10 The Baptist who helped save El Salvador

JANUARY 2012 baptiststoday.org Calls for justice and mercy roll down at New Baptist Covenant II 4

™ BIBLE STUDIES for adults and youth 17 FEBRUARY lessons inside January 2012 Vol. 30, No. 1 baptiststoday.org

John D. Pierce Executive Editor [email protected] Julie Steele Chief Operations Officer [email protected] Jackie B. Riley Managing Editor [email protected] Tony W. Cartledge Contributing Editor Amparo Palacios Lopez and her father, Edgar [email protected] Palacios, are greeted by Father Ponselle Rogelio in Perquin, El Salvador. Fr. Rogelio lived among and Bruce T. Gourley Online Editor ministered to FMLN guerrillas during the 12 years of [email protected] the Civil War, and continues to serve in the area. David Cassady 10 Church Resources Editor [email protected] Steve DeVane IN THE NEWS Contributing Writer [email protected] Jimmy Carter seeks common goals 6 Terri Byrd 38 Contributing Writer Returning veterans, families Vickie Frayne struggle to adjust 34 Art Director Jannie Lister Divinity students aim to heal Customer Service Manager [email protected] ‘unseen war wounds’ 35 Kimberly L. Hovis Marketing Associate Religious groups spend millions on [email protected] D.C. advocacy 36 Pat Terry makes Walker Knight, Publisher Emeritus new connections Jack U. Harwell, Editor Emeritus Charitable giving up slightly but still ailing 36 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Walter B. Shurden, Macon, Ga. (chairman) Crystal Cathedral offers lessons for Robert Cates, Rome, Ga. (vice chair) church leaders 43 Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. cover photo Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Cover photo by John Pierce. The Voices of Hope choir from Kelly L. Belcher, Spartanburg, S.C. Thomas E. Boland, Alpharetta, Ga. FEATURES Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Ga., provide worship Donald L. Brewer, Gainesville, Ga. music during New Baptist Covenant II. Story on page 4 Huey Bridgman, The Villages, Fla. La Cruz Subversiva: Mary Jane Cardwell, Waycross, Ga. Freeing the cross that frees 13 Jack Causey, Statesville, N.C. Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. By Tony W. Cartledge Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. Quotation Remarks 8 James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. Israel’s Gospel Trail lets hikers Gary F. Eubanks, Marietta, Ga. Editorial 9 R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. follow Jesus’ steps 37 Ben Gross, Chattanooga, Tenn. Media 29 Leslie D. Hill, Lexington, Ky. Mission auction invites bidding wars 40 Fisher Humphreys, Birmingham, Ala. Classifieds 30 Michael M. Massar, Baton Rouge, La. By Terri Byrd William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. Roger Paynter, Austin, Texas In the Know 30 Michael G. Queen, Wilmington, N.C. Diverse Canadian Baptists cover miles, Lighter Side 31 Kathy B. Richardson, Rome, Ga. cultures Lee Royal, Greensboro, N.C. 42 Mary Etta Sanders, Dalton, Ga. By Norman Jameson Baptists and the Civil War 32 Charles Schaible, Macon, Ga. Macon Sheppard, Folly Beach, S.C. Reblog 33 Charlotte Cook Smith, Winston-Salem, N.C. PERSPECTIVE David M. Smith, Houston, Texas Leo Thorne, Valley Forge, Pa. Declining faith communities need Cathy Turner, Clemson, S.C. to ask hard questions 14 David Turner, Richmond, Va. Tom Waller, Alpharetta, Ga. By Les Robinson An autonomous, national Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. Cynthia Wise, Birmingham, Ala. news journal since 1983 2 | Feature READERS SERVICES

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Information | 3 !"#$% &'( )*#"#! +% ,#*' )-.$/. New Baptist Covenant II Calls for justice and mercy roll down at multi-site event

ATLANTA — Attendance was much significant impact for good,” said the pastor ROSALYNN CARTER of Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles, a lower than planners had hoped, but The former First Lady said her work in mental multi-ethnic American Baptist congregation. health goes back more than 40 years to when the passion was high. With their “When you identify as her husband served as governor of Georgia. messages beaming to various sites, a desperate sinner … you’re While campaigning, she was repeatedly asked already at the bottom,” said what he would do, if elected, for a son, daugh- speakers repeatedly called for Baptists Fong, who works closely ter or other relative with mental illness. and other Christians to speak for the with a drug rehabilitation She described mental illness as a form voiceless oppressed and to show program in L.A. of imprisonment and urged churches to give By helping bring attention to the needs of those who are quietly mercy toward those who suffer. about social change, suffering. Baptists can become aptist layman and former U.S. President “Faith communities have often led the way known for “justice and Jimmy Carter, who convened the two- Ken Fong in creating places of care for physical ailments,” hope,” said Fong. He day event, called the effort “a positive, said Mrs. Carter, noting the many hospitals B cited Martin Luther King Jr. and President non-exclusive program of sharing the gospel of founded by Christian denominations. Mental Carter as examples of Baptists who are Christ.” health deserves similar attention, she said. respected by even non-Christians worldwide. New Baptist Covenant II was held Nov. Mrs. Carter, whose latest book is titled Fong told Carter, who was seated on the 18-19 at Atlanta’s Second-Ponce de Leon Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health front pew, that even those who don’t approve Baptist Church and beamed by satellite to Crisis, offered simple ways to minister to per- of his politics “love you as a Baptist.” other church settings nationally and also by sons and families affected by mental illness The negative public image that many have webcast to smaller gatherings and individual including phone calls, home visits, grocery of Baptists as narrow-minded and judgmental computers. Speakers focused on what they delivery, rides to doctor appointments and is challenging, but can be changed, he said. called “the Luke 4 mandate” to proclaim good shopping, and providing respite for caregivers. “It’s almost like ‘I’m-not-that-kind-of- news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners “There is no reason to feel ashamed,” the Baptist’ is a new denomination,” said Fong. and recovery of sight for the blind, and to set deacon at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, “Maybe that’s what the New Baptist Covenant the oppressed free. Ga., said of those often stigmatized. She urged is all about. We can turn this Baptist negative The event was a follow-up to a larger churches to be sure persons with mental ill- thing into a positive thing.” Covenant gathering in 2008 that drew more nesses do not feel excluded. than 15,000 to Atlanta to consider issues of justice and to work cooperatively across racial, ethnic and convention lines. Speakers represented a broad spectrum of Baptist life that President Carter has sought to pull together through the New Baptist Covenant initiative. In his opening remarks, Carter said he had traveled to more than 130 nations and that many “unsaved people have a vision of division among us (Christians).” Carter called for unity by sharing the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians: “Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” “Isn’t that clear?” asked Carter. “What we seek and what we can have is unity.”

LAY LEADERS- The Carters, active members of Maranatha Baptist KEN FONG Church in Plains, Ga., greet Patricia Ayres (left), a former national “Even with a low self-esteem, Baptists in the moderator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and a lay leader U.S., at 30 million strong, should make a in First Baptist Church of Austin, Texas, during the New Baptist Covenant II gathering in Atlanta.

4 | Information WENDELL GRIFFEN Spiritual release must come from God, Action, not just words, is required to An Arkansas circuit judge and Baptist minis- said Coleman, and churches have “a man- bring about the needed changes that impact ter called listeners to “proclaim relief to the date from heaven” to bring the gospel to the the youngest and most vulnerable members captive” through prison reform and ministry incarcerated. of society, she said. She, too, used the civil to offenders. Judge Griffen said that while “Too many prisoners believe that, based rights movement as an example of how ideas crime rates go down nationally, the number of on what they have done, Jesus would have and action can come together to bring social persons going to prison nothing to do with them,” she said. “… [But] change. increases. Jesus died for the very sin they have committed “We love to celebrate Dr. King, but we Judge Griffen said … There is forgiveness at the cross.” don’t like to follow Dr. King,” she said. that the so-called “war on Coleman spoke of how long drug-related drugs” has become a “war prison sentences separate parents from their on black and brown peo- children. Several members of the gospel choir ple,” although drug use seated behind her — from a Georgia women’s and sales are equal across prison — wiped away tears. racial and economic President Carter said that if the New lines. Harsh drug-related Wendell Griffen Baptist Covenant did nothing else but address sentences and a desire to inequities in the justice system and increase fill prison spaces have pushed the U.S. prison ministry to inmates, “that would make our population to 2.3 million, he said. whole effort worthwhile.” “When you build more jails you are forced to fill them,” he said. “Nobody builds a build- CARROLL BALTIMORE ing for less than full occupancy.” The president of the Progressive National Tony Campolo He urged Christians to confront racism Baptist Convention called listeners to “focus in the justice system and challenge mass incar- on the ministry of Jesus … to those outside the TONY CAMPOLO ceration, as well as work for the “restoration social barriers.” The ever-energetic speaker and author said of status” for those who have served their sen- Noting that even among Jesus’ first 12 many evangelical Christians have interpreted tences and re-entered society. That restoration, disciples “there were issues,” pastor Baltimore Jesus through the writings of Paul rather than he said, would help former inmates to find urged selfless service. the writings of Paul through Jesus. jobs, benefit from public housing as part of “Our job is to brag about the Lord, not Many young people, however, Campolo re-entry, and to participate in the democratic our gifts, not our churches, but our Jesus,” he said, are “becoming imbibed with Jesus” and process through voting. said. discovering a “mocking discrepancy between “Unbind them and let them go!” said the Baltimore, who has made 67 trips to the the Jesus of the gospels and the Jesus of the minister-judge from Little Rock. Philippines for min- church.” istry purposes, urged Campolo said our churches are “steeped in fellow church leaders DEEDEE COLEMAN Pauline theology” that has given us our doctri- to break out of familiar The first female pastor of historic Russell nal rooting. However, he added that the heavy confinements. Street Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit focus on such doctrinal positions rather than “The gospel is the continued that theme — calling judicial the life and teachings of Jesus is causing “huge equalizer that changes reform “the Civil Rights movement of the 21st numbers of young people to leave the church.” a dark world,” he said. century.” The writings of Paul are important for the “… If Baptists are afraid “Go behind prison church’s doctrinal teaching, he said, but “If you to take hope to a dark Carroll Baltimore walls … and see the want to know about the kingdom of God, go lonely, the outcast and world, we should go out to Jesus.” BT the forsaken, who need of business.” to hear a word from the Lord,” said Coleman. MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN Presentations at the New Baptist While her own work “We have normalized child poverty in our Covenant II are available at with prisoners is well nation,” said the founder newbaptistcovenant.org. supported by her church, DeeDee Coleman of the Washington-based Speakers include Ken Fong, Coleman said many Children’s Defense Fund, Christians feel uncomfortable with reaching sounding her familiar call Rosalynn Carter, Wendell Griffen, out to offenders or welcoming former inmates. to action. DeeDee Coleman, Carroll Baltimore, “The church has its own stigma about Edelman said there Marian Wright Edelman and Tony incarceration and those who come to church are 16.4 million children Campolo. A conversation between after release,” she said. “If any institution in living in poverty in the journalist Bob Abernathy and the world should seek to release the captive, it U.S. today. “Shame on President Carter is also included. is the salvation and glory of the church.” us!” Wright Edelman

Information | 5 !"#$% &'( )*#"# +% ,#*' )-.$/.

“a mistake.” “Jews and Palestinians have the right to live in peace,” he added, which will take political courage to accomplish. Carter reminded listeners that many Palestinians are Christians, although the num- ber is being reduced. “We’re seeing the Christian entity in the Holy Land squeezed out.” On finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, Carter said: “It’s not an accident that we wor- ship the Prince of Peace.”

POLITICAL CLIMATE Common Prefacing a question about politics, Abernathy stated: “I live in Washington …” Interrupting, Carter smiled and quipped: “I’ve been there.” Abernathy went on to ask about the cur- goals rent divisive political climate. Carter said campaign reform is desperately needed. Carter called the Citizens United ruling that allows heavy corporate funding of candi- Guinea Worm Disease, Middle East conflict, personal faith dates, often in secrecy, “one of the stupidest decisions the Supreme Court has ever ruled.” among topics Carter discussed with veteran journalist The current campaign-funding practice, he said, is “legal bribery.” TLANTA — Former NBC News cor- COMPASSION Carter agreed with Abernathy’s assessment respondent and current executive editor Abernathy asked about the Carter Center’s that the “people who hold the political power A and host of Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly effort to rid the world of the dreaded Guinea are beholden to the people with the financial Bob Abernathy conducted a wide-ranging, sit- Worm Disease. Carter said only about 900 cases power.” down interview with former President Jimmy exist worldwide in inaccessible, war-torn places. However, Carter added: “We can change Carter during the New Baptist Covenant II In the near future the disease that is traced things in this nation if we all work together.” gathering Nov. 18. back to biblical times “will only be a memory,” On his pursuits that brought the New said Carter to applause. PERSONAL FAITH Baptist Covenant into reality, Carter said he was Carter spoke of other efforts to better Christians should remain on guard against self- troubled years ago by the “lack of unity among the lives of those who suffer around the world satisfaction or arrogance, warned Carter. “We Baptists and the lack of cooperation between including the many needs in Haiti following a are all the same in the eyes of God.” black and white” Baptist groups. devastating earthquake. When asked by Abernathy to reflect on his “We’ve made some progress in bringing “Rebuilding Haiti should be a priority for personal faith, Carter said he thinks more about Baptists together for a common goal,” said every Christian,” he said. those ultimate concerns now at age 87 than Carter. Carter credited his mother, Lillian Carter, a “when I was 75 or so — very young.” He once again identified that goal as a home-health nurse in Southwest Georgia, with Carter said he had held different leadership shared response to Jesus’ call in Luke 4:18-19 to giving him sensitivity to racial discrimination roles in his life — as a submarine officer, busi- preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom and injustice. nessman, politician, and now with the Carter for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the “My mother didn’t pay any attention to Center. blind, and to release the oppressed. racial segregation,” Carter recalled. “The presence of my faith in Christ has not been contrary but compatible” with each of JUSTICE MIDDLE EAST those roles, he said. Carter urged Baptists and other Christians to Carter also spoke about the need for a two- Throughout the conversational-style inter- take more seriously the biblical teachings that state solution to the ongoing conflict between view, Carter often returned to his belief that focus on peace, human rights, equality, jus- Israel and the Palestinians. He said many Israelis faithful efforts to bring about needed changes in tice and compassion. Inequities and injustice support this plan as the route to peace. society can arise and eventually succeed. remain in American society, he said, in places “If I had one prayer that would permeate Carter noted that social changes, such as such as the judicial system. my life, it would be: bring peace to Jerusalem,” what took place in the civil rights movement, “You don’t ever hear of a rich white man said Carter, who quickly added that this resulted from grass-root efforts often within being sentenced to execution,” said Carter. answered prayer would mean peace for the congregations. Engaging issues of justice and While it’s become politically popular to be Palestinians as well. mercy can make a significant impact, he said. “tough on crime,” the inequities in the judicial Carter said seeking a solution that “We can’t underestimate the power of doing system are not being addressed, he said. addresses the statehood of Israel alone is what God ordains.” BT

6 | Information quotation remarks

“What is this mac ‘n’ cheese? “It strikes me that Paul complimented “It would seem that the free-market Is it a black thing?” the Corinthians on their ‘rich capitalist who succeeds by ethical means —81-year-old Christian Broadcasting Network generosity’… The biblical emphasis is and uses the fruits of his or her success founder and host Pat Robertson following a clip in on what we do with what we have, not to enhance the common good — as well which former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice so much on how much we have.” as the occupier who calls out those who spoke favorably of the dish (AP) “”—Scott Collins, vice president of communications exploit the system, and indeed the system for Buckner International (Buckner Today) itself, for gains that benefit the few at the “A spiritual discernment process is very expense of the many — might both receive different from a corporate strategic “Some evangelicals look at religion, a ‘well done’ from the Master whose planning model or a biased approach some look at the issues, some look at mission was to proclaim good news to the to your future … Spiritual discernment electability. So they have a number of poor and freedom for the oppressed.” invites thinking, praying and criteria that they apply.” —Colin Harris, professor of religious studies at reflecting at a level that most of us —Religion and politics expert John Green of the Mercer University and a member of Smoke Rise studiously avoid.” University of Akron’s Bliss Institute on the difficulty Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Ga., responding to recent claims that the Bible supports a particular —Bill Wilson, president of the Center for in pegging which Republican presidential candidate economic system (ethicsdaily.com) Congregational Health in Winston-Salem, N.C. will gain evangelicals’ support (RNS) (ethicsdaily.com) “They are finally getting the idea that “Christians already possess unity in that the future of their denominations they belong to the one body of Christ [is] tied to the vitality of their and are indwelt by one Spirit. But as the congregations.” “There’s something current divisions of the church attest, this unity is not yet fully realized, for its —David Roozen, director of the Hartford Institute worse than being poor. for Religion Research, on mainline Protestant fullness is not visible.” denominations reacting to ongoing decline (RNS) It’s being ashamed.” —Steven R. Harmon, Baptist theologian and author of Ecumenism Means You Too: Ordinary Christians “This is unbelievably believable. It’s —Preacher Fred Craddock, who grew up in and the Quest for Christian Unity (Cascade Books), poverty, on hiding a donated sweater en route urging participation in the Jan. 18-25 Week of Prayer unbelievable because in the moment to school because a classmate might recognize it for Christian Unity promoted by the World Council we’re all amazed when great things (CNN) of Churches happen. But it’s believable because great things don’t happen without hard work.” “The concept of usury is a biblical —Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, upon issue. When you charge people a high receiving the Heisman Trophy (USA Today) interest rate, you’re effectively stealing from them.” “More than anything, it’s frustrating —Stephen Reeves, legal counsel for the Texas Baptist and exasperating. Various people in the Christian Life Commission, in a panel discussion on church have had to spend a lot of time payday lending at the New Baptist Covenant event in and energy dealing with this.” Oklahoma City in November (ABP) —Pastor David Fleming of Abingdon Baptist Church in Oxfordshire, England, on the rash of metal thieves “There are a lot of parallels between the hitting his church and others across the country culture of sports and the culture of the (Baptist Times) Catholic Church. They are dominated by men. Successful leaders are lionized and “Our Founding Fathers would never worshipped by their followers. And there’s have finished the Constitution had they a lot of money and power at stake.” required all of their religious beliefs to be identical.” —Media ethicist Kelly McBride of The Poynter Institute, writing about recent sexual abuse charges —Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners and member of against college coaches (ESPN) First Baptist Church of Washington, D.C.

8 | Perspective Editorial By John Pierce

Choosing the preferred pain of critical thinking

When reading online publications and Ignorance spreads like wildfire in the digi- one. Christians are particularly lazy and gullible tal age. That’s why snopes.com, which counters in this regard. forums that allow for immediate feedback, the rumor mill, and critical thinkers are desper- A politician uses religious language and the I think the prophet Amos would have ately needed. assumption is made that, therefore, the political Martin Luther King Jr. once observed: philosophy that follows is pure and faithful. Or phrased his words differently today: “Rarely do we find [persons] who willingly a preacher barks out: “The Bible says…” and “Let justice roll down like ignorance in engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an listeners assume that’s what the Bible says. a comment stream…” almost universal quest for easy answers and half- A letter to the editor in a daily newspaper baked solutions. Nothing defended a particular faith statement being lthough not an educator by training, pains some people more imposed on a Baptist college faculty recently. I keep wondering about the degree to than having to think.” The writer argued that each doctrinal point was A which critical analysis can be taught Commercials on unquestionably accurate because — drum roll, or at least nurtured. Why? Because, obviously, TV and radio make such please — it had a Bible reference at the end. independent thinking is in short supply. ridiculous offers — yet Really? Is that all it takes? At issue is not the expected conflict they continue month after Falling for an espoused ideology without of ideas or opinions. My concern is about month and year after year. any critical thinking or showing blind allegiance expressed opinions on varied issues — across Somewhere there must be to a charismatic leader is often referred to as the ideological spectrum — that are rooted in people who think they can “drinking the Kool-Aid.” That phrase is rooted no serious critical thinking. buy a car or truck below cost and even with bad in the tragic mass suicide of cult followers of So many lazy-minded persons choose an credit — or lose weight without diet or exercise Jim Jones in Guyana in 1978. ideology and simply agree with those voices — or get rich off the latest scheme. In earlier years we simply spoke of some- they deem as right on all things. Political lead- And one wonders how poll-driven prom- one who falls for a fallacy without serious ers, talking heads of the airwaves and pompous ises of politicians today can be taken more examination as taking it “hook, line and sinker.” preachers blab on to nodding heads that shake seriously than the opposite poll-driven promises Critical analysis is not simply a matter of rather than think. they offered yesterday or how listeners will send intelligence. It is about making an effort to think Then such loyal followers freely offer portions of their meager income to wealthy TV before reaching a conclusion — and especially mindless regurgitations of what they have heard preachers with no accountability and no com- before repeating it as unquestionable truth. as if Moses had just brought something new munity context. We need more pain in our lives if that is down from a mountaintop encounter with God. Mental laziness and gullibility make suck- what is required to think deeply. It is certainly So-called “group think” is really not thinking at ers out of us. We become easy targets when we less painful than drinking toxic Kool-Aid or all. believe whatever we are told without second- swallowing the hook, line and sinker of faulty Critical analysis should be a prerequisite level thinking. We look like larger fools when we propositions and widespread ignorance. to making up one’s mind. And even made-up repeat claims we have never explored. Jesus said the truth sets us free. The ongo- minds should leave room for continual re- It is not enough to latch onto a good word ing discovery of truth is worth our best efforts examination and fresh revelation. and assume that the whole related idea is a good of heart, soul and mind. BT

Perspective | 9 !"#$% &'( )*#"#! +% "#'% 1. /&$"2.(3., Contributing Editor Humble man proud deeds Baptist Edgar Palacios helped save El Salvador

AN SALVADOR, El Salvador — He wasn’t a politician, but he understood S politics. And he wasn’t a revolutionary, but he sympathized with the rebels. He was the pastor of a small Baptist church, and he helped to save El Salvador. Few people have heard his story. Until now.

Eager young man Edgar Palacios spent his childhood in the mountainous eastern part of the country, before his parents moved to the capital city of San Salvador and sent him to a Catholic school, where he was avid in his faith and served as an altar boy. He attended a public middle school for boys and remained a devout Catholic, but also came to know a couple from First Baptist Edgar Palacios with an aging campesino who ben- efits from a senior adult center that provides hot Church who often hosted a group of youth meals in the mountain village of Segundo Montes. in their home, offering wholesome food and The town, built by refugees returning from Hon- patient love despite the boys’ rowdy play. duras after the war, was named for one of the six The hosts would often lead Bible studies and Jesuit priests who were murdered Nov. 16, 1989. on one occasion, invited the pastor to lead an evangelistic program. Nineteen of the 20 youth Emerging theologian special concern for poor and oppressed people, present made a decision for Christ, Palacios said A missionary from the American Baptist calling upon Christians to be agents of change — “All but me.” Churches soon helped Palacios begin stud- by actively working for social justice. But it was only a matter of time. He was ies at the Baptist seminary affiliated with the Palacios also admired Martin Luther King baptized in the First Baptist Church of San Theological Community of Mexico, an ecu- Jr.’s civil rights campaign, as well as his phi- Salvador when he was in the ninth grade, and menical consortium of schools located south of losophy of peaceful resistance. He recalls how two years later helped organize Emmanuel Mexico City. (In Mexico, students begin profes- the students of the Baptist seminary held a Baptist Church. He served as secretary (an sional studies while completing the equivalent special service of reflection the night King was important office in the Latin American church of a four-year university degree). assassinated. structure) and taught Sunday school. He also As a student, he directed the school’s evan- An Old Testament professor inspired served as a deacon and sang in the choir — all gelism team and was charged with recruiting Palacios to study the prophets, who often spoke while still in high school. other students, a role that enabled him to travel in behalf of the poor. The synergy of the com- In the meantime, Palacios worked as an throughout Mexico and the U.S. bined influences forged in Palacios a lifelong accountant’s assistant at a bank, but he soon The rich environment of the Theological commitment to advocating for those who live experienced a higher calling. On a night when Community brought Palacios into contact with on the lower margins of society. the executive secretary of the Baptist Convention Jesuits as well as Protestant leaders, and he was After a successful stint as a youth min- of Mexico preached in a special service and strongly influenced by the emerging movement ister while in Mexico, Palacios returned to extended the call to Christian ministry, “A strong of liberation theology. El Salvador as pastor of Emmanuel Baptist force pushed me to the front,” Palacios said, Though not monolithic in their approach, Church. In time, he became pastor of First “and I went crying, unable to stop.” liberation theologians hold that God has a Baptist Church in San Salvador and continued

10 | Feature school was too liberal, however. He accused the widely blamed on U.S.-trained Major Roberto school of teaching communism, and persuaded D’Aubisson, who commanded special units other pastors to endorse a letter to Palacios often described as death squads. indicating that pastors could no longer attend Opposing the government and seeking to the school if its theological orientation did not defend the growing number of civilians being change. Never a person to be cowed by author- killed, five opposition groups coalesced to form ity, Palacios resigned from his position as rector the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front and the school closed. (FMLN). Leaders of the FMLN organized an armed force of guerilla fighters, and they Growing activist soon controlled much of the eastern part of El Palacios became increasingly involved in com- Salvador. munity enterprises, creating a team that worked When El Salvador’s military took over the directly with people in need. This whetted his national university, Palacios rejoined his family appetite for deeper involvement and further in Mexico. He completed his thesis and won training because seminary studies did not pro- a teaching position at the respected Chapingo vide the tools he needed to objectively examine Autonomous University in Texcoco. There he the deep social contradictions he saw. was a researcher who also taught master’s level “I could not understand properly the social students how to do scientifically controlled phenomena and the social conflicts present in studies in political economics. El Salvador,” Palacios said. “I wanted to have more scientific tools to better understand the Social leader situation.” But Palacios’ heart was in El Salvador. In 1985, With support from his wife, Amparo, with he and his family moved back to San Salvador, whom he had three small children, Palacios where he returned as pastor of Emmanuel first studied Central American sociology at the Baptist Church. In 1987, he organized Shalom National University of Costa Rica, financing the Baptist Church in a poor area of southeast San first six months of study with a bank loan suf- Salvador, and immersed himself in the effort to ficient to support himself and his family until he promote a just peace in a country where armed could earn a scholarship to cover their expenses. conflict had led to thousands of deaths — most After earning the equivalent of a master’s degree, of them innocent civilians. Palacios continued his studies. In the late 1970s, Attempted talks between the govern- with scholarship assistance from a German ment and the FMLN had stalled, and Palacios A bright mosaic wall highlights a children’s foundation, he took his family back to Mexico joined a large group of civic and religious lead- memorial in El Mozote, where a U.S.-trained so he could study political science at the Latin ers working to end the war through respectful military unit called Atlacatl massacred American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO) negotiation while also promoting structural hundreds of villagers suspected of support- in Mexico City. changes designed to promote social justice. At ing the FMLN in December 1981. Names of the murdered children are engraved on the Before completing his master’s thesis, a national assembly for peace organized by the brown stone at the bottom of the wall. Palacios came back to San Salvador for a teach- Catholic archbishop, they presented papers that ing stint in the law school of the National were transformed into a series of theses to be University of El Salvador. The country was in voted on by the assembly. his ecumenical activities, including a close work- a growing turmoil, as social activists on the left Over a period of two days, the participants ing relationship with Catholic friends who also called for government reforms, while right- discussed issues related to the economy, health, sought social change. wing paramilitary groups and the government education and other matters. Together they El Salvador is a predominantly Catholic pursued a course that favored the wealthy and drew up an agenda for change based on theses country, and during the early 1970s, a number powerful at the expense of poor farmers who that were approved by at least 80 percent of the of priests and nuns started meeting together did the work but were often exploited. representatives. to plan ways to advocate for the poor and to The United States government, concerned Social activists were glad for the opportu- denounce massacres and murders taking place in about Communist influence and fearing a revo- nity to work together with the Catholic Church, the country. When their archbishop at the time lution such as the Sandinistas’ recent ousting Palacios said, but the archbishop threw them a discouraged such activities and forbade them of the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua, sup- curve and presented the document to both gov- from meeting together in a Catholic church, ported the El Salvadoran government. ernment and guerilla representatives on his own, Palacios invited them to meet at First Baptist. In the midst of the ferment, Catholic arch- as if others had not been involved. He argued Concerned about the lack of opportunities bishop Oscar Romero was assassinated while that, because of his experience, the document for Baptists in El Salvador to receive theological saying mass in a hospital chapel in March 1980. would be better received if it were seen as com- training, Palacios worked with American Baptist Romero, who had been appointed archbishop ing from him alone. missionaries and with other theologically edu- in February 1977 as a conservative, had become This did not sit well with other social activ- cated pastors to begin the Baptist Institute for increasingly identified with the liberation theol- ists. So, with the archbishop refusing to work Theological Formation. ogy movement after the assassination of Rutilio within the growing social movement that had The executive director of the association Grande, a friend and priest who worked to come to be known as the National Debate for of Baptist churches in El Salvador thought the organize poor campesinos. Romero’s death was Peace, representatives from the various social

Feature | 11 forces organized the Permanent Committee for immediately began to lobby Congress to halt the National Debate for Peace. military aid to the El Salvadoran government. The Committee initially consisted of With added pressures from other Christian representatives from 66 social entities orga- groups, the involvement of the U.N., and a con- nized into seven sectors: universities, churches, gressional investigation that confirmed severe cooperatives, unions, women, micro and small human rights violations, aid finally ceased. enterprises, and indigenous and human rights. Edgar Palacios successfully urged both the As a prime instigator of the movement, Palacios U.N. and the Organization of American States was elected to become leader of the church sec- to begin formal peace talks. After three months tion — and coordinator of the organization. in Washington, he returned to El Salvador, After a devastating earthquake in 1986 where he continued to lead the National Debate and various attempts at peace, active conflict A small lawn at the Romero Center, where six for Peace, and represented the social movement decreased for a while, but in October 1987, Jesuit priests were murdered in November 1989, in pressing both sides to seek a peaceful solution Herbert Ernesto Anaya, the head of the coun- has been transformed into a rose garden with a that respected the rights and needs of the poor. try’s Human Rights Commission — and a close plaque honoring the dead. The husband/father of In time, both the El Salvadoran govern- a housekeeper and her daughter, who were also friend of Palacios — was assassinated. Anaya’s killed in the attack, planted the roses. ment under President Alfredo Christiani and death sparked days of protest, a suspension of FMLN leaders came to a series of agreements, peace talks, and international outrage. from nearby bombings and tanks could be seen and the war came to an end. In tribute to their In 1989, violence again escalated as the in the street. determined efforts at promoting peace with government began to target social leaders for About 5:00 a.m. on Nov. 16, Palacios was justice, both Edgar and Amparo Palacios were assassination and responded to organized dem- awakened by a call from his Catholic contacts invited guests when final peace accords were onstrations with deadly force. When efforts with the news that six Jesuit priests — all of signed on Jan. 16, 1992, at the Chapultepec at peace negotiations were rebuffed, FMLN them friends — had been murdered. A spe- Castle in Mexico City. leaders decided to leave their strongholds in the cial military unit had forced its way into their The accords called for the army to function countryside and press the issue by launching an dormitory on the grounds of the University only in defense of national sovereignty. “Security offensive against San Salvador, the capital. of Central America, marched the priests into forces” were to be eliminated and a national civil The National Debate for Peace, Palacios a small garden, and shot them all in the head. police created along with an ombudsman’s office said, was at the height of its influence, holding Determined to leave no witnesses, the gunmen to oversee human rights. regular meetings, pushing the government for also murdered a housekeeper and her daughter. The agreement also called for a strength- change, and holding press conferences that were ening of democratic institutions in which the widely reported. During an early November Trusted pastor FMLN morphed into a legal political party, and meeting at a large hotel in San Salvador, how- Leaders of the National Debate for Peace soon for a number of economic and social develop- ever, a leader of the FMLN approached Palacios, gathered, and a special envoy from the Vatican ment projects. knelt at his side, and told him the offensive urged Palacios and Bishop Gomez to leave the After 12 painful years laced with more against San Salvador had begun. Knowing that country for their safety. Palacios was asked to than 75,000 deaths, peace had finally come to Palacios was on the government’s hit list, the contact commanders of the FMLN and encour- El Salvador, in large part due to the efforts of a visitor encouraged him to go into hiding. age them to call for a truce so the Red Cross humble Baptist couple whose indomitable spirit That afternoon, Palacios and his wife could evacuate the wounded. and concern for the poor would not be quelled. Amparo sent their children to stay with friends. The two friends left the country in a U.N. Once peace had been achieved, Edgar and Amparo Palacios went home, accompanied by motorcade and made their way to Guatemala, Amparo made their home in Washington, D.C., some foreign Lutherans who had come to offer where they separated. Palacios went to believing they could be more effective there in themselves as human shields to protect Bishop Nicaragua and met with leaders of the FMLN, lobbying to improve conditions for the poor in Merdardo Gomez, a family friend. castigating them for going on the offensive El Salvador and elsewhere. Palacios, Gomez and two well-known when he felt the social movement was making Amparo Palacios, who shifted her work democratic leaders took refuge in the German progress. They defended the offensive as neces- to assisting poor women and children in the embassy, aided by the efforts of a Lutheran mis- sary to prevent the government from beheading D.C. area, died of cancer in November 2008. sionary. Three days later, Palacios moved to the the social movement by killing its leaders, such Edgar Palacios was called as associate pastor of home of a United Nations representative. When as the Jesuits who had been murdered. Palacios Christian education at Calvary Baptist Church the director of the Lutheran World Federation was still alive only because he had kept moving, in Washington, D.C., where he also leads a rented the second floor of the “Camino Real” they said. Latino congregation comprised mostly of El hotel, he and Gomez were reunited with their Palacios ultimately traveled to the United Salvadorans. families. States where he could lobby Congress to press That’s just the official aspect of Palacios’ Journalists occupied the first floor of the for peace through political negotiations between work, however. On his own, he continues to hotel, but many were afraid to leave, Palacios the government and FMLN. His family was advocate in behalf of downtrodden people said. He traveled around with representatives finally reunited with him for Christmas in New both in the U.S. and in El Salvador, where the from the Catholic archbishop’s office, gather- York. In early 1990, they moved to Washington, FMLN party now controls the government, and ing information, pressing for peace, holding D.C., and set up an office of the National Palacios is a respected and trusted friend. press conferences at the hotel. The conflict grew Debate for Peace on Capitol Hill. It’s hard to hold a man like Palacios to one heavier, however. The army arrested some of the Amparo Palacios was designated as execu- job. After all, he’s the Baptist who helped save people on the first floor, while the hotel shook tive director of the Washington office, and she El Salvador. BT

12 | Feature !"#$% &'( )*#"#! +% "#'% 1. /&$"2.(3., Contributing Editor La Cruz Subversiva Freeing the cross that frees

AN SALVADOR, El Salvador — The to intercede for the release of the cross from countless crosses that adorn churches prison. The ambassador communicated with Saround the world could be described in President Cristiani, who ordered that the cross many ways. In El Salvador, a simple cross in a be moved to his office at the Casa Presidencia. Lutheran church gained a reputation as being a He later invited Gomez for an official visit and subversive enemy of the state. personally returned the cross to him. The cross was the brainchild of Medardo Today the six-foot-tall cross, made of Gomez, the first Lutheran Bishop of El Salvador, two simple boards, is back in the Resurrection but its real inspiration came from a movement Lutheran Church. Encased in wood and glass, that spread through Latin America in the 1970s, it stands against the wall to the left of the altar, often known as “liberation theology.” and has become known as La Cruz Subversiva Though often identified with Roman — “The Subversive Cross.” Smaller copies of Catholic theologians working in the area, a the cross are used in processionals and given as number of Protestant clerics also found mean- commemorative gifts. ing in the movement, including Gomez and his Gomez prefers the term “theology of life” Baptist friend, Edgar Palacios (see preceding to “liberation theology,” believing that God’s story). special care is not only for the poor, but also all The theology of liberation is not just an who are needy. “Sometimes,” he said, “wealthy academic or ecclesial exercise, but calls for social Medardo Gomez people can be the most needy.” action on behalf of oppressed peoples living on Gomez holds that the cross of Christ calls the margins of society. Such activity can lead “oppression of women,” “unlawful seizure,” and all people to serve God by caring for all who are supporters to run afoul of political systems that a variety of other concerns. needy, offering hope to those who experience inherently empower the wealthy at the expense The cross was kept by the altar, Gomez suffering and pain. of the poor, and Gomez was no exception. said, as a reminder of things the church needed “I have learned in my life that where there In November 1989, as guerilla fight- to work on. The soldiers, however, saw the cross is more pain, there is more hope,” he said. ers from the opposition FMLN prepared to as a subversive means of socialist indoctrination Where there is more pain, there is more attack San Salvador, special military units were — so they confiscated it and consigned it to a hope — a hope that leads to action, inspired by assigned a list of social leaders to assassinate. prison cell. La Cruz Subversiva. BT Both Gomez and Palacios were on the list: they A few days later, protected by the presence were warned of the danger and found refuge in of many journalists, Gomez was able to safely the German embassy before moving to a hotel leave the embassy to attend funeral services protected by the United Nations. for the murdered Jesuits, and was given an A few nights later, soldiers murdered six opportunity to speak. Afterward, he approached Jesuit priests in their dormitory at the Romero President Alfredo Cristiani, who also attended Center, and government forces searched for the service, and interceded for the 15 for- Gomez, Palacios and other social leaders. At eign peace workers, who were set free shortly Resurrection Lutheran Church, where Gomez thereafter. was pastor, they arrested 15 peace activists who For their safety, Gomez and Palacios were had come to offer themselves as human shields escorted from the country shortly thereafter, and in an effort to protect endangered leaders, hop- both made their separate ways to the United ing soldiers would not fire if foreigners were States. Some time later, an ecumenical council present. was formed with the goal of returning Gomez Along with the protestors, the soldiers safely to El Salvador. A number of high-profile “arrested” a large white cross standing beside the individuals accompanied him on the return altar. Earlier, as an exercise in worship, Gomez flight, believing that the government would not had invited parishioners to come forward and risk the negative publicity of attacking them. write the sins of the country on the cross. The delegation was so distinguished that the U.S. ambassador was waiting to greet them The scribbled list included Spanish The cross known as La Cruz Subversiva still stands in at the door of the plane, Gomez said, and he terms and phrases for things like “hunger,” Resurrection Lutheran Church in San Salvador, a “social injustice,” “persecution of the church,” took the opportunity to ask the ambassador continual call for economic and social justice.

Feature | 13 Editor’s note: This article in the series “Transitions: Helping churches and church leaders in changing times” is provided by the Center for Congregational Health (healthychurch.org) based in Winston-Salem, N.C. Honest options: Declining faith communities to ask hard questions

By Les Robinson

Organized religion in America is in a More “Nones” Faith communities Those who are not members of a faith commu- slump. Numbers of regular attenders must be dedicated to a nity are the fastest growing religious segment are down across all denominations, new future and then be of the American population and number more than any American denomination except and many congregations are strug- patient while working to Roman Catholics. gling with dwindling attendance and make it happen. Therefore, it is no surprise that analyses of recent trends in individual religiosity in the shrinking finances. United States are concluding that traditional Further FACT research indicates that forms of religious belief and practice (includ- he verdict is still out on whether the while American congregations were doing a ing worship attendance) are beginning to erode declining numbers are here to stay. lot of the right things during the last decade across the board. Faith communities should be aware of (2000-2010), they were fighting against these T Surprisingly, though, the FACT data national trends, however, and be willing to strong headwinds: ask hard questions about their own health and reveals that the vanishing presence in the pews is not only true of old-line Protestant con- longevity. A Steep Drop in Financial Health gregations whose numerical decline has been Every year from 2000-2005, an additional documented for the last 50 years, but also for Startling statistics four percent of participating congregations typical white evangelical congregations and FACT (Faith Communities Today) dissemi- indicated a decline in financial health. racial/ethnic congregations. nates the results of research generated by Every year from Of course, numbers are not the ultimate representatives of more than 25 faith groups 2006-2010, an addi- gauge of the health of a church, whether it is in the United States. The most recent report tional nine percent of the attendance, membership, financial gifts, and/ compares data collected in 2005 with informa- reporting congregations or programs and mission opportunities. Yet tion collected in 2010. reported such a decline. generally speaking, when faith communities According to this research, 40 percent of In the 2010 FACT experience a decline in average worship atten- the reporting congregations had a decline of survey, 80 percent of dance, a decline in the other areas is usually two percent or more in average adult worship all American congrega- not far behind. attendance during this five-year period, with tions reported that their

31 percent of the reporting congregations finances had been nega- experiencing more than a 10 percent decline. tively impacted by the recession, and that the Warning signs More than one in four American con- recession affected nearly every kind of congre- Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of gregations had fewer than 50 in worship in gation equally: large and small; north, south, LifeWay Christian Resources, suggests there 2010, and just under half had fewer than 100. east and west; financially healthy or struggling are five common warning signs to which con- Overall, median weekend worship attendance before the recession. gregations should pay attention in order to of the typical congregation dropped from 130 detect potential decline: to 108 (17 percent) during the last decade. High Levels of Conflict The picture is somewhat more jaded when Almost two of every three congregations in The church has few outwardly-focused min- reviewing only old-line Protestant congrega- 2010 experienced conflict. In a third of the istries. Most of the budget dollars are spent on tions. Fifty percent of those faith communities congregations the conflict was serious enough the desires and comforts of the members. The experienced two percent or more decline, with that members left or withheld contributions, ministry staff spends most of its time taking 33 percent of the reporting congregations or a staff member left. care of members, with little time to reach out experiencing more than a 10 percent decline. and minister to the community. In fact, in this five-year period, median old- Aging Memberships line Protestant congregations saw their average Thirty percent of faith community members The dropout rate is increasing. Members are worship attendance move from 179 to 73 — are over age 60, and when you add in the over- leaving for other faith communities in the area, a 59 percent decline! 50 crowd, that number grows to 46 percent. or they are leaving the local church completely.

14 | Perspective Congregations are experiencing conflict over It also is important to note that most that God has used them in a powerful way to issues of budgets and buildings. When the church growth happens relationally. We are spread the gospel message but now it is time to membership becomes focused on how the created as relational beings. People are more pass the mantle to others. facilities and money can meet their personal likely to stay connected to the faith community In human life we emphasize end-of-life preferences, congregational health is clearly on if they have developed meaningful friendships decisions. While we are seeing an increase in the wane. and relationships with others in the fellowship. the centenary population, the truth is that the According to the FACT research, average This often means that the people must commit average human life expectancy in the U.S. is faith communities spend their money accord- to breaking cliques and finding a connection 78. Rather than ignore or deny the inevitable, ing to these percentages: staff (45), facilities to new people, which includes finding ways to people are encouraged to have wills, medical (20), program support (10), missions/benevo- interact with the surrounding neighborhood directives and pre-arranged funeral services. In lence (10) and all other (15). and culture. other words, we encourage death with dignity. When all faith communities in America Corporate prayer is minimized. If churches Urgency are considered, the median year of founding is make prayer a low priority, they make God a In his seminal work, Leading Change, John 1947, making them 64 years old. For the old- low priority. Kotter suggests there are eight vital stages to line Protestant categories, that median year of successful change. The first of these is “a sense founding is 1889 — making them 122 years The pastor has become a chaplain. Members of urgency.” Until leadership (pastor and lay old. view pastors as their personal chaplains, expect- leaders) recognize and agree that something It seems that another legitimate option, ing them to be on call for their needs and must be done NOW, the decline will continue. then, is for congregations to accept that preferences. When pastors do not make a visit Only after the leaders recognize that some- eventually they will die; that they will not dis- at the expected time or do not show up for the thing has to happen in order for the future to be appoint God by admitting they can no longer class fellowship, criticism abounds. In some different than the past will they be ready to lead sustain their ministry. Rather, they will accept cases, pastors have even lost their jobs because the congregation to work on core values, mis- that God continues to find new ways to keep they were not always present for the members. sion and vision statements, and a plan. the gospel voice alive, viable and powerful. According to Rainer, if these five patterns Perhaps faith communities should con- become normative, few churches can recover. Dedication and Patience sider what death with dignity would look like In fact, the great majority of these congrega- As much as I would like to lose a few pounds and keep a medical directive on file so that tions do not recover. by tomorrow morning, it simply is not going when that time comes they will know what to happen. The only way I can accomplish that to do. They could plan to sell the property What can be done? task is with dedication and patience. and use the proceeds to support other grow- Most faith communities do not get into Likewise, faith communities must be ing and viable ministries, or deed the property a declining mode overnight, so their pat- dedicated to a new future and then be patient to another group that has the energy and terns of behavior have become normative. while working to make it happen. There must resources to develop a new ministry in the Consequently, it will be a difficult process to be a balancing of risk as members willingly immediate area, or consider merging with change course — with no easy, quick or auto- take chances, try new things, and accept that other nearby faith communities struggling matic solutions. everything will not work. with the same issues. Like turning a large ship around in a small Otherwise, the focus will be on main- harbor, it takes a focused emphasis. The cap- taining the status quo — and they already Final thought tains (pastor and lay leaders) must have a sense know the outcome of hanging on to the past. There are no easy answers for the many faith of urgency. The process will require dedication Leaders will do well to find consistent words of communities that find themselves in decline and patience because it is a slow and tedious hope and optimism as they lead the members today. Certainly, however, if they are going to process, and will require a tugboat (outside through these changes. make positive strides, they must be honest that assistance). this is not a short-term trend. Another Possibility Also, they must sense an urgency to take Focused Emphasis There is a more radical option. Turning to the action — and then practice patience as they Since the decline has occurred over several words of Ecclesiastes 3, we are reminded that intentionally work toward stopping the down- years, perhaps even decades, some habits have there is a right time for everything. Verse 2 ward spiral. been formed that will have to be broken. reads, “a right time for birth and another for The other certainty is that regardless of Leaders may well have held onto the wrong death.” how congregations interpret their future, the programs, traditions and even staff, simply As much as most folks might want to live members can be absolutely confident that God creating further entrenchment. forever (on earth), we know that we must die is in control. May God’s will be done! BT Very likely some excess baggage will have in order to make room for new birth. Perhaps to be shed as individual congregations become it is time for us to accept that nothing is per- —Les Robinson is vice president of the clear about their core values, and then focus on manent; that in order for new life to come into Center for Congregational Health a clear and vibrant mission and vision to guide the community, some need to phase out; and (healthychurch.org) based in the pathway. that it is OK for congregations to acknowledge Winston-Salem, N.C.

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Finding God in Every Gear — Isaiah 40:21-31 A Muddy Water Miracle — 2 Kings 5:1-14 ™ Give Me a Double — 2 Kings 2:1-12 Always and Never — Genesis 9:8-17

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© Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org | 17 Isaiah 40:21-31

with Tony W. Cartledge

Feb. 5, 2012 Finding God in Every Gear

Have you ever faced hard days in which you felt like the cards were stacked against you and there was little hope of your life getting any better? These days, there are many people feel- ing that way. Ongoing hardships caused by the global economic crisis have left countless people out of work, out of employee benefits, and maybe out of patience with governing officials who seem more concerned with political posturing than with helping people. Conflict, it seems, is on every hand. Religious and nationalist extremists threaten peace and stability at home and abroad. There is tension in our homes, foreign master, doomed to live in a God,’” with the Christmas story (see the division in our churches, trouble in our foreign land. lesson for Dec. 4, 2011). hearts. The people’s forefathers had heard It is a time when many people are Isaiah of Jerusalem speak words of A wonderful God feeling short on hope and in need of warning and judgment and “repent, or (vv. 21-26) encouragement to keep pushing on. else!” Now they were living out the “or We, of course, are not the first to find Isaiah then turned to the task of else.” They no longer needed words of ourselves in difficult situations. During magnifying God’s power with a very judgment, but of hope. this month we’ll be looking at four lec- personal challenge in vv. 12-20. With Fortunately, one who studied the tionary texts from the Old Testament, an almost “in your face” approach, he words and works of Isaiah was called all of which contain surprising elements reminded the downtrodden people that by God to carry on the work of his of hope and encouragement for difficult they served the God of all creation, ancient teacher, but with words of com- days. the only true God, a God far more real fort rather than condemnation. He is the than the paltry idols worshiped by other A woeful people first and only biblical prophet whose peoples. mission was primarily to comfort. And The prophet wonders: had the Today’s text finds us in Babylon, through words of poetic splendor, he people forgotten this? Had they lost all standing with exiled Israelites on the far spoke powerfully to the needs of his knowledge of the God who had not only side of the judgment that had been pre- people. made them, but also made covenant dicted by Isaiah of Jerusalem, thought In a series of oracles we find in promises to them? Imagine the incredu- to be primarily responsible for Isaiah Isaiah 40, the exilic prophet spoke lity in the prophet’s voice as he sought 1-39. Jerusalem lies in ruins. The first of comfort, promising that the to awaken hope in the hearts of his hear- people who once ruled their homeland exile would soon end and declaring ers: “Do you not know? Have you not have been conquered and captured good news of a new day when God’s heard? Has it not been told you from the and carried away, forced to work for a glory would blaze through the wilder- beginning? Have you not understood ness and be made known to all nations since the earth was founded?” (v. 21). Additional background information (vv. 1-11). We often associate this Isaiah seems dumbfounded by the online where you see the “Digging text, which speaks of “A voice crying: lack of faith he observes. It is as if the Deeper” icon ‘In the desert prepare the way for our people had never learned, and after

18 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes is ready. There are other times when we Fun with words: Translating are available at settle back to earth but still run in pur- v. 21 presents some interesting images, nurturingfaith.net suit of that vision, joyfully pursuing the and challenges. The phrase “circle of dreams that yet lie before us. the earth,” above which God sits, prob- But the truth is, most days we find A willing God ourselves walking, plodding, plugging ably refers to the horizon, where the (vv. 27-31) away at being human, slogging through earth curves. The word for “curtain” in Some hearers in Isaiah’s audience the muck and mire of what human- “he stretches out the heavens like a may have feared that God had been ity has become, making the effort to curtain” is otherwise unattested, but defeated by Babylonian deities, or that become what God meant humans to be. it appears to be derived from a verb God’s power did not extend beyond their The glad news of today’s text is that meaning “to crush” or “to flatten.” An homeland, or that God was otherwise God is with us in that daily walk, that limited. They may have wondered if it adjective formed from the same verb occasional run, that rare but exhilarating was time for them to give up on God. flight. Our God is not only an awesome means “thin,” so in this context the Isaiah’s message insisted that God God, but also a personal God who goes word appears to describe the sky as a had neither grown weak nor given up on with us — whatever the path may bring. “thin curtain” (NET) spread over the his people, and didn’t want them to give Isaiah’s challenge is for the exiles earth. up, either. “Why do you say, O Jacob, to remember and believe that God has and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden not forgotten them, though they may from the LORD, and my right is those rare times of repentance and faith, have wandered far from home. Those disregarded by my God’?” (v. 27). they never remembered. The prophet who want God to walk with them have The prophet returns to the format feels compelled to remind the people some responsibility for remembering to of v. 21, repeating the same astonished just how great their God is: a God who whom they belong. questions: “Do you not know? Have sits above the earth, who stretches out Years ago, shortly after Hurricane you not heard?” These are things Israel the heavens like a tent, a God before Mitch left Honduras in a shambles, I should know: the God of all creation is whom humans are like grasshoppers visited the country for the first time. an all-wise and eternal God who never One of my lasting impressions was that, (v. 22). A God like that can van- tires or grows weary (v. 28). wherever we went outside of major cit- quish earthly kings – even the mighty Isaiah understood why the exiles ies, cows and other livestock could be Babylon – with no more than a breath, were weary with worry. He saw that seen wandering freely, grazing along blowing them away like chaff (vv. their hope was nearly exhausted, but he the roadsides. Some had brands or other 23-24). pleaded with them to believe that their identifying marks, but most did not. Who can compare with a God who God was not only capable of delivering I asked a local man how people created the countless stars, who guides them from sorrow and suffering, but their movements and knows them all also willing and wanting to do so. keep up with whose cattle are whose, by name (vv. 25-26)? The answer, of When humans find their hope and he laughed. His answer was in course, is no one. No human king can depleted, they can trust in God, who Spanish, but it translates to something compare with Israel’s God. No god who “gives strength to the weary, and like “The cows and horses know to needs an image can stand against the increases the power of the weak” whom they belong.” God who rules the universe. (v. 29). Young and old alike may falter The original Isaiah had warned Isaiah’s message, then, begins (v. 30), but should never give up hope. pre-exilic Israel that they should know with a reminder of God’s creative Those who hope in the Lord, Isaiah where their spiritual home is, and he did power over heaven and earth, and then says, will find strength for every situa- so by saying “the ox knows its master, moves to a celebration of God’s ruling tion in life. Through hope in God, they and the donkey its owner’s manger.” power over kings and nations. Israel’s “will renew their strength, they will soar The sad thing was, he went on to say, neighbors thought of the moon, sun on wings like eagles, they will run and “But Israel does not know, my people and visible planets as manifestations not grow weary, they will walk and not do not understand” (Isa. 1:3). of heavenly gods, but Israel’s God faint” (v. 31). Perhaps the latter Isaiah had that ruled over all of the heavens. Through If the prophet had known anything thought in mind when he twice asked: the transcendent imagery of his poem, about automobile transmissions, he “Do you not know? Have you not Isaiah offers a comforting word through might have said that God offers strength heard?” There is a real God who loves a convincing description of God’s for all three gears. There are times in our us and cares for us, and walks with us. power – then turns to a challenge for lives when it seems we have the heart Whether we are flying, or running, or the people to believe God is not only and the vision to soar on eagles’ wings, walking, we can be sure that God is capable of helping, but also willing. when ambition runs high and strength with us, and we are at home. BT

LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2012 | 19 2 Kings 5:1-14

with Tony W. Cartledge

Feb. 12, 2012 A Muddy Water Miracle

Have you ever known someone who left the country to be treated for a disease? Some countries have laxer policies governing medical research, or give quicker approval to new techniques than the United States. As a result, clinics in Mexico or research sites in Germany attract patients from America who are desperate for a cure and will- ing to take the risk of lengthy travel and non-standard treatment. Today’s text is the story of a power- ful man who suffered from a powerful disease, and no one in his home coun- try could cure it. When he heard of a miracle worker in a neighboring land, however, he risked both his pride and among those who loved him, including his safety in seeking renewed health. the servant girl, so she reported knowl- Samaria: The term “Samaria” edge of a prophet who lived in Samaria refers both to the city of Samaria — A soldier and a servant and had a reputation for performing which served as the capital of Israel (vv. 1-3) miracles. for most of the northern kingdom’s The girl believed the prophet could We first meet Naaman, commander history — and to the geographical heal Naaman (v. 3), and her argument of the army of Aram, roughly equiva- region surrounding it. The prophets lent to modern-day Syria. Namaan was so convincing that he went to the often used the term “Samaria” as is described as “a great man” and a king and sought permission for a medi- “mighty warrior” who had led Aram to cal leave in Israel (v. 4). a euphemism for the entire north- military victories that gained him favor ern kingdom. Unlike his predecessor with the king (v. 1). A soldier and two kings Elijah, who led the rustic life of a cave (vv. 4-7) But, Naaman does not appear to dweller, Elisha preferred the com- be a typical military man: his name The text does not identify either fort of the cities, and had a home the king of Israel or of Aram, but for- means “pleasantness” or “delightful,” in Samaria (6:32, cf. 2:25 and 5:3), and his demeanor apparently matched tunately, our interpretation of the story though he also dwelt in other places. his name: everyone loved him, from the does not depend on the identification of king of Aram to an Israelite girl who the kings. Remembering Aram’s recent had been captured in a raid and given to raids into Israel, we may presume there Naaman’s wife as a servant girl (v. 2). was ongoing tension between the two king of Aram might insist he had been And, Naaman had a problem: he countries, so the king of Aram provided offended and declare war if Naaman was suffered from a severe skin disease, Naaman with a load of silver and gold not healed. Deeply disturbed, he tore his and no one in Aram could cure him. to use as payment, along with a letter of clothes and asked “Am I God, to give Naaman’s condition aroused sympathy introduction respectfully requesting that death or life?” (v. 7). the king of Israel see to Naaman’s heal- This question sets the stage for what ing (vv. 5-6). happens next, for God will indeed enter Additional background information Israel’s king, knowing that he was the picture, acting through the prophet online where you see the “Digging Deeper” icon incapable of healing the visitor, regarded to demonstrate that there was indeed a the request as a provocation, thinking the God in Israel.

20 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes A soldier and a man of God Naaman’s newfound allegiance to (vv. 8-14) are available at Yahweh came with a second request. Without saying how news of the nurturingfaith.net Naaman knew that his duties included king’s distress came to Elisha, the text accompanying the king to worship tells us that the prophet responded with in the temple of Baal-Rimmon, the the same immense self-confidence that with no more to go on than the absent national god of Aram. The commander characterizes him in other stories: “Why prophet’s promise that he would be asked if he could be pardoned from have you torn your clothes? Let him healed. Was the prophet doing this to any offense caused by fulfilling that come to me, that he may learn that there ridicule him, sending him on the ancient responsibility. Elisha’s response implies is a prophet in Israel” (v. 8). equivalent of a snipe hunt to leave him acceptance of the request, as he sent The king was only too happy to waterlogged and feeling foolish in the Naaman away with the blessing “Go in hand Naaman off, and the commander middle of a mucky river? peace” (vv. 18-19). soon arrived at the entrance to Elisha’s We can understand the com- house, standing tall in his chariot mander’s discomfiture, but his servants Lessons taught and learned and accompanied by an impressive persuaded him to swallow his pride This intriguing story offers readers honor guard (v. 9). By all standards of and follow the prophet’s instructions. as many questions as answers. There ancient Near Eastern hospitality, one After all, wouldn’t he have embarked are a couple of obvious purposes for would expect the prophet to person- on some brave and dangerous quest if the story’s preservation, with the dem- ally greet his illustrious visitor and that had been required? Shouldn’t he be onstration of Yahweh’s power – as invite him inside for refreshments as willing to take the prophet’s prescrip- compared to the impotence of other they discussed his treatment. Instead, tion, which required much less? (v. 13). gods, such as Baal-Rimmon – being Elisha remained in the house and sent So, Naaman calmed himself, pro- foremost among them. The story should his servant to instruct the commander: ceeded to the Jordan River and followed not be read to imply that Elisha’s pre- “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, Elisha’s directions: once, twice, three scription is always effective, and that and your flesh shall be restored and you times; then four, five, six, seven times a pilgrimage to the Jordan will bring shall be clean” (v. 10). he plunged, head and all, beneath the healing to our diseases. Naaman’s heal- Nice-guy Naaman responded with waters. And somewhere along the way, ing was a one-time experience, but it anger, and for several good reasons. Not the text says, his disease was healed. teaches an all-time lesson about God’s only had the prophet rudely remained The scabby, disfigured skin sloughed presence and power. inside, but he also had communicated away, and his skin became as pink and The story also emphasizes the an order that made no sense. Surely, soft as a baby’s bottom: literally, “his importance of obedience for those who Naaman thought, Elisha would have flesh turned back like the flesh of a seek to be cleansed. While a few of us carefully examined his disease, waved young boy, and he was clean” (v. 14). may experience skin problems, all of his hand over it, said a prayer or worked The lectionary text, unfortunately, us must deal with a chronic sin prob- a magic spell, and sent him on his way. stops at v. 14, but we would be remiss lem. And, there is no real cure for sin, Instead, Naaman flew into a rage and not to consider the newly healthy man’s but there is the hope of forgiveness. As rode away (v. 11). happy response: he and all his retinue Naaman’s skin was cleansed when he Naaman had seen the Jordan, and traveled the long uphill road back to obeyed the prophet’s directive, our sin apparently had not been impressed, Samaria, where the prophet came out to is washed away when we repent and thinking it far inferior to the rivers he greet him and receive his happy thanks, trust in Christ – not because we have knew back in Aram. He was also though he declined to accept the rich accomplished some great feat in order being asked, essentially, to go and heal gifts Naaman offered. Perhaps Elisha to deserve it, but because we’ve been himself. Although readers often imag- wanted Naaman to know that God’s gifts willing to humble ourselves and accept ine Elisha’s house to be within sight of are not for sale but are given by grace, God’s offer of healing grace. the Jordan, Samaria was 22 miles from requiring only obedience (vv. 15-16). How appropriate it is that we sym- the river as the crow flies, and at least In a surprising move, then, Naaman bolize our initial experience of grace 30 miles by the road that was needed to asked a gift from Elisha – permission through baptism, which often takes accommodate the commander’s chariot. to gather two mule loads of dirt from place before a mural depicting the While Naaman had anticipated an the land over which the God of Elisha Jordan River. We may practice just on-the-spot ceremony in the presence ruled, dirt that he would use to build a one dip rather than seven, but we also of the prophet, he was being required small platform for prayer and sacrifice must swallow our pride before entering to embark on a full day’s travel to the to Yahweh, “for your servant will no the waters, to emerge with an amazing Jordan and then to publicly dip him- longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice sense of cleansing and hope for a new self in its muddy waters over and over, to any god except the LORD” (v. 17). life. BT

LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2012 | 21 Youth lessons are made possible through the generous support of the Eula Mae & John YouFebruary 5 — February 26, 2012th Baugh Foundation. Where’s My Hope? FEBRUARY 5

re you listening to me?” I’m sure And if they weren’t listening the fi rst Think About It: you’ve heard these words at some time, Isaiah asks them again: “Have you not Have you ever felt alone even though people “A point in your life, maybe from a known? Have you not heard?” Isaiah under- surround you? Have you ever felt as if you boyfriend or girlfriend or even your parents. stands why the Israelites would have been didn’t know what to do next? Where did you Whenever you have heard this question, the distracted or given up because he lived in exile fi nd hope? reason is usually the same: you weren’t paying as one of them. He reminds them of their past attention to the person speaking to you. relationship with God and how God wants to In the passage for this Sunday, Isaiah continue that relationship. confronts the Israelites in much the same way: As we read this scripture passage today, Make a Choice: “Have you not known? Have you not heard?” Isaiah asks us: “Have you not known? Have God has, does and will continue to offer hope The Israelites have been exiled to you not heard?” to you. God wants you to accept this hope. Babylon, removed from their homeland, and We too have times when we feel as if How will you accept God’s hope? What will acting as if God was removed from them when we have been sent away, when our friends hope do for you? they were forced to leave. Isaiah witnesses the have left us, when our family has dismissed people acting as if they have forgotten about us, when we are alone. It is hard to be encour- their creator God and the covenants God made aged to do anything when we feel this way. with them. This passage from Isaiah calls us back to Pray: So Isaiah reminds the Israelites of God’s community by reminding us that God has not Thank God for remembering you even when creation, God’s rule over the princes and rulers, forgotten us, our strength shall be renewed you don’t remember God. Ask that you might and God’s power. But most importantly, Isaiah through God, and we shall walk again. Isaiah reminds the Israelites that God wants to do reminds us that we will fi nd the hope we need continue to live in the hope that God has these things with them. with God. given to you.

And the Choice Is … FEBRUARY 12

ebron James is asked to practice the We do not know how Elisha heard of Think About It: basic skills by his coaches when they the king’s distress, but Elisha calls Naaman When was a time that you were asked to do L know he can do amazing things with a to his home to cure him. Because hospitality something that was “beneath” you? What basketball. Yo-Yo Ma’s conductor asks him is a virtue of the Israelite society, Naaman is ran through your head as you were asked to to practice simple musical scales daily when shocked when Elisha doesn’t come to meet do this chore? How did you come around to the conductor knows he can already perform him. Instead, Elisha sends him to dip himself doing it? intricate pieces. In our text for this Sunday, in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman is Naaman, the commander for a king’s army, is also shocked that he is to do this routine asked to do something routine when some- chore of dipping himself in a water when he Make a Choice: thing bigger can be done. has expected Elisha to do something more Much of the diffi culty we have in choosing Naaman has a severe skin disease that extravagant. As shocked as Naaman is, he Christ over our self is due to the fact that we no one in Aram can cure. One of Naaman’s still dips himself in the water seven times and have to deny our self to follow Christ. Will you servant girls tells him of a prophet in Samaria is healed. make the choice to check your pride at the who can cure him. There is a problem with Naaman’s pride had him expecting a door to follow Christ? the prophet being present in Samaria, welcome embrace and an exquisite cleansing, however, because of an ongoing tension but Naaman had to leave his pride at Elisha’s between the people of Aram and Samaria. door. The healing occured because Naaman Pray: To ease these tensions, the king of Aram let go of his pride, was obedient to Elisha and Ask God for the courage daily to choose Jesus gives Naaman a payment to take to the king humbly accepted God’s healing touch. over yourself. of Israel. When Naaman goes to the king Like Naaman, our own healing will occur of Israel with his request, the king tears his only when we let go of our pride and obedi- clothes because he cannot heal Naaman. ently grab hold of God’s grace.

22 | Youth David Cassady and Jeremy Colliver

Let’s Make It Two! FEBRUARY 19

he Double Quarter-Pounder … Double- Elijah, absorbing every word and action of Think About It: Stuffed Oreos … A double scoop of ice Elijah. Is there someone you admire? What is special T cream … When something is good, why Here is where our text for this Sunday about that person? Is there someone who not make it even better by doubling it? picks up the story. Elijah knows that he is looks up to you? What is it about you that Elisha has followed Elijah and witnessed about to be taken away by God, so he tells person wants to repeat? what Elijah could do. So when Elisha is asked Elisha to stay behind. But Elisha continues to what Elijah can do for him before he leaves, follow Elijah, reminding him that he swore Elisha asks for not only one share of Elijah’s to stay with Elijah. Two more times Elijah spirit, but also a double share of his spirit. tries to get Elisha to stay, but Elisha will not Make a Choice: This exchange between Elisha and Elijah leave, absorbing every word and deed to the Your actions will reveal to those around you occurs at the end of their time together, very end. After this third attempt, Elijah asks what you hold most dear. Will your actions so let’s rewind for a minute and learn why Elisha what he can do for him. At that point, show your love for the world or your love for Elisha would have asked for a double share of Elisha asks for a double share of Elijah’s spirit. God? Elijah’s spirit. Elisha still does not leave Elijah’s side, but Elijah is a prophet who routinely warns stays with him, listening to every word and Israel’s offi cials of the doom that is about watching every action until Elijah is taken up Pray: to ensue as the result of their wrongdoings. in a whirlwind by God. Pray that the light of God may shine through Elijah calls Elisha out of a fi eld to be his suc- Elisha’s time with Elijah has stirred you so that those around you might be cessor, and Elisha catches up with Elijah after within a desire to do not only what Elijah did blessed. Pray that they will follow that light saying his goodbyes. Their relationship is not but to do it twice as well. What parts of your to God. always rosy, but Elisha continues to follow life should you seek to do twice as well?

I Promise … FEBRUARY 26

have a friend who wears a simple beaded only with Noah or with Noah’s people, but Think About It: necklace he bought while on a mission trip with all of humanity and every living crea- What are the promises you believe God has Ito remind himself of how blessed he is in ture. The hope that God had in Noah, God made to you? What reminders help you life. Is there something you wear or some also has in each of us. remember these promises? Where do you look object you have set some place to remind you Second, the covenant says the earth will for the rainbows in your life? of something? not be destroyed by fl ood, but it does not say In our text for this Sunday, God places the earth cannot be destroyed. Our sinfulness a rainbow in the clouds as a reminder of the can once again destroy the earth, and this covenant with Noah never to destroy the time we may not need God to do it for us. Make a Choice: earth with a fl ood again. That’s right, the Rather, it may be due to the toxins we put Through Christ, God made a covenant with us, rainbow is set in the clouds by God to remind into the air, land and water, and the nuclear and it is our choice to live out that covenant God of a promise. The rainbow isn’t for us, weapons waiting to be launched. on a daily basis. Will you make the choice but for God. Third, the act of God covenanting today to build up the Kingdom of God? So if the rainbow in our scripture text is with humanity shows that God wants us to for God, what is in this passage for us? Let’s be partners in continuing to create God’s take a closer look at the covenant for which Kingdom here on earth. God makes the rainbow to see what God The rainbow is a reminder for God, but Pray: promises to us. the covenant at the end of the rainbow is for Thank God for the covenant God has made First, the covenant God makes is not us. with you, and ask for the courage to live out your part of the covenant.

Youth | 23 2 Kings 2:1-12

with Tony W. Cartledge

Feb. 19, 2012 Swearing: In the ancient Give Me a Double! Near East, an oath consisted of two parts: (1) a promise to do something We’ve all seen the stereotypical scenes on TV or in the movies. Some and (2) the invocation of a curse, person, burdened or depressed, plops usually in the name of a god, against onto a barstool and groans something oneself in the event that he or she like: “Gin – and make it a double!” failed to keep the promise. This is The main character in today’s text also often abbreviated to a form similar to wanted a double – not of spirits, but Elisha’s oaths in 1 Kgs. 2:2, 4, and 6: of the Spirit. “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself And he got what he asked for. Our designated text does live, I will not leave you.” The curse not explore what happened part of the oath is obscured in English after Elisha received a dou- translation, where “I will not leave ble portion of God’s Spirit, you” renders the Hebrew “if I leave but to make our study most you.” meaningful, we’ll need to take a look both backward The unstated part of the oath, the and forward at the relationship self-directed curse, is “May Yahweh between Elisha and his teacher, do such and such to me,” as in, “As the inimitable Elijah. A reluctant teacher (vv. 1-8) Yahweh lives, if I leave you, may A call to follow Yahweh do such and such to me.” The relationship between Elijah We first meet Elisha in 1 Kings 19, and Elisha remains an enigma, as the Oaths were so common in Hebrew as the prophet Elijah calls him to be his text records very little dialogue between thought that simply calling on Yahweh successor. The text does not indicate them, and most of that is strained. When (and in this case, Elijah as well) and whether Elijah had previously known of Elisha asked permission to say fare- adding “if I …” was sufficient to imply Elisha, who is identified to him as the well to his parents, Elijah’s response the expectation of dire consequences “son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah” was gruff. But, after saying his good- if the promise was not fulfilled. (v. 16). byes, Elisha did catch up to Elijah, and Nor is there any indication that became his assistant. Elisha had a previous reputation for Elijah remained involved in gov- prophecy: when we meet him, he is ernmental affairs, predicting doom to plowing a field with 12 yoke of oxen. Israel’s King Ahab after he murdered The narrator leaves no surprise as And, although God had instructed Naboth to obtain his vineyard (1 Kgs. to how Elijah will depart: “Now when Elijah to anoint Elisha, the text does not 21:1-29), and later castigating Ahab’s the LORD was about to take Elijah up record such a ceremony: Elijah simply successor Ahaziah, who sought the aid to heaven by a whirlwind,” the narrator walked into the field where Elisha was of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, after says, “Elijah and Elisha were on their plowing, threw his mantle over Elisha’s being injured in a fall (2 Kgs. 1:1-18). way from Gilgal” (v. 1). shoulders, and walked away so quickly Elisha is not mentioned in either As Elijah set out from Gilgal to that Elisha had to run to catch up with of those stories, though we presume he Bethel – a full day’s uphill journey over him. would have observed and learned. The winding mountain paths – he told Elisha next time Elisha enters the picture is in to stay behind, but Elisha swore he Additional background information today’s text, as Elijah prepares for his would not leave him (v. 2). In Bethel, online where you see the “Digging exit, and seems to be doing his best to a company of prophets asked Elisha if Deeper” icon get away from his pupil. he was aware that Yahweh would be

24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes taking Elijah away. Had Elijah gone to Elijah was gone, Elisha tore his clothes Bethel in order to meet with the proph- are available at to express his mourning. But had his ets there and tell them what was about nurturingfaith.net ability to see Elijah depart mean he to take place, or had God revealed his had received the double portion of the imminent departure to the prophets prophet’s spirit? directly? The text does not say. That remained to be seen. The scene is then repeated almost was resolved to remain with his teacher. verbatim: Elijah told Elisha to stay Finally, the crusty prophet seemed A tale of two mantles behind, for God had called him to convinced of Elisha’s worthiness, and The lectionary text stops at v. 12, travel to Jericho. Again Elisha swore to spoke more kindly to his disciple. In but the story is not complete until we remain with his teacher, and followed the tradition of a father blessing his note how Elisha found Elijah’s mantle him back down the mountainous road children before dying, he said “Tell lying beside him and took it up to to Jericho, which was just south of their me what I may do for you before I am replace his own garment, which he had beginning point in Gilgal. Again, the taken from you” (v. 9a). just torn apart. Quickly putting God local prophets asked Elisha if he knew Elisha appears not to have hesi- to the test, the ambitious Elisha used Elijah was leaving (vv. 4-5). tated. He had long admired Elijah’s the mantle to strike the Jordan, say- A third time, Elijah instructed God-empowered spirit, his zealous ing “Where is the LORD, the God of Elisha to leave, saying God had called commitment to God, his ability to chan- Elijah?” (vv. 13-14). him to the Jordan River – and a third nel God’s power for prophetic purpose. The water parted, demonstrating time, Elisha swore to remain with him “Please let me inherit a double share of that Elijah had become heir to Elisha’s (v. 6). Jericho is located only five miles your spirit,” he asked (v. 9b). power. And, as the Elisha stories con- or so from the Jordan, so a company Have you known someone who tinue, the narrator is careful to show of 50 curious prophets followed at a seemed abundantly blessed with spirit? that Elijah not only did the same things distance to see what would happen (v. The most successful Christian leaders Elijah had done, but often did them in a 7), but were left behind when Elijah are often people who are not so much bigger way. slapped the river with his mantle, caus- spiritual (though they may be that), What might this story suggest about ing it to part so he and Elisha could but spirited – they have such a spirit of how others see our spirit? Do we have cross on dry ground (v. 8). enthusiasm and energy and hope, they positive characteristics that would motivate others to follow them. inspire others to follow and learn from An ardent pupil Elijah had that kind of spirit, and us? Do we take the time to share our (vv. 9-12) Elisha wanted a double portion of it. talents, to teach and encourage others? The reader wonders why Elijah Whatever Elijah had done, he wanted Children, especially, watch what told Elisha to stay behind three times, to do even better. Elijah’s instructions we do, hear what we say, absorb our but allowed him to follow along when in v. 10 may have been yet another test: attitudes, and pick up on our feelings. Elisha refused to be parted. Was Elijah to receive the blessing, Elisha would From us they learn to love people who unconvinced that Elisha should suc- have to stay close enough to see what are different, or to hate them. From ceed him? Was he afraid that Elisha happened when Yahweh came to claim us they learn to appreciate the things would ask too many questions or make Elijah. of God, or to accept the secular life as demands before his departure? Was he The function of the fiery chariot is all-important. simply testing Elisha, to see if he was to separate Elisha from Elijah, who is We learn from our parents, but committed enough to stay close, even carried aloft by the whirlwind – not the also from others who have passed their when discouraged from doing so? chariot (religious art notwithstanding). mantle on to us through both word and We can only speculate. It’s pos- This grabs our attention in v. 11, but example. They may have been Sunday sible that Elijah just wanted to be alone we should not overlook what took place school teachers or sports coaches or when he met his maker, not wanting to just before that: “As they continued older friends who made it their business share the experience. Or, since it was walking and talking…” Elisha remained to show kindness to us. From walking widely believed that no one could see close to Elijah as long as he could, with them and talking with them, we God and live, Elijah may have been absorbing every insight possible, before wear their influence throughout our trying to protect his disciple by shield- the heavenly apparition separated them. lives. ing him from Yahweh’s approaching Similarly, the most important What kind of mantle do we wear? appearance. aspect of v. 12 is not Elisha’s cry of Does it look good on our children? But Elisha was determined. What- amazement, but the note that Elisha Does it flatter others who might pick ever discouragement Elijah might offer, “kept watching” until “he could no it up and wear it? If not, perhaps some whatever danger might lie ahead, Elisha longer see him.” Once it was clear that adjustments are in order. BT

LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2012 | 25 Genesis 9:8-17

with Tony W. Cartledge

Feb. 26, 2012 Always and Never

Are there symbols in your life that remind you of some commitment? Wedding rings remind us to be faithful. Colorful plastic bracelets may remind us to “Live Strong” or to pray for the troops. Peace symbols or equality stick- ers may remind us to work for justice. Today’s text speaks of a symbol that we often think of as a comforting reminder from God, but there’s a twist – a closer reading shows that the rainbow was a message from God, to God: any human comfort is an added bonus.

Covenant provisions covenant relationship with Noah and his A covenant promise (vv. 1-7) family, according to the Priestly story. (vv. 8-11) Genesis 9 concludes the infamous In 9:1-7, the writer reflects commands Our focus text for today begins with story of the flood that begins in from the creation account in Genesis 1, v. 8, where God moves from commands chapter 6, and recounts a divinely also a product of the Priestly source. to promises. Although it is called a decreed judgment to destroy all human The section begins and ends with a covenant, Gen. 9:8-17 is quite different and animal life on earth with the excep- reminder of the command to be fruitful from other covenants that give structure tion of the people and creatures Noah and multiply (echoing Gen. 1:28). to the Old Testament. had brought on board a giant houseboat, But something is new: while humans were given dominion over at God’s direction. animal life in Genesis 1, they were The biblical account consists of Four structural covenants: authorized to eat only fruits and vegeta- two different versions of the flood story bles. Now things have changed: animals Richard Elliott Friedman outlines the that have been spliced together. Most will live “in fear and dread” of humans, primary covenants of the Hebrew readers haven’t learned to expect that, who are now given “everything that Bible this way: “The Noahic covenant so they don’t read closely enough to lives and moves” as food (vv. 2-3), with recognize the internal inconsistencies. promises the security of the cosmos. the single proviso that blood should not The older Yahwistic story and the later The Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 15 and be consumed, because it is the source of Priestly account differ in the number 17) promises the land to Abraham’s life and belongs only to God (9:4). of clean animals brought on board, the descendants and makes YHWH their Recognizing that Noah and his source of the floodwaters, the length of God. The Israelite (or Sinai, or Mosaic) descendants were just as prone to evil as the flood, and other matters, but they their forbears, God also announced lim- covenant (Exod. 20, 34; Deut. 5; both carry the same general message: its on vengeance: human blood should 7:12-15) promises well-being in the that humankind became so sinful, God not be shed, under severe penalties decided to wipe the slate clean and start promised land. And the Davidic cov- (9:5-6). over with a single family. enant (2 Sam. 7; Ps. 89, 132) promises These commands both recognize Following the flood, God entered a kingship over Jerusalem to David and the value of life and also provide for his descendants” (Commentary on the occasions when life can be taken. They [HarperOne, 2001], 42). Additional background information seem to be concessions to the sinfulness Torah online where you see the “Digging of humankind rather than aspects of Deeper” icon God’s true desire for the earth.

26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes Later covenants with Abraham, would not again destroy the earth with a with Israel, and with David all relate to are available at flood. God’s relationship to a particular people nurturingfaith.net This is how we typically view the and thus require their response, but the text, but on closer reading it becomes covenant with Noah is for all the earth, clear that the sign of the rainbow was and depends on God alone. The writer Thus, for the narrator, the most comfort- not intended for humans, but for God: insists that God has established the cov- ing thing God could do was to guarantee “When the bow is in the clouds, I will enant not only with humans, but also that the earth was secure, that God would see it and remember the everlasting “with every living creature that is with hold the floodwaters at bay and never covenant between God and every living you, the birds, the domestic animals, allow such an event to happen again. creature of all flesh that is on the earth” and every animal of the earth with you, (v. 16). as many as came out of the ark” (v. 10). A covenant sign From God’s perspective, the All living things had been subject to the (vv. 12-17) appearance of clouds could symbolize flood’s destruction, and all living things God made that promise, accord- a gathering storm of judgment. Yet, a had been included in the commands of ing to the writer, and then declared that rainbow in the clouds would remind vv. 1-7. Now all creatures will be recip- the rainbow would be an everlasting God that any judgment must be merci- ients of God’s coming promise. reminder of it. Note how often the text fully limited: universal floods were no Nothing about this covenant is con- speaks of the rainbow appearing “in the longer in the divine arsenal. ditional: it exists as a promise of God, clouds.” Today, we know that rainbows steadfast and sure, emphasized through Covenant questions appear when there is a mix of sun and multiple repetitions of key words and clouds, because the rainbow is formed Perhaps you have known many phrases. As Terrence Fretheim puts when sunlight shines through atmo- people who fear floods induced by rain- it: “The covenant is as good as God spheric water droplets that act as tiny swollen rivers or hurricane-spawned is. God establishes it in goodness and prisms. torrents, but you probably don’t know love and upholds it in eternal faithful- Such explanations are immaterial anyone who worries about a universal ness. … Humans can rest in the arms of to the biblical writer, of course, and to flood. Are there still lessons here for us? this promise” (“Genesis,” in The New his pre-scientific audience. For them, Of course there are. Humans, for Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 1 [Abingdon, every appearance of clouds could bring example, are always in need of hope. 1994], 400). the threat of another flood. As someone We face storms and floods of many And what is the promise? “That who has been in an automobile accident types. God’s care for humankind fol- never again shall all flesh be cut off by watches the highway with renewed lowing the flood is a reminder that God the waters of a flood, and never again trepidation, so Noah’s family might fear continues to care for all people and shall there be a flood to destroy the every new cloud formation, but the rain- desires to be present with us through the earth” (v. 11). bow would remind them that God had Spirit of Christ. And why should this be such glori- sworn off destroying the earth by flood. We can also find an ecological les- ous news? Ancient peoples believed The text does not suggest that God son in this story. Although God allowed the heavens and earth were surrounded created the rainbow for that purpose. humans even more sway in terms of by the fearsome waters of chaos. The Rather, God calls attention to a natural “dominion” over the earth, there were creation story in Genesis 1 begins with phenomenon and names it as a sign that always limits having to do with the the Spirit of God brooding over the dark the earth will not be destroyed by water sacredness of life. And, though God waters: creation begins when God calls again. promised never to destroy life on earth forth light, seals off earthly waters from In doing so, God transformed the by means of a flood, that does not mean the waters of chaos with the firmament meaning of the rainbow. The ancients that life on earth cannot be destroyed. (sky), and then separates the waters typically included a weather god in With global tensions rising and grow- from the dry land – all acts designed to their pantheons, and imagined that ing numbers of nations possessing bring order out of chaos. storms – especially thunderstorms – nuclear weapons, this text is a reminder In the Priestly account of the flood, were the result of the god’s anger. The that we are called to care for all life “the fountains of the great deep burst Canaanite god Baal, for example, was on earth, including its people: the cov- forth, and the windows of the heavens often depicted with a lightning bolt in enant with Noah was for all people, not were opened” (Gen. 7:11). That is, his hand. The rainbow was imagined just a select few. Thus, God’s wish for when the flood began, the boundaries as a weapon of the gods, used to shoot good and for life provides the operative God had set between the earth and the lightning bolts at the earth. With God’s framework for later covenants between surrounding waters of chaos had given promise, however, the bow was trans- God and humankind, including the way, putting the entire cosmos in danger. formed into a sign of peace, that God work of Jesus. BT

LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2012 | 27 Adventures with Luler Kelly Belcher the Hound The Bow-Wow n Feb. 22, a month before spring, the season of Lent Luler says to forgive begins with Ash Wednesday. Lint is dirt or fuzz on people who repent and your clothes. Lent isn’t dirt; it’s the 40 days before ask you to forgive them. Easter. But it starts with dirt! You may see people Jesus promised that God Owalking around with gray crosses fi nger-painted on will forgive us when we their foreheads. They went to a special worship service ask. On Feb. 22, look where they asked God to forgive them. About a thousand years for people with ashy fore- ago, some Jesus-followers started the custom of putting dirty, heads — they’re some of gray ashes on their skin to show they had repented, which the Jesus followers. means to turn away from doing wrong things, and start in the right direction. Luler the Hound likes to roll on her back in the dirt on a nice warm day. It’s what dogs do to feel good. When people ask each other and God to forgive us, we set ourselves in the right place with each other and God. It’s what people do to feel good! As days lengthen toward spring, begin the season of Lent by asking God to forgive you. How can you change directions to be a better kid?

The Idea Box For the 40 days of Lent, try to surprise a di! erent person every day by for- giving them – 40 people! Who needs forgiving most?

More Online: Jump online at nurturingfaith.net to discover weekly ideas for children’s leaders.

28 | Children Media

Reviews by Ken Camp, Associated Baptist Press Whom does God choose? Two new books add to continuing debate over Calvinism

WACO, Texas — Roger Olson, pro- limited atonement and “effectual grace” to would have chosen for ourselves.” irresistible grace. But otherwise, he mounts a Olson doesn’t accept that argument. fessor at Baylor University’s Truett spirited defense of the five points he and other “The issue is not fairness but love,” he writes. Theological Seminary, agreed to Calvinists refer to as the “doctrines of grace.” “A God who could save everyone because he “Chosen in Christ from all eternity, we are always saves unconditionally but chooses only write a new book refuting Calvinism called effectually to Christ in time,” Horton some would not be a good or loving God.” writes. “Through faith, which itself is God’s Election rightly understood refers to because he believes somebody gracious gift, we receive Christ and all of his the people of God in general — all those needs to rescue God’s reputation. benefits.” who freely respond to the invitation to be Rather than defam- “in Christ” — not to specific individuals, he am against any Calvinism — and any ing God, Horton insists, writes. theology — that impugns the goodness Reformed theology Reprobation — the idea that God has “Iof God in favor of absolute sovereignty, acknowledges God’s right- predestined some people for hell — follows leading to the conclusion that evil, sin and ful place as sovereign logically if one believes God is absolutely sover- every horror of human history are planned and and offers a biblical and eign and has chosen only some individuals for rendered certain by God,” he writes. accurate assessment of salvation, Olson insists. Olson doesn’t particularly like the title of humanity’s inability to Radical Calvinists’ belief in the absolute the book, Against Calvinism, but Zondervan attain salvation apart from sovereignty of God amounts to divine deter- publishing insisted on it. He admires Calvinist God’s initiative. minism, and it makes God responsible for evil, colleagues and students, and he makes it clear “It is impossible to he asserts. he respects their Christian commitment. It’s read the Bible without “The one main reason Arminians and radical Calvinism — generally held by those recognizing God’s freedom other non-Calvinists believe in free will is to who identify themselves as “young, restless and to choose some and not preserve and protect God’s goodness so as not Reformed” — he feels the need to oppose. others — and the fact that to make him the author of sin and evil,” Olson Olson believes Calvinist theology crosses he does in fact exercise writes. “Calvinism makes it difficult to recog- the line into radical territory when it “makes that right,” he writes. nize the difference between God and the devil assertions about God that necessarily, logically Unconditional elec- except that the devil wants everyone to go to imply that God is less than perfectly good in tion should remind Christians “God is always hell and God wants many to go to hell.” the highest sense of goodness found in the on the giving end and sinners are on the receiv- Horton rejects that assessment of New Testament and especially in Jesus Christ, ing end of grace,” he adds. Reformed theology. However, he acknowledges the fullest revelation of God for us.” Books and sermons on “how to be born the excesses of some zealous converts to the So, when it comes to the TULIP of so- again” miss the point, Horton asserts. Sinners “New Calvinism” movement. called five-point Calvinist doctrine — total do not choose to follow God until God chooses “We have to distinguish between a God- depravity, unconditional election, limited to draw sinners to himself. centered perspective and thinking that you atonement, irresistible grace and persever- “The new birth is a mysterious work of have God on your side — which implies that ance of saints — Olson seeks to mow down the Spirit in his sovereign freedom, not an he’s against fellow brothers and sisters,” he at least the U, L and I, leaving just two petals event that we ourselves can bring about any writes. blooming. more than our natural birth,” he writes. “Unfortunately, we can turn God into a “In spite of their best efforts to avoid it, Horton dismisses criticism that God’s mascot for our team while extolling his sov- the ‘good and necessary consequence’ of their election of only some to salvation is unfair by ereignty, glory and grace. … For all sorts of soteriology (doctrine of salvation) — TULIP insisting fairness would demand every sinner’s reasons, we can be misguided in our approach, — is that God is morally ambiguous if not a eternal punishment. and we can do all sorts of nasty things ‘for the moral monster,” he asserts. “God is not arbitrarily choosing some glory of God.’” BT In the companion volume, For Calvinism, and rejecting others,” he writes. “Rather, he Michael Horton of Westminster Seminary is choosing some of his enemies for salvation —Ken Camp is managing editor of the prefers the terms “particular redemption” to and leaving the rest to the destiny that all of us Texas Baptist newspaper, Baptist Standard.

Perspective | 29 experience. The senior pastor will serve as spiri- Associate Pastor for Administration and Classifieds tual leader of the church, lead the congregation Senior Adults: Morningside Baptist Church in and staff in pursuing the mission of the church, Spartanburg, S.C., a congregation of 1,550-plus and provide direction for and coordinate the members and a team of six ministers, is seeking work of the staff of three ministers. Submit an associate pastor for administration and senior Senior Pastor: First Baptist Church of résumés by Jan. 15 to Senior Pastor Search adults. Appropriate college and seminary degrees Columbia, Mo., (fbc-columbia.org) a progres- Committee, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 637, are required. Candidate must have the ability to sive church with 188 years of ministry in the Orangeburg, SC 29116-0637. Audio and video coordinate the administrative responsibilities of downtown of a vibrant college community of recordings are welcome and will be retained. the church and the senior adult program. This 100,000, seeks a gifted preacher and leader to person also needs to be a good communicator. partner with the congregation in ministry and Morningside affirms women in ministry and mission. FBC has 500-plus members and an Minister of Music: A small, growing, urban, worships in a traditional form. Send résumés to average worship attendance of 175 with Sunday CBF and Alliance of Baptists congregation having [email protected] or to Associate Pastor contemporary and traditional services. Mission creative, free-church, liturgical worship is seeking for Administration/Senior Adults, c/o Reggie partners are ABC, CBF and Alliance of Baptists. a part-time minister of music to serve on a col- Hill, Morningside Baptist Church, 897 S. Pine St., The church has completed a self-study process. laborative pastoral staff. Contact Dr. Tim Moore, Spartanburg, S.C. 29302. To apply, please submit résumé and cover letter Sardis Baptist Church, 5811 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, to [email protected]. Questions NC 28270 or [email protected], or may be addressed to the search committee co- (704) 362-0811 by Jan. 31. CBFO Coordinator: The Cooperating Baptist chairs Charles Hunter (573-864-2050 / charles. Fellowship of Oklahoma is seeking a coordinator [email protected]) or Nick Kieffer (573-489- to lead and direct the ministries and missions of 7325 / dadnickkieff[email protected]). Minister to Students the organization. Applicants should possess min- Minister of Music and Administration isterial experience and essential relational skills. Seminary or theological training is preferred but Senior Pastor: First Baptist Church, Orange- not required. Submit résumés to stacy.cbfok@ burg, S.C., (fbcorangeburg.org) is seeking a Résumés: gmail.com or to CBFO, 1017 Elm Ave., Norman, senior pastor. FBC has served the Orangeburg [email protected] OK 73072. community for 150 years. Affiliated with CBF Search Committee and SBC, it has a resident membership of 1,000 First Baptist Church and a family life center. The senior pastor must 325 W. McCarty Ln Advertise with Baptists Today San Marcos, TX 78666 be an ordained Baptist minister, and have a [email protected] / (478) 471-9274 degree from an accredited seminary and pastoral

State Community College, and was dean of Events In the Know the School of Christian Education at Southern The Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Baptist Theological Seminary from 1980- Joint Committee announces its seventh annual 1983. He and his wife, June Holland McEwen, Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest, were actively involved in various Baptist causes. People open to all high school students in the graduat- June lives in a retirement community on Signal Russell T. Cherry Jr. died Dec. 2, 2011. He ing classes of 2012 and 2013. The scholarship Mountain. had served as pastor of churches in Indiana, contest offers a grand prize of $1,000 and Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. He airfare and lodging for two to Washington, Ronald D. Vaughan is pastor of St. Andrews retired in 1992 from the pastorate of First D.C. To enter the contest, students must write Baptist Church, Columbia, S.C. He previously Baptist Church of Lumberton, N.C., where he an essay addressing the following topic: The served as pastor of Parisview Baptist Church in was named pastor emeritus in 2004. religious beliefs and affiliations of presidential Greenville, S.C. candidates often become campaign issues. Is Ardelle Clemons died Nov. 26, 2011, in San that fair? Should presidential candidates talk Antonio, Texas, at age 93. She had an early Places about their religious beliefs? Are there cer- career in Baptist campus ministry serving at Baylor University’s School of Social Work has tain religion-related questions each candidate Rice University, Baylor Medical School and received a $3.6 million gift from Cincinnati should or should not have to answer? In an Texas Tech University. She was a founding philanthropists and Baylor parents Carl and essay, examine the role religion should play director of Associated Baptist Press. For 57 Martha Linder for a program for international during a presidential campaign. Complete years she was married to Hardy Clemons, students pursuing a master’s degree in social rules and contest entry forms are available at whose pastoral ministries included the First work. There are currently five students from www.BJConline.org/contest. Baptist Church of Greenville, S.C. different countries in Southeast Asia enrolled in the Global Mission Leadership program. Frank Lambert, a professor of history at Purdue Jack H. McEwen of Signal Mountain, Tenn., Three students are working on dual social University, will deliver the 2012 Walter B. and died Dec. 5, 2011, at age 84. He was pas- work and divinity degrees, in conjunction with Kay W. Shurden Lectures on Religious Liberty tor emeritus of First Baptist Church of George W. Truett Theological Seminary. and Separation of Church and State. The three Chattanooga where he served from 1973-1980. The other two students are pursuing a master’s lectures are set for April 17-18 on the Mercer He also taught psychology at the University of degree in social work. University campus in Macon, Ga. BT Tennessee at Chattanooga and Chattanooga

30 | Information The Lighter Side By Brett Younger A warm spot for benchwarmers

itting on the bench has a lousy reputa- other team invariably included large, violent tion, but it’s undeserved. Motivational young men who enjoyed hitting smaller peo- S speakers encourage us to “Get off the ple. Coach Buse seemed angry that I weighed bench! Get into the game!” How do they not 120 pounds. He made Bear Bryant look soft. understand that if we’re on the bench it’s not My last bench was in the gym. For by choice? Our decision is whether to sit on most, basketball was a way to kill time the bench or quit the team. Who decided that between football and spring football (it was picking on the people on the bench is fair? Mississippi), but I love basketball. I was bet- My son is a senior on the varsity bas- ter at hoops, but by my last year I had a place ketball team at Parkview High School. on the bench with my short, slow friends. Making the team with my genes is no small Coach Coggins was encouraging: “That was accomplishment. Parkview has 2,700 stu- a fine idea, Brett. If you were Pistol Pete dents. Caleb is 5’7” and a reasonable speed Maravich, you might have pulled it off.” He in a sport that rewards tall and fast. He’s forgave me for being 5’7”. pretty good. Last year on the junior varsity Caleb is an excellent bench warmer. We he started several games. Whenever he made enjoyed it when our son got to play every Caleb Younger, #12, making his parents proud a great play I felt like I was cheering for game, but it’s easy to be happy when you’re someone else’s child. He’s a smart player who order by size. We were the ones who shouted getting to play. Sitting on the bench is the hustles, but it’s finally caught up with him at the opposing team’s hitters, “Hey batter real test of character. Some who could be sit- that he can’t dunk. His game takes place batter.” The bench was a great place from ting on the bench decided it was too hard and several feet below the rim. which to enjoy a game. quit. Caleb could have chosen to make it to We’re now parents who bring a book. I would have sat on the bench dur- all the meetings of the Latin Club. When our team wins or loses by 20 points we ing junior high football if Coach Buse had God doesn’t just love the tall and fast. happily watch our son play the last three min- allowed benches. He felt strongly that players God understands that most of us spend a sig- utes, but when I look at Caleb on the bench I who weren’t in the game should stand. I didn’t nificant amount of time on the bench. Some couldn’t be more proud. He claims he’s there like football, but every male without a doc- of the best Christians in the sanctuary never to hold up the team GPA, but he knows how tor’s excuse was expected to be on the team (it sit on the platform. Some of the most dedi- to sit on the bench. He listens during time- was Mississippi). I enjoyed the pep rallies and cated choir members never get to sing a solo. outs. He fist-bumps players coming back to the bus ride to the games. My one attempt at Some of the most loving followers of Jesus the bench. He is appropriately despondent dipping snuff was on the football bus. It was aren’t on the cover of Baptists Today. Some of when his team loses. “That’s my boy” means particularly good that I didn’t play that night. God’s favorite players sit on the bench. BT more this year. My son has never seemed I was a second-string wide receiver on a more like a chip off the old block. team that had no pass plays. I prayed for the —Brett Younger is associate professor of preaching I spent some of the best hours of my first-string wide receiver to stay healthy. The at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. life on the bench. My first bench was in Little League baseball. I sat next to Coach Harbour who was like a gracious uncle tak- ing care of his myopic nephew. I was on the bench, in part, because I couldn’t judge a fly ball. Anything 10 feet off the ground was an adventure. I was a blind squirrel trying to catch a nut with a glove. Baseball benches are good because they’re in a dugout, which is like a really cool club- house, except we were allowed to spit on the floor. Most of us spit sunflower seeds, but a few of the 12-year-olds chewed tobacco (it was Mississippi). Bench warmers had impor- tant responsibilities like arranging the bats in

Perspective | 31 +% +$5/. 3#5$2.%, Onliine Editor In their own words

AND THE AMERICAN

Winter troop movements are restricted May the Lord of Hosts be your Leader, 150 years ago ever inspiring both officers and men during the winter months, although with true patriotism, and a confidence ! reliance on the Divine arm in every January 1862 not altogether forsaken. On Jan. 1, emergency, and make you brilliantly Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, triumphant in every combat. prosper with the severest denunciations taking advantage of spring-like warm Victory in “every” engagement is a bit much of the Bible upon these popular vices, to ask of God, yet the 8th Michigan does serve seems to be presuming upon God’s good- weather in Virginia, sets out with 9,000 valiantly throughout the war as the regiment ness! …. We have no Chaplain to our Regiment. I have not heard a sermon in troops on a maneuver to push federal traverses both the eastern and western theaters of engagement. camp for several months – men sicken forces from the Union-supporting west- The high cost of war, however, is becom- and die without any spiritual counsel. ing all too real for many home-front Baptists Vice in every form, the most hideous, ern portion of the state. North and South. Representative of many stalks abroad without warning. esigned as a campaign of preparation stories is a belated death notice that appears in J.H.F.’s observations will be shared by numer- for spring battle plans, the effort is this month’s Tennessee Baptist: ous other Southern Baptist soldiers during the partially successful. Federal forces that D war. Confederate Baptists, so often espousing the Confederates encounter mostly retreat Died in the hospital at Richmond, Christian nationalism, thus confront a discon- in surprise, abandoning their winter camps Virginia, L. B. Oldham, son of John nect that few will choose to openly recognize: with supplies and food intact. Although the and Clarissa Oldham, now living how can the army of God’s chosen nation be weather turns frigid during the expedition and in Lavaca city, Texas. The subject of characterized with overwhelming evil? This thwarts larger-scale ambitions, by the end of this notice was born May 5, 1839, in uncomfortable, often unspoken question will the month, Jackson is successful in seizing con- Carroll county, Mississippi. Moved with linger throughout the war. Afterward, some trol of the Shenandoah Valley and Allegheny his parents to Western Texas in the fall of will point to the evilness of camp life as a con- ranges. 1854, and in August 1860, returned to tributor to southern defeat, yet be hard pressed Despite continued Union setbacks, vol- Mississippi, and joined the Confederate to recant of their convictions that the slave- unteers are now pouring into U.S. army ranks army in June last—took the measles holding Confederacy was holy and just. BT and preparing for battles certain to commence which terminated his life Oct. 5, 1861. upon the coming of spring. Winter does not He leaves behind him a father, mother, —For a daily journal along with references to deter the newly-formed 8th Michigan Infantry, sisters, and three brothers, and many source material, visit civilwarbaptists.org. as this month they assemble for a sacred friends to mourn his loss; but we weep consecration. not as those who have no hope, for three A veteran of the War of 1812, Abel days before his death he professed, and Bingham gazes down over the young men we have no doubt obtained, the religion before him. The pastor of the First Baptist of our Lord Jesus Christ. Church of Grand Rapids, Bingham as a mili- The above testimony was received tary veteran knows war and peace. The old from his nurses that attended on him soldier also knows spiritual struggle. while sick. Following the War of 1812, the New Hampshire native for 27 years served as a Apart from death, troubles are arising in missionary to the Indian tribes in the Upper Confederate army camps, as related by a Peninsula of Michigan, his work marked by Baptist soldier from North Carolina who hardship and marginal success. In his most writes to that state’s Biblical Recorder: enduring legacy as a missionary, Bingham established what later became known as the I had heard of the immorality in a First Baptist Church Sault Ste. Marie. campaign life before as being very Yet this occasion is especially poignant. great, but not the half has been told. His gaze lingers upon one soldier in particu- Profanity, both among the officers and lar: his son-in-law. Doubtlessly, Bingham is privates, seems to be the ruling passion thinking of the soldiers and their families as he …. Intemperance and gambling come in offers a prayer: for their fair share …. How we hope to General Stonewall Jackson

32 | Perspective Reblog The Brook of Life Selections from recent blogs at By Tony W. Cartledge baptiststoday.org

don’t often wax poetic, but some beautiful days and a chance to walk in the woods inspired me to put some words together in a non-narrative fashion, a sort of paean to the life God gives, one Iway among many of giving thanks … The brook in our wood runs softly today, This is where the life is. no rush from the rain, Here, in tannin-tinted pools where crayfish hide when high water shouts around the bends and salamanders spawn, and dark debris skates down a frothy path where forest flies drum the golden air to jamble the corners … and lay their larvae and feed the fish.

No. The brook runs quiet today, this fine fall day, This is what life is, this earthy day of pin-wheeling leaves whispering splashing and silence, down, sprout and fruit, rot and rebirth … a strip-tease of trees and cast-off couture t hose who write about it differ in purpose and that blankets the ground and cloaks the still water power and snickers at unknowing dogs. but not in the end.

On days like this only seeps and springs feed the This is how life is, indolent flow, still water and restive rush, the frog-high falls that tumble over braided roots joyful eddies and hopeful roots, and push back the floating carpet so minnows can current to ride or to fight or to change, find their prey. a quest in the blood of the earth.BT

Don’t be Gone with the Gumption

By John Pierce the medical school producing an early generation of doctors to serve the black he intriguing life of Margaret community. Mitchell is revealed in an excellent About Gone With The Wind, Mitchell T Georgia Public Broadcasting produc- said (and I pulled out a pen): “I wrote about tion that will air nationally next spring. people who had gumption and people who Amazingly, Gone With The Wind was didn’t.” her only novel. More amazingly, it has been Language evolves over time, and words released in more than a thousand editions gain pejorative meanings. Urban slang uses and in multiple languages, and still sells a “gumpshun” to mean smart-mouthed or quarter-million copies each year. quick-witted, which certainly applied to The documentary looked at and some of Mitchell’s characters. beyond the book and subsequent movie to In the novelist’s time, however, the the private life of the writer. And indeed she word “gumption” defined other charac- protected her privacy. teristics such as fortitude, determination, Interestingly, she and Atlanta’s well- risk-taking, courage and spunk. Having a against the larger push to always play it safe known educator Benjamin Mays secretly good dose of gumption is a good thing, I and focus on self. corresponded about the need for training believe. I’m not sure the biblical text contains a African-American physicians. A student It took gumption for the early disciples word that can be fully translated as “gump- courier from Morehouse College, where Dr. to leave the familiar and the secure to fol- tion” — although Clarence Jordan may have Mays served as president, would pick up low Jesus. It still does unless you tone Jesus done so in Cotton Patch Gospels. But the con- and deliver the checks that Mitchell wrote down enough to fit social acceptability. cept is certainly there. in support of that effort. It takes gumption to stand with those Having a good dose of gumption can Current Atlanta leaders spoke of whom many put down, to love uncondition- certainly help modern disciples when facing how the late novelist was responsible for ally and to live sacrificially. All of that goes the challenges ahead. BT

Perspective | 33 +% ,#*' *&22, Texas Baptist Communications Wounded Warriors Returning veterans, families struggle to adjust

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (ABP) — veterans reported suffering post-traumatic stress. That number escalates to 49 percent when deal- Sitting around the kitchen table, the ing with veterans who served in a combat zone. Riverses are a picture of the quintes- Nearly half of married post-Sept. 11 veter- ans reported their deployments had a negative sential American family. Over a freshly impact on their relationship with their spouse. prepared meal, they share stories of Thirty-four percent of veterans from pre-Sept. 11 said the same thing. the day’s events. ut it wasn’t that long ago one significant Dealing with emotional scars piece of this portrait — the family’s Brad Riza, associate director of chaplaincy rela- B patriarch, Ray Rivers — was absent, as tions for the Baptist General Convention of he served tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq Texas and a Vietnam veteran who has dealt with as a Baptist-endorsed chaplain. His deployment his own post-traumatic stress issues for about in 2008 and 2009 forced the family to adjust. 40 years, said improvements in medicine have When he returned from duty, the Rivers helped soldiers on the battlefield but left more family needed to adjust again. A father was veterans to work through the scars of war. back. A husband had returned. Deployment “Because the care is better, they get treated was stressful, but reconfiguring roles within the better and survive,” Riza said. “Because of that, family after Rivers returned also proved to be a Photo by S Braswell/ we’re dealing with more emotional scars.” stockxchange trying time. Military personnel often are haunted by “It’s stressful when they get home,” said the images they saw, a sense of leaving friends his wife, Paula. “He came home and said to and fellow soldiers behind as well as wondering Approaches to ministry me, ‘What happened to my wife?’ Because Churches realize the need for ministering why their lives were spared, Riza said. Military I changed. I had to. I was forced to change. to military personnel and their families and personnel are taught never to leave a fellow I was forced to become more self-confident, have tried different approaches to serving. To soldier behind. Yet some of them struggle with more bold, more militant, more whatever just make a more direct impact, churches can con- the reality that they did. to make things work.” tact their local bases, armories or chaplains, Mackrell said. Challenges of military families Platform of support Chaplains often can provide specific The military offers a variety of options to The Rivers family faced and overcame chal- points of need churches can fill. Recently, lenges typical of a military family looking help active personnel deal with their wartime Mackrell connected a church with a soldier at, dealing with or readjusting in the wake experiences, Riza said. After military person- who returned from deployment only to see his of a deployment, according to a recent Pew nel have finished their service, they can go to home had burned. The church provided sup- Research Center survey that marked the 10th a Veteran’s Administration hospital for help, plies for the soldier and his wife. anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. The but there may not be one close to where the “Churches could increase their attendance wars in Afghanistan and Iraq make up the lon- veteran lives. just by reaching out to soldiers,” Mackrell said. gest period of sustained military engagement Yet some veterans are left without a viable “When they come back, half of them are ask- in U.S. history, and the nation has carried avenue through which they can find help for ing serious questions.” out these campaigns entirely with a voluntary their post-traumatic stress issues, including No matter how congregations approach force, leaving 0.5 percent of the nation’s popu- flashbacks, flashes of anger, feelings of regret ministry to veterans, Riza believes it’s vital. lation to shoulder the brunt of the effort. and lack of closure, Riza noted. People who have seen some of the darker The theater of war is only the beginning of Emotional and psychological issues are aspects of life need to hear a word of encour- where post-Sept. 11, 2001, veterans sense issues, compounded when combined with the current agement and have the opportunity to ground according to the report. More than four in 10 economy, said Baptist Chaplain Mike Mackrell, their lives in the love of Christ, he said. said adjustment to civilian life has been difficult, who serves in the U.S. National Guard in “Church can give a message of hope,” up from the 25 percent of pre-Sept. 11 veterans. Austin, Texas. Many service people are strug- Riza said. “That’s the one piece of advice I Thirty-seven percent of post-Sept. 11 gling to find work after serving their nation. would give.” BT

34 | Information Divinity students aim to heal ‘unseen war wounds’

URHAM, N.C. — Combat veterans, Academy in West Point, N.Y., gave the keynote communities to listen to the stories of combat pacifists, pastors and military leaders address. He spoke about the hidden beauties of veterans as a way to prompt confession and D gathered at Duke Divinity School in war, such as the comaraderie between soldiers, reconciliation. November to discuss how the church, the mili- and argued that the moral uncertainty of war “Healing begins with a recognition of tary and academia can understand and begin to must be confronted before members of the trauma in the church,” explained retired Army heal the unseen wounds of war. military are called into active duty. chaplain Col. Herman Keizer Jr. during a panel Initiated by second-year student Logan Discussions and workshops focused on discussion, “in members of the military, and in Mehl-Laituri and sponsored by the divinity such issues as post-traumatic stress disorder; society.” BT student group Milites Christi, the “After the the recognition of spiritual and moral trauma; Yellow Ribbon” conference featured lectures, resources for recovery; reframing the horrors —Article provided by Duke Divinity School panel discussions, and workshops led by active of war in the context of Christ; and the neces- Communications and distributed by military, pacifist activists, local pastors, theolo- sity for the church, military and academic Associated Baptist Press. gians, military chaplains and students. On its Facebook page, Milites Christi describes itself as a student organization “dedicated to cultivating conversations with students, staff and faculty, to advance the interests of prospective, current and former service members in the church, world and academy. Our primary aim is to develop a pastoral response to the problem of war and peace based on a fundamental conviction that God directs us towards peaceful resolution of conflict.” “Veterans today suffer from the highest rate of suicide in our nation’s history, have startlingly high rates of prescription drug and alcohol abuse, and are often thought of as ‘damaged goods,’” notes the group’s website. “Our society must accept the responsibility of acknowledging and confronting the moral fragmentation that our service members suf- fer as a result of their experiences in war.… We invite practitioners of all disciplines, from music and the arts to theology and mental health, to respond to the challenge presented by the plight of soldiers and veterans in our midst. We want to work together to improve our efforts at prevention and reconstitution, and overcome this tragic epidemic.” “The church needs to hear stories of war from combat veterans and allow them to share their experiences with a community that will truly listen,” said Warren Kinghorn, assistant professor of psychiatry and pastoral and moral theology at the divinity school, in highlighting the purpose of the conference during a panel discussion. Kinghorn was one of several Duke Divinity faculty members who led discussions and workshops at the event, which started with an unveiling of a new icon of St. Martin of Tours and ended with a concert by Christian singer and songwriter Derek Webb. Lt. Col. Peter Kilner, a professor who teaches military ethics at the U.S. Military

Information | 35 Religious groups spend nearly $400 million on D.C. advocacy

By Kevin Eckstrom University of Oklahoma and the primary Religion News Service author of the report. budget by 29 percent, and the American Hertzke’s report surveyed 212 reli- Islamic Congress by 41 percent, between WASHINGTON — The number of religious gious advocacy groups, ranging from the 2008 and 2009 as Islamophobia intensified advocacy groups in the nation’s capital has U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to the in the form of opposition to mosque building more than tripled since the 1970s, with con- American Jewish Committee to the American and the so-called Ground Zero mosque. servative groups seeing the biggest growth, Friends Service Committee (the Quakers). according to a new report. The groups surveyed by Pew have grown Many religious advocacy groups are relatively Together, faith-based lobbying and from 67 in the 1970s, and Hertzke conceded modest operations; the median annual budget advocacy groups spend $390 million a year that figure is probably an undercount. “We was about $1 million for the 131 groups where to influence lawmakers, mobilize supporters don’t claim to have gotten all of them,” he said. financial data were available. and shape public opinion, according to the Using financial reports from public tax Most groups split their portfolios between report, released Nov. 21 by the Pew Forum on forms, Hertzke said the biggest spender is domestic and international issues, with a Religion & Public Life. the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs plurality (42 percent) representing individual The report reflects shifting fortunes in Committee, which spent $87 million on voters or constituents. Just 15 percent repre- religion and politics: the rise of the religious advocacy in 2008. U.S. Catholic bishops were sent religious bodies such as denominations. right 35 years ago, the decline of mainline second, with $26.6 million spent in 2009, fol- Despite their presence in the nation’s Protestant churches and the outsized presence lowed by the Family Research Council, with political capital, only 7 percent have formed political structures that are able to advocate of the Roman Catholic Church. $14 million in 2008. Conservative groups have seen some of for or against particular candidates. The vast The biggest winners and losers — at least the largest budget increases; the National majority of groups are tax-exempt and prohib- as judged by their budgets — reflect the turbu- Organization for Marriage, which has racked ited from partisan politics. lent politics of the last few years: up a string of victories in its fight against gay That surprised Maggie Gallagher, co- marriage, saw its budget grow from $3.2 mil- founder of the National Organization for lion to $8.5 million between 2008 and 2009. Marriage, who traced the rise in religious There are now as many Muslim advocacy and the recession worsened, the progressive advocacy to the political ascent of conservative groups as mainline Protestant groups, and PICO National Network boosted its budget Christians in the late 1970s and 1980s. evangelicals and Roman Catholics constitute a by $100,000 to advocate for the poor, health “Not everyone has to be involved in poli- strong 40 percent of religious lobbyists in and care reform and other social justice causes. tics, but if you are going to claim to want to be around Washington. involved in politics, you need to build institu- “Religious advocacy is now a permanent boosted their advocacy budget by $1.4 mil- tions to accomplish your political goals,” said and sizable feature of the Washington scene,” lion as fights heated up against Obama’s Gallagher, who has been targeting candidates said Allen Hertzke, a political scientist at the health care overhaul and same-sex marriage. who support same-sex marriage. BT

although 80 percent of respondents said their Charitable giving up slightly but still ailing finances were the same or worse than the same time last year, 57 percent planned to give to a By Melanie Eversley contributions come from state, federal and charity during the holidays. Almost seven in 10 USA Today local government grants and contracts, and said that because of the economy, it is impor- those gifts are declining, CEO Ken Berger said. tant to give to charity. (RNS) — Charitable giving is trickling back Only 15 percent is from individuals. “Despite the difficult economy, Americans up as the economy heals, but it could take “Staying the same is generally not a want to give to help others in need,” said Gail years to return to pre-recession levels, non- great place to be when you’ve got increases in McGovern, Red Cross president and CEO. profit leaders say. demand and operational costs because of infla- The Center on Philanthropy report said Giving totaled $291 billion in 2010, tion and so on,” said Patrick Rooney, executive Americans contribute 2 percent of their dis- according to the 2011 annual report by the director of the Center on Philanthropy. posable income, a figure that has remained Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. If the recuperation continues at its cur- constant for decades. That’s up 3.8 percent from 2009 and follows rent rate, it will take U.S. charities six years Nonprofit leaders agree that charitable two consecutive years of declines. to return to where they were financially in organizations must think innovatively to keep Little change was expected in the close 2007, Rooney warns. “We are not out of the the cash coming in. of 2011. Charity Navigator, a Glen Rock, recession, and we are not recovered from the Berger of Charity Navigator said organi- N.J., organization that evaluates nonprofits, recession,” he said. zations should avoid duplicating services. He anticipated donations would be flat during the Some leaders in the nonprofit world see said nonprofits should adjust to meeting the recent holiday season. the glass as half-full. An American Red Cross public’s need for openness about finances and About 35 percent of nonprofit survey of 1,020 adults last fall found that organization. BT

36 | Information +% 6-/*.2. /*&+-', Religion News Service

Israel’s new integrated paths Gospel trail let hikers follow Jesus’ steps

ALILEE, Israel (RNS) — Perched Tourism and the Jewish National Fund, the Trail “represents a major means for maximiz- on Tel Kinrot, a hill above the Sea of project has the enthusiastic support of local ing the tourist potential” of the Sea of Galilee G Galilee, Winston Mah turned his face Christian leaders, whose flocks depend on the region. toward the warm sun and took in the tranquil tourist trade. “It will encourage economic growth in view before him. “It is our hope that this trail will bring the north through the creation of new jobs,” To his right, the Christian pilgrim from many more Christian pilgrims to the Galilee, he said, “and an increase in income from the San Diego saw banana groves at the edge of the where Jesus lived and had his ministry,” said visitors.” calm fresh-water lake; to his left, on the oppo- Bishop Boutros Muallem, the Melkite arch- The Gospel Trail isn’t the first Christian- site hill, rose the majestic Mount of Beatitudes bishop emeritus of Galilee, who attended the oriented hiking/cycling trail in the region. The 39-mile Jesus Trail begins in the city of Nazareth, the home of Mary and Joseph, and Pilgrims hike along the Gospel Trail in Israel, a ends at the Sea of Galilee. Though the trails 39-mile network of trails and paths that trace overlap in many areas, the Jesus Trail winds Jesus’ steps. RNS photo by Michele Chabin. its way through more Christian, Muslim and Jewish population centers and already has an infrastructure. Both trails capitalize on the beauty of the Galilee region. One of the only truly green places in Israel, the hills are dotted with towns and villages, cows, sheep and olive trees. Proficient hikers can make the entire jour- ney in about four days. The Gospel Trail includes the Arbel Cliffs, which served as the backdrop of many ancient battles; the ancient ruins of Beit Saida (Bethsaida), a biblical-era fishing village and the birthplace of the disciples Peter, Andrew and Philip; Capernaum, the starting point of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee; and Kfar Kana (Cana), where Jesus healed the nobleman’s son. Also along the route: Migdal/Magdala, identified in the Gospels as the home of Mary at Tabga, where, according to Christian tradi- trail’s festive opening aboard a boat on the Sea Magdalene; and the Mount of Beatitudes, tion, Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. of Galilee. where a picturesque church, surrounded by “This is a unique experience,” Mah said, Roughly 150,000 Christian Arabs live in greenery and special areas for prayer, over- gazing at a lone fisherman on the water’s edge. Israel, the vast majority of them in the Galilee looks the sites related to Jesus’ ministry. The “This is the view Jesus must have seen, the path region, in the north of the country. As else- late Pope John Paul II held a large Mass on a he might have walked, the water he walked on. where in the Middle East, many Holy Land nearby knoll in 2000. It’s a privilege to walk in his footsteps.” Christians have emigrated in search of eco- Whenever possible, the trail leads through It’s one thing to read about biblical sites nomic stability and peace. unspoiled vistas full of indigenous plants and while seated in a church pew back home, Mah Now that the political situation is rela- small wildlife. Israel, and especially the Galilee said. But “it’s another thing entirely to be in tively quiet, and a record number of tourists region, is a top bird-watching destination. the actual place, just as it’s described in the are flooding into Israel and the Palestinian- At Tel Kinrot, which was part of the Bible,” he said, his voice full of wonder. ruled territories, local Christians are benefiting major trade route between ancient Egypt and Mah and his church group were among and emigration is slowing, according to gov- Syria on the northwestern shore of the Sea the first hikers on the newly inaugurated ernment statistics. of Galilee, an Italian pilgrim named Stefano Gospel Trail, 39 miles of integrated paths lead- Two out of three tourists who visit Israel gazed at the archaeological ruins. ing from Mount Precipice on the southern are Christian, according to the tourism min- “I’m very happy to be on this trail, to see outskirts of Nazareth to the site of ancient istry. Leading a group of journalists down a the sites where Jesus lived and the archaeologi- Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. section of the trail on horseback, Tourism cal sites,” the 26-year-old said. “It helps me to Developed by the Israeli Ministry of Minister Stas Misezhnikov said the Gospel thank God for what he does in my life.” BT

Feature | 37 !"#$% &'( )*#"#! +%

Making connections Pat Terry’s broader musical artistry finds listening ears

ATLANTA — Singer-songwriter Pat Terry was !"#$% +% featured in the November 2008 issue of ,#*' )-.$/. this news journal under the title: “Whatever happened to Pat Terry?”

any readers who were students in the ’70s, like this writer, had found Minspiration from the well-traveled Pat Terry Group that helped shape what became Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Pat’s songs of faith became standards around campfires, in coffeehouses and in sanctuaries when youthful influences were allowed. Hundreds if not thousands of couples were wed with someone singing Pat’s well-known song, That’s the Way. One song about heaven was recorded by several artists, including pop singer B.J. Thomas who made Home Where I Belong into a familiar hit. But after disbanding the group and recording some more reflective solo albums, Pat disappeared from view. Unbeknownst to many, he quietly established himself as a country music songwriter and avoided the discomfort that came from disappointed fans who wanted him to play only the music he had put in their heads and hearts years ago.

DISILLUSIONED “I really became frustrated about what I thought were the narrow confines of Christian music,” said Pat in SEE & HEAR an interview last fall in front of the Baptists Today Board of Directors. “It was never my concept with Pat Terry and hear him sing that we’d create a genre that was kind of lim- at baptiststoday.org. ited to singing for Christians.” Pat and band mates Randy Bugg workshop or other event, and Sonny Lallerstedt cut albums visit thefaithlab.com/talent. (with Myrrh Records) and toured some 200 dates a year in the and to buy his music, ’70s, hitting churches and visit patterryonline.com. college campuses all

38 | Feature across the country. Pat’s hits such as I Can’t recorded when some Nashville friends urged Wait to See Jesus and Meet Me Here were writ- him to go hear a fellow Cobb County, Ga., ten out of the overflow of his newfound faith native named Travis Tritt who had just signed and delivered with a desire to spread the news a big recording contract. So Pat went to an broadly, he said. Atlanta area club and was impressed. After years on the road and seeing his After the show, Pat introduced himself to music become a new commodity to be mar- Travis and told him how much he’d enjoyed keted to a growing audience, Pat felt the need the show. to do something different. Namely, he wanted “Pat Terry … didn’t you play in my to take an approach to songwriting that church one time?” Travis asked. allowed room for doubt and could address the “I played in everybody’s church at one challenges of cultural change. time,” Pat replied. “By ’79, I didn’t think I could keep doing this,” he said. “So I broke up the group.” WRITING HITS The conversation led to Travis coming over to EARLY ’80s Pat’s home studio where they wrote Travis’ first With the help of the late musician and pro- number-one hit from 1990, Help Me Hold On. ducer Mark Heard, Pat wrote the songs of his “We spent the afternoon eating my wife’s heart and recorded three solo albums. But his chicken salad and working on that song,” Pat former Christian audience wanted something recalled. “We finished it that evening, and it different — or actual something familiar. They paid my insurance for a few years.” wanted Pat to write and play just for them. Other of Pat’s songs found their way to song, The Gift of Mercy, Pat said: “This is the “I didn’t understand this consumerism in the recording studio and radio including Tanya kind of song I could put some things in that I the church,” said Pat, “where they adopt celeb- Tucker’s 2002 number-one hit, It’s a Little Too cared about the most.” rities as their own.” Late. Also, Pat has returned to singing before Pat took his new music out on the road to The Oak Ridge Boys, Confederate Christian audiences again and even resurrect- mixed reviews. “Some people connected to it, Railroad, John Anderson, Kenny Chesney, ing some of his old hits of the ’70s that have … but a lot of people didn’t.” Tracy Byrd and other country artists recorded the 50-somethings in the crowd singing along. Pat got tired of having to defend himself songs Pat had written or co-written with song- And he is finding greater appreciation for the against charges that he’d left Jesus, sold out to writers like Roger Murrah. wider range of music he writes and sings. the world or whatever. He admits to being However, an industry emphasis on artists “a little abrasive at times” when fans of his owning their songs and other factors began CREATIVITY AT WORK early Christian music made such charges to make it harder to get music recorded in “I’m enjoying going back into churches now,” whenever he appeared on stage and sang some- Nashville. Plus, the competition continued to said Pat of his opportunity to do coffeehouses, thing different from what they had known. grow. songwriting workshops and concerts. Whether “That’s what I did for a few years until I Pat warns: “If you’re ever in Nashville, be a song neatly fits the “Christian” niche or got exhausted,” he said of his solo touring in careful. Ninety percent of the drivers are song- not, Pat said “the workings of my faith” are the early ’80s. One day he concluded: “I can’t writers with pens and pads.” expressed throughout his writing. continue going out and playing for audiences So Pat no longer makes the frequent “God is a creative God; we are made in his that get mad at me.” drives across Tennessee’s Monteagle Mountain image as creative people,” he said. “I’m having where the words “It’s a little too late to do the fun going out and singing again.” NASHVILLE right thing now” first came to mind. And Pat is hopeful about what is taking Resting and recovering back home in the place in the genre of music he unknowingly Atlanta suburb of Smyrna, Ga., Pat contem- NEW MUSIC helped to create. plated his musical future while noting: “I also When Pat was interviewed for the 2008 article “I’m really encouraged by some of what need to make a living.” in Baptists Today, he was putting the finishing I’m hearing from young artists in Christian He called his one friend in Nashville and touches on a self-produced CD of his most music … who genuinely have something to began the back-and-forth travels that occurred recent songs. Laugh for a Million Years was say,” he said. “They are connecting with audi- almost weekly between 1986 and 2002. Pat released the next year — and Pat started gradu- ences in a real way.” said he thought his early success in what ally getting back out on the road. And he senses that more churches are became CCM might open doors. However, he The songs are varied and creative, giving now open to a variety of musical expressions found the opposite to be true. the songwriter the freedom to explore a wide of faith. But, in doing so, he hopes they don’t “It was a great experience learning to range of thoughts and feelings. And Pat’s faith neglect the great hymns of the church. write songs,” said Pat of joining seasoned comes through in songs that would not fit the Hymns, he said, were not written with a songwriters in such creativity. His first five or earlier confines of so-called “Christian music.” publisher in the room trying to decide what six years in Nashville, he said, were “learning If Jesus Was Like Me has even found its way might sell to the largest audience or to a par- the craft of writing country music” with minor into some sermons — although the song does ticular customer base. success in getting his music recorded. not come across as “preachy” when sung and “That’s why they’ve lasted so long — and Pat said he had “a couple of little things” played by the soft-spoken artist. And of his ring so true.” BT

Feature | 39 !"#$% &'( )*#"#! +% ".$$- +%$( Bidding Wars Mission causes win at church’s annual auction

PELHAM, Ala. — When you enter the ahead, as he lowers his hand. They end up sharing the fudge. doors at Crosscreek Baptist Church, you Pastor Jay bids on a decorative metal hear lots of laughter and catch the aroma Christmas tree. Melanie’s hand quickly rises to of hamburgers and chocolate. Members counter the bid. “Hey, you’re bidding against me!” he calls and visitors crowd the fellowship hall out to his wife. of the small church, piling plates with “Oops! Sorry honey,” she laughs. “You go mini burgers, taco salad, and homemade right ahead.” Everyone in the room laughs. However, they are outbid by a church fudge and brownies. member who pays a high premium for the hildren from two to 12, dressed in decorative Christmas tree — and then gives it Santa hats, circle the floor in picnic to the Kieves as a gift before leaving the church fashion with cupcake icing on their that evening. With the bidding conducted C in a fun and playfully competitive manner, faces while adults gather in folding chairs with plates on their laps — and checkbooks in their Crosscreek’s mission causes are the real winners pockets.This good Advent Sunday is time for of the night. The emcee for the evening is David Farry, Crosscreek’s 26th annual missions auction. Pastor Jay and Melanie Kieve got so caught up in Proceeds from the auction of homemade their church’s mission auction that they were bid- a chaplain and church member who has served items and services support Crosscreek’s mission ding against each other. He says the annual event on the missions committee. He moves the eve- efforts and its partners for the coming year. is a fellowship opportunity as well as a fundraiser ning and the items along with delightful puns for the Pelham, Ala., congregation. Those include a mission trip to Mexico, the that keep the crowd moaning and laughing. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Alabama CBF, years of the auction, only the women’s group “I started emceeing when I was on the Global Women and CBF missionaries Jon and participated in purchasing homemade items missions committee and they needed a volun- Tanya Parks. and food. But soon the auction grew to include teer,” he said. “And then I had so much fun, Typically, the church raises one-fourth of the entire congregation. that I continued.” its annual missions budget from the auction. Now, each year congregation members and This year his wife, Stacy Farry, is co-chair Crosscreek pastor Jay Kieve is a young friends contribute items to be auctioned that with Cathy Lee of the missions committee that man with a bald head, a wicked sense of range from homemade cakes and pies to fur- spends months preparing for the auction. humor and a strong sense of justice. He greets niture, home maintenance services, quilts and “We have a saying,” says David Farry. everyone who walks through the door with a decorative items. Some items come from minis- “What happens at the missions auction — smile on his face and a warm hug. tries and mission endeavors around the world. spreads around the world.” Jay’s wife, Melanie, has a contagious smile At the latest auction, notable entries included There are no leftovers. Every item is sold too and links her arm through mine as we handpainted bobble-head Santas and snow- and followed by a round of applause. head to peruse the tables laden with auction men, handmade Christmas ornaments, and a When the auction comes to a close, Kieve treasures. unique outdoor shower. offers a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing: “The missions auction is a fellowship Cowboy-hat-wearing auctioneer Fred “God of multiplication, God of all great gifts, event as well as a fundraiser for missions,” Wilhite calls for bids. A volunteer, he holds the God of all creation, we give you thanks.” said Jay Kieve. “We enjoy good food and good bidding open until pies sell for $70 or a child’s As the prayer flows, the meaning behind company as we vie for Christmas items.” painting fetches $80 or more. all the fun and fellowship rises to fill the room. With a long history of doing good, this A bobble-head Santa brings in $210. More than $6,000 has been raised in less than early December event helps set the tone for Whoops of laughter explode around the room two hours by fewer than 100 people — all in a Crosscreek’s Advent and Christmas celebra- as bidding wars and friendly “fights” break out fun-filled effort to support important mission tions. And items created by children often over favorite items. endeavors and the people who serve the name bring the highest bids. “If you raise that bid one more time, I’ll of Christ near and far. BT The missions auction began in 1986 when break your legs!” cries out one lady seeking the the women’s missions group at Crosscreek much-desired three pounds of Fantasy Fudge —Jay Kieve contributed to this story. He can sought new ways to raise funds to support on the auction block. be reached at [email protected] for international missionaries. During the first few “OK, it’s yours,” laughs a man, two rows information on holding a missions auction.

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Baptists Today Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization under the careful stewardship of a trusted, self-perpetuating Board of Directors. +% '#$6&' ,&6.!#' ‘Engaging the reality’ Diverse Canadian Baptists cover miles, cultures

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario (ABP) — people in the midst of a wonderfully diverse The Canadian National Baptist set of cultures and learn to welcome people to Convention, organized by Southern Baptists, is From early churches springing up on Canada.” also a member of the NABF. the Atlantic from the seeds of displaced More churches have multiple language Other primary Baptist groups are found services, but often the best relationship builder in Canada as well. Jeremy Bell, executive American slaves to the metropolitan is the ancient and simple art of “having some- minister for Canadian Baptists of Western Pacific coast, Canadian Baptists reflect one to your house for dinner,” Chaise said. Canada, said Fellowship Baptists have about their huge, diverse nation. Canadian churches cultivate a growing involve- 500 churches, Converge Worldwide (formerly ment with social justice, he said, an attribute Baptist General Conference) has 103, North n the world’s second largest nation by land that “has always been a part of our past.” American Baptists have 130 churches and mass that stretches 5,514 kilometers east That conviction leads Canadian Baptists Southern Baptists in Canada have about 250 I to west and harbors 33 million citizens, to involve themselves churches through the country. Canadian Baptists are a small but significant with the environ- Tim McCoy, executive minister of presence. Canadian Baptist Ministries is the ment, homelessness Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec correlating body for four distinct groups and — especially in the since 2010, is also an immigrant. Born in that relate to the North American Baptist east — racial equality. Charlotte, N.C., he and his wife, Julie, were Fellowship. Baptist churches in the seeking a challenge for their family and came Sam Chaise, a British-born Baptist of east are among the oldest in 2006 to direct youth ministry. Indian descent, is general secretary of CBM, on the continent — up Of the 355 churches in the CBOQ, 84 are which resulted from the merger 16 years ago of to 250 years old. The in greater Toronto and worshippers speak 27 the efforts of the four bodies. most significant number Sam Chaise different languages every Sunday. Cooperative Canadian Baptists “tend to identify with of African-Canadian Baptist Fellowship missionaries Marc and Kim our regions,” Chaise said, and each region churches is in the east, born among the com- Wyatt say they visit seven to 10 countries every has cultural distinctions. CBM operates as munities of American slaves carried to freedom week and never have to leave the city. the common international mission arm of by volunteers in the Underground Railroad. While church planting is a part of his each and the mutual missions encourager in a The Union d’Églises Baptistes Françaises evangelism strategy, McCoy said, “In Ontario nation where 80 percent of the population live au Canada in French-speaking Quebec is the our strategies much more revolve around our within 100 miles of the U.S. border. most recently formed of the unions. desire to understand a culture and find how “Overall we are definitely engaging the Internationally, CBM collected significant they embrace the gospel and raise someone up reality that Canada is a post-Christendom funds for relief work in Haiti following the within that culture to be the gospel vehicle.” society,” Chaise said. He said Canadians have January 2010 earthquake. Canadian Baptists There are about 185 churches in the “an interest in spirituality, but not in the tradi- support work there, although they do not “own growing Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, tional framing of the gospel or in the church as it” Chaise said. They work through NABF and where Jeremy Bell has been executive minister an organization.” partner groups for effective relief ministry. for nearly six years. The convention added 16 With this realization comes a renewed In Africa, Canadian Baptists work in churches last year. Some were independent and vision to see the mission field “across the Kenya with Somalian refugees in a situation of looking for a home. street and across the city” as well as across the “great need.” CBM member bodies also work Bell’s convention defies description. A oceans. in Rwanda and the Congo. church in one town — that is 30 percent Toronto is often described as the world’s “We’re very deeply committed to a holistic Muslim — ministers to immigrants who work most diverse city as measured by the number approach to missions that integrates classic for an American company and the pastor is a of distinct people groups in residence — and missionary evangelism and disciple making, woman from Zimbabwe. “How do you put host to an ongoing parade of new arrivals who with classic community development, such as that all together?” he asked. BT do not know the language or the culture. With health, education and water,” Chaise said. his own offices there, Chaise is determined to CBM missionaries also are in Asia, the —Norman Jameson writes for the help Canadian Baptists “learn how to be God’s Middle East and South America. North American Baptist Fellowship.

In Africa, Canadian Baptists work in Kenya with Somalian refugees in a situation of “great need.” CBM member bodies also work in Rwanda and the Congo.

42 | Feature +% &(.22. 6. +&'7!, Religion News Service

Cautionary tale: Crystal Cathedral offers lessons for church leaders

ccording to one scholar, the cash-strapped on-site for another three years and other religious Crystal Cathedral’s pending transformation activities for 18 months. Senior Pastor Sheila Schuller A from a Protestant megachurch to a Roman Coleman said the decision “breaks my heart.” Catholic cathedral provides important lessons for “If it’s God’s will for us to move, we believe it will church leaders. be where he needs us most. It does not mean that our “They don’t want to sink countless millions into ministry will be diminished,” the daughter of founder building larger and more elaborate buildings,” said Robert H. Schuller said in a statement. Scott Thumma, a sociologist of religion at Hartford Bishop Tod Brown of the Orange diocese acknowl- Seminary. edged the “difficult circumstances” facing the ministry A bankruptcy judge in November approved of the founded by the elder Schuller in 1955. sale of the iconic cathedral to the Catholic Diocese of “Those challenges have now enabled the Diocese of Orange, Calif., for $57.5 million. Orange to protect this wonderful structure as a place of Thumma said the huge debt that led officials of the worship and will soon provide our Catholic community Southern California ministry to accept the sale of their with a new cathedral, pastoral center, parish school and 35-acre campus reflects what happens when a promi- more,” Brown said in a statement. nent pastor, a television ministry, or an iconic structure Known for its Hour of Power television broadcasts becomes the focal point. Leaders retire and die; televi- and elaborate holiday pageants, the glass-walled Crystal sion gives the congregation an unrealistic larger-than-life Cathedral has been mired in family, leadership and image; and buildings become a drag on finances. financial turmoil in recent years. After a bidding war between nearby Chapman Thumma said the trend of large churches using University and the Diocese of Orange, the judge agreed multiple satellite sites instead of one large edifice is with the cathedral board’s choice to take the diocese’s validated by the outcome of the bankruptcy deal. offer — even though it was $2 million less — to ensure “To fill this space and maintain this space takes that the campus continues to have a religious purpose. over the effort to spread the gospel and to live out the The diocesan deal permits worship to continue Christian mission,” he said. BT

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