a treaty ratified by the U.S. Senate and all of us, believers, collectively may be Bill Brian, and signed by President John Adams in a nation of priests, a royal priesthood of TBC Chair 1797 (mostly referred to as the “Treaty of Jesus Christ the Savior and King. Tripoli, of Barbary”) declares, in the con- In the process, those who are part of text of relations with predominately Mus- that kingdom as well as a part of this great Is America a “Christian nation”? lim states: nation are the very best citizens of this na- Historically, Baptists have never be- “As the United States of America is not tion. lieved that a nation could be Christian. in any sense founded on the Christian reli- Come to Waco for 2002 BGCT Rather, that every member of the human gion; as it has in itself no character of en- Annual Meeting race, one by one, is either born again into mity against the laws, religion or tranquil- the kingdom of Christ, or remains outside lity of musselmen; and as the said States This is one convention meeting you do that realm. It has to do with the dignity of never have entered in any war or act of not want to miss. Messengers will receive every man, created in God’s own image, competent under God to make moral and other life changing choices. Roger Williams (1604-1683), educated A damaging result of the notion of a Christian nation in England, came to America in search of is that we find ourselves immersed in a vague civil religious liberty and established the first Baptist church in America before 1640 in religion that makes few meaningful demands on its what is now Providence, Rhode Island. Williams wrote in 1644, “At present I “adherents” and ignores the scriptures that are replete answer, there is no holy land or city of the with accountability not of nations, but of individuals Lord, no King of Zion, etc., but the Church of Jesus Christ… .” for their response to God’s call on their lives. About a century and a half later John Leland (1754-1841), an American Baptist preacher, lobbied for a bill of rights that hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it and vote on the recommendations of the would secure religious liberty for all Ameri- is declared by the parties that no pretext Missions Review & Initiatives Committee cans (the First Amendment) in this then arising from religious opinions shall ever which will set the stage for missions action young nation. produce an interruption of the harmony ex- by Texas Baptists in the 21st Century (see Declaring this principle more succinctly, isting between the two countries.” page 13). Leland compared the Old Testament na- What difference does all this history As quoted in an October 7 Baptist Stan- tion of Israel to the kingdom of God ush- make? For one thing it is in opposition to dard report, commenting on the recommen- ered in by Jesus. the rewriting of history that a handful of dations, Truett Seminary associate profes- Leland wrote, “The church of Israel took outspoken Americans have recently under- sor of global missions Mike Stroope said, the whole nation and none but that nation: taken to blur the line of separation between “The amateurization of missions is a real Whereas Christ’s church takes no whole church and state. trend. The task of missions is being taken nation, but those who fear God and work A damaging result of the notion of a away from professionals and assumed by righteousness in every nation.” Christian nation is that we find ourselves churches. They are doing it. Let’s help The Bible itself lays the foundation for immersed in a vague civil religion that them.” this principle of individual persons (not na- makes few meaningful demands on its “ad- Plan to attend all sessions of the con- tions) as Christians when in Revelation, herents” and ignores the scriptures that are vention through Tuesday evening. chapter 5, verse 9 the Apostle John writes replete with accountability not of nations, Robert B. Sloan, Jr. Special Guest of a vision about Jesus; the risen Lord, but of individuals for their response to Speaker for TBC Breakfast “Worthy are you to take the book and to God’s call on their lives. I look forward with great anticipation to break its seals: for you were slain, and pur- It is like the often sung “God Bless hearing from Baylor President Robert B. chased for God with your blood men from America,” now more popular than ever. Sloan, Jr. during the annual TBC breakfast every tribe and tongue and people and na- While I appreciate this song as a reminder on Tuesday morning. If you have not placed tion.” (Emphasis added.) And Peter, an- of God’s blessings conferred on this na- your order for tickets, do so now before other of the Apostles of Jesus, writing to tion, my sense is that many who voice the tickets are gone. the early churches in what is now Asia “God Bless America” sentiment seldom Thank you for supporting Texas Bap- Minor said, consider the duty of individual Americans, tists Committed and the work of our Bap- “But you are a chosen race, a royal one-by-one, to be responsible for their own tist General Convention of Texas. priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s conduct before God. — 4 — A MATTER OF body, then turned and rode back to the res- 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, and are PERSPECTIVE ervation in Oklahoma. The days of the great disenfranchising all who do not agree with buffalo hunts were gone forever. Trying to their interpretation. Tradition relive the old days did not bring the same The SBC no longer values Baptist free- and the thrill. It was over. dom and the priesthood of each believer, I love history and tradition. The TBC but rather that the majority makes the final Future office is in San Angelo, not Dallas, be- decision. The SBC no longer values local cause I want it that way and our board church autonomy but rather wants local By graciously allows it. My office is in the old churches to agree with the national hospital building where I was born, so you convention’s wishes (See article on page David R. Currie could say that my Ph.D. has helped me 3). The SBC no longer values religious lib- Executive Director move along in my life, about 100 feet if erty (the single most important value that John Graves is an incredible writer. My my calculations are correct. makes America—America) but strongly en- friend, Phil Stickland, gave me a copy of I am born and bred to be a Southern courages the marriage of church and state his award winning book, Goodbye to a River for my birthday. I read it this sum- mer (December 3rd is my 50th birthday, …I challenge you to look to the future but Phil and I will be mule deer hunting). John Graves grew up in Fort Worth and and not the past. God is calling us as spent his youth fishing and camping on the Texas Baptists to a new future, away Brazos River. When he heard it was about it be dammed, he got a canoe, took his dog from fighting and control, focused on whom he called “the passenger” with him and rode the river for three weeks from Christ and his Kingdom. Mineral Wells to Glen Rose (I acquired a new dog after Princess died and named her Baptist. My great, great grandfather, Rob- on many issues. ‘Passenger’ after reading the book). The ert M. Currie came to Texas from Missis- I, one who values history and tradition, book is a narrative about his three-week sippi in the 1850s. He was a Southern Bap- am in a dilemma and many others reading journey down the river, and it also mixes tist preacher, and the first moderator of the this share the same dilemma. I want to be in history, religion, and fishing. I urge you San Antonio Baptist Association. true to historic Southern Baptist theology, to go to the library and check it out. His great grandson was a very famous biblical theology, but the SBC does not I read the book and cried, laughed, re- Baptist, W.A. Criswell, long time pastor of follow that anymore. membered, and did all the things a good FBC, Dallas, and my dad’s first cousin. So I challenge you to look to the future book should make one do. I remembered My mother’s sister, Jewette, was mar- and not the past. God is calling us as Texas how in 1990, my brother-in-law, Danny ried to Charles P. McLaughlin, a modern Baptists to a new future, away from fight- Slaughter, my sons, Lance and Chad, and I Texas Baptist saint, and long time State ing and control, focused on Christ and his put in our old boat at Winkle crossing. We Missions director for the BGCT. Trust me, Kingdom. rode it through the Blue Hole on our way Uncle Charlie was Mr. Texas Baptist of The buffalo that grazed on my ranch to the Littlefield place where the Concho the latter 20th century. If any man could when “the people” owned it are gone. There and Colorado Rivers came together because “walk on water” because of the love in his are fences now. I raise sheep and cattle. we wanted to see it one more time before it heart, it was Uncle Charlie. Life moves on. was forever in the bottom of Lake O.H. I love the history and tradition of South- The Blue Hole is in the heart of the Ivie. ern Baptists. I grew up knowing about it, lake. I will never see it again. Life moves A great deal of Goodbye to a River deals seeing it first hand, and wanting to be a on. with the sadness over a way of life lost part of it. The one church I was privileged The future is not the SBC. If you doubt forever. Once the land was “owned” by the to serve as pastor, I led to increase its giv- that, just read John 8, Matthew 23, and the Comanches. Graves tells a fascinating story ing to the Cooperative Program by 10 per- book of Galatians. Neither Jesus nor Paul about a group of Indians riding down from cent. wanted anything to do with fundamental- the Indian Territory (long after the buffalo I write all this to say that I understand ism and neither should we? were gone) to Charles Goodnight’s ranch. the tendency to look to the past instead of I love living where I can touch my roots. Goodnight had a small herd of buffalo. They the future. Our past is the Southern Baptist I love the contribution my ancestors made demanded a buffalo so he offered them a Convention. We remember it fondly. We as Southern Baptists. For me to honor them, female. They said, “Bull.” So Goodnight miss it badly. It is tempting to believe it I have to move on. I have to be true to their offered them his young bull. They said, has not changed. But, the SBC has drasti- values, the Bible’s values and support CBF, “Big Bull.” Finally, Goodnight gave in and cally changed. the BGCT, and other organizations that gave them his old, big bull. The Indians The SBC no longer stands for people truly honor what my ancestors devoted their dressed up for the occasion, war paint and committed to the Bible as the word of God lives too. all. They took the old bull, chased him a and our final authority in matters of faith Please join me. You will not bring the few hundred yards down the road, killed and practice, but rather people who have buffalo back but you will make God smile, him with spears, stared down at his lifeless taken the Bible, turned it into a creed, the I promise you. — 5 — The Role of Second Baptist Church in the Ray Higgins has Little Rock Central High School Crisis served as pastor of Second By Ray Higgins Baptist Church, I proudly serve as pastor to a multiracial leaders. Little Rock, Ark., congregation today because of the coura- When the governor closed Little since 1994. geous stand Second Baptist Church, Little Rock’s high schools for the 1958-59 This article is Rock, took 45 years ago this month, under school year, Cowling opened an accred- reprinted from the leadership of its pastor, Dr. Dale Cowl- ited high school in Second Baptist Ethicsdaily.com. ing. Church for the public. It stood in con- In early September 1957, a hostile crowd trast to T.J. Rainey High School, which watched as Arkansas National Guard troops was opened only for segregationists. The Just this month, the Little Rock School Dis- blocked the entrance of nine black students school, called Baptist High, had around 300 trict was released from court-ordered sanc- into the all-white Little Rock Central High students in 10th through 12th grades. tions for the first time since 1957. School. During the 1957-58 school year, Sec- Today, our church is still known in the Three weeks later, on Sept. 25, 1957, ond Baptist member Lynn Heflin served as community for its positive stand on “people after negotiations between Arkansas Gov. vice president of the Little Rock Central relations.” For over 30 years, our church Orval Faubus and President Dwight PTA, becoming president for the 1958-59 has partnered in worship with two African- Eisenhower failed to resolve the stalemate, year when the governor closed the school. American Baptist congregations and an- Eisenhower called in the U.S. Army’s 101st One of the most significant players in other Anglo Baptist congregation. Airborne Division to escort and protect the the crisis was U. S. Congressman Brooks Our church serves as the home church nine black students as they entered the Hays, a longtime member of Second Bap- for Ernie Dodson and her husband, Jon. school. In those early days of television news, dramatic images of the conflict in front Cowling—from the pulpit, and Hays—from the halls of of the impressive façade of Central High, government, worked in tandem to help integrate the largest high school in the country Little Rock Central High School. Second Baptist lost when it was built in 1927, remain in members and financial support as a result. The 16-year people’s memories. The school was be- congressman lost his seat to a coming the symbol for a greater lesson in education about equal rights and re- write-in segregationist candidate. spect for all people regardless of race. Yet today, we know beyond any doubt here were really three viewpoints who was right and who was wrong. Tin those days. The majority made an ugly scene for segregation. A minority tried to make a reasoned case that the right tist, where he taught a popular men’s Bible Ernie grew up in Second Baptist as a child thing to do was to obey the law, which class of 350 people for over 20 years. He in the 1960s and is the founder and CEO of authorized the integration of the public also served two terms as lay president of EMOBA-the Museum of Black Arkansans. schools. Finally, a very few actually be- the Southern Baptist Convention. EMOBA develops exhibits and highlights lieved that integration itself was right. Congressman Hays, who the Washing- the experiences of African-Americans in The pain of racism and the scars of ra- ton Post called “one of the gentlest spirits Arkansas’ history. cial segregation temper the pride that Little in this hard-boiled town—a steadfast and Rock citizens feel in celebrating these an- courageous man,” was an outspoken advo- his fall my oldest son, Adam, niversaries. Looking back, almost every- cate for the integration of Central High. He T stepped onto the Central High cam- one admits the evils of segregation and how played a mediator’s role between the Ar- pus as a freshman. I am proud to drive him hard it was to prevail against it. It’s im- kansas governor and President Eisenhower. to school. To see the racial diversity on pressive to think about how much courage Cowling—from the pulpit, and Hays— campus. To see the academic strength of it took for community leaders and common from the halls of government, worked in the school. To see the equal opportunities citizens to work together for the integra- tandem to help integrate Little Rock Cen- available to all our children. To see the tion of Central High School. tral High School. Second Baptist lost mem- fruits of Second Baptist Church’s leader- bers and financial support as a result. The ship in a community crisis 45 years ago n interesting sidebar to this historic 16-year congressman lost his seat to a write- today. Amoment is the role that Second in segregationist candidate. Yet today, we Now we will see if our churches, pas- Baptist Church played in the crisis. Pastor know beyond any doubt who was right and tors and public leaders have the same mea- Dale Cowling was a key community leader who was wrong. sure of courage, as a few did 45 years ago, in the early civil rights movement, preach- to keep pushing us in the direction of lov- ing sermons about the God-given dignity ittle Rock is still recovering from ing our neighbors as ourselves—because of all people and influencing community Lracism’s destructive consequences. we still have not reached that goal. — 6 — Street Urges Baptists to ‘Find their Voice’

By Jim Newton institutions are nothing more Jim Newton of Clinton, Miss., is moderator of The coordinator of the Cooperative Bap- than ‘preacher wars.’ CBF of Mississippi and editor of its newsletter. tist Fellowship of Mississippi (CBF-MS) “Then we righteously say, He is a native of Texas. warned Southern Baptists of the dangers of ‘Now if they ever start mess- fundamentalism, and urged them to “find ing with our missionaries, then by issue to rewrite the Bible.” their voice” in taking a stand for freedom you will see the people in the pews rise up Pollard recalled staying at a Marriott and the love of Christ. in protest,” Street said. Hotel (owned by a Mormon) and seeing “The love of Christ cares enough to But this year, every SBC missionary both a Holy Bible and a Book of Mormon speak the truth to those living in funda- serving in the International Mission Board mentalist bondage and is brave enough to is being required to sign the Baptist Faith protect the faith of our children from reli- and Message Statement, or be relieved of gious zealots,” said Steve Street in his first duty, said Street. “As we sit here today, missionaries are “It looks as though that we leaving the field rather than surrender their are trying in our denomina- historic Baptist freedom to creedalism.” But in Mississippi and most other states, Street tion to meet year by year said he had heard little more than a grunt in and issue by issue to re- response. “In fact, our response has been to write the Bible.” — Pollard stick our heads in the sand and continue pretending the controversy does not affect annual coordinator’s report during the an- us.” nual Fall Assembly of CBF-MS. “I don’t “I fear,” said Pollard, “that Steve Street want my twin boys to grow up under the we are getting to the place influence of fundamentalism,” he explained. that every Mormon must read to under- Street compared the Fundamentalists in where we might have a stand the Bible. “I fear,” said Pollard, “that the Southern Baptist Convention today to Book of Baptist and we we are getting to the place where we might the Pharisees and Sadducees Jesus encoun- must read the Book of have a Book of Baptist and we must read tered. the Book of Baptist before we read the Holy As Jesus went about his mission and Baptist before we read the Scripture.” ministry to people in need, the fundamen- Holy Scripture.” “We need courageous Baptist statesmen talists of his day hounded him with a series who tell it like it is,” Street said. He added of test questions to determine his doctrinal Street compared the apathy among he read a letter from a pastor to his congre- legitimacy on such issues as divorce, pay- Southern Baptists toward fundamentalism gation in which he called fundamentalism ment of taxes, and marriage after the resur- to what marriage and family therapists of- “a dangerous, anti-Gospel ideology.” Al- rection, Street said. ten refer to “the big, invisible elephant sit- though the words are strong, they are true, “Then in Matthew 23:23, Jesus lays it ting in the middle of the room.” Everyone said Street. “Somebody had found his voice on the table and says what needs to be involved in counseling knows the elephant and spoken the truth.” said,” observed Street. “‘Woe to you, teach- exists, but they don’t want to talk about it The cause, he declared, is not fighting ers of the law and Pharisees, you hypo- and openly try to pretend it doesn’t exist. fundamentalism, but flying the flag of free- crites…’ Jesus said. ‘You give a tenth of The elephant may be alcoholism, drug ad- dom and ministry to others with the love of your spices…but you have neglected the diction, or an explosive temper. Christ. “I don’t expect every freedom-lov- more important matters of the law Ð jus- In Baptist life, the big unseen elephant ing Southern Baptist to fly the CBF flag, tice, mercy and faithfulness.’” sitting in our living room is religious fun- but at least fly the flag of freedom—Bible Street said that the love of Christ not damentalism, Street said. “I guess it is our freedom, soul freedom, church freedom, and only motivates CBF to mission and minis- southern culture that says, ‘It is not polite religious freedom.” try, but also is strong enough and willing to talk about it.’” Street told of a personal experience in to confront the legalism and bondage of Street held up a cassette tape of a mes- which he told a counselor he felt like a fundamentalism. It is a love “that calls us sage by Frank Pollard, retired pastor of man who had grown up on a tree, but had to give up control and be embraced by the First Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss., and been pushed out on a limb being sawed off nurturing love of God.” current president of the Mississippi Baptist by fundamentalist Baptists. “I had no de- He said he had often heard Southern Convention. Pollard preached during chapel sire to climb back on the branch, but I was Baptist pastors say, “We have managed to at Southwestern Baptist Theological Semi- fearful of the fall.” stay above the fundamentalist fray in the nary last year. After a long silence, the counselor told SBC.” Then he observed: “So we go back “It looks as though,” said Pollard in that Street, “When you fall, you may find you into our cocoon and pretend the ravages of message, “that we are trying in our de- have fallen into your true community of fundamentalism against our seminaries and nomination to meet year by year and issue faith.” — 7 — Whatever Happened to Baptist Missions?

he heartbeat of Baptists has always been missions. We were formed be- cause of a concern for freedom and a love of missions, education and T evangelism. Baptists have not changed. We are still a missions-minded people. I grew up in a church that was missions-minded. Actually we participated in mission endeavors and talked about missions in mission groups. We all knew about Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong and were proud to participate with a group of Becky Matheny Baptists who sent missionaries all over the world to share the gospel. Executive Director In college, I was a summer missionary to Maryland and worked in churches and Baptist Heritage Council (A Mainstream Organization) campuses all over the state to help establish ministries to college students. I was a Athens, GA missionary. Baptists wanted to send their own to minister Ð to have the experience of Email: [email protected] being a missionary. That was the Baptist way. Since that time in the 70s, Southern Baptists have sent thousands of missionaries been a change in the profile of IMB per- and have supported the missions endeavor with people and money. It was a system sonnel on the field from a career appoint- we all applauded because we knew the ministry was effective. However, there has ment to a short-term appointment base. We been a shift. The system we all knew is not in place any longer. It has been replaced need missionaries who invest themselves with a new system—one that is driven by fear and intimidation. It is one that uses “the in a country, who learn the language and bottom line” as the criteria by which decisions are made. understand the culture, and commit them- In the past four months I have talked to several SBC missionaries, both on the field selves to long-term relationships. and retired. The following are some of their concerns. I have not given specific names Some missionaries have said that the or countries because of fear of reprisal. Also some of this information has come from IMB sees them differently now than when the missions study committee of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Their they were called. Formerly, they were seen findings came after studying the IMB (International Mission Board) and NAMB as God-called missionaries, who would (North American Mission Board) for two years. The entire document can be found on carry out the Great Commission. Now they the Baptist Standard web site at www.baptiststandard.com. feel there is a corporate mentality in which they are considered employees of IMB, International Mission Some missionaries are being asked to rather than called by God to do what God solicit funds from non-SBC sources to fund called them to do in their country? They Board projects. One missionary predicted that in are being asked to carry out the tasks of the a few years, they would be raising their organization rather than carry out the call Finances ministry budget and perhaps their salary of God. All over the world, the IMB is liquidat- also. Even with 20 year’s worth of longev- New Directions ing their assets and returning funds to the ity raises, they made less this year(in their United States. They are closing ministries country’s currency) than they made 15 years New Directions, a reorganization of the and in many places the nationals are not ago. IMB, has taken decision-making power financially capable of taking over the min- According to the IMB’s Annual Report, away from the individual in the field. The istries, some of which have been there for in 1999 they received $83 million from focus used to be an incarnational ministry, years. Cooperative Program and $105 million whereby those who lived and worked in The IMB is amassing millions of dol- through Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. the country knew best how God was work- lars in their storehouses. One estimate on The 1999 budget was $230 million, $33 ing there. The New Directions now em- the holdings is $1 Billion. The IMB bought million was spent stateside; $146 million phasizes team structures, focuses on people enormous amounts of property around the on missionary support; $35 million in over- groups and population segments and the world in post-WW II and is beginning to seas operating expenses and $16 million in goal is “to do whatever it takes to begin sell off the assets and return the funds to capital expenses. Total investments equal and nurture a church-planting movement the states. While the assets of the minis- $387 million, not including property and among the people.” tries may not have accrued in value from other holdings around the world. The concern is that missionaries who the early days (seminaries, hospitals, pub- trained and have served as doctors, admin- lishing houses, etc.), the land in many cases Personnel istrators, teachers, and specialists are being has skyrocketed. Where is this money go- The IMB has reduced “career” person- required to redirect their work into church ing? We are constantly being told that we nel. They have placed “short-term” person- starting at the expense of their training and need to give to support the missionaries. nel where career personnel have been. From calling. One missionary estimated that it would take 1989 to 1998 the increase in short-term This redirection means that the IMB is 20 years for the IMB to run out of money if personnel went from 40% to 62% of all the withdrawing personnel and financial sup- no additional money was given. newly appointed missionaries. There has port on an accelerated basis from institu- — 8 — tions; hospitals, schools, seminaries and retreat or Mission Service Corps. They are Some of us disagree in principle with centers. National leaders have said that this with- not fulltime missionaries. this document. We are supporting a system drawal is occurring before they have had time to For 2000, the figures are: to send missionaries who have had to adopt make necessary arrangements to assume full re- NOTE: There seems to be some dif- this document. If you remember, the docu- sponsibility for these ministries. For example, ficulty in determining the number of ment takes Christ out of the criteria for when missionary administrators, doctors or fully funded missionaries related to interpreting scripture, takes away the au- teachers are withdrawn quickly, there is often NAMB. One study reports that there tonomy of the local church, and destroys no national replacement available. These minis- are only about 40 fully funded mis- the priesthood of the believer. Is this who try facilities were made possible by Lottie Moon sionaries. A representative from we want our missionaries to be? Christmas Offering funds. They have been used NAMB did not report on the number Social Ministries of God across the years in a marvelous way. of missionaries which NAMB funds Losing these relationships at institutions through alone, the following are the three cat- NAMB cut five social ministries posi- a sudden shift in funding and personnel assign- egories of missionaries that NAMB tions to allow for five new positions in- ment raises some concern. and its partners fund. volving “more direct evangelism.” How- This abrupt change in strategy, when applied, a. 1519 - Appointed personnel - Mis- ever, Southern Baptist leaders have ap- also becomes frustrating to career missionaries sionary, associate, church planter plauded President Bush’s commitment to who prepared to work in specific ministries and intern, and US/C2. These are faith-based initiatives. who have trained in those careers(medical mis- fulltime and qualify for health care “NAMB will no longer have any staff sions, theological education and agricultural mis- and personnel benefits. member solely devoted to immigration min- sions). Some are now being told such work is b. 1684 Ð Approved Personnel - Field istries and will be left with only one na- no longer necessary and will not be funded. Their personnel assistances, state admin- tional missionary assigned to work nation- alternatives are to accept assignment to a minis- istrative personnel, and seminary wide training literacy missions workers. In try to which they do not feel called by God, or student interns and missions pas- the current year, NAMB allocated $3.69 resign. tors. (NAMB provides a financial million Ð less than 3% of its $119 million budget to Christian social ministries, which Morale supplement). c. 1878 Ð Mission Service Corps Per- it now calls ‘ministry evangelism.’ By com- Many of the missionaries we talked to are sonnel. Works 20 hours a week parison, $17.3 million is budgeted this year frustrated. There is a shift from a holistic minis- with two years or more commit- for evangelism, and $25.3 million is bud- try to “soul winning.” They do not know what ment. These people raise their own geted for church starting.” (Baptist Stan- the next directive will be. Most of the decisions support. dard, Sept.18, 2000). are now being made from Richmond or a new There seems to have been a shift away regional director assigned to make the decisions. Baptist Faith and Message 2000 from a holistic ministry to “soul winning.” Experience is unappreciated and unwelcome and The 2000 Baptist Faith and Mes- What happened to “give a cup of water many feel that they are only pawns being moved sage is applied to all missionaries pro- in my name?” around the game board. cessed, although the executive vice Do I believe in missions? Yes. How- WMU president of NAMB said in a letter to ever, something has happened. What we the Texas committee that candidates used to love and cherish as our SBC mis- The role of WMU in the new administration are not required to sign the document. sions endeavor has been severely changed. is being decreased. Traditionally the WMU has The statement was “We will therefore I must ask myself, as you must, do we been our primary vehicle for involvement by continue to seek and deploy those who continue to give to a system that is so out women, teens, children and preschoolers in mis- can agree to minister and lead consis- of sink with our values and ideas of the sions education, mission action and mission sup- tent with and not contrary to the cur- incarnation? If you have eyes to see and port. However, many churches are moving away rent BF&M.” ear to hear, I pray that we will. from this group and distancing themselves. North American Mission Board (NAMB) Finances “Texas Baptists need a mission NAMB is financially strong. In 1999, rev- enues were $119.2 million, with $38.7 coming vision that recognizes missions through the Cooperative Program and $43.5 mil- lion through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offer- as the responsibility of every ing. In 1999, the budget for gifts to NAMB from the Georgia Baptist Convention was $3,855.122. church and every Christian.” Personnel NAMB reports 5000-plus missionaries. This – Missions Review and Initiatives Committee Report figure is deceiving. While there may be 5000 missionaries, the majority of these are part-time

— 9 — Etica y Misiones

By Joe E. Trull am troubled to see our IMB abdicate medi- of dispensational theology that discredits Editor, Christian Ethics Today cal missions, abandon theological educa- ethics and social ministry. Ethics and missions. How do they re- tion, and relinquish social ministries that This interpretation raises many serious late? have opened so many doors in cultures re- questions about missionology. What does In April Audra and I visited Argentina, sistant to Christian witness. it mean to “proclaim the good news to all joining our close friends Jack and Jean All missionaries are now required to be nations?” Does one gospel sermon to a Glaze. The two served as missionaries in “church planters.” Seminary teachers, doc- “people group” or one church planted in an Buenos Aires for 25 years, Jack as profes- tors and nurses, and social workers, if they area remove a hindrance to Jesus’ return? sor and president at the seminary, as both continue as SBC missionaries, must change Is the purpose of mission work to “speed- of them witnessed and worked establishing up” the Second Coming? churches in the country. their missionary calling or resign! No more Almost 80 now, Jack is remarkably do they heal the sick in the hospital at Ban- healthy and sharp as ever, the epitome of galore, India, or teach the 230 students at On the practical side, decades of suc- an earnest biblical scholar and a warm- the International Seminary in Buenos Aires. 3cessful mission programs have been hearted evangelist. This is not new. It is the same battle terminated. The IMB has closed hospitals Second only to ethics has been my love Baptists fought 50 years ago, when narrow around the world and sent medical mis- and commitment to missions. Every church Fundamentalism opposed social ethics and sionaries home. Our only school for train- ing ministers in the Caribbean (where I have I pastored strongly supported mission work. social ministry. The rationale then was the Each year I have joined congregates and taught four times) is no more. The influen- fear of Liberalism and the “Social Gospel.” tial and growing seminary in Buenos Aires, students in mission trips. For eight years I It took awhile, but even the most conserva- served as a trustee of the Foreign Mission filled to capacity with over 230 students, tive came to realize the gospel is social, Board of the SBC (now the International no longer has missionary teachers or eco- Mission Board) visiting over twenty coun- and teaching, healing, and ministering in nomic support. (In Argentina’s present eco- tries and working with scores of missionar- Jesus’ name are the heart and soul of evan- nomic crisis, students cannot even afford ies. gelism and church planting. books!) A media ministry that reached mil- My trip to Argentina has confirmed re- lions in gated high-rise apartments, was cent concerns about some major changes Today, however, the mission strat- eliminated. The list is endless. in SBC mission strategy. My thoughts here 2egy of the IMB is based on a flawed are not meant in any way to hinder the theological understanding of “end times.” I have no doubt the IMB President is sincere in his belief—but I believe he is work of our missionaries—with few ex- The present leader of the IMB seems to be ceptions, they continue in faithful service, sincerely wrong! I know the spin. “We are driven by his understanding of the Second shifting these institutions to the nationals,” often under difficult restrictions. Coming, based on one verse in Mark: “And As a pastor, a former trustee, and a Chris- Dr. Rankin told me personally. In most the good news must be proclaimed to all tian deeply committed to missions, I am countries, however, the national conven- distressed at several changes in mission nations” (13:10). Each year while teaching tion cannot absorb the costs. Schools and strategy—especially its questionable theo- at New Orleans Baptist Theological Semi- hospitals close. Empty buildings are sold. logical premise and some disastrous ethi- nary, I heard the IMB President preach in The IMB is abandoning the very work thou- cal consequences of that basis. chapel—always he referred to this verse. sands of missionaries spent a lifetime nur- After numerous conversations with mis- To be certain, I have discussed this is- turing to maturity. sionaries and IMB staff, I have reached sue with missionaries and administrators In the front yard of a mission house these conclusions which my trip verified: closest to Dr. Rankin. I am now convinced where the Glazes lived in Buenos Aires stands a majestic pecan tree, planted fifty that he genuinely believes the role of the years ago from one Mississippi pecan. To- The IMB now focuses exclusively IMB is to take the gospel to every nation as day it produces hundreds of nuts to the 1on church planting and evangelism. quickly as possible, in order that Jesus may delight of students, faculty, and missionar- I have no quarrel with either strategy. But I return! This view seems to resemble a form ies. The tree symbolizes the work of mis- sions worldwide. To plant is basic. To wa- YES! I want to join ter, cultivate, prune, and protect from dis- ■ $35 Regular Membership ease is also important. Texas Baptists Committed! If all we do in world missions is plant seeds, the full harvest will never come. But Name ______if we follow the example of Jesus, we will ■ ■ Lay Person Church/Denominational Worker preach, teach, heal and be the love of God in word and deed. Ethics and missions, like Address ______faith and works, belong together. City/State/Zip ______Printed by permission from Christian Home Phone ( ______)______Ethics Today, a bimonthly journal Work Phone ( ______) ______provided free of charge at website Church ______Association______www.ChristianEthicsToday.com or by contacting the editor at Mail Form and Check to: Texas Baptists Committed, P.O. Box 3330, San Angelo, Texas 76902-3330 [email protected] — 10 — by Rev. W. Allen Thomason Pastor, Chesterfield Baptist Church Bridge Out Chesterfield, South Carolina seems all the energy is being It seems to me that I have never really seen a lot of bridge directed at keeping the building going on in my lifetime; at least not from where I bridge out. sit… …Perhaps that is because I am a Baptist preacher. It seems that the brain trust at the SBC Department of Defense has developed some he bridge over the creek is out. Perhaps that is because I am a Baptist seriously explosive ordinance: The BF&M It has been ever since I moved preacher. I grew up a Baptist. I have never 2000. This creedal TNT does a great job at here two years ago. Two large been anything other than a Baptist. I wasn’t T sending bridges up in smoke. signs on either side of the road, just be- always a Christian, but I was always a Bap- Bridges between missionaries and their yond the parking lot of our church, state tist. people groups are being blown up. Lots of clearly to the driving public “BRIDGE Ever since I really began paying atten- bridges between Baptists over here and OUT 0.5 MILES AHEAD.” tion to the world, I knew that I was going Baptist over there (Russia, Belgium, all I have never known how to get to the into the Baptist ministry. Baptist experi- over Europe, Asia) have been blown up other side of Thompson Creek here in Ches- ence, especially Southern Baptist, has been because we just don’t need them. terfield. The bridge is out, and it’s been my teacher. I am one of the generation that said it will never be rebuilt. They are ru- literally grew up during the SBC contro- …the group that now holds the mored to be working on it, but you know versy. reigns of power in the SBC isn’t a how much you can count on rumors. My faith formation occurred in between big fan of bridge building…they hostile national conventions. No, I haven’t seem rather fond of creating islands They say bridges are dangerous. seen much bridge building being modeled and then voting people off. They let people that are different between different opinions. come over here. It seems that every time someone makes The District of Columbia Baptist Con- vention, the Baptist General Convention of My boys, 6 and 4, have been obsessed a Neville Chamberlain type of gesture, giv- Texas, and the Baptist General Association with “the bridge that’s out.” After church ing up the Sudetenland in order to ensure peace and “build a bridge,” the aggressor of Virginia all have had their bridges held on Sunday mornings, we go to the end of hostage and then blown up. the road and stand at the edge of the pave- just cranks up the tanks and keeps barreling along. Unfortunately, new signs are now posted ment and stare. “Maybe one day they will all over where there used to be well-trav- finish the bridge,” we say. …the brain trust at the SBC eled bridges: ”DANGER–BRIDGE OUT.” Bridges have been a real topic of thought Department of Defense has Saturday, my 6 year old and I were go- for me lately. Our church’s long range plan- developed some seriously explosive ing home, when he called out, “Let’s go ning committee is currently working on a ordinance: The BF&M 2000. This see the bridge that’s out!” “OK,” I con- congregational evaluation, and has learned creedal TNT does a great job at ceded. that a good quality in a pastor is the ability sending bridges up in smoke. We turned the corner. I noticed some- to build bridges between people of differ- thing was a bit different, and didn’t realize ent viewpoints and opinions. In 1987, there was a Peace Committee what it was until I saw a blinking yellow I have to admit, I don’t expect to get formed. It was supposed to find a way to light lying flat on the ground. The signs very high scores on that scale. I have al- build a bridge between “this” group and were all down. The shoulder of the road ways been more skilled at standing firmly “that” group. Since “this” group had the was trimmed with red clay and fresh paint. on the ground on my side of the bridge upper hand and realized it wasn’t required We came around the bend, and there in than being able to build a bridge to the to build a bridge, no bridge was built. “That” all its newly paved glory was the brand other viewpoint. In fact, the people I know group got stranded on the other side and spanking new Thompson Creek bridge. of that would fit such a description are few has since begun to try and build bridges “Yiiiippppeeeee!” My son nearly broke and far between. with “other” groups. through the windshield trying to get a look. President Jimmy Carter comes to mind, It seems that the group that now holds “They fixed the bridge!” For the first time we rode over the bridge being such a great peacemaker and all. the reigns of power in the SBC isn’t a big onto ground we had only heard about until Gandhi got the Muslims and Hindus to quit fan of bridge building. In fact, they seem now. It’s good ground. Just like our ground. killing each other in India, until a Muslim rather fond of creating islands and then vot- In fact, we found a short cut to the golf shot him. Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the ing people off. course. And all the people said, “Amen.” USS Enterprise-D has a reputation as a They say bridges are dangerous. They One can only wonder what it would be great diplomat, but he’s on television and let people that are different come over here. like to be able to build a bridge and actu- isn’t real. Hmph. My list is out of names. It seems that the people on that side of the ally go across. Perhaps there would be It seems to me that I have never really bridge look and sound just like the people squeals of delight. Perhaps we would be seen a lot of bridge building going on in on this side of the bridge. able to do good, do more of it and do it my lifetime; at least not from where I sit. I bet we could do a lot of really awe- better. Perhaps, but we will never know if I’m sure that someone has it down pat, but some things for the kingdom of God if we we keep letting them blow up the bridge, whoever that is, they’re unknown to me. used our energy constructively. Instead, it will we? — 11 — Bring Your Garbage To Church, We Have The Processor This article is reprinted from ‘A Matter of Fax,’ a weekly By Joe McKeever publication of the First Baptist Church of Kenner Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Kenner, LA bage of a lifetime—at the foot of the cross The Lord Jesus asked a lame man, “Do and walked out of church clean and free. you want to be whole?” This is a great Last Saturday, I arrived at church to find Did I say walked? She floated out of question. He never forces his blessings on a massive mound of garbage on our park- church that day. anyone. He offers his gifts to everyone. ing lot, surrounded by trucks from Waster Management and a couple of fire engines. A lot of churches have great he voice on the phone spoke in bro- Our custodian explained that the driver had internal problems because Tken English clearly enough for me discovered a fire smoldering in back of his the members have not dealt to understand he was upset. Someone had truck, dumped the contents, and called the with their garbage. They filled the dumpster behind his grocery store fire department. The fire was extinguished bring it into the house of God with huge boxes all bearing our church and the workers reloaded the soggy, smelly and guard it like a treasure, name. He was thinking about calling the mess. but they do not have a clue police. We sent down a custodian, who A fellow could do a lot worse than to that they are stinking up the came back with an explanation. bring his garbage to church. Where else place and sickening anyone The day before, workers had installed are people better equipped to receive it and who comes near them. our new playground. They threw the large deal with it? cardboard boxes into their truck and drove She could not have told anyone how the away. We had no way of knowing they had he sat in church with years of trash Lord did it; she did not know the old songs stopped five blocks away and discarded the Scollected and compacted in her soul. about the cleansing power of the blood of boxes in the grocery store’s dumpster. We Early in life, she had been the victim, but the Lamb. She only knew that when she apologized to the owner and called the com- quickly enough she became the victimizer. stepped forward at the invitation and prayed pany. The workers were rebuked and picked She looked attractive, at least on the sur- with the pastor, a dam of resistance was up the boxes. face, because makeup and clothes worked breached and the Spirit of God rushed in their magic. If you looked closer you could and washed away the debris. She was free, any of us recall a garbage barge see hardness to her eyes and mouth. The whole, clean, and new. Mfrom New York City that jour- scars and guilt she carried prevented any- There has to be a garbage processor. neyed up and down the east coast a few one from prevented anyone from getting Otherwise, people will bring their trash to years ago while the owners tried to find a close to her. I would have thought she church and dump it on the preacher, on processor willing to receive and deal with would not hear anything we had to say. each other, or they will carry it around with the garbage. What to do with garbage is a There was too much junk blocking the way. them and contaminate everything they major problem in our time. However, I had not counted on the gospel. touch. We know what to do with the real trash She sat listening as the pastor read from A lot of churches have great internal and junk of life. Bring it to the Lord Jesus John 8, the story of an adulterous woman problems because the members have not Christ. Somehow or other, the blood He thrown at the feet of Jesus, a woman ac- dealt with their garbage. They bring it into shed on the cross outside Jerusalem has cused and condemned by pious hypocrites. the house of God and guard it like a trea- power to cleanse us. He removes the clut- She heard as the Lord said, “Let him who sure, but they do not have a clue that they ter and sets us free. is without sin among you cast the first are stinking up the place and sickening any- Over a century ago, Robert Lowery stone.” one who comes near them. penned a song that became the anthem for She understood why the crowd drifted I got out of my car at the mall and started our grandparents’ generation: “What can away—the oldest first, those with the long- inside. Along the way, I passed an automo- wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood est laundry list of wrongs and crimes. Her bile filled with garbage. Inside was an ac- of Jesus. What can make me whole again? attention was caught when the Lord stood cumulation of tissue boxes, paper bags, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” to His feet and said, “Woman, where are hamburger wrappers, crumpled candy pack- they? Does no one condemn you?” ages, and soda cans all the way to the top. “Come unto me, all you who labor and “No one, Lord,” the woman said. The driver had hollowed out an area, a are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus said, “Then, neither do I condemn cockpit if you will, around the driver’s seat, ÐMatthew 11:28 you. Go and sin no more.” but there was no more space in the car. I “The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all That’s what broke her. She sat there in stood there transfixed, wondering how in sin.” —1 John 1:7 church with the tears flowing, her stone the world the owner had allowed this to “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new cre- heart shattered by the love of a Savior who happen. ation. Old things are passed away; behold, came not to condemn but to save. All the Now, the lady who owned that car could all things are new.” –II Corinthians 5:17 pastor had done was read the story in the have done something about the clutter any “If the Son makes you free, you shall be Bible. day she pleased, but she had grown accus- free indeed.” –John 8:36 That day, this woman for whom Jesus tomed to her garbage. She wore it like a That’s why the gospel is such good died on Calvary left her burdens—the gar- soprano wears a robe. news! — 12 — Summary of Recommendations Messengers will vote on the creation of a world missions network as a not-for-profit affiliate of the BGCT at the annual state convention in Waco, November 11-12. Listed below is a summary of the recommendations to be presented by the Missions Review and Initiatives Committee.

The Missions Review and Initiatives Committee recommends:

1. That a world missions network be established to help churches, associations, institutions and individuals fulfill their missions calling through both short-term and long-term missions endeavors across the United States and the world. 2. That this world missions network connect churches, associations, institutions and individuals to available missions research, education, information, facilitation, training, screening, strategy development and support. 3. That this world missions network, like other existing Texas Baptist entities, be established as a not-for-profit [501(c)(3)] affiliate of the Baptist General Convention of Texas with a permanent, strong connection to the BGCT, and that the director of the network serve on the BGCT Leadership Council. 4. That this world missions network be governed by a 32-member rotating board, all of whom are Baptists; and that the BGCT elect through the Committee on Nominations for Institution Boards three-fourths of the board members and the board choose one-fourth. 5. That the initial board of this world missions network be chosen by the president of the convention, the chair of the BGCT Executive Board, the chair of the Administrative Committee, the chair of the Missions Review and Initiatives Committee, the president of Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, the president of Texas Baptist Men and the executive director of the BGCT. 6. That this world missions network establish an advisory council to bring together missions experts and representatives of Baptist conventions from across the world on a regular basis to work on further missions endeavors, and that the executive directors of the BGCT, Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas and Texas Baptist Men serve on the advisory council. 7. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas affirm all Baptist missionaries and express gratitude for their commitment to follow God’s call upon their lives and appreciation for their service. 8. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas encourage Texas Baptist congregations and pastors to educate and nurture a vision of missions and the call to career missions. 9. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas continue to offer help in the transition of Southern Baptist missionaries who cannot, in good conscience, affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. 10. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas find ways to enable missionaries to serve who cannot, in good conscience, affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. 11. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas seek fraternal relations with Baptist conventions and unions in other countries for mutual growth and the extension of the Kingdom of God. 12. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas continue to work on specific missions projects with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, without entering into a formal relationship. 13. That the 2002 Cooperative Agreement between the North American Mission Board and the Baptist General Convention of Texas be adopted. 14. That Texas Baptist churches pray for the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and its valiant efforts to win people to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and minister to the needs of those who live in the nation’s capitol. 15. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas urge the North American Mission Board to reconsider its action regarding the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and that NAMB take strategic action that will enable it to work with the District of Columbia Baptist Convention in ways that will advance the cause of Christ. 16. That the Baptist General Convention of Texas encourage churches to express their obedience to the Great Commission through prayer, sacrificial giving and active participation in missions.

— 13 — Missiologists affirm BGCT network

By Ken Camp for something much more,” he said. “The Texas Baptist Communications ter at Samford University. stage of world missions is one they know Texas Baptists do not have to create the “As I understand it, the network is not they want to be on. They want to partici- framework for a world missions network. in competition with any other agency. It’s pate, and they want to witness what God is It already exists among “missional” not even a sending agency, per se. But it doing in the world.” churches. But a network could provide those holds the potential for putting a host of The trend is not limited to mega- churches the help they need in connecting Texas Baptists into the mainstream of what churches with big budgets and abundant with each other, according to a noted mis- God is doing in global missions,” O’Brien resources, Stroope emphasized. sions strategist. said. ”In fact, it may be the small- to me- “The bones are there, and they are strong. Justice Anderson, who served 17 years dium-sized church that is able to move to What the network can provide is the con- as a Southern Baptist missionary in Argen- this quickly, with a singleness of mission. necting tissue. If it is done correctly, the tina and 27 years as a professor of missions bones will work together in coordination. at Southwestern Baptist Theological Semi- There is real strength for the body in that,” nary in Fort Worth, echoed those senti- All three missiologists emphasized said Mike Stroope, associate professor of ments. “I am very pleased that the concept is that it is imperative for the world global missions at Baylor University’s missions network to work closely Truett Seminary in Waco. general enough to include those who still want a relationship with the International with Christians in the nations Mission Board, as well as keeping a rela- where churches send “The general trend in all tionship with the Cooperative Baptist Fel- missionaries. The Missions missiology is a movement back to lowship for specific missions projects,” Review & Initiatives Committee the local church as the basic Anderson said. criticized the IMB for “distancing” sending body, instead of turning But the missions experts also agree that that real test for the network will be whether itself from national conventions that responsibility over to societies it can “keep its missional edge,” in and unions of churches. and boards.” — Anderson Stroope’s words, and stay true to its found- ing vision of being a facilitating agency for Stroope, who served two decades with local church initiatives. In a smaller church, the whole church is the Southern Baptist Convention’s Interna- “There will always be a temptation for able to move together into this missional tional Mission Board, is one of several the network to control and to over-manage. approach as a common task,” he said. missiologists who has endorsed the con- There will be a constant tension between “There’s something spiritual about it. It is cept of a world missions network as pro- wanting to help and wanting to take charge. not by money and not by might. God is posed by the Baptist General Convention People in some churches will even invite able to work through common people.” of Texas Missions Review & Initiatives them to control and over-manage,” Stroope This is a trend that cuts across denomi- Committee. said. national lines, Anderson noted. “The gen- That committee has recommended that “The network will have to guard against eral trend in all missiology is a movement the BGCT establish a world missions net- going into one ditch or another. It will have back to the local church as the basic send- work as a not-for-profit affiliate with the to let the local church take the initiative ing body, instead of turning that responsi- stated purpose of helping churches, asso- and not take it over for them. But at the bility over to societies and boards.” ciations, institutions and individuals “ful- same time, it cannot let them flounder. While Anderson applauds increased in- fill their missions calling through both There is a time to intervene.” volvement by missions volunteers, he said short-term and long-term missions endeav- The networking approach, with its em- he remains committed to the notion of ca- ors across the United States and the world.” phasis on churches becoming missions- reer missionaries who invest their lives in The network would work closely with sending entities, did not originate with the other cultures. “The cross-cultural commu- existing missions agencies, such as the SBC BGCT committee, Stroope emphasized. The nication of the gospel needs specialists,” mission boards, the Baptist World Alliance committee just recognized the direction in he said. “I guess I’m of the old school on and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, as well which churches already are moving. that point, since my generation did it that as accessing the resources of BGCT-related “The amateurization of missions is a real way.” missions programs. trend. The task of missions is being taken O’Brien agreed that any world missions The BGCT Executive Board endorsed away from professionals and assumed by network would need to relate to some field the proposal at its Sept. 24 meeting in Dal- churches,” he said. “They are doing it. Let’s personnel who live within other cultures las, subject to a vote by messengers to the help them.” and speak other languages. “There will al- BGCT annual session Nov. 11Ð12 in Waco. Stroope sees this as a corrective mea- ways be a role for the career missionary, if “I affirm Texas Baptists for their will- sure away from a highly centralized ap- by that we mean an incarnational presence ingness to think outside the box,” said Bill proach that delegated missions only to a working cross-culturally,” he said. O’Brien, veteran Southern Baptist mission- few highly trained professionals. Stroope agreed that there will continue ary and retired director of the Global Cen- “People want to know their lives count to be a place for career missionaries, but — 14 — “what is changing is their role,” he said. “We need people to pioneer, who can de- velop innovative strategies. We need people Uncooperative Baptists who will be there for long-term relations. But their role will be to open doors and By John D. Pierce invite others to come through.” Executive Editor, Baptists Today member body shall have an identity of its Anderson said he still would hate to see own and shall not exist as an integral part missionaries become nothing more than fa- hen the Southern Baptist Conven- of some other union or convention.” cilitators for visiting short-term missions Wtion formally decides to withdraw Does he really believe that Baptists who volunteers. “I prefer the player-coach idea,” from membership in the Baptist World Al- have found refuge and acceptance in the he said, casting the missionary as both a liance (and be assured they will) only the CBF home might return to the SBC house participant in direct missions ministry and most naïve or uninformed will be surprised. for more insults and abuse? an equipper of others. The reason is simple. Participating with In fact, it is the exclusion of fellow Bap- Anderson added that he hopes the world other Baptists of the world in the cause of tist Christians by the new SBC that led to missions network can provide the BGCT a Christ requires cooperation, not control. It the formation of CBF more than a decade means to help IMB missionaries who are is the latter that has increasingly marked ago. And now that same attitude is exactly no longer able to serve the agency that sent why SBC leaders are pulling away from them overseas because they are unwilling Southern Baptist leadership in recent years. to affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith & Mes- While sad, the respected organization participation in BWA. sage. that “unites Baptists worldwide, leads in One denominational executive privately world evangelism, responds to people in admitted to me that many current SBC lead- “National leaders everywhere need and defends human rights” should get ers possess an “irrational hatred” of CBF. respond beautifully to anybody ready to lose the largest and wealthiest of It is not enough to exclude those with whom who invites them to come sit down its 206 member bodies. The SBC is gather- they disagree; they also must discredit and ing its marbles and will soon head deeper malign them. Such is the punitive nature with them as partners. If the into isolation. and time-tested reality of fundamentalism, network succeeds in doing that, it SBC executive Morris Chapman more regardless of the name you put in front of will be a breath of fresh air to than hinted at the move in a statement re- it. Christian brothers and sisters in leased by Baptist Press following the BWA For many years BWA has done an amaz- positions of leadership around the General Council meeting this summer in ing job of bringing Baptists together de- world.” —O’Brien Spain. spite the hurdles of language, culture, poli- “I have personally worked diligently, tics and theological diversity. Ironically, the All three missiologists emphasized that along with other SBC leaders, for 12 years major fallout they are now facing is the it is imperative for the world missions net- to establish a strong tie with the BWA and simple result of its biggest U.S. Baptist work to work closely with Christians in the to communicate to world Baptist leaders body’s refusal to relate in any way to an- nations where churches send missionaries. that Southern Baptists wanted to walk be- other. The Missions Review & Initiatives Com- side them in efforts to reach the world for Chapman said he expects the SBC Ex- mittee criticized the IMB for “distancing” Christ,” said Chapman. “In one swift and ecutive Committee to monitor the situation itself from national conventions and unions needless action by the membership com- and that he is “puzzled and concerned as to of churches. mittee, the valued relationship I thought the future relationship of Southern Baptists “National leaders everywhere respond we had built may have been damaged be- to the Baptist World Alliance.” beautifully to anybody who invites them to There is abundant evidence over the past come sit down with them as partners. If the yond repair.” network succeeds in doing that, it will be a Chapman and other SBC leaders are agi- two decades, however, that SBC leaders breath of fresh air to Christian brothers and tated that the BWA membership commit- will have nothing to do with anything or sisters in positions of leadership around the tee is moving toward recommending the anyone—no matter how valuable they are world,” O’Brien said. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for mem- to kingdom causes—if such partnerships He also emphasized the importance of bership in 2003. require cooperation over control. the world missions network being able to By any reasonable standard, CBF quali- So I too am concerned, but I am not relate to all Great Commission Christians, fies to be a member body. The 11-year-old puzzled. particularly as the center of Christian ac- organization sends out missionaries, pro- tivity shifts to the Southern Hemisphere. vides benefits to ministers, resources This editorial appeared in the Sept. 2002 “For years, I have been advocating more churches and already designates funds for edition of Baptists Today and is reprinted collaborative strategic planning with the BWA. The Fellowship has no formal iden- with permission. Baptists Today is an larger body of Christ around the world,” autonomous, national monthly news O’Brien said. “I believe the last frontier in tity with the SBC or any other denomina- missions is the frontier of cooperation and tional structure. journal based in Macon, Ga. collaboration with Christian bodies around Chapman claimed the membership com- Subscriptions are available by calling 1- the world.” mittee ignored its bylaws that state: “Each 877-752-5658. — 15 — HIGHLIGHTS PROPOSED AGENDA BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS NOVEMBER 11-12 FERRELL SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER ✭ WACO

MONDAY AFTERNOON ✭ NOVEMBER 11 TUESDAY MORNING ✭ NOVEMBER 12 1:00 Call to order 8:30 Worship Worship Song 8:45 Invocation Scripture Reading Scripture Reading Greetings Theme Interpretation Welcome from Baylor Testimony Seating of Messengers Prayer Focus: Students Acceptance of Order of Business Recognitions (New ministers, Denom. Reps, Fraternal Messengers) 9:10 Committee on Convention Arrangements 1:30 Theme Interpretation 9:15 Texas Baptist Laity Institute Report Prayer Focus: Pastors 9:20 Christian Life Commission 1:45 Executive Director's Report Christian Ethics and Public Life Report 2:15 Address from BWA President 9:40 The Baptist Standard 2:30 Executive Board Report 9:45 Texas Baptist Historical Collection and Center Reports: MRIC, Institutional Charter Changes 9:50 Election of Officers (if needed) 3:30 Introduction of new BGCT Treasurer Miscellaneous Business (if needed) Treasurer's Report 10:00 State Missions Commission Part II Budget Video Associational Missions and Administration Report Administrative Committee Recommendations 10:20 Institutional Ministries Section Report Budget Discussion and Vote 10:45 Committee on Memorials 4:05 Baptist Church Loan Corporation Worship 4:10 Texas Baptist Financial Services 11:05 Convention Sermon 4:15 Baptist Foundation of Texas 11:35 Election of Officers 4:20 Committee on Nominations for Institution Boards 11:40 Committee on Resolutions 4:25 Committee to Nominate Executive Board Members Benediction 4:30 Committee to Nominate Coordinating Boards for Institutions Postlude ✭ 4:35 Committee on Committees TUESDAY AFTERNOON NOVEMBER 12 4:40 Election of Officers No afternoon meeting of the Convention 4:55 Business: Amendments to Bylaws and Introduction to Business Annual meetings of: 5:15 Benediction Postlude WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION OF TEXAS 5:30 Dinner option: TBM Disaster Teams serve at Ferrell Center Columbus Avenue Baptist Church MONDAY EVENING ✭ NOVEMBER 11 TEXAS BAPTIST MEN 6:55 Worship Latham Springs Baptist Encampment 7:00 Scripture Reading TUESDAY EVENING ✭ NOVEMBER 12 Testimony Theme Interpretation 6:30 Invocation Prayer Focus: Children 6:35 Recognition of outgoing and incoming officers Baptist Distinctives Emphasis 6:40 Top Missions Giving Churches 7:20 Election of Officers 6:50 Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Hispanic Baptist Convention 7:00 Worship African American Fellowship Scripture Reading 7:40 State Missions Commission Part I and Introduction Prayer Focus: Missions Missions and Evangelism Section Report 7:30 Theme Interpretation: We Believe in Missions 8:15 Church Health and Growth Section Report 7:35 Missions Emphasis Program Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions taken Benediction Westbury Baptist Church Choir Postlude 8:35 President's Message 9:05 Election of Officers Early Registration will be held from 3-6 p.m. on 9:15 Miscellaneous Business Sunday, November 10, in the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington 9:20 Benediction Ave. Registration resumes at 8 a.m., Monday, November 11 at Ferrell Postlude Special Events Center, corner of University Parks Dr. and LaSalle Ave. — 16 — HOW TO REGISTER AS A MESSENGER Each elected messenger should bring to the Convention an official messenger certification card, signed by the pastor, church clerk or moderator. At the registration desk, the messenger certification card is presented (with driver’s license or other identification) in exchange for ballots and other Convention materials. For the benefit of early arrivals and local Baptists, early registration will be in the Waco Convention Center from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10. Registration will open again at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 11 at Ferrell Special Events Center. Convention messengers are elected by constituted, cooperating churches. BGCT Constitution, Article III – Membership Section 1. This body in all its meetings shall be composed of messengers elected by regular, missionary Baptist churches that shall voluntarily cooperate with other Examples: churches of like faith in the work and purposes set forth in Article II of this Church has Constitution. All messengers must be members of the church by which they are elected. A messenger must be enrolled at the Convention to be qualified to vote. 40 members and gave $0 to Texas Budget 2 messengers Section 2. Each church cooperating with this body shall be entitled to: (a) Two messengers for the first one hundred (100) members or fractional part 75 members and gave thereof. Two additional messengers for the first two hundred fifty dollars ($250) $220 to Texas Budget 2 messengers given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by the 80 members and gave Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, and $260 to Texas Budget 4 messengers (b) One additional messenger for each additional hundred members or major fractional part thereof and each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000) given 140 members and gave during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by the Baptist $750 to Texas Budget 4 messengers General Convention of Texas in annual session, provided however, that 149 members and gave (c) No church shall be entitled to more than twenty-five messengers. $3,000 to Texas Budget 4 messengers No messenger cards are automatically mailed to the churches. Please use the enclosed 230 members and gave request card to indicate how many messenger cards your church will need. $1,500 to Texas Budget 5 messengers 400 members and gave MESSENGER CHART $2,000 to Texas Budget 5 messengers 625 members and gave Total Giving to Texas Baptist Number of $8,000 to Texas Budget 9 messengers Members Adopted Budget During Messengers Entitled The Previous Fiscal Year (Members and Giving) 4,000 members and gave Ending December 31, 2001 $35,000 to Texas Budget 25 messengers 4,000 members and gave 1 - 150 and $0-$249 2 $200 to Texas Budget 2 messengers 1 - 150 and $ 250 -$1,249 4 151 - 250 and $ 1,250 - $ 2,249 5 251 - 350 and $ 2,250 - $ 3,249 6 351 - 450 and $ 3,250 - $ 4,249 7 451 - 550 and $ 4,250 - $ 5,249 8 551 - 650 and $ 5,250 - $ 6,249 9 651 - 750 and $ 6,250 - $ 7,249 10 751 - 850 and $ 7,250 - $ 8,249 11 851 - 950 and $ 8,250 - $ 9,249 12 951 - 1050 and $ 9,250 - $ 10,249 13 1051 - 1150 and $ 10,250 - $ 11,249 14 1151 - 1250 and $ 11,250 - $ 12,249 15 1251 - 1350 and $ 12,250 - $ 13,249 16 1351 - 1450 and $ 13,250 - $ 14,249 17 1451 - 1550 and $ 14,250 - $ 15,249 18 1551 - 1650 and $ 15,250 - $ 16,249 19 1651 - 1750 and $ 16,250 - $ 17,249 20 1751 - 1850 and $ 17,250 - $ 18,249 21 1851 - 1950 and $ 18,250 - $ 19,249 22 1951 - 2050 and $ 19,250 - $ 20,249 23 2051 - 2150 and $ 20,250 - $ 21,249 24 2151 + and $ 21,250 + 25

— 17 — Stand With Christ: Why Missionaries Can’t Sign Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is now available from Smyth & Helwys publishers.

Stand With Christ explores and explains the history, problems and biblical judgment of the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message revision and its uses as a force of control, internal purification, and conformity. In his foreword, noted Baptist historian Walter B. Shurden has this to say: “This is a book by Baptists. Most Baptists, especially Baptists of the South, will readily recognize the writers — Russell Dilday, Keith Parks, James Dunn, Catherine Allen, Charles Wade, David Currie, Charles Deweese, John Pierce, Kenneth Massey, Walter Shurden, Bruce Prescott, Earl Martin, and editor Robert O’Brien. “Marinated in the Baptist tradition of a free and responsible conscience, each of these writers carries a sterling Baptist portfolio. They deserve to be heard. They should be heeded. “This is also a book about Baptists. Specifically, it is a book about the Southern Baptist Convention and its deliberate, but unbaptistic, move toward creedalism.” [His full foreword may be read online at www.helwys.org]

Smyth and Helwys will have copies of Stand With Christ: Why Missionaries Can’t Sign Baptist Faith and Message 2000 at the bookstore during the BGCT annual meeting in Waco.

For more information on the book and how to order it, you may Cost is 20% less online go to www.helwys.com and click on ‘New Books’ and then on and bulk rates for phone ‘Stand With Christ.’ Or call toll free at 800-747-3016. orders are available! NOTE: Full chapter titles and writers and other information are listed at www.mainstreambaptists.org/stand_with_christ.htm

— 18 — A New Kit for Your Church’s History On December 1, 2002, the Baptist History and Heritage Society will release a new and long-awaited resource kit titled A How-to Kit for Your Church’s History. This kit will contain a detailed How-to Manual for Your Church’s History. The manual will feature up-to-date guidelines for church history committees. It will show churches how to celebrate anniversaries; how to research, write, and publish their histories; and how to observe Baptist Heritage Sunday. It will also include practical suggestions for locating and preserving church records; displaying and exhibiting a church’s history; and communicating, dramatizing, and photographing a church’s past. Among the many writers are three superb directors of state Baptist history programs: Fred Anderson (Virginia), Frances D. Hamilton (Alabama), and Alan Lefever (Texas). Baptist churches of all kinds will find this kit useful. Consider ordering copies for your church history committee and for your church media library. Each kit costs $32.90 (including shipping). However, all orders postmarked and prepaid by November 30, 2002, will pay only $29.90 (including shipping) per kit. You can order by calling 800-966-2278; by faxing 615-371-7939; or by sending a written request to: Baptist History and Heritage Society, P.O. Box 728, Brentwood, TN 37024-0728.

TBC Breakfast Tuesday, Nov. 12 — 7 a.m.

Please send in the form below with your check to reserve your place at our 14th annual TBC breakfast. Your ticket request and check should be mailed to Texas Baptists Committed, P. O. Box 3330, San Angelo, Texas 76902-3330. Tickets are $18. The breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washing- ton Avenue, Chisholm Hall, Waco, TX. It will feature Robert Sloan, president of Baylor University.

Name ______RESERVATION Address ______FORM City, State, Zip ______Church ______TBC ANNUAL Daytime Phone Number ______Enclosed is a check for $______for ______tickets at $18 per plate to the TBC breakfast, Nov. 12 at 7 a.m. It will feature Robert Sloan, president of Baylor BREAKFAST University. The event will be at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Chisholm Hall, Waco, TX. Return this form with your check to Texas Baptists Committed, P. O. Box 3330, San Angelo, TX 76902-3330 (915-659-4102).

— 19 — Mark Your Calendar!

Baptist General Convention of Texas Annual Meeting November 11–12, 2002 Waco, Texas

MISSION STATEMENT OF TEXAS BAPTISTS COMMITTED Texas Baptists Committed is dedicated to reach people for Christ through local churches, to uphold historic Baptist principles, and to cooperate with the mission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and its related institutions.

The TBC Newsletter is a periodical published and mailed six times a year to churches in Texas and to all Baptists Committed members and supporters. You may be on several lists. If you get two newsletters, please pass one along to a friend. Send Address changes to: P.O. Box 3330, San Angelo, Texas 76902-3330.

Texas Baptists Committed Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 3330 U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Angelo, Texas 76902-3330 Dallas, TX 915-659-4102 75212 Permit No. 2409 Change Service Requested

— 20 —