Contains MAY Nurturing Faith Lessons

Q&A with Tony Campolo 6

APRIL 2012 baptiststoday.org

Pastoral Perspectives He with George Mason | 34 is Wendell Griffen Minister-Judge | 38

RALEIGH’S TWO FIRST BAPTIST Risen CHURCHES TAKE CENTER STAGE indeed 42

™ BIBLE STUDIES for adults and youth 17 MAY lessons inside April 2012 Vol. 30, No. 4 baptiststoday.org

John D. Pierce Executive Editor [email protected]

Julie Steele Chief Operations Officer [email protected] Jackie B. Riley 38 Managing Editor [email protected] LITTLE ROCK’S PASTOR-JUDGE PROCLAIMS JUSTICE Tony W. Cartledge Contributing Editor [email protected]

Bruce T. Gourley PERSPECTIVE Online Editor [email protected] Overturning tables — and misconceptions 5 John Pierce David Cassady Church Resources Editor [email protected] The next generation speaks 9 Terri Byrd Tony Campolo Contributing Writer

Vickie Frayne Baptists visit White House to discuss Art Director concerns 15 Jannie Lister Elizabeth Evans Hagan A case for ministry 36 Customer Service Manager [email protected] Church’s future tied to interactive Kimberly L. Hovis communications Marketing Associate 16 [email protected] Natalie Aho Walker Knight, Publisher Emeritus 42 Remembering Melissa: A well-lived life 37 ‘Two Jack U. Harwell, Editor Emeritus Tommy McDearis Buildings, BOARD OF DIRECTORS One Heart’ Walter B. Shurden, Macon, Ga. (chairman) Robert Cates, Rome, Ga. (vice chair) IN THE NEWS Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. BUBBA, others rejected in SBC name search Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. 12 Kelly L. Belcher, Spartanburg, S.C. Thomas E. Boland, Alpharetta, Ga. American Baptists gather pennies Cover photo: By John Pierce. The amphitheater Donald L. Brewer, Gainesville, Ga. at Highland Hills Baptist Church in Macon, Ga., Huey Bridgman, The Villages, Fla. to help children 12 Mary Jane Cardwell, Waycross, Ga. site of an annual Easter sunrise service, shows its Jack Causey, Statesville, N.C. spring colors. Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. Analysis: Re-branding religion is hard to do 13 Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. Quotation Remarks 4 James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. Mormon leaders seek end to proxy baptisms Gary F. Eubanks, Marietta, Ga. R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. of celebrities, Jews 14 Editorial 5 Ben Gross, Chattanooga, Tenn. Leslie D. Hill, Lexington, Ky. Classifieds 11 Fisher Humphreys, Birmingham, Ala. Atheists likely to outnumber Christians in Michael M. Massar, Baton Rouge, La. England in 20 years 32 In the Know 11 William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. Roger Paynter, Austin, Texas Media 29 Michael G. Queen, Wilmington, N.C. BWA picks new relief director, Kathy B. Richardson, Rome, Ga. human rights award recipient 33 Baptists and the Civil War 30 Lee Royal, Greensboro, N.C. Mary Etta Sanders, Dalton, Ga. Lighter Side 31 Charles Schaible, Macon, Ga. Forwarding political emails can bear Macon Sheppard, Folly Beach, S.C. false witness Charlotte Cook Smith, Winston-Salem, N.C. 41 Reblog 40 David M. Smith, Houston, Texas Leo Thorne, Valley Forge, Pa. Cathy Turner, Clemson, S.C. An autonomous, national David Turner, Richmond, Va. news journal since 1983 Tom Waller, Alpharetta, Ga. Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. Cynthia Wise, Birmingham, Ala. 2 | Feature READERS SERVICES

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Information | 3 quotation remarks

“We both grew up in a Baptist “Even the animals deserve a day church… It was our private bond.” “In the current climate of of rest.”

—Actor Kevin Costner at the Feb. 18 funeral of evangelical higher education, —Director Eddy Aliff of the Virginia Assembly of Whitney Houston at New Hope Baptist Church the virtue of courage grows Independent Baptists, defending the state’s ban on in Newark, N.J., sharing how he helped construct ever more important. Leaders Sunday hunting (Fox News) the sanctuary where his family worshipped in must find ways to educate their Paramount, Calif., and at age 6 was caught “The promise of the SBC’s conservative “knocking back” leftover Communion cups while colleges’ constituents rather resurgence was that we would pretending to be a cowboy (CNN) than being obsessed with eventually agree on enough to simply avoiding conflict and, cooperate for global missions. Well, “Being Southern Baptist isn’t a problem when will that day come?” in Fairhope, Alabama. It’s a proud thing. in extreme cases, driving away [But] if we were to say the Yankee the more intellectual leaders of —Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, Baptist Church here, that would be a their communities. They must in a Baptist Press column real turnoff.” balance concern about donor “We like to use biblical analogies, and —Pastor Jerry Henry of First Baptist Church of pocketbooks and faithfulness this is a year of biblical proportions. As Fairhope admitting that the Southern Baptist to an institution’s particular we would say in Christendom, it’s like Convention name can be an obstacle in other parts of heritage with a still deeper an early rapture. We spent 40 years the country (RNS) faithfulness to the Christian wandering the wilderness. I hope this is our exit.” “If we could convert political hyperbole faith itself and its profounder to cash, this debate would have intellectual traditions.” —Baylor regent Buddy Jones on the university’s eliminated the national debt.” new prominence in intercollegiate athletics —Science-and-religion scholar Karl Giberson (New York Times) —Baptist Standard Editor Marv Knox on strong who conducts a writing workshop at Gordon reactions to an HHS ruling calling for employee College in Massachusetts (Huffington Post) “We are excited about the prospect insurance plans to cover contraceptive costs of being a stronger voice in the community to meet the needs of “If we emphasize Jesus’ death, cut out people and do what churches are from the whole tapestry of his life, we supposed to do.” reduce his crucifixion to perverse ritual rather than a direct consequence of “A healthy, strong and vibrant civil —Joe Fitzpatrick, worship and music pastor at his confrontation with the powers of society can only exist where freedom of Nashville’s First Baptist Church, on a newly approved master plan that includes a Christian music venue his day.” religion is respected and protected.” and additional space for Room in the Inn, a homeless —Baptist minister Suzan Johnson Cook, —Greg Carey, professor of New Testament at shelter that also offers computer classes U.S. Ambassador at Large for Religious Freedom, Lancaster Theological Seminary (Huffington Post) (The Tennessean) telling Baptist World Alliance leaders that religious freedom creates stability (BWA) “Candidates do not have to check their “For whatever reason, some U.S. religion at the door of the offices they “The only people I had in my place — Christians need to think and feel that seek, but they need to understand that and you will love this — was my wife’s they are persecuted. Maybe it makes they serve people of other faiths and of Bible study group.” them believe they are more akin to no faith.” figures of faith in the Bible.” —Jimmy Pierson on a mid-afternoon visit by a —Brent Walker, executive director of the Warner Bros. crew preparing to shoot a Clint —Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty Eastwood movie scene in his bar (Macon Telegraph) Center for Ethics (ethicsdaily.com)

4 | Perspective Editorial By John Pierce Overturning tables — and misconceptions

My parents, other relatives, neigh- be both socially refined and ugly toward others. On the other end, Jesus can get por- So the manners of my upbringing were trayed as meek, mild, and accepting of any bors, teachers and church leaders rooted in the idea of kindness that is expressed and all beliefs and behavior. He becomes the by treating all people in considerate ways. quiet philosophical Jesus. However, it became taught me to value good manners. Therefore, it is not surprising that I grew obvious to me long ago that a soft-spoken phi- I still do (except when driving). up with an image of a well-mannered, very losopher who wanders the countryside while polite Jesus. Our Jesus was sweet. telling heart-warming stories doesn’t end up on anners can take on various forms and “Sweetest name I a cross. have evolved since Emily Post’s defini- know.” “’Tis so sweet to Since such various images of Jesus Mtive statement on the subject in 1922. trust in Jesus.” abound, it is no wonder that he was compelled However, basic respect and kindness, more Jesus’ hard rhetoric to ask even those closest to him: “But who do than formal etiquette, marked the behavioral toward the religiously you say that I am?” Apparently, the confusion standards that were conveyed to me since table pious — though quite has been going on for a long time. settings were simple and hot tea’s only use was obvious in the Bible we For us, this is a good season to reflect to dissolve sugar before being poured over ice. read and loved — didn’t on the full person of Jesus in the Gospels — Those home and community efforts to get a lot of our attention. passed down through the ages by those who teach basic social behavior did not totally fail. That would hit too close witnessed and recorded his life and teachings. So, as a result, I try to speak kindly to oth- to home. With careful attention to not imposing our ers, to be gracious in social settings and to be But there was one exception: The story of predetermined concepts of Jesus on our read- mindful enough to hold the door for the next Jesus overturning the tables of the temple mer- ing, we might discover something new and person. chants was very popular. fresh about the most remarkable person to Manners just matter to me. And I don’t It was interpreted as Jesus giving us walk the face of the Earth. like being in social settings where ill-mannered permission for an occasional angry outburst We just might find: an often kind but people talk loudly on their cell phones or if directed toward selected “sins.” It’s that sometimes less-than-polite Jesus; a revolution- smoke in non-smoking areas or act like their moment in the Gospel story when Jesus shifts ary whose love and mercy threatens those of convenience is more important than the rules characters from Mr. Rogers to John Wayne — us who claim to be loving and merciful; and everyone else follows. before returning to his sweater and sneakers. a savior who not only rescues sinners by our Such elitism, in my book, conveys poor Today, some church leaders play up the definition, but also reminds those of us who manners as well. Those who consider it very cowboy image of Jesus in an effort to get men think we are safely on the right shore that we important to feel important tend to be dis- roped into church. Such macho Christianity could use a little more rescuing too. respectful toward those they consider to be less may involve weight-lifting exhibitions, testi- But, then, it’s never a bad time to get bet- than important. Therefore, being mannerly is monies by athletes who credit Jesus with their ter acquainted with Jesus — the sweetest name not a matter of socio-economic status. One can on-field successes, and wild game dinners. I know. BT

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week, and the joy and hope of Easter.

The Directors and Staff of Baptists Today

Perspective | 5 “When you start dealing with what Christ really expects from us, you become socially dangerous.” “What young people like more than anything else is a radical call to obedience to Christ.” ‘A sense of urgency’ A conversation with Tony Campolo

TLANTA — An ongoing irritant to #$%&' ()* +,%$%# casual Christianity (which he would consider an oxymoron), well-traveled -' .%,) +/0&10 Tony Campolo flew in from a speaking Aengagement in Rome, Italy, to address an urban ministry workshop here during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday weekend. The 77-year-old author, sociologist and Baptist minister has not slowed down — nor toned down his call for selfless, counter-cultural expres- sions of the Christian faith. “You get a sponge and dip it in water,” he said to workshop participants gathered at Atlanta’s First Presbyterian Church. “But if you don’t wring it out, what happens?” His rhetorical question created the desired image of something that is saturated and even souring. Then he compared the dripping sponge to church members who go to Bible study to “grow” — but never put their increased faith into active ministry on behalf of those Jesus loved and served. The only way to get people to grow in the Spirit, said Campolo, is to get them involved in the neighborhood. Then he offered some tacti- cal advice. Lay off guilt trips aimed at middle and upper-class Christians, he said. “Tell them you want to help them grow.” Afterward, Baptists Today editor John Pierce posed questions to Campolo about issues and opportunities facing Christians today. The conver- sation below is adapted from that interview.

BT: Tony, you’ve been doing this a long time. What keeps you going?

Campolo: The thing that keeps me going is the sense that I haven’t done what needs to be done in my life. It’s a sense of incompleteness. It’s a sense that there is a long-way more to go. I think of that poem by Robert Frost: “I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.” There is a sense of urgency, and I think it comes, largely, out of the way in which I conduct my prayer life.

6 | Feature Each morning I take time to just center But I am totally committed to justice for TONY CAMPOLO is professor down on Jesus, and don’t ask God for anything. my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. I don’t emeritus of sociology at Eastern But in quiet and solitude, I wait to feel some think you can tell these brothers and sisters that University and a former faculty mem- kind of infilling of his presence. you love them and not stand up for justice on ber at the University of Pennsylvania. And that tends to regenerate the sense of their behalf. An American Baptist minister, he urgency that was there from the beginning. I’d Justice is nothing more than love turned is the founder and president of say that I have more of a sense of urgency today into social policy. That’s a strong statement with the Evangelical Association for the than when I first started out. me. Promotion of Education. So I’ve been an advocate for those broth- He has written more than 35 BT: Back in the 1980s you were invited ers and sisters. There is seldom a message that books, including It’s Friday, but Sunday’s to speak at conferences and in more- I give that I don’t work in something calling for Comin’, Letters to a Young Evangelical: The Art conservative, evangelical churches justice. of Mentoring, and 20 Hot Potatoes Christians that you may not get invited to today. There are like 110 rights that hetero- Are Afraid to Touch. He and his wife Peggy What has changed? Have the churches sexuals enjoy that homosexuals do not. I don’t live near Philadelphia. changed? Have you changed? Or are think we are really serving Christ well when we For more on his books, speaking we just in a more divisive time? don’t stand up for justice even on behalf of those schedule and other information, visit we don’t necessarily agree with. This is a very tonycampolo.org. Campolo: I think that your analysis is a cor- important factor. A video portion of rect one. I speak just as much, but in terms of I would say those two things have really this interview is being in mainline churches: American Baptist, kind of created a negative attitude in many available online at Cooperative Baptist Fellowship churches, some evangelical circles — but by no means in all baptiststoday.org. Southern Baptist churches — but Presbyterian, evangelical circles. Methodist, United Church of Christ. As a matter of fact, I think evangelical- What changed was due to a couple of ism is itself going through a rapid evolution. things. First of all, it became known that I was [Evangelicals] are now as concerned about the serving as a pastoral counselor to President poor as mainline churches have been — maybe Clinton. even more so. It was on the front page of about every The place where they differ from mainline for something they are not finding in many newspaper in the country that the president churches is that they are willing to respond to churches. We have this movement called the called upon me and another friend to really the poor with charity, but they are not about Red Letter Christian Fellowship — calling spend time with the president each week. And to raise serious questions about political and people to be Red Letter Christians referring to we did; it was each week. economic structures in America that are creating [Jesus’ sayings] in the Bible. [We were] weeping and trying to get him poverty. But what we are really saying is: Has the back on track — and trying to revitalize his That Latin American bishop [Dom Helder time come for us not simply to be sound in sense of commitment to the causes of justice Camara] said: “When I fed the poor, they called Pauline theology? And that’s very important. and helping the poor and oppressed and living me a saint; when I began to ask what made If you read Paul, you’ll learn about justi- out the work of the presidency in a way that them poor, they called me a communist.” fication by faith — which is at the core of our those who Jesus called the least of these would I’m a totally committed American, but I Christianity. If you read the Gospels, you’ll get benefit from. get people calling me a socialist and all kind of the lifestyle of the Kingdom of God. He had a fall in his life, and he needed to things simply because I say it’s not enough just We need both of those things. We need recover. When I stepped forward to do that, I to feed the poor; we’ve got to, in fact, change some Pauline theology on one hand. We need knew then that I was going to be in trouble. the political and economic structures that are directives from Christ on how to live. So many of my evangelical friends are creating poverty. That has caused me a great When you start dealing with what Christ so Republican that they sometimes forget the deal of difficulty. really expects from us, you become socially dan- Kingdom of God transcends political affairs gerous. You begin to raise questions about such — but that we are called upon to pray for the BT: You’re an old guy who connects things as capital punishment — because Jesus leaders, and with the leaders, whoever they may with young people well. How do you do said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be... that, and why is it important to you? obtain mercy.” But there was a sense that to be aligned You begin to raise questions about milita- with this man in a spiritual capacity was in fact Campolo: Well, I never treated young people rism because Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” to become persona non grata in certain circles of any differently than I treated old people. So When he said that, he probably meant you the evangelical faith. I think that was one of the it wasn’t that I had to change my style when I shouldn’t kill them. things that did it. moved from one group to another. He said when you have two coats you I think the other thing that did it was this: I think that young people don’t want to be ought to give one of them away. I mean, when I tend to have a somewhat conservative view talked down to. They don’t want to be treated as you go through the statements of Jesus, he is on homosexual relationships. I hold that same- though they are a different species. radical. And what young people like more than gender erotic behavior does not fit in with my They are progressive in their thinking and, anything else is a radical call to obedience to understanding of scripture. more important than that, they are looking Christ.

Feature | 7 BT: What would you say to churches host of entitlement programs that are very, very even call a church. But he’s in a very, very high- that are really serious about reaching necessary. risk neighborhood. If you ever saw an area that young people but don’t know how to The answer is quite simple: we are spend- was dangerous and slummy-looking, it’s his do it? ing 40 percent of our income on the federal section of Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. level for a military establishment. The war in He has a group of about 70 people who Campolo: I think more than anything else we Iraq cost $250,000 a minute. What’s more, come together on Monday night and they have need to listen to what some observers outside almost 5,000 young men and women died over a dinner. They’ll play some games, and then the church are saying in answer to that question. there. And we’re asking what was it all about. he’ll share the message. Ernest Becker, in a Pulitzer Prize-winning book When we let our young men and women I always thought the church was to be, you [The Denial of Death] on neo-Freudian sociol- become cannon fodder and we spend the know, a call to worship and hymns. But we play ogy and psychology, says this: “When will the resources of the richest nation in the world in some games, eat a meal and talk about the Lord. church learn that youth was made for hero- order to carry out wars that don’t seem to have I could give you 15 different forms of the ism and not for pleasure?” That’s a profound any end to them, which have very little meaning ways in which the church is spreading out and statement. to us, and which we probably shouldn’t be in at growing and experimenting with models. And Too often we think we are going to attract all — militarism scares me. I think I’m seeing that as a viable option to the young people if we can entertain them … but I ask the very simple question: Can there traditional ways in which we have conducted what the kids who we want to bring into the be peace in the world unless the Israelis and church. church are really looking for is an opportunity Palestinians get together? And, yet, we’ve not But let me also say that I’m very optimistic to do something significant for others in the listened to the concerns of our Palestinian about the church. name of Jesus. Christian brothers and sisters. A lot of Southern Baptist churches, which Kids who will never come to a Bible study We act as if the Arabs are all Muslims. I love dearly, have gone into great difficulty, for will join a group to do Habitat for Humanity. They’re not. Huge numbers of Christians are instance, over the issue of women pastors. And When you say: “Would you like to go to Haiti Arabs — and they feel themselves oppressed then I see churches that heroically stand up and work with some poor people in a village?” militaristically. against the broad mainstream of their denomi- — they’ll line up. They want to do something And they look at the United States and nation and say: “I’m sorry, when I read the heroic. say: “You are equipping those who are, in fact, scripture I see women in key roles of leadership We always get the idea that if we can get oppressing us and destroying our dignity … — like Junia in the book of Acts. I see women them into the Bible then we can get them into You’re our Christian brothers and sisters and preaching — like the four daughters of Philip action. That’s true, but it is equally true that if you don’t seem to care what’s happening to us.” who were preachers and prophets of God. I see we can get them to do things that are biblical — So, militarism has all kinds of effects. I too much of this; I affirm women in ministry.” doing heroic things for Christ and the kingdom think it has an eroding impact on our young And they get shot down and hurt. But in — that will make them into people who want people. I think it has a frightening effect on our the end, when the final judgments are made to read the scripture and who will have much to economy. about the church, there will be great respect for pray about. those who stood up for the hard issues. There is an interactive process at work BT: As a sociologist and as a minister, Let me just say this [during MLK week- here. Namely, what we read about and pray you have helped churches over the end]: Right now, Martin Luther King is a about affects what we do. But let us not forget: years to read sociological shifts. What hero of white people. But I’m old enough to what we do affects how much we pray and how is happening sociologically that church remember when the churches were calling him a much we read the scripture. I think we’ve got leaders should be aware of now? communist. And you’re old enough. to get our young people into heroic actions for Christ and the kingdom. Campolo: What I think we are moving into is BT: … and a troublemaker an era of the church taking on new forms. I’m BT: What is the ethical or social issue amazed at how many church groups of young Campolo: Yes. A troublemaker, an agitator. All that’s really in your craw right now? people are meeting in ways I never imagined. of a sudden it’s in retrospect that we begin to see One of the guys in the Red Letter him in his heroism. Campolo: Oh, that’s a heavy one. I think that Christian Fellowship has a church in Manhattan In the end, I’m not so concerned as to how the social issue more than any other that has got that meets Sunday mornings in a large bar. many members we have in our church as I am me going is the poor and oppressed, of course. He said: “Why build a building? I went to concerned about how heroic the church has But I would think that militarism has got me the bartender and asked, ‘Do you have much been in times when the great questions of our upset. of a crowd here on Sunday morning?’ He said, age were raised. I don’t care whether you’re on the left or ‘No.’ ‘What if I brought a church in here and I And I see so much heroism and so much the right — both parties are saying that our gave you a hundred bucks?’ ‘Great!’” courage among ministers who … say with nation is in trouble. So they are there. People come in the bar Martin Luther: “Unless I am persuaded by con- The national debt has soared. We don’t … and listen in. There are about 150 squeezing science or by scripture, I cannot and I will not have enough money to take care of elderly peo- in this bar on Sunday morning. I never imag- recant.” ple. We’re talking about cutting back on Social ined that kind of thing would happen. I’ve got to be optimistic about a church Security. We’re talking about ending a whole My son Bart runs a program he doesn’t that stands on biblical grounds for justice. BT

8 | Feature OTHER V O I C E S — that call for taking Jesus seriously

The next generation speaks By Tony Campolo

his new column in Baptists Today will in the secular media, an adjective describing They will advocate going to people liv- be written by and for young people, militia groups in Africa, Zionist movements ing on the streets to give them the food and but those of us who are not young bent on taking land away from Palestinians, blankets they need, rather than talking about will want to read it, too, because it and those who too easily martyr Christianity to homelessness at conferences and forums. For Twill be about what young people are thinking specific political parties — usually right-wing them, formulating what they believe is some- as they view the Christian faith and how they parties that sanctify nationalism. They also thing to be done in the context of reflection in believe the church has to change. have suspicions about left-leaning Christians action. These authors are more able than I am to who would make Jesus into an advocate of the I am not suggesting that these authors will express the concerns of today’s youth — and platform of the Democratic Party. represent the vast majority of young people in they have a better handle on what the church When asked about party affiliation, they today’s churches, but I do propose that more might do to respond to them. These authors are prone to answer: “Name and more of our young people likely will offer expressions of their faith that the issue.” They shy away will be drawn to what these look different from what we older Christians from making any political authors say and will find in their are used to, and will state their convictions in party into the “God Party.” “COME, words something with which ways that may disturb and even challenge how High on the list of the follow me” they can resonate. we think about what we believe. concerns of these writers will What you read in this Probably, they will replace many of be the promotion of an activ- column sometimes may cause the “hot button” issues that dominate our ism that addresses the needs of the poor and cheering and sometimes shuttering. present-day discussions with new ones, and oppressed directly, rather than through a politi- You probably realize, however, that the the language they use may be confusing and cal process they view with cynicism. They will time has come when lecturing young people perhaps even offensive to us. But as one of our propose building houses for poor people with is over and a time for dialoguing with them is old hymns tells us, “New occasions teach new Habitat for Humanity and traveling to Third at hand. This column will give some of them duties, time makes ancient good uncouth, they World countries to learn from indigenous a chance to say their peace to us, after which must upward still and onward, who would people what they can do to make “the world we will have to figure out how to answer them. keep abreast of truth.” that is” into the world that ought to be. This may be just what we need. BT Many of these young authors may no lon- ger want to call themselves “evangelicals” or, for that matter, even “Christians.” For the van- guard of a coming generation of young people, these labels carry “image baggage” they want to unload. For instance, “evangelical” often conjures up in their minds an image of churchgoers who hold an array of values and attitudes they sometimes find offensive and contrary to the ways they read the red letters in the Bible (those words of Jesus highlighted in red). Even the time-honored title of “Christian” may pose problems for some of them. This is because “Christian” has become,

EDITOR’S NOTE: Often we limit our hearing to voices similar to ours. This new column will allow for some other, usually more-youthful voices to speak about faith and the living out of Christianity in contemporary times. Writers will come from various denominational backgrounds and church experiences. This series is provided in partnership with the Red Letter Christians Fellowship (redletterchristians.org). Tony Campolo, who suggested the idea, sets the stage.

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Sugar Land Baptist Church, Sugar Land, Texas First Baptist Church, Athens, Ga. First Baptist Church, Tryon, N.C. Tabernacle Baptist Church, Carrollton, Ga. First Baptist Church, Augusta, Ga. First Baptist Church, Wilmington, N.C. Temple Baptist Church, Ruston, La. First Baptist Church, Bladenboro, N.C. First Baptist Church, Wilson, N.C. Trinity Baptist Church, Cordova, Tenn. First Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau, Mo. First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. Trinity Baptist Church, Seneca, S.C. First Baptist Church, Carolina Beach, N.C. Forest Hills Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C. Vineville Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tenn. Godwin Heights Baptist Church, Lumberton, N.C. Viewmont Baptist Church, Hickory, N.C. First Baptist Church, Clemson, S.C. Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, Meridian, Miss. Watts Street Baptist Church, Durham, N.C. First Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. Haddock Baptist Church, Haddock, Ga. Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, Ala. 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First Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C. Littleton Baptist Church, Littleton, N.C. First Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C. Lystra Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, N.C. First Baptist Church, Greenwood, S.C. Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains, Ga. First Baptist Church, Griffin, Ga. Masonboro Baptist Church, Wilmington, N.C. See, there’s room here. Add your church’s name to the growing list. Discover the benefits of once-a-year ordering and the special rates for 25 or more — and even deeper discounts for orders of 100 or more. Call toll-free 1-877-752-5658 or visit baptiststoday.org. Classifieds In the Know

Senior Pastor: The Memorial Baptist Church Senior Pastor: First Baptist Church of Laura A. Barclay received the Bill J. (www.tmbc.org) of Greenville, N.C., seeks a Murfreesboro, Tenn. (fbcmboro.org), a Leonard Distinguished Service Award from full-time senior pastor. The new senior pastor progressive downtown CBF-SBC church with Wake Forest University Feb. 16. The 2008 will lead TMBC in fulfilling its mission to worship an active membership of more than 400, is divinity school graduate is social ministries God, share Christ and serve others. He or she will seeking a gifted preacher and spiritual leader. coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist proclaim the gospel, teach biblical truth, provide Our mission is to build an authentic community Fellowship of North Carolina. Her work pastoral care, equip members to live out their of diverse individuals by serving Jesus Christ, involves addressing poverty, justice, compas- Christian faith, and oversee the administration providing relevant Bible study and worship sion and reconciliation issues. of the church. The successful candidate will be (both traditional and contemporary), and an ordained Baptist minister with a seminary engaging in hands-on-ministry locally, nationally Steve Dominy is pastor of University degree and no less than five years of ministerial and internationally. A seminary degree and Baptist Church in Shawnee, Okla., coming experience. To apply, send a letter of interest pastoral experience are required. Women and from the pastorate of First Baptist Church and a résumé with references by April 15 to Steve men are encouraged to apply. Send résumés in Gatesville, Texas. Beaman at [email protected] or Pastor and a cover letter stating your vision for church Search Team, 1510 Greenville Blvd. SE, Greenville, life by April 30 to Pastor Search Committee, Ida Mae Hays will retire as registrar NC 27858. 200 E. Main St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130 or to and financial aid director of the Baptist [email protected]. Theological Seminary at Richmond in June. She served as a Southern Baptist Music Ministry Resources: Choir robes (new and used), handbells, choirchimes, cus- Associate Minister for Administration missionary for 31 years in Brazil. She is tom choral folders, music storage boxes, choral and Senior Adults: Morningside Baptist pastor of Crossroads Baptist Fellowship in risers and choir chairs for sale. Contact Curtis Church in Spartanburg, S.C., a congregation of Weldon, N.C. Murdock, Baptist music minister for 35 years, at 1500+ members and a team of six ministers, is Gary Gunderson is vice president of [email protected] or (800) 868-0101 seeking an associate minister for administration faith and health ministries at Wake Forest or MurdockMusic.com. and senior adults. Appropriate college and Baptist Medical Center in Winston- seminary degrees are required. Candidates Salem, N.C. He will oversee spiritual must have the ability to coordinate the care services to patients, families, staff administrative responsibilities of the church Advertise today and the senior adult program, and also have and management as well as marketing good communication skills. Morningside affirms and public relations services to Baptist women in ministry and worships in a traditional churches. His areas include chaplaincy form. Send résumés to areggiehill@bellsouth. and the Center for Congregational [email protected] net or to Associate Minister for Administration Health. and Senior Adults, c/o Reggie Hill, Morningside Ida Mae Hays will retire as registrar Baptist Church, 897 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, and financial aid director of the Baptist 478-471-9274 SC 29302. Theological Seminary at Richmond in June. She served as a Southern Baptist missionary for 31 years in Brazil. She is pastor of Crossroads Baptist Fellowship in THE WALTER B. AND KAY W. SHURDEN LECTURES ON Weldon, N.C. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE Mercer University, Macon, Ga. Fred Loper, M.D., will end his service Tuesday, April 17 May 31 as executive director of the Baptist Medical School Auditorium Medical Dental Fellowship. A former 10:50 a.m. Southern Baptist home missionary, he will “America Conceived as a Christian Nation? – work with a charitable Christian medical The Separation of Good and Bad History” clinic in Oklahoma City. 5 p.m. Rodger Murchison will retire in July from “A Secular/Sacred Alliance in the Fight for Religious Liberty First Baptist Church of Augusta, Ga., where he has served as associate pastor for 25 Wednesday, April 18 years. It has been his only full-time ministry Newton Chapel Speaker: position. Franklin T. Lambert, 10 a.m. Professor of History, David Sapp will retire April 14 as pastor of “Constituting the Separation of Church and State” Purdue University Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Free and open to the public. Information: BJConline.org/lectures • (202) 544-4226 • [email protected] Atlanta where he has served for 13 years. BT Sponsored by THE BAPTIST JOINT COMMITTEE FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, Washington, D.C.

Information | 11 BUBBA, others rejected Seven million pennies Southern Baptists to stick Coin gathering grows, benefits children in poverty (mostly) with same name ALLEY FORGE, Penn. — The Penny had been stolen when it reached 40,000, but Project was started by the children of they began collecting again and surpassed the By Adelle M. Banks First Baptist Church of New London, original amount. To view a video from the Religion News Service V N.H., as a regional project in 2007. Two years proclamation ceremony, visit youtube.com and later, it gained national appeal through the search “The Penny Project.” task force unanimously recom- American Baptist Home Mission Societies. Other Penny Project stories can be found mended that the Southern Baptist Today, American Baptists have collected at abhms.org, by clicking on “The Penny Convention maintain its official A more than 7 million pennies to support pro- Project.” name but give members of the nation’s grams aimed at improving the lives of children Groups interested in helping The Penny largest Protestant denomination the living in poverty. That milestone marks the Project reach its goal — still 7 million pennies option of calling themselves “Great halfway point to the ultimate goal of 14 away — can join the effort at the American Commission Baptists.” million pennies. Baptist Home Missions web site as well. The recommendation, approved Why that goal? According to the National overwhelmingly by the SBC Executive Center for Children in Poverty and the U.S. —Adapted from an American Baptist Committee Feb. 20, determined that Census Bureau, there were 14 million children News Service release. changing the convention’s name was living in poverty in the United States and fraught with legal and logistical problems. Puerto Rico (where American Baptists form a Southwestern Baptist Seminary regional body) in 2008. President Paige Patterson, a former SBC More than 225 organizations — many of president and a member of the task force, them American Baptist-related youth groups had long favored a name change but said it — have joined the effort to collect pennies is likely too difficult to pull off — and other coins to help children in poverty. citing the “enormous legal fees” involved Recently the children of New Creation in changing congregational and state con- Baptist Church in Wheaton, Md., vention names as well as trusts and other were honored with a proclama- documents. tion by Maryland’s Montgomery He hopes the proposal, which will County Council for donating come before the SBC’s annual meeting in more than 300,000 pennies to two June in New Orleans, will satisfy those charities in their area. who wanted a name change: “I think that, Earlier their penny collection if anything, it’s a case of our having our cake and getting to eat it, too.” Pastor Micah Fries of St. Joseph, Mo., another member of the task force, agreed: CBF task force reveals work, seeks input “This is probably the best-case scenario.” As the task force weighed a possible By John Pierce of listening to and discussing various sug- name change, denominational leaders were Baptists Today gestions and drafting and refining the bombarded with hundreds of suggestions, recommendations “was holy stuff for us.” most avoiding the word “Southern.” DECATUR, Ga. — A 14-member However, the pastor of First Baptist But one hinted at the denomination’s task force charged with recommending Church of Huntsville, Ala., was not defen- regional flavor: Baptist Ultimate Bible changes to the structure of the 20-year-old sive about the report — encouraging Believing Alliance, or BUBBA. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship shared its feedback that would clarify and strengthen Other intriguing, but rejected, names work Feb. 23 with the CBF Coordinating the document. included: Association of Thriving Baptist Council and other leaders. The task force has gone back to work Churches, Baptist Southern Convention, A key component of the extensive, with the many and various responses to Christian Synergy Convention, Ends initial report calls for carving down the their presentation and will make a follow- of the Earth Baptists, Eternal Baptist governing council from its current size of up report to the council in June, prior to Convention, Friendly Family Church of 64 to 16. Two additional councils, without the CBF General Assembly. If approved, America, Global Association of Immersing governing duties, would work with CBF the report will be recommended to the Christians, Jesus Christ is Lord Baptist staff in the areas of mission and ministries. larger assembly gathered in Fort Worth. Convention and League of Baptist Describing the Fellowship as his The current report including explana- Messengers. BT “heritage and hope,” task force leader tory videos may be viewed at thefellowship. David Hull said the 20-month experience info/2012taskforce. BT

12 | Information () ()(2'#/# -' *(3/* 4/-#%), Religion News Service Name change? Re-branding religion hard to do, and not always successful

NEW YORK — Did leaders of the that were raised by the SBC task force — but “I think you should stick to your mis- they may not work. Exhibit A: Coca-Cola’s sion and just work harder to explain why Southern Baptist Convention hurt their failed 1985 effort to introduce “New Coke,” or your mission matters,” said Feldmeth, who missionary cause by opting not to change Tropicana’s updated but deeply unpopular pack - is now a practicing member of the Episcopal the denomination’s name to something a age design for its orange juice, or Gap’s swift Church, which was forced to re-brand after rejection of a poorly received new logo. the Revolutionary War made associations with bit more, well, marketable? “Brands that play against consumer behav- Anglicanism dicey. aybe, but as the advertising execu- ior always lose,” said Josh Feldmeth, head of the “Brands exist to change behavior,” he said. tives of Madison Avenue could attest, New York office of Interbrand, an international “That applies to the religious world as much as Mas tempting as it is to try to solve a brand consultancy business. it does to the business world.” missionary slump with a marketing campaign, Even so, religious groups won’t stop trying It’s also not easy to find a good alternative. religious groups — like commercial businesses if they feel their “brand” isn’t working. “Mormon” is memorable and short, while the — should think twice before undergoing a Campus Crusade for Christ, the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a brand overhaul. ministry started in 1951 by the late Bill Bright mouthful. An SBC task force recommended against and his wife, is this year introducing a new The “American Baptist” name was taken an official name change, an idea that has been moniker, “Cru,” that some worry could become in 1950 by the Baptists’ northern branch, and bandied about for more than a century. the “New Coke” of evangelical Christianity. black Baptists snagged the “National Baptist” Advocates argued that the name wasn’t Elsewhere, evangelical leader Tony brand way back in 1895. In the end, all the helping reverse a decline in baptisms and Campolo has taken to calling himself a “Red Southern Baptist task force could do was offer church plantings. One reason, they said, was Letter Christian” because he worries that the an unofficial alternative, “Great Commission the “Southern” part of their name made it hard evangelical brand has become too politicized. Baptists,” for congregations that want at least to expand beyond its largely white base in the (See related story on page 6.) something a little different. Bible Belt, and racial and ethnic minorities The rock-ribbed Christians at Bob Jones It seems unlikely the “GCB” moniker often balk when they see the Southern Baptist University in South Carolina have been look- will win out, but an evolutionary approach to name. ing — so far in vain — for an alternative to the re-branding can work; International Business “There is so much to celebrate in the heri- “fundamentalist” label that they once wore so Machines effectively reinvented itself as IBM, tage of our beloved denomination, but there is proudly. and General Electric did the same by switching also a deep stain that is associated with slavery,” Mormon leaders are also making a push to to GE. President Albert Mohler of Southern Baptist have the church called only by its formal name, If all else fails, Southern Baptists and Theological Seminary wrote as the debate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons can take heart from historical heated up. “If these issues can be resolved, even because they feel the “Mormon” label can be precedent. The early followers of Jesus were to any significant degree, by a name change, a derogatory or raise undesirable associations with disparagingly referred to as “little Christs” — Gospel-minded people would never hesitate to polygamist splinter groups. hence the term Christians, a brand few churches consider such a proposal.” But Feldmeth, who was raised an evangeli- are eager to give up. There were also strong currents running cal and graduated from Wheaton College, said Likewise, the name “Lutheran” was first against a change, however. LDS leaders might want to think twice. used to mock the Protestant reformer Martin “We believe that the equity that we have in The word “Mormon,” like “Southern Luther, who didn’t much like the term either. the name Southern Baptist Convention is valu- Baptist,” has strong name recognition and imme- But it stuck, and worked. able,” said Jimmy Draper, head of the task force. diately conveys a clear image — both valuable And in the 18th century, followers of “It is a strong name that identifies who we are assets. If that image is not the one you want to John and Charles Wesley were derided for their in theology, morality and ethics, compassion, project — for example, a LifeWay Research sur- “methodical” approach to spiritual growth — ministry and mission in the world. It is a name vey showed that 40 percent of Americans have a but thanks to those cultured despisers, we now that is recognized globally in these areas.” negative impression of Southern Baptists — then have Methodists. Makeovers are not only expensive and you have to figure out why rather than just slap- “In the end,” said Feldmeth, “they made fraught with potential legal problems — factors ping a new label on the same old product. the brand what they wanted it to be.” BT

“Brands exist to change behavior. That applies to the religious world as much as

it does to the business world.” —Josh Feldmeth, head of the New York office of Interbrand

Information | 13 Mormons warned against baptizing Holocaust victims, celebrities

By Peggy Fletcher Stack to their own ancestors, and any name submit- access to their genealogical records. Salt Lake Tribune ted for proxy rituals “should be related to the “We consider this a serious breach of our submitter.” protocol,” spokesman Scott Trotter said in a The crackdown could help LDS officials statement, “and we have suspended indefinitely SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) — Anne put an end to overzealous Mormons side- this person’s ability to access our genealogy Frank, Simon Wiesenthal’s parents, stepping the rules or mischief-makers bent on records.” embarrassing the faith. The letter from the church’s First Gandhi, Daniel Pearl, Elvis. Mormon The Mormon practice known as “bap- Presidency is an emphatic step, said Philip leaders are fed up. tism for the dead” involves living people being Barlow, an expert on Mormon history and cul- baptized on behalf of their dead relatives. ture at Utah State University. “It says ‘we really n March 2, the LDS church’s gov- Mormons believe it is their moral obligation to mean business’ and the imprimatur will etch erning First Presidency issued an do the temple rituals, while those in the here- more deeply on (Mormon) minds.” Ounequivocal mandate to its members: after can either accept or reject the ordinance. When the First Presidency speaks, Barlow Do not submit names of Jewish Holocaust In the early 1990s, Jewish representatives said, “LDS ears hear that with a louder micro- victims or celebrities for proxy baptism. Doing complained about the practice, arguing that it phone than a university president would have. It so could cost Mormons access to their church’s disrespected Jews who died in the Holocaust. has the added resonance of prophetic authority.” genealogical data or even their good standing Mormon leaders agreed to remove them from And it also “signals a seriousness to out- in the faith. the list of candidates for baptism, unless they siders,” he said. “Without exception, church members were related to living church members. In a statement, Abraham Foxman, must not submit for proxy temple ordinances The task, however, proved difficult, and national director of the New York-based Anti- any names from unauthorized groups, such as many of the names continued to pop up in the Defamation League, welcomed the hard line celebrities and Jewish Holocaust victims,” LDS database. In 2010, the Mormons assured Jews from Mormon leaders. President Thomas S. Monson and his coun- that a new computer system would help solve “Church members should understand why selors wrote in a letter to all Mormon bishops, the problem. proxy baptisms are so offensive to the Jewish dated Feb. 29. But it exploded again in recent weeks as people, who faced near annihilation during the “If members do so, they may forfeit their reporters published accounts of proxy bap- Holocaust simply because they were Jewish, New FamilySearch privileges (access to the tisms for several well-known figures, including and who throughout history were often the church’s genealogical holdings). Other correc- the deceased parents of famed Nazi hunter victims of forced conversions,” Foxman said. tive action may also be taken.” Simon Wiesenthal, and slain Wall Street Journal “As two minority religions who share The letter, which was to be read over reporter Daniel Pearl. histories as the target of intolerance and dis- pulpits and posted on bulletin boards in every LDS officials reacted swiftly and decisively crimination, we will continue to work with Mormon congregation on March 4, reminds to the news, issuing an apology and saying in each other to bring greater understanding and members that their “pre-eminent obligation” is several cases they had removed the submitters’ respect to both of our faith communities.” BT

Richard Dawkins says he’s not entirely sure God doesn’t exist By Al Webb But, to the amusement of the arch- “What I can’t understand is why you Religion News Service bishop and others, the evolutionary can’t see (that life started from nothing and) biologist swiftly added that he was “6.9 out is such a staggering, elegant, beautiful thing, LONDON — A controversial Oxford of seven” certain of his long-standing atheist why would you want to clutter it up with University professor billed by many as the beliefs. something so messy as a God?” Dawkins world’s “most famous atheist” now says he is Replying to moderator Anthony Kenny, told Williams, according to The Daily not 100 percent sure that God doesn’t exist a noted English philosopher, Dawkins said, “I Te l e g ra p h account. — but just barely. think the probability of a supernatural creator The archbishop, who heads both the In a 100-minute debate with Arch- existing (is) very, very low.” Church of England and the worldwide bishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on Dawkins, author of The God Delusion Anglican Communion, replied that he Feb. 23, Richard Dawkins surprised his and other best-sellers, is a leader of the “entirely agreed” with the “beauty” part of online and theater audiences by conceding “New Atheist” movement that aggressively Dawkins’ statement — but said “I’m not a personal chink of doubt about his convic- challenges belief in God and criticizes harm talking about God as an extra who you can tion that there is no such thing as a creator. done in the name of religion. shoehorn onto that.” BT

14 | Information Guest Commentary By Elizabeth Evans Hagan Baptists at the White House Delegation discusses partnerships beyond politics

When a group of Baptist pastors for medical care are sparse. With par- to you even if I don’t like our President” pos- ents having neither documentation nor ture, we could peacefully talk about issues and denominational leaders from insurance, the life-saving operation that that touch all of our families in one way or across the country are invited to the would allow him to go back to school another. to continue his education is out of his The longer we sat with White House White House for dialogue during an reach. What might this administration staffers, the more apparent it became that this election year, one might assume a say to him? meeting was important. The entire experience felt like a rare opportunity for person-to- political conversation awaits. Or, that I want to tell you about one of our person dialogue among my Baptist family and there is some hidden agenda on the staffers who is currently facing a severe those within earshot of the president to bring allergic reaction and can’t attend our about tangible change. part of organizers. debriefing this morning. Could one of Even with all of the security procedures you offer a prayer for him? I know he’d and bag checks required to get through doors r, perhaps, that the room filled appreciate it. and gates, even with the time away from press- with Southern Baptists, American ing work responsibilities, and even with all Baptists, Cooperative Baptists, O I want to tell you about the men I know of the personal stress I felt in answering the Progressive Baptists and Alliance Baptists question of “What am I going to wear?” on the might soon erupt like in my predominantly African-American morning of the visit, our time together forged kids in a schoolyard neighborhood. So many of our families relationships. Certainly such a view couldn’t fight. Or that party loyal- are suffering because a son, an uncle, a come from watching Fox News or CNN or ties would determine the father is in jail, going to jail or on pro- reading the newspaper or even writing a con- quality of the experience bation. How might this administration cerned letter to my congressman hoping to get of the day. But, think seek to speak to the pipeline-to-prison a reply. again. phenomenon that prevails where I live? If we are going to move forward as a When a delegation nation without constantly playing the blame of more than 60 “good- Ministry leaders and administrators mutually game no matter who is in the Oval Office, will Baptists” gathered shared stories in the absence of cameras or then open lines of communication, mutual for conversation with senior and associate the press, and a funny thing happened: doors respect and commitments to person-to-person White House staff on March 7, partisan poli- opened for relationship. I was pleased to join meetings have to continue. I hope this delega- tics took a back seat to a unique opportunity several of my D.C.-area Baptist colleagues tion of “good will” Baptists is only the start of for partnership building. among others as we listened in. a dialogue that we as a particular faith commu- Even as we knew that others in the room On countless occasions throughout the nity can have with those we elect to lead us. would have different opinions on just about three-hour briefing session, White House Together, as we keep talking on- and off- everything — we are Baptists after all — our presenters offered personal, direct and line about our hungry kids, broken schools and personal narratives connected us. “I want to enthusiastic suggestions to topics such as flooded townships, I trust we’ll begin to see the hear your story and I want to share mine” was immigration reform, the housing market human face in every complex social problem the motto of the day. crisis, credit fraud, human trafficking and at our nation’s doorstep. Most of all, my trip Here are some of the stories shared by the disaster relief. to the White House reminded me again that gathered Baptists and government leaders: Often agency names, phone numbers we can never have too many friends — among and websites were offered to specific problems each other and in some high places, too. BT I want to tell you about a 10-year-old with the shared response of Baptists: “I’ve Latino boy from my community in the never heard of that before. I’m glad to know Midwest. Suffering from sleep apnea that policy or program exists.” —Elizabeth Evans Hagan is pastor and a swollen tonsil so large that he was Together in an “I’m not trying to win of Washington Plaza Baptist Church in having trouble breathing, his options your vote” and “I’m not going to be hateful Reston, Va.

Perspective | 15 Church’s future tied to interactive communication By Natalie Aho

wo billion people (or 30 percent of the The Internet provided a way for us to con- accountability. We are all still working out this world’s population) are connected to the nect out of our isolation, from the convenience medium together, and there will be challenges, TInternet. It is imperative that the church of our own homes. mistakes and pitfalls along the way. finds ways to be present online as well. The church must However, they do not outweigh the When the Internet was introduced to the accept that interactive requirement for us to be there. Churches need general public in the early 1990s, we were at communication, especially to learn how to have an effective, engaging and the height of living in an isolated society. Clive through social media, is a welcoming website — a front door to the online Thompson called it “the modern American dis- foundational shift in the world. Churches need social media community. connectedness that Robert Putnam explored in way we communicate and Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and his book Bowling Alone.” even form relationships. Pinterest are about engagement, collaboration, The Internet was released to the public as We now have the oppor- activity and connection. Congregational leaders a way to share information — a way to move tunity and resources to should know about blogs, YouTube and pod- a document from point A to point B. But now communicate with the world and interact with casts — and determine which is most helpful it is how people connect, collaborate and share people in a unique and instant way. for connecting with their communities. life. It is interactive. It is community. We should not and cannot avoid online The world is still crying out for the truth. “If you look at human history, the idea platforms such as websites, social media, blogs, That has not changed through all the various that you would drift through life, going from podcasts and videos. The world needs us to have “ages” of society, nor is it any different now. new relation to new relation, that’s very new. an online presence. We can worship, minister People still hurt and need love. Through the It’s just the 20th century,” said Thompson. and live there. Internet and social networks, we can make these “Psychologists and sociologists spent years Of course, we have some concerns about connections faster, wider and deeper than ever wondering how humanity would adjust to the this digital world: privacy, security, being mis- before. BT anonymity of life in the city, the wrenching represented or misunderstood, a loss of reality —Natalie Aho of Mobile, Ala., is communica- upheavals of mobile immigrant labor — a world or connection to the physical world, bullying tions specialist for the Center for Congregational of lonely people ripped from their social ties. We (from both children and adults), predators, Health, Associated Baptist Press and Alabama now have precisely the opposite problem.” the need for discernment, moderation and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

16 | Perspective May lessons in this issue

One for All

What Hinders Me? — Acts 8:26-40 Could It Be? — Acts 10:44-48 ™ Life Is Different Now — Acts 1:1-11 Well, Blow Me Down! — Acts 2:1-21

Bible study curriculum for adults and youth

Teaching resources at nurturingfaith.net

HOW TO USE THESE BIBLE STUDIES

1. Order a copy of Baptists Today news journal for EACH MEMBER of the class. The weekly lessons are found only here. 2. Teachers can go to nurturingfaith.net to access all opular Bible teacher and writer Tony W. Cartledge of the free resources needed for presentation. writes each of the weekly Bible studies in Baptists Today Teaching the Lessons (beginning on page 18). Themes are based on selected texts from the Revised Common Lectionary. After reading Tony Cartledge’s weekly Bible study P These lessons — found exclusively in this Nurturing Faith lessons starting on page 18, Sunday school teachers and other Bible leaders can access helpful teaching section of Baptists Today — form the foundation for the teaching resources (at no charge) at nurturingfaith.net. resources for all age groups. Each class participant should have These include: a copy of Baptists Today with these lessons in hand. Christian educator Rick Jordan of the Cooperative Baptist * Tony’s video overviews Fellowship of North Carolina provides a teaching plan for each * Adult teaching plans by Rick Jordan lesson, available at nurturingfaith.net. His FIT FAITH approach * Youth teaching plans by Jeremy Colliver to teaching allows for class engagement with the biblical texts * Tony’s “Digging Deeper” notes and ”The Hardest Question” as well as with one another. * Links to commentaries, multimedia The Youth Lessons — found on pages 22-23 — build off of resources and more Tony’s Bible studies and direct these biblical truths to the daily lives of students. Curriculum developer David Cassady writes the How to Order youth lessons in the news journal, and student minister Jeremy Bible Studies in Baptists Today are copyrighted and Colliver provides the online teaching guides for each lesson found not to be photocopied. at nurturingfaith.net (or linked from baptiststoday.org).

* Orders may be placed at baptiststoday.org or 1-877-752-5658. * The price is just $18 each for groups of 25 or more — for a full year — with no additional costs. Thanks sponsors! * All online teaching resources are available at no These Bible studies for adults and youth are sponsored through generous charge and may be printed and used by teachers of gifts from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (Bo Prosser, Coordinator of the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies. Congregational Life) and from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. Thank you!

© Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org | 17 Acts 8:26-40

with Tony W. Cartledge

May 6, 2012 What Hinders Me?

hat do we do with the resur- rection story? It’s one thing Wto get all inspired on Easter, but another thing altogether to carry that Easter excitement onward. This was not, apparently, an issue for the earliest believers. This month we will explore their growing engagement with the resur- rected Christ and a world in need of resurrection as we continue taking our texts from the book of Acts. These memorable stories emphasize the truth that God’s love, Christ’s work and the Spirit’s blessing are for all people. The aftermath of Christ’s post- of an angel garners little attention: the could enter the house of Israel if his tes- resurrection appearances turned the heavenly messenger’s function is sim- ticles were not intact. disciples’ lives upside down. No lon- ply to convey God’s direction to Philip. Although an angel had sent Philip ger plagued by doubt but confident in Philip, possibly one of the “seven” to meet the Ethiopian, Luke says “the their call, they proclaimed the gospel chosen in Acts 6:1-6 rather than the Spirit” prompted him to run along side not only in Jerusalem, but also on into apostle, was called to meet an official the chariot (v. 29). Judea and Samaria. Encounters such as in service to the queen of Ethiopia. the one we study today propelled the Luke says that the unnamed administra- Explaining God’s message gospel even into faraway lands. The tor was in charge of the royal treasury, (vv. 30-40) message of salvation through Christ is which would make him a person of a borderless gospel offered to all who Philip found the eunuch reading some- considerable authority (v. 27). need the Savior’s grace, and no one thing that clearly puzzled him. He knew Surprisingly, the official had not exhibited that belief more clearly than he was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8. He come to Jerusalem on diplomatic busi- Philip, an early believer and a powerful knew it spoke of a suffering servant of ness, but to worship. This indicates witness for Christ. God, but he did not understand the that he was a “God-fearer,” a term used significance of what he was reading. Hearing God’s call to describe Gentiles who worshiped Try to imagine how the Ethiopian (vv. 26-29) Yahweh, the God of the Jews. Having felt. Let’s say that you are a plumber by completed his mission, the man was trade, and someone has handed you a Luke, who wrote the Book of Acts, returning home in a stately chariot large textbook on quantum mechanics — or reports that Philip was called of God enough to include a bench on which he that you are a computer engineer who to go into the countryside and meet could sit and read (v. 28) while a driver thinks in digital code, and someone an Ethiopian eunuch who was return- handled the horses. encouraged you to read a book on ing to his home after a pilgrimage to Ironically, while the Ethiopian Eastern philosophy. Or, for that matter, Jerusalem (v. 26). The story is told so worshiped the God of the Jews, he imagine that you grew up in a home that matter-of-factly that the appearance could never become a Jew. First- practiced no religion at all, and some- century Hebrews had rituals designed one asked you to interpret the book of Additional background information to incorporate proselytes from among Revelation. online where you see the “Digging the Gentiles, but they also remembered Any of those tasks would be quite Deeper” icon Deut. 23:1, which insists that no man a challenge. You need a certain amount

18 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes of background and context before you the apostles stayed in Jerusalem, while can begin to grasp what is going on. are available at this man was in Samaria when the story Otherwise, what you’re reading might nurturingfaith.net began. He may be the Philip named as well be written in Hebrew or Greek. as one of the seven men who were The eunuch was probably read- appointed in Acts 6 to lead the social ing from a Greek translation of Isaiah, ministries of the church in Jerusalem. If because Greek was the language of so, he would have been a man of com- commerce and politics. A Greek trans- And, because the official understood passion who shared the characteristic of lation of Hebrew scriptures, now called the good news that Philip declared — the being “filled with the Holy Spirit and the “Septuagint,” was widely known. incredible good news that he could be with wisdom” (6:3). He probably had little difficulty in read- fully accepted into Christ’s family despite Secondly, Philip listened for God, ing the words of his scroll, but was his ethnic background and his wounded and paid attention when God spoke. finding it troublesome to interpret them. gender — the eunuch believed. He Perhaps it was because he was filled Isaiah 53:7-8 speaks of one who believed, and he wanted to act on his new with the Spirit that Philip was so spiri- “was led like a sheep to the slaughter, belief. So, when they came upon a small tually perceptive. We don’t know how and as a lamb before the shearer is body of water, he asked Philip if there he recognized the angel of God in v. 26, silent, so he did not open his mouth.” was anything to prevent him from being or how he sensed the message of God’s The suffering one was humiliated and baptized. Philip, seeing no reason not to Spirit in v. 29. But, because Philip was deprived of justice, the prophet said, proceed, baptized him (vv. 36-38). apparently open and listening for divine and “his life was taken from the earth” guidance, he recognized when God was (see also vv. 32-33). Living as God’s example speaking to him. The eunuch had learned much of (vv. 39-40) Third, Philip obeyed God, even the law, and apparently he loved the Once the evangelist had accom- when it was not convenient. God’s call law, despite the fact that it pointedly sent Philip well out of his way. He had excluded him from full acceptance plished his purpose, as Luke tells the story, “the Spirit of the Lord snatched been in Samaria, in the northern part of within Judaism. But this text from the Israel, but God’s call put him on a road prophets was beyond him. Philip away,” leaving the eunuch to that led southwest from Jerusalem and Seeing his confusion, Philip asked continue homeward, rejoicing in his through the desert to Gaza, where it met if he understood what he was reading, newfound faith (v. 39). The word for the main north/south caravan route. and the eunuch admitted he had no hope “snatch” is quite emphatic, suggest- It required some effort for Philip to of comprehending without someone to ing the speed with which Philip was get to the place of his appointment, and guide him (vv. 30-31). removed and set down in a place called even more effort to keep it. He was told Isaiah 53:1-8 is one of four texts Azotus, where he went on throughout to “go to that chariot and stay near it.” that are often called “Servant Songs.” the region and “proclaimed the good The chariot, of course, would have been They are found in the part of Isaiah that news to all the towns until he came to moving. Philip would have had to jog is sometimes called “Second Isaiah,” Caesarea” (v. 40). because it seems to have been written Azotus is the New Testament (at least) to keep up. during the exile, long after the origi- name for the old city known in the Old Fourth, Philip reached out without nal Isaiah was dead. The song speaks Testament as Ashdod, one of the five prejudice. God called Philip to relate of a servant of the Lord who would major strongholds of the Philistines. one-on-one to a total stranger, a totally willingly suffer and die in behalf of It was located in the coastal plain of different kind of person. The Ethiopian others. The whole concept was so far southern Palestine. To get from there had darker skin and wore a differ- removed from the law with which the to Caesarea, on the northern coast of ent style of clothing. He came from a eunuch was familiar that he was rightly Palestine, Philip’s preaching tour would foreign land and had been raised with puzzled. have followed the main coastal highway different customs. Greek would have Just a few years earlier Philip would and brought him into potential contact been a second or third language to him, not have understood it, either. But with several large population centers. and his altered gender would have been Philip had met Jesus. And, like other Reflecting on this story, which offensive to observant Jews. But none early Christians, Philip soon interpreted clearly portrays Philip as a model for of that hindered Philip from reaching the puzzling texts as prophesies point- evangelistic emulation, suggests several out to him or baptizing him. ing to Christ, and because of that he patterns of behavior that are worthy of a Do we allow cultural, ethnic or could do what we read about in v. 35: second look. gender-based differences to become “then Philip began with that very pas- First, Philip was a faithful follower obstacles to obedience as we hear sage of Scripture and told him the good of Jesus. Again, we note that he was Christ’s call? news about Jesus.” not the apostle Philip, since 8:1 says all What hinders us? BT

LESSON FOR MAY 6, 2012 | 19 Acts 10:44-48

with Tony W. Cartledge

May 13, 2012 Could It Be?

ollowing lectionary texts can sometimes be confusing because Fthe church calendar overrides the thematic calendar. So, while all four lessons from Acts this month concern the growth of an unhindered gospel that welcomes all nations, they don’t follow chronological order. Last week’s lesson concerned Philip’s baptism of an Ethiopian offi- cial, followed by a preaching tour up the coast to Caesarea (ch. 8). Today’s lesson takes Peter to the coastal port of Joppa and then northward, also to Caesarea, where he experienced what is often called the “Gentile Pentecost” (ch. 10). It was one thing for Philip to man who prayed constantly and gave Next week, however, we will proclaim the gospel and baptize uncir- generous alms for the poor. One after- drop back to the first chapter of Acts, cumcised Gentiles. It was another noon about 3:00 p.m., as he knelt for followed a week later by the Acts 2 thing — a much bigger thing — for the Judaism’s regular mid-afternoon prayer account of the first Pentecost. While more influential Peter to endorse the time, an angel instructed him to send this sequence seems out of order, it will full inclusion of Gentiles in the nascent messengers to find Peter and bring him serve the purpose of having us study church. Thus, Luke provides a lengthy to Caesarea. Acts 2 on May 27, which is celebrated account of how Peter came to embrace We shift back to Joppa for scene two as Pentecost Sunday. Gentile believers as full participants (10:9-16), which Luke says took place Today’s passage is a short text from within the church. about noon on the following day. As within a larger story. To fully appreciate Act One of Peter’s story (9:32-43) we look in on Peter, he is praying alone it, we need a taste of what comes before includes two scenes in which Peter on the flat roof of his host’s home. Peter and after, too. works among Jewish believers, effect- also sees a vision, one that he finds

An act with seven scenes ing miracles and drawing many to faith troubling. (9:32-11:18) in Christ. Noon was neither a scheduled time Act Two (10:1-11:18) moves into of prayer nor a normal mealtime for Acts 10:44-48 could be seen as one the Gentile world and plays out in seven first-century Jews, but the text observes scene within a two-act play in which scenes. Scene one (10:1-8) leaves Peter that Peter was both prayerful and hun- the main character is the temperamental in Joppa, staying for a few days in the gry when he saw a large sheet filled Peter, a faithful Jew who had become a home of a man identified as Simon the with four-footed animals, birds and leader among Christ’s disciples — the Tanner. The reader, meanwhile, is taken reptiles descend to the roof. A voice same Peter of whom Jesus said “upon north to Caesarea, where a Roman cen- told him to “kill and eat,” but Peter this rock I will build my church” (Matt. turion was granted a vision from God. immediately objected, insisting that he 16:18). Cornelius is described as a God- had never eaten any profane thing. This fearer, a Gentile who worshiped the suggests that all of the creatures before Additional background information God of the Jews but had not fully him were considered “unclean” or online where you see the “Digging converted through circumcision. The non-kosher, and thus off-limits to Jews Deeper” icon text emphasizes Cornelius’s piety as a (see Leviticus 11).

20 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes The heavenly voice, however, Whether the tongues of Acts 10 refer insisted that “what God has made clean, are available at to spoken languages or the “tongues of you must not call profane” (10:15). The nurturingfaith.net angels” of which Paul later spoke vision was repeated three times, appar- (1 Cor. 13:1) is unclear, but also beside ently to make sure the stubborn Peter the point. Whatever their flavor, the gift got the point. The Old Testament law the same evidence of the Spirit’s of tongues was interpreted as clear evi- clearly associated eating unclean food blessing that Jewish believers had dence of the Spirit’s acceptance of and and having fellowship with unclean experienced in Acts 2. Some of them blessings upon the Gentile believers. people (Lev. 20:24-26), and Peter was had apparently accompanied Peter, and Peter ordered the new believers about to be challenged to do precisely “were astounded that the gift of the to be baptized “in the name of Jesus that. Holy Spirit had been poured out even Christ,” just as Jewish believers had Three messengers from Cornelius on the Gentiles,” the text says (10:45). been baptized, and with no indication show up in scene three (10:17-23a), and Still, no one objected when Peter called that they were required to be circum- the Spirit instructs Peter to accompany for the Gentile believers to be baptized cised or to restrict themselves to kosher them without hesitation. Employing a just as they had been. food before fully entering the family of lesson learned from the vision, Peter The last scene in the lengthy story faith. invited the men to come in and rest (11:1-18) provides Peter’s recounting As we contemplate this passage, overnight, something that strictly obser- of his experience when he got back to we rejoice in Peter’s newfound knowl- vant Jews would not have done. Jerusalem and spoke with other church edge and the courageous obedience he Scene four (10:23b-33) relates leaders. Some criticized him for having showed in listening to the Spirit and Peter’s arrival and opening conversation lodged and presumably eaten with the extending acceptance to the Gentiles. with Cornelius and others who were Gentiles, but Peter’s forthright defense Yet, we know that Peter later came gathered with him. Recognizing the odd silenced the critics: “If then God gave under pressure to retreat from this bold nature of his visit in a Gentile’s home, them the same gift that he gave us when position, leading to a public conflict and accompanied by other Jewish we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, with Paul, who charged that Peter had Christians, Peter sought to explain who was I that I could hinder God?” segregated himself from Gentile believ- himself: “You yourselves know that (11:17). Unfortunately, the silence did ers (Gal. 2:1-14). it is unlawful for a Jew to associate not last, and the issue would have to be Where do we stand when it comes with or to visit a Gentile; but God has revisited (Acts 15). to showing acceptance to others? Are shown me that I should not call anyone there people who would not be wel- profane or unclean” (10:28). Cornelius Scene six redux come to join our church due to their then described his own vision and asked (10:44-48) ethnicity, their background, or some Peter to proclaim “all that the Lord has With the larger context in place, other aspect of their identity? commanded you to say” (10:33). let’s take a closer look at our text for the Even within the membership of Peter’s sermon (10:34-43) com- day. “While Peter was still speaking,” our churches, are there some who are prises scene five. In it, he proclaimed Luke says, “the Holy Spirit fell upon considered “insiders” and “outsiders”? the basics of the gospel message, the all who heard the word” (v. 44). There Think personally: are there people death and resurrection of Christ, and the were no magic formulas involved, no you’d never volunteer to sit with at command to proclaim the good news to official words of invocation to prompt homecoming or a family night supper, all, calling for repentance and promis- the Spirit’s presence. Luke’s language preferring to stick with people who are ing the forgiveness of sins. suggests that the manifestation of more like you? The running theme of this sec- the Spirit was at God’s initiative, not Some of us might be able to relate tion finds emphasis in Peter’s opening caused by anything Peter, Cornelius or stories of specific encounters that words, in which he relates what he has the others had done. Believers may be helped us overcome prejudice and learned: “I truly understand that God blessed by the Spirit, but cannot invoke become more inclusive, while for others shows no partiality, but in every nation the Spirit’s gifting at will. it may have been a growing thing — or anyone who fears him and does what is Some have wondered whether the not. Peter’s experience reminds us of right is acceptable to him” (10:34-35). gift of tongues in Caesarea — where how hard it can be to accept Christ’s Peter’s sermon was quickly everyone present probably spoke Greek command to show inclusive love to interrupted, however, for scene six — mirrored the miracle of Pentecost, all people. It takes intentional work to (10:44-48) relates how the Spirit of where people from many lands were overcome our cultural, institutional and God was poured out on all who were gathered and the gift of tongues appears even supposedly biblical prejudices — gathered. The Gentile believers spoke in to refer to known languages, thus facili- but it is work worth doing, work God’s tongues and praised God, demonstrating tating the spread of the gospel. Spirit will help us to accomplish. BT

LESSON FOR MAY 13, 2012 | 21 Youth lessons are made possible through the generous support of the Eula Mae and YouMay 6 — May 27, 2012 th John Baugh Foundation. Are You Serious? MAY 6

here aren’t a lot of people in our lives what the words say, but you don’t know what Think About It: for whom we will drop whatever we are they mean. Philip wouldn’t have understood Philip went! He didn’t just go and serve the Tdoing and do what they wish. The rare the Servant Song either if he had not had an Ethiopian man, but he continued to serve exception might be a coach, our best friend, encounter with Christ. The passage comes afterward in Azotus. How willing are you to maybe even a boyfriend or girlfriend. In our alive to Philip, and he shares its meaning with go and serve where God calls you? passage for today, Philip drops everything the Ethiopian man. when an angel of the Lord speaks to him. This man had been to Jerusalem to As if starting his day off with an angel worship. He was a God-fearer (a name for Make a Choice: speaking to him isn’t enough, Philip runs into those who were not Jewish but still wor- We take for granted that Philip chose to fol- shipped Yahweh) and knew of the laws that a court offi cial of the queen of the Ethiopians low what the angel of the Lord called on him who is reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip would not allow him to be a Jew (check out to do. Sometimes we even say no by ignor- doesn’t have to ponder what to do for long Deuteronomy 23:1). ing what we hear. Make the choice to act on because the angel instructs him to go and None of this stopped the man from ask- what God has called you to do. join the chariot. ing Philip to baptize him right there in the Philip’s day gets stranger when he sits river, however. His encounter with Christ led down in the chariot with the offi cial. The him to throw all that he knew out the win- offi cial who usually deals with money is read- dow and to believe! Philip also knew that the Pray: ing one of the Servant Songs from Isaiah. This man could not become a Jew, but that didn’t Pray that your ears will be open to hear and would be like you reading Shakespeare when stop him either. They went down to the water that your hands and feet will be willing to act your favorite subject is calculus; you know together, and Philip baptized him. when God calls.

They’re With Us MAY 13 ho’s your biggest rival? What team take Jesus away. Peter was also the one Jesus Think About It: do you cheer against whether or called “the rock” that the church would be It would have been a lot easier for Peter to not your home team is playing built upon. Peter would be like the coach who W stay and preach among people he knew and them? What team do you circle at the begin- gets up and gives the impassioned speech. As who accepted him. How is God calling you out ning of the year and say “we have to beat Peter was giving his speech, the Holy Spirit of your comfort zone? them”? was poured out — even onto the Gentiles. Now imagine that you are attending The Jews who were with Peter were the game against your rivals and your coach shocked and were probably rubbing their stands up, points at the opponents and says, eyes in disbelief. To silence the speculation of Make a Choice: “From now on we are all on the same team!” what was being seen, Peter cleared the air by The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people. The roaring crowd would probably come acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit Peter reminds us that sometimes we need to to a complete stand-still, the cheering would within the Gentiles. He didn’t just give the not choose who we share the love of Christ be cut off to silence, and murmurs might start event lip-service, but called them to action: with, but share it with everyone around us. among the fans asking if the coach had lost to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; to his or her mind. The “they’re with us?” mind- be one people in the name of Jesus Christ. set of the crowd is the mindset that the early Sometimes we look for magic words that Pray: Jews would have had as they heard this story will bring about the Holy Spirit, but there Ask God that you might have eyes to see how of Peter recounted to them. were no magic words for Peter. It’s not our God sees others instead of how you choose to Peter was Jewish. He was also an active responsibility to decide who will hear and see others. Pray for courage to share when it defender of the faith — to the point that who will not hear; it is our responsibility to is uncomfortable. he cut off a soldier’s ear when they came to speak.

22 | Youth David Cassady and Jeremy Colliver

Act Two MAY 20

hen you watch a sequel on TV, it How hard would it have been to wait? Think About It: always starts by referring back to Many of the disciples had been hiding for the We don’t know the rest of our story, just as the Wwhat happened at the end of the past three days fearing that their fate may disciples didn’t know what would happen after previous episode. TV shows make this bla- be the same as that of their Christ. What Jesus ascended to heaven. How will you choose tantly obvious when someone says, “Last time were they waiting for? Jesus was back among to share Christ even when you don’t know on ...” Movies also may do this in trailers for them. How long would they have to wait? where you will end up? upcoming sequels. The writer of Acts does the We know what happens because we same thing in the fi rst fi ve verses of Acts as have the rest of the book of Acts, but the he connects back to what he was telling in disciples were living it. Think about what it is Make a Choice: the Gospel of Luke: Jesus taught, was taken like to wait for Christmas or your birthday … The fear of the unknown can bring some to heaven, and presented himself alive to the anticipation you have — and you know people to a standstill. How will you choose to many people for 40 days. when and what is to come. The followers of overcome the fear of the unknown to follow Imagine what the disciples were thinking Jesus didn’t know when it was coming or where Christ leads? when Jesus presented himself to them again. what it would look like. Some doubted, others were relieved that their At least Jesus had told them what was leader was among them again, and probably coming: the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit some were ready to take back the Kingdom. would bring them power so they might go Pray: So, Jesus had to convince them again. But in and be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Pray that you will not follow blindly but that all of this Jesus told them to wait. you will follow the will of God with the eyes of Christ.

Bring It On! MAY 27

opefully you’ve never been in the path not small. Jews from every nation were pres- Think About It: of a tornado, but those who have said ent in Jerusalem. Many of them spoke their What Christian words or phrases do you use Hit sounds like a train is rushing toward native tongues, but after being fi lled with that your friends might not understand? With them. Even if you haven’t been in the path of the Holy Spirit they understood each other the help of the Holy Spirit, how can you help a tornado, you have been outside when the — regardless of the language being spoken. others understand what you say and do? wind is blowing so hard that you can actually The situation was so extraordinary, the only hear it. The whistle of the wind can some- explanation that those who hadn’t been fi lled times even turn into a roar. with the Holy Spirit could come up with were Make a Choice: When you begin to read the passage that these people were drunk. The Holy Spirit resides in each of us, but we for today, imagine being gathered for a cel- Those who had received the Holy Spirit have to choose to let the Holy Spirit in so that ebration. This celebration would have been knew they were not drunk, so Peter stood up our lives may catch on fi re as well. Will you Pentecost, which would have been a week of to defend them. His defense was practical: choose to let the Holy Spirit move you? feasts. As you are gathered with your friends how could someone be drunk at 9 o’clock in and family, a wind blows so violently that the the morning? His defense was also theologi- sound surrounds you and tongues of fi re rest cal: the prophet Joel spoke of this day. on each of you. Through the wind and the fi re The Holy Spirit is with us, too, and may Pray: you are fi lled with the Holy Spirit. still lead us to live in ways that seem hard to Offer a prayer of thankfulness for the Holy On the day of Pentecost, the group was explain to others. Spirit that still resides with you and in you today.

Youth | 23 Acts 1:1-11

with Tony W. Cartledge

May 20, 2012 Life Is Different Now

ome years ago, I was privileged to serve a mission church as pas- Stor. We began with a handful of members and a heart full of desire to grow a church that would bring glory to God, bring new persons to Jesus, and bring to our communi ty a quality center for worship, education, and fellowship. It was an intimidat ing task, but God was faithful, our members worked with passion, and the church became (and remains) healthy and vibrant. Beginning something new can be frightening, even when we have other models to emulate. Imagine how the apostles felt as they heard Jesus describe the awesome task that beginning until the day when he was all things, a kingdom in which we are lay before them: nothing less than the taken up to heaven, after giving instruc- called to be willing subjects. Jesus’ fol- preaching the gospel throughout the tions through the Holy Spirit to the lowers, however, like many modern entire world. apostles whom he had chosen” (vv. 1-2, dispensational premillennialists, still Life would be different now. NRSV). expected the kingdom of God to be Now, Luke begins the Book of expressed through the Jewish nation. Who’s in charge? Acts by overlapping with the end of (vv. 1-3) the gospel and describing Jesus’ post- The promise of power Though today’s lesson is our sixth resurrection appearances in more detail. (vv. 4-8a) in a series of studies from the Book of His purpose was to make it clear that Jesus knew his followers would Acts, it drops back to the beginning of Christ remained the guiding force of the need more than knowledge to carry out the book in celebration of Ascension church, even after his resurrection and his purpose: they would need spiritual Sunday (May 20) and in preparation for ascension. power. So, “he ordered them not to next week’s celebration of Pentecost. Thomas was not the only follower leave Jerusa lem, but to wait there for The opening verses remind us that who needed convincing that Jesus was the promise of the Father” (v. 4). the Book of Acts is the second part of a still alive, and in charge. Perhaps this The “promise of the Father” would two-volume work that Luke composed was why he “present ed himself alive be fulfilled by the power of the Spirit, and dedicated to his friend (or patron) to them by many convinc ing proofs, for Jesus declared that his followers Theophilus. appearing to them during 40 days and would “be baptized with the Holy Spirit Luke’s purpose is to explain the life speaking about the kingdom of God” not many days from now” (v. 5). In his and work of Jesus, both before and after (v. 3). How many “convincing proofs” gospel, Luke had recorded the words of his ascension. In volume one (the gos- would it take for us to truly believe John the baptizer: “I baptize you with pel), Luke said he had written “about Christ had risen from the dead and water; but he who is mightier than I is all that Jesus did and taught from the now fully expected us to go out on coming, the thong of whose sandals I mission? am not worthy to untie; he will baptize Additional background information During this time, Luke tells us, you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” online where you see the “Digging Jesus’ teaching focused on the kingdom (Luke 3:16-17). Deeper” icon of God, the eternal reign of God over The scriptures are painfully honest

24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes in showing how hard it was for the dis- as they contem plated the mission Jesus ciples to grasp the true meaning of the are available at set before them. They would face the master’s teaching. Despite their newly nurturingfaith.net external barriers of open conflict and strengthened faith in the risen Christ, physical danger as they challenged the this is no exception. When Jesus spoke Jewish people to accept Jesus. They of an outpouring of the Spirit, his fol- said, “and you will be my witnesses in would have to deal with the internal lowers immediately assumed that Christ Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, barriers of their own prejudice and was about to fulfill Old Testament and to the ends of the earth” (v. 8). small-mindedness as they travelled on hopes of the last days, when a messiah This statement is so familiar to us to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. would lead Israel to receive divine for- that it’s easy to overlook how radical it Nothing less than the power of God giveness and renewed national power. is. Remember that Jesus was speaking to would lead these followers out of their “Lord,” they asked, “is this the time a rag-tag band of disciples who were still hiding places and into the light. Nothing when you will restore the kingdom to hiding behind locked doors for weeks less than the present Spirit of Christ Israel?” (v. 6). after Jesus’ crucifixion. Now Jesus would set them free from their narrow Again, Jesus had to correct their expected the same fearful followers to provincialism and send them forth to misconceptions. The kingdom of God go out into the streets of Jerusalem and proclaim grace to people they had been was not about an eschatological future publicly proclaim their relationship with trained to despise. (v. 7) but about the challenging present, him, though it would be dangerous busi- not about a restored nation but a global ness — so perilous that the Greek word Ascendant, yet present mission. In the gospels, Jesus had said for “witness” furnishes the root for our (vv. 9-11) even he did not know the “times and English word “martyr.” This is why it was so important seasons” of the last days (Mark 13:32). Jesus expected his followers to that Jesus impress upon his follow- Now he reminds the disciples that not only witness in Jerusalem, but ers the indelible truth that, though he their business is not to worry about the also through out Judea, the homeland was leaving them physically, he would “then,” but the now. of Jewish power and influence. There always be present through the Spirit. The disciples’ kingdom task was an would be opposition, antagonism and The disciples had seen Jesus crucified, immediate assignment, but they would danger every step of the way. Yet, had seen him buried, and had seen him need God’s help to perform it. And Christ expected them to be faithful in resurrected. Now, they saw him ascend so Jesus promised: “you will receive their testimony. into heaven (v. 9). They could no longer power when the Holy Spirit has come Jesus’ chal lenge extended even see Jesus in the flesh, but had no doubt upon you …” (v. 8a). further, as he instructed his followers that he was alive and active. Soon they We understand this to be a predic- to witness in Samaria. That region was would taste his power. tion of what would be fulfilled in Acts geographically close, but culturally dis- There is both humor and instruction 2:4, our text for next week, when the tant and ethnically inimical. Jesus’ early in the angel’s question: “Why are Spirit came like a mighty rushing wind followers were predominantly Jewish, you looking up toward heaven?” and filled the gathered followers with a and they had grown up with an intense (vv. 10-11). new and incredible sense of God’s pres- hatred for Samari tans, former Jews who Where else would they be looking? ence and power. Through his periodic had become excluded during the post- But what the angel’s question implies is post-resurrection appear ances, Jesus exilic period. Nothing less than the clear this: “If you want to see Jesus now, go was teaching his disciples that he was mandate of Christ and the power of the to Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and still with them, even when they could Spirit would impel the Jewish believers to the uttermost parts of the earth. To not see him. Through the post-ascension to carry the gospel into such a place. stay in touch with Jesus, don’t look up outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Jesus concluded his missions man- to the heavens; look inward to the Spirit would demonstrate clearly that he was date with a phrase that has rung in the and outward to the mission field he has still present. The Holy Spirit is the spirit ears of Baptists throughout our history: given you.” of Christ, living on in the hearts and “… and to the ends of the earth.” God It is only through the power of lives of believers. loved the world so much that he gave Christ’s Spirit that we can overcome his only Son that whosoever believes in the timidity, apathy and prejudice that A worldwide witness him will not perish. Christ died for all stifle our witness. Jesus’ challenge is (v. 8b) people. This good news has global sig- just as real today as it was before the The Spirit would not only comfort nificance, but the peoples of the world first church building ever took shape. Christ’s followers, but also energize cannot know this unless the followers of As long as there are people in the world their work and witness in the world. Jesus spread the word. who don’t know Christ, his followers “But you will receive power,” Jesus The disciples faced many barriers will never be out of a job. BT

LESSON FOR MAY 20, 2012 | 25 Acts 2:1-21

with Tony W. Cartledge

May 27, 2012 Well, Blow Me Down!

oday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Liturgical churches that Tdisplay symbolic colors for the church year may drape the pulpit or communion table with red. The pastor may wear a red stole or necktie. Women ministers may wear red shoes (most men can’t pull that off). The red color reminds worship- ers of the tongues of fire that marked the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in the lives of those who experienced the first Christian Pentecost. Worship planners often seek to recall the excite- ment of that day through stirring hymns or dramatic readings, and fiery (if not “brimstony”) sermons. It is a day for celebrating the amazing gift of God’s Spirit. Who were the people “gathered in v. 4, is the Holy Spirit. In another sign one place” (v. 1), and where were they? of the Spirit’s presence, tongues of A mighty wind In the previous chapter, 120 persons flame appeared and hovered over the (vv. 1-4) had been gathered in the upper room of heads of all who were gathered there a large house as they contemplated the (v. 3). Ordinarily, one would think that The familiar story is worth a closer meaning of Christ’s ascension, heard a sudden wind would blow out small look. Jerusalem was a cosmopolitan city Peter speak, and chose Matthias to flames; this wind blew them in. with residents from all over the world. replace Judas as the 12th apostle Both wind and flame were common The streets may also have been packed (1:12-26). Perhaps we are to imagine a symbols of a theophany, the presence of with Jewish pilgrims who had flocked similar number of followers, possibly in God. Luke understands the presence to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the same place. of God to be in the form of the Holy Weeks. As they gathered that morning, Spirit (v. 4), sent in fulfillment of Jesus’ The NRSV begins with “When the Luke says that suddenly, “from heaven promise (1:8). day of Pentecost had come,” but the there came a sound like the rush of a In a further sign of the Spirit’s pres- word translated as “had come” might violent wind, and it filled the entire ence, the gathered believers began to be rendered better as “was fulfilled,” house where they were sitting” (v. 2). speak, but not in their normal fashion. an expression that suggests more than Luke’s account implies that the In Greek, the same word (glossa) is a date on the calendar arriving. Jesus sound originated with God, for it came used for the tongues of flame and the began his ministry by saying “the time “from heaven.” The “violent wind” was other tongues with which they spoke, is fulfilled” (Mark 1:15, using a related apparently more sound than fury. The clearly suggesting there is a spiritual word), and he had spoken earlier of NRSV’s “rush of” (NET “blowing”) component to the speech. Although the prophecies concerning the coming of actually translates a verb that normally familiar King James Version uses the the Spirit being fulfilled (Acts 1:4-5, 8). means “bringing” or “carrying.” The word “tongues” in v. 4, “languages” whistling sound did not indicate the would be a better translation, since the Additional background information movement of air, but the arrival of following verses indicate that people online where you see the “Digging something remarkable. from other lands heard them speak in Deeper” icon That something, we will learn in their own languages.

26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes Bewildering speech of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem” (vv. 5-13) are available at and insisting they should “listen to what With v. 5, Luke shifts the scene nurturingfaith.net I say” (v. 14). from events inside the room to a Charges of drunkenness could eas- great crowd that had gathered ily be dismissed, as Peter said it was outside. As modern folk hearing a only 9 a.m. (v. 15). Wine often accom- crash or explosion might rush to see debated whether the miracle that day panied an evening meal, but was not what had happened, people walking was one of speaking or of hearing. Were commonly consumed in the morning. or living nearby apparently heard the the disciples given the ability to speak Those who were speaking in new lan- same “sound like the rush of a violent (and presumably understand) a known guages were not inebriated by spirits, wind” that had filled the house, and language, or were they uttering some but inspired by the Spirit. they came to see what the excitement sort of heavenly language their audience Peter spoke as if his listeners was all about. If they could see the could miraculously understand? The should not be surprised at what they flames reportedly hovering over those text could lend itself to either interpreta- saw. Quoting a familiar scripture, he inside, they might have been even tion, but the plainer sense suggests they described the miraculous movement of more amazed that the building was still were speaking a known language. the Spirit as nothing more than the ful- standing. Modern missionaries working in a fillment of Joel’s ancient prophecy that Luke does not locate the building, non-English-speaking country typically a time would come when God would but the size of the crowd gathered out- spend the first two years of their assign- pour out his Spirit on all people, so that side (from whom 3,000 were baptized, ment in language school, learning to people of every race and gender and according to 2:41), suggests it might communicate with the people they hope age would experience God’s Spirit and have been on the edge of a large public to reach. Because of Pentecost, the first express their faith through prophecy square or some other open space, pos- wave of missionaries required no such (vv. 17-18). sibly near the outer courts of the temple. preparation. Peter reminded his hearers of how Luke also says nothing about Note how Luke combines the Joel had indicated that the day would how the diverse multitude was able observations of many people into what be marked by signs in the heavens and to hear the newly “spiritized” persons appears to be a single speech as he on earth — signs much like those that as they spoke in languages that every lists the nations represented that day. had accompanied Christ’s death on the person present could understand. Did Though from different parts of the cross (vv. 19-20). Likewise, he pointed the empowered believers rush from world, members of the crowd were to Joel’s prediction that such an event the building to mingle with the crowd uniformly Jewish — but not uniform would throw open the gates of heaven, and testify to Christ’s mighty works? in their response. Though “all were so that “everyone who calls on the name Did some of the group stand on amazed and perplexed” by the events, of the Lord will be saved” (v. 21). steps or a raised platform? Peter report- wondering what it was all about (v. 12), Our text ends at v. 21, but Peter’s edly addressed the entire crowd while “others sneered and said, ‘They are full sermon continues through v. 36 as he standing with the other 11 disciples, of new wine’” (v. 13). quoted psalms attributed to David. apparently in view of those gathered Some interpreters see evidence in Peter argued that David had predicted (2:14). v. 13 that the disciples were speaking in the coming of a messiah and called him The people expressed bewilder- glossolalia, or unknown tongues, and Lord, which would connect back to the ment, not so much at what the disciples that some could understand it, while closing line of the quote from Joel, that said, but that they could understand to others it sounded like gibberish. It’s “everyone who calls on the name of the what they said, since all of the speak- also possible that people could have Lord shall be saved.” ers were from Galilee (vv. 6-7). Jesus been overhearing other foreign lan- As modern disciples celebrate had called his first disciples in Galilee, guages they did not understand, which Pentecost, we need not expect to see it where most of his active ministry took could also have sounded like nonsense. repeated, for the Spirit of Christ has not place, and had many followers other Cynically, they accused the speakers of left the earth and does not need to be than the 12. being drunk on new wine. “prayed down” again. Those who know Galileans were known for their the power of the Spirit are not those distinctive regional accent (see Luke An insightful sermon who happen to be in the right place at (vv. 14-21) 22:59), yet on the Day of Pentecost, the right time, or have hands laid on people throughout the international Peter was generally the most outspoken them in a ceremonial fashion, but those audience heard them speaking in their of the disciples, so it’s not surprising who are humble enough to surrender own native languages. that he offered a quick response, force- themselves to the present Lord, whose Scholars and others have long fully addressing the crowd as “you men power is greater than our own. BT

LESSON FOR MAY 27, 2012 | 27 Adventures with Luler Kelly Belcher the Hound The Bow-Wow n May, a young hound dog’s fancy turns to running fast Luler says to get to know the parts of your sanctuary by toward the smell of something new. The weather is name and by heart like she warmer, and Luler wants out of the house to roam free knows her backyard. and follow the path of her snout’s desire. I But first she runs around checking out all the reg- ular spots in the yard where she has found something that smelled good before. She’ll go each time in exactly the same order: first the flowerpot, then up the steps to the snake’s hidey-hole, then to the fence and garbage can (she loves that), then to the tree where squirrels live – 1,2,3,4,5. The yard is her sanctuary. What if we did the same thing and found all the important places in our own sanctuaries? Close your eyes and let your memory lead you the way Luler’s snout leads her. In your imagination, walk down the aisle of your church’s sanctuary, past the pews, to the altar or communion table, then to the pulpit, then over to the organ or piano, then to the baptistery, then to your usual worship seat. What important things have happened to you in these spots?

??? The Idea Box Draw a map of your church sanctuary. Do you know the names of the furni- ture and worship items? What parts are you curious about?

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

28 | Children Michael Parker and Media James Houston A Vision for the Aging Church: A review by Jackie B. Riley, Managing Editor Renewing Ministry for and by Seniors

Aging church offers challenges, opportunities

“Youth are the church of tomorrow.” For years we have heard this statement Christian elder … sometimes giving and sometimes receiving, but always united in in church circles. Based on current population trends of society in general and Christ and by the scars affixed from a life- the church in particular, however, authors Parker and Houston would say that time of service!” A Vision for the Aging Church needed to “elders are the church of tomorrow.” be written. Few seminaries offer courses on aging and ministry, so ministers are not well eniors are not the problem, they con- for an Aging Church,” “Late Life Significant equipped to lead their congregations in dealing tend, but rather the solution. The aging Living,” and “Finishing Well.” with issues regarding the elderly. This volume church offers opportunities as well as The stage is set with the authors telling S offers substantive instruction for congregations challenges. Therefore, Parker and Houston call the Old Testament story of Nehemiah and the of varying sizes and faiths and also for secular on the church to … people of Jerusalem joining together to rebuild leaders. And, who better to write it than two their city walls, and then relating it to the need people who portray the role of intergenera- for churches to involve elders with persons of tional connections they advocate? caring for seniors. other ages in rebuilding modern communi- James Houston is an Oxford-educated ties — rather than simply being recipients of theologian in his 80s and the author of 40 caregiving. books. Michael Parker felt a strong spiritual generations. This intergenerational approach is con- calling in midlife to redirect his career toward firmed in several ways, including an expanded specializing in gerontology, and now teaches seniors, healthy caregiving practices, meaning of caregiving that includes the at the University of Alabama medical school. caregiving support, late-life planning, spiritual and relational dimensions, a theo- These two formed a friendship and profes- aging-in-place initiatives, and strategies logical-scientific approach that explains the sional partnership over issues regarding aging for successful aging. benefits of an aging church, and examples of populations in churches. successful intergenerational programs. Endorsed by physicians and sociologists disabled people. The discussion of depression and aging is along with ministerial professionals, A Vision enlightening — and should garner close atten- for the Aging Church ably combines research and elderly in local congregations. tion. The chapter on Alzheimers disease and scriptural application. The blend of academic dementia explains the latter as not only dete- and ministry aspects flows naturally and in a church is a clear stakeholder. rioration of the brain but also of a diminishing positive tone that makes sense and also confirms social environment — and thereby establishes the need for the church’s role in caregiving and ecumenical partnerships. the need for greater involvement of the church seeing elders as positives to the church. with aging persons. The book is not a quick read, but is never- The authors develop their case well throughout The epilogue relates back to the pro- theless quite approachable and understandable five parts titled “An Ageist Zeitgeist,” “Biblical logue about Nehemiah and rebuilding: because of the short chapters and thoughtfully and Historical Themes of Aging,” “Solutions “What a responsibility it is … to be a organized text. BT

Perspective | 29 -' -&510 4%5&20', Online Editor In their own words

AND THE AMERICAN

As the month of April dawns, the Phelps of the First Baptist Church of New 150 years ago Haven, Conn., preaches a sermon titled Confederacy is reeling from Union “National Symptons,” in which he declares: ! advances in the state of Tennessee. April 1862 A year of civil war in our country we Andrew Johnson now serves as the never expected to witness. But it is to Treason and Slavery, come! O glori- military governor of Tennessee, now a matter of experience and his- tory…. we believe a New and brighter ous Day of a brighter Liberty, and a appointed by U.S. President Abraham Day will spring from this National freer Land, over all which the starry folds of our dear Banner shall wave in Lincoln. Meanwhile, U.S. General night of ours. Its symptoms already appear. Its strokes of dawn gild the triumph and peace, come! Come, O Ulysses S. Grant advances into the horizon. The first anniversary of the longed-for Day of Righteousness, and thou conquering Prince of Salvation, southwestern portion of the state. war comes with events as startling as those that marked its beginning, and come! isillusioned but not entirely defeated, far more propitious…. God signals the Confederates regroup in western the coming Morn by His manifest Union triumphs this month do not stop at DTennessee. Stopping Grant’s advance is Interpositions in our behalf…. Shiloh. Fort Pulaski on the coast of Georgia is imperative. The morning cometh evidently, captured by Union forces, sealing off coastal On April 6, two Confederate armies from the present aspects of the ever- access to Savannah. Union naval forces sail launch a surprise attack on Grant’s army, perplexing Slavery question. There is up the Mississippi River and force the sur- which is leisurely encamped near Shiloh render of New Orleans. President Lincoln Baptist Church, a small log church frees the remaining 3,500 slaves in inland from Pittsburg Landing on the Washington, D.C. Tennessee River. Confederate forces, Yet, as the month draws to a some 55,000 strong under gener- close, white Southern Baptists are als Albert S. Johnston and P.G.T. undaunted. The Georgia Baptist Beauregard, push Grant’s army back Convention meets and passes the fol- toward Pittsburg Landing. Thousands lowing resolutions: of Union soldiers are captured in the bloodiest day of the Civil War to date. Resolved, That while profoundly As night falls, the Confederates feeling our cause is just, we nev- are certain they have bested Grant. Yet ertheless have great reason to Union reinforcements arrive in the humble ourselves before Almighty evening, and the next morning Grant God, and to acknowledge his chas- launches a counterattack, driving tening hand in our late reverses. the Confederates back to the Shiloh Resolved, That we find in the Baptist Church, where they make a now increasing hope of our ultimately present circumstances of the last stand before retreating in defeat. becoming a free nation…. This war, country no cause for discouragement; The Union thus wins a great victory, while waged by its instigators in the inter- that God, our heavenly Father, often the Confederacy suffers a shocking defeat. In est of human bondage, has done more chastens most promptly those whom he response, President Lincoln decrees a national to break down that system, and thus most loves; and that, trusting in Him day of Thanksgiving, while the Confederate freed more slaves in one year, than all with the whole heart, we are more and Congress passes the South’s first Conscription other agencies seemed likely to accom- more determined, by His blessing, to Act. plish in a lifetime. Indeed, slavery can oppose the invader of our soil by ever Beyond the momentary emotions, the never regain its former power, but means placed in our power and to the carnage of the Battle of Shiloh is staggering: must in time pass away, as utterly at last extremity. 10,000 Confederate casualties and 13,000 variance with the fundamental prin- Union casualties. One year into the war, any ciples of our Republic and the moral The stage is thus set for three more years of an hope of the conflict ending with one great sense of the civilized world, and no increasingly-bloody war. BT battle is lost. North and South now realize the doubt abhorrent to God, who seems to immensity of the challenges ahead. be over-ruling the wrath of man for its —For a daily journal along with references to In the wake of Shiloh, Rev. S. Dryden overthrow…. O blessed Day of death source material, visit civilwarbaptists.org.

30 | Feature The Lighter Side By Brett Younger Runaway Bunnies

The graduates sang a rousing ren- dition of “We’re on Our Way to Kindergarten.” Mrs. Ayres gave out the “Certificates of Completion.” (They went in alphabetical order. Youngers learn to be patient.) We had cupcakes and cookies and then stepped out into the bright light of the post pre-kindergarten world. enjoyed graduation, but the real rite of passage took place earlier that morning in Imy office at 8:05. Almost three years ear- lier, Caleb began attending the Children’s Center at our church two mornings a Brett and Caleb week. On his first day Caleb was apprehen- Younger enjoying sive, so we took three books from home great literature (Spot Counts from 1 to 10, But Not the Hippopotamus, and The Runaway Bunny) As we opened the front door on our she go?” … we shouted joyfully “But yes to read before going downstairs. The next last day of pre-kindergarten, I said: “Caleb, the hippopotamus!” and feigned tears on day we read the same three books. We kept this is the last morning we’ll read a book “But not the armadillo.” them on my shelf, but soon decided to pick before going downstairs, so pick a good The Runaway Bunny, not normally a book from the church library each day. one.” He thought about it for a long time. a tearjerker, got to me. The little bunny We quickly had a full-blown ritual. We I thought he would choose a recent favor- (just like, I imagine, every pre-kindergarten would drop Graham off at school, park in ite — The Little Baby SnoogleFleejer, The graduate) feels a need to put some distance front, unlock the door, turn on the lights, Cowboy and the Black-eyed Pea, or The between him and his parents. His mother go to the library, pick out a book, and read Giant Jam Sandwich. Instead my suddenly keeps saying, “If you run away, I will run it in my office. very grown-up soon-to-be-kindergartner after you. You are my little bunny.” If he As a 4-year-old, Caleb came to the said, “Let’s read the old ones.” becomes a fish, she will be a fisherman. If he Children’s Center three mornings a week. It may have been the last time that becomes a rock on the mountain, she will be The next year, it was five mornings. So, we I heard Spot Counts from 1 to 10. We a mountain climber. If he becomes a bird, read in my office more than 300 mornings. counted one cow chewing, two horses she will be a tree to which he comes home. We learned about nature (Our Yard Is Full trotting and three ducks swimming. We By the time we read that if he became a little of Birds). We read books with noises (The squealed with four piglets squealing, boy, she would be his mother and catch him Very Quiet Cricket) and blinking lights clucked at five chickens clucking, and when in her arms and hug him, I was telling Caleb (The Very Lonely Firefly). We made friends 10 bees buzzed we shut the book fast before that my allergies were acting up. with Corduroy, Babar, Chrysanthemum, any could escape. My little bunny is now waiting on col- and Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. We read But Not the Hippopotamus in lege admission letters. Caleb will graduate We introduced discussions on the family unison. We reminisced with the hog and from high school next month.This gradu- with Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti — my the frog cavorting in the bog, the cat and ation may feel even more momentous than favorite — and dealt with social issues such two rats trying on hats, the moose and the pre-kindergarten. In our mushiest moments as prejudice (Frog and Toad Together) and goose who together have juice, and the bear we know that the love we know over- war and peace (The Butter Battle Book). and the hare who went to the fair. When whelms all the sorrow we feel. BT We tackled theology with God Made It All, the animal pack came running on back say- Carol Beth Learns about Following Jesus and ing “Hey come join the lot of us” and “She —Brett Younger is associate professor of preaching When I Talk to God. just didn’t know. Should she stay? Should at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology.

Perspective | 31 Atheists likely to outnumber Christians in England in 20 years

By Al Webb over the same period. labor force survey, considered authoritative Religion News Service Researchers at the House of Commons because it examines a sample size of 50,000 Library concluded that Christianity had people. LONDON — Christianity is waning in declined to 69 percent of the population while The “Religion in Great Britain” survey England and could be outnumbered by non- those with no religion increased to 22 percent. also found that from 2004-2010, the number believers within 20 years, according to a new “If these populations continue to shrink of Muslims in Britain grew by 37 percent, to study. and grow by the same number of people each 2.6 million. The study conducted by the British year,” the study said, “the number of people England’s Hindu population rose by 43 Parliament showed there were 41 million with no religion will overtake the number of percent, to 790,000, and Buddhists by 74 Christians in Britain, down nearly 8 percent Christians in Great Britain in 20 years.” percent, to 340,000. The numbers of Jews and since 2004. Meanwhile, the number of non- The research was based on the govern- Sikhs were reported down slightly, at 270,000 believers stood at 13.4 million, up 49 percent ment Office for National Statistics’ annual and 340,000, respectively.BT

Israeli postmen refuse to deliver Hebrew-language Bibles

By Michele Chabin The workers, who deliver mail in Ramat convince them to adopt another faith. It also Religion News Service Gan, assert that delivering the items would be bans proselytizing to minors. It does not prevent tantamount to proselytizing and therefore a the dissemination of written material. JERUSALEM — Israeli postal workers out- violation of Jewish law. The Israel Postal Company told Ynet News side Tel Aviv are refusing to deliver thousands Proselytizing is a sensitive issue among that it is “a governmental company operating of copies of the New Testament and other Jewish Israelis, who feel the Jewish people have in accordance to the postal law, which obli- Hebrew-language Christian materials. already lost too many adherents to the Spanish gates us to distribute any mail it receives. The Israel media reported that dozens of reli- Inquisition, the Holocaust and other times of Israel Postal Company has no right or ability gious and secular Jewish mail deliverers jointly Jewish persecution. to choose what it can or cannot distribute. informed their supervisors that disseminating Israel’s anti-missionary law prohibits offer- Therefore, the mail will be distributed according the materials goes against their religious beliefs. ing people monetary incentives in order to to the law.” BT

32 | Information -' $%)' 6. 1(&$20*40, Contributing Editor GLOBAL BAPTIST NEWS

Experienced relief worker to head BWAid Baptists Today joins North American Baptist Fellowship FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Rothangliani Rema She has helped coordinate disaster relief Chhangte has been tapped as the new director efforts through the ABCUSA and BWAid, and FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The inde- of Baptist World Aid (BWAid), which provides was founder and director of the Asian American pendent news journal Baptists Today was global disaster relief and economic development Youth Association. She previously served on accepted for membership in the North services. She succeeds Paul the BWA General Council, has wide experience American Baptist Fellowship (NABF), Montecute who retires in working with refugee populations, and currently a regional body of the Baptist World July. serves as liaison to Burmese refugees for the Alliance (BWA). Chhangte (pro- American Baptist Home Mission Societies. During a March 9 meeting, the nounced “shan-tay”) is Search committee chair Jerry Carlisle said membership application was approved a native of India, where Chhangte is skilled at budgeting, fundraising and Tony Cartledge was elected as one of her father worked as an and working cross-culturally — and that “BWA 12 at-large members of the NABF execu- administrator of a hospital has been in her DNA from birth.” He described tive committee. He is the contributing and was actively involved her as having superior diplomatic skills and editor for Baptists Today, whose assign- in Baptist life, including the Baptist World wide experience with non-governmental ments include coverage of global Baptists. Alliance. She was educated at Bethel University, organizations. He also serves as chair of the BWA Eastern University, and Palmer Theological Chhangte, he said, has a vision for BWAid Communications Committee. Seminary, earning degrees in economic develop- “to be the premier relief and development “Baptists Today enjoys mutually ment and theology. agency for Baptist churches worldwide.” beneficial partnerships where there are Chhangte currently serves as pastor of The executive committee voted unani- both shared values and respect for one Woodland Baptist Church in Philadelphia and mously to approve her appointment. The another’s autonomy,” said Executive has held leadership positions with the American BWA’s general council will be asked to affirm Editor John Pierce. “We are glad to build Baptist Churches USA, Church World Service the appointment at the annual gathering in communication bridges across the global Baptist family.” BT and the World Council of Churches. Santiago, Chile, July 2-7. BT

Pastor and human rights advocate Palacios honored U.S. Congress to end military aid to the El Salvadoran government. FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Edgar Palacios, asso- for Peace, a group of religious and social orga- Palacios later returned to El Salvador, ciate pastor of Christian education at Calvary nizations seeking change, and was chosen to where he urged the United Nations and the Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., is the be its leader. He sought dialogue between the Organization of American States to press for a winner of the 2012 Baptist World Alliance’s U.S.-supported government and the FMLN, an just and peaceful solution, and assisted in the Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. armed rebel group seeking social reform. negotiations. In recognition of his important Palacios was featured in the January issue of Palacios was targeted for assassination role, Palacios was invited to be present when Baptists Today. by government agents. In November 1989, peace accords were signed in 1992. Palacios worked as a Baptist pastor and after six Jesuit priests were murdered by a Palacios continues to advocate for social advocate of social justice prior to and during government-sponsored “death squad” and justice for the poor and for immigrants in the civil war that wracked his native El Salvador FMLN forces advanced on San Salvador, Washington, D.C., and also travels often to El from 1980-1992. He helped to organize the Palacios made his way to Washington, D.C., Salvador where he is a trusted consultant to Permanent Committee for the National Debate where he and his wife, Amparo, lobbied the church and governmental officials. BT

Information | 33 “American individualism, consumerism, affluence, and activities that involve kids’ sports and adult hobbies are church competitors like never before.” Pastoral perspectives

ALLAS — Pastor George Mason and baptized by sprinkling or pouring. Wilshire Baptist Church are known From George Mason To exclude them from membership today, Dfor training successful young pastors after the battle of church-state separation has through a groundbreaking two-year pastoral Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas been won and soul liberty is otherwise prac- residency program that receives support from ticed, is to judge all other churches as false and the Lilly Endowment. every other baptism invalid. Most of our mem- Mason grew up on Staten Island, N.Y. BT: Can you identify a couple of the bers no longer believe this, but our baptismal He attended the University of Miami where biggest challenges in pastoral minis- practice has not caught up with our belief. he played quarterback for the Hurricanes. try today and share how you and your He earned M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from congregation are facing them? BT: What do you know now that Southwestern Baptist Seminary. you wish you had known earlier as a He has served Wilshire since 1989, com- Mason: Participation and stewardship are two pastor? ing from the pastorate of Hillcrest Baptist significant challenges. The self-definition of Church in Mobile, Ala. He currently chairs an active member has shifted from attending Mason: I wish I had figured out earlier that I the committee charged with recommending a about three times per month to about once didn’t have to be the key figure all the time. new executive coordinator for the Cooperative per month. It’s difficult to have continuity, to I have learned that I don’t have to write the Baptist Fellowship. preach sermon series, to staff Sunday school, pastor’s column every week, or teach every and to count on common knowledge when Wednesday Bible study, or attend every staff or BT: How would you briefly describe people are AWOL so often. committee meeting. your leadership style as a pastor? The subtle shift from a sense of being Sharing ministry leadership strengthens part of a covenant community to being an the whole body, keeps me fresher, and prevents Mason: One image that I keep coming back attender when convenient is a huge challenge. the church from being too identified with the to is the leader of a band. In a jazz combo, the American individualism, consumerism, afflu- pastor’s style and personality. bandleader passes the spotlight around while ence, and activities that involve kids’ sports and others support that one by playing along. adult hobbies are church competitors like never BT: Is denominational identity and Everyone gets a chance to solo, but it’s before. engagement important to you — and never really a solo because everyone else is One additional challenge is finding a way to your congregation? How do you cooperating and encouraging the one who to lead a church by the guiding principle of engage with other churches, and what is leading in that moment. At times it’s the what Kavin Rowe has called “traditioned inno- value does that bring? bandleader in that lead role, but otherwise it’s vation.” Failure is found both in being shackled the work of the leader to make sure the music to tradition or unshackled in innovation. Mason: Church autonomy can too easily lead goes on, the song is being well played, etc. Somehow we need a faithful tethering to tradi- to independence and away from cooperation. As a pastor, I know there are times when I tion, along with a spirit that allows us to adapt Denominational identity and engagement keep am front and center. Other staff and laypersons to the challenges of our time. the church moored to a tradition and prevent it also have their turns to lead, in which case I One such example is the recovery of the from becoming isolated or deluded into think- will play a supportive role and not get in their notion of the believer’s church that believer’s ing it is self-sufficient. way. baptism by immersion is a symbol of but not The bigness of the body of Christ requires But I still have to keep my eye on how necessarily the definition of. Our commitment our intentional interaction and partnership we are doing in achieving our mission, which to a believer’s church should allow us to respect with other Baptist and Christian churches. sometimes requires me to step in or to ask oth- the conscience of believers who have been bap- We can do that through traditional means of ers to step up. For the most part, I try to lead tized as infants (thus getting the order wrong, associations, conventions and fellowships, and with a light hand but with clear vision and a by our reckoning, but nonetheless believing and also through direct and select partnerships with confident presence. being baptized) or of believers who have been other churches.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In this new series, experienced pastors are asked the same seven questions about the important and sometimes misunderstood work they provide in congregational leadership and care. The monthly feature is designed to help pastors learn from one another and to give others greater insight into the multi-faceted work of pastors in changing times.

34 | Feature BT: How do you keep a balanced life Mason: We do not try to be all things to all that allows for personal time and people. There are many other churches that study while being accessible to your worship differently from us. God is at work in congregation? all of them. We have a distinct culture of worship that Mason: It’s not easy to keep a balanced life in reflects the need for reverence and transcendence ministry, but I try to remind myself that that as well as immediate experience. Our worship is challenge is not unique to ministry. Everyone Baptist in its call for response and conversion, has that challenge. but it is also ecumenical in its liturgical format. We tend to address it too much these days We have a flavor of Baptist experientialism, on the side of balance, I think. And that means but our unity with the body of Christ is also we start setting up ministry against our life expressed in our commitment to the church year away from the church as if we are divided selves. and common texts. Another way we keep that There’s a lot of attention given in seminar- fresh is by using many lay worship leaders in each ies and divinity schools to setting boundaries service, so that over time the congregation is edu- and making sure that you work when you work cated about how and why we worship as we do. and are home when you are home. But I think Worship should never be the performance This is more or less important to churches this has gone a bit too far. We are better off of the clergy for the laity; it is always the depending upon how important it is to the focusing on the life of being a minister more people’s work (liturgy). And this is especially pastor. Although there are exceptions to this, it than the balance part of it. true for Baptists, who believe that clergy are a seems to me that churches tend to take on the There needs to be a healthy flow between subset of the laity and not a separate category of vision of the pastor about denominational my being a distinct person and my being an Christians. identity and engagement. ordained minister. It should be difficult to sepa- My former pastor and mentor, Charles rate those two, even if we distinguish them. I BT: What keeps you coming back for Wade, once said that it’s a fallacy that back in am called, and I am called. more? the heyday of the Southern Baptist Convention When I try to set my boundaries too everyone was on board with growing their gifts strictly, I tend to get resentful of the demands of Mason: These days I am inspired and encour- to the Cooperative Program. Even then, the the work and forget the enormous privileges of aged by young ministers and their formation pastor had to keep advocating for missions and the life of being a pastor. I believe I am a better more than by my own work. cooperation. The same is true today. human being because I am a pastor, and I hope I still love being a pastor, with all its There is little blind loyalty today. We are all I am also a better pastor because I am a healthy attendant duties of preaching and teaching and more loyal critics now, knowing more about our human being. leading and being a healing presence of Christ at mission partners than ever before and wanting the most crucial moments of people’s lives. But more from them as well. This can sometimes BT: Every church member knows I truly love helping and seeing young people lead to unfair carping, but it can also reflexively exactly the right time for schedul- discern their call and find their way in ministry. demand more from those of us who call on our ing worship and the proper format of I like very much being for them “a guide on mission partners to be good stewards of church the service. The problem, of course, the side” more than “a sage on the stage.” Our dollars. is that these are as different as the church has worked to become a teaching congre- We in the churches have to do our part too people. How do you, as a pastoral gation, and it takes that role quite seriously. This to make the [Cooperative Baptist] Fellowship or leader, plan worship with such varied is one of the more important ways we believe we any other partner the best it can be. expectations? can contribute to the wider church. BT

Feature | 35 -' $0&&/ -'&*, Contributing Writer Ministers Bart McNiel, standing, and Chris George. A case for ministry Attorney’s new calling affirmed in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. — When attorney Bart him behind a pulpit. “Over many years,” said McNiel, “more McNiel shared his calling to ministry with than one fellow church member remarked that the deacons and congregation of First I had missed my calling.” Giving up a successful career as a defense Baptist Church of Mobile, the universal attorney was hard to imagine, however. Yet response was, “It’s about time!” he would accept opportunities to teach and preach in his church — even though he often ccording to pastor Chris George: worked 60 to 70-hour weeks. “When Bart expressed his desire to “What was apparent to so many around Arespond to God’s calling, I externally me started to become clear to me,” said maintained my composure and provided a McNiel. “Christian ministry had become my ministerial affirmation, but internally experi- passion.” other congregations who affirm and ordain enced a celebration.” But he felt that his daily grind had one of their own members. The plan is also McNiel’s move toward his call to ministry become essential if for no other reason than to designed to strengthen bonds among the min- seemed to be a long time in coming to frui- pay for a large custom home and the promise isters in the region who have much collective tion. At the age of 14, he walked to the front of the ever-elusive American dream. experience and wisdom to share with prospec- center stage of a youth conference with scores “What I was teaching and sometimes tive pastors. of other emotional teenagers responding to an preaching on Sunday was an indictment of Since McNiel was not a typical candidate evangelist’s plea to come forward if they could everything I had become — Christ asked me for ordination, the church sought a way for sense God calling them to full-time Christian not to worry about tomorrow, but I could not him to serve at First Baptist Church of Mobile service. stop chasing tomorrow long enough to see and to learn more about the practice of min- Over the next few years — and multiple today.” istry, worship planning and pastoral care. So a youth conferences and zealous evangelists later Before the church was aware of this deci- pastoral resident internship was born. — McNiel continued to follow that sense of sion, Bart and his wife, Stacey, put their home On a quarterly basis, the internship incor- call throughout his teen years, and then com- up for sale as a visible sign of their commit- porates various aspects of ministry — as well pleted undergraduate and graduate studies in ment. When the calling was finally shared as a reading list ranging from pastoral care and religion at Florida State University. with the Mobile congregation, there was much counseling to fictional writings that are rele- However, McNiel came to resent ministers rejoicing. vant to contemporary challenges of the church. who he felt specialized in manipulating chil- “It has been evident to many people The church provides a setting for spiritual dren and teens at their most vulnerable stages for many years that God has been working growth and practical experience for McNiel of physical and emotional maturity. He won- through Bart to minister in our church com- while he enhances the church’s pastoral dered if he was headed toward ministry simply munity,” said George. “In both the deacon ministry. because, as the son of Baptist missionaries, it council and the church in conference, Bart “Thus far, the internship has exceeded was what he knew best. received unanimous support.” expectations and been a wonderful blessing to So, he changed vocational direction. First Baptist Mobile wasn’t the only part- both Bart and our congregation,” said George. Three years later, he graduated with a law nership that his pastor wanted for McNiel. He described the experience in terms of degree and spent the next 12 years building a George worked with Ronnie Brewer, coor- two callings: “God’s calling for Bart to com- career as a civil defense litigator. dinator of Alabama Cooperative Baptist mit to Christian service, embarking upon a But as a student and a young lawyer, Fellowship, to bring together several ministers difficult journey toward full-time Christian McNiel remained active in church life. In the throughout the state to share advice and ministry — and God’s calling for First Baptist congregations he joined, however, he found wisdom from their ministry experiences. Church Mobile to provide a place for Bart to that his missionary background, love of Bible As a result, those involved are putting learn, live, love and experience God’s work in stories, and studies in religion often landed together a program that can be shared with our church community.” BT

36 | Feature Guest Commentary By Tommy McDearis Remembering Melissa A tribute to a well-lived life

t was one of the hardest emails I have ever accompanied me to those places and intro- Iwritten to my church: duced me to students she had already met. Today we mourn the loss of our good friend Sure enough, those students began talk- and fellow minister, Melissa Cheliras. Only 33 ing to me — and some came to church. Some years old, her life seems so unfinished. However, were baptized, and they in turn invited others. few ministers I have known touched more lives Those years were our most successful at reach- as positively as did hers. She was a dear friend ing students. It was Melissa who led the way. who joined our church as a freshman in college. My daughter, Kathryn, met me at I had known her for almost 15 years. Cancer Melissa’s funeral. She told me that only a claimed her days on earth. God claimed her life, month earlier Melissa had called her at James soul and spirit — and what a spirit it was! Madison University — just to see how col- Few people have made such an impact lege was going and to assure Kathryn of her for Christ in so few years. This young woman prayers. embodied the spiritual gifts of humility and “I’m fine,” Kathryn told Melissa, who was commitment as well as anyone I have known. quite ill. “There’s nothing wrong in my life The qualities found in Gal. 5:22-23 — that study and work doesn’t solve.” “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, Kathryn added: “You don’t need to pray faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” — small discussion groups that became Bible for me; let’s pray for you.” To which Melissa’s formed the key to her life as a minister. studies. She then invited these curious students replied: “We can do both.” She ministered to When Melissa moved to Boston as a to her church — and they came! the end. Baptist home missionary, she lamented “the Then she led those students to team with On Monday, Feb. 12, a day appropriately sad fact” that so few people her age attended other Christian students on campus to do what filled with sunshine, we celebrated the life church. After pondering how to reach a largely she had done — start their own groups. The of Melissa Cheliras at her home church in unreached population, and after reading several result was new disciples who professed faith Chesapeake, Va. The sanctuary designed for books on evangelism that she found interesting because Melissa had the courage to think out- 480 was packed with nearly 550 people from but less helpful than she had hoped, Melissa side the comfort zones of most ministers and several states. Others joined the service by made a risky decision. churches. video feed in the chapel. Recognizing the signs of spiritual hunger, One of her signature questions was, “OK, For 90 minutes we sang, told stories, read Melissa launched into a relational outreach where is Jesus in that?” Melissa always sought Melissa’s favorite scriptures, and shared memo- that was radical, yet very Christ-like. If the the goal of doing something great for Christ. ries of one of the best Christians I have ever people would not come to church, she would When Melissa returned to Blacksburg, she known. I wish I understood why this excep- go to the people. asked about the vision of our church. When tional witness for the Lord was lost at such an Realizing those her age congregated in she realized our vision remained that of mis- early age. It seems she had so much more to bars instead of churches, Melissa went there to sion outreach, she joined and became involved. offer. create relationships. After spending months of She worked with college students and Yet, while I do not have an answer, I do meeting people and gaining trust, she started a taught a youth Bible study. She became a know one thing for certain: Melissa’s 33 years discussion group called “Theology on Tap.” volunteer staff member to help form new were well invested; her life counted on earth as Melissa then began inviting these young outreach endeavors. She served on ministry it did in heaven. people to come to the new church with which teams and in mission projects. Most of all, she Goodbye, dear Missy. We do so love and she was working. To the surprise of no one became an encourager to those around her, miss you! Well done, good and faithful servant. who knew Melissa, many of those “Theology including her ministers. Today you dance in your healing place where on Tappers” began attending the church. Early in my ministry in Blacksburg I no pain will ever harm you. Thank God! BT Her college ministry in Boston took a lamented that we were not reaching many similar approach. Melissa went to the students students. It was then-20-year-old Melissa —Tommy McDearis is pastor of Blacksburg and formed friendships. Then she began some who suggested that I go to students. She Baptist Church in Blacksburg, Va.

Perspective | 37 #$%&' ()* +,%$%# -' .%,) +/0&10 Pastor-Judge Little Rock’s Wendell Griffen proclaims justice in two roles

ITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Pastor Wendell Griffen fills the pulpit of New Millennium L Church with his physical presence and the power of his words. He is strong, but not bois- terous; he is insightful, not but aloof. The sermon for this Sunday morning is a call to be prophetic people — modeled after Jesus. “You only do baby “Jesus is no less savior for his prophetic food so long, then work and no less prophet for his saving work,” said Pastor Griffen. you get chores.” He contrasted the life and teachings of Jesus to some religious leaders of his day who overemphasized following religious law at the expense of dispensing love and grace. He called Jesus the “un-scribe.” “Jesus didn’t call us to be scribes but to be prophetic agents of change in his world,” he added. Getting practical, Griffen spoke to his year- old congregation that meets in the Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church sanctuary about ways of being prophetic today — including ministry to returning military veterans and persons who have been incarcerated. “You only do baby food so long, then you get chores,” he said, calling the congregation to an active faith. He told of a retired pastor who mentioned having never gone behind prison walls. Griffen — who is also an appeals court judge — shook his head in disbelief. “We don’t need more scribes,” he contin- ued his sermon. “You and I are called to follow Jesus, the un-scribe. Let us not do less.” The music at New Millennium is tradi- tional yet upbeat. LaVante Pettigrew added Millennium where quick smiles and warm He announced upcoming occasions in soft saxophone sounds to the organ and piano embraces are commonplace before and after which women will fill the pulpit. But he quickly accompaniment while the congregation sang worship. During the formal welcome, Griffen added that their doing so was not a special “Oh, How I Love Jesus” and “Just a Closer acknowledged guests, shared prayer concerns emphasis: “We believe women preach year Walk With Thee.” and promoted upcoming activities. ‘round.” Then the young man, who was scheduled He told congregants that his wife Patricia, But on this day it was Pastor-Judge for baptism the following Sunday, sang a soulful a clinical psychologist, was recovering well from Wendell Griffen who gave the charge. rendition of “Fix Me, Jesus” for the offertory eye surgery. He relayed her request for contin- “Somebody said, ‘Be ye doers of the reflection. ued prayers and her report that “her husband is Word,’” he reminded his listeners. “That’s what There is a sense of welcome at New doing a decent job” in providing care. prophets do!” BT

38 | Feature Q&A WITH WENDELL GRIFFEN

Pastor Wendell Griffen greets church member Bettye Brown before worship.

LITTLE ROCK — An appeals court prophets are the key proponents of social justice in the Bible rather than princes and judge and Baptist minister, Wendell priests. Griffen brings many gifts to both BT: The Bible speaks a great deal callings. He is an Arkansas native, about justice. What are some ways Army veteran and graduate of the churches can be more engaged in justice issues today? University of Arkansas School of Law. the late 1980s. [Current CBF of Arkansas Griffen: Start with your understanding of Griffen was the first African American Coordinator] Ray Higgins reached out to the gospel of Jesus and why you are a con- to join a major law firm in Little Rock. He our new church start in a very genuine way gregation. You need a justice sense about took to the bench in 1996 after then-Gov. in 2009. the gospel of Jesus that guides your sense of Jim Guy Tucker appointed him to the Court Tom Logue, with his typical gentle- ministry. of Appeals. ness and kindness, asked that I use what The whole Bible should be preached, Baptists Today editor John Pierce posed had been his former CBF of Arkansas office taught and understood as dealing with love, questions to Griffen, who currently serves as my church study. [Pastor] Matt Cook truth and justice, not about privilege and on a search committee to find the next exec- and Chris Ellis of Second Baptist Church maintaining the status quo. utive coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist in Little Rock reached out to partner with I wish every pastor and church leader- Fellowship. New Millennium almost from the time we ship team would study Howard Thurman’s became a congregation. Jesus and the Disinherited, along with Dr. BT: How would you describe your The CBF relationship New Millennium King’s “A Time to Break Silence” sermon dual calling as a judge and minister? enjoys is based on that kind of support. (preached April 4, 1967 at Riverside Church In what ways does one role inform in New York). the other? BT: You are a strong advocate for Churches will never become more reforming the justice system that involved with social justice if pastors and Griffen: I consider my work as judge and as you know so well. From your insider other leaders (lay and ordained) cling to the minister to be part of who God has created perspective, what are the major un-biblical notion that following Jesus is me to be. Both functions are based on com- areas that need attention? simply a matter of private piety and social mitment to social justice. privilege. Justice is always a moral issue first, and Griffen: We must rethink what justice So I would focus on changing becomes social because of our relationship means in a systemic way. Justice involves how people think about the gospel of actions and misconduct. So ministry and more than the outcomes of legal controver- Jesus. Ministry efforts are based on what we judging go hand in hand. sies. The causes for social conflict must also believe we’re called to be and do for God as be understood and addressed. followers of Jesus. BT: How did you get connected to the We are seeing support for public educa- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship? How does tion for every child attacked. Social service BT: What are your hopes for New that relationship enable your ministry? agencies (governmental and non-govern- Millennium Baptist Church? mental) are under attack. Meanwhile, our Griffen: I was engaged in seminary exten- society steadily invests more in private pris- Griffen: My hopes are reflected in the sion studies when the fundamentalist ons and tactical weapons for police agencies. “Affirmation of Oneness and Purpose” we faction gained control of the Southern We must also turn away from the mass share during each Sunday worship service Baptist Convention. Although I belonged incarceration mindset developed over the when we say: “We praise and worship God to a National Baptist congregation, I knew past 40 years. A society is more just when together. We petition God together. We pro- white Baptists who were followers of an people who are poor, vulnerable, immigrant, claim God together. We welcome all persons inclusive, intellectually humble, and socially and socially marginalized are protected in God’s love together. We live for God in engaging gospel and I wanted to be in fel- and free, not when they are targeted for every breath and heartbeat by the power of lowship with them. incarceration. the Holy Spirit as followers of Jesus Christ, Tom Logue, Robert Ferguson and That mindset and social ethic isn’t together.” other “goodwill Baptists” in Central politically popular, but justice is rarely pop- That is what I pray we will do “in every Arkansas encouraged my early ministry in ular (politically or otherwise). That’s why breath and heartbeat” to the glory of God. BT

Feature | 39 To tithe or not to tithe? Reblog Selections from recent blogs at By Tony W. Cartledge rituals and remain in the good graces of the baptiststoday.org institution. he reported historic low in tithing For the most part, neither Protestants among Americans should come as no nor Catholics believe tithing is a requirement our faith. Tsurprise to anyone who plays a role in of faith. Protestants in particular put a lot Tithing shouldn’t be thought of as a trying to balance church budgets. Often pro- of trust in the New Testament teaching that legalistic requirement for church participa- grams are being cut, mission offerings sliced, salvation comes through the grace of God, not tion; otherwise, we might as well be selling and staff positions pared away because the by human works — though it’s also believed indulgences or charging fees to remain in good money just isn’t there anymore. that those who are saved by grace should show standing with the church. Nor should it be The recession plays a role, but not the evidence of their faith through good works, taught as a ticket to greater riches, which is all only one. The practice of tithing is fading including generosity. about selfishness and greed, the antithesis of away, and sometimes with the The notion of tithing the gospel. encouragement of church leaders comes from the Hebrew Bible, Still, it seems obvious that those who par- who fear an emphasis on giving which describes a fairly complex ticipate in and benefit from a church ought to will chase away current or prospec- system of tithes and offerings support it. As for the amount, I always thought tive members. given in support of the temple 10 percent is a good place to start. A survey of “evangelical lead- and the poor. The Hebrew Jesus’ teaching, and examples we find in ers” by the National Association of word translated as “tithe” liter- the early church, suggest we should be willing Evangelicals found that 58 percent ally means “tenth,” which gave to give everything for the sake of the kingdom of the respondents don’t believe rise to the idea that believers — which makes 10 percent seem a bit chintzy. the Bible requires tithing, though should contribute one-tenth Pastors and other church leaders should 95 percent of them claimed to of their income to God’s never be embarrassed about preaching or do so, and virtually all of them work. teaching on the subject of stewardship. One believe that God calls Christians to I don’t believe tithing is doesn’t have to appeal to a legalistic tithe in be generous. essential for salvation, nor order to demonstrate the importance of gen- It is often reported that that Christians should tithe as erosity and the common-sense reality that Mormons tithe at a much higher a down payment on greater churches and their ministries cannot survive if rate than either conservative or blessings in return (as some their members don’t support them. mainline Christian groups. But teach, based on Malachi 3:10). If our faith really matters to us, we won’t Mormons are required to tithe But tithing plays a very impor- tithe because we have to, but because we want in order to participate in temple tant role in the living out of to. BT

Taking ourselves too seriously is serious mistake

By John Pierce have a conversation. on religion way too seriously — and over- Humility is often evidenced by humor. estimate our abilities, not God’s. ver the years I’ve not always lived No, not the derisive attempts at ridicul- Then we end up with many people, like up to my philosophy that the right ing another faith tradition or getting a Weiner, who say they can only find an angry Obalance in life is to take the Gospel laugh at someone else’s expense, but those God — or perhaps an absent God — being seriously while not taking oneself too seri- places where genuine smiles abound and argued about in the national conversation. ously. But I sure try. self-depreciating laughter is celebrated as And I like his metaphor of God as not That perspective resurfaced after read- a confession that we are all faulty in our an exclamation point — but rather a semi- ing a New York Times column by Eric Weiner thinking and feeble in our attempts to grasp colon that connects people to experiences of about “the sad state of our national conver- the fullness of God. grace. sation about God.” He wished there were Weiner quotes G.K. Chesterton It is in those unpredictable, unexplain- another way. So do I. who said: “It is the test of a good religion able experiences of grace that we most often “For a nation of talkers and self- whether you can joke about it.” He noted find God. And since such experiences are confessors, we are terrible when it comes to that perhaps Americans are enamored of the not of our own making, we have no reason talking about God,” said Weiner. Dalai Lama because “he laughs, often and to brag or get defensive. Honest seekers and humble followers well.” But we have very good reasons to be get drowned out by the more boisterous and Many would rightly argue that reli- grateful, to smile and to perhaps even laugh certain “true believers” and “angry atheists,” gious faith is a serious matter. But the a bit — and to join the conversation with as he calls them. Indeed, that is no way to trouble comes when we take our own take faith, humility and joy. BT

40 | Perspective -' 70) 1(8+, Baptist Standard Truth seekers Bearing false witness often the result of forwarding political emails

ALLAS (ABP) — When a politi- urban-legend syndrome. If it sounds good who like to quote Scripture to back up their cally volatile email arrives warning to us and seems plausible, we want to warn already-determined political views should DChristians about some elected offi- everybody about it,” Christian said. “To tell listen to the whole counsel of the Bible. cial’s action or some candidate’s position something you do not know to be true is a “We are pretty selective about which that sounds so horrible it’s hard to believe — terrible Christian witness.” Scriptures we listen to. When we look at the don’t believe it, some pastors suggest. Failure to check out the veracity of a commands of Scripture, we find we are not And for heaven’s sake, don’t forward it. rumor not only violates the commandment to bear false witness. We are to control our- “When an email is forwarded to me, about truth-telling but also demonstrates selves and tame the tongue. We are to bear I am skeptical from the start,” said David sloth, he added. one another’s burdens. These things receive Morgan, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in “We need to make a commitment to more emphasis than what we generally tend Harker Heights, Texas. “Assume it isn’t true not be lazy. We need to be good stewards of to quote.” until you check it out. Personally verify it. the truth. We should take the time and make In regard to truthfulness and civility, Be hesitant to forward anything.” the effort to find out what the truth is and Christian offered a question believers should Christians have a responsibility not only stand for that,” Christian said. ask: “If we were discussing politics with to avoid bearing false witness, but also to Civility should characterize a Christian’s Jesus, would we do it the same way we do stand up for truth, said Van Christian, pas- conversation, whether that involves political with others?” BT tor of First Baptist Church in Comanche, debate during a campaign or commentary Texas. on an official after an election, Morgan said. —Ken Camp is managing editor of the “We are horrendously guilty of the Christian suggested that Christians Texas Baptist newspaper Baptist Standard.

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Information | 41 #$%&' ()* +,%$%# -' $%)' 1(&$20*40, Contributing Editor

RALEIGH, N.C. — They sit diagonally on opposite corners of Capitol Square, with ‘Two buildings, North Carolina’s state capitol building between them. One might think they are worlds apart, but Raleigh’s two First Baptist churches are determined to remember their ’ common birth and work together toward one heart common missions, whether serving the Together Raleigh’s First Baptist poor or promoting civil rights. o avoid confusion, locals refer to the churches celebrate 200 years predominantly Anglo congregation as TFirst Baptist Salisbury Street, and to the largely African-American church as First Baptist Wilmington Street. The two congregations celebrated their 200th anniversary March 8, capping a year of festivities with a theatrical production March 2-4 and a joint birthday party at the State Capitol on March 8. Celebrating through theater came natu- rally for the two churches: both have innovative pastors who incorporate the arts into worship, Chris Chapman at Salisbury Street and Dumas Harshaw at Wilmington Street. As committees planned the anniversary fes- tivities, Salisbury Street member Anne Bullard suggested that the local Burning Coal Theater Company, which Bullard serves as a board member, be commissioned to produce a play commemorating the event as part of the non- profit company’s “Our History” productions. Ian Fleming, the company’s resident play- wright, took on the project, researching and writing the script with artistic director Jerome Davis and intern Rebecca Wyrick, who also served as stage manager for the production. Director Robby Lufty was faced with the challenge of staging the portable play, which began in one of the churches and moved to Capitol Square for three scenes, taking the audi- ence with it, before concluding in the other church. “It was really important that we use both buildings,” Lufty said. “The name of the play is ‘Two Buildings/One Heart.’” Not wanting to show preference for one church over the other, the company began at First Baptist Salisbury Street for the first two performances, moving across the square to First Baptist Wilmington Street. For the last two performances, the order was reversed. Cast members framed by North Carolina’s state capitol building describe a time of transition for the While Burning Coal actors performed the two churches. primary roles, a choir composed of members

42 | Feature from both churches accompanied the perform- ers at each venue. Coordinating schedules and finding adequate rehearsal time was a challenge, Lufty and Wyrick agreed — as was working with representatives from two churches who aren’t accustomed to the way theater runs. The effort was worth it, as far as Katrellia Montague-Moorman was concerned. A Raleigh native who spent most of her life in New York City and is now a member of the Wilmington Members of a local “Red Hat Club” enjoyed each other as much as the performance of “Two Buildings/One Heart.” Street church, Montague-Moorman said: “I really enjoyed the creative use of staging. then called First Colored Baptist Church. The having attended a circus. I had never seen a play that started in one place separation, by all accounts, was amiable. Vass confessed to having seen the circus, and moved to another.” Through the years, the churches have but insisted that his purpose was to learn more Noting that she sees Raleigh as part of the cooperated in a variety of ways, and during the about God’s creation by observing the elephants, New South that is less racist and more diverse, tumultuous 1960s, both were led by strong tigers, monkeys and other animals in the show. Montague-Moorman said she was pleased that proponents of civil rights who spoke openly of His answer was sufficiently convincing, and he the play “encompassed not only church history the need for an end to segregation. Charles W. was not dismissed. but also the social history of Raleigh.” Ward of the Wilmington Street church served as Near the end of the play, Carly Jones and Much of that social history was played executive director of the Raleigh NAACP, and Tierra McMickle portrayed two unnamed out in churches. As Baptist work spread across John M. Lewis urged members on Salisbury African-American women bantering with each the South in the late 1700s and early 1800s, it Street to embrace a more integrated society. other as they awaited the arrival of Martin was common for both white landowners and Vignettes in the play captured many of the Luther King, trading humorous comments their slaves to be members of the same church, strategic moments in the churches’ shared his- while wondering if the civil rights leader would though whites were clearly in control and slaves tory, but also incorporated moments of humor. really show. were often relegated to the balcony. In some Tom McCleister, playing the role of a man King did not disappoint, and neither did cases, slaves were allowed to hold separate ser- known as Major Vass, spoke of how “strict deco- “Two Buildings/One Heart,” an apt reminder vices under the leadership of black preachers. rumists” controlled the church in the 1820s and that Raleigh’s two First Baptist churches are Such was the case in Raleigh. When 23 1830s, when he was called to account and in committed to continued cooperation as they members gathered in the old state meeting house danger of being drummed out of the church for enter their third century. BT to organize what was then called “Raleigh Baptist Church,” 14 of the members were black, and nine were white. By 1826, when the church had Baptists Today is GROWING. 224 members, 67 were white and 137 were black. The church grew fairly quickly, and in So are those who study 1816 constructed a building on South Person the Bible together Street, spending $600. The building was later 27% each Sunday. moved to a wooded area that came to be known as “Baptist Grove” (now Moore Square). circulation Internal strife during the 1830s led to a split and the church struggled for some years, but persevered, and in 1840 constructed a new increase building on the corner of Wilmington and Morgan Streets — the site now occupied by the predominantly black church. Pastor Thomas E. Skinner led a time of rapid growth during the 1850s and the church constructed a larger building on the opposite corner in 1859, which First Baptist Salisbury Street now calls home. As with most southern churches, eman- cipation and the period of Reconstruction To introduce your class following the Civil War led to a separation of to the Nurturing Faith white and black members. In Raleigh, the divi- Bible Studies in Baptists Today, sion occurred in 1868, when Henry Jett led a call toll-free 1-877-752-5658 delegation of about 200 black members who or visit baptiststoday.org. asked for letters of dismissal to form what was

Feature | 43 P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318