Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 70, No. 4 | April 2013 for Churches of Christ Jamaican gospel meeting is no day at the beach
BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — On a Wednesday afternoon, winter tourists soak up the sunshine in this Caribbean paradise, known for its all-inclusive resorts. A cruise ship — not the one being towed to the U.S. — is docked at the harbor as its passengers climb waterfalls and feast on Jamaica’s signature jerk chicken and pork. Blocks away, in a part of the city few tourists BOBBY ROSS JR. see, 439 Christians Davis Tom Collier walks to his car after a fellowship meal at the West Liberty Church of Christ, seven miles west of Montezuma, Iowa. squeeze into pews and folding chairs at the Montego Bay Church of Christ for a gospel meeting. Preacher after preacher pounds the pulpit, admonishing the churchgoers to Iowa church refuses to die practice integrity in all aspects of their lives. Above, stressed-out ceiling fans struggle to contain the sweat. 156-YEAR-OLD CONGREGATION epitomizes the challenges faced by many small, rural Churches of Christ. It’s hardly a vacation, but Bill Davis loves every minute of it. Dressed in a BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE traces its roots to 1857 when settlers all get out and shovel snow ahead of three-piece suit, he stands in the shade, began meeting in a log house. Later, the horses so they could go.” wiping his brow with a handkerchief. MONTEZUMA, Iowa the congregation assembled in a In 1880, West Liberty’s membership “I’ve been coming down to Jamaica now coats the ground as renovated barn. In 1867, the church roll listed 229 names. In 1933, a gospel since before you were born,” Davis tells Pauline Ell arrives for Sunday building that still stands was erected. meeting yielded 30 baptisms and 10 a ministry student from the Jamaica worship on her 89th The cost: $1,200. restorations. In the 1960s, annual School of Preaching. It was 30 years birthday. For Ell, this Lord’s house Vacation Bible Schools drew truckloads ago, in fact, when the minister for the A bitter where she grew up of children from miles and miles away. See JAMAICA, Page 16 Swind brushes warming her hands by a But in more recent times, the Iowa Ell’s curly hair wood-burning stove holds congregation — like many small, as she steps out a lifetime of memories. rural Churches of Christ across the of her daughter’s As a young girl, she nation — has struggled to survive. car and into the often rode to services in a A year ago, down to six members, little white church horse-drawn sleigh. the church seven miles west of the building where she has “My dad would put straw in town of Montezuma nearly closed. worshiped her entire life. First in a series there, and we’d get down in the See IOWA, Page 12 Corn and soybean fields and a ceme- straw and cover up with a quilt,” she tery where generations of deceased said. “Sometimes, the drifts would be MORE COVERAGE members rest in peace surround the so bad the horses couldn’t even get INSIDE STORY: TEXAS CHURCH DEFIES EXPECTATIONS...... 3 ERIK TRYGGESTAD West Liberty Church of Christ. through. So my dad would put two, EDITORIAL: PUTTING A FOCUS ON RURAL CHURCHES...... 30 Christians from across Jamaica and the U.S. The 156-year-old farm church three, four shovels in the sled, and we’d VIEWS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF COUNTRY CHURCHES ...... 31 sing at the Montego Bay Church of Christ. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2013 The Truth Is Now Easier To See.
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facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission · twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt · 1-800-486-1818 · www.eem.org EEM is overseen by the Prestoncrest church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. APRIL 2013 the christian chronicle 3 Out in the country, 50 years in one a little Texas church defies expectations pulpit: Oglesby
GREENWOOD, Texas n its heyday, this North hits milestone Texas community settled Iby 19th century pioneers PREACHER CELEBRATES a half-century boasted two saloons, four grocery stores, a hotel, a with Dallas-area congregation. bank, a barbershop, a black- smith shop and a cotton gin. BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE More than a century later, a little coun- Growing up in North Texas, Robert Inside Story try store Oglesby knew what he wanted to be: a serves the preacher or a psychologist. few remain- He decided he could “get every bit of ing residents psychology” he wanted as a preacher. of the unin- However, he worried about the tendency corporated of churches to send preach- ranching ers packing every few years. community, “I had not seen a particu- 55 miles larly rosy picture of being north of Fort a local preacher,” said Bobby Ross Jr. Worth. Oglesby, 80. “In those days, Up the it was two years and a cloud street from the store and PHOTO PROVIDED by BILL McDONOUGH of dust.” the volunteer fire station But after World War II, Oglesby next door, a faithful group Baptized in Burma: Churches thrive in Asia a young minister named of Christians still gathers A woman smiles after her baptism in the delta region of Myanmar — one of 17 baptisms during a recent Robert Bankes came to Oglesby’s home each Sunday — as they seminar. The Southeast Asian nation, also known as Burma, was devastated in 2008 by Cyclone Nargis, congregation in Sherman, Texas, and have since 1896. which claimed more than 138,000 lives. Arkansas-based Partners in Progress fed 9,000 people for a year proved that a preacher could stay a while. In recent years, God after the storm, said Bill McDonough, who oversees the ministry, supported by Churches of Christ. It’s a lesson Oglesby took with him to the has blessed my family — Baptisms followed, “and we have watched in wonder as they changed their hearts and lives and fledgling Waterview Church of Christ in and me — through the brought their friends to Jesus,” McDonough said. Ten congregations now flourish in the delta region, Richardson, Texas, in 1963 — and one he Greenwood Church of he said. For more information, see www.partnersinprogress.org. has carried through 50 years as the congre- Christ, which is teeny in gation’s first and only preacher. number but giant in heart. The secret to Oglesby’s longevity? My father, Bob “He’s stubborn,” joked Robert Oglesby Ross, preaches for the Arkansas enacts new church gun law Jr., director of Abilene Christian University’s Greenwood church, which Center for Youth and Family Ministry. averages Sunday morning BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Weapons Allowed” signs at its doors. Turning more serious, the minister’s son attendance of 15 to 20. Dad However, Richard Akins, minister for added, “He’s always said something that drives up each week from Packing heat in the pews — or pulpit the Bono Church of Christ in northeast See OGLESBY, Page 14 my parents’ home in Haslet, — has won the overwhelming approval of Arkansas, supported the a Fort Worth suburb. Arkansas lawmakers. law’s passage. I make it down to The Church Protection Act, which Gov. “I fully understand the Greenwood from Oklahoma Mike Beebe signed into law Feb. 11, is theology of ‘turning the City every few months and drawing mixed reactions from leaders of the other cheek’ and the have enjoyed getting to state’s more than 700 Churches of Christ. kingdom not being ‘of know the elders — Wayne “I don’t like it at all,” said Ken Jackson, the world’ so that Jesus’ East, Jerry Myers and Bill minister for the Lewis Street Church of servants need to fight,” said Woolaver — and the rest of Christ in Little Rock, citing problems with Akins, whose congregation Jackson the congregation. gangs and crackhouses near the church. has not decided whether it When I first started visit- “We live right in the middle of where all the will permit weapons. ing a decade ago, I had a few crime takes place. We’ve had some issues “But I don’t think Jesus would apply CLINT WALKER misconceptions. I assumed with former members coming in with guns.” those principles to a lunatic shooting Robert and Willora Oglesby enjoy an assembly See GREENWOOD, Page 4 The Lewis Street church has posted “No See ARKANSAS, Page 21 celebrating their 50 years at the Waterview church. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY APRIL 2013 www.christianchronicle.org
Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. • See a video of Janelle Arthur, a member of the Oliver Springs Church of Christ in Tennessee, singing on “American Idol.” • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out exclusive online features. GREENWOOD: Congregation builds a legacy FROM PAGE 3 great, but they still put up with me.” that this little country church with Brady isn’t the first aspiring min- mostly older members must be going ister to benefit from the Greenwood through the motions and not making a “cheering section.” big difference in God’s kingdom. Clyde Slimp remembers going with Shame on me. the youth group from the Decatur I could not have been more wrong. Church of Christ — about 15 miles In ways that numbers on an west of Greenwood — to lead worship attendance board can’t explain, the at the Greenwood church in 1987. Greenwood congregation exemplifies “It’s funny now, but I think I vaguely what it means to be a Church of Christ. remember it being talked up as a way Some specific examples: for us to go encourage them since Sigma Tau Delta • Prayer: As my wife, Tamie, has they were a small country church,” Spanish Club dealt with health issues over the last said Slimp, minister for the 330-mem- few years, the Greenwood church has ber Lakehoma Church of Christ in Spring Break Campaigns prayed for her without ceasing, even Mustang, Okla. “The reality was that by though we live 175 miles away. giving us a chance to develop and step Student Association Her name stays on the prayer list that up, we were the ones who got the big- East distributes each Sunday gest dose of encouragement.” Theater — along with other Even though he’s names that I recog- served in full-time TV 16 nize, such as my ministry for 20 ailing uncle Ted years, Slimp Youth Corps Nanney, who lives still makes it in San Antonio. a point to visit • Generosity: Greenwood when The Greenwood he can. Pursue your passion. church supports “I like to preach missionaries in there or just stop by Whatever their academic pursuits, Harding University students Cambodia and India and a with my family … because can cultivate friendships and interests within more than 110 domestic children’s home. that church and several of the academic and professional organizations and 29 social clubs. The members — individually and as a people there had a part in the way God church — have given hundreds of dollars has shaped my life,” Slimp said. “They Ranging from the arts, music, politics, business, children, to help young people, including my own seem to love each other and to enjoy missions, service and the environment, organizations on children, go on short-term mission trips. being a part of each other’s lives. campus offer a variety of interests to explore. Closer to home, my mother, Judy “Even though it’s a dwindling congre- Ross, shared with me how the congre- gation tucked back in the woods, they’ve gation always rushes to help any needy done well to look at how they can have a resident, church member or not. legacy that will live beyond them in sup- • Spiritual development: My son, porting missionaries and putting some Brady, is a preaching ministry major at wind in the sails of future ministers,” he Oklahoma Christian University. added. “That’s doing something very The Greenwood church always valuable in the kingdom of God.” Faith, Learning and Living encourages Brady and repeatedly On a lighter note, they put on an invites him to speak. impressive fellowship meal with more “I don’t think I would be where I am entrees and desserts than members. Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 today if the Greenwood church hadn’t If you’re ever in this neck of the woods, Searcy, Arkansas given me as many opportunities as they don’t miss the third Sunday potluck. have,” Brady said. “I know there were some sermons that weren’t all that CONTACT [email protected] APRIL 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 ARIZONA ANTHEM — The Care Bear Ministry, an outreach of the Canyon Church of Christ, makes handmade stuffed animals for emergency first responders to distribute. The goal: “bear-ing a message of comfort and love” to children and their families, member Davina White said. On a recent workday, members of all ages met to create the bears, assembly- line style, with tags featuring Canyon’s contact information. The group later delivered the bears to fire stations, urgent care centers, sheriff’s offices and children’s hospitals for young people experiencing loss or trauma. GEORGIA ADAIRSVILLE — A tornado that ripped through this north Georgia town Jan. 30 destroyed the east wing of the Adairsville Church of Christ’s building. The congregation lost three of its class- rooms, a supply room and a food pantry used to serve the needy in its community. But church members didn’t let the loss keep them from helping neigh- bors in their storm-ravaged community, minister Steve McCaslin said. CHANDRA CLARK The congregation filled its annex — across the street from the building and Mississippi tornado victim helped by disaster relief ministry undamaged by the storm — with relief A man whose home was struck by a Feb. 10 tornado in Hattiesburg, Miss., receives a box with food and supplies from Churches of Christ Disaster supplies. Relief Effort. Handing him the box are Judy Walker from the Siwell Road Church of Christ in Jackson, Miss., and Amy Hill from the Kensington Nashville, Tenn.-based Churches of Woods Church of Christ in Hattiesburg. Chandra and Carleigh Clark from the Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Ala., drove the volunteers. Christ Disaster Relief Effort packed and shipped a truckload of food boxes and cleaning supplies, which the MICHIGAN Simon, Samuel and Samson — along spotlight congregation distributed. FLINT — Coffee, cookies, clothing and with big brothers Timothy, 3, and “We feel blessed. It could have been the love of Christ are on the menu each Emmanuel, 7, and parents Anthony and a lot worse,” McCaslin said of the Tuesday morning at the Bristol Road Funmilayo Oyibe-Ebije — comprise the Going strong at 91 damages the church building sustained. Church of Christ. happy family. The congregation welcomes neigh- The Oyibe-Ebijes came to the congre- RALEIGH, N.C. — Hearing problems MARYLAND bors to its free-standing service center, gation from the Festac Town Church of began to plague Sally Turner at age THURMONT — When Catoctin Church where they can enjoy donated refresh- Christ in Lagos, Nigeria, two years ago. 90, putting an end to some of the of Christ leaders planned the recent ments before they pick out clothing community-based groundbreaking ceremony for the and select from fresh and canned foods TEXAS ministry work she 17-year-old church’s first permanent purchased at a discounted price from PEARLAND — The Central Church of dearly loved. Her worship facility, they asked six widows the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Christ, south of Houston, is proud of its response? Preparing to share the honor of moving the first The outreach, which began 40 years nickname: “Little Church With a Big a ladies’ Bible study ceremonial shovels of dirt. ago in an upstairs classroom, serves Heart.” class called “Life After Johnna Gregory, Ercil Heim, Ruth about 100 people each week and is With an average attendance of 60, Death.” Henderson, Mary Long, Grace Marine entirely supported and operated by the church supports a student working “If there is a woman and Ellen Winzer led the group in cele- church volunteers, member Janet with missionaries in Tanzania, a home- that fits … Proverbs Turner brating the milestone. The congre- Cybulski said. less ministry called Family Promise and 31, Sally is that gation has outgrown its rented shop- Christian Helping Hands, a food bank. woman,” said fellow Raleigh Church ping center storefront near the Camp NEW YORK “We can always be depended on in an of Christ member Fran Holland. “Her David presidential retreat, elder Dennis ROOSEVELT — The Roosevelt-Freeport emergency, too,” said member Linda Bible knowledge is great.” Norris said. Church of Christ is rejoicing in its first Shaw, noting that the church provided The 91-year-old continues to teach The church started with four set of triplets, who recently turned a aid for those in its community after women’s classes, volunteer at the founding families and has grown to year old and marked the occasion with Hurricane Ike and also sent funds to church and serve as a resource for more than 80 members, Norris said. their church family. nearby Galveston. women of all ages, Holland said. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION APRIL 2013 APRIL 2013 ACROSS THE NATION the christian chronicle 7
Counselor and minister Lonnie Jones speaks Ministers and first cousins Travis Creasy and Ben Hayes emcee the “Ben and Travis Great Conference attendees line up outside the His prop a colorful reminder, minister David Shannon from the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ in to CYC attendees about “Jesus the Savior.” Gender Gap Extravaganza,” a competitive event including “Obscure Bible Trivia.” Gatlinburg Convention Center. Tennessee speaks to Challenge Youth Conference attendees about “Jesus the Door.”
Speaker David Shannon paced in front 9,900 registrants. With that number of a single red door in the middle of the added to a staff of more than 100, it was stage as he addressed the audience. CYC’s first time to break the 10,000 Minister of the Mt. Juliet Church of mark, Davenport said. Christ near Nashville, Tenn., Shannon While most of the 350 to 370 youth ‘Goofiness with a point’ took issue with those in today’s culture groups in attendance come from who affirm multiple pathways to God. Alabama and Tennessee, the rally also CHALLENGE YOUTH CONFERENCE mixes Bible study, fun as 10,000 teens and adults gather in mountain-resort town. He insisted that Jesus is the one door draws teens from Michigan to Florida, to the Father. Davenport said. When organizers launched CYC in CYC is one of two large gatherings BY Ted Parks | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ence to tweet the Hebrew names The spiritual messages behind the 2000, “our goal was just to have a solid, for teens in Churches of Christ in of Shadrach, Meshach and skits — “values-based entertainment,” Scriptural, Bible-based conference, one Gatlinburg in February. Winterfest GATLINBURG, Tenn. Abednego for a chance to partici- as Jones called them — illustrated where the young people would … be drew more than 12,000 people one hat’s the longest name pate on stage later in the day. a key quality of CYC: traditional, challenged to week before in the Bible? From Next came S.W.A.T. — “Skits Scripturally anchored teaching about live their lives CYC. The nearly Audience members in the convention center’s Great Hall stretch for giveaway Frisbees where was the biblical With a Truth.” faithful Christian living in today’s world. for Christ in a back-to-back tossed to the crowd before a Challenge Youth Conference session. guy who had 12 fingers As the lights came up on a dark- Addressing the theme “Jesus” — world that’s often Gatlinburg and toes? Who ate a ened stage, the audience met the “Jesus the Child,” “Jesus the Man,” indifferent to liv- conferences Hope Church of Christ in Celina, Tenn., night the group feasted on hot dogs Wbook that tasted as sweet as honey? operator of an elevator to heaven. “Jesus the Door,” “Jesus the Savior,” ing that kind of are planned attending CYC with her granddaughter. and chili. Mahershalalhashbaz, Gath and When a judgmental passenger “Jesus the Friend” — speakers dug life,” said director and carried out “I came one year with two of my grand- Mike McKay from the Wildwood Ezekiel (John, too) were on the tip objected to others on board — deeply into bedrock themes of Christian Larry Davenport, independently. children. And then it just keeps grow- Church of Christ in Florida hopes CYC of your tongue, right? including someone in bad need of a faith, drawing a sharp line between what a development “The two ing, and … I want to be part of it.” will make a lasting impact. He recalled These and other “Obscure Bible bath — the operator pointed out the the Bible says about Jesus and society’s official at Mars probably reflect “They need some grandparents his own daughters, now in college. Trivia” questions entertained only qualifications for the ride up. answers about how to get to God. Hill Bible School different com- along,” added fellow New Hope mem- “When they have kids, they’ll be looking 10,000 teens, youth ministers and Each person aboard, the opera- “I have labored over this lesson and in Florence, Ala. munities,” said ber Jo Nell McLerran. for something like this,” he said. “That’s adult leaders gathered for the PHOTOS BY TED PARKS tor explained, “believed in Jesus, have no possible way to explain to you The conference At CYC, prepackaged communion elements — a Brad Poe, minis- Of the 60 people attending CYC why I’m hoping it doesn’t ever stop.” Challenge Youth Conference — an A team of girls competes for best air guitar in a round of the repented of his sins, confessed the significance of what I’m about to has its roots in thin white wafer atop a cup of juice — expedite ob- ter of the Rome from the Savannah Church of Christ in A speaker’s reference to next year’s event whose focus on the Bible “Great Gender Gap Extravaganza” at the youth conference. him as Lord, been baptized, lived say,” Kyle Butt, editor at Alabama-based the Florence servation of the Lord’s Supper on Sunday morning. Church of Christ Tennessee, 13 were adults, said George CYC caught the attention of 15-year-old was anything but trivial. a good Christian life.” Apologetics Press, told the CYC crowd. area. With local in Proctorville, Williams, who drove the congregation’s Alexus Alvarez. CYC meets every February in this scheduling early and late versions of the “So many times you get in front of “Jesus Christ was 100 percent God youth events such as special series and Ohio, attending CYC with 24 people 30-passenger bus to the conference, “I’m not a Christian yet,” Alvarez mountain-resort town. sessions and concluding assembly. kids and you entertain them, and it’s when he came to this earth but at the singings well attended, leaders decided from his church. Poe felt the “format accompanied by two vans and four cars. said. Before moving to Charlotte, N.C., The three-day conference begins with On Saturday morning at this year’s goofiness. Well, we have goofiness with same time was 100 percent man,” Butt to plan a bigger activity, Davenport said. and content” of CYC were aimed at Offering a home-cooked alternative to where she attends Mountain Island a Friday night session, continues all CYC, ministers Ben Hayes and Travis a point,” said Lonnie Jones, S.W.A.T. said. “You know what the incarnation Held in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the initial more traditional congregations. Gatlinburg’s pancake houses, fast-food Church of Christ, she had little experi- day Saturday and wraps up with Sunday Creasy primed the crowd for upcoming member and a professional counselor in means? event drew 325 people. As word spread, Though the conference is focused on restaurants, and upscale eateries, the ence in church. morning worship. activities. Alabama. “We want the kids to maybe “Jesus wasn’t a superhero. ... He the crowd grew to 800, then 1,300, then young people, not everyone at CYC is Savannah adults prepare some of the “I actually like what they were talking With the Great Hall at the Gatlinburg During “Fun with Ben and Travis,” look at themselves in the scenario and wasn’t invincible. He wasn’t impervious 1,800. After two years, the conference a teen. weekend’s meals in the two cabins they about,” Alvarez said. “Every time I hear Convention Center holding 6,000 people, the ministers led songs, orchestrated go, ‘If I were there, how would I have to pain and emotional heartache. You moved to nearby Gatlinburg. “You can’t explain how inspiring it is,” rent. Breakfast included bacon, biscuits more and more about the Bible … I planners accommodate the crowd by a crowd wave and invited the audi- reacted?’” see, Jesus was just like you.” This year, CYC organizers counted said Nina Smith, a member of the New and sausage balls, Williams said. Friday learn more new stuff.” 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2013 ALBANIA spotlight Lushnja — A Church of Christ that meets in this southern European city is looking for a new meeting place, Tears of joy in Djibouti missionary Tom Bonner says. Sunday attendance had reached 50 but has DJIBOUTI — Barry Baggott, a church dipped in recent months. member who oversees French World “We want to find some place that can Outreach, visited a small group of handle a much larger gathering without Christians in this predominantly difficulty — in which we can grow for Muslim nation in East Africa recently. many years,” Bonner said. In 2006, a church member from In a recent newsletter, Bonner posted Ghana traveled to Djibouti (pronounced several baptism photos from Lushnja. See jih-BOOT-ee), a small, coastal nation them at lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com. bordering Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. The Ghanaian Christian BRAZIL helped to establish a RECIFE — About 340 Christians, repre- small congregation of senting more than 20 congregations in expatriates. Baggott six Brazilian states, attended the 27th studied the Bible with a annual “Congresso,” or lectureship, for handful of believers from Churches of Christ in northern Brazil, the Congo, Kenya, Ivory said missionary Mike Pruitt. Coast and Cameroon and On the final day of the event, several set up opportunities for Baggott area churches joined the lectureship others to study through for Sunday worship, and the number the World English Institute ministry. swelled to about 500. For more informa- One Bible student asked to be tion, see www.missionrecife.org. PHOTO PROVIDED by scott gordon baptized. Baggott and the student walked far into the Gulf of Tadjoura Christians have a-’maize’-ing plans for Malawi to find water deep enough for immer- Chester Kabinda-Mbewe speaks during the dedication of a maize mill near the town of Dedza sion. As they returned to the shore, in the southern African nation of Malawi. The mill will help the people from nearby villages the student “fell down on his knees and ground their harvested corn into a powder they can use to make life-sustaining food. cried for joy,” Baggott said. Kabinda-Mbewe is an elder of the Red Cross Church of Christ in Blantyre, Malawi. The church The Christians discussed their dreams is one of several Malawian congregations partnering with U.S. Christians in the Dedza project. of renting a center to provide free Christians also plan to construct a hospital in Dedza and a meeting place for the Malawi English lessons through computers International Bible Institute. The elders of the Green Valley Church of Christ in Noblesville, Ind., as an outreach. For more information, oversee the work. For more information, see www.mibisunset.com. contact [email protected].
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GEORGE AKPABLI Church members in northern Brazil follow a “In this wonderful context, I now beg the recent North Volta Bible Camp, Church leaders in the Mombasa area speaker in their Bibles at the “Congresso.” your prayers as we begin to make the said Willie Gley, an evangelist and asked political candi- changes necessary to prepare for a new missionary who works with Churches of dates to join them for a CHILE life in the U.S.,” Hatcher said. Christ in Ghana and Togo. prayer service recently, SANTIAGO — A mission team arrived in “Challenges Confronting the Church” said minister Michael this South American capital in 1999 was the theme. Gley spoke on “The Mutai. with the goal of planting “a self-suffi- Challenge of Church Cooperation” and “They were prayed for cient, Chilean-lead church in a middle- “The Challenge of Pentecostalism.” and asked to be peaceful class part of the metropolitan region,” During the camp, church members and not to incite the said team member Jeff Hatcher. participated in times of fasting and people,” Mutai said. Mutai “In short, we were here to work prayer, a Bible quiz competition and “These were men from ourselves out of a job,” he said. health screenings, Gley said. almost every political party.” Twelve years later, Hatcher and his family are preparing to return to the KENYA LITHUANIA U.S., leaving the Providencia Church of PHOTO PROVIDED BY jeff hatcher MOMBASA — Christians in this East VILNIUS — Church members in this Christ they helped launch in the hands Cristian Rodriguez, with his wife, Sandra, and African city pray fervently for peace Eastern European capital recently began of newly appointed elders Cristian Luis Hasbun, with his wife, Veronica, are the ahead of their country’s general elec- making weekly visits to a children’s home Rodriguez and Luis Hasbun. first elders of the Providencia Church of Christ. tions. In late 2007, a disputed presiden- to play games and encourage orphans, Team members recently partici- tial election sparked violence between minister Juozas Puodziukaitis said. pated in the church’s first-ever “Retiro GHANA ethnic groups across the country, “We celebrate their birthdays, ... attend de Ancianos” (elders’ retreat). The DAMBIA — More than 600 Christians, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,500 their drama nights and help with home- church’s website is www.idcp.cl. representing 46 congregations, attended people, including 10 church members. work in their studies,” the minister said. APRIL 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9
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The Ascending Voice iii
An InternAtIonAl SyMpoSIuM AnD CHorAl MISSIONS Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage FeStIVAl oF SACreD A CAppellA MuSIC Christian University missions. After participat- ing in the HCU campaign program each semester as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was May 9-11, 2013 capable of leading his own mission team. And Malibu, California he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he organized a team of HCU students to join him in his home country of Peru, where they conducted The Ascending Voice III is an international symposium and choral Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an festival devoted exclusively to a cappella music in Christian HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is worship. Held on one of America’s most beautiful campuses, planning a second trip. From being led to leading... that’s the goal of the symposium features presentations by the world’s leading the Christian Service and campaign authorities on this rich style of worship. Daily concert lineup programs. Ramon plans includes performances by: to return to Peru after graduation, but he will have left a legacy • Top collegiate choral groups of leadership... and a • Sweet Honey In The Rock dream in the hearts of other students. That’s • The Los Angeles Master Chorale the type of missions experience you can • The Festival Chorus conducted by expect from HCU. Dr. Allen Hightower of Luther College It’s our focus.
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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY Most missionaries give of themselves until there is nothing much left to give. Perhaps you long for a time of refreshing and renewal. This is the place and the time. Whether you are in the U.S. briefly on “home assignment”, are returning www.mrnet.org somewhat permanently or have been “home” awhile, 1.888.641.2229 come and let us minister to the deep places of your spirit.
SESSIONS INCLUDE: • NASHVILLE, TN (Lipscomb University) – JUNE 3-7, 2013 • Debriefing • LAKE TEXOMA, TX – JUNE 17-21, 2013 • Reentry • Spiritual Formation • Rest and Recreation For more information or to register, contact: [email protected] APRIL 2013 AROUND THE WORLD THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOHN YO Taiwan style: Christians gather for lectureship Christians pose for a group photo during the first day of the Taichung Bible Lectureship. The three-day seminar, hosted by the Taichung Church of Christ in Taiwan, featured five speakers from Singapore, Malaysia, mainland China and the Taiwanese cities of Hualien and Taipei. Missionary sailor Tom Tune dies at 83 BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE medicine, fitting the poor for eyeglasses and teaching about Jesus. GROWTH 40TH NATIONAL “Plant me where I drop. I’ll rise with In 1991 he sailed for Hong Kong. He THROUGH the people I love.” stopped at the Cook Islands, where he JAIL/PRISON Those were the words Tom Tune found opportunities to serve the people used to describe his desires “when he of the South Pacific. While overseeing MINISTRY/WORKSHOP gets to the end of the road,” his son, construction of a medical mission boat MINISTRY Mike Tune, said in a in Vietnam, he shared his faith with 2009 interview with The the people he met. Baptisms followed Florence, Alabama, June 12-14, 2013 Christian Chronicle. and a church was born. Soon, nearly www.nationalprisonworkshop2013.org Tom Tune had sailed 100 people attended. Tom Tune helped the globe and intended establish another congregation in the Sponsored by to die in a foreign field Vietnamese city of Can Tho. KILLEN CHURCH OF CHRIST, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY — most likely Vietnam, The missionary also launched “Tom’s and NEW LIFE BEHAVIOR NETWORK OF ALABAMA where he had worked for Kids,” a program for impoverished chil- For more information, contact eight years. Instead, the dren in Ho Chi Minh City. Many of the Tom Tune missionary sailor, ship children are descendants of Vietnamese Lori Eastep at [email protected] or 256-766-6610 builder, tailor and carpenter died Feb. who supported the Americans during the Bill Dean at [email protected] or 256-757-4487 5 in a veterans hospital in Little Rock, Vietnam War. The program now has 145 Ark., after enduring multiple health children in school. Four have attended problems during a furlough from his a ministry training school in Singapore, • Over 75 class sessions from 55 highly qualified preachers, professionals, and teachers overseas work. He was 83. and two have studied at Christian univer- • All major facets of prison/jail ministry covered, including: Born in Murray, Ky., Tom Tune joined sities in the U.S. Mike Tune, minister • How to start a prison ministry the Navy at age 16. In 1961 he and his for the Church of Christ in Falls Church, • How to establish homes for newly released inmates • Techniques of teaching on addictions and related topics family moved to Hong Kong to serve as Va., helps coordinate the effort. • Church growth through prison ministry missionaries. In 1979 he bought a boat, • And more named after his daughter, Dorcas Sue, Memorial contributions may be sent to • Classes for all program levels: beginner, learning, and experienced prison ministries and sailed the waters of South America Amazing Grace International, P.O. Box 8453, Falls and the Mediterranean, delivering Church, VA 22041. Mark contributions for “Tom’s Kids.” 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT APRIL 2013 APRIL 2013 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 13
‘Something had to be done. Churches were closing their doors.’ IOWA: Rejuvenated rural church looks to the future — Art Wallis, Central Iowa Missions
BOBBY ROSS JR. BOBBY ROSS JR. PHOTO PROVIDED BY WEST LIBERTY CHURCH PHOTO PROVIDED BY WEST LIBERTY CHURCH BOBBY ROSS JR. Rodney Playle, Anita Gilbert and Pauline Ell Minister Tom Collier, seated on the front row, sings with other members of the West Liberty Children pose by the church sign in 1967, Young people study the Bible outside a tent during a Vacation Bible School at the West Liberty church in 1967. Longtime members of the Krista Fatzinger, granddaughter of member look at old photos in a 1967 church history. Church of Christ during a Sunday morning assembly. the building’s 100th anniversary. Iowa farm congregation share fond memories of the church’s annual VBS programs, which drew truckloads of participants. Norma Jean Farrington, hugs Butch Gilbert.
FROM PAGE 1 Through a 13-week Sunday morning Wallis saw the ad, which detailed West In March 2012, Collier — who works Butch and Anita Gilbert, Ell’s son- continuing to do work for the church and get a heartbeat again.” Other residents remember attending “The finances were dwindling quite course, Wallis teaches basic preaching Liberty’s situation, and told Grandview full time as a Wells Fargo analyst — in-law and daughter, join her on the around the world.” Building renovations, development VBS at the church. “There’s a plethora rapidly,” said treasurer Rodney Playle, 66, skills to men of the Grandview church. member Tom Collier about it. accepted the challenge of becoming second row. The Gilberts hold worn of West Liberty’s first-ever website and of people that were taught by these a longtime member whose family started Those who complete the course join Collier — one of Central Iowa Missions’ West Liberty’s part-time preacher. maroon hymnals as the congregation RESTORING A CONGREGATION’S HEARTBEAT intentional efforts to connect with the folks when they were kids,” Dianne attending the church when he was 8. a roster of trained preachers available regular fill-in preachers — had spoken at He and his wife, Dianne, make the two- sings “Leaning on the Everlasting When Collier arrived, he found a community have helped rejuvenate the Collier said. “So what I’m hoping is that to fill pulpits — usually on a temporary West Liberty a few times. hour round trip from their Des Moines Arms” and “Faith is the Victory.” congregation of dedicated Christians church, Collier said. those seeds that were planted will even- KEEPING CHURCHES FROM CLOSING basis — within a two-hour drive of the The possibility that a church with home each Sunday. In addition, they Anita Gilbert, 53, grew up at West who had settled into a not-so-exciting Knocking doors in nearby towns, tually come back to fruition.” Long stretches of highway separate state capital. such a rich history might close lead a Wednesday night Bible study and Liberty but — like many of her genera- routine, he said. Tom and Dianne Collier have discov- Iowa’s 64 Churches of Christ, which “We try to go out and help,” Wallis shocked Collier. attend other church events, such as West tion — moved away. “This was how they were going to ered that nearly everybody is familiar FUTURE IN GOD’S HANDS boast fewer than 2,900 total mem- said. “It’s easier to keep churches going “It just kind of stirred me,” he said. “I Liberty’s monthly Friday night singing. “I didn’t want to work in a factory. I finish their days, six or seven of them, with the little white church. About 30 West Liberty members have bers, according to the 2012 edition of than it is to let them die and then try to thought, ‘Are we, as Churches of Christ “Tom decided he wasn’t going to let didn’t want to work for less than mini- trying to sing their songs, maybe clos- “They say, ‘My dad got married there’ died in the last 20 years. Churches of Christ in the United States. go back later and start from nothing.” in Iowa, just going to let our weaker it close on his watch,” said Matt Glawe, mum wage in a small store. I didn’t want ing their doors,” he said. “But what I or ‘My grandfather’s buried there,’” Just one person in the pews on this Fifty-eight of Iowa’s 99 counties have congregations fold?’” minister for the Ogden Church of to farm,” said Gilbert, who was visiting wanted … was to breathe some new life Tom Collier said. Sunday is younger than 50. Thirteen- no Church of Christ, according to the ’TOO STUBBORN’ TO GIVE UP Christ, a 50-member Iowa congregation her mother. “That’s really all there is.” year-old Krista Fatzinger is the grand- national directory published by 21st The West Liberty church’s native tim- planted in 2001. But the West Liberty church main- daughter of longtime member Norma Century Christian. ber roof needed replacing. The upstairs The Odgen church committed $300 a tains a special place in her heart, Anita Jean Farrington, 81. About 27 percent of the Hawkeye rest room lacked hot water. The base- month to help with Collier’s ministry. Gilbert said. A recent baptism and the addition of State’s 3.1 million residents live in a ment flooded when it rained. “If that one is gone, it’s a pretty great She and her husband, who attend the a few new members who had been driv- county with no Church of Christ. Only Besides maintenance issues, the distance to the next Church of Christ,” Center Point Road Church of Christ ing elsewhere give old-timers reason Minnesota, North Dakota and South dwindling congregation had no regular said Glawe, a vocational minister whose in Marion, Iowa, northeast of Cedar for hope. Dakota have higher percentages of preacher. family operates an auto body shop and a Rapids, donated $20,000 to help with “We won’t give up,” said Bruce Guyer, such residents. Still, the church refused to give up, farm services business. “Just too many the needed repairs. 65, who grew up at West Liberty. For the past 14 years, Central Iowa members said. have closed, and anything we can do to Other concerned Christians contrib- “Nope,” agreed Ell, who has lived on Missions — a ministry overseen by “We’re too stubborn to do anything keep them open, we’re willing to do.” uted roughly $10,000. the same 99-acre farm for 62 years. the 150-member Grandview Church of else,” Playle said. “We’re bullheaded.” Even a few area residents who do not “We want to teach the Gospel,” added Christ in Des Moines — has worked to But without a minister, the mostly SPECIAL PLACE IN HER HEART attend the church but see it as an impor- Playle. bolster Iowa churches. older members saw little way to keep On this frosty Sunday, 15 souls tant community landmark gave funds. Still, the congregation’s long-term “Something had to be done,” said Art going, they said. occupy the seven rows of pews in West “It’s not just the bodies in the pews survival remains far from certain. Wallis, the full-time missions evangelist In a last-ditch effort to keep the church PHOTO PROVIDED BY WEST LIBERTY CHURCH Liberty’s wood-paneled auditorium right now,” Anita Gilbert said of West BOBBY ROSS JR. “It’s going to be up to God,” Tom who directs Central Iowa Missions. alive, Playle placed an advertisement last At left, Pauline Ell, now 89, is shown in her — more than double the typical atten- Liberty’s legacy. “It’s the people that Signs for the West Liberty church and the public cemetery that surrounds the building greet Collier said. “He’s going to have to give “Churches were closing their doors.” year seeking a self-supporting minister. younger years with a fellow church member. dance a year ago. have passed through here … and are visitors to the 156-year-old congregation, about an hour east of Des Moines, Iowa. the increase.” 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT APRIL 2013 APRIL 2013 FROM THE SECOND FRONT the christian chronicle 15
OGLESBY: Texas minister marks 50 years preaching at Dallas-area church Veterans have a common bond of duty, honor & service. No mat- ter when, where, or how you served, and what you’ve experi- FROM PAGE 3 first preacher I ever heard who made enced in civilian life, you may be dealing with issues that affect stuck with me: ‘The church where you sense. He had something to say, and he your well-being or get in the way of your relationships, work, or are seems to have all these problems. said it in a way that was compelling.” daily activities. Life begins to feel like a “never ending walk on a tight-rope”, with no where to go but down. The church trying to get you tries to Oglesby inspired Taylor to become a VetNet hide their problems. … So why not try to minister himself. work out the problems where you are?’” Even after a half-century, Oglesby maintains a high energy and a strong NLBM seeks to provide support through a series of VetNet courses A PREACHER SINCE HIS TEEN YEARS work ethic, said Taylor, who spent two specifically designed for, and at no cost to Veterans, active duty mili- Robert Oglesby Sr.’s passion for decades in pulpit ministry elsewhere tary personnel or family members. Courses cover many topics: Relationships, Parenting, Attitudes & preaching manifested itself early. before joining Waterview’s staff in 2000. Family Upreach, Inc. At age 17 in 1950, he began his senior “He’s not one of those preachers who Behaviors, Substance Abuse, Anger Issues, and those who www.nlbm.org [email protected] “Seek a closer walk with Christ.” Phone: (361) 855-3372 year of high school. He preached every spends all his time in his study prepar- Fax: (361) 225-0853 Sunday, alternating between two little ing,” Taylor said. “He visits hospitals churches. all the time. He visits shut-ins. He does His future bride, Willora, attended one his share of funerals. He’s among the Tweens! Th is is for you!!! Pulpit & Youth Minister of those churches — in the unincorpo- people, so he hears their joys and their Church & Community Groups rated community of Shannon, Texas. hurts and their needs.” Seeking a youthful and energetic “So I got to hear lots of tryout ser- Oglesby translates those joys, hurts mons before I married him,” joked and needs into sermons that match Essie individual for full time preaching Willora, Robert’s wife of 57 years. exactly what the 1,000-member church responsibility. Before Robert and Willora were even needs at any given time, Taylor said. CLINT WALKER Childers The successful candidate will serve as full- born, their families knew each other. As Willora said she and Robert have Robert Oglesby takes a moment to reflect as he preaches at the Waterview Church of Christ Presents... time minister and pulpit preacher, assist- Willora explained, “My daddy and his CLINT WALKER made it a practice never to “cozy up to in Richardson, Texas, on the weekend the congregation honored him for 50 years of service. ing with all aspects of shepherding a small mother used to either date or double- Robert and Willora Oglesby, with son Robert Jr. and daughter Cheryl Bradley, celebrate with cake. any one group in the church.” congregation and evangelizing the local In Packing Tools for community. Prior teaching and preaching date when they were teenagers.” “The first intern I ever had said, ‘For Two years ago, the Oglesby how to put out five-alarm fires, and even Success Beyond Middle experience are a plus, but not required. Robert and Willora did not date until Oglesby began their new ministry at the Bible classes. He has conducted more the life of me, I can’t figure out who Preaching Studio made its debut at better still, how to keep a five-alarm fire School, Essie Childers The successful candidate must have a zeal both attended Abilene Christian. Waterview church, north of Dallas. Son than 450 workshops about the group your best friends are,’” Robert said. “I Harding. from even needing to happen,” she said. will be your mentor Robert earned a bachelor’s degree in Robert Jr. was 4 years old. discussion method across the nation. said, ‘That’s right, and you won’t.’ The Waterview church committed to Besides focusing on effective conflict to help you visualize for evangelism and youth ministry and be Bible in 1955, then completed a mas- The Abrams Road Church of Christ Oglesby also developed a method of “But that’s not really a subterfuge,” donate $200,000 to build the state-of- management, Oglesby maintains a daily success on your comfortable with preterist views. ter’s degree in Bible while Willora — a in Richardson — later renamed the training members to share their faith he added. “We just enjoy everybody.” the-art preaching studio. log of his activities — from number of journey to high The Church of Christ of Hanover is year behind him — finished her under- Richardson East Church of Christ — called Personal Evangelism Training, The studio allows preaching students hospital visits made to hours spent pre- school. located in South Central PA . We are a graduate studies in home economics. had “birthed” the new congregation, or PET. A MENTOR FOR YOUNG PREACHERS to watch and learn from their own pre- paring his sermon. small congregation situated in the midst They married on Feb. 3, 1956. sending off a group to reach the grow- “It was a different kind of course,” Like Taylor, Jacob Hawk, 25, cites sentations and film sermons that can be That way, Waterview’s elders don’t ORDER TODAY! of a growing suburban residential com- Oglesby didn’t preach his freshman ing west side of town. he said. “I’d really worked on it, and Oglesby’s influence on his ministry path. sent to churches when they begin the need to ask how he’s spending his time. www.amazon.com munity. Pay will initially be a modest year. But his sophomore year, he began Oglesby preached his first sermon in I’d done everything but jump out of “Is he God?” Hawk remembers ask- interview process, Danny Hawk said. They know. www.barnesandnoble.com salary, but will grow as the congregation driving to Blackwell, Texas, where he Waterview’s small auditorium on Feb. 3, a plane with a parachute to get their ing his parents when as a young boy he Oglesby said he has a passion for He also encourages young preachers www.mvitaconsulting.com grows. The use of a private office is also preached for four years. 1963 — his seventh wedding anniversary. attention. Finally, I broke through their heard the preacher’s “deep, powerful helping young preachers survive their to have a written job description. included. The Breckenridge Church of Christ Attendance that first Sunday totaled 140. resistance, and they said, ‘Well, maybe I bass voice.” first few years of ministry. “That way, when the leaders say, “I have decided to allow God to be the captain Send resume and references to: in West Texas gave Oglesby his first Young engineers who worked at nearby should do something like this.’” “It felt so comforting to listen to him,” “We’re losing good guys that just ‘Why were you doing that?’ you say, of my ship because I am still under full-time preaching position, hiring him Texas Instruments made up a sizable At one point in 1967, the Waterview said Hawk, minister for the Riverside don’t have any pragmatic understand- ‘Well, because that is what you told me construction. I need him every day to Church of Christ of Hanover, 1560 help guide and direct my thoughts. in 1956. But after six and a half years in portion of the congregation. church baptized 26 people in 26 weeks. Church of Christ in Kerrville, Texas. ing of what to do at first,” he said. “If to do,’” Oglesby said. “And the conver- Wanda Drive, Hanover, PA 17331 I am the Daughter of THE KING! or Breckenridge, he said, he decided he’d At Waterview, the Oglesbys found “It wasn’t me,” Oglesby said. “Other In 1976, Jacob’s father, Danny Hawk, they can survive for five years, they’ll sation is over. That doesn’t solve every Your past does not determine your destiny.” “peaked out” and needed a “little more themselves at a brand-new church with people were out teaching because I’d now a Waterview elder, served as a probably make it. problem, but it really helps.” ~Essie Childers [email protected] challenge.” no elders and most members their age. trained them to teach.” preaching intern under Oglesby. In “But they blow up. They’re young, Take it from someone who endeav- “I got a tsunami of a challenge,” he “We had been used to having a lot of 2007, while studying preaching at and they’re impetuous, and they say, ored a long time ago to avoid “two quipped. older people in the congregation who TUNED IN TO THE CHURCH’S HEARTBEAT Harding University in Searcy, Ark., ‘I’m not going to put up with this,’” he years and a cloud of dust.” babied us and took care of us,” Willora Robert Taylor’s family came to Jacob Hawk did the same. added. “And some of the best ones, most “My joy and satisfaction have been Lariat Creek Christian Camp NEW BEGINNING, EVENTFUL YEAR said. “And you get to this new place, Waterview in 1968. “His fingerprints can be seen all over capable ones, are the ones that quit.” tied up, obviously, in the Waterview In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. and here are these 30-year-olds just like He was 12 years old. pulpits across the brotherhood,” Jacob church itself,” Oglesby said. “I’ve loved 40th Anniversary Celebration! delivered his famous “I have a dream” we were. They didn’t have time to bake Membership had topped 700. It even- Hawk said of Oglesby, who has taught RETIREMENT? SOMEDAY, BUT NOT NOW that church.” speech, Beatlemania struck the United us pies.” tually would hit 1,300 before Waterview “ministry survival” skills to dozens of Certain key traits have contributed For now, the grandfather of five and Please RSVP: Kingdom, and President John F. Robert didn’t even have an office. sent about 300 members to start the young preachers. to Oglesby’s staying power, his wife great-grandfather of one intends to www.lariatcreek.org or 405-884-2878 Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas. But growth came quickly. McDermott Road Church of Christ in In 1993, the Waterview church started believes. keep preaching, just as he has since he In The Christian Chronicle, Abilene In 1967, Waterview built a larger audi- nearby Plano in the late 1990s. the Oglesby Foundation as a gift to Among them: His speaking ability. was a teen. Christian’s integration, the inaugural torium. That same year, the Oglesbys “Throughout my childhood, I had Robert and Willora on their 30th anniver- His versatility. His willingness to keep “Obviously, I will need to retire some- Come celebrate LCCC’s history and learn about our capital Pan-American Lectureship and the adopted a newborn daughter, Cheryl. watched lazy preachers preach bad ser- sary with the congregation. up with the times. His commitment to time,” he said, “but my elders say, “Not improvements project and how you can be a part of the blessings! Exodus Movement — an effort by Oglesby’s influence spread beyond mons from sermon outline books,” said The foundation provides scholarships Bible study. just yet.’” Christians in the South to evangelize cit- his home congregation as he began Taylor, now 57 and Waterview’s minis- for preaching students. Waterview mem- “But to me, another thing that’s April 27, 2013 ies in the Northeast — made headlines. studying small-group processes and ter of administration, evangelism and bers have given most of the $600,000 in equally important is be able to handle SEE PHOTOS from Robert and Willora Oglesby’s early That same year, Robert and Willora innovated a group discussion method of education. “Robert Oglesby was the the foundation’s endowment. troublesome-type situations, to know years at www.christianchronicle.org. 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT APRIL 2013
JAMAICA: Lectures emphasize Christian integrity FROM PAGE 1 Sylvania Heights Church of Christ in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., traveled to the city known as MoBay for vacation. He sought out the church and found its
Faulkner University continually seeks talented, high energy individuals to members meeting at the local YMCA. He grew to love the Jamaican help us succeed in these times of growth and we are excited to announce Christians and made return trips, bring- the following open positions.
ing hard-to-afford medications for blood Multiple Faculty Positions – Available Fall 2013 pressure and diabetes. He raised funds for construction of the church’s build- All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to ing and spoke at its dedication. Christ-centered Liberal Arts education and Christian service.
“I’m just excited and very happy,” College of Arts and Sciences Davis said of his role in the work. “This Communication little island has supplied preachers for a Counseling lot of countries.” The Montego Bay church hosts the English gospel meeting on Ash Wednesday, a Mathematics national holiday in Jamaica. In recent ERIK TRYGGESTAD College of Business years, the church combined the event Derrick Brown preaches on sexual integrity with a weekend training seminar for at the Montego Bay lectureship. Accounting church members. Congregations in Business Information Systems Alabama and Tennessee provide funds. got involved in sexual scandal. Marketing “This is my prime inspirational “God wants us to understand that there ground,” said Oliver Bembridge, minis- is absolutely nothing wrong with discuss- College of Education – Available Summer 2013 ter for the Tydixon Church of Christ in ing sex in a Christian context,” he said. Chair Jamaica. The lecturers help him improve Speaking about infidelity and Internet Jones School of Law his sermon delivery and increase his pornography, he urged the Christians — Bible knowledge, he said. especially preachers — to practice sexual Law Faculty Another goal of the integrity. The crowd responded with
event is to encourage frequent shouts of “Amen!” Academic rank for faculty positions will be based upon education and Jamaica’s evangelistic, It was a necessary topic, said Laura experiential qualifications according to University policy. These positions growing churches toward Brown, 84, whose late husband was a are full-time, 9 or 12-months. The candidates selected must be available self-sufficiency, said minister for a church in the Jamaican to assume the duties of the positions Summer or Fall of 2013. Romeo Tomlinson, one of city of Ocho Rios. A longtime Sunday Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. The review of the coordinators. A native school teacher, she attends the gospel applications will begin immediately. Employment is conditional upon a of Jamaica, Tomlinson meeting every year. Laura Brown satisfactory background check and verification of work authorization ministers for the Westside “What they speak about is good for through E-Verify. Church of Christ in the church,” she said.
Tuscaloosa, Ala. He Camiel Fenton, 18, also teaches Additional details regarding these positions, including application notes that U.S. churches, Sunday school at her congregation in requirements, are available on Faulkner’s website: www.faulkner.edu increasingly, are moving Negril, Jamaica, and is active in the
Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36109 to short-term support for congregation’s 20-member youth group. international missions. “I knew I would see all my favorite Tomlinson wants to hear preachers,” she said, adding that she more Jamaican ministers was so eager to attend that she packed
The 30-year-old Your New Baby’s Instruction Book preaching on the impor- Fenton two days before leaving for the seminar. AMEN Ministry By Sherry Kelly tance of giving. One of the speakers, Michael Dunbar, connects Christians The perfect gift for This year, coordinators assigned top- told attendees young and old that a in the United States every new or ics to the speakers — from Jamaica and Christian’s integrity should come from military with local the U.S. — on integrity. the desire to emulate Christ. Dunbar, churches of Christ expectant parent. both overseas and in the U.S. Please With humor and Derrick Brown spoke about integrity in who teaches at the Jamaica School of Christians’ sexual relationships. The min- Preaching in Kingston, used two of send name, contact information and wisdom, it provides especially e-mail addresses to: concise information a ister for the Pembroke Church of Christ Jamaica’s heroes to drive home the point. AMEN Ministry new Mom and Dad in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, acknowl- Those who want to emulate reggae http://amenministry.info need to parent with edged that the topic makes him and his music legend Bob Marley will practice 135 Larchmont Drive To Order, call confidence. fellow Christians a bit squeamish. like Bob Marley, he said. Those who Hendersonville, NC 28791 1-888-361-9473 But it shouldn’t, he said. The topic want to be like Usain Bolt must train like Phone: (828) 891-4480 Or go to www.amazon.com is found throughout Scripture. And he the Olympic medalist. E-mail: [email protected] has seen too many congregations “torn “But if we admire Christ,” he said, “we apart by men who lacked integrity” and must be like Christ.”
APRIL 2013 the christian chronicle 17 Go into all the world, with respect
IN JAMAICA, a preacher-training school harbors a vision to reach lost souls in the Caribbean and around the globe.
BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE
A cargo ship sails from Kingston, Jamaica, into the Caribbean Sea. Though the island has a population of 2.7 million, at least 2.5 million Jamaicans live overseas, demographers estimate.
KINGSTON, Jamaica “Jamaicanized” lyrics. the Jamaica School of Preaching. here’s no Bob Marley From Macedonia, the call is But it’s the school’s inter- blasting from the sounding; In Havana the people national reach that makes porch of Gladwyn wait; The countless children in Kiddoe beam with delight. Kiddoe’s home — just Peking, China; The thirsty souls The school trains Christians heartfelt gospel with a of Port-au-Prince; in Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, Caribbean flair. The time has come to go to Haiti and Canada. For nearly The woman of Samaria, the MoBay; Portland, May Pen and two decades, the school has woman, she left her water pot Santa Cruz; Yes from Negril to prepared preachers to reach and gone ... Morant Point; and every parish lost souls in Cuba. Kiddoe, longtime director in between. Recently, Kiddoe began of the Jamaica School of “That’s our closing song,” teaching lessons through the Preaching and Biblical Studies, Kiddoe says. “We use it to moti- PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD Internet to students at a Church waves one arm in the air and vate the brethren to get on with Rachel Taitt, a Christian from the island of Trinidad, and students from the of Christ in Connecticut — and holds his 3-year-old grandson, the Great Commission.” Jamaica School of Preaching sing “Fearless” with the Mona A Cappella Chorus halfway around the world in the Jair, in the other as he sings For the past four decades, the in Kingston at the home of Gladwyn Kiddoe, the school’s director. Himalayan nation of Nepal. along with the Mona Acappella Jamaica School of Preaching “We really do have something Chorus. He yells out lyrics, and has done just that — equipping island. He and his wife, a family ernmost tip. to offer to the world,” Kiddoe the chorus responds, flowing Christians to spread the Gospel physician, had a bold vision — “I am more excited now at says. “Everywhere we go, we seamlessly from song to song. across the Caribbean. to help plant a congregation in 62 than I was at 18 and 19,” have discovered that there’s a The singers take a break as Kiddoe was a tender 29 years every major city and town in Kiddoe says. “Why? For one, hunger ... for deeper knowledge Kiddoe and his wife, Alva, serve old when the U.S. mission- Jamaica by the year 2000. you see the fruits of your labor of the Word. The St. Lucians sandwiches and juice. Before aries who founded the school That dream became reality in walking around you.” are hungry. The people of Haiti long, they’re singing again — handed him the reins in 1979. 1998, when a “crusade” yielded The island has about 70 are hungry. The United States, this time an anthem by U.S. At the time, there were about 23 baptisms and a new church Churches of Christ now, and they’re hungry, hungry. recording artists Acappella with 18 Churches of Christ on the in Negril, on the island’s west- most of their ministers trained at CONTINUED 18 APRIL 2013 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19
Listening from the middle of the church auditorium, Gladwyn Kiddoe gives preaching First-year students at the Jamaica School of Christians sing hymns during Sunday worship at the Mona Church of Christ. Paul Gladwyn Kiddoe tapes an episode of “Christ for Jamaica,” a weekly program on radio pointers to Edward Pratt, a ministry student from the city of Freeport, Bahamas. Preaching review New Testmanent Greek. Edwards, a graduate of the Jamaica School of Preaching, is the church’s minister. station RJR in Kingston. The program is a ministry of the Mona Church of Christ. Jamaica school trains Christians from Cuba to Connecticut
CONTINUED Minnesotan faking a Jamaican accent? sermon and “audition” for the school. now directs the school’s Cuban Keller, suggested the church use the “That’s what excites me,” he says. “I It wasn’t offensive to them in the least Shirley, age 30, still plans to teach extension program, which meets at Jamaican school as a resource. On two don’t know how long I’m going to live, — just hilarious, the students say. physical education — and preach. his home in Santa Clara. More than Saturdays per month, Kiddoe teaches but that is going to be my swan song.” But why are some states in the U.S. Enrolling at the school “is by far the 200 preachers have graduated from eight of the church’s members about adopting gay marriage, they ask. Why best decision I’ve made,” he says. the program — and have contrib- Bible history and evangelism, using JAMAICA PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD A ‘JAMAICANIZED’ MISSION are churches there slipping away from uted to the growth of Churches of the Internet program Skype. Church members line up to serve the Lord’s Supper at the Mona Church of Christ. The On a Sunday morning in Kingston, the Bible-based beliefs that mission- TEACHING HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD Christ in Cuba, which “We have learned so many things church meets in an old movie theater it shares with the Jamaica School of Preaching. the words of two TV evangelists blast aries brought here a half-century ago? Jamaican Christians inherited could soon reach from this class … mostly, how to from competing television sets — Those missionaries, among them a missionary zeal from their U.S. 200 congregations, preach,” said Dev Lal Moktan, a we have the advantage of actually A Christian family recently donated inside a Burger King. Marvin Crowson, Milo Hadwin, Jerry counterparts. Pedraza said in an student in the class who moved to talking to the author.” funds for construction of a multi- Here, Christianity gets “respect” Thompson and Carl Maples, came to In 1971, before returning home, e-mail. In 2005, Cuban Connecticut from Nepal in 2006. media studio to help the school train — a common word in the island’s Jamaica to evangelize, baptize and train missionary Ken Dye launched the Christians hosted the He recommended the training ‘OUR LIMITATION — NOT GOD’S’ students worldwide. signature slang. Though known for locals to take over the work — quickly. Caribbean Lectures in Kingston, an Caribbean Lectures. to Christians in his native country, Back in Kingston, seven members In the 1980s, Kiddoe shared with the reggae music of Bob Marley and The island gained independence annual gospel meeting designed to “We, as cultures, are Nepal. Recently, Kiddoe began of the preaching school’s staff gather his U.S. supporters the vision of a the mystical Rastafari faith he once from Britain in 1962, and its new unite souls across the region. so different,” Pedraza training seven Nepalese church for a meeting to discuss their plans Church of Christ in every major city Shirley professed, denominations of all stripes government adopted a policy of Each year, participants gathered said, but a mutual love members through an online chat — in Jamaica and around the world. and town in Jamaica. line Kingston’s alleyways. Seventh “Jamaicanization.” Missionaries were in a circle and left a space open for for Christ transcends the barriers. program, Google+ Hangouts. Jamaica, like the U.S., is in a credit He remembers one church deacon Day Adventists are strong here, and granted short-term work permits. Christians from an island just 90 “It is a matter of heart,” he added, On Fridays at 9 p.m. in Jamaica, crunch, Kiddoe says. The country’s who gave him “a long list of can’t do’s charismatic faith groups are on the Whatever they did, they had to train PHOTO PROVIDED BY EDWARD PRATT miles north of Jamaica — Cuba. and then concluded his e-mail with, Kiddoe teaches the Christians in money has devalued, and prices for — where are you going to find the rise. Street signs bear Bible verses. Jamaicans to do. Then leave. Divier Hernandez studies the Bible with women in Santa Clara, Cuba. The minister In 1991, as the Cold War ended, “Mi a go mi yard ... see mi pickney.” Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, where food to feed the students is rising. money? Where are you going to find Among the sea of churches, about That mandate made the mission- teaches in the Jamaica School of Preaching’s extension school in Cuba. He is a martial a handful of Jamaican and U.S. (That’s “I’m going home to see my it’s 7:45 a.m. Saturday. Moktan The school has lost some of its the preachers?” 200 souls meet for worship in an old aries effective recruiters, said Francis arts expert and “a Christian soldier,” said Luis Pedraza, the school’s director Christians traveled to Cuba to visit children” in Patois, Jamaica’s dialect.) and his son, David, watch from support in recent years. The North More than 30 years later, “I movie theater — the shared home of Yorke, who was named the school’s believers there. Cuba’s government, The Jamaican School of Preaching’s Connecticut and translate Kiddoe’s Davis Church of Christ in Arlington, continue to marvel at how God has the Mona Church of Christ and the assistant director in 1979. be honest,” says 18-year-old Richard island of Barbados. The emphasis on which has maintained close relations reach extends 1,300 miles north words to the Nepali language. Texas, oversaw the work until three provided the means,” Kiddoe says. Jamaica School of Preaching. It also allowed Yorke and his fellow Wright, a first-year student from psychology “helps me to set my mind with Jamaica since its 1959 revolution, of Cuba — to the U.S. state of It would be easy for Kiddoe to years ago. Now the West Broward “I discovered that the limitation we Sixteen students live in the reno- Jamaican Christians to craft the Portland, Jamaica. “You really have on the right path.” allowed five Cubans to enroll at the Connecticut. There, the Bridgeport e-mail his class notes to the Nepali Church of Christ in Plantation, Fla., place on the church is our limitation vated-but-humble theater as they study school’s curriculum, which includes to know how to manage your time.” Several of the students plan to train Jamaica School of Preaching. Church of Christ is launching an Christians — which he does when collects funds for the school. — not God’s. ... God literally works in the school’s rigorous, four-year healthy doses of Bible history, Greek The curriculum “prepares you in secular fields — from counseling In Kingston, the Cuban students effort to win souls for Christ along their Internet connection fails, David Kiddoe and the staffers make with you and sends help. ministry program. During morning and psychology. One class, titled physically, mentally, to deal with to electrical engineering — to attended a language training Interstate 95 in New England. Since Moktan said during a recent inter- regular trips to the U.S. to raise funds “Let’s get on with it.” chapel, they chat with a guest speaker “Things You Need to Know,” teaches members in the church,” adds provide income as they minister. program to improve their English. 2009, the church has grown from 25 view using the chat program. and encourage Jamaican churches from the U.S. about misconceptions about the importance of being a good Calvin Semple, a fourth-year student Sheldon Shirley was considering “After a while, they could speak to about 70 members, representing at “But having brother Gladwyn there to contribute what they can. But the For more information, see www.jspmona.org between the two countries. husband and father. from the South American nation of a career as a basketball coach when Jamaican,” Kiddoe jokes. least 18 different nationalities. is definitely an advantage,” he said. director doesn’t let finances dampen or contact the West Broward Church of Christ at www. That Super Bowl ad with the “You learn a lot, but it’s a lot, I will Guyana who plans to preach on the Kiddoe asked him to prepare a One of the students, Luis Pedraza, A member from Jamaica, Nadine “If something is lost in translation, his spirits as he considers the future. wbcofc.org or (954) 475-7172. 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2013
Lubbock Christian University offers a life-changing education at a cost significantly below the average private university and comparable to many state universities.
Before you decide, compare.
For more information contact us at: 800.933.7601 or [email protected] LCU.edu APRIL 2013 FROM THE SECOND FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21
ARKANSAS: Church leaders react to gun law Come join our team GRANBURY CHURCH OF CHRIST FROM PAGE 3 and law enforcement officials — to study We are looking for the right person as our ‘outside’ representative. You can WWW.GRANBURYCOC.NET up a church or to an angry or drunk ex- the law and make recommendations, look forward to travel and visiting with husband thinking a church assembly is preaching minister Danny Dodd said. many of our brethren. You would GRANBURY, TEXAS promote our Ministry, and maintain a surefire way to locate and dispatch his “Preliminary suggestions coming contacts as you seek new funding CHILDREN’S/FAMILY MINISTER hated ex-wife,” the Bono preacher added. out of this group include discreet but partnerships. For Akins, the key is that the law visible signage posted around campus You, just might be that person! The Granbury Church of Christ is Call, write or email today, before the searching for a Children’s/Family Minister gives churches the option of allowing indicating ‘no guns allowed,’ along with opportunity is gone. concealed handguns and deciding proper communication to the church to assist the leadership in encouraging and whom — if anyone — may carry weap- family that only law enforcement people Call. Let’s equipping the home to be the primary place help save where faith is nurtured, lived, and shared. ons on their premises. should conceal and carry,” Dodd said. some souls! “A person should be allowed to carry Like the Levy congregation, the Contact John Knox a firearm in a church that permits Central Church of Christ in Little Rock 800-842-8345 [email protected] email: [email protected] the carrying of a firearm for personal is reviewing how to respond, preaching security,” according to the measure minister Leon Barnes said. passed 85-8 by the House and 28-4 by One concern: How will the church’s the Senate. insurance company react? Minister Wanted Evangelist – Minister Arkansas joins a small number of As an inner-city church, the Central states that have passed legislation spe- congregation might be “more likely TheYpsilanti church of Christ, Established congregation near cifically allowing concealed weapons than anyone to have someone come located in Ypsilanti, Mich., is seeking to Lake George in beautiful in houses of worship, CNN reported. into a service with ill intents, bent on fill our vacant minister position, includes Adirondack Mountains. pulpit, class and evangelistic duties. We While about 20 states allow the practice shooting someone or hurting some- Can provide partial support of $2000/mo. because of “right to carry” laws, only a one,” Barnes said. are a diverse congregation with a current few states have singled out churches in “In light of things that have happened average Sunday am attendance of 130. Please submit resume with video to: Queensbury Church of Christ legislation. around the country, I would think it If you desire to be considered for this 357 Aviation Road Little Rock police Capt. Terry might be wise to have someone carry- position, please submit your resume with Queensbury, New York 12804 Hastings, a 37-year law ing a gun who has been trained in how three sermons (audio and/or video) to: www.QueensburyChurchofChrist.com enforcement veteran, to use it,” Barnes said. “But the idea of [email protected] serves as an elder of the just everyone who has a concealed-carry [email protected] Northside Church of license bringing a gun with them to wor- Christ in Benton. ship doesn’t seem like a wise move at all.” Hastings said he has The Southwest Church of Christ in no problem with certi- Jonesboro has not determined what its Family Minister Position fied officers carrying gun policy will be, but preaching minis- Family minister for small progressive Southern weapons in church Hastings ter Jimmy Adcox said he expects “there Colorado church of Christ, with a youth camp. services or to church will be different opinions about the law Song leading ability would be a plus. activities, as many already do. and what our response should be.” Kitchen Manager Needed For information about us go to: www.cocpw.com. “In fact, I encourage it,” he said. “If For his part, Adcox said he prefers Call Wayne 719-671-8724 or Dave 719-404-3687. something happens, we would be calling that people not carry guns at church. Send Resumes to: E-mail [email protected] them for help anyway by dialing 911.” “While I understand and sympathize Send resumes,photograph and and your approach Likewise, church members with mili- with the desire to protect innocent [email protected] to developing young family and youth ministry to tary backgrounds and special weapons people, the impulse to carry a gun above e-mail and/or to training “are very capable of using seems to be driven by fear and control,” Visit us at: Church of Christ Pueblo West restraint and good judgment in high- Adcox said. “I personally choose not to www.campyamhill.org PO Box 7655 stress situations,” Hastings said. live that way and prefer that we model a Pueblo West, CO 81007 But the prospect of “ordinary citi- sense of peace and faith as we carry out zens” bringing handguns to worship God’s mission.” concerns him and may necessitate deci- If churches face a danger or threat, Full-Time Minister sions on a case-by-case basis, he said. then intentional protection by trained “In general, I believe this is a good law enforcement officers would be a The Enterprise Boulevard law and could possibly save lives,” better option than arming members, Church of Christ is searching Hastings said. “As an elder, however, I Adcox said. have a responsibility to our members That’s exactly what the Lewis Street for a full-time minister. to make sure their safety is being taken church has done. Send Resumes to: care of to the best of my ability. … This The Little Rock congregation hired 2801 Enterprise Boulevard may require me telling a member, ‘No, a police officer to provide security dur- you may not carry a concealed hand- ing Sunday and Wednesday services, Lake Charles, LA 70601 gun in services,’ even though they have Jackson said. Fax: 337-430-0093 a permit.” “Even though we have posted signs e-mail: The Levy Church of Christ in North about the weapons, he is at liberty to do [email protected] Little Rock has appointed a group of as he pleases because he is a policeman,” men — including shepherds, deacons Jackson said. AUGUST 2011 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33
22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2013
Tennessee Children’s Home acu.edu
Job Opening Vice President for Student Life Abilene Christian University invites applications for its vice president for Seeking energetic couples to serve as student life, who reports to the executive vice president. Qualifications houseparents for the East Tennessee and West The successful candidate will have a minimum of a master’s degree Tennessee campuses. Parents will be responsi- (preferably in student affairs or a closely related area). An earned doctorate is ble for the daily care for up to 8 adolescent boys. preferred. The vice president for student life must be personally committed to helping students maximize their potential intellectually, personally and spiritually. He or she must love and respect students and live in a way that embodies Come be a part of this ministry! We offer com- Christian virtues. He or she must understand and appreciate the nature and role of Christian higher education and the distinctive contributions private, petitive pay and excellent full-time benefits in- church-related universities make to higher education, must have demonstrated cluding medical, dental, life insurance, disability, exceptional leadership in progressively responsible positions within higher retirement and paid time off. education, and must have experience in managing budgets at a significant level as well as have excellent communication, and public speaking and presentation skills. To apply, visit us online at www.tennesseechild- About the University and Abilene, Texas renshome.org or contact our HR Manager at 931- Founded in 1906, ACU is a premier university for the education of Christ-centered global leaders. It offers 71 majors in more than 125 areas of 486-2274 x 225. study, and is known for its top programs in theology, sciences, business and education. Its graduates are accepted into medical schools at a rate double the national average. Its physics program is known for involving undergraduates in world-class research. It is known around the world for innovation, especially in mobile-learning technology. It attracts students from 43 nations, and has 86,000 alumni in more than 100 nations. Its graduates are best-selling authors; winners of the Pulitzer Prize, Olympic medals, and Emmy, Grammy, Telly and Dove awards, as well as national leaders in education, business, science, ministry and the media. Only three universities – UCLA, Stanford and USC – have won more NCAA national team championships. The beautiful, 208-acre main campus is in the city of Abilene, with a population of 117,000. Located 150 miles west of the Dallas and Fort Worth area on Interstate 20, Abilene is the center for education, culture, the arts, health care, and commerce in West Central Texas. Abilene is home to five colleges and universities, and Dyess Air Force Base. ACU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and also has disciplinary accreditations in many fields. Application Process Applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. Applications will be treated confidentially and should include a cover letter expressing interest and summarizing the candidate’s qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae, references, and a writing sample. Visit acu.edu/hr for a complete position description and information.
ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. All applicants for this position must be professing Christians willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university. The mission of the university is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities are especially encouraged. ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities.
130096-0413 APRIL 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 A conversation with Wayne Kilpatrick LONGTIME MINISTER discusses the strategies, priorities and prayer that lead to church growth.
BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE What are some early warning signs Can churches become evangelistic that a church may be on a growth if they currently are not? How? ccasionally you hear of a pulpit plateau? The major reason for church decline minister who completes a tenure of People who study church growth is that churches ceased doing the have discovered that 80 to 85 percent things that caused them to grow. a quarter-century with a single con- of the churches in America are in When we were experiencing our gregation. decline. This decline is not limited to greatest growth during my lifetime, ORarer is the story of a minister who goes on liberal, mainline denominations. Many we were involved in many evangelistic to another long and successful ministry with a conservative and evangelical churches endeavors. We had gospel meetings second church in the same city. have plateaued, and many conservative at least twice a year, taught personal denominations are in serious decline. evangelism classes and equipped Meet Wayne Kilpatrick, a child of the South, A plateaued church is not extending our members in the use of the Jule and an extraordinary preacher whose ministry and expanding in reaching and assimi- Miller filmstrips and Bible charts in skills and heart for building strong churches and lating new people. Therefore, growth converting their neighbors. evangelizing the lost have enriched thousands. ceases. Plateaus are part of the life- We had Monday night visitation After 27 years of work with the Homewood cycle of any organization, including the and zone programs that cared for the church. A plateaued church is in a period members and provided assistance to Church of Christ in Birmingham, Ala., and nearly of inertia where the church has little the community. We hosted a five-day 10 years with the Heritage Place church in the movement forward in the area of growth. Vacation Bible School and urged our Birmingham suburb of Irondale, Kilpatrick, 71, Accurate record-keeping is very members to invite friends to come and his wife, Carolyn, recently celebrated 50 important in helping to know if a church worship God with them. years of rewarding, full-time service. is growing, plateaued or declining. The church has almost cut out every Churches need to keep and examine PHOTO PROVIDED single thing that caused growth and has Where Kilpatrick has been, local congregations their records from month to month in Wayne Kilpatrick not replaced these things with more have grown. Beginning with his first work at the order to know the health of their church. successful ministries. Bellmeade Church of Christ in Evansville, Ind., in Church researcher George Barna, in One of the most important things 1962, he discovered his gift for outreach, baptiz- Can plateaued churches grow his book “Turnaround Churches,” states, churches can do to grow again is to again? How? “The good news is that some churches create an atmosphere in their worship ing 18 people in 18 months. The church must choose one of three can reverse a rapid decline and make a services that causes people to want to Attendance at the Homewood church grew possible responses to this eventual full comeback to health. The bad news come worship God. Many members are from 256 people on its first Sunday in 1973 to decline. is that the odds of experiencing ashamed to invite their friends into their 1,500 in 2000. Homewood became a cutting- One choice is to do ‘I believe the key such a turnaround are slim.” local church due to boring services, nothing, maintain the There is a third option to buildings that are rundown and unat- edge church, developing an extensive mission internal status quo, issue for churches today the church’s plight in America tractive and unfriendly members. plan, including a long-running weekly televi- allow cultural forces to is church health, not — revitalization. The difference in a growing church sion program. run their course and church growth. When If established, declining and a dying church is one word — invite! But in 1992 the church began to plateau let the church disap- churches can be revitalized, We are not inviting our friends and asso- and then slowly decline. Kilpatrick began doc- pear from American congregations are then the combined membership, ciates to come worship God with us. society. This is the healthy, they grow the the accumulated wealth, the My suggestion is to sit down with toral studies with an emphasis on developing choice of church buildings, property and furnish- some of the leading members of your a strategy for church renewal. During his last members who like way God intends.’ ings in those churches can be church and ask them, “What would two years at Homewood, the church began a their churches the reclaimed and brought to bear we need to do to cause you to invite slow process of recovery. way they are and will not tolerate change. on the task of evangelizing America. your friends and associates to come For four years — from 2000 to 2004 — he A second choice is to plant new I believe the key issue for churches worship with us?” Then take their ideas churches, even if it means abandoning today is church health, not church and do whatever is Scriptural and right lived his dream of traveling the country, hold- extant churches. C. Peter Wagner, growth. When congregations are to become a place where people are ing meetings and sharing his church growth a church growth specialist, says, healthy, they grow the way God intends. excited and thrilled to want to come. knowledge. But when the Heritage Place “Without exception, the growing In his book “Your Spiritual Gifts,” Church growth occurs when the local church called, Kilpatrick said yes. The church denominations have been those that Wagner says, “Church growth and church supernaturally and faithfully stress church planting.” Many church church health are interrelated. Only fulfills the Great Commission in its unique has grown from 60 in attendance to a diverse growth advocates doubt that existing healthy bodies grow well, and only context and with a vision for the world. membership of 200 today. churches can be revitalized. healthy churches grow well.” See KILPATRICK, Page 24 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DIALOGUE APRIL 2013 KILPATRICK: Church growth ‘must begin with the preacher’ FROM PAGE 23 church planting is “the most useful and mentally, socially and in his ability to Gradual change is the key. Change What do you see as elements of productive component of any denomina- become a more effective communicator. leads to growth. Without change, growth in a new church plant? tional church growth strategy.” Personal growth is the key to ministry growth will be difficult. Be able to know Many of the new church plants have New churches operate with an almost growth. where your church is and how much more passion to win the lost. They panicked urgency. If a church planter • Preachers need to take courses time is being spent on evangelism and begin with a lot of hope and enthusiasm wants to preach to someone on Sunday, in church growth. Bible college and missions. Be abreast with these facts and spend much time in he has to go get them. seminary training has little or nothing and then communicate wisely, consis- prayer. They understand ‘New churches operate Whereas many estab- to offer in real church growth study. tently and continuously to your people. that no work has ever lished churches end up Bringing growth to their church means In your communication, demand been accomplished for with an almost panicked relegating outreach to they must unlearn some things and commitment to God, to the church and God outside of much urgency. If a church planter a single night during learn new things. They will need to to outreach. time in earnest prayer. the week, the new attend quality conferences, buy books, New church plants wants to preach to someone church focuses on going search the Internet and take a practical What is the role of the elders in the begin with a structure on Sunday, he has to go after new people. And course in church growth. growth of the church? to not only bring people get them. ... New churches without a calendar full • Preachers need to believe in Christians understand that their job into their church but of committee meetings the theology of growth. One minister is to sow the seed of the Kingdom and also structure to keep reach people.’ and counseling appoint- said, “God did not call the depend on God to give the them. Churches must ments, that’s what gets church to grow. He called ‘Christians understand increase. He has prom- constantly structure and restructure to done. New churches reach people. it to be faithful.” Yes, God that their job is to sow ised that his word will not allow for continued growth and to main- New churches are versatile within did call the church to be return unto him void and tain growth that has taken place. their communities. A new church is not faithful. He also called the the seed of the Kingdom as we sow, we reap. God New churches realize their meeting encumbered in its methodology but can church to be fruitful. and depend on God to gives the increase in the places and facilities have to be up to par. quickly adjust in order to take advan- Theology of growth church. We know that. No matter what type of building they tage of newly presented opportunities. is believing that growth give the increase.’ Elders must realize that have, they strive to make it look the They have a freedom that many estab- is the sign of life in the the man who stands in best it possibly can. lished churches do not. They never church. So, everything will be done their pulpit is the most important factor They understand the importance run up against the dreaded, “We’ve with growth in view. Whatever does not in how the seed is sown and whether of advertising. They use media and never done it that way before,” because contribute to growth must be scrapped. the church grows or not. If elders want publications in their area to let others nothing has ever been done. • The minister needs to analyze the church to grow, then they must know about their ministry. They also A church planter is able to look his local congregation. Ask relevant have a preacher who wants the church understand the importance of signs and around and ask himself, “How can I best questions such as: How many were to grow and is willing to pay the price to church information. Times of services get the Gospel in front of these people?” converted in the past year? What is see that it grows. are clearly displayed. New churches make our growth rate? How many Elders also must want the church to New churches focus on accessibility. the most of their came from other churches? grow and be willing to pay the price for They give thought to their location circumstances. ‘No church can outgrow What growth do we have growth. and make themselves available to their the preacher. ... The day — conversion, biological or Elders need to insist that their members and guests. Since they are a What is the role of transfer growth? How many ministers attend quality lectureships new church, they often pursue excel- the preacher in the he stops growing, the were assimilated? Are the and conferences, buy books, listen to lence in all they attempt to do. They growth of a church? church stops growing. ... people becoming disciples tapes and talk to ministers of growing understand the importance of visitors Church growth or nominal Christians? What churches. They must insist that minis- and welcome them without embar- must begin with the The minister needs is the strength and weak- ters think, pray, live and breathe how rassing them. They get information preacher. No church to grow spiritually, ness of this church? What they can reach more people with the from their guests and then follow up can outgrow the emotionally, mentally, percentage of our programs Gospel. with letters, phone calls, cards from preacher. Here are are maintenance rather than Most elders have full-time jobs and various members and, if they are open some suggestions as socially and in his ability evangelism oriented? At our have little time to study and learn how to it, a home visit. to what the preacher to become a more growth rate, compared to to grow a church. With their work, New churches put lots of emphasis can do to assist the our birth rate, where will the family responsibilities and shepherding on special events. A church needs to church in growth: effective communicator. church be in 10 years? God’s flock, their hands are full. They have at least four big events each year. • There can be Personal growth is the • The minister needs to need to unleash their minister and urge These give the members opportunities no growth if the pray for church growth. him to lead in the matter of church to invite friends to attend with them. preacher fails to key to ministry growth.’ Share the vision of growth. growth. Provide him with the resources embark on the Create time for interces- and back him in his attempts to lead the Do new congregations need to be journey of personal growth. The day sion for growth. Plan and set goals for church in reaching the lost. planted in order to pursue growth? he stops growing, the church stops growth. Be willing to initiate change. He I am a firm believer in church growth. Wagner observes, “Without excep- growing. Lack of personal growth will never changes the Gospel but must be I know we can reach many lost people tion, the growing denominations show in pettiness, narrow-mindedness, willing to change his methods. Pinpoint today if we are willing to do what God have been those that stress church inferiority complex, fear of offending the areas that need change. Commu- has taught us to do. May the Lord planting.” Lyle Schaller, another author and carnal attitudes. The minister nicate change to his leaders. Gain the strengthen us in our resolve to save the who studies church vitality, states that needs to grow spiritually, emotionally, authority to lead. lost, edify the saved and help the needy. aPRIL 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 CARE MINISTRY spoRTS CHRISTIAN CARE CENTERS GUNTER, Texas — Christian Care Centers A heart for children Inc. has set the closure of the 66-year- old Hilltop Haven, which serves more OKLAHOMA CITY — “My best friend,” Gavin than 100 senior residents, for March 16. Kuykendall calls Cleveland Browns In making the recent announce- starting quarterback Brandon Weeden. ment, Phil Elmore, president and CEO Weeden is raising money to help chil- of Christian Care Centers, promised to dren such as Gavin, a 6-year-old born work with residents’ relatives to find with a rare congenital heart disease. suitable placements for loved ones. Gavin, whose family attends the “Competition and convenience have Broken Arrow Church of Christ in challenged our ministry for years,” Oklahoma, joined Weeden at a news Elmore said. “Consistent underfunding conference at Oklahoma Christian of Medicaid, our primary service University. Weeden came to Oklahoma option, and an overwhelming reduc- Christian to speak at the university’s tion in Medicare payments have made recent Athletic Hall of Fame dinner, it impossible to continue with this attended by nearly 600 people. ministry at Hilltop Haven.” For more information, see www. cccinc.net. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN EASTLAKE, Colo. — The Rocky Mountain Christian newspaper dedicated its STEPHANIE BENGE February edition to one of its editors, Jack W. Carter, who died All smiles at Freed-Hardeman lectureship Jan. 29. Carter, 82, was John Dale, left, enjoys a lighthearted moment with Laurel and Milton Sewell at the recent 77th a longtime minister and annual Bible lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. Dale is the retired Christian writer. minister for the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray, Ky., while Milton Sewell is Freed- ANDREW CHASTEEN “His efforts with this Hardeman’s chancellor and former longtime president. The three posed for a picture after an Gavin Kuykendall, center, poses with Brandon paper and countless appreciation dinner honoring Jay Lockhart, minister for the Whitehouse Church of Christ in Texas. Weeden and OC President John deSteiguer. other endeavors in the brotherhood make this Carter small tribute a worthy k-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS MEDICAL MISSIONS sCOUTING endeavor of its own,” the paper said in a front-page note introducing three pieces reflecting on MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MISION PARA CRISTO CHURCHES OF CHRIST FOR SCOUTING Carter’s legacy. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Lipscomb JINOTEGA, Nicaragua — The cost of health- ABILENE, Texas — The board of trustees A memorial service for Carter was University general counsel Phil care is going up in this Central American of Churches of Christ for Scouting is conducted Feb. 2 at the Bear Valley Ellenburg has been named president of nation — even for medical missions. opposing the potential removal of the Church of Christ in Denver. For more Middle Tennessee Christian School. “This year we have seen a 50 percent Boy Scouts of America’s exclusion of information, see rmcnews.site.aplus.net. Founded in 1962, Middle Tennessee increase in medicine needed for gay members and leaders. Christian is associated our full-time clinic,” said Steve Leddy, national chairman with Churches of Christ Benny Baker, execu- of Members of Churches of Christ HIGHER EDUCATION and serves 672 students tive director of Mision for Scouting, sent a letter to the Boy in pre-kindergarten Para Cristo, a church- Scouts of America national executive ROCHESTER COLLEGE through 12th grade. supported ministry whose committee. ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — Once known as “You never know what clinic serves more than “Our deep belief in the Bible as God’s Michigan Christian College, Rochester God has planned for us,” 700 patients a month. word is a central, defining tenet of our College is again contemplating a new Ellenburg said. “This The ministry seeks faith,” Leddy wrote in the letter. “The name. President Rubel Shelly is seeking is a very unique oppor- Ellenburg additional funds to cover Baker Bible tells us that homosexuality is a feedback on the advisability of changing tunity to help build on the rising costs. sin. We love all people, but we hate sin, the name to Rochester University. the great foundation already in place at Despite the obstacles, the ministry is and integrating those with a sinful life- Shelly said recruiters have had to MTCS. It was clear that God opened a developing a specialty medical clinic to style would be an ethical and moral spend too much time explaining that door that we needed to walk through.” provide the people of Nicaragua access compromise against our faith.” Rochester College is a four-year, degree- Ellenburg said he plans to spend time to pain management, ophthalmology Churches of Christ sponsor more granting institution and not a two-year “watching, listening and learning” as he and advanced physical therapy. than 500 Boy Scout groups serving community college. begins work in April. For more informa- For more information, see www. more than 15,000 young people, For more information, see www.rc.edu. tion, see www.mtcscougars.org. misionparacristo.com. according to Leddy. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS APRIL 2013
House Parents Arms of Hope is seeking a married couple who has a passion for today’s youth and a calling to Christian residential care. At Arms of Hope we have the unique opportunity to serve youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and need adult leadership to help guide them educationally, emotion- ally and spiritually. It is our mission to provide these children with a therapeutic environment in which they can develop and BRENT HIGH prosper. This mission opportunity offers a very competitive Student athletes flip for missions in Honduras salary in addition to housing, food, health insurance, a retire- Kaela Pennington, Lacy Hartselle and Katie Collier, student athletes at Lipscomb University, enjoy ment plan and generous vacation and leave time. the Playa Grande beach on Amaplaya Island in Honduras. The free time followed days of labor on a mission trip sponsored by the Nashville, Tenn., school. The students worked with Mission Lazarus, If interested in these positions, please visit a church-supported nonprofit in Honduras. They built mud-brick homes and played soccer and www.ArmsofHope.org to obtain an application on the baseball with Honduran children. For more information, see www.lipscomb.edu/Missions. “About Us” page. You can also contact Allen Williams at [email protected]. Churches in Africa, U.S. partner in Ghana’s growing Village of Hope 5-YEAR/60,000-MILE GOMOA FETTEH, Ghana — Since its founding in 1989, the Village of Hope has grown from a small orphanage with eight chil- BODY & CHASSIS WARRANTY dren to a multi-faceted ministry. Located near the capital of the West STANDARD WITH EVERY NEW BUS PURCHASE African nation of Ghana, the ministry Carpenter Bus Sales has gone the now cares for 219 children and includes a hospital with a surgical theater and extra mile again in providing a unique a full-time staff, Christian schools 5-‐year/60,000-‐mile body & chassis that serve more than 1,000 pupils, a ERIK TRYGGESTAD warranty* with every new bus they vocational training center, a feeding A child leads a prayer at Hope Christian sell! program and a 50-acre farm. Academy, a ministry of the Village of Hope. An op Harding University sUmmer Honor CHoir fOr HiGH sCHOOl stuDents July 14-19, 2013 Harding university searcy, arkansas Enjoy a week of advanced work in choral music and related fields including music literature, sight- reading and group voice instruction. Participants receive, at no extra charge, one hour of college credit in Music 131 (Chorus). DireCteD by Dr. Cliff Ganus for more information, call 501-279-4343 or visit www.harding.edu/honorchoir. Just Imagine...... becoming part of a Christian Community Imagine an institution of higher learning that is unique in the way it combines a Christian world view with quality academics. ...being more than a face in the crowd Imagine the pursuit of your higher education where you can truly grow as an individual. ...getting individualized attention Imagine attending one of the nation’s top ranked Universities where the faculty and staff care about your education and spiritual growth. Find out More at www.ovu.edu/justimagine 1 Campus View Drive | Vienna, WV 26105-8000 | 877.446.8668 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CALENDAR APRIL 2013 March 15-16 Youth Weekend Apologetics Training Camp. Hosted by Concord Road church in Brentwood, Tenn. Contact (877) 350-9222 or office@ warrenapologeticscenter. acu.edu March 20-23 Tulsa Workshop. Experience Eternal Life Now! Tulsa, College of Arts and Sciences psychology, beginning Fall 2013. Applicants should have a Okla., Fairgrounds. Contact workshop@ doctorate in the field (ABD will be considered) and be a memorialdrive.org or (918) 344-3402. Dr. Gregory Straughn, Dean Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) or equivalent March 24-28 69th Annual National ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 credentials. Information about the department is available Lectureship. Hyatt Regency, downtown The Department of Agricultural and Environmental at acu.edu/psychology. Houston. Contact Teaster Maloy Sr. at Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of animal science. It is seeking a visionary College of Education (713) 674-5131 or www.69thnal.com. animal scientist with the earned Ph.D., Ph.D./D.V.M. or D.V.M. and Human Services March 22 Camp Ne-O-Tez 50th (from an AVMA-accredited institution with M.S. in animal Anniversary. Maryland Heights Centre, sciences or closely related field). Information about the Dr. Donnie Snider, Dean Maryland Heights, Mo. Contact (314) department is available at acu.edu/agenv. ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 739-2802 or www.neotez.org. The Department of Engineering and Physics invites one or The Department of Communication Sciences and March 29-31 Southern Africa more talented engineers to apply for its new and rapidly Disorders invites applications for a non-tenure-track International Lectureship. “Contending expanding engineering program, whose first class of students position as instructor and clinical supervisor, beginning for the Faith.” UNISA, Ormonde Conference Fall 2013. Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s entered in Fall 2012. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. Centre, Soweto, South Africa. Contact in engineering or a closely related field and experience degree in speech-language pathology; hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP); hold www.2013lectureshipjhb.co.za. in teaching and research. All engineering fields will be April 7 50th Anniversary of Monterey considered. Previous involvement with ABET accreditation a current Texas SLP license (or be eligible for a license); and have a minimum of five years of professional clinical church. Lubbock, Texas. Contact (806) would also be helpful. Information about the department is 795-5201 or www.montereychurch.com. available at acu.edu/engineering. experience, including three years of supervisory experience. Information about the department is available at April 17-20 India Missions The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication acu.edu/academics/cehs/programs/comm_disorders. Conference. Hosted by Leoma church invites applicants for a tenure-track position as assistant on the campus of Heritage Christian professor of journalism and mass communication. The ideal School of Information Technology University in Florence, Ala. Contact (800) candidate will have professional experience in online news or and Computing commercial environments including social media. Applicants 367-3565 ext. 323 or [email protected]. who can also teach in public relations will receive particular Dr. Brad Crisp, Director April 19-21 Gospel Meeting with Roy attention. A terminal degree is strongly preferred, but ACU Box 29353, Abilene, Texas 79699-9353 Lanier, Jr. Eastside church in Midwest City, applicants who are ABD will be considered. Information about The School of Information Technology and Computing Okla. Contact (405) 732-0393 or www. the department is available at acu.edu/jmc. invites applications for a tenure-track position as assistant, eastsidechurchofchrist.org. The Department of Language and Literature invites associate or full professor of computer science, effective April 26-27 40th Anniversary Lariat applicants for a tenure-track position as assistant/associate Aug. 1, 2013. Applicants should have an earned graduate Creek Christian Camp. Geary, Okla. professor with specialization in world literature, literary degree in computer science, software engineering or a Contact [email protected] or related field. A doctoral degree is preferred. (Outstanding ABD theory, or new media. Special consideration will be given www.lariatcreek.org. to candidates with experience in the field of publishing, a candidates will be considered as well.) Information about the school is available at acu.edu/sitc. May 3-5 New England Lectureship. demonstrated ability to establish and supervise internships, “1st Century Christianity in a 21st Century and/or experience living abroad. ABD considered, Ph.D. World.” Holiday Inn, Taunton, Mass. preferred. Information about the department is available See acu.edu/academics/provost/positions.html for at acu.edu/english. complete descriptions of these positions. In a letter to Contact Maurice Davis (617) 274-2409 or www.newenglandlectureship.org. The Department of Music invites applications for a the appropriate dean or chair, applicants should address tenure-track position of director of choral activities, beginning their qualifications for the position. They should include May 9 3rd Annual Spring Apologetics Fall 2013. Applicants should have an earned doctorate in in the application a statement of how faith informs Lectures. Grand Pointe conference Music (ABD will be considered) and be accomplished their teaching; a discussion of their spiritual journey; and Reception Center, Vienna, W.Va. conductors and musicians with demonstrated potential a curriculum vita; transcripts of all undergraduate Contact (877) 350-9222 or office@ for success teaching at the collegiate level. Preference will and graduate work; and names, addresses and phone warrenapologeticscenter. be given to candidates with a proven record of success numbers of five references. Review of applicants will May 9-11 The Assending Voice teaching at the secondary level and overseeing all facets begin immediately and continue until the position is III. Pepperdine University, Malibu, of a university choral program. Information about the filled. Nominations of and applications from qualified Calif. Contact www.pepperdine.edu/ department is available at acu.edu/music. women and minorities are especially encouraged. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches ascendingvoice. The Department of Political Science invites applications of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians May 16-18 24th Annual Augusta, for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of political and be active, faithful members of a congregation of the Montana Men’s Retreat. “In Search of science. Applicants should have a Ph.D. (ABD will be Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service in Balance.” Sponsored by the Great Falls, considered). The successful candidate must have a Christian higher education. The mission of ACU is to Mont., church. Contact Bob Alfred at (406) commitment to teaching in an undergraduate environment educate students for Christian service and leadership and demonstrated potential for professional development 78807599 or [email protected]. throughout the world. and/or research activities. Information about the department May 24-26 Manna Global Ministries ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in is available at acu.edu/politicalscience. Conference. Hosted by the Fairfax, employment opportunities. The Department of Psychology invites applications Va., church. Contact Mark Gibson at for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of school [email protected] or (703) 631-2100. 110324-0413 Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org APRIL 2013 PEOPLE the christian chronicle 29 Newsmakers NAMED: Mark Brazle, Co-Director of Missionary Care for Missions Resource Network in Bedford, Texas. HONORED: Cmdr. David Bynum, 2013 Alumnus of Practicing the Year, and Dr. A. Marcus Nelson, 2013 Young Alumnus of the Year, for Abilene Christian University. Keri the way of Whitehead Campbell, an Brazle Abilene Christian University Jesus graduate, has been inducted into the Surry County, N.C. ,Sports Hall of Fame. Christian The message of Home & Bible School Band Director Doug Yopp, Oliver Hobbs Award for exceptional The Sermon on the Mount work as a band director in the state of Florida. NEW ELDERS: Bob Carpenter, Scott LaMascus, Dave Morton, Barry Perkins and Dan Waugh, Summer Celebration • Lipscomb University • June 30-July 2, 2013 Memorial Road church, Edmond, Okla. NEW MINISTER: Tyler Smith, Neward Road church, Mount Vernon, Ohio. It’s an exciting new Summer Celebration You’ll hear: where you can hear and experience more • Randy Lowry • Jonathan Storment ANNIVERSARIES: 70th: Walter and LaVerne faith-shaping messages that will change Szych, Clinton Twp., Mich. • Lee Camp • Randy Harris the way you see Jesus. We’re combining BIRTHDAYS: 99th: Stella Rhoades, Bixby, a serious reflection upon the Word of God • Chris Seidman • Patrick Mead Okla. 96th: Robert Jones, Lubbock, Texas. with practical application, powerful worship • Carl McKelvey • Rubel Shelly 94th: Walter Szych, Clinton Twp., Mich. 91st: Hugh Vick, Bixby, Okla. and memorable experiences. • Dave Clayton • Lynn Anderson • Three keynote speakers each night in a • Fred Gray ...and others! PASSAGES: Anita Jackson Hall, 82, Feb. 15, Edmond, Okla., longtime member of new fast-paced, dynamic and worship- the Memorial Road church in Oklahoma oriented program Register now at City. James Wayman Hallford, 86, Oct. 23, Houston, known for his religious poetry, • Morning classes designed to awaken the soul summercelebration.lipscomb.edu member of the Westbury church in Houston. and inspire you to live out the ways of Jesus Walter Worth Irwin, 87, Jan. 26, Murray, Ky., preacher for churches in Mississippi and • Life Labs—our afternoon seminar classes— “Early Bird Special” discount for on-campus Georgia and the Memphis and Nashville, feature 25 interesting topics housing is available until April 1. Nashville is a Tenn., area. Linda K. Jones, 62, Feb. 5, great place to plan a family vacation! Lexington, Tenn., member • Late-night sessions that highlight some of of the Broad Street church the great work going on around the world in Lexington, Tenn. J. W. There is no registration fee for this three-day (Bill) Nicks, 93, Jan. 22, long- • Clases y talleres in Español “festival of faith and fellowship.” For more time preacher, Christian • ACAFEST ’13, Summer Celebration’s information about all Summer Celebration educator and missionary. Howard Swann, 89, Jan. 22, international acappella singing festival activities, housing and registration, go to Nashville, Tenn. established • Spectacular fireworks display on Tuesday summercelebration.lipscomb.edu or call Swann churches in several locations 615-966-6609. in Georgia. R. L. Sanders, evening 89, Jan. 7, Anson, Texas, Navy veteran and member of the board of trustees for Abilene Christian University. Joe Powell Spaulding, 95, Jan. 30, Romance, Ark. preacher for 77 years in many places throughout the United summercelebration.lipscomb.edu States. Kathryn Kerby Tolle, 88, Jan. 22, Keller, Texas, alumnus of Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tenn. 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2013 editorial Ever-Laughing Life by Jonny Hawkins Putting a focus on rural churches ome of our favorite Without a doubt, there are United States, a national direc- stories of recent years many inspiring stories among tory published by 21st Century involved rural Churches rural Churches of Christ. Christian, notes, “The small, of Christ. We plan to highlight some of rural congregations find it more We think of the Remmel the best ones in our new “Rural and more difficult to, for lack SChurch of Christ near Newport, Redemption” series, starting with of a better word, compete with Ark. In 2007, we reported on our Page 1 report this month on more urbanized and usually how men, women and children, a 156-year-old Iowa farm congre- larger churches located 20, 30 many dressed in jeans, drive 10 gation that refused to die. and 50 miles away.” to 20 miles to where the pave- Moreover, we see a need to At the same time, as Royster ment gives way to gravel — to explore the issues and chal- points out, house churches and worship at a congregation that lenges facing small, rural small-group ministries have stresses hugs and handshakes, congregations that struggle to gained popularity among many. love and accep- survive in the wake of Could the desire for strong tance, prayer urbanization. interpersonal relationships in and reliance Historically, more intimate church settings on the Holy a cappella be a potential key to revival for Spirit. Churches of rural churches? That’s just one We Christ and question worth pursuing as we “And this is my dad. He begot me.” think of instrumental launch this new reporting project. the Gravel- Christian As we begin the “Rural bourg Church Churches split Redemption” series, we do so TO OUR READERS of Christ in the more than a century with open minds — unsure how Canadian province of ago. The non-instrumental long the series will last or what Saskatchewan. We reported in churches tended to be rural and lessons will be learned. Our plan 2009 on how more than 100 chil- Southern, while the Christian is for these stories to appear peri- Web pageviews on the rise dren flock each summer — by Churches were more often odically but not in every issue. f you’re not reading the exceeded 1 million. That’s foot, bicycle and farm truck — to urban and Northern, although We pray that God will guide online version of The a lot of believers accessing the small church’s week-long that generalization was by no us in this endeavor and that you, IChristian Chronicle, you’re news that informs, inspires Vacation Bible School. means universal. faithful readers, will contribute missing out. and unites via their computers We think of the Lobster Valley Our fellowship’s rural heritage insight and ideas. But we’re excited to note and mobile devices. We appre- Church of Christ in Alsea, Ore. makes it all the more critical To recommend churches that that many of you are reading ciate the support. We reported in 2011 on how the to examine how our body of we should feature or issues that the breaking-news reports If you’re an advertiser 40-member church started by believers can maneuver societal we should address, write to us at and online-exclusive features who’d like to reach this pioneer loggers worked to bring and cultural changes in ways that [email protected] or on our website. growing online audience, healing — and answers — to its serve and honor our Lord. The Christian Chronicle, P.O. Box In a recent four-month contact Tonya Patton at (405) reeling community after a string Carl H. Royster, data compiler 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136- period, total pageviews at 425-5071 or tonya.patton@ of suicides. for Churches of Christ in the 1100, Attn.: Rural Redemption. www.christianchronicle.org christianchronicle.org. Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. 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Fletcher III • Bob Harrison • Emily Lemley International news, features: [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. columns, reviews, letters to the editor and advertising James Moore • Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal Advertising Manager: Tonya Patton do not necessarily represent the views of or constitute Barry Packer • Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd [email protected] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] endorsement by the editors, the staff, the Board of Trustees Harry Risinger • Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor APRIL 2013 opinion the christian chronicle 31 letters Close encounters of the country church kind Readers weigh in n my 65 years of church attendance, Bruce agreed and spent the majority congregation consisted of Bruce, me, our I have worshiped in congregations of the night working on his first real 7-year-old daughter, two other children, on ‘social justice’ Ifrom Austria to Zambia, Florida to sermon. about six other women and fewer men. Showing compassion, feeding the Hawaii and Michigan to Texas. Many of Four years later, I was handed an The regular members were descen- homeless and changing the world them were “out in the country.” official-looking Ph.T. (Putting Hubby dants of families who had established through the political process are Very early in my life, my father, Rowe Through) certificate from Harding the church many generations back. At described as “social justice” in your Benton Schreiber, now 91, preached School of Theology in Memphis, Tenn., times, Bruce was the only male quali- article (“Social justice vs. kingdom for the Harmony Church of when Bruce matriculated with fied to teach class, lead singing, serve work,” Page 3, January). Christ near Bloomfield, Ind. I Views an M.Th. (master of theology communion and preach the lesson. But the article does not mention vividly remember arriving at the degree). We always were asked to dinner. the origin of that “social justice.” building with my mother, father Our first official ministry One hard-working couple in their 80s, Where does the funding originate? and four sisters in the dead of was to the students of Tarleton Marcy and Bernice Fossett, kept a The compassion? From voluntary giv- winter with several inches of State University in Stephenville, three-acre garden and a henhouse from ing by people who have the resources snow on the ground. Texas, the heart of rodeo which they shared delicious spreads and compassion in their heart? The church was off the main country. Bruce and I attended of fried chicken, canned produce and Or does it originate by way of a gov- road, and Daddy put chains on goat ropings, cow chip throws homemade pickles and preserves. ernment program funded by taxes? the tires of our 1939 Plymouth and tobacco spitting contests. Years later, when they were well past Taxes are not normally voluntary. to reach it. As my sisters, We sampled Texas chili and 90, I received a memorable letter from Voluntary giving by compassion- Mother and I sat, bundled in Becky Wooley barbecue but passed on the Bernice stating matter-of-factly, “Marcy ate people used to be, and still is, coats and blankets, he would rattlesnake and “Texas Oysters.” fell out in the garden again, and I had called charitable giving and is a high bring in kindling to start fires in two After building the Christian Student to drag him back up in the house.” Christian calling (Matthew 25:31-46). tall, pot-bellied stoves. Center from an average of 11 students to I attribute all of our country church Beverley Becker | Elgin, Neb. Then he would go back to the car and more than 150 in five years, we moved encounters to that portentous first drive up an old dirt road to pick up the to Abilene, Texas, where Bruce took sermon that Bruce cobbled together Aside from the fact that I agreed one other family that attended. Summer classes at Abilene Christian University through a dark, Arkansas night 41 with Scot McKnight’s assessment and winter they walked to church, and did fill-in preaching for several area years ago. of social justice, I would add several and in bad weather, Daddy would churches. That Sunday morning, we drove things. First, many young people meet them on the way. The building One Sunday evening, we were in the about six miles out of Harrison to the have been weaned on social justice had no running water, and trips to the middle of a church service in the small Bellefonte Church of Christ, which met as defined by politicians and politi- outhouse are best forgotten. town of Blackwell, Texas, when an alarm in a tall, white, box-like structure that cal groups who would like nothing My mother’s family — and mine, on sounded. The men of the congregation sat just a few feet off the highway. The more than to expunge God from the extended stays with my grandparents rose en masse and left the building. The interior was dim, and the pulpit stood on process. Their idea of social justice is — worshiped in a rustic wood building rest of the congregation followed. a high stage that placed Bruce far not the same as the Bible’s. about the size of a one-car garage. It It turned out that most from the congregation. Second, the impulse for social pro- sat atop a hill a hundred yards up a of the men were volun- As we sat on long, grams will lose its sustaining power gravel road from my grandmother’s teer firemen, and the well-worn pews the more we detach our desire for house in Shoals, Ind. There were 30 or goat barn at the high through prayers and social justice from our faith in the 40 members, but none of the men were school was burning. announcements, God who is a God of justice. willing or able to lead singing. At another evening I wondered what It is popular in society to be con- Grandmother, who was a music service in a church sort of speaker my cerned for the less fortunate, but what teacher, sat in a pew and started the on the prairie, Bruce husband would turn will happen to our desire if society songs while a coerced young boy stood was preaching when out to be. I had majored moves on to other causes? Are we at the front and waved an arm — some- the lights went out. The in speech but had never following God or are we just riding a times on beat. It never occurred to my resourceful cattlemen went out to heard Bruce give a talk of any kind. wave of popular sentiment? grandmother, whose interpretation of their pickup trucks, and Bruce finished When the sermon began, I was Bob Weber | Chatham, N.J. “submission” prompted her to wear a hat his sermon in the ethereal glow of dismayed. What I could hear was good, to church and never cut her hair, that she lanterns and flashlights. but I could barely hear him. I kept trying Somehow, the tension between was, in fact, “leading the singing.” When Bruce taught at Crowley’s Ridge to signal him to speak up, but he was meeting the social needs of others At 23, I married Bruce Wooley, an College in Paragould, Ark., he preached looking over my head. On the way home, and reaching these same people with unemployed accountant, and moved for the Delaplaine Church of Christ, a he asked me what I thought he should the Gospel needs to be relieved. from Searcy, Ark., to Harrison, Ark., dwindling congregation in the middle of preach that night. I said, “Just preach the There is an obvious misunderstand- where I had a job playing Mammy mosquito-plagued rice country. same sermon — only louder.” ing. It is not “either/or.” You cannot Yoakum at Dogpatch theme park The building was large by country stan- I haven’t had trouble hearing him read Matthew 25 and believe that for the summer. The preacher at the dards, with a sloped auditorium and two since. Jesus is not interested in social issues. church we attended heard that Bruce full-sized classrooms at the rear. The Also Isaiah 58. It is also obvious that had graduated from Harding University main entrance was just beside the pulpit, BECKY WOOLEY is the author of the “Grit and Grace” the mission of Jesus was to die on with a Bible major and called him on a making any latecomers quite conspic- clerical crime series and blogs at clericalcrime.blogspot. the cross, be buried and raised for Saturday night to ask if he could fill in uous. The auditorium could have held com. She attends the Brainerd Church of Christ in the salvation of mankind. for a preacher who had become ill. 300 people, but in the late 1980s, the Chattanooga, Tenn., where her husband, Bruce, preaches. Jim Woodell | Searcy, Ark. 32 the Christian chronicle reviews APRIL 2013 Training for everyday evangelism in the digital age By Ron Clark | FOR The Christian Chronicle his position as a megachurch minister to minister David Platt, author of “Radical,” tional hierarchical forms of leadership form a small fellowship devoted to disci- discussing the concepts of each chapter. and more open to sharing and joining hen I first enrolled in pleship and outreach. Another author, Also on the website, Chan provides in mission, he writes. To adapt to this, a church growth class J.R. Woodward, is a church planter who free downloads of every he presents what he calls at Harding School of equips ministers to lead congregations in chapter, each of which is a “polycentric” leadership Theology, I took notes on reaching out to their communities. Both meant to be covered in a structure, based on the how to attract people with challenge church leaders and Christians weekly meeting between model given in Ephesians Whigh-quality worship experiences and to attract spiritual seekers by training disciple-maker and disciple 4:11-12. targeted programs. Christians to share the or disciples. Woodward indicates In the three decades Gospel with friends, neigh- After establishing the that the most difficult since that class, the bors and coworkers. importance of making issue for leaders is not attractional movement Chan’s new book, disciples and of how learning something new, has given rise to mega- “Multiply: Disciples to get involved with a but unlearning the models churches with tens of Making Disciples,” calls local church (including of leadership that may have thousands of members readers to live out the Great baptism), the chapters worked in the past but no across the United States. Commission in their daily move through the major longer work today. However, a study lives. He agrees with Stewart points of the Old and New One example of this is released in 2007 by that evangelism is every Testaments. the method of trying to Chicago megachurch Christian’s task. “While it’s Churches of Christ have HHHHH attract people to worship Willow Creek Community true that the pastors, elders a great history of using J. R. Woodward. Creating through advertising alone. Church gave many church and apostles in the New Bible study to help others a Missional Culture: The digital age requires leaders who followed Testament made disciples,” come to Christ and grow Equipping the Church that Christians go out of an attractional model he writes, “we can’t overlook in their faith, and Chan’s for the Sake of the the building and into the pause. High attendance at HHHH the fact that discipleship was book is a solid supplement. World. Downer’s Grove, chaos of the world, working worship and activities did Francis Chan. Multiply: everyone’s job.” I give it four stars instead Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2012. side by side with others, not equal members expe- Disciples Making This also calls to mind the of five because much of 226 pages. $16. serving in their cities and riencing spiritual growth, Disciples. Nashville, Tenn.: view of one of the most active the material is extremely developing relationships the study found. David C. Cook, 2012. 333 missionaries and evangelists basic and, in some places, too simple in with those who need Jesus. Perhaps this confirms pages. $14.99. of our brotherhood, Reuel its interpretation of Scripture. Chan and Woodward offer great what members of Lemmons, who once said, Woodward’s work is more focused on resources for us as they challenge Churches of Christ have known all “We are depending entirely too much equipping church leaders to equip its our members and leaders to apply the along — equipping members for on professionals and have forgotten the members for evangelism. “Creating Great Commission to our own lives, spreading the Gospel results in more priesthood of the individual believer.” a Missional Culture” suggests that standing on the edge of chaos in a church growth than any contemporary This book is meant to be a workbook modern church leaders need to become digital age that seeks structure, hope worship style or engaging programs. As Christians can use to bring unbelievers aware of their culture in order to reach and salvation. Church of Christ author Ivan Stewart to the knowledge of the truth. new people. put it, “Go ye means go me.” The book’s website, Since the rise of the digital age, RON CLARK is lead church planter for the Agape Church of Francis Chan, well-known author of MultiplyMovement.com, features which Woodward places about 2010, Christ in Portland, Ore., and author of “The God of Second “Crazy Love,” embodies this shift. He left short videos of Chan and megachurch people are more skeptical of the tradi- Chances: Finding Hope Through the Prophets of Exile.” NEW AND NO TEWORTHY BIBLE STUDY MEMOIR NONFICTION CHRISTIAN LIVING Michael Whitworth. The Chad Williams. SEAL of Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, Mary DeMuth. Everything: Epic of God. Bowie, Texas: God: The Path is Narrow Nina Shea. Persecuted: What You Give and What Start2Finish Books, 2012. … But the Reward is The Global Assault on You Gain to Become Like 396 pages. $14.99. Great. Carol Stream, Ill.: Christians. Nashville, Tenn.: Jesus. Nashville, Tenn.: Tyndale House Books, 2012. Thomas Nelson, 2013. 416 Thomas Nelson, 2012. 224 The first in a planned 304 pages. $14.99. pages. $16.99. pages. $16.99. series of guides on all the books of the Williams, a soldier- Christians in the West Best known for her Bible, Whitworth, a Church of Christ turned-minister, recounts his intense largely are shielded from persecution. bracing memoir “Thin Places,” DeMuth preacher in Bowie, Texas, uses an easy- training and six-year tour of duty as a Worldwide, this is not the case. The uses heartfelt, confessional prose to to-read style to give an in-depth study of Navy SEAL. Though he made it to the authors present stories from the East inspire readers to truly follow Jesus. This Genesis. Many footnotes provide oppor- top tier of the Navy’s elite soldiers, he felt and Muslim world that will shock most book begins each chapter with a quote tunity for deeper research, while people unfulfilled. Then he became a Christian. Americans. The book ends with a call from an “Everything Christian” like in the pew will feel like they’re reading He endured harassment from his fellow to action for those who have freedom to Dietrich Bonhoeffer or Mother Teresa a sermon series. soldiers on top of his difficult missions. worship to help those who do not. and includes many Scripture references. APRIL 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33 We want to express sincere gratitude to these and other anonymous individuals who have committed themselves to supporting The Christian Chronicle’s mission to inform, inspire and connect Churches of Christ, using the Keeper’s program. ALABAMA GEORGIA cont. MINNESOTA OKLAHOMA cont. Aldred, Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. MacKenzie, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Ogren, Mr. Albert J. Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Warren, Mr. and Mrs. Murray E. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Hale, Mr. and Mrs. Terry J. MISSOURI Herron, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight D. ARKANSAS IOWA Bland, Mr. and Mrs. Leo W. Hoover, Mr. and Mrs. Earle Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Pat J. West Side Church of Christ, Oelwein Brosey, Ms. Chris A. Hurst, Mr. and Mrs. Olen V. Emery, Dr. and Mrs. Austin Caldwell Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Finis Jay Jetton Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gibbs, Mr. and Mrs. H. Jarrell Miekley, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hamilton, Dr. & Mrs. Wesley C. ILLINOIS Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kerley, Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson, Mr. Leon Gulley, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Lane, Ms. Mary Ann McNutt, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lankford, James and Vera MONTANA Lutz, Mrs. Wanda G. Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Orlen D. Muehring, Mr. and Mrs. Gene H. Lair, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff A. Maple, Mrs. Dot A. Oldham, Dr. and Mrs. Bill W. McFarland, Mr. & Mrs. Bud Sloan, Mr. and Mrs. Harold INDIANA NEBRASKA McNeely, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Allen III, Mr. & Mrs. William Church of Christ of Nelson Miller, Ms. Eleanor J. Wilkerson, Mr. Don R. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry M. Goracke, Mr. & Mrs. Timothy P. Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. James C. Bohan, Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Howard, Mr. and Mrs. H. Dean Reid, Ms. Joyce L. Stout, Ms. Patricia A. Rohde Jr., Mr. William E. ARIZONA Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn A. NEW HAMPSHIRE Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. Ottis F. Hunnicutt, Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Guion, Mrs. Fannie M. Stephenson, Dr. and Mrs. Jack M. Trimble, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. KANSAS Strangeland, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Armstrong, Ms. Rosalee M. NEW MEXICO Taber, Mr. and Mrs. Earl CALIFORNIA Callicott, Mr. Kenneth P. Brannan, Mrs. Nena A. Tripp, Ms. Claudia J. Evans, Mr. Loren H. Sullivan, Mr. Larry Herring, Mr. and Mrs. Paul V. Trout, Dr. and Mrs. Virgil R. Parker, Ms. Jessie Mae White, Mrs. Karen Robinson, Ms. Lois J. KENTUCKY NORTH CAROLINA Wiley, Sue S. Stinson, Mrs. Elmeda Hopkins, Mr. and Mrs. Randall Miller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Dwight White, Mrs. Leona M. SOUTH CAROLINA LOUISIANNA OHIO Lancaster, Mr. Carl E. DELAWARE Flowers, Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Coriell, Ms. Estelle M. Gwynn, Mr. and Mrs. Talbert Feldman, Mr. and Mrs. James D. TENNESSEE MASSACHUSETTS Beckloff, Mrs. John W. FLORIDA Kreide, Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. OKLAHOMA Breeden, Mrs. John E. Butts, Mr. Ray F. Bledsoe, Mr. and Mrs. Larry L. Buckley, Mr. Dale Muegel, Martha R. MISSISSIPPI Chitwood, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hage, Mr. and Mrs. James Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Clites, Ms. Louise G. GEORGIA Harvill, Mr. and Mrs. David Fecht, Mr. and Mrs. Gerd Dillon Jr., Mr. and Mrs. James A. Dover, Mrs. Mary W. Jones, Mrs. Geneva S. Gaither, Mrs. Dale Haile, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell continued on next page 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION APRIL 2013 Quiet time to study God’s word, meditate is vital for spiritual health inding a time to quietly think, The verses she meditated on from her study and pray remains one of the open Bible were a constant reminder Fgreatest challenges of life. that God is always there. I pray many times during the day I know that serious Bible study must — when I wake up, while I am in the become more of a church priority for shower, as I drink my coffee, walking the Kingdom today if we are to stand continued from previous page to class, preparing for a class, as I read for God’s principles and e-mail, after a phone call, and so on Insight be evangelistic. And our TENNESSEE cont. TEXAS cont. through the day. regular, intense study Despite the regular expression of does allow God to touch Huffines, Mr. and Mrs. O’Neal Organ, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. faith that a prayer represents, I find our hearts and begin to Roe, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Pate, Mrs. C. Elaine it harder to spend even 15 minutes transform us. Patterson, Mrs. Betty J. reading the Word. Without the time to Hopefully we are TEXAS Roberson, Ms. Nelda D. read, study and contemplate, I lack the involved in Bible Acker, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin M. Saringer, Ms. Nellie H. refreshing that comes from listening studies where we have to God. Without the time to meditate to study and prepare Andrews, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Sauer, Mr. and Mrs. Hyman and think about God’s great truths and for class discussion. In Brown Jr., Mr. James Smith, Dr. Lawrence R. expressions of eternal elements of life, Bailey McBride most churches, women Brown, Ms. Clara R. Snowbarger, Mr. and Mrs. Rich- my soul begins to dry up, and my joy in seem more likely to Buchanan, Mr. and Mrs. Mart ard living for Christ begins to fade. be in serious studies than men. That Chenault, Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Souders, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Knowing this important fact, I still needs to change. Men need God’s struggle to take the time to reconnect informing wisdom very much. Even Coffman, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Spencer Jr., Mrs. John C. with God so that his Spirit can renew if your congregation is not providing Colburn, Ms. Betty A. Stathopulo, Mr. Al the life of my spirit. you a program for serious Bible study, Collier, Mr. and Mrs. Hughbert Taylor, Dr. and Mrs. L. G. At different times in my life, I have you can begin your own study, using Cozort, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Young, Mr. and Mrs. Dale tried different approaches to quiet the text and whatever commentaries Dolezalek, Mr. and Mrs. Don R. time with God. At one point, I gave up you need. God’s people can only be his reading the newspaper and spent that people if we are willing to take the time Garrett, Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. UTAH time with my Bible open. That worked to let him fill our minds and our being. Gibson, Bonnie Fox Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Harry R. very well. The time was adequate Time is our usual excuse for not Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis D. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. William J. for really concentrating on what God studying or setting aside regular times Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. seemed to be communicating to me. to focus on God and our unique rela- Hillier, Mr. Stephen VIRGINIA At another time, I gave up the local tionship with him. I recently saw a news on television and concentrated poster reminding the reader that each Holden, Mrs. Mabel Riley, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. for 30 minutes on praying and studying one of us has the same amount of time Kennon, Ms. Phyllis Scriptures I had laid out for medita- as great people who had done amazing King, Ms. Brownie L. WASHINGTON tion when I was studying on Saturday. things, people like Leonardo da Vinci, Macon, Mr. and Mrs. Max L. Latham, Mr. and Mrs. David S. That plan helped me stay seriously Michelangelo, the president or Mother McGlothlin Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Ray connected with God. Teresa. So time is not an excuse. Our When Joyce and I first married, we challenge is ordering our lives so that Montrose, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. WEST VIRGINIA stayed at the dinner table and studied we can always have time for God. Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon in the evening. The time was great for My former administrative assistant Neely, Mr. Brody Brakebill, Mr. John W. our bonding, and we always took more retired to have more time with her chil- Newhouse, Mr. and Mrs. Bright time than we had allotted for the study. dren and grandchildren. She made one We have again returned to a pattern room in her house her prayer room. like that. We begin with one of our She went there regularly with friends Keepers of the Chronicle are devoted Christians who love, value, favorite devotional books and then study and family to pray. She also spent time and bless the Chronicle with a monthly pledge of $15 or more, one chapter from the New Testament. there each day with her Bible where she giving predictable support to our mission to inform, inspire and I had an aunt who had a book stand at studied and wrote personal commen- the entry to her kitchen, and each time taries of her study so that she would connect the Churches of Christ. she walked by she opened the Bible to remember her thoughts and insights. read the first verse her eyes lighted on. I realize that few of us will set aside Call or Email today to become a Keeper yourself! She would take the idea of the reading a room for prayer and study, but how and think about it to see how she could precious it would be if we devoted (405) 425-5070 apply it to her life. even half an hour to God — praying, [email protected] When I asked her about the practice, studying and meditating. she told me she studied early in the morning for her spiritual nourishment. COntact [email protected]. APRIL 2013 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35 acu.edu Dr. Robert Rhodes, Provost, ACU Box 29103, Abilene, Texas 79699-9103 Director, Sponsored Programs Abilene Christian University invites applicants for director of sponsored programs. The director provides the leadership and strategic vision for positioning the Office of Sponsored Programs as a campus leader in creating a robust research infrastructure and fostering a thriving community of scholars that is actively engaged in projects supported by external sponsors. Successful applicants must have a master’s degree and certification in Research Administration by the Research Administrators Certification Council, with a minimum of three years relevant work experience, preferably in sponsored programs and compliance programs administration. For more information, visit acu.edu/hr. In a letter, applicants should address each element or characteristic in the description of responsibilities and qualifications, and should send a curriculum vita, including the name, address and telephone number of five references (to be contacted only in the event the applicant is a finalist). Qualified applicants must be professing Christians willing to support the mission and purpose of the university. Preference may be given to an active, faithful member of a congregation of the Churches of Christ. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. The mission of the university is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities. 110324-0413 My wife and I look forward to graduation and a ministry op- I came to Harding University from California to portunity God has entrusted to us. We will work with a congregation in Rolla, study in the Bachelor of Ministry program. I was attracted to Har ding’s 128- Mo., formed when two congregations merged to be a great force for Christ in hour bachelor’s degree that would qualify me to work as a pulpit minister in their community. With such a unique opportunity comes responsibility and churches of Christ. Harding offers a well-rounded program that includes 94 challenges that I hours of Bible taught by top scholars. The best thing would have been ill about the program is the camaraderie among CAMT equipped for with- students. Lifelong friendships are cultivated by be- out the CAMT ing in classes and program and the daily chapel together. ministry classes Events throughout the offered by Har- year ensure fellowship ding University. not only among the Classes in youth students but among Kayla and Josh Adams ministry, Christian Harding University their families as well. counseling and Christian home helped prepare me The Bachelor of Min- for a personal relationship with God and to influence 501-279-5206 istry degree is for the future generations of the Lord’s children. Ministry Harding.edu/camt/bmin older, nontraditional classes offered are very practical and get at the heart of student — the average true ministry and service to God and His people. If you want to grow in your age is 36. The full-tuition scholarship made Karina and Chris Kearney relationship with God, learn more about ministry, and be more fully equipped it possible for me to take advantage of this great educational opportunity to for service in the Lord’s kingdom, take a look at the CAMT program. prepare for ministry in God’s kingdom. box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 An international newspaper for Churches of Christ Vol. 70, No. 4 | April 2013 change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID INSIDE OKLAHOMA CITY OK CALENDAR...... 28 PERMIT # 276 CURRENTS...... 17 DIALOGUE...... 23 INSIGHT...... 34 INTERNATIONAL...... 8 LETTERS...... 31 NATIONAL...... 5 OPINION...... 30 PARTNERS...... 25 Teen challenge Faith on the farm Jamaica goes global PEOPLE...... 29 Youth conference Tiny, 156-year-old Iowa Preaching school trains REVIEWS...... 32 mixes Jesus and fun. 6 church refuses to die. 1 from Cuba to Nepal. 17 Ministers, leaders discuss impact of Arkansas church gun law, Page 3 | www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070 www.oc.edu