Ouachita Baptist University Scholarly Commons @ Ouachita

Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine, 1980-1984 Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine

8-16-1984

August 16, 1984

Arkansas Baptist State Convention

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Part of the Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, and the Mass Communication Commons August 16, 1984 On the cover God's call 'merits fines t preparation' Moore calls LR seminary program 'vital' Having a semi na ry program close to home The class will meet from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at ca n be important to many Arkansas little Rock's Imman uel Church. The course ministers, according to state executive will cover religious development and diver­ secretary Don Moore. sity in England and then America since the " Information from the Uniform Church 16th century emphasizing Baptists, and Letter in Arkansas indicates that 57 percent Southern Baptists in particular. of ou r pastors have not st udied at a McBeth, a 1961 Th.D. graduate of seminary," Moore said. " While seminary Southwestern, also has studied at Union seems to be more necessary for some than Th eological Seminary and Columbia Univer­ fo r others, surely everyone could benefit sity ih New York and at Oxford Unive rsity from the experience." in England. He has taught at the seminary " That is why the Seminary StudieS pro­ since 1960. gram in Little Rock is so vital,'' Moore con­ The third course, Church Staff Develop­ tinued. " It pu ts seminary training within ment, will be taught from 5-8 p.m. by Jim ­ reach of sco res of people who could never mie Sheffield, administrator at Park Hill move their families or leave their ministries Church in North Little Rock. The course will to move to a campus." coric'entrate on how a churCh builds and Moore's remarks came in a prepared state­ maintair1S aprofessional staff and provides ment in anticipation of the beginning of the for staff supervision and support. program's fall term Sept. 17. Sheffield, a master of religious education Conferences at Ridgecrest and Glorieta The Little Rock Semi nary Studies Program graduate of Southwestern, has se rved as Conference Centers provide single began in the spring of 1982 under the leader· minister to youth and as ministe r of ed uca­ adults like Sherry Upshaw an oppor· ship of Midwestern Baptist Theological tion and music in churches in Texas and tunity to share with others how they Seminary. In 1963 it came under the joint louisia na before coming to Park Hill. He is are involved in their churches. Upshaw sponso rship of all six Southern Baptist author of articles and books on diurch is a member of First Church of seminaries, administered through their administration. Shreveport La. Churches are encourag­ Seminary Studies Department in Nashville, l eh man Webb serves as local coordinator ed to highlight single adults as part of Tenn . fo r the Little Rock program. He ca n be con­ the church family on Singfe Adul! Day, " Baptists believe in an ed ucated ministry;' ta cted through th e Arkansas Baptist State Sept 9. Moore feel s. "While education does not take Convention, P.O. Box 552, Li ttle Rock, AR the place of natural abilities, spiritual gifts, 72203 , or by calling (501) 376-4791. and personal dedication, man's highest ca ll­ ing would seem to merit the finest prepara­ tion possible, both spi ritually and intellec­ tually:· In this· issue Courses offered this term are Old Testa­ ment St udies (spotlighted in the ABN issue 7 ACTS picks Magnolia of Aug. 2), English and American Baptist Central Church at Magnolia is the third Church History, and Church Staff Develop­ Southern Baptist church to have services ment. Classes meet on Mondays for 12 broadcast over the American Christian Televi­ weeks. sion network as part of the "Great Churches The history course will be taught by leon of America" series. McBeth, professor of church history at Southwester:1 Baptist Theological Seminary. McBeth Sheffield 10 Christ and country Missionaries' son undergoes heart surgery at LR Many Baptiru in the Soviet Union open their fives to public scrutiny by living out their faith The 20·month old son of Southern Bap­ tor heard a heart murmur then, and tests while working within the system they must tist missionaries to Brazil is doing very well eight months later confirmed the problem, live under, report.s a writer who visited the following heart surgery in Little Rock, accor­ known as Fa !lot's Tetralogy. country's registered congregations. ding to his fathe r. Shawn Town se nd, who The Townsends returned to the United will be two in November, had procedures Sta tes at the end of July, stopping first in to repair an opening between the chambers Arkadelphia. While Shawn is hospitalized, of his heart and to correct a narrOINing of a they are staying in a missionary residence blood vessel from the heart to the lungs. provided by Immanuel Church, little Rock. The su rgery was performed at Children's They will go to Fayetteville to complete Hospital where he and his mother came for furlough after Shaw n is released, about Sept. a heart catherization diagnostic procedure . 1, and live in a house provided by Universi­ in November. His mother, the former Sharon ty Church. Kluck, grew up in Arkadelphia w here her Town send, a professor of religi9us educa­ father is pastor of Second Church. tion at Baptist Seminary in Sao Paulo, said John Townsend said Shawn's problem sur­ Shawn's surgery had been the object of faced at two·weeks of age when they took prayers from everywhere, " literally around him to a pediatrician in Sao Pau lo. The doc- th e world."

Page 2 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Money: curse or .bless in g? The editor's page J. Everett Sneed

The use of money provides direct insight into one's character. ing his salary, paying his debts and supporting his dependents. Prosperity has been va riously rega rded, in the Old Testament, as This was Jesus' own way of life during the 30 yea rs in which the blessing of God and, in the New Testament, as the very adver­ he was living at home in Nazareth. Even after he began his earth· sary of righteousness. Depending upon the purpose to which per­ ly m1 1'J istry, he paid taxes to both the Roman government and the so nal wealth is employed, either may be true. Money possesses Jewish Temple. To Jud as' safekeeping the purse was entrusted no inherent quality of goodness or badness but represents. mere­ which represen ted the collective savings of Jesus and the apostles. ly, a medium of exchange w hich may be used to effect great good The scripture clearl y indicates that Jesus and the 12 were accustom­ or serious harm. To the Christian, all that one holds belongs to ed to assuming their own financial responsibiliti es. God, to be used for his purpose and glory. The second princ:iple which is evident in the Sc ripture is that. We are living in what ha s been called ''the affluent society." besides meeting their own obligations, Christians are to uplift those This is not to deny that, in the midst of our wealth, dire poverty who are less fortunate than themselves. The New Testament never stilll"xists. Yet, to Christi a ns, the challenge of prosperity is direct­ condemns a person for possessing great wealth. H owever, the ly proportional to one's own comn1itffient to God. Scripture does condemn many persons for greed and neglect of Most of us would not consider ourselves wealthy. Yet. com­ the needs of others. .. pared to most of the world toda y, Americans are ext remely for­ One of the dear lessons to be observed in the story of the tunate. Even by our own sta ndards of 50 yea rs ago, we live in ab­ ri ch man and l azaru s (lu)u\. 16: 19·301 is the irresponsi ble lack of so lute luxu ry. Fine homes, ai r conditioning and automobiles are concern and awareness of the needs of other"'s. There is no indica· just a few of the advantages that place us among the affluent. Yet . tion that the rich man was cru el to lazarus, only that he was so in the hands of the uncommitt ed and the uncaring. affluence is unconcerned that he failed to even notice him. Christians have the curse of an ungodly society. an obligation to help those who are in need oft he substance of life. There is no doubt that affluence has made our lives much The third principle is that Christians are stewards of the posses­ easier. The list of conveniences found in most hom es today didn't sions that God ha s entrusted into their care. The psa lmist said, even exist 50 years ago. There are limitless opportunities for " The earth is the lord's and the fu lness thereof; the world, and ac hievement, increased productivity, higher wages anci leisure they that dwell therein" (Ps. 24:1). time. The word "steward " as used in the New Testament, portrays Society is flourishing. Yet, on every hand, we see this very the concept of God's total ownership of all that we have. In the prosperity producing drug addiction, juvenile delinquency. New Testament era , a steward was the servant or a free man who venereal disease and crim e. had full charge of his master's affairs and could use his master's W e have been lEd to believe th at there is a sense of sec urity money for his own pe rsonal advantage, if he so chose. Yet. he in wealth. Yet, Solomon said wisely, " The rich man's wealth is was completely accountable to his master, rendering a full account his strong city, and a high wall in his own conceit" (Prov. 18: 11 ). of his transactions, when requested to do so. As Christians. we He deceives himself who builds up his own wealth, as a fortress are accountable to God for the way we use our own material around him, rather than reaching out to his fellowman in se rvice possessions. and love. Solomon concludes, " Treasures of wickedness profit There are questions which each person should ask himself nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death" (Prov. 10:2). in determining the quality of his own stewardship. These are: (1) The emphasis of the Sc ripture is upon ea rning and using one's How did I get my money? (2) How do 1 regard money? {3) Is money su bstance wisely. Again Solomon declares, " He becometh poor my master or my serva nt? (4) How do I use my money? (5) Is money tha t dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh more important than people? (6) Have I, without reservation, given rich," and " He that gat hereth in the summer is a wise son: but myself and all I have to God? he that sleepeth in the harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Prov. One who is serving God wilt not be possessed by money. 10:4-5). When a person is totally committed to God, material possessions In th e New Testament, the principle is evident that the able will have their proper place. We are to use our possessions so Christian is to work and sat isfy his obligations in life. 1t is ass umed that God will be glorified and our concern for our fellowman will th at he will be working at the vocation to which he is ca lled, earn- be demonstrated.

L au•~ to the editor expressing op~nions are !11\'ited. leners should be typed ctouble~PK • and must be signed. Leuers must not con lain more lhan 350 words and musl nol clelama th.e cha~acter ot persons They must be milked "lor publication." Photo• submitted 101' publication will be returned only when accompaonled by • atamped , aen­ adaressed envelope Qflty blec:k end white photos can be used.

Arkansas' third largest publication. Deaths ol members ol Arkanns chUJChes won be reponed In brief torm whert lnlormation is meeting the Information needs of Arkansas Baptists received nor later thsn t• days alter tl'le date of death. VOLUME 83 NUMBER .31 Adver11slng ratet on request Opinions upressed In signed erticles are lhose ol the writer. J . Everett Sneed, Ph .D ...... Editor Betty Kennedy •••.•...... Managing Editor Mamber oltl'le Southern Baptist Prns As~lltlon . Erwin L. McOon1ld, Lilt D • ...... Editor Emeritus The Arllanus Baptist Na wsmaga.diMI {USPS 031·2110) is publiahlld WHidy, lllc.pl the tl'lln:l •• wee1< in ADnl, 11 July • llld O.C. 25, by the Arkanus Blpi:W Newsmagadne, lnc., Unitt Rod. A~ a.pt'-1 Ne~lr-.. 8011rd of Olrft:IO"*; Tommy Robe(tson, El Ootado, prell· AA • SubSCription rates ara stl36 pet par (indMdual), SS •.O per yut (E~ Rnldetl! Famly ct.rll; Mrl , J. W. L. Adamt Jr.. Telllrllana; Ch1rles ChtiMI'. Car ltsle: lonnie Gibbons, NOI'th Plan), S6 OOperyear (Gtoup Plan) and St8.00 per ...... ('0 tor.1gn 8dlhu). Seoand daa ~ Llnle Roell;; Leroy French, FOft Smith: M~ . Jimmie Ollntlf, Trumann: Merle Milligan. Haniaon, paid 11 Llnle Rock, AR. POSTMASTER: Send ldctraN eMngn to .._,._ Baptl8t Hon. Elll}lne Roy, Unle Flock; and Line Strother, Mountain Home Na wsmagulne, P. 0 . Box 552, Llnle Roek, AA 722:03 .

August 16, 1984 Page3 WQman's viewpoint

Janet Williams

Express yo ur gratitude . I'm really not su re when we reach an age communicated. But, · even greater than our deeply felt capable of becomihg grateful for memories. A special privilege I shall always trea sure gratitude to th e persons in our lives can be Proba bly the biggest step-is when we leave was th e opportunity to say a final " thank our gratitude for the memories of the miracle our childhood homes and families for the you" to my dad during the last hours ofhis of Christ in our lives. As Jesus sought to first job or college experience. At that time life. Although there had been other times of glorify God in the raising of Laza ru s, he sa id. we gain a new pers pective, an awa reness of saying " thank you," those were the words " Father, 1 thank thee that thou hast heard some of the efforts that have gone into the we both chose for those last few moments. me .." Oohn 11 :4 1. KJV). Likewise, let us making of our lives. In the midst of the contrasting pain and com­ never fai l to find opportunities to Our maturity grows as the depth of our fort, I rea lized a need w hich I believe all of acknowledge our gratitude to ·God for gratitude increases. However, we lend to us share. We need to openly express our memories already made and for those think that there will always be time for ex­ gra titu de, to communicate our feeling of memories yet to be made. pressing gratitude at a future time. W e take " thank you," and to acknowledge a for granted persons in our past and present response. Janet Hamm Williams, a native of ex pe ri ences. as we plan to someday say Although words are not always necessary. Batesville, is a gr:tduate of Baylor Universi­ ''thank you." Th e appreciation for the they are symbols of the feelings and attitudes ty and has graduate hours from South­ positive influence of a patient teac her or for we experience. God blesses us with relation­ western Seminary. A mother of three, she the encouragement given by a certain friend ships and enriches our memories with op­ is director of childhood education at remains in our thoughts rather than being portunities to say " thank you." Calvary Church, little Rock.

One layman's opinion

Daniel R. Grant

Lega lizing ga mbling is promoting ca ncer What a ridiculous argument was used by reveal the cancerous nature of open, lega liz­ to society's placing its stamp of approval on those paid solicitors of signat ures on the peti­ ed, institutionalized gambling. a cancerous growth w ithin our nation and tion to vote on the issue of casi no gam bling All the talk about increased tax revenue within our communities. If gambling could in November! In working for the 25 cents­ for whatever good cause, and about improv­ be limited to the individual choice of in­ per-signature, many of these so licitors ask­ ed business in Hot Spri ngs from a year-round dividual citi zens, without the complicating ed almost se lf-righteously, "Don't you influx of ga mbling tourists, is irrelevant factor of influence on oth ers, it might be a believe in giving the people of Arkansas the eyewash because casi no gambling itself is different story. But with the element of public chance to vote on this issue? When one con­ thoroughly wrong economically, socially, approval an d the strong profit incentive to siders how cancerous the growth and impact and morally. 1t is especially wrong because involve more and st ill more people as vic­ of casi no gambling is, it seems obvious there it preys on the poor and th e downtrodden­ tims, it has alith e cha racteri stics of the most is no moral right or mandate for placing such those least able to afford th e high-ri sk rip­ deadly kind of spreading cancer. an issue on the ballot. off. As for " keeping it clean" and excluding If Christian people w il l dedicate Nevenheless, enough people were swayed th e crime syndicates, study after study of themselves to a strong and intelligen t fight by the logic of the paid sol ici tors. that this cities already allowing casino gambling against this special form of cancer. Nov. 6 controversial question will be up for public revea l that this is worse than the impossible can become the " teachable moment" for decision at the November election. This be­ dream. Crime and the rackets thrive in and casino gambling advocates in Arka nsas. ing the case. I think Christian people should around casino gambling. take advantage of the bad situation and Ultimately, the strongest argument against Daniel R. Grant is president of Ouachita mount a massive educati onal campaign to lega lizing casino gambling is that it amounts Baptist University. SBC churches to get world hunger resource NASHVILLE. Tenn,.-An up- to-date report The guide gives practical suggestions for OBU registration on how Southern Baptists are responding to promoting hunger awareness and action in Regi stration for the 1984 fall semester at the world hunger crisis is being sent to local churches, associations and state Ba p­ Ouachita Baptist University will be held pastors, ministers of educa tion and associa­ tist conventions. On Oct. 14 Southern Bap­ Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 9:30a.m. to 3;30 tional directors of missions throughout the tists will obse rve their seventh annual World p.m. in Evans St udent Center and Lile Hall. Southern Baptist ~onvention . Hunger Day. according to Mike Kolb, OBU registrar. The report is contained in a 16-page. Additional copies of the guide may be The fi rst day of classes is Thursday, Aug. "awareness/action guide" produced by the ordered at cost from the Christia n Life Com­ 30, with the la st day to regi ster or add a Ch ristian Life Commission with support from mission. " Hunger Alert," a new guidebook course Sept. 12. Th e fina l da y to drop a the Home Mission Board and Bapti st Sun ­ for youth and youth leaders, also is ava ilable course is Oct. 18. day School Boa rd. from the CLC. Page 4 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Don Moore The church's mission: last in a series of three The four functions of a New Testament church You'll be glad by R. Wilbur Herring It should be a very should strive to excel in all four functions. to know . . . elementary thing to Th e leaders Shou ld adopt these four func~ set down the func- lions as the church program. The non­ lions of a New Testa- esse ntials in church acti vities should be cut ... Churches work ment church in light out. Unless a project or program ca n com­ together! We ha ve of the Great Commis- fortably fit into one of these four ca tego ri es, been doing thi s to sian . Some elemen- it should be eliminated or discouraged. va ri ous degrees fo r tary truths are many A church cannot major in one function, years. I've just been times the moct difficu lt fo r it is evidence per se that it minors in the particularly blessed to to convey or to other three. For example, if a pastor or see renewed efforts establish. church should say th at th ey "major in jointly addressed. A Back in th e 1950's, evangelism," then they are admitting that good example was the Herring the Education Divi- they are neglecting a well-balanced program. joint effort of severa l sio n of our Sunday School Board appointed The church budget sho uld be drafted to churches in starting 12 persons to devote nine months to the task fully undergird these four functions of the Ott er Creek Church. of " defining the functions of a New Testa- church. Then th e pastor and th e other At the present, a Moore , ·· me'nt church." After visiting 21 selected leaders need to organize to accomplish these number of churches in Concord Association churches and checking th eir findings with objectives. If a church is not organized, it is are giving one half of one percent of their many outstanding leaders in our convention, disorganized; and this is described as chaos undesignated receipts tQ'Vola rd a building fund the task force published their conclusion. and confusion. that will make possible a building for a new The functions of a New Testam ent church church in Fianna Hills in Fort Smith. While are: eva ngelization, education, ministration R. Wilbur Herring is pastor emeritus of sponsored by East Side Ct)urch, the associa­ and worship. Central Church in Jonesboro and interim ti on and state Miss ions Department have A surccessfu l New Testam ent church pastor at· Conway First Church. shared in funding the purchase of the pro­ perty for thei r church. Seve ral areas of our state have seen chur· Volunteer helps singles find healing, strength ches come together in evangelistic crusades with tremendous results. This is very en­ by Mark Kelly couraging! When "'-"f address a need without LAS VEGAS, Nev.(BP)-las Vegas could tionship and need to rebuild thei r sense concern for who gets the credit or be nefi ts, use more people like Pat Brister. of self-worth," she explained. " My own something good is going to happen. This Pat, 42, ministers to singles in the most divorce 10 years ago totally devastated selfless ness opens th e door for God to do single of all cities-las Vegas. More than me. grea t things and receive the credit. 60 pe rcen t of the population is unmar- " Finding God could st ill use me was a ...The Casino Gambling Amendment will ried,· mostly from divorce. major step in my healing. God rebuilt my necessitate ou r churches working together. Broken lives abound here. Many pea- life; now it's better than ever." Casi no ga mbling is tied so closely to organiz­ pie, their marriages on the rocks are Brister is opening the eyes of las Vegas ed crime and the underworld, that it would drawn by a minimal six-week residency churches to the need and potential for be amazing if they felt any constrain t to be requirement for divorce proceedings. Still ministry to singles, Ralph Hall, pastor of honest or fai r in their campaign . Unpri nci­ others' lives are da shed on the felt- Paradise Valley Church, explained. pl ed people will stop at nothing, if it mea ns covered gaming tables of the world- " More than one-third of our church's more dollars in their pockets. We shou ld ex­ renewed " Strip:' 43 families include singles;' said Hall . pect a very deceptive ca mpaign waged with . It's a cold city," said Pat, who direCts " We found singles were ca rrying a lot of out of state money which will be designed si ngles ministries for 26 churches and mis- the woi-k load, but our couple-oriented to mislead Arkansans about the reve nue sions in the Southern Baptist Nevada Bap- program was n't meeting their needs:' casino gambling will bring into the state. It tist Associati on. " This place magnifies Two other singles groups, one of them ha s been reported that they are prepared to people's needs and huns." meeting at The Church on the Strip, have spend $1 million to get casinos in Arkansas. Drawn by those needs, Pat sold her Fon grown directly from Brister's first group. It we had half that much to tell th e truth in Worth, Texas, home and moved to Las With other churches eyeing similar mini­ advenisi ng and promotibn, we would be Vegas. Supported by her insurance stries, Bri ster dreams of singles groups pleased. Our churches must work together ca reer, she volunteers du ring her off- meeting in every quadrant of the city. hours through the Home Mission Board's The next step, said Brister, is to sensitize to defeat this dread scourge that threatens our state and nation. Mission Service Corps progra m. singles to missio n needs beyond las Ve-- Here is what you ca n do: " 1spe nd a lot of time listening," noted gas. After surveying missions around Ne- Brister, a Mississippi native. " I hear a lot vada, the last Vegas singles plan to com- (1) Work in the local and county orga ni zation. of loneliness, bitterness, and rejection. I pile a list of needs and enlist support from (2) Contribute to the campaign. hear sea rching questions, too. God can other singles groups around the country. (3) Register to vote and encourage others. heal these traumas, th ough," she added. As it is, Brister finds her ministry " I know because it happened to fulfilling. (4) Vote and help othe" get to the polls. me:' Those attendi ng the annual convention She meets weekly with a group of " You can't buy blessings like these;' she will have to vote earlier as an absentee singles from va rious parts of the city. Shar- concluded. ''They come from giving." because the conve ntion begins on elec­ ing their struggles and praying together, Mark Kelly, now an ABN staff writer, tion day. they find heali ng in mutual suppon and Bible study. wrote the above article while serving as Don Moore is executive secretary of th e "Most si ngles here have failed in a rela- a Mission Service Corps volunteer. Arkansas Baptist State Convention ..

August 16, 1984 Page 5 Magnolia Central Church selected for ACTS 'Great Churches' Worship services of Centra l Church, series in June anJ July. Magnolia Central, which bega n its cable Magnolia, are being broadcast in August on Each Sunday, two \VOrship services and a vi deo broadcasts in 1980, was one of IVY'O the American Christian Television System pastor's Sunday school class are broadcast churches involved with the "Invitation to {ACTS) as pa rt of the " Great Churches of through the local cable company. Seven ty Life" series, broadcast in 1981 by the Ra dio America" series. homebound persons are tied to that cla ss by and Television Commission. Broadcasts of Two other congregations-First Church, the broadcast, according to Central pastor john Bisagno·led reviva l services resulted in Dallas, and North Phoenix Church-led the John St ubblefield. 1,563 recorded decisions for Christ.

(A bove fell! fohn Stubblefield, pastor of Central Church, Magnolia, closes a mor· ning worship service, which was broad· cast to area residents through the focal cable company and was taped fo r later broadcast in ACTS "Grea t Churches of America" series. ACTS is a project of the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission. (Above) Ken Sibley works a switcher in the control room, directing the work of two cameramen in the sane· tuary. Sibley is one of 13 volunteers working in t ~vo teams for Central's radio and television commitlee. They are all trained by the Southern Baptist Radio and Television (omission, which also in· staffed th e control room. (Below) A balcony camera pulls in the children's sermon, fed by associate pastor Billy Hin es Jr.

Magnolia church launches SBC peace observance First Baptist Church, Strong Central Church, Magnolia, is one of 29 becomes the key to .....orld peace, as we sha re Southern Baptist churches which has helped the prince of peace." ' David L. Wilson, Pastor inaugurate a denomination-wi de observance Although many groups exist to promote announces of the Day of Prayer for World Peace. peace, many carry strong political overtones, "Celebration of Joy" The inaugural churches, each in a different sa id Stubblefield, president of the Arkansas state convention, focused on peace with Baptist State Convention. A speci fi ca lly Building dedication justice in an Aug. 5 worship service. So utherr. Baptist emphasis provid es pastors August 26, 2:30p.m. "I'm glad to see the Day of Prayer for " legitimate ways to express th ei r concern for We invite you to be a part of our World Peace;· said Joh n Stubblefield, pastor peace-'NOrld peace and peace in the hearts of the congregation. " Every Christian, every of men-without mdking it political," he Special Day as we dedicate our new Southern Baptist must be concerned about noted. facilities and celebrate th e 8/st peace in the workLOur lord, after all, is the The evening observance featured peace· anniversary of First Baptist. Morning 'prince of peace'. related hymns and scriptures an d a sermon Worship Service begins at 10:50, "We must be concerned that every per· entitled "Are you a peace-maker." Three followed by fellowship meal. son find peace in his heart in a right rel a· church members offered prayers for world Dedication Service will be at 2:30p.m. tionship with Cod;' he continued. " This peace, a role their pastor ca lled "primary." Page 6 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Arkansas all over update by Millie· Gill/ ABN staff writer people briefs Thomas W. Wideman wjll join rh e staff calvary Church at Lepanto is training 14 of little Rock Second Church Aug. 19 as tutors this month to assist w ith a literacy minister of music and youth. He comes ministry ex pected to be in operation in from Fort Worth, Texas, where he has September as the sc hool yea r begins. 1 been serving as minister of music at th e Ri verside Church. He is a gra duate of Ward First Church celebrated its 59th an­ both William jewell College in Uberty, nive rsary July 29 with activities that in­ Mo., and Southwestern Bapti st cluded a worship hour, potluck dinner, Theological Seminary. W id eman has serv­ special music and a testimony by Sally ed Missouri churches in Manchester, Jayroe, who has been a member si nce North Kansas City and Kansas Ci ty. He is McCarty 1927 and has served as church clerk married to the former Sally Ann Bur­ since 1944. Speakers we re Haroi ~ Sadler, nidge, a g r a~uate of William J ~e ll Col­ Carl Hogue has resigned as pastor of the a former paStor, and W. T. Byrum, direc· lege-)-They have a daughter, Jolee AnnY Pines Church to move to Watertown, tor of missions for Caroline Association. · · ./:J uC.:;f:';tt · S.D., w here he and Mrs. Hogue have H. 0. McCarty has been promoted to full been appointed to serve by the Home Bald Knob Central Church lice nsed Ed' colonel in the Arkansas Ai r National Mission Board. die Meharg to the ministry Jul y 29. Gua rd and has been assigned to Air Na­ tional Guard state hea dquarters as the Jess Lunsford is serving as interim pastor Woodlawn Church in Little Rock observ­ first state chaplain in the history of the of the West Side Church in Heber ed homecoming Aug. 5 when George Arkansas Ai r Guard. He is pastor of the Springs . Domerese, a former pastor and director University Church in Fayetteville and of missions for Clea r Creek Association, since 1968 has served as chaplain to the Chip Broadbent has resigned from the was spea ker. Arkansas Razo rback football team. staff of lakeshore Drive Church in little Rock to accept the pos ition of choral Strong First Church had a mission team Ron Hall has resigned as minister of director at Norview Junior High School in Mulberry, Kans., july 9-13 to assist with music and youth at M alvern Third in Norfolk, Va. a vacation Bible sc hool and revi va l at the Church to ente r Southwestern Baptist Southern Baptist mission. Da vid Wilson, Theologica l Semi nary. Burnett Whitaker is se rving as pasto r of pastor of the Strong churc h, and Mike the Vandervoort Church in Ouachita Seabaugh, youth director, led a revival . Max Garrison is serving as pastor of th e Association. He retired to Arkansas ii-I that resulted in six professions of faith Owensville Church at Lonsdale. He was a October from the First Church in West and one other addition. mem ber of th e Salem Church at Ben ton. Point, Calif. . He also has served churches in Oklahoma. Remount Church in North Little Rock or­ Bruce Stone ,who has been se rving as in­ dained AI Peel as a deacon july 15. The teri m pastor of the Shan non Church in Rev. and Mrs. Cecil Guthrie of Newport ordaining council consi sted of Tim Pocahontas, is now serving is full-time celeb rated their 50th wedding anniver­ McMinn, Bratton Rhoades, Richard pa stor. sary July 15 with a reception hosted by Spinks and Clyde Va lentine. their children, Mr. a"nd Mrs. Gene Dolby Steve Harrelson was o rd ained to the of Grand Blanc, Mich., Mr. an d Mrs. Lakes hore Drive Church in Little Rock ministry July 29 at the North Point Ga ry Guthrie of Head land, Ala., Mr. an d honored pastor Jerry Wilcox Aug. 12 in Church in Little Rock w here he serves as Mrs. Sam Vogel Jr. and Dr. Ann Guthrie recognition of his 13th anniversary as pastor. Glenn E. Hickey, director of mis­ of Li ttle Rock. Guthrie served for 27 pastor. He was presented with a gift at sions for Pulaski County Association, yea rs as director of missio ns for Black the close of the f'£ening service. preac hed the ordinati on se rmon. River Association prior to his retirement. M rs. Guthrie is a retired public sc hool Fordyce First Church held a deacon or­ Elbert Warren will begin serving Aug. 19 teac her. dination service Aug. 5 for John Summers as pastor of the Pleasan t Grpve Church and Grady Colvin. in Pu laski County Association . Leslie Dennie was in Washington, D. C. July 2-7 to attend the first national Chris­ Judsonia First Church will hold a service William Gullick has resigned as pastor of tian youth leadership confe rence. The Aug. 19 to ordain Mark Rutherford, a stu­ the Clea r Lake Church to move to purpose of th e conference was to help dent at Southwestern Baptist Theological Memphis. develop greater leadership ability an d to Seminary, to the ministry. eq uip young people to be more effective Ron Rogers ha s resigned as pastor of the in their local ministries. Dennie, age 17, youth Yarbro Church to become pastor of the is the son of James and Virgin1a Dennie Poplar Corner Church in Jackson, Tenn . of Little Rock. He is a member of Geyer Ward First Church youth and adult spon­ Spri ngs First Church. sors were in Boyne City, Mich., July John Henson1 has resigned as pastor of 15·23 to assist the Boyne City Chapel the Joiner Beth el Church to pursue his Floyd Tidsworth Jr. of Li ttle Rock was in with backyard Bible clubs and a revival. education. Chicago recently to attend a " How to Gary Nelke, a lay minister and chairman I Plant a Church" seminar. He is church of deacons at the Wa rd church, preach· Steve Butler ha s resigned as pastor of the extension director for the Arkansas Bap­ ed the revival. Pastor Bill Hilburn Emmanuel Church at Hot Springs. tist Sta te Convention. directed music. August 16, 1984 Page 7 Tanner says politicization of SBC will hurt missions by Jim Newton ATLANTA (BP)-lamenting a trend toward (7) working for unity. every person to be utilized in helping build "politicization of the Southern Baptist Con­ Tanner st ressed in his opening statements churches, witness to our land, and evan­ vention," SBC Home Mission Board Presi­ his personal commitment to "a Bible­ gelize the world." dent William G. Tanner call ed for unity ce ntered, conservative theology," and to th e Commenting on a resolution on ordination within diversity in Baptists' efforts to reach principle of " unity within diversity." of women adopted by the SBC in Kansas Ci­ the nation and world with the gospel. "Southern Baptists have always subsc ri b­ ty, Tanner stated: " It is my hope that ord ina­ In an address to th e agency's board of ed to a Bible-centered, conservative th eo­ ti on will not become a criteria or a test of directors, Tanner said he is deeply concern­ logy and we have also maintained a unity Baptist faithfulness, fellowship or service." ed politicization of the denomination would within our diversity," he sa id. " Bu t I pave Pointing out many sincere, Bible-believing " render our efforts in missio ns and evangel­ never believed that being conservative has Christians differ on what the Bible says about ism ineffective," and insisted, "We must supplied me with either the credentials or ordin~tion, Tann er st ressed the Home Mis­ maintain our missions priorities as an agen­ the mandate to disenfranchi se everyone else sion Board holds ordination is a local church cy and not become trapped in politicization. "We must stop assa ulting each other with Tanner's seven home missions 'benchmarks': counterfeit la bels and start assaulting the (1) commitment to the SBC Cooperative Piogram, (2) emphasis on the gates of hel l," Tanner declared. "We must denomination's Bold Mission Thrust, (3) the need for Christian fellowship, maintain an attitude of genuine Ch rist ian caring for each other. No issue should over­ (4) emphasis on Christians caring for each other, (5) maintaining mi ssion shadow the fact that there are infinitely more priorities instead of politics, (6) remaining cl ~se to Baptist hi story and things and deeper things that unite us than heritage, and (7) working for unity. ' divide us." He challenged directors of the board " to w ho did not agree with me." matter. The agency, which appoints 3,700 join me in seeing that this organization (the Thoughout its history, the Southern Bap­ missionaries in aliSO states, does not require Home Mission Board) does not become so tist Convention has consistently maintained ordination of either men or women to serve entangled in controversy or pa ralyzed by unity in diversity, operating for its first 80 as missionaries. Fo r more than 130 yea rs, or­ polarization that we default on this trust of yea rs without any statement or confession dination has not been a determining fac tor sharing our Saviou r with this nation. of faith, Tanner observed. The first statement in appointment of missionaries, he said. " If we become so galvanized as a denomi­ of fai th, adopted in 1925 by the SBC in Mem­ He observed, however, many women view nation that we will not tolerate differences of phis, Ten n., followed the famous Scopes trial the resolution adopted by the convention "as opinion regarding Baptist tradition, different (on evolution) in Tennessee amid a a rejection of them for any So uthern Baptist approaches and m odels for ministry, differ­ ''modernist-fundamentalist'' controversy. But ministry and are qUestioning whether there ent interpretations to theolOgical truth based that statement, and another adopted in is a place for them in Southern Bapti st work. on rE'velation from the Holy Spirit, then this 1963, avoided "exclusivistic terminology'' " II would be unfortunate," he said, "if in the inflexibility will eventually nullify our abili­ and allowed for " latitude of interpretation," ongoing discussion of ordination we alienate ty to speak to the diversity of spi ritu al needs Tanner said. women from th ei r support of and participa­ in America and the world," he said. " Historically, Southern Baptists have dis­ tion in home missions .... We could neither In his first address to the directors since the covered they ca n find unity aro und a broad fi nance nor carry out home missions as we Southern Baptist Covention met in Kansas Ci­ doctrinal statement and a specific missionary know it without the leadership and participa­ ty, Mo., last june, Tan ner offered seven "ben­ and evangelist ic purpose," he sa id. tion of women." chmarks" which he sa id were "extremely The Home Mission Board has had a repu­ Tanner said he came away from the important ccnsiderations" in the agency's ef­ tation for " our willingness to not only Southern Baptist Convention in Kansas City forts to reach America for Christ. tolerate, but to welcome diversity within the feeling that both the Home and Foreign Mis­ " These are not profound sta tements, framework of our programs," Tanner said. sion Boards' reports to the convention were rather they are simple, honest observations "Our unity at the Home Mission Board is given " polite but inconsequential hearings:· that I hope will evaluate where we are as an not defined as all of us being 'look-alikes,' He added: " I did not feel the response to age ncy and what we must do to fulfill our 'sound-alikes,' 'act-alikes,' or 'believe-alikes,''' either (mission) report by our convention in­ role. " Tanner said . "Our unity comes from having dicated a great se nse of burden, urgency or His seven benchmarks, briefly, included: a right relationship with the H oly Spirit and expectancy tha t has been characteristic of (1) commitment to the SBC Cooperative Pro­ with each other." our people in days gone by." gram, (2) emphasis on the denomination's Ca lling for unity based on Christian Emphasizing the need for commitment to Bo ld Mission Thrust, {3) the need for Chris­ fellowship, Tanner observed Southern Bap­ the denomination's Bold Mission Thrust plan tian fellowship, (4) emphasis on Christians tists always have had th eir differences, but to preach the gospel to every person in the caring for each other, (5) maintaining mis­ "despite our diversity there has been a weld­ world by the year 2000, Tanner said Bold sion priorities instead of politics, (6) remain­ ed unity based in part on Christian fellowship Mission Thrust is too important to be subor­ ing close to Baptist history and heritage, and as we have allowed th e gift s and talents of dinated to a power struggle. missionary notes

Mr. and Mrs. Darrel E. Garner, mis­ Mr. and Mrs. D. Edwin Pinkston, mis­ Mr. and M rs. M ax N . Alexander, mis­ sionaries to Malawi, have completed sionaries to the Ivory Coast, have completed siona ries to Thailand, have completed furlough and returned to the field (address: furlough and returned to the field (address: furlough and returned to the field (address: P. 0. Box 224, Balaka, Malawi). H e was born BP 1424, Oaloa, Ivory Coast). They are P.O. Box 832, Bangkok, Tha iland). They are in Oklahoma and lived for a time in Hunt­ natives of Arkansas. He was born in Camden natives of Arkansas. He was born in Lake City sville. The former Judy BrO\Ain , she was born and grew up in Crossett. T,b e former Creta and grew up in Jon esboro. The former Bet­ in Independence County and lived in McFerrin, she was born in Hill Top, and liv­ ty Nickell, she was born in Hazel Valley and Walnut Ridge and Fayetteville while grow­ ed there and in Harrison while grO\Aii ng up. also lived in Fayetteville. They were ap­ ing up. They were appointed by the Foreign They were appointed by the Foreign Mission pointed by the Foreign Mission Board in Mission Board in 1969. Board in 1966. 1961. Page 8 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Two methods for obtaining "It appears to me that it (Bold Mission Thrust) not only has been hustled off center messenger housing in Dallas, 1985 stage- in our emphasis, but it is being push­ Convention policies provide two Grenelefe Hotel, Holiday Inn ed by other agendas outside the theater methods for individuals and groups Dovmtown, Hyatt Regency, l.a altogether. to secure hotel rooms for th e 1985 Quinta Rega l Row, Wyndham " It would be a sad commentary," he con­ Southern Baptist Convention an­ North Park Inn, Plaza Hotel, Quali· tinued, " if someday we looked back at the nual meeting in Da llas, Texas, June ty Inn Market Center, Regent Hotel, decade of the 80's and realized we forfeited 11-14. Sheraton Mockingbird, Twin Sixties, and lost the spiritual battle for our age 1. At least 4,000 rooms-3,000 of and Viscount Hotel. because we refused to work together as which must be located within two The city of Dallas has approx· Southern Baptists to maintain Bold Mission miles of the .Convention Cen ter­ imately 26,000 hotel/motel rooms, Thrust as our major approach for winning are to be held for individuals mak­ and with the exception of th e our nation and world to Christ." ing wrilten reservation requests rooms in the 16 hotels being held Tanner also challenged eleCted leaders of through the host ci ty's official hous­ by the city's Housing Bureau, the convention, including trustees and direc­ ing bu reau. rooms may be sec ured at this by tors of the agencies, to st rongly support and 2. All other rooms in the ci ty not individuals or groups by directly ac ti ve ly promote the Cooperative Program, being held by the city's housi ng contacting the hotels. the denomination's unified budget financing bu reau are to be left for individuals The Executive Committee of the missions and evangelism. "I want to chal­ and groups to make direct reserva­ Southern Baptist Convention pro-­ lenge those who have been elected to dem­ tions with the hotels. vides a housing information office onstrate their leadership and confidence in Sixteen hotels have committed to assist individuals and groups the cooperati ve effort of Southern Baptists just under 5,000 rooms to be used with special rieeds. The information to reach this world by giving priority in their by the Dallas Convention and office does not make reservations churches to the Cooperative Program chan­ Visitors Housi ng Bureau for the an­ but can often assist messengers nel for supporting world missions," he said. nual meeting. Special room reser­ who encounter problems with th e vat ion request forms are currently In recent years, he observed, Baptists have hotels or the Housing Bureau. In­ misinterpreted the Cooperative Program, being prepared, and during the formation and help may be talking of giving ''to'' rather than " through'' month of September they will be secured by writi ng Housing Infor­ available in all state Baptist Con­ mation, 460 Jam es Robertson it. "The Cooperative Program is a channel; vention offices and prinled in th e Pa rkway, Nashville, TN 37219, or a means to an end and not an end in itself," Baptist Program. These forms may by calling 615/244-2355 he added. "I honestly believe it is the most be mailed to the Housing Bureau effective stet.vardship means ever conceived The Dallas Hilton will serve as beginning Oct. 1, 1984. Only re· the convention hotel, and the by a religious body to impact a lost world." quests made on these special forms Adolphus Hotel as the Woman's Finally, Tanne r challenged th e directors to will be accepted by the Housing Missionary Union headquarters. "work for unity so that we do not become Bureau. Forins will be pro- The Convention sessio ns, WMU divided and pass the point of no return and cessed on an individual family general sessions, and the Pasto rs' as a consequence discover our leadership basis. Conference will be held in th e role in God's redemptive plan for this land The 16 hotels committing rooms Dallas Convention Center located and the world has been taken from us." to the Housing Burea u are the at 650 South Griffin. Excellent park· He cau tioneit if Baptists do not continue Adolphus Hotel, Dallas Hilton, Du· ing is also available at the Conven­ their main focus on missions and evangelism pont Plaza, Exec utive Inn, tion Center. for any reaso n, or for lack of reason, God will "move on to others who will honor him. God doesn't have to have South ern Baptists" to accomplish his purposes in the world. Family ministry must include single parents The board of directors responded with a RII'JGECREST, N.C. (BPI-The traditional sonhood. "A wife isn't to be used and standing ovation following Tanner's presen­ family is a myth that we need to discount children aren't to be manipulated," he said. tation, which he described not as an address when we talk about strengthening the fami­ Second, we should have a belief in a com­ or sermon, but as a " position statement" on ly, Drew Gunnels told participants in the plete commitment to marriage and not bail where he feels the agency is and should be third Sunday School Leadership Conference. out at th e first sign of trouble. headed in the future. Gunnels, pastor of the Spring Hill Church, Also, discipline must be considered anew, Mobile, Ala., said, " The picture of the tradi­ he said. " Too much discipline deals with tional fami ly has the mother and father with punishment and correction. Discipline is not Jim Newton is chief o f the Atlanta bureau of Baptist P.ress. two children-always a baby-gathered a­ what you do to a child, but what you do for round the hearth at home in the evenl,ng." a child." But there is no real model of the family to­ Fathers especially need to learn how to day, he said. Today's families are ever-chang­ demonstrate their love, said Gunnels, admit­ ing and frequently have only one parent. ting his own difficulties with showing love Mr. and Mrs. Donald l. Orr, missionaries " Single-parent families are a fact that chur­ to his young adult children. " The greatest to Colombia, have arrived in the States for ches must deal with. We can minister to the thing you could do for your family is to furlough (address: 647 Fifth St. , Hot Springs, family even though we don' t condone divor· demonstrate your love to them," he said. AR 71901) . He is a native of Hot Springs. The ce," he said. '1We ought to minister to the The time to deal with the family Is now, former Violet Rogers, she is an Oklahoma rea l needs of a rea l world rather than trying Gunnels said . "Hurry. Before it is too late, native. They were appointed by th e Foreign to deal with something that doesn't exist." hurry. You can' t put your children in the Mission Board in 1951. Gunnels listed four points for helping to freezer and take them out when you have develop stronger families. time to deal with them. You must deal with Christians should accept the value of per- them now," he concluded.

August 16, 1984 Page 9 Soviet Baptists seek to live for both Christ and country by Martha Skelton U.S.S.R. (BP)-Tension between a felt need of their countrymen's needs are in a realm Evangelical Christians-Baptists spl it over thi ~ to work w ithin the system and yet maintain beyond sociology and economic structure. question. The 5,030 churches remaining in their Christian principles has shaped the But, at the same time, they feel a strong the council follow government requirements development of the Soviet Union's registered sense of civic responsibility to stay within the for church registration. eva ngelical chu rches. laws of the land where atheism is the official Those refusing to cooperate formed a se­ Baptists, pa rt of the evangelical group, con· " religion." .. cOnd group, the Council of Churches of stantly try to balance their li ves between do­ In major cities, SOviet officials have set up Evangelical Christians-Baptists. There are ing what they believe pleases God and also museums visibly packaging Christianity in severa l sub-groups in that movement. Some fu lfilling their roles aS Soviet citizens. displays linking it to ancient superstition and churches have registered with the govern­ "From ea rly in my life, I realized only high-church corruption. Th e people have ment bUt remain unaffiliated with the All· Ch r i~tia n s can solve the problems of man­ been freed from this past, citizens are told. Union Council. kind," said Jacob Dukhonchenko, 53, pastor A ne"Vo~e r eternal va lue is proclaimed, another Churches w hich do register send the state's of Central Church in Kiev and superinten­ central figure glorified: " The name and acts religious affairs office their membership lists dent of the union of 1,500 Baptist churches of lenin will live forever! Communism will an d report s bn numbers of baptisms, wed­ in the Ukrain e region. " I dreamed to be a w in!" proclaim banners strung across in­ dings, funerals and the like. Financial slave of the lord Jesus Christ:' tersec tions and buildings. statements and church property inven tories Thirty-three years ago he and his fiancee, lenin's lomb is a shrine. His image is must also be made ava ilable. luibov ("love"), had .a se rious talk. "I told painted onto buildings, chiseled into statues Registered churches are required to center her my dream was to be a servant of God, and woven into cloth. activi ties in church houses. No public rallies and I was not sure whether I could create Some evangelicals in the Soviet Union or meetings are allowed. Most churches hold for her a better life," he said. They con­ believe the doctrine of atheism stands im­ multiple meetings each week. Membersh ip sidered the matter before marrying. movably bet~Neen the government and Chris­ in All-Union Council churches officially is leaders like Dukhonchen_ko know many tians. In 1960 the All-Union Council of reported as 545,000, the largest Baptist Union in Europe. These churches focus eva ngelism efforts on family members, friends and co-workers. The Soviet government forbids socia l ministri es, since that is th e sta te's domain. "All our members live to have contacts with nonbelievers," says one pastor, Peter Konovalchi k of Leningra d. "We cannot be quiet. We understand that not every member can explain everything about Christ, but at least he can invit e someone to come (to church). " Our testimony is not in vain," he adds. "We invite people to 'come and see.' Now is just the preparation for awakening." Alexei Bichkov, general sec retary for th e All-Union Council, believes cooperation with the government is biblica l. Th e coun­ cil takes the position that working with in the laws accomplishes more for the kingdom 61 God th an living in confrontation. " It is im­ portant good leaders find out ~ha t it means

Tight quarters-(Above) Sitting. standing. leaning. craning. people fill the seats, aisfes, stairwells, halls and adioining rooms of the church in Moscow. fn some Soviet churches, people must worship outside because there is simply no room to come inside. Churches hold multiple services ro accomodate their membership.

'Gospodie! Gospodie!~ (Righ t ) Beginning with quiet whispers, Soviet Bapt ists' in­ dividual prayers to the Lord ("Gospodie") rise with an intensity and feeling that breaks like a wave over the congregation. This is Darnitsa Church near Kiev.

Page 10 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE to rend er to Caesar and God," says Bichkov. says. " It belongs to th e yo ung people, who throughout the country. A church usually " Jesus Christ didn't regulate what and how. come to th e church in spiritual need." will have severa l pastors, a number of lay He invited people to find th e way." Every Su nday and many week nights, preachers and deacons. As vacanc ies occur, Convictions make Christia ns honest and young people are part of th e th ousa nds of the congrega tion selects a new leader bas­ industrious workers. Their abstinence from Soviet citizens ga th er for worship. Bea rded ed on its choice from among those who have alcohol sharply contrasts a society struggl­ old men and babu shkas (grandmothers) in ri sen through the network of practical ex­ ing with a major drin king problem. They kerc hiefs are sea ted alongside tee nage rs, peri ence and informal training. teach and exerci se high standards of per­ ne-.v parents strugg ling with squirming little Pastora l candidates are questi oned thor­ so nal morality. Such productivity and mora l ones, and middle-aged men and women. oughl y and their theology is studied. A year awareness pa·ra llel governm ent standards. Their services are long and punctuated with of in terim work culminates in the new pas­ People outside believi ng families make fervent prayer time. tor's ordination, if the congrega tion chooses. deci5ions for the gospel and are baptized Preac hing abi lity is an important fa ctor in Ou khonchenko knows living th e Ch ristian each year. More young people are attending, pastoral se lection, but Soviet Baptists place life is not the easiest road he could have asking qu estions and aligning them se lves a high priority on spiritual living. " When \\1€ picked, but he has no regrets. " I ha ve never with the church. Seve ral observers point to consider a ca ndidate, we sea rch hi s life," felt miserable, pitiful that I decided to be a essentially the same reason-something Dukhonchenko explains. Livi ng the gospe l servant of God," he says. " The highest l}ame within th e young people th emselves. is imperative. for all serva nts, whatever their place, is 'slave You th is a time for sea rching, ex plains Pa stors are selected by the loca l ch urches of th e lord.' " Nikita Jerome of Alexander Nevsky lavra, an w ith consultation fro m local Orthodox monastery-seminary in Leningrad . superintendents. l eaders in the church ari se Martha Skelton, associate editor of The' " I don't think the increased number of through a system of deacon s, lay preac hers Commission, spent a month visiting Soviet young people belongs to the church," he and pa st ors found in eva ngelical ch·urches Baptist work. Soviet Christian families under constant scrutiny LENINGRAD, U.S.S.R. (BP)-To Soviet believers, being the light of the world is more than a metaphor. Families are under co nstant scrutiny from those around them. " Our lives are visible for eve rybody," says Peter Konovalchik, pasto r of the Baptist church in l en· ingrad ."They look at us atten tively. Everybody is watching. They know who we are, where we are going, and our rela­ tionships with our wives and children ." Great friendships develop among ch urch families, who serve as support groups for eac h other. Children in the churches are best friends and spend much of their free time together. Soviet Christ ian families live their witness. Church is almost an exten sion of home fo r the Konova lchiks. They spe nd hours each week worshiping and enjoying fellowship with their extended fam ily. The three teenage gi rl s sing in the choir. Th e mother, Antoninya, is available to help those who need her. Konovalchik, the product of a Bapt ist family who became a Christian at age 14, felt th e desire to preach before he went into the army. He was invited to work with young people and organized Bible st udies outside Leningrad. He bega n to preac h during the fellowships, and was elected as pastor of his church in 1979. He devotes some entire church meetings to discussing fa mily life with married young people, dealing with hu sband -wife and paren t-child re lationships. He teaches .f abou t living in holiness." You neve r separate your testimony ~ from your Ch ristian life," he says."You should live accor· cr ding to Ch rist." § Time spent together is a must fo r Soviet Christian families:·we don't have a Sunday sc hool. It is the respon- 1 of the fam ily to have church at home-prayer, re.iding the Bible,· ex plai ning things. (Families) should be spiritual developers,'' Konovalchik explai ns. Delight is in th e air as a daughter of Vladimir Kunets, pastor in Kiev, Konovalchik's church is located in an area called Poklon­ and her t\.-\10 children sit downfor .some fun at the piano. The Kunets naya Gora. Th e name means a mountain bowing down, household includes this daughter, her husband and children, describing how co nquered people would bow down to another married child with spouse and child, 10 unmarried children their conquero rs. Says one church member:"Now we do it an d Kunets and his wife. to God; he co nquered us."

August 16, 1984 Page 11 WMU stresses Cooperative Program key to ministry GLORIETA, N.M. (BP)-More than 80 mis- Cooperative Program was an additional em- love of Christ. "Are you so busy in your sionari es and conference leaders stressed the phasis of the week. The missions-minded au- WMU activities th at you do not have time necessity of ministering to needs in th e com- dience answered th e pl eas for Cooperative fo r missions in your own community and munity and marketplace as th ey interpreted Program awareness with an offering of more neighborhood," she asked. the WMU week th eme, " By l ove Compel!- than $2, 490. Conference center record s Add ressing current issues, Nathan Porter, ,ed", at Glorieta Baptist Conference Center. show the offering as the largest collected to- Home Mission Board national consultant for Compelled by Cod's love, Woman's Mis· date th is summer. disaster relief and domestic hunger, also sionary Union members and leaders are The week's Bible study leader, Beve rly questioned pa rticipan ts on thei r knowledge seeking a way to express missions co ncern Hammack, assistant direc tor of th e Home of hunger in the U.S. He noted women and and mi ssions love in this day, Carolyn Missio n Board Christian social ministr ies children are the people suffering most in th e Wea th erfo rd, execut ive director of WMU, department, related the minist ry of Jesus to United States beca use of poverty and told the crowd of almost 1,200. "We are 20th present ministry opportunities. She noted the hunger. century women who are anxious to find the way Jesus affirmed persons, accepted per· He drew spontaneous applause with his key to Bold Mission Thru st in ou r churches sons an d listened are requirements of remarks on the inconsistency in male/female and through organizations," she said. ministry today. pa y sca les even within th e church. " How Weatherford noted the emphasis on com· During morning and evening convocations can we as women or men who believe in pe lting love translates into two objectives for missionaries issued challenges to pray and Christ call for and expect social justice in th e WMU: to seek to involve every chu rch confront personal ministry opportunities. world when we do not call for it in our own member in a lifestyle of personal ministry " I would rath er have five minutes a day churches," he asked. and witness and to seek to minister to ur· of your prayer time for me and my work than Another highlight of the week came when ban area s. "Each church member-man, $10 or $15 or $20 or $50 a day of your Harlan Spurgeon, Foreign Mission Board woman, boy and gi rl-should be encourag· money," said Zan Claden, foreign mi ssionary vice·presi dent for human resou rces, spoke ed to become a ma rketplace missionary to Mexico. " I can't always wisely spe nd th e of his recent trip to China. He quoted committed to sha rin g hi s faith in lifestyle money you se nd but! can't miss when you Chinese Christians who refer to the .policy ministry and evangelism;· she said. pray," he added. change allowing Christian s openness to wor· The importance of increased giving to the Ministering to the hungry, to reso rt areas, sh ip without persecui.ion as the "da ybreak through student work and by lifestyle after a dark period." witn essi ng were among the chall enges First home missionary presented by the week's speakers. SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Repub­ Jud i Fold s, missionary to Japan, question· lic-Dominican Republic Baptisls have nam­ ed the women about their use of thei r time ed Berta Aquino as their firs! home mis­ and facilities in taking adva ntage of week· sio nary. She will work in the city of San Fran· day ministry opportunities. sne urged them cisco de Macoris. to develop friendships in order to present the See how all the pieces lit. Church WMU Training Day

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Brotherhood Area Conferences 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sept. 6 Immanuel, Little Rock Sept. 10 West Helena Church Sept. II First, Warren Sept. 13 First, Nashville Sept. 24 First, Walnut Ridge For more info contact Sept. 25 Wynne Church Church Training Dept. Sept. 27 First. Russellville P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203. Phone, 376-4791 Oct. I First, Booneville Oct. 2 First, Fayetteville 4 First, Mountain Home com NE\¥5 AMERKA Oct. CE - March16- - April 6, 1986 .... G(X) I.OIES KX1

August 16, 1984 Page 13 Your state convention at work Missions refreshing to see the Lord use one of his grams? The Basic Budget Progrl!m gives a Large vs. small churches followers in such a delightful way. - church a workable plan. Few materials are Clarence Shell. director needed. The program Isn't time consuming. Constant discussion continues about the What happens when churches use good merits of large churches and vice versa. Christian Life Council budgeting methods? The budget is an ex­ Some say the large church has so much From statistics to people cellent definition of the church's ministries. more complete pro­ Church members are challenged to in· gram to offer Using an innovative idea which came crease their giving. The church sets members. But others while studying world hunger needs, Dick priorities for its ministries. A budget gives counter that the Collidge, a northern California Southern direction and saves time. Good budgets fellowship is so much Baptist pastor. turned "statistics into peo­ make churches better stewards of their total closer in a small ple." Unsliced loaves of bread were hollow­ opportunities. church. The large ed out and used as coin banks by families Basic Budget Program packets are free church can afford to in his church to help alleviate world hunger. from the Stewardship/Annuity Department. have staff,. to lead Other areas of the church's ministry have - James A. Walker. director more ministries. The been positively affected by enthusiasm small church is able generated over this project. After the first Sunday School to provide a more three months, JJi'Stor Collidge reported the Tidsworth personal ministry. largest budget offering in the history of the Think enrollment! And on goes the list. church, that he had baptized more people How? By enrolling those who come to our Large churches are usuall y regional than in any other previous three-month Sunday School. atfend our worship ser­ churches. They draw members from many period and that they'd had the largest Sun­ vices, join our church, attend our V.B.S. communities. People come 'because they day School attendance Sunday al!er Sun­ {last year in the SBC like the nature and program of the church. day ever. we had over 250,000 They may drive a long distance to attend Mozambique and Ethiopia illustrate the children in V.B.S. the regionol church. frightening dimensions of the present world who were not enroll· The small church Is usually a hunger crisis. Recent reports indicate at ed in a Sunday neighborhood church. It is lied to and least 300,000 people in just those two na· School). And I know se rves a given community. It takes on the lions are in imminent danger of starvation. you can think of other social and economic character of the com­ Some are foraging for leaves, g rass. bugs ways. Think enroll­ munity. The church can also have a pro· and small animals. ment! found impact on its Setting. - Floyd When statistics are tu rned into people Why? Someone has nd.sworth Jr .• church extension director who are prayerfully and physically assisted said, "Enroll ment is by those more fortunate, God causes things the most Important Evangelism to happen. Giving to world hunger needs Hinkson figure in your church" LES spiritual objectives may not affect your church in the same way and when you stop to thi nk how just about as the California church but when suffer­ everything we do is related to the enroll· The spiritual objectives for each in­ ing people everywhere a re sincerely men!, you may agree-it is important! On dividual are: (1) To daily experience the full helped, God more likely considers where an average one out of two lost persons and meaningful life and grow toward we stand as praying ground. - Bob Parker, enrolled in Sunday School will be saved maturity in Christ; (2) director within 12 months. (The best p lace In the To make witnessing a world for a lost person to be Is In Sunday part of his/her daily Stewan:lship/Annuily School where people are taught God's word lifestyle in Chris!. Churches need budgets in a loving, caring, prayerful atmosphere. Jesus spoke of this Amen? Amen!) When you enroll a person li festyle when he said, When total receipts of Arkansas Baptist in your Sunday School you begin a personal "I am come that ye churches are divided by the total nfl mber relationship with that person. Your allen­ might have life in all of churches, the average is $79,187.02 per dance will grow. And, when you have an Its fullness." A Chris· church. The fact is, however, three-fourths enrollment goa l. you give your church a llan can consistently of the churches In Arkansas received less direction in which to go. Think enroll ment! witness out of the than the average in 1983. - Ed Hinkson. a ssistant director overflow of a full and Three hundred and sixty of our churches Shell meaningful rela- had gifts of less than $IS,OCXJ last year. Three tionship with Christ. hundred and two churches received bet­ nbHJW.o.tpu,.o c-... ~ ..,.,.,.,.. Croun The more that a Chrislltm gives away of ween $15,000 and $30,000. TRADITIO PRODUCfS Jesus, the more that Christ lives within and Cecil Ray, Director of Planned Growth in 161t iU O H~Y 1 1 50UTH matures the individual. In contrast to this, Giving, said the average Baptist chu rch oooe~ o m~ the more tMt a Christian tries to keep Jesus member gave two percent of his income 30 only for himself, the less he will know of the years ago. The dollars have increased but tiOH.lt-Mll Lord Jesus. I challenge you to give away Baptist giving still hovers around the two Jesus every day. percent level. Recently, I received a letter from Jack Baptists need a challenge to give. Chur­ Merl's Bus Sales Barnes, pastor of Highfill Church. He ches need budget programs that challenge New and Used Units related to me a story of a young ChriStian their members. See Tommy Bowen or Merlin Yeager at boy who went about the community giving The &sic Budget Program Is designed Broadway Texaco. Highway 64-71, away Jesus. He did this by Inviting his for churches with limited or no experie nce Van Buren. Ark. 72956 friends to come to Bible School. Th irteen In budget preparation. Bus. (501) 474-2433 Res. 474-7447 came and 12 were saved. This Is very Why should churches use budget pro· Page 14 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Lessons for living . August 19, 1984

International Life and Work Bible Book Measured by the. Word Th e warfare of Christians Living while waiting by Carl M. Overton, OOM, Central Assn. by jimmie Garner, Trinity Assn., Trumann by Doug Dickens, First Church, Hot Springs Basic passage: 2 Kings 21:1-23:30 Basic passage: Ephesians 6:10-20 Basic passage: 2 Peter 3:1-18 Focal passages: 2 Kings 21:1a, 10-13, 15-16; Focal passage: Ephesian-; 6:11-20 Central truth: In a "MJrld of unbelievers God expects Christ ians to live holy lives as we 23:2·3 Central truth: Christiahs are to be bold in await Christ's return. Ce ntral truth: Serious consideration of warfare for Christ. The headline read, "Girl Obeys Dad. God's Word may point out the need for a Paul told the Ephesian Christians that there Waits 18 Hours in Snowbound Car." Nine­ person to change his way of life. were some things in their lives that should year-old Kelly Bea m believed her father and Josiah's reign began w hen he was eight be left out. In our lesson this week, he tells obeyed him when their ca r was stranded in years old. It is probable that during the ear­ the Christians at Ephesus, as well as those a snowdrift on Christmas Day outside Col­ ly years of his rule the priests served as of us today in modern America, what we orado Springs. Her obedience saved her life regents in the affairs of government. need to put on. The Scriptures tell us that as her dad walked for help. "She stayed in we are in a warfare. In this warfare there are However, in josiah's eighth yea r as king the car just like I told her," Dennis Bea.. m some preparations to be made. (when he was 16) he began to seek after the said. "She kept the windows up like she was God of David. At 20, he began to purge the This warfare is against wicked spiritual supposed to do. She got sca red when the country of its high places and pagan images. forces. Man ca nnot stand against these forces windows got covered up with snow, but she Part of thi s reform was a physica l cleans­ in his own power. just as a soldier prepares controlled herself and stayed put." Waiting ing and renova ti on of the Temple in for battle, so must the Christian prepare for fo r a long time is difficult. Jerusalem . It was during this program that the spi ritual battle that he will face. How shall you and I live as we await a sc roll was fou nd which has been identified In the army of Uncle Sam, a young raw Christ's return, " when the trumpet of the ' as a part (or all) of the book of Deuteronomy. recruit is put through a rigorous program of lord shall sound and time shall be no This book contains the blessings and curses physical training. So, too, is the Christian to more?" This chapter may be divided into for those who follow or do not practice the be prepared. According to Paul, God has three section s. injunctions of the laws given by Moses. al ready furnished the equipment. All the The promises of God are clear (vv. 9-10). When Shaphan, the sc ribe. read the book, Christian has to do is to put it on. Each Christian must understand that God is he realized its significance and brought it A soldier would not think of going into bat­ sti ll in control of the world. History is " his and read it before the king. Upon learning tle half-dressed. If he did, he would not last story." God ha s not forgotten his com­ of its authenticity from Huldah. th e pro­ long. The half-dressed Christian is soon mitments, but he is giving us time to repent. phetess, th e king came to the Temple to defeated in his battle with Satan. God fur­ The problems concerning the Second make a formal convenant with God and nishes the equipment and the leadership for Coming appear awesome. There are today before the people to "walk after the l ord, the benefit of the Christian, if the Christian false teachers who twist truths and even and . .. to perform the words that were w rit­ will only put it on. mock his appearing. They fail to understand ten in this book." time from God's perspective, thus scoff and The question is, how does the Christian deny (vv. 3·8, 16-17). Men are often looking for a dependable pu t on this eq uipment? Through prayer and standard by w hich to measure the The larger issue of this chapter, and the obedience to God's will, the Christian can best focus for th e lesson, deals with the pat· uprightness of their lives. All sorts of pro­ meet th e Devil and defeat him on hi s own posals are put forth. The problem with most tern of the waiting Christian. Unfortunately, grounds. The burning arrows shot by the evi l we will have difficulty dea ling with the temp­ is they change so rea dily with th e changing one w ill not defeat the Ch ri stian. scenes of man's existence. tation to tell more than we really know. When the battle is over and everything Huber Drumw right used to tell preachers in Th e only enduring standard is God's around the Christian is destroyed, he will still his classes concerning the Second Coming, Word. lts ba sic message is founded on prin­ be standing strong and able to advance for­ " God put the church on the Preparation ciples which will stand the test of the wa rd . As a strong ch ild of God covered with Committee, not the Planning Committee:' changes of man's experience. They are true God's arm or, the Christian will be able to What " manner of person" ought we to be in whatever time man finds himsel f. help those around him. There are many as we wait? Seven clues are found in the text: The only lasting standard is God's Word, wou nded people, broken and defeated by (I) Be forewarned (w. 8·9, 17); 121 Keep clear and by it all are to judge their way of life. the Devil. Th e Christian ca n help them over­ in your minds the message of sa lvation (vv. Thl1 Ienon trulmtm h band on lht lnlemallonll l lblt Uuon lor power the evil one through prayer. Paul ask­ 1-2); (3) Mark your entire life by godly living CMIIIan Tnclllllg. UniiDfm Strlt&. Copyrlold lnttmallonal CnncH of ed to be remembered in prayer by the Ephe­ (v. 11); (4) live at peace with others (v. l4); EdiiCIIIon . Ustlllly pmnluJon. sia n Christia'ns. He needed and asked for (5) Don' t give folks room to find fault with their prayers. you (v. 14); (6) Keep faith lhe foundation of Please remember, you may be st rong to­ your life (v. 17); and (7) Keep growing in day and are able to help your brother. grace and Christian understanding (v. 18). Tomorrow your brother in Christ may be It is not for the modern Christian to be · needing to help you. Remember to pray for concerned with details of time known only one another. to God. It is our business to focus on the details of a Christ-like life until the trumpet TallleiiOIIII._..OIIIIIeUII_.Wid~IDr ...... souiids. c~...:m. coll'l'rltlllrtw tiiiiiiPrldloiiiNnll tltM loMIItllnl llf" llrt Conw•tlofl. All "'"" '"'""· UMd "' ,.ntiiiiiOII. T\bltlllll ...... _c--..,neMII'f ...... ,ldlllll!lllldll .. __.. la,tlllc....t~M . M "ei*-*. IJMII"r ......

August 16, 1984 Page 15 ACTS awarded fifth low-power TV station Subscriber Services FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)-The American which will be assig ned to lotteries between Christian Television System (AC TS) has been now and th e end of the yea r. The Arkansas Baptist Newsmogcuine offers a...... arded a fifth construction permit for a low­ ACTS also is ca rri ed on 84 ca bl e TV subxrlptlon plans at three different rates: power television station-this one in Cham­ systems reaching more than a million hom es. Every Rnld'"lll Family Plan glues paign, Ill.;- through th e Fede ral Com· ACTS is an 18-hour-per-day network of churches a premium. rote when they send munications Commi ssion's random selection family and Christian entertainment programs the Newsmagazine to at/ their resident procedure, or lottery. sent by satellite to cable TV systems and hou1eholds. Resident families are To date ACTS ha s been granted all but television stations nationwide. It is operated calculated to be at least one-fourth of the three of its applications. The net\IVOrk still has by the Southern Baptist Radio and Television church's Sunday School enrollment. Chur· 147 applications awaiting FCC action, 91 of Commission. ches who send only to members who re­ quest a subscription do not quollfv for this lower rate of $5.40 per year for each sub· August 'Life' features Beirut missionaries scription. A Group Plan (formerly called the RICHMOND Va. (BPI-Three Sou thern and his wife is a church and home worker. Club. Plan) allows church members to get Baptist miss ionaries and a missionary "kid" The magazine photographs show Wingo a betier than lndluidual rote when 10 or are among Americans in Beirut fea tured in on her apartment balcony, which still shows a seven-page spread in the August 1984 issue damage from a direct artillery shell hit last ~ c: c.- ~ m send their subscriptions 2 of Life ma gaz in e. September, and talking with an Arab neigh· ~ o :x. .... •ugh their church. Subscribers v c ~ The article, " Hanging On in Beirut: The bor on th e st reet. :l :l \J ------, last Americans," focuses on miss ionaries The Kings are shown giving thanks around < (.. ~ 0: Nancie Wingo, a teacher at Beirut Baptist their table. Maxine King is pictured check­ ,...1>~0 r " c School in west Beirut; David and Maxine ing provis ions in the family's bomb shelt er. r n r King, who live on the east side; and th e Jeanne King was photographed crossing Bei· n v c Are you Kings' 18-yea r-old daughter, Jea nn e. King rut's Green line after sc hool and later riding teaches at Arab Bapti st Theological Sem inary her Arabian stallion into the lebanese hills. - "c (" ("c moving? 2 0 0' :1 n n "< Please give us two .. 2 weeks advance Australian nominated as BWA president "'~ z BERLIN, West Germany (BP)-G. Noel - v rT notice. Clip this than 450 delegates an d visitors, marked a "c ­ portion with your Vase of Australia has been nominated as record att endance for the BWA General ~ 2 - old oddress Iobel, president of the Baptist World Alliance for Conference. supply new address 1985-1990, subject to elec:ion by the general The Council passed resolutions on human "7 below and send to assembly at the 15th Baptist World Congress rights, ca lling for action against torture, on Arkansas BaPtist in l os Angeles, July 2-7 , 1985. the fi rst use of nuclear weapons and an im­ Newsmagazine. Vase was nominated by th e BWA General mediate verifiable freeze, Urging Baptist P. 0 . Box 552, Council during its meeting July 27·29. He is churches all over th e world to "seek peace Ut~e Rock, AR a native of Perth, Western Australi a, and prin· and pursue it." 72203 cipal of Baptist Theological College, Western Another reso lution acknowledged th e Australia . Pie will succeed Duke K. McCall. "strong cultural and th eo logical differen ces chancellor of Southern Baptist Theologica l of women in the church" and affirmed th e Seminary, louisville, Ky. , who has been BWA firm biblica l teac hing " that in Christ male president since 1980. and female are equal:' Christine Gregory, of Danville, Va. , a Th e Baptist World Alliance is a voluntary Name Southern Baptist leader, was nominated first fellOwship of more than 34 million members vice-president. of 13 1 Baptist unions/conventions with head· Street The meetin gs in Berlin, attended by more quarters in 90 countries. Ctty I I Spanish pastor honored by HMB Stole Zip - -- 1 I I GLORIETA, N .M. (BPI-A Spanish pastor Hispa nics, which grew to 50 people within L------~ who receives no pay from his church was three months. Th ea Avenue members or­ named th e " M esse nger of the Word" for dained Dia z and turned over their fa ci lities through the group plan pay $6 per year. 1984 by the language missions division of th e to the budding Hispa nic group, which nam­ IDdtv:ldual subscrlpfforu may be pur­ Southern Baptist Home Mission Boa rd . ed Diaz pa stor, and the congregation chased by anyone at the rote of $6.36 per Efraim R. Diaz, pastor of Th ea Avenue flourished in th e predominan tl y Hispanic year. These subscriptions ore more costly Church in Sa n Antonip, Texas, wa s recogniz­ community. because they require lndlulduol otlentlon ed for his leadership of the Hispanic con­ Romo noted the congregation averaged 60 fo r addreu change$ and renewal notices. gregat ion during an annual con ference spon­ professio ns of faith per week. Ramo added Cbanga of addresa by lndlulduals so red by the HMB at Glorieta Baptist Co n­ the Th eo Avenue church has been among may be mode talng the form oboue, which ference Center. the top three churches in its association with appears regularly In this spoce. Oiaz was lauded for taking a declining 686 baptisms during the past five yea rs. When IDqUbtng about your subscrlp· Anglo congregation of a dozen members Diaz organized church members into Uon by mall, plecue Include the address an d building a His pan ic congregation of witnessing teams which blitzed 29 com­ label. Or call us at (501) 376·4791, ext. more than 900 members in seve n yea rs-all munities out side of San Antonio and record­ 5156. Be prepared to glue us your code as an unpaid staff member of th e church. ed 6,500 professio ns of faith during 1983 line Information. Dia z, a government worker in Sa n An­ alone, Ramo said . The Church recently built tonio, joined the Theo Avenue church seven debt-free a $250,000 building in addition to years ago and began a Bible study for the ex isting Thea Avenu e facili ties.

) Page 18 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE