THE MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN

August 2010 Read The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Vol. 25, No. 3 BAPTIST online at www.mwbc.org FOR THE RECORD

Baptists Iowa DOM nominates ‘Who will be first?’ MWBC Executive Director Leo Endel for SBC Arrival of portable president. Page 2. baptistry inspires Minnesota-Wisconsin NAMB appoints new Christians missionaries to associational, church By David Williams planting work. Page 3. Editor Minneapolis—The portable baptis- Opinion try arrived on a Tuesday. Replace “negative Jacob Rock, pastor of New Hope drama” with real love. Baptist Church in the Phillips West Page 4. neighborhood of Minneapolis, was planning a special outdoor service Media at the end of the month to “inaugu- Ministry leaders advised rate” the baptistry. But, he said, God to “Google Thyself” & had other plans. Wisconsin church goes “I really felt God telling me to as- social. Pages 6-7. semble the baptismal in the church the day we got it,” he said—although Missions he rationalized that what he really “Swing for the Fence” was doing was “making sure all the during season of giving parts were there.” to state missions. During the assembly process, Page 9. Rock said he sensed God directing him to put a sign above the pool: “Who will be first!!!” THE SPIRIT MOVES Above: Jacob Rock (right), pastor of New Hope Baptist Church On Wednesday, he changed his in Minneapolis, prepares to baptize a new Christian in the church’s portable baptis- planned sermon for that evening’s try. Having installed the baptistry the day before the weekly Wednesday-night service, service and instead preached the Rock said he had not anticipated baptizing anyone so soon. He had not filled the bap- People story of Jesus’ baptism at the Jor- tistry for the service but he credits the Holy Spirit with inspiring three people to be LifeWay Christian Stores immersed that very evening. Three others scheduled their baptisms after the service. dan River. Rock explained that “we don’t do purchases five outlets in Rock said he sensed God telling Right: Gus Christianson (right) receives a certificate commemorating his baptism Minnesota. Page 12. from Rock after being immersed during Phillips West’s National Night Out celebration baptisms until someone can walk to him, “Take a hose and fill it up with the water and understand what they water. That baptismal must be ready Aug. 3. “God gave me the idea of bringing our baptistry to the event and give people the opportunity to repent and be baptized at our church’s designated site,” the pastor are doing.” Instead, he led the fami- for tonight.” But still, Rock said, he said. Eight people were immersed. Parents dedicated seven babies to God. lies in dedicating the two preschool- wasn’t sure. He had no candidates, ers to God, and themselves to be god- so he did not fill the baptistry. thing over there tonight after the I am so thankful that God worked ly parents. But before the worship service service?’ I was a little surprised, but I through me and (that) my unbelief Three more came forward to even began that evening, a man said, ‘You certainly can.’” could not stop His Kingdom work.” schedule baptism for the next Sun- came to him and said, “I will be Rock chastised himself for a “lack The teaching did not end with day—including the man who had first.” Rock intended to baptize the of faith” that prevented him from the baptisms. Two families from said, “I will be first.” He simply man at that special service he was filling the container earlier but de- the neighborhood brought an in- didn’t have a change of clothes with planning sometime in the future. spite the last-minute preparations, fant and a toddler to be baptized. him at the time. But at the close of the sermon, “I ex- three people were baptized that eve- plained what baptism meant and ning. why we do it. As I finished speaking, “As we were baptizing them, Midwest messengers a young man in the church raised people began to show up from all his hand and said, ‘Do you mean to around the neighborhood,” Rock tell me that I can be baptized in that said. “It was simply mind blowing. New titles sharpen ministry focus By MWBC Staff not so much as directing the work Rochester, Minn.—Many staff as much as catalyzing the work,” he members of the Minnesota-Wiscon- said. “The term ‘catalyst’ is defined sin Baptist Convention recently were as ‘an agent that provokes or speeds given new ministry titles, most of significant change.’ We believe we them including the word “catalyst.” can assist Minnesota-Wisconsin Bap- “The title change came after the tist churches in making the chang- staff reorganization necessitated by es that will result in greater fruit- the elimination of the state missions fulness and effectiveness.” Here are position,” MWBC Exectuvie Director the new titles and the persons who Leo Endel said. “We went through a hold them: process of gift, experience, and inter-  Church Starting Catalyst Steve

Moving? est assessment and renegotiated our Melvin responsibilities and rewrote our job  Ministry Catalyst Dave Wede- descriptions.” kind The MWBC Executive Board re-  Church Leadership Catalyst Some of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptists attending the Southern Baptist Con-

See page 4 (0810) 4 page See viewed, amended and approved the Clint Calvert vention Annual Meeting June 15-16 in Orlando, Fla., pose for a photo on the floor of the convention center. Twelve messengers from Minnesota and 10 from Wis- proposed job descriptions at its May  Missions Connections Catalyst consin attended. From left: Steven Melvin, David Sundeen, Jeff Nettles, Sarah En- Bob Smith meeting. Endel said the change from del, Leo Endel, Jeanne Wedekind, Dave Wedekind, Seth Ray, Bob Ray and Clint  “director” to “catalyst” in the job ti- Missions Education Catalyst Calvert. Leo Endel became the first Southern Baptist from a new-work area to be tles is more than just semantics. Jeanne Wedekind nominated SBC president. See pages 2, 10 and 11 in this edition of the Minnesota- “We chose the term ‘catalyst’ over  Evangelism and Stewardship Wisconsin Baptist for more coverage of the 2010 SBC Annual Meeting. ‘director’ because we see ourselves Catalyst David Sundeen 2 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST BAPTISTS AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 3 Messengers embrace report, focus on Great Commission Task force: Approval signals concern for ‘lostness’

By Marv Knox One of those clear statements is the Texas Baptist Standard convention’s priority for telling people Orlando, Fla.—The Southern Bap- the world over about Jesus Christ, insist- tist Convention overwhelmingly reaf- ed Roger Spradlin, pastor of Valley Bap- firmed its intention to spread the gos- tist Church in Bakersfield, Calif., and new pel throughout the nation and around chairman of the Executive Committee. the world, members of the SBC’s Great Spradlin pointed out the convention Commission Resurgence task force said voted to move 1 percent of the Coopera- June 15. tive Program, the SBC’s unified budget, At least 75 to 80 percent of messen- from the Executive Committee to the In- gers to the SBC annual meeting ratified ternational Mission Board. One percent the task force’s seven-part set of recom- of the IMB budget translates to 46 mis- mendations, chairman Ronnie Floyd told sionaries, who will present the gospel to reporters moments after the vote. people all around the world who never DISCUSSING THE VOTE Ronnie Floyd (center) chairman of the Great Commission Resurgence Task The committee drafted the recom- have heard of Jesus, he said. Force, answers questions during a press conference after the recommendations by the task force mendations to turn the convention’s fo- “That represents more than dollars on were passed by Southern Baptist Convention messengers June 15. (Photo by Matt Miller/BP) cus toward “penetrating the lostness” a spreadsheet,” he added. “It represents of the world. They received stiff opposi- the heart” of Southern Baptists’ passion By Norman Jameson the Cooperative Program and not as a sub- tion from Morris Chapman, retiring pres- for the gospel. North Carolina Biblical Recorder stitute for Cooperative Program giving.” ident of the SBC Executive Committee, as Danny Akin, president of Southeast- Orlando, Fla.—The Southern Baptist Con- Later, task force member Albert Mohler, well as leaders of some Baptist state con- ern Baptist Theological Seminary in vention embraced a future uncertain but president of Southern Baptist Theological ventions and others who fear the chang- Wake Forest, N.C., has experienced that focused on the Great Commission when a Seminary in Louisville, Ky,, said the amend- es will erode financial support for the passion through two sons who have solid majority of messengers adopted the ed language was a welcome addition that convention. served as missionaries among Muslims. report of the Great Commission Resur- expressed the task force’s heart. “We thank all Southern Baptist for “I saw the lostness of the world. I want- gence Task Force June 15. Reaction to a preliminary report the task believing in the Great Commission,” ed us ... to catch a vision for what matters “We are a Great Commission people,” force released in February was so vociferous Christ’s mandate to spread the gospel to God,” he said of his motivation for the Task Force Chairman Ronnie Floyd thun- members made themselves available across across the globe, Floyd said, flanked by recommendations. dered when the final hand vote showed a the nation to speak to groups, answer ques- five other members of the task force. Even though the recommendations 75 to 80 percent majority favoring the sev- tions and listen. Input from various groups “The convention vote was very clear,” encountered spirited opposition, Floyd en recommendations of the report, which of Baptist state convention employees, mis- stressed Floyd, pastor of First Baptist predicted Southern Baptists would rally messengers considered as a whole. sionaries, associational leaders and pastors Church of Springdale, Ark. behind their decision and move forward A year after SBC President Johnny found its way into the final report. “As a convention, we have made some together. Hunt appointed the task force to bring Consequently, the overriding theme of basic statements,” added Albert Mohler, “When Baptists have spoken, Baptists recommendations about how Southern the report became “Penetrating the Lost- president of Southern Baptist Theologi- get their hearts in line,” he said. “We are Baptists could work together more effi- ness,” and its final six recommendations es- cal Seminary in Louisville, Ky. optimistic the convention has spoken.” ciently, nearly 11,000 messengers ended tablished a missional vision “to present the months of debate with more than two gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the enable missionaries to serve in the United about the changes envisioned by their rec- hours of discussion that remained cor- world and to make disciples of all nations.” States among pockets of the people groups ommendations. dial throughout. The other recommendations approved they serve overseas. Before debate began on the recommen- Just as in the months of debate earlier, by messengers include:  Give primary responsibility for Coop- dations, Floyd reminded messengers the deliberation focused mostly over the rec-  Core values of Christ-likeness, truth, erative Program and stewardship promo- task force’s responsibility was to establish ommendation that would change giving unity, relationships, trust, future, local tion to the state conventions. a vision, but, “it is the responsibility of vari- terminology to make the Cooperative Pro- church and kingdom.  Move 1 percent of the national Cooper- ous boards and trustees to implement these gram the primary element of a new cate-  Great Commission Giving, which ative Program allocation from the SBC Ex- recommendations.” gory of “Great Commission Giving,” rath- includes gifts to SBC-related entities to ecutive Committee to the IMB. That 1 per- Ultimately, the five substantive recom- er than be the sole recognized avenue of “count” along with Cooperative Program cent represents about $2 million, one-third mendations all are directed to the Execu- general missions support. giving as support for Southern Baptist of the Executive Committee’s budget. tive Committee to consider. If considered In the only amendment of several to pass causes. The Great Commission Resurgence Task positively, the recommendations will be muster, messengers affirmed a motion by  “Reinvent” and “unleash” the North Force report was approved despite signifi- passed to the boards of the affected entities Jim Waters of First Baptist Church of States- American Mission Board to implement a cant opposition by SBC Executive Commit- to consider implementation. boro, Ga., to add language that says South- missional strategy to reach high popula- tee President Morris Chapman, who said After a show-of-hands vote, Floyd urged ern Baptists will “continue to honor and tion centers in the United States and Cana- only moments before debate over the re- messengers to remember that every per- affirm the Cooperative Program as the da. This will involve ending the cooperative port began, “Under God, I do not want to go son in the room supports the Great Com- most effective means of mobilizing our agreements that have governed NAMB’s in the wrong direction, on the wrong road mission. He urged that the differences be- churches and extending our outreach. We work with states over the next seven years. in the wrong time in our history.” tween those who support the task force re- affirm that designated giving to special  Remove geographic limitations from The task force countered, without refer- port and those who do not “should not be causes is to be given as a supplement to International Mission Board personnel to ence to Chapman, with a detailed presenta- exaggerated.” tion focused on “penetrating lostness” and “We are still brothers and sisters in “pushing back darkness.” Christ,” he said, who “differ on no article Iowa DOM nominates Endel for SBC president Task force members continually em- of faith,” and are guided by commitment By MWBC Staff phasized only a change of heart will bring to the gospel.” Orlando, Fla.—At June’s SBC Annual Meeting, Wes Jones, a director of mis- Messengers in Orlando approve pared- sions from Iowa, nominated Minnesota- Wisconsin Baptist Convention Executive down budget for fiscal year ’10-’11 Director Leo Endel as a candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Con- Orlando, Fla.—Messengers to the recent ing budget of $8,643,951, a decrease of ap- vention. Southern Baptist Convention in Orlan- proximately 5.5 percent from last year’s Jones described Endel as “a man of do, Fla., approved a pared-down budget for budget. The operating budget includes the God who has respect for the past and a vi- 2010-11 and honored two agency presidents SBC Executive Committee, the SBC annual sion for the future.” as they approached retirement. meeting and committees, special programs Jones, area missionary/church starter Messengers approved a $199,822,090 Co- such as Empowering Kingdom Growth, strategist for Northwest and Southwest operative Program allocation budget recom- building maintenance and administration. Iowa Southern Baptist Associations, out- mended by the SBC Executive Committee— Messengers also adopted resolutions of appreciation for SBC Executive Committee lined Endel’s diverse background and Wes Jones down 1.21 percent from the previous year’s told of his 11-year pastorate of a growing budget—with 50 percent directed to the In- President Morris Chapman, who will retire church in Iowa. has led the convention through several ternational Mission Board and 22.79 per- Sept. 30, and for Jerry Rankin, who retired “Having served faithfully and seeing challenges and transitions,” Jones said. cent for the North American Mission Board. July 31 as president of the IMB. God bless, he felt led by the Lord, not to go “Leo is a man with an unbridled It earmarks $44,280,576 (22.16 percent) In other business, Florida pastor Darrell to a bigger and better place, but to remain heart for God as well as a heart and pas- for the SBC’s six seminaries and its histori- Orman, chairman of the Executive Com- in the pioneer work areas and go to serve sion to reach the lost, disciple them, cal archives, while setting aside $3,397,064 mittee’s communications subcommittee, as executive director for the Minnesota- train them and release them to do min- (1.65 percent) for the Ethics & Religious Lib- requested an extension of one year for a Wisconsin Baptist Convention where he istry,” he added. erty Commission. study of greater SBC involvement for ethnic Messengers also adopted an SBC operat- churches and leaders in order to provide “a 2 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN AUGUST 2010 3

Making history Saddle Ridge Ranch

John Conway (left) and David Stewart (right) of Great Commission Bible Church in Waseca, Minn., baptize Terry Ruedy, a new member of the house church, during Vacation Bible school students at Westside Baptist Chapel in Warroad, Minn., display New Testaments they received the congregation’s first-ever baptismal services July 5 in Clear Lake Park. during VBS. Forty-six boys and girls were enrolled with a high attendance of 41. A total of 62 attended on family night. Aaron Satchwill is pastor. New missionaries serve in associational, church planting work Alpharetta, Ga.—The Southern Bap- ing missionary pastor. A native of tist North American Mission Board Wisconsin, Joszwiak earned a bache- has appointed two new missionaries lor’s degree in human development in Minnesota and six new missionar- at University of Wisconsin at Green ies in Wisconsin. Bay, and a master of divinity degree Steve and Betty Dyess are serv- at Southern Seminary. ing in Minneapolis, where Steve has His wife, Tia, earned a bachelor’s been appointed as an associational degree in human biology at the UW- missionary. Prior to his new appoint- Green Bay. The Jozwiaks are the par- ment, Dyess had served since 2006 as Steve Dyess Woongki & Jaehwa Aaron & Tia Cody & Nicaela ents of two daughters, Madison and a chaplaincy consultant for NAMB in Lee Jozwiak Wells Avery. Alpharetta, Ga. Cody and Nicaela Wells are serv- Dyess holds a B.A. degree from ing in Madison, Wis., where Woong- ethnics in south Louisville. ing in Greenville, Wis., where Cody Louisiana College in Pineville, La.; a ki is a church-planting missionary A native of Daeieon, South Korea, was recently appointed as a church master of divinity degree from New pastor. The Lees said they hope to Lee earned undergraduate and grad- planting team missionary. Orleans Baptist Theological Semi- plant an international church in uate degrees in chemistry at Seoul Before his new assignment, Wells nary; and a doctor of ministry de- Madison, an area where interna- National University; a doctorate in was student minister at Northeast gree in evangelism from Midwestern tionals from more than 60 nations chemistry at University of Wiscon- Baptist Church in Ponca City, Okla., Baptist Theological Seminary in Kan- now live. sin at Madison; and a master of di- and First Baptist Church of Chan- sas City, Mo. He also studied strategic Prior to his new position in Mad- vinity degree in religion at Korea dler, Okla. planning at the Air War College. ison, Lee was working on his master Baptist Theological Seminary. A native of Oklahoma, Wells His wife, Betty, earned a B.A. de- of divinity degree at Southern Bap- His wife, Jaehwa, holds a degree earned a bachelor’s degree in reli- gree in early childhood education at tist Theological Seminary in Louis- in early childhood education from gion at Oklahoma Baptist Universi- Samford University in Birmingham, ville, Ky. Soongeul Women’s College in Seoul. ty in Shawnee, and a master’s degree Ala., and a master’s degree in reli- The couple ministered to inter- The Lees are the parents of three chil- in religion at Liberty University in gious education from New Orleans nationals at the Medical Campus dren: Youngeun, Hasun and Paul. Lynchburg, Va. Seminary. They have one daughter, of the University of Louisville. They Aaron and Tia Jozwiak also are Rachel. also were involved in the planting of serving in Madison, where Aaron Woongki and Jaehwa Lee are serv- Antioch Church, a church for multi- has been named as a church plant- Local disaster relief volunteers serve in Wisconsin By MWBC Staff Wadena, Minn.—Minnesota-Wis- consin Baptist Convention disaster relief volunteers helped residents of northwest Minnesota clean up after several tornadoes struck there June 17. Two chainsaw units worked to clear trees and other debris from residents’ homes. A feeding team MUDDING-OUT IN BOSTON Members of a Minnesota-Wisconsin provided emergency personnel READY TO HELP Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention disaster relief volunteers Baptist Convention disaster relief team from Neenah, Wis., pose for with hot meals. Volunteers said pose for photo during their recent service in Wadena, Minn., after tornadoes there. a photo beside a New England relief unit in Boston earlier this year. they completed 10 large chainsaw Members of a feeding unit and one of the chainsaw units serving there included Dan and Juli Pottner of Living Vine Community in Neenah, Wis., led jobs and made 19 ministry con- (back row from left): Mike Fahey, Ken Steele, Ed Olsen, Bob Baron, Bob Beretta and this mudout crew in response to historic flooding in Massachusetts tacts. During the first week of Au- Aubrey Williams. Center row from left: Dee O’Grosky and MWBC Missions Educa- and other parts of New England in May. The team completed three gust, a team of 20 volunteers set tion Catalyst Jeanne Wedekind. Front row from left: Rollie Schuekle, Brad O’Grosky jobs, shared the gospel with eight people and gave Bibles to 10 res- up operations at Northwest Baptist and Ron Roberts. Not pictured are MWBC Missions Catalyst Dave Wedekind, Tom idents. Serving were (back row from left) Juli Pottner, MWBC Mis- Church in Wauwatosa, Wis., to do Bickford, Karen Grinder and Larry Reedy. Another chainsaw unit served on July 23 sions Catalyst Dave Wedekind, Dan Pottner and MWBC Ministry mudout for church members and in Hortonville, Wis. Team members were Brad O’Grosky, Robert Beretta, Ron Rob- Education Catalyst Jeanne Wedekind. Front row from left: Chong others in the community. erts, Ken Steele, Ted Gielas, Dan Pottner, Faith Meiers, Jill Meiers and Juli Pottner. Vang, Mycie Vue and Paeen Vue. 4 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST OPINION AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 5

THE MINNESOTA- WISCONSIN BAPTIST Replace ‘negative drama’ with real love FRESH IDEAS 519 16th St., SE Several years ago, George Barna, in his book Several years ago I preached a message from this Rochester, MN 55904 Ten tiny tweaks (USPS 012-645) “Grow Your Church from the Outside In,” listed passage titled “God’s Plan for Doing Church.” Its five reasons why people don’t go to church: four points were: can enliven Leo Endel   Executive Director I don’t have time. We will die to self. worship services  I’m just not interested.  We will be transformed. By Diana Davis David Williams  I don’t know. PERSPECTIVES  We will find our place of service. Indianapolis —If someone Editor  My beliefs are different than the  We will love without hypocrisy. snuck into your church and re- The Minnesota- church’s. I’d love to come preach this message placed Sunday’s bulletins with Wisconsin Baptist, the last year’s bulletins, would any- official publication of the  I don’t believe in organized religion. at your church! one notice? Minnesota-Wisconsin I suspect these reasons are still rela- Paul describes what this kind of love Need a few fresh ideas to keep Baptist Convention, tively accurate today, but I sense growing looks like in the church in verses 9-21. your Sunday service from same- ness? is published quarterly variations on these same themes, espe- If we related to others in this way, we (4 times per year) for Fill prime seating. Challenge cially the fifth reason. would be unable to fight and struggle. $5.50 per year by the Leo Endel your church’s most vibrant age Minnesota-Wisconsin When pushed, it seems many of those “Be devoted to one another in broth- group to help lead worship by Baptist Convention, 519 who don’t believe in organized religion have come erly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” filling the front and center seats weekly. 16th St. SE, Rochester, to that position primarily because of personal Live in harmony with one another. Do not be MN 55904 in conjunction Set the mood. Set a relaxed, with Western Recorder pain inflicted in a church struggle. proud, but be willing to associate with people of worshipful pre-service tone with Inc. Periodicals postage Wounded and disillusioned by the inability low position. Do not be conceited.” live or recorded music, along at Rochester, Minn., and of the church to love and serve one another, and Verse 18 stands out to me: “If it is possible, as with pre-service audiovisuals of additional mailing offices. announcements and Scripture. their community, many of these people withdraw, far as it depends on you, live at peace with every- Light matters. Use quality To subscribe: Send $5.50 hoping to heal. Most end up staying away for a one.” lighting during the pastor’s ser- to the above address. very long time. Many never return. The reason we have so much trouble with love mon. To add variety, dim light To register a change of Recently, I was scanning blogs trying to get in- primarily is because we are still caught up in self. for the Lord’s Supper, backlight a musician, uplight a theme ban- address: Send the mailing side the minds of people who don’t go to church. Self-centeredness is the opposite of love. label from page 1, along ner, shine colored lights on a fo- with your new address, to One post really caught my attention, perhaps be- Love sacrifices self for the sake of others. As Paul cal wall, or spotlight a dramatic the above address. cause I’ve had a lot of contact recently with people says in 1 Corinthians, love is not envious, boastful, scene in the center aisle. who would resonate with this person’s point. proud, rude, self-seeking or easily angered. Love is Theme enthusiasm. Plan POSTMASTER: Send ahead to visually reinforce a ser- address changes and “Some people don’t go to church ‘cause there’s patient, kind, keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices mon series. Make banners for the form 3579 to Minnesota- too much negative drama there, especially be- with the truth, always protects, always trusts, al- worship center or exterior. Plan Wisconsin Baptist at the tween the leaders & it’s difficult to see Jesus in all ways hopes and always perseveres. a serial skit or unique handout. above address. their mess.” I’m sure the following is a preacher story; it’s Create a distinctive display for the foyer or stage. To submit advertising: Ouch! Negative drama? Sure seems like this too good not to be. Contact the Minnesota- Quality music with variety. Try Wisconsin Baptist for rates anonymous blogger was on to something. Years ago, a little boy was asked why he walked adding a different instrument and conditions. Can you imagine a church without negative so far to attend Sunday school and church at a such as bagpipe, zither, violin or drama? Few can. I was blessed to be pastor of a particular congregation when there were literal- a person whistling. Try an echo Publishing services duet from the balcony or wor- provided by Western church that went through several years without ly dozens of houses of worship closer to where he shipful solo from the audience. Recorder Inc., Box 43969, much negative drama. Yes, I know, you think I am lived. Smooth transition. Intention- Louisville, KY 40253. delusional, but churches can be healthy—not per- He responded, “Because they really know how al silence can be worshipful; fect, but healthy. to love a boy at this church.” “dead spots” are not. Does it take 90 seconds to arrange the chil- The Apostle Paul gave a prescription for a I suspect that kind of love would still draw peo- dren’s choir or wait for someone church without negative drama in Romans 12. ple today. to stroll to the microphone? Plan carefully to use every scheduled moment wisely. Consider the birds; God does of them will fall to the ground apart Intentional interaction. Invite from the will of your Father. And worshipers to reverently stand When I step outside in summer’s mers where he can perch on his even the very hairs of your head are for Scripture reading. Offer a scorching heat, I hear birds sing- stage in the live oaks and sing his all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you fill-in-the-blank sermon outline ing. They never complain. They al- stolen songs. are worth more than many listening sheet. Quote 1 Chroni- ways have a song. I have listened in I remember waking, REFLECTIONS sparrows.” cles 29:13-14 in unison before of- the predawn dark for the first twit- when I was a boy, to the Sometimes we find our- fertory. ter from the trees. Like sentinels they rasp of blue jays at play selves thrown into difficult See with fresh eyes. Ask a dec- watch for the first faint glow in the in the pecan trees out- circumstances. Like the orator to assess your church plat- east, and, long before the sun ris- side my window. They scorching Texas heat or form area. Inexpensive changes es, they start their sunrise celebra- rasp now as they did the frigid Minnesota win- may make a huge impact: plants, tion. Sometimes I think they are sur- then, and every time I ter, every element seems rugs, paint colors, polished pul- prised every morning when a new hear them I am carried to be set against us and we pit, rearranged seating, reuphol- day dawns. Their excitement seems back across the decades have difficulty seeing our stered furniture. to echo Zechariah’s emotions when to my youth. way forward. Bill Tinsley Small adjustments create in- he announced the birth of Jesus say- When we lived in At such times we are terest. Rearrange choir seating ing, “The sunrise from on high will Minnesota, I watched chickadees prone to wonder if God has forgotten or praise team placement. Vary visit us” (Luke 1:78). on winter afternoons fluttering in us. We are prone to discouragement, the Scripture reader. Add sea- I especially like the cardinal. I the windowsill snow searching for doubt and worry about our future. sonal flowers or banners. Slightly have watched these brilliant red seed. And I sat on our deck in Min- Failing health, unemployment, bro- tweak the order of worship: bap- birds perched high on bare limbs nesota and listened to squadrons ken promises and broken relation- tism at the beginning, offertory in the Minnesota winter, their rico- of Canadian geese flying low over- ships conspire to steal away our confi- last, or sing after the sermon. chet notes shattering the snow-cov- head—so low that I could hear the dence, our hope and our faith. As you plan worship for our ered stillness on a sub-zero morning. wind in their wings. Consider the birds. We are not for- great God, create anticipation I have listened to the same unmistak- Jesus apparently watched the gotten. He who cares for the birds with a fresh, updated plan every able notes and spotted their bright birds and took pleasure in them. of the air will doubtless care for us. Sunday. Oh, and there might be red coat amid thick green oaks in the He referred to them to help us un- We are of great worth to God. Listen an additional benefit: less snor- sweltering heat of a Texas summer. derstand God’s love and care for us. to the birds and take heed to their ing in church. Visit www.mwbc.org The mockingbird always is dressed He said, “Look at the birds of the song. in his gray tuxedo for some special oc- air; they do not sow or reap or store Diana Davis writes about “Fresh to read The Minnesota- Bill Tinsley is a former executive director of Ideas” in her books and online at casion, white tipped wings flashing away in barns, and yet your heaven- Wisconsin Baptist online the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention. www.keeponshining.com. Her husband, and find other M-W when he flies like formal cuffs in full ly Father feeds them. Are you not Appearing in various local newspapers Stephen, is executive director of the State dress. Unlike the cardinal, the mock- much more valuable than they?” Baptist information around the country, his column “reflects” on Convention of Baptists in Indiana. ingbird never ventures into northern Again, He said, “Are not two spar- current events and life experience from a faith and resources. winters. He much prefers Texas sum- rows sold for a penny? Yet not one perspective. 4 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST OPINION AUGUST 2010 5

Discover your ministry assignment Seminary will offer a fully online master of arts in theological studies Step up and swing for the fence “Why aren’t more people an- He explains that all believers re- degree. Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, swering the call to plant and lead ceive a universal call to Christian Minn., offers an evangelical theolog- Who doesn’t enjoy sitting in a major league ballpark churches in Minnesota and Wis- service and growth at the ical education with res- watching a baseball game? The excitement of the fans cheer- consin?” time they accept Jesus CHURCH idential and in-ministry ing, the players showing their expertise This question came up in a re- Christ as their Lord and LEADERSHIP options. WMU & and joy of the game, the food, the chil- cent conversation with a pastor Savior. Iorg describes sub- If God is calling you to MISSIONS ED dren, the entire atmosphere makes for a and, remarkably, I had a good ques- sequent calls as “a gener- a specific ministry assign- fun day. But what is accomplished at the tion to ask in return: “When was al call to ministry leader- ment, there are people end of the game? the last time you preached a ser- ship” and “a specific call to and processes in place in Someone wins, someone loses, a lot mon inviting people to respond to a ministry assignment.” Minnesota and Wisconsin of statistics are logged, sportscasters ana- God’s call to ministry?” When Henry Black- to help you answer God’s lyze what we just watched, a lot of mon- I knew to ask this question be- aby wrote “Experienc- call for ministry leader- ey is spent for food and snacks, and then cause, in my pastoral ministry, I ing God,” many people ship. we go home. Yes, it was a fun day, but the could not recall making this top- who participated in the Associational directors day ends. ic the emphasis of a sermon. I as- study would later report Clint Calvert of missions are aware of As Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptists en- sumed that he had not either. that they came to a fresh churches that need pas- Jeanne Wedekind ter our month of praying for and giving to What would happen if, on occa- understanding of their walk with tors—and communities that need our own state mission offering, the theme sion, pastors and preachers includ- God as a result. They experienced churches. They would be delighted is “Step Up to the Plate. Swing for the Fence.” This is a call to ed in our invitations or calls for re- God’s call to a greater level of min- to assist anyone sensing a call from each of us to step up in praying, in giving, in going. sponse, a reminder that God calls istry responsibility as they focused God to lead or plant a church with The verse for this year’s prayer and giving focus is Num- people to ministry leadership? on “knowing and doing the will of future direction for a specific minis- bers 13:30: “We should go up and take possession of the Today may be the day God is call- God.” try opportunity. land, for we can certainly do it!” ing someone in our congregations If God is calling you to ministry Is God calling you to ministry Do we believe this? I do! to start or lead a new church. leadership, there are many training leadership? Is God calling you to a Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptists know from experience All believers are called to minis- options available in the Minnesota- specific ministry assignment? Let’s how much stronger we are and how much more can be ac- try. Some believers sense a call to Wisconsin Baptist Convention. talk! Call me at (507) 254-0237 or e- complished for God when we work together. make church planting or church The Contextualized Leadership mail me at [email protected]. When we join together in support of the mission God has leadership their vocation. Jeff Iorg, Development program conducted in I am not in the business of call- called us to do here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we can president of Golden Gate Baptist partnership with Midwestern Bap- ing people to ministry, but if God is start more churches, reach more people with the gospel, Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, tist Theological Seminary offers the calling you to ministry leadership, I strengthen our churches, support student and ethnic minis- Calif., describes “call experiences” opportunity to be trained for minis- am in the business of serving you as tries and pursue other worthy activities. as events that “stamp our lives for try by effective practitioners with- you answer His call. Praying for our mission gives us strength and God’s di- decades” and “establish parameters out moving to the Kansas City, Mo., Clint Calvert is church leadership catalyst for rection. Giving together allows us to touch people through for your life, which must be lived in campus. the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention. many areas of ministry. Going is the involvement of each of the context of that call.” Beginning this fall, Midwestern E-mail: [email protected]. us as God directs. There are opportunities for all. Unlike the brief visit to the ballpark, our “day” does not just end with state missions. It is the cooperative focused Baptists rich in stewardship resources tirement and benefits provider, at emphasis on Minnesota and Wisconsin—our home field. It’s www.guidestone.com. Again he was your turn to step up to the plate and swing for the fence. We I met Richard, a financial planner what I do in the area of stewardship. amazed at the free resources avail- can certainly do it. with a large investment firm, when I told him that as part of my new re- able to pastors and churches. He es- Jeanne Wedekind is missions education catalyst for the Minnesota- we were hosting a Dave Ramsey sponsibilities I attended pecially liked the “Minis- Wisconsin Baptist Convention. E-mail: [email protected] “Financial Peace Seminar” at our the Stewardship Develop- EVANGELISM & ters Tax Guide” and the church. ment Association meet- STEWARDSHIP “Federal Reporting Re- He came to the training some- ing in Boston. While I was quirements for Church- people really appreciate all these re- what reluctantly but soon became there I was again amazed es” documents. sources.” To that I had to disagree. hooked on Dave’s common sense at the wealth of informa- Finally I took him to The truth is that most of our approach to financial management. tion and resources that www.StewardshipDirect churches and pastors don’t know Richard and I became friends and are at our disposal as .com to look at all the about the wealth of information soon began having coffee on a reg- Southern Baptists. stewardship materials available to them. They struggle ular basis just to talk about church, My friend wanted to that our Stewardship De- needlessly when answers are read- money and life. know about these resourc- velopment Association ily available. This morning Richard and I again es so I pulled out the com- produces to help church- As the new stewardship catalyst, I met for coffee to catch up with one puter and began introduc- David Sundeen es promote godly steward- am available to you and your church- another. I told him how this past ing him to some SBC web- ship. Richard could see es to help you understand and pro- April, during the Minnesota-Wiscon- sites. immediately how these tools would mote a balanced stewardship pro- sin Baptist Convention staff plan- First I directed him to the website benefit the ministry of any church. gram for your people. The resourc- ning retreat, we reevaluated our www.MyLegacyOfFaith.com where After looking at all the materials, es we have available to us are stag- work assignments and our titles. we looked at dozens of free resourc- Richard had two interesting com- gering. If you need help, or just want When the meeting was over I owned es for individuals and families, pas- ments. to talk about some of the things I’ve a new title and a new area of respon- tors and churches, ministries and First he said, “It must be nice mentioned here, please give me a sibility. I was now the “evangelism organizations—and for professional to be part of an organization that call at (507) 282-3636. catalyst” as well as the “stewardship financial advisors. Richard said he cares enough to provide its mem- David Sundeen is evangelism and catalyst.” was very impressed. bers with all these resources.” Of stewardship catalyst for the Minnesota- Because Richard is a financial Next, I took him to GuideStone course I agreed. Wisconsin Baptist Convention. E-mail: planner, he was really interested in Financial Resources, the SBC’s re- Secondly he stated, “I bet your [email protected]

The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist: A quarterly Christian newsjournal with a focus on Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptists, their interests, churches and partners.  Is your church making news? If something new, different or unusual happens in your church, it may be of interest to Baptists all across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Send complete information (who, what, when, where, why, how and some good direct quotes from people involved) to the editor, David Williams, at david [email protected] or 1601 Belltower Ct., Lewisville, TX 75067. Attach digital photos to your e-mail, or send a copy in your envelope (photos will not be returned). Not all submissions may be used, but we are Need help knowing how to use the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist to promote always looking for stories about M-W Baptist churches. Due to time limitations, “tips” seldom are acted your church or association events? upon; please send complete information. Download a four-page promotion guide from the state convention Web site,  Has your church updated its subscription list? The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist is provided free of charge to www.mwbc.org. all resident member families of churches related to the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention. Churches are responsible for updating their portion of our mailing list, maintained by Crystal Persons at the state convention office. Other people may subscribe for $5.50 per year by sending payment to: Subscriptions, Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist, 519 16th St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904.  Does your church have something to advertise? Advertising space at $8 per column inch is available for meetings, products or services sponsored by MWBC churches and missions, the state convention and entities of the Southern Baptist Convention. 6 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST MEDIA AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 7

“It is imperative that you think about anything that Google Thyself is posted ... it is going to potentially live forever,” Consider Christian ethics when utilizing social media in ministry, personal use By Ken Camp, managing editor Texas attorney Frank Texas Baptist Standard Sommerville speaking A student’s Facebook entry chron- about social media icles the painful details of a roman- tic break-up. Or describes an ill-spent weekend partying with friends. Or scathingly blisters someone who holds differing political views. Fast-forward a few years. That same student sits in a job interview— or maybe at a conference table with a church search committee—and has to answer uncomfortable questions about those entries. Welcome to the world of social media. Post the gory details of your life on an electronic wall, and it nev- er goes away. But by the same token, consider a social-networking page set up to en- courage people to do one act of kind- ness on a given day, established in memory of a girl who would have turned 13 that day if she hadn’t died in a bus crash on her way to youth camp. That site, “Maggie Lee ... For Good,” drew more than 12,500 mem- bers, honoring the memory of Mag- gie Lee Henson from First Baptist Church of Shreveport, La., and spark- ing thousands of good deeds. Consider power of communication “Too often, people fail to recog- ers “need to bring older, pre-Face- presence. What might have seemed Social media offer valuable com- nize the power of words,” said Bill book moral standards into engage- innocuous in college or graduate munication tools to churches, but Tillman, the T.B. Maston Chair of ment with the brave new world of school may appear in a different congregations need to recognize le- Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons social media.” light to a pastor-search committee. gal dangers inherent in social net- University’s Logsdon School of The- And once something is online, it working, said Frank Sommerville, ology in Abilene, Texas. How much info is too much? lasts forever,” said Wingfield, associ- an attorney from Arlington, Texas. Aptly chosen words effectively While social media can promote ate pastor at the church. He led a Web-based seminar on Inter- communicated can build group co- authenticity and transparency, they For instance, he noted one pro- net issues for churches sponsored by hesion and foster cooperation, he also can feed the hunger for self-pro- spective candidate for a ministeri- the National Association of Church noted. motion, Tillman noted. al staff position who included the Business Administration. “Social-networking sites have tre- “We need to understand that name of his favorite alcoholic bever- Participants in social media need mendous potential for Christians as there are no secrets, but there are age on his Facebook profile—a move to recognize its nature as public— a place where community-building things that should be kept close in,” that “raised some eyebrows” with a not private—communication, he ad- occurs, where community needs are he said. sober-minded search committee. vised. Every posting on a social net- shared and where meaningful net- “When it comes to self-disclosure, Furthermore, because online so- working wall or profile page be- working happens,” Tillman said. there’s a battleground. When are we cial networking does not allow the comes a public document. At the same time, ill-chosen supposed to extend ourselves in nuances offered by tone of voice and “Even if you restrict it to family words can rupture relationships and terms of who we are, and when does body language—and because some and friends, it is still a public doc- damage character, he noted. And it become nothing more than an ex- people simply fail to communicate ument. There are ways to get into those words can flow too easily from ercise in egotism and narcissism, clearly online—misunderstandings those documents even if they are a computer keyboard. which are sub-Christian values?” can arise easily. password-protected on your ma- “Unless you envision the people Not everyone needs to know ev- “I’m aware of several cases in the chine,” Sommerville said. to whom you are writing, the temp- ery detail of everyone’s life—partic- last year or two where individuals Furthermore, he noted, users tation is to say whatever comes to ularly when it comes to ministers have posted status updates on Face- should realize once a social-media mind,” Tillman said. who intersect others’ lives at some book that seemed innocent to them document appears, it never really The anonymity that online com- of their most vulnerable points, he but, given the lack of context avail- goes away. munity offers can contribute to a noted. able to the casual reader, caused oth- “It is imperative that you think “sub-Christian” incivility and crude- Gushee stressed the importance ers to put two and two together and about anything that is posted, it is ness that develops through social- of protecting confidential commu- come up with five,” Wingfield said. going to potentially live forever, it media culture, he added. nication. “When you are a children’s Sunday potentially could be used in an inap- “There are expressions that “We need to be a safe harbor for school teacher, youth leader, deacon propriate way, it potentially could be might never be used in a conver- people who need someone to trust, or person of high profile in a church, masqueraded as being you when it is sation with somebody, but online, and both we and those we minister you are considered a role model— not yours (and) it potentially could there’s a crassness that seems to to need to know that the words ex- whether you want to be or not.” be altered, and you’d have no way of creep in,” Tillman said. changed in pastoral confidence will Since social-media profiles and knowing it,” Sommerville said. Social-networking media offer not become public knowledge,” he posts are accessible to readers of “the illusion of intimacy in a con- said. all ages, youth ministers and those Develop social-networking policy text in which receivers and users of who work with students particular- Churches need to establish clear our instantaneous, often hasty, com- Proceed with caution ly should exercise discretion, he sug- policies that stipulate terms and con- munications may be friend, foe or “Err on the side of prudence,” gested. ditions for any employee—or volun- stranger,” said David Gushee, profes- Tillman suggested—advice echoed “You may comment on some per- teer acting on behalf of the church— sor of Christian ethics at Mercer Uni- by Mark Wingfield, who works with fectly acceptable situation for adults who communicates through social versity and Associated Baptist Press young ministers in the pastoral-res- and forget that there are young- media about work-related activities, columnist. idency program at Wilshire Baptist er eyes watching you as well. In the he emphasized. “Communication in which there Church in Dallas. electronic age, we have to be remind- Any social-networking user who is such vast diversity concerning ex- “In our work with training young ed anew of the old adage to avoid writes about church-related mat- actly who is communicating with pastors in practical ministry before even the appearance of impropri- ters should be required to write un- whom and on what terms is inher- sending them off to their first senior ety,” Wingfield said. der his or her own name and include ently problematic.” pastorates, we advise caution in ev- a disclaimer indicating opinions ex- Gushee suggested Christian lead- ery aspect of the minister’s online Consider legal dangers  See Consider Christian ... Page 7 6 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST MEDIA AUGUST 2010 7 Going social Wisconsin congregation ministers to more people using variety of online tools FIRST PERSON by Jennifer Torres congregants have embraced tech- Racine, Wis.—For years we’ve nology and now follow along on been using social media at Everlast- their online Bibles (YouVersion.com ing Mercy Fellowship (EMF) to reach is a great tool). Some even are able out to congregants and their friends. to highlight favorite verses and add Our greatest success so far has been their own notes. with Facebook. YouTube - Posting snippets of vid- Facebook is helpful in identifying eo from events and sermons helps who is using the tool, so we better viewers feel more comfortable, and understand how to leverage it. We they know what to expect when vis- have a wide range of ages represent- iting an EMF service, group or event. ed on the EMF Fan Page and the larg- This is also a great way to commu- est group (33 percent) is 25-34. nicate our “culture” virally, as peo- When we started a new study ple share a video with their friends, called “13 Letters” (described by its who share it with other friends, who publisher, ReachLife Ministries, as share it with still others. “a 13-week media experience of the Website - We redesigned our web- Pauline epistles with a little dose of site to better fit the “culture” of our hip hop,”) we were looking for a way church and to give better access to to cater to people not already served sermons, videos and other resourc- by our other home groups. es. We set up a “13 Letters Facebook Facebook Ads - For a relatively low Group” to promote the study. This cost we advertise special events, us- has worked so well because “13 Let- ing location and the age group to ters” fits with our Facebook users’  We created a separate Face- Here are some other ways we better focus on our audience.. largest age group. book group for “13 Letters” for peo- use social media and online tools E-mail Campaigns - Our monthly Of the 13 people who attended ple who are specifically interested in that you may want to try with your e-mail magazine, “Refresh,” features the first study, most of them were that study rather than just using our church: upcoming events, encouraging sto- under 30. We had a mix of new/ma- existing EMF Facebook page. Twitter - Rob tweets his sermon ries, quotes and photos to keep ev- ture believers and a mix of male/  To encourage attendance at the outlines on Sunday mornings, and eryone in the loop. To learn more female and a diverse mix of cultures/ twice-a-month meetings, we sent also posts them to Facebook. People about starting your own e-mail races. Facebook event invitations bi-week- can review the outline and follow campaign, check out www.constant The study is open to anyone re- ly to inform them of location and along, or use it to look back after the contact.com. It is very easy to set gardless of church membership, and topic. As a bonus, group members message for further study. The men’s up and has minimal cost. there were four churches represent- could easily forward the invitations group also shares their study notes Myspace - Although usage has ta- ed in the group. to their friends. via email; our associate pastor sends pered off with the rise of Facebook, Our goal is to help disciple and  We added the events to EMF’s notes just before class so the group many people still use Myspace, so we strengthen each participant’s walk Facebook Fan Page so all members can follow along on their Blackber- maintain an account there for those with the Lord. could see when the next study was. ries or iPhones. It also helps con- who may not be on other networks. The “13 Letters” leaders did a few  For those not on Facebook, serve paper. Jennifer Torres’ husband, Roberto, is pastor things to keep in touch with every- we also promoted the study in our Online Bibles - It was honestly a of Everlasting Mercy Fellowship in Racine, one online: monthly e-mail campaigns. little distracting at first, but some Wis. Consider Christian ethics when utilizing social media Continued from page 6 mission from the owner before link- a social-networking page, website, e- Northwest Baptist awarded pressed are those of the user and are ing to any other website. mail or Twitter, Sommerville recom- not church-endorsed. No defamation. In addition to mended sending out an alert noting grant from Lilly Endowment Sommerville recommends a so- avoiding anything that would rid- a new request has been posted on a Special to M-W Baptist cial-networking policy include sever- icule, defame or libel an individu- secure site. Registered users then Wauwatosa, Wis.—Northwest Baptist Church of Wauwa- al common-sense prohibitions: al, church staff also should avoid can log on to a password-protected tosa, Wis., announced it has received a grant to initiate a No personal attacks or dispar- disparaging comments about other site for more specific information. process to improve how Scripture is proclaimed so congre- aging comments. Church staff churches, he warned. Monitor with vigilance. Ministers gants better understand, retain and apply God’s truth to should not use social media to at- Respect privacy. Do not post pho- who are “friends” on a social-net- their lives. tack anyone—particularly other em- tos taken in a private setting—in- working site with church members According to Bonnie Lee, director for the grant at the ployees, church members or vendors cluding a worship service—without cannot be held responsible for what church, the project is a two-step process to implement who do business with the church. the permission of the individual those individuals post on their own multi-sensory worship services interwoven with new ser- “You may disagree with the church who is pictured. pages. But they should monitor their mon-based small groups. The Worship Renewal grant was and its officers, provided your tone “You own your image,” Sommer- own online spaces. awarded by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship in is respectful and you do not resort to ville said. A person can be photo- “You have no duty to monitor Grand Rapids, Michigan. personal attacks,” he said. graphed in a public setting such as your friends,” Sommerville noted. “We are grateful for the chance to explore creative ways No confidential information. Ob- a street, a park or some other open Youth ministers, for example, “are to further connect the proclaimed Word of God to people’s viously, sensitive information relat- venue, but a church sanctuary does only responsible for what is posted daily lives,” Lee said. “This generous grant award makes it ed to counseling should not be post- not fit that definition, he asserted. to their wall,” not others’, he added. possible for us not only to receive training in the use of digi- ed, nor should private financial in- If a church streams its church ser- But since Christian leaders are tal media and the writing of sermon-based small group cur- formation. vices live on the Internet or posts responsible for what is posted on riculum but also to offer training to other congregations re- Be aware of copyright issues. any images on social media, he their own sites and may be judged lating to what we learn over the course of the grant year.” Copyrighted materials may be post- strongly recommends posting signs by statements on other sites, Wing- This year, the program’s 11th, CICW will award almost ed if the person doing the posting at church entries indicating people field offers a common-sense house- $500,000 to support a variety of worship renewal projects owns the copyright. Otherwise, the entering are subject to being video- keeping tip to young ministers at in 40 churches and organizations across North America. person posting it should secure ex- taped or photographed. Wilshire—and others who don’t “These projects have much to teach us about how prayer- press written permission from the Whether on a social-networking want to be haunted by the ghosts of ful, resourceful leaders in a remarkable variety of contexts copyright owner. Limited use—such page, a website or in e-mail attach- their online past. are thinking about the needs of the church and opportu- as a line or two from a song or a very ment, Sommerville advised always “As someone responsible for per- nities for ministry,” CICW Director John Witvliet said. “We brief quote from a book—may be per- securing permission from a parent sonnel management in a church, are eager to learn from them.” mitted under “fair use” legal doc- or guardian before including the im- when we’re looking for staff, I of- For a complete list of this year’s grant recipients and trine, but Sommerville urged cau- age of a child. ten will do an Internet search on the summaries of their projects, see the grants section of the tion. “It’s always a good idea not to put names of our applicants to see what CICW website, www.calvin.edu/worship. Grant recipients “One of the hottest areas in copy- last names or addresses on your web- turns up,” he said. “An easy way for for 2010 represent congregations and schools from 15 de- right law is (the question of) when site” or social-media page, he recom- ministers and church leaders to ex- nominations in 16 states and 1 Canadian province. The linking to other websites is legal mended. ercise caution is to periodically do a Worship Renewal Grants Program is supported by India- without written permission and Regarding prayer requests, rath- search on their own names and see if napolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. The deadline for the when is it not,” he said. Sommerville er than broadcasting specific infor- there are any messes that need to be next cycle of grants is Jan. 10, 2011. recommends securing written per- mation about an individual through cleaned up.” (ABP) 8 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 9 Leap of faith brings Cummings, Three Rivers to new location By Stacey Kalas carloads of kitchen appliances, furniture La Crosse (Wis.) Tribune and toys for the children’s nursery, and La Crosse, Wis.—It took a leap of faith for boxes and boxes of canned goods and cere- Chad Cummings to move with his wife and al for the food pantry. Some 50 or so pews two teenage daughters from Pleasant Prai- were brought out of storage, with the large rie, Wis., to a town where they knew no baptismal font and remaining pews still to one—all with the goal of starting a South- come. ern Baptist church. “After church tomorrow (Feb. 7), we are Three years later, they are making an- going to tell the people to grab the pew other leap of faith, this time moving their they are sitting on and put it on the trail- growing church family to a new meeting lo- er,” Ryan said with a laugh. cation, the former Morrie’s Mazda building The members of Three Rivers Fellowship at 3400 S. Losey Blvd. are no strangers to moving. While Cummings, pastor of Three Rivers Cummings, who previously served as Fellowship Church, and church members a youth pastor and police and firefighter are looking forward to having triple the chaplain in Illinois, knew this area because space, they also will be paying more than he had been coming up to hunt on family twice the monthly rent from their previous property in Bangor since the 1980s. As he location across from Walmart on Mormon and his wife, Julie, were answering a call to Coulee Road. be church planters, they said God seemed “It’s a huge step of faith for us,” said to be pointing them to La Crosse. Cummings prior to his first sermon in the ON THE GROW Members of Three Rivers Fellowship Church in La Crosse, Wis., move pews into their “Our desire is to see people come to Je- new space. But it’s also right where the Lord new building, the former Morrie’s Mazda car dealership on the city’s South Side. The congregation sus.” Cummings said. “We have a large pop- wants them, he said. made the move earlier this year. ulation here who are lost. My passion is to “It was definitely just a God-thing. We’re see lives changed, to see marriages healed, very, very excited about what He’s doing much-needed parking. The indoor car nis Ryan said during a break on moving day. to see brokenness mended, to see addic- there.” showroom, used now as the sanctuary, is “It’s going to give us an opportunity to min- tions broken. Our target, our focus, is the The additional square footage will give 1,000 more square feet than the previous ister to everybody. It’s a great location for a lost.” the congregation, which averages 50 to 55 sanctuary. Plans are in the works to convert church. It fills a void within La Crosse ... es- Three Rivers Fellowship started in June people each Sunday morning, more room the parts bay into an area for teens, com- pecially on the South Side.” 2007 with 12 people in a small rented South for worship, fellowship and to host its Cel- plete with a coffee shop. By noon on moving day, a couple doz- Side office, quickly expanding into bigger ebrate Recovery program, not to mention “This is a blessing,” church trustee Den- en members had brought more than 12  See Leap of ... Page 12 COOPERATIVE PROGRAM REPORT — JUNE 2010

April/May/June Monthly Receipts ...... $113,292.28 ASSOCIATION/CHURCH APRIL-JUNE YTD AAEO ASSOCIATION/CHURCH APRIL-JUNE YTD AAEO Three Months’ Budget Requirements...... $138,142.26 Parkside...... $2,268.56...... $5,071.56...... $0.00 Pioneer Association Under Monthly Requirements...... $24,849.98 Milwaukee: Bethlehem...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Austin ...... $156.50...... $156.50...... $50.00 Received through June...... $216,782.07 Brown Deer...... $10,021.92.....$12,082.30..... $2,705.26 Faribault, Berean ...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Required through June...... $276,284.52 Christ Kingdom...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Mankato, Hope...... $1,465.29...... $2,289.75...... $486.00 Under Budget 2010...... $59,502.45 Ephesians...... $1,075.08...... $2,099.92...... $0.00 Red Wing, Hiawatha Valley ...... $387.54...... $2,081.77...... $150.00 Everlasting Mercy Fellowship...... $360.00...... $540.00...... $283.00 Rochester, Bethel...... $1,287.80...... $2,154.35..... $2,510.43 ASSOCIATION/CHURCH APRIL-JUNE YTD AAEO Faith Fellowship...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Emmanuel ...... $7,239.58.....$14,550.61..... $4,999.00 Bay Lakes Association Graceland ...... $30.38...... $76.46...... $0.00 Emmanuel Asian ...... $0.00...... $0.00..... $1,508.00 Amherst, Amherst Bible ...... $200.00...... $600.00...... $100.00 Grace Point...... $0.00...... $207.59...... $0.00 Joyful Hope...... $75.00...... $150.00...... $0.00 Appleton, Valley ...... $6,618.13.....$11,238.11..... $3,608.00 Hmong First ...... $150.00...... $300.00...... $654.00 Rochester Community...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Valley Hmong...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Jeremiah Miss...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Rochester Hmong...... $250.00...... $545.00...... $0.00 Black Creek, Community ...... $693.00...... $1,436.00...... $175.00 Jericho Miss...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Rochester Iglesia Bautista...... $70.94...... $144.24...... $25.00 Clintonville, First...... $867.50...... $1,709.90..... $1,402.76 Korean...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Viola, Viola Bible...... $528.67...... $1,217.37...... $716.65 Green Bay, Bethel ...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Layton Avenue...... $3,641.38...... $7,286.85..... $4,009.99 Waseca, Faith...... $69.20...... $69.20...... $636.00 Graceway Fellowship ...... $1,448.58...... $4,994.51..... $1,437.00 Mercy Memorial...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $90.00 Winona: Cornerstone Comm ...... $1,236.32...... $2,932.48..... $1,400.00 Highland Crest ...... $300.00...... $500.00...... $791.00 Monumental...... $174.00...... $428.00...... $0.00 Hmong...... $111.58...... $227.26...... $470.00 Victory In Life...... $0.00...... $597.61...... $0.00 Mt. Hermon...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Pioneer Totals...... $12,878.42.....$26,518.53... $12,951.08 Greenville: Greenville Baptist...... $501.65...... $688.25...... $0.00 Mt. Horeb ...... $100.00...... $400.00...... $50.00 Cornerstone Christian Fellowship ...... $162.04...... $507.27...... $0.00 Mt. Pilgrim ...... $1,200.00...... $2,100.00...... $0.00 Twin Cities Metro Association Manitowoc, New Beginnings ...... $385.94...... $385.94...... $20.00 St. Timothy’s Community...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $316.11 Bloomington: Communidad ...... $382.10...... $837.10...... $0.00 Neenah, Living Vine...... $2,507.41...... $5,234.31...... $630.00 Pewaukee, Crossroads...... $2,679.21...... $4,375.31...... $415.00 Southtown...... $4,008.85...... $9,179.73..... $3,598.70 Oshkosh, Oshkosh Hmong...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $100.00 Pleasant Prairie, Pleasant Prairie ...... $898.00...... $2,142.00...... $550.00 Brooklyn Park: Ebenezer Comm...... $1,500.00...... $2,788.00...... $0.00 Sheboygan, Mapledale...... $657.43...... $1,206.17...... $346.00 Racine, Everlasting Mercy...... $140.00...... $210.00...... $180.00 North Center...... $0.00...... $966.42...... $275.98 Tilleda, Bethany...... $406.00...... $2,199.00...... $0.00 Immanuel ...... $1,651.22...... $3,065.47..... $2,781.93 Burnsville, Crystal Lake Korean...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Stevens Point, First ...... $388.00...... $1,020.00...... $227.00 Wauwatosa, Northwest...... $5,097.88.....$10,194.15...... $855.00 Crystal Lake Road ...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Tapestry...... $110.00...... $170.00...... $100.00 Lakeland Totals...... $34,847.80.....$62,769.64... $19,424.40 Coon Rapids, Cedar Rock...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Waupaca, Fellowship ...... $820.39...... $1,632.50...... $207.48 Fridley, Good News Hmong...... $0.00...... $166.68...... $0.00 Wausau, Living Waters Chn Fship...... $464.78...... $908.04...... $213.60 Northern Lakes Association Maple Grove, Northwood Comm...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Wittenberg, Good Shepherd...... $426.33...... $943.95...... $147.00 Chippewa Falls, Fellowship ...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Maplewood, Hmong Hope Comm...... $87.50...... $175.00...... $0.00 Bay Lakes Totals...... $16,957.18.....$35,971.56..... $9,504.84 Jacob’s Well...... $8,697.81.....$14,462.16...... $0.00 Minneapolis: El-Bethel First...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $349.00 Eau Claire, Hmong...... $44.16...... $77.59...... $0.00 Jacob’s Well on Campus...... $0.00...... $500.00...... $0.00 Central Association Trinity...... $448.33...... $926.23...... $0.00 Korean First...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Ft. Atkinson, Friendship...... $533.83...... $947.95...... $297.00 Grantsburg, Living Hope...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $195.00 New Hope...... $506.76...... $1,207.02...... $277.35 La Crosse, New Hope...... $200.00...... $600.00...... $0.00 Lac du Flambeau,Word of God ...... $20.00...... $50.00...... $0.00 Minnetonka, Grace Slavic ...... $100.00...... $100.00...... $0.00 Three Rivers ...... $1,434.34...... $2,067.59...... $284.00 Rice Lake, Hope ...... $1,479.78...... $2,461.93..... $1,073.00 Monticello, First...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Madison, Campus Community...... $300.00...... $600.00...... $290.00 Shell Lake, Lakeland House Church...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $5.00 Roseville: Roseville ...... $1,589.14...... $4,938.13..... $1,742.00 East Madison...... $2,711.00...... $4,397.75...... $765.35 Northern Lakes Totals...... $10,690.08.....$17,977.91..... $1,273.00 St. Louis Park, Ukrainian Evang...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Hmong Madison ...... $270.06...... $631.77...... $0.00 S. St. Paul First Hmong ...... $262.78...... $262.78...... $0.00 Midvale...... $2,598.17...... $4,839.10..... $1,255.00 Northwoods Association Followers of Christ...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $979.00 Red Village ...... $1,366.31...... $1,921.31...... $0.00 Alborn, Swan Lake Road...... $128.00...... $228.00...... $0.00 Iglesia Hispana Betel...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Muscoda, Blue River Valley ...... $389.83...... $566.83...... $0.00 Badger, Badger Baptist Ministries...... $524.00...... $969.00...... $250.50 Twin Cities Hmong...... $400.00...... $650.00...... $512.20 Platteville, Rolling Hills...... $1,194.47...... $1,992.77...... $100.00 Bemidji, Ridgewood...... $614.80...... $1,248.62...... $0.00 Sunfish Lake, Bethel...... $2,800.00...... $4,200.00..... $1,189.51 Portage, River of Life...... $818.58...... $1,550.55...... $0.00 Brainerd, Church on The Wise Road....$653.00...... $952.00...... $280.00 W. St. Paul, First Hmong...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Reedsburg, Trinity ...... $1,066.00...... $2,665.00...... $92.50 Breezy Point, Eagles Nest...... $694.81...... $1,201.20...... $0.00 Twin Cities Metro Totals...... $11,637.13.....$25,970.86..... $8,923.74 Richland Center, Heartland...... $195.50...... $479.00...... $0.00 Cambridge, Cross Pointe...... $666.68...... $1,083.35...... $811.00 Sparta, Gospel...... $4,619.25...... $7,084.95...... $454.00 Crookston, Prairie Community ...... $597.53...... $1,667.51...... $6.16 Western Association Sun Prairie, Transformation ...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $75.00 Duluth, Northern City...... $0.00...... $416.70...... $28.01 Marshall, Calvary...... $1,369.39...... $2,153.98...... $537.00 Tomah, Waterbrook Community ...... $150.00...... $285.00...... $239.00 Ely, Berean...... $280.00...... $280.00...... $0.00 St. Cloud: Victory...... $66.00...... $191.00...... $0.00 WI Rapids, Church at Wazeecha ...... $200.00...... $500.00...... $0.00 Floodwood, First ...... $179.00...... $393.00...... $0.00 Willmar, Grace...... $10.00...... $20.00...... $0.00 Central Totals...... $18,047.34.....$31,129.57..... $3,851.85 Grand Rapids, Calvary Pines ...... $625.78...... $1,066.98...... $50.00 Iglesia Bautista...... $120.00...... $0.00...... $0.00 Grand Rapids...... $729.39...... $1,875.09...... $780.00 Western Totals...... $1,445.39...... $2,364.98...... $657.00 Lakeland Association Hill City, Hill City...... $150.00...... $300.00...... $0.00 Bassett, Westosha ...... $1,264.00...... $2,544.00...... $0.00 Intern’l Falls, Pleasant Hill...... $444.31...... $867.12...... $75.00 Other...... $279.00...... $372.00...... $0.00 Hales Corners, Emmaus Fellowship....$200.00...... $400.00...... $0.00 Splithand...... $100.00 Kenosha: Centro Bautista Intl...... $0.00...... $0.00...... $980.00 Superior, Lake Point...... $0.00...... $450.00...... $0.00 Grand Totals...... $113,292.28...$216,782.07... $59,191.58 Fellowship...... $2,769.17...... $7,174.03..... $3,679.11 Warroad, Westside ...... $222.64...... $708.45...... $225.00 Missio Dei (formerly Temple)...... $1,127.00...... $2,072.00..... $1,875.00 Northwoods Totals ...... $6,509.94.....$13,707.02..... $2,605.67 8 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN AUGUST 2010 9 10 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST SBC BUSINESS AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 11 SBC resolutions highlight Gulf oil leak, family, homosexuality By Marv Knox ilies, a stronger church and a stronger na- trumped by homosexual rights, Duke ex- Texas Baptist Standard tion,” it added. plained. Orlando, Fla.—The Southern Baptist Con- It particularly called on fathers to “ful- Still, the committee did not directly vention decried ecological catastrophe in fill their divinely mandated responsibility speak to and oppose Kagan’s nomination, the Gulf of Mexico, focused on the family to lead their families toward spiritual ma- Moore said. and opposed the normalization of homo- turity.” Another resolution affirmed “the cen- sexuality as messengers approved seven res- trality of the gospel.” olutions with no debate during the recent Confronting homosexuality It called on Southern Baptists to “reaf- SBC annual meeting in Orlando. The resolutions that opposed the nor- firm our commitment to the supremacy A resolution on the Deepwater Horizon malization of homosexuality in American and centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico lamented the society targeted an effort to repeal the U.S. in our churches” and encouraged pastors to deaths of 11 oil rig workers and pledged military’s homosexual policy and the pro- “keep the gospel foremost in every sermon to pray for their families. It also called on posed Employment Non-Discrimination they preach.” Southern Baptists and other Christians “to Act introduced in Congress. It exhorted churches to proclaim the pray for the end of this catastrophe and for The resolution on homosexuals in the gospel to unbelievers and to “display the the homes, lives, cultures and livelihoods military noted, “The Bible describes ho- gospel by transcending ethnic, racial, eco- in the Gulf Coast region.” mosexual behavior as both a contributing nomic and social barriers due to our uni- It urged the government to end the cause and a consequence of God’s judg- ty in Christ.” crisis, ensure corporate accountability to ment on nations and individuals.” “We recommit ourselves to the glory of clean up and restore the Gulf region, plan It cited the 1993 law that supports the the gospel by greater faithfulness to the contingencies to respond to future oil spills current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy as Great Commission, both in personal wit- and “promote future energy policies based stating no one has a constitutional right to ness and in sending more gospel workers upon prudence, conservation, accountabil- serve in the armed forces. to the unreached peoples of the world,” it ity and safety.” “It is the seasoned judgment of most said. “We commit to speak to the outside POINT OF DISCUSSION James Merritt, pastor Messengers called for “ways to lessen the military leaders that normalizing the open world as those who are forgiven sinners, of Cross Point Church in Duluth, Ga., voices potentiality of such tragic accidents and of presence of homosexuals in the military who have received mercy as a free gift, and an opinion about a resolution during the recent such devastating pollution in order that we is incompatible with generating, strength- not as those who are morally or ethically su- Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in may protect what God loves and safeguard ening and maintaining good discipline, perior to anyone.” Orlando, Fla. (Photo by Kent Harville/BP) the lives, livelihoods, health and wellbe- unit cohesion and combat readiness,” it ing of our neighbors and of future gener- stressed. ations.” Messengers affirmed “the Bible’s decla- Although the resolution did not explic- ration that homosexual behavior is intrin- Messengers defeat attempt to open itly call for lifestyle changes to decrease sically disordered and sinful” and noted dependence on oil, that concept is implic- “the Bible’s promise of forgiveness, change records of task force proceedings it, said Russell Moore, chairman of the and eternal life to all sinners—including By Cameron Crabtree  Changes to be made to the Coopera- SBC Resolutions Committee and dean of those engaged in homosexual sin—who re- Northwest Baptist Witness tive Program allocation budget. the school of theology at Southern Baptist pent of sin and trust in the saving power of Orlando, Fla.—Messengers to the 2010  Parking passes to be made available Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Jesus Christ.” Southern Baptist Convention meeting during SBC annual meetings. The resolution’s call for improved ener- They went on record as opposing defeated an attempt to unseal written  The exclusion of churches that are gy policies and assertion that humanity’s efforts to change current law to “normalize and audio recordings of Great Commis- affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists. “God-given dominion over the creation is the open presence of homosexuals in the sion Resurgence Task Force proceedings.  Amendments to be made to the SBC not unlimited” point to individual and so- armed forces.” They also deplored acts of vi- The group recently announced it Constitution, specifically Articles III, IV.1 cietal responsibility to reduce petroleum olence related to homosexuality, expressed would seal the records for 15 years at the and IV.2, as well as Article IV to preclude consumption, Moore said. their “pride in and support for all now serv- Southern Baptist Historical Library & Ar- Cooperative Program-supported employ- The resolution also urged Southern Bap- ing in the United States armed forces” and chives in Nashville, Tenn. ees as trustees of SBC entities. tists to assist Gulf Coast communities and commended “loving, redemptive ministry Jay Adkins of First Baptist Church of  Including church membership and churches with the same vigor that charac- to homosexuals.” Westwego, La., introduced a motion to Cooperative Program giving information terized their response to the aftermath of The ENDA resolution characterized the make the records available “in the spirit about nominees listed in the SBC’s annu- Hurricane Katrina. proposed bill as “granting such things as of openness and transparency” for review al “Book of Reports.” sexual orientation the same employment by any interested Southern Baptists.  A change in the qualifications for Focus on families protections as gender and race, placing In debate on his motion, the only one convention officers, requiring them to Two SBC resolutions targeted the health these immoral and aberrant behaviors on scheduled by the SBC Committee on Or- be members of churches that give a min- and wellbeing of families. the same level as the immutable traits of der Business, Adkins said Southern Bap- imum of 10 percent of undesignated re- “On the Scandal of Southern Baptist Di- gender and ancestry.” tists would benefit from “seeing the pro- ceipts to the Cooperative Program. vorce” cited two studies on divorce. One “Homosexual persons are not our ene- cess” of the task force.  The adoption of the “U.S. Christian demonstrates conservative Protestants di- mies but our neighbors whom we love and But task force members argued Flag” as the SBC’s “banner of purpose.” vorce at the same, if not higher, rate than wish to see find the same forgiveness and against the effort to open the records im-  Baptist Press to become an SBC en- the U.S. population. The other reveals re- freedom we have found in Christ,” the res- mediately, saying it would require them tity, no longer under the control of the gions where Southern Baptists predomi- olution said. to break promises of confidentiality they SBC Executive Committee. nately have higher divorce rates than re- But it warned “businesses with a reli- made with indivdiuals they consulted  Resolutions to be posted online pri- gions without a strong evangelical witness. gious character,” such as religious book- with in their deliberations. or to SBC meetings. “Even the most expansive view of the bib- stores, publishers and parachurch minis- “We promised them confidential-  A study of holding the SBC meeting lical exceptions allowing for divorce and re- tries, would not be exempted from policies ity during deliberations,” said Albert every other year rather than annually. marriage would rule out many, if not most, that would deny them the right to fire or re- Mohler, president of Southern Baptist  Dwight McKissic of Cornerstone Bap- of the divorces in our churches,” the resolu- fuse to hire employees based upon sexual Theological Seminary and a task force tist Church in Arlington, Texas, proposed tion insisted. It cited “cultural accommoda- orientation. And the law could jeopardize member. “This recommendation would amending Article III, Section 1 of the SBC tion” as the reason for accelerating divorce the First Amendment’s protections of reli- require this task force to break its word.” Constitution to include “racial discrim- rates among Southern Baptists. gious liberty, it added. It also would “rob us of our own his- ination” in the definition of churches The resolution called on churches to Messengers voted to express “our pro- torical record” and have a chilling effect “not in cooperation” with the SBC. “proclaim the word of God on the perma- found opposition to ENDA and any similar on future committees, he added. Other than the motion to open re- nence of marriage,” provide marriage en- legislation.” The resolution also called on Calling journalism “the first draft of cords of the GCRTF proceedings to the richment opportunities, marry “only those the U.S. president and Congress to appoint history,” James Smith, editor of the Flor- public, McKissic’s motion was the only who are biblically qualified to be married and affirm “only nominees to federal judi- ida Baptist Witness, supported the mo- one eliciting discussion on the floor. to one another,” emphasize the gravity of cial positions who will protect foundation- tion, saying history could be written marital vows, minister to couples and fam- al religious freedoms.” “now and in future weeks.” Agency-referred motions ilies in crisis, and demonstrate compassion The resolution reflects implications for But Greg Wills, a church history pro- A motion requesting a strategy for to “those who have been left in the wake of the appointment of Elena Kagan to the U.S. fessor at Southern Seminary and mem- expanding Christian schooling alterna- family brokenness.” Supreme Court but does not directly op- ber of La Grange (Ky.) Baptist Church, dis- tives, was referred to the North Ameri- “We call on our churches to proclaim pose her nomination, Resolutions Commit- agreed, suggesting 15 years “is an entire- can Mission Board. God’s mercy and grace to all people—in- tee leaders told reporters. ly reasonable, brief period” for sealing LifeWay Christian Resources received cluding those who have been divorced “The committee was concerned about such records. Opening the records now a motion from asking the agency to “re- without biblical grounds—due to the truth homosexual rights and religious liberty. “may serve a short-term political agenda, consider the validity” of selling books by that the blood of Jesus can atone for any The Kagan nomination brings that into but we will lose the history of our com- T.D. Jakes, Don Piper and William Young. sin,” it said. highlight,” said Barrett Duke, a staff mem- mittees at the most critical time.” A motion asking the SBC to adopt A related resolution encouraged church- ber for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Com- Messengers referred 13 motions to the guidelines for stating positions on par- es and families to “rekindle the spiritual mission and an adviser to the committee. SBC Executive Committee for future ac- tisan political issues was referred to the discipline of family worship.” This practice Specifically, some of Kagan’s writings tion, including calls for: Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. “has the capacity to nurture stronger fam- indicate religious liberty rights should be 10 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST AUGUST 2010 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST SBC BUSINESS AUGUST 2010 11 Frank Page elected SBC Executive Committee president NAMB VP, former SBC president gets less than 60 percent of committee’s vote By Cameron Crabtree alongside Chapman as president- Northwest Baptist Witness elect until Oct. 1. Orlando, Fla.—In a closed-door ses- Standing outside the meeting sion June 14, the Southern Baptist room while Executive Committee Convention Executive Committee members were praying before their voted 44-30 to elect Frank Page as vote, Page described the lengthy its new president and chief execu- question-and-answer session with tive officer. committee members as cordial. Page, 57, vice president of evange- Committee members asked “sub- lization at the North American Mis- stantive questions” about his partic- sion Board since October 2009, was ipation with the SBC’s Great Com- pastor of First Baptist Church of Tay- mission Task Force over the past lors, S.C., nine years and SBC presi- year and his views on various items dent from 2006-08. He succeeds Mor- in the group’s recommendations to ris Chapman, who will retire Sept. SBC messengers, Page reported. 30 after 18 years of service. “I have been very clear that I did “This has been a soul-search- have some concerns about the GCR ing time for all of us,” said Randall items,” he said. “But I do want to join A NEW ERA Randall James (right), an assistant pastor at First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., and Southern Baptist James, assistant pastor at First Bap- our president in a call for a Great Convention Executive Committee presidential search committee chairman, speaks with Frank Page, newly elected to tist Church of Orlando, Fla., and Commission resurgence” across the the position of president of the SBC Executive Committee. Page will replace Morris Chapman, who will retire Sept. chairman of the Executive Commit- convention. 30 after 18 years in the position. tee. “We didn’t want to pick who While some committee members we wanted, but who the Lord Jesus viewed his involvement on the task “I think God gave me that time to ponents,” he said. Christ had already chosen before the force negatively, Page said, “Others see the inside of a denomination bet- At a press conference following foundation of the world.” were concerned I didn’t support it ter than I would have as a pastor,” he his introduction to SBC messengers “I deeply appreciate this call—and enough.” explained. at the annual meeting in Orlando, that’s the way I perceive it and have “Secondly, I think being a part of Fla., June 15, Page noted the diverse felt it in my heart from the Lord— Views on Cooperative Program the GCR at the same time helped me opinions currently characterizing and I do accept your offer,” Page Page expressed the need to high- provide a perspective to say NAMB the convention were reflected in the told the Executive Committee after light the importance of Cooperative has a unique missiological need, divided vote on his election. it emerged from more than 90 min- Program giving to Southern Baptist and I think that was an encourage- “It’s indicative of the reality of utes of deliberation to announce the missions efforts. ment to some on the committee to where we are,” Page said. “Trust election. “I do so with a great sense “I’m a strong CP supporter,” Page see that NAMB does have a place sep- takes place over time. I (will) work of calling and destiny, my aware- said. “While a lot of people talk arately than IMB. hard to build unity in that body.” ness that God has a great future for about the Cooperative Program, I’ve “Third, I would have to say the Page said he has two hopes for Southern Baptists.” been raising millions through it be- biggest reason I think God brought his service to the convention—uni- Page pledged two things to the cause I do believe in it.” me to NAMB was to help legitimize ty “unlike anything we’ve ever seen committee: “I will love you with He acknowledged puzzlement at and motivate and encourage people before” and a positive public percep- all my heart and will work with all sensing God leading him to the Ex- in the GPS strategy,” Page said, refer- tion of the SBC. my might.” He suggested making a ecutive Committee after being at ring to NAMB’s multi-year evangelis- “Southern Baptists have long “spiritual covenant together” in or- NAMB less than a year. tic campaign known as GPS. been known for what we are der to be “unified in our passion and “I have no idea why the Lord did Page promised to use his influ- against,” Page stated. “The vast, vast in our hearts to see this world won to that to me,” Page said, but noted it ence at the Executive Committee to majority of people in our convention Jesus Christ.” provided some advantages for his bolster the national effort. “I would are men and women who are loving James announced Page will serve new task. be one of the most enthusiastic pro- and caring.” Georgia church planter elected SBC president in run-off vote By Jennifer Davis Rash Cooperative Program, fulfilling the The Alabama Baptist Great Commission, encouraging ev- Orlando, Fla.—In a surprise move, ery church—and particularly every Southern Baptists said no to two pastor—to experience a mission trip well-known presidential candidates and urging Southern Baptists to “re- and elected a church planter from turn to our first love for Christ.” Marietta, Ga., to lead them in the In the first vice president’s race, coming year. Ron Herrod, president of the Con- Bryant Wright, pastor of Johnson ference of Southern Baptist Evange- Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, lists, was elected 1,653 to 1,117 over Ga., beat Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive SBC OFFICERS Newly elected SBC officers (left to right): First vice president Ron Her- Jim Drake, pastor of Brushfork Bap- Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fla., in rod from Tennessee, president Bryant Wright from Georgia, recording secretary John tist Church in Bluefield, W.Va. a run-off ballot, 4,225 to 3,371. Bry- Yeats from Louisiana, registration secretary Jim Wells from Missouri, and second Eric Moffett, pastor of First Bap- ant’s votes represented 55.11 percent vice president Eric Moffett from Arkansas (inset). (Photo by Matt Miller/BP) tist Church of Sparkman, Ark., was of the 7,667 votes cast, while Tray- elected second vice president 706 to lor’s represented 43.97 percent. while Traylor received 2,719 votes key leaders of the church questioned 689 over Jim Goforth, pastor of New Traylor and Jimmy Jackson, pas- (29.18 percent). Jackson received why so much of the Cooperative Pro- Life Baptist Church in Forsyth, Mo. tor of Whitesburg Baptist Church 2,482 votes (26.64 percent) and Endel gram stays in the United States. Moffett and Goforth received 66.69 in Huntsville, Ala., entered the race received 589 votes (6.23 percent). “We had a stewardship issue and percent of the vote in the first ballot as the frontrunners, particularly in Wright started Johnson Ferry had to make a decision,” Wright said of four candidates. what many labeled a pro/con Great Baptist 28 years ago and has been during a news conference following In the first vote, Moffett received Commission Resurgence report pres- the church’s only pastor. The church his election. “We wanted the major- 436 votes while Goforth received 423 idential race. Traylor served on the routinely leads Southern Baptist ity of the money to wind up on the votes. Ray Newman, ethics and reli- task force. Jackson was outspoken congregations in giving to the Lottie missions field where the witness for gious affairs specialist for the Geor- against the group’s report that was Moon Christmas Offering and has a Christ is not as prevalent. gia Baptist Convention, received 245 approved by convention messengers strong missions emphasis inside the “I don’t plan to encourage votes, and John Copeland, pastor of just minutes before the presidential church. churches to bypass CP,” Wright First Baptist Church of Fulton, Ala., election results were announced. Previous reports have noted the said. “I do think we need to repriori- received 171 votes. Wright and Traylor garnered a church plans to give 3.5 percent of tize the CP as far as where the fund- Two officers were re-elected: John combined 66.02 percent of the origi- its undesignated receipts—more ing goes. … More people would be Yeats, director of communications nal vote against Jackson and Leo En- than $600,000—to the Cooperative more passionate about the CP if that for the Louisiana Baptist Conven- del, executive director of the Minne- Program. Regarding the relative- would happen.” tion, as recording secretary, and Jim sota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention. ly low percentage to the SBC’s uni- Wright said his priorities as pres- Walls, director of missions for Tri In the initial vote, Wright re- fied budget, Wright said because his ident will revolve around repriori- County Baptist Association in Mis- ceived 3,433 votes, (36.84 percent) congregation is so missions-minded, tizing the funding structure of the souri, as registration secretary. 12 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BAPTIST PEOPLE AUGUST 2010

LifeWay Christian Stores open in PEOPLE AND PLACES Minnesota Sundeen graduates Midwestern Pastor marks 20 years of ministry Rochester, Minn.—David Sundeen, Green Bay—Jim Downs celebrat- evangelism and stewardship cata- ed 20 years as pastor of Highland lyst for the Minnesota-Wisconsin Crest Baptist Church in Green Bay, Baptist Convention, graduated from Wis., on July 8. Downs and his wife, Midwestern Baptist Theological Sem- Vonna, have three children and 11 inary in Kansas City, Mo., May 22 grandchildren—all live in Wiscon- with a doctor of ministry degree. sin. The congregation commemorat- He also holds a master of divinity ed the anniversary with a slide show degree from New Orleans Baptist of memories and sentiments, a bo- Theological Seminary and a bach- nus of two weeks vacation and a spe- elor of arts in Bible and theology cial love offering. — from Crown College in St. Bonifa- Nashville, Tenn. Students with M-W ties graduate LifeWay Christian cious, Minn. Stores has acquired five Louisville, Ky.—Five students with Northwestern Book ties to Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptists Stores in Minnesota graduated Southern Baptist Theo- including the Coon logical Seminary in Louisville, Ky., INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Woongki “James” Lee (right) is the new church planter of Rapids, Woodbury, on May 14. They are: Brotherly Love International Church. He is shown here with his wife, Lydia, and their Burnsville, Maple Grove Steven Douglas of Edina, Minn., four children. They moved to Madison from Louisville, Ky., where he recently gradu- and Edina locations. a member of New Hope (Minn.) ated with a master of divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The new The acquisition was Church, master of divinity; Andrew church will be geared to reach international students, professors, faculty and oth- completed Aug. 2 and Johnson of Burnsville, Minn., mem- er professionals. The target ZIP code for the church, 53705, is home to people from the stores reopened as ber of Bethlehem Baptist Church more than 60 nations. LifeWay Christian Stores in Minneapolis, bachelors in bibli- days later. cal and theological studies; Daniel He and his wife, Shramia, have one and Truitt Eason from Belton, Texas; “The folks with Mutterer of Minneapolis, member daughter, Janiya. and Keren Lara and Daniel Aguilar of Roseville (Minn.) Baptist Church, from Baptist University of the Amer- Northwestern Book Bay Lakes vols serve in Illinois Stores have done master of divinity; Randall West- icas in San Antonio. erberg of Cambridge, Minn., mem- Appleton, Wis.—Bay Lakes Baptist an outstanding New Hmong church launched job of serving the ber of Cross Pointe Church in Cam- Association has formed an associa- Minneapolis and St. bridge, doctor of ministry; and Keith tional team to participate in a Build- Sun Prairie, Wis.—Members of David Sundeen Paul communities,” Wilkinson of Prairie du Sac, Wis., ers for Christ project at First Baptist United Hmong Baptist Church said Mark Scott, vice member of Bethel Baptist Church in Church of Manteno, Ill. held their first service on June 20 Swanson resigns Southtown Green Bay, Wis., master of arts in bib- with more than 50 people in atten- president of LifeWay Summer workers help Central Christian Stores. “We’re Bloomington, Minn.—Lucy Swan- lical counseling. dance. Many of the congregants are son has resigned as youth minis- Sun Prairie, Wis.—Central Baptist Sun Prairie residents and longtime honored to have the Monumental reaches milestone opportunity to work ter of Southtown Baptist Church in Association is enjoying the help of members of Madison (Wis.) Hmong with their dedicated Bloomington, Minn., because of her Milwaukee—On March 28, Mon- four summer missionaries: Sherry Baptist. staff and continue husband’s transfer to Missouri. Her umental Church in Milwaukee cel- their ministry. We’re resignation was effective May 31. ebrated the final payment on a 20- year mortgage note. Roy Watson is Leap of faith brings Three Rivers also excited to offer the PowerPlant helps Wis. churches people and churches pastor. Madison, Wis.—More than 50 Fellowship to new location of Minnesota LifeWay- Kostreva resigns pastorate exclusive products people from three different youth Continued from page 8 on the other, Cummings said, and and a wide range of groups brought Power Plant to Mad- Kenosha, Wis.—Sam Kostreva re- offices and then in December 2007 with it any hesitation church mem- other biblically based ison, Wis., in July, helping two new signed May 9 as pastor of Fellowship moving into a former day care at bers might have had about making resources.” church plants. Teenagers conducted Church in Kenosha, Wis., after serv- 4647 Mormon Coulee Road. such a big move. With this numerous ministry projects in the ing nearly four years. Again feeling a need for more “It’s a lot homier. It’s really ex- area. The two new churches assisted acquisition, LifeWay Cowan called to Milwaukee space and a call to be on the South citing,” said Malinda Kline, who now operates 162 stores were Red Village Church, Aaron Joz- Side, Cummings said he, his wife has been attending Three Rivers for in 27 states. wiak, pastor; and Brotherly Love In- Milwaukee—Eugene Cowan II was and another church member each about a year. “The old place was too Grand opening ternational Church, James Lee, pas- installed May 23 as pastor of Jeremi- separately drove past the Morrie’s crowded,” agreed her niece, Gena celebrations for the new tor. PowerPlant is an initiative of the ah Missionary Baptist Church in Mil- building and “felt God put it on Hilber, 20, who attends with her 11- stores are scheduled for Southern Baptist North American waukee. A native of Detroit, he pre- their hearts that there’s where we month-old son. Sept. 11. Mission Board. viously served churches in Michigan. need to be.” With the additional room and LifeWay Christian In the process of the negotiat- momentum, the church intends to Stores are owned and M-W BAPTIST CALENDAR OF EVENTS ing a lease on the Morrie’s building, help plant more churches. operated by LifeWay Ryan said, the church learned its “Our prayer is that 50 new fam- Christian Milwaukee building was sold to Madison-based ilies will walk through the door on Resources, Submit calendar items by e-mail to: Tellurian UCAN, which will run a Easter Sunday and be able to share [email protected]. 17-18 Men’s Retreat headquartered in 18 CBA On Mission Celebration, River mental-health crisis and detoxifica- the gospel,” Cummings said. Nashville, Tenn. CALENDAR KEY tion center there. Reprinted with permission from La Crosse MWBC events are in bold print. of Life, Portage, Wis. 23-26 National Missions Training, God opened up one building and (Wis.) Tribune. This article first appeared Feb. SBC events are in bold italic. a couple of days later closed the door 12, 2010. Associational events are in color. Ridgecrest, NC BLBA: Bay Lakes Baptist Association 24-25 M-W Executive Board CBA: Central Baptist Association Meeting, Rochester, Minn. LBA: Lakeland Baptist Association OCTOBER I NLBA: Northern Lakes Baptist 4-6 M-W Ministers' Conference, CP because ... Association Green Lake, Wis. NWBA: Northwoods Baptist 29-30 M-W Annual Meeting, Association Southtown Baptist Church, It provides monies to do the P/WBA: Pioneer/Western Baptist Bloomington, Minn. Association Lord’s work in many places. TCMBA: Twin Cities Metro Baptist NOVEMBER Diann Dill Association 16 CBA Annual Meeting Church events are italicized. 25 Thanksgiving 25-26 MWBC Office Closed Cooperative Program Missions helps support SEPTEMBER 28- Dec. 5 Week of Prayer for 1-30 MWBC State Missions International Missions and Lottie Moon 5,100 International Missionaries Emphasis Christmas Offering 5,200 North American Missionaries 2-5 10th Anniversary Celebration, DECEMBER Ebenezer Community Church, Brooklyn 17 M-W church planters 5 Lottie Moon Offering Ingathering Day Center, Minn. 24-Jan. 2 MWBC Office Closed More than 20 other M-W staff & missionaries 6 Labor Day 25 Christmas Day 14-15 Education Conference, Thank you for giving to CP Missions