BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 1

MARCH 2011 | Vol. 29, No. 3 | baptiststoday.org

Fallen trees, risingrisingchurch church East Alabama congregation builds on faith page 4

COLLEGE PRESIDENTS TALK ABOUT the STATE of HIGHER EDUCATION page 30 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 2 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 3

John D. Pierce BAPTISTS TODAY MARCH 2011 | Vol. 29 No. 3 Executive Editor [email protected] Jackie B. Riley “To serve churches by providing a reliable source of unrestricted news coverage, thoughtful analysis, Managing Editor helpful resources and inspiring features focusing on issues of importance to Baptist Christians.” [email protected] Julie Steele Chief Operations Officer PERSPECTIVES [email protected] Tony W. Cartledge > Countering an ever-tarnishing public image...... 7 Contributing Editor By John Pierce [email protected] Bruce T. Gourley > What’s next? Clergy considering change ...... 12 An autonomous national Online Editor should ask good questions [email protected] Baptist news journal By Bill Wilson Vickie Frayne Art Director > Remembering Reaves McCall ...... 15 Jannie Lister By John Pierce Office Assistant Bob Freeman, Kim Hovis > Bill Greenhaw was ‘truest of friends’...... 15 Marketing/Development Associates By John Pierce Walker Knight Jack U. Harwell Publisher Emeritus Editor Emeritus > Shaped in the depths: Characteristics of good preachers...... 16 Board of Directors By J. Daniel Day Gary F. Eubanks, Marietta, Ga. (chairman) Kelly L. Belcher, Spartanburg, S.C. > Marriage and the ‘Times’ ...... 23 (vice chair) By Bill Leonard Z. Allen Abbott, Peachtree City, Ga. Roy and Charlotte Smith Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. > Revisiting hope ...... 25 Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. By Peggy Haymes celebrate monthly their Thomas E. Boland, Alpharetta, Ga. late-in-life marriage. Huey Bridgman, Columbus, Ga. > KJV the only accurate English translation?...... 28 Mary Jane Cardwell, Waycross, Ga. Robert Cates, Rome, Ga. By Melody Maxwell Jack Causey, Statesville, N.C. Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. > King James and Baptists: Not a love story...... 28 37 | Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. By Bruce Gourley David Currie, San Angelo, Texas James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. IN THE NEWS Ben Gross, Chattanooga, Tenn. Leslie D. Hill, Lexington, Ky. > Who are the Baptists — in Sweden?...... 10 Michael M. Massar, Tyler, Texas J. Thomas McAfee, Macon, Ga. Michael G. Queen, Wilmington, N.C. > Christine Gregory, missions leader, dies...... 14 Lee Royal, Greensboro, N.C. Mary Etta Sanders, Dalton, Ga. > Morris Ashcraft, who helped launch BTSR, dies ...... 14 Charles Schaible, Macon, Ga. Macon Sheppard, Folly Beach, S.C. > Woman recounts bomb memories from Birmingham ...... 26 Baptists and the Walter B. Shurden, Macon, Ga. Civil War Charlotte Cook Smith, Raleigh, N.C. > Former Navy chaplain advises churches ...... 27 David M. Smith, Houston, Texas on ministry to returning soldiers 150 years ago Leo Thorne, Valley Forge, Pa. Sarah Timmerman, Cairo, Ga. > Religious themes get star treatment at Sundance ...... 34 March 1861 David Turner, Richmond, Va. Clement H. White, St. Petersburg, Fla. > Researcher flips gospel records, finds civil rights songs...... 38 By Bruce Gourley Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. 8| Baptists Today (ISSN 1072-7787) FEATURES is published monthly by: Cover photo by John Pierce. Baptists Today > College presidents talk about challenges ...... 30 P.O. Box 6318 Billie Small leads in prayer and opportunities of higher education Macon, GA 31208-6318 before breaking ground on By John Pierce Subscription rates: the new church building 1 year, $20 2 years, $35 1 year groups of 25 or more, $18 > Roy J. Smith recalls changes in Baptist life ...... 35 rising in Heflin, Ala. 1 year groups of less than 25, $20 By Tony W. Cartledge Story on page 4 1 year Canada, $35 1 year foreign, $50 Periodical postage paid at Macon, Ga. 31208 and additional mailing offices IN EVERY ISSUE POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Quotation Remarks 6 Classifieds 22 Baptists Today P.O. Box 6318 Editorial 7 In the Know 22 Macon, GA 31208-6318 (478) 301-5655 Media Shelf 11 Lighter Side 24 1-877-752-5658 www.baptiststoday.org ChurchWorks! 18 Reblog 29 © 2011 Baptists Today. All rights reserved. Bible Studies 19 March 2011 • Baptists Today | 3 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 4

FEATURE STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN PIERCE

Fallen trees,

TAKING TURNS — Everyone who makes up Heritage Baptist Church in Heflin, Ala., got in on turning dirt where the congregation will erect its first building and make good use of fallen trees from a 2008 storm. Below, in contributed photos, pastor Les Jones totes some of the lumber that he, Rising church his father Houston, his son Dustan and others milled. East Alabama congregation building on faith

EFLIN, Ala. — Turning gatherings nearly nine years ago and grew lemons into lemonade, that’s into a small, but dedicated congregation H easy. But turning the aftermath that meets in a former high school. The of a major storm into a first church build- church, affiliated with the Cooperative ing for a new congregation takes a bit Baptist Fellowship, has created a positive more vision and work. ministry presence in the small east Houston and Betty Jones found a Alabama community of Heflin. tree on their house and 30 more across And that memorable stormy morning their winding driveway on Mother’s Day in 2008 is making a major contribution to in 2008 — preventing them from attend- the church’s future. Houston Jones, a ing the Sunday activities of Heritage retired accountant, set up a sawmill on his Baptist Church, where their son, Les property. He described the venture as Jones, is founding pastor. But church “a hobby that got out of hand.” members — along with disaster relief With the help of his son, grandson volunteers from Williams First Baptist and others, Houston has been sawing up Church in the neighboring county — the fallen pines. Coupled with the congre- brought chainsaws and muscle to free the gation’s purchase of 10 acres and seasoned Joneses from captivity. with a sense of divine destiny, the lumber All that anyone could see on that day led to a groundbreaking service on an was a big mess. unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon on Heritage started with Sunday evening Jan 30.

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FEATURE

TREES AND MORE TREES — Some pines from the church’s 10-acre site were added to the many downed trees to create enough lum- ber for constructing the congregation’s first building.

churches around the state are eager to lend a hand. In addition to the stockpile of lumber, “I’ve got 25,000 board feet ready to go association, serves as associate pastor and leads other gifts are coming from within the congre- for this building,” said Houston after the the building committee. gation. Member Kim prayers were lifted, words of encouragement However, the congregation is wide open Waites will create shared and the ceremonial turning of the dirt to a variety of persons, said pastor Les Jones. stained-glass windows for was complete. “We have a loving congregation of people the new building. During the groundbreaking service, from diverse backgrounds who all agree that “The story is long Heflin Mayor Anna Berry rose to express Christ is Lord and love is supreme and real and detailed, but suffice appreciation for how the young congregation Baptists are free,” he affirmed. it to say that Heritage had already contributed to the spiritual health During the groundbreaking service, CBF has been blessed and and well-being of their community. Coordinator for Congregational Life Bo proven to be of the Lord Pastor Les Jones “We’re a better community because of Prosser urged the congregation to “keep doing and is here for ‘the long Heritage,” said Mayor Berry, a member of the the things you’ve been doing.” And Alabama haul,’” said Les Jones, who returned to his Episcopal Church of the Messiah that has been CBF Coordinator Ronnie Brewer assured hometown after a 25-year absence to lead in supportive of the young Baptist congregation. them that volunteers from well-established the founding of this new congregation. BT In one sense, Heritage is a family affair. Dani Small Jones, a university music teacher and wife of the pastor, leads the church in multiple roles. Her parents, Dan and Billie Small, are active leaders. Dan, a former director of missions for the local Baptist

Houston Jones (left) visits with his brother, Joe Jones of Huntsville, prior to the Jan. 30 dedication service. Houston, a retired accountant, calls his sawmill operation “a hobby that got out of hand.” Stained-glass windows for the new building will be created by church member Kim Waites — who added this touch of color to the old school where the congregation currently meets.

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PERSPECTIVE quotation “ remarks ” “Mr. Garisto, you’re not Mr. Rogers. “Attention is what churches get when “I liked the parts where some charac- In our culture we tell children, ‘Do their stories deal not with Incarnation, ter was once this, but he ended up not talk to strangers.’” Trinity, Resurrection, or Atonement, being that. Like he’d be dissing —Judge Jeannine Turgeon of Dauphin, Penn., but with finances or sex.” Jesus, and then he ends up being a to street preacher Stephen Garisto who was taken —Longtime religious history professor and author saint. That was cool.” to court by a local school district for proselytizing Martin E. Marty (Sightings) —Rapper Lil Wayne, telling Rolling Stone about children at a bus stop (RNS) how he read the Bible during his recently completed prison sentence (RNS) “We are blaming teenagers for “We thought attending meetings behavior that parents are modeling.” made us good Christians.” “Baptists have been victimized by —Sherry Turkle, MIT professor and author of —Marion Aldridge, coordinator of the Cooperative such religious discrimination in the Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina, on growing past. We should always remember Technology and Less from Each Other, on the up as a Baptist in the South (The Fellowship Blog) that if we allow the government to overuse of communication technology such as discriminate against one religion constant texting (NPR) today, they can discriminate against “We did sever ties in 2007, but many any or all religions tomorrow.” of us never dreamed that the school —SBC leader Richard Land, who withdrew from would walk away so rapidly from “Lord, give me patience as their Christian heritage and roots.” an interfaith group that assists Muslim communities I watch Malia go to her first facing opposition to legally building and relocating —Randy Davis, executive director of the Tennessee meeting space after other Southern Baptists dance, where there will be Baptist Convention, responding to Belmont disproved of his involvement (Baptist Press) University adding sexual orientation to its boys. Lord, have that skirt nondiscrimination policy (Baptist Press) get longer as she travels to “I apologize in the name of the church that dance.” because we allowed some of these “I am grateful to the Belmont board things to continue. This is sinful. for recognizing that being gay and —President Obama joking at the National Racism is sinful.” being Christian are not mutually Prayer Breakfast about how his prayer life has —Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans upon exclusive. This is a landmark day.” changed as his older daughter matures (RNS) unveiling a new online database containing records of —Former soccer coach Lisa Howe on the baptisms, marriages and deaths in colonial New Nashville-based university’s nondiscrimination Orleans, including those of African slaves (RNS) policy (NBC Sports) “I also would have steered clear of politics. I’m grateful for the opportu- “The level and frequency of criti- “Some congregations live to keep nities God gave me to minister to cisms toward pastors and other their clergy anxious, under control, people in high places; people in leaders has increased significantly in risk-averse and weak. This under- power have spiritual and personal the past several years. I call this mines what congregations actually needs like everyone else, and often resurgence in criticisms ‘the Great need — namely, entrepreneurial they have no one to talk to. But look- Distraction’ because it often causes clergy who imagine a future into ing back, I know I sometimes leaders to lose focus on leading their being, thrive on risks, learn from fail- crossed the line, and I wouldn’t do churches in the Great Commission.” that now.” ure, and keep pressing onward.” —Thom S. Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian —Religion News Service columnist and —Aging evangelist Billy Graham, responding to Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention Episcopal priest Tom Ehrich e-mailed questions from Christianity Today (RNS) (Baptist Press)

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PERSPECTIVE editorial Countering an ever-tarnishing public image By John Pierce

oncern over the negative image of these church leaders were so aggressive in others. Love is the attribute of God that we Christians in general and Baptists seeking government sanction for selective emphasize when speaking of our faith, but C in particular has been expressed in parts of their professed faith while letting our attitude toward many others can be recent years. Some evidence of that prob- other aspects of biblical teaching slide. anything but loving. lem has come from marketing studies or That’s a fair question. Our image It’s not the street preacher who is the other surveys. would be enhanced by a little honesty — problem; it’s us. But based on anecdotal responses that like an admission that our own applica- And for all the wonderful contribu- have come my way recently, it seems that tions of so-called Christian faith and tions that local congregations make to their the tarnished image some have warned us practices are woefully inconsistent. communities and beyond, conflict and con- about may be worse than many have We should take note of the fact that it demnation are often the defining marks. thought. is highly uncommon to Those outside our stained-glass enclaves Friends of my youth, with whom I’ve hear someone speak ill rightly wonder why diverse coworkers, civic reconnected recently, tell me of their nega- of Jesus. But constantly, group members and government officials tive experiences with Baptists — and of it seems, there are seem to function more respectfully of one their pleasant surprise to learn that not all strong, negative — and another than the gathered Baptists down Baptists are like the ones they encountered. often well-deserved — the road who claim a common bond of As one put it: “Honestly, my experience reactions to those indi- faith. with Baptists has been quite different than viduals and groups who The sad irony is that those who are your point of view.” claim to follow the always harping on the “problems” in a In a letter to the editor of a secular Christ. church are usually, well, the problems in newspaper, a man with no expressed hostil- Why is institutionalized Christianity the church. They like to wreck the house ity raised some good questions in response so readily dismissed by good, honest, and then wonder aloud — often very loud to aggressive church leaders who showed inquiring people? Who is to blame? — why people don’t want to come over. little regard for the diverse faith practices A recent online discussion focused on Likewise, some denominational groups in their community and sought favoritism an encounter some committed church per- do their part to create a public image of of their religious perspectives. sons had with a street preacher outside a intolerance and ignorance. Proclamations He wanted to know why they push for professional football game. He was and resolutions coming out of annual gath- government-sponsored prayers at public denouncing attendance at sporting events erings tend to accomplish little other than events — with the argument that “no one along with a wide variety of activities as adding to an existing image of exclusion. is forcing you to pray” — but fight against evidence of hellish living. I’m probably not the only one whose legal same-sex unions without the acknowl- One poster commented: “He gives coffee shop conversations often turn into edgment that no one is forcing you into Christians a bad name.” explanations of not being “that kind of such a relationship. Probably not. My guess is that very Baptist.” Getting a straight answer to why some few, if any, passersby took the pigskin All of this seems to come down to a parts of the Bible they deem inerrant and preacher seriously or equated his irrational tried-and-true idea that one should get his authoritative are amplified while others are ranting with the Christian message. or her own house in order before trying to ignored is impossible, the letter writer The real tarnishing of the Christian tell others how to do so. Maybe Baptists — rightly noted. For example, he asked: “If brand comes from those of us who are and other Christian individuals and groups you work on your Sabbath or patronize taken seriously as being representative of that seem quick to speak a definitive opin- places where others are working on your the faith — but come up short. We talk ion on every issue that arises — might Sabbath … are you not violating the same about sacrifice but put most of our time learn the disciplines of patience, listening ‘God’s word’ that you judge others to be and energy into personal gain. and earning the right to speak in love and doing?’” We emphasize the grace we have with trust. In essence, he wanted to know why received but are stingy in offering grace to The polishing needs to start soon. BT

The sad irony is that those who are always harping on the “problems” in a church are usually, well, the problems in the church.

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PERSPECTIVEFEATURE STORYBYBRUCET. GOURLEY, Online Editor

AND Baptists THE CIVIL WAR

in their own words

arch arrives with Jefferson Davis, Mformer U. S. Senator from Mississippi, presiding over the Confederate States of America. Currently comprised of Deep South states only, the Confederacy hopes to attract some of the peripheral, or Border, states. Virginia, home to much Union senti- ment, is undecided regarding secession. Tennessee’s ultimate position is far from cer- tain. Arkansas and North Carolina have not yet rallied to the secession cause. In Texas, the last state to secede at this point, the governor — Sam Houston, a Baptist — is dismissed this month from the governorship for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States of America. The Confederate States are united in Photo by John Pierce declaring that slavery is the reason for the formation of their Confederacy. The CSA 150 years ago cowardly manner in which he Constitution expressly invokes the favor of  approached the Capitol, slipping “Almighty God,” while Georgia — under the there in disguise, we have but little leadership of a Southern Baptist governor, March 1861 reason to hope for good. I would Joseph E. Brown — has declared itself a defy a ‘Philadelphia lawyer’ to guess “Christian nation.” When Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration at what his intended policy will be Basil Manly Sr., a large slaveholder, a as the 16th U.S. president takes place on from his inaugural address, whether leading voice in the formation of the March 4, many white southerners express he will give us peace by acknowledg- Southern Baptist Convention and a founder open contempt toward the president and the ing the independence of those States of The Southern Baptist Theological United States. Lincoln’s agenda, they are cer- that have seceded, now known as Seminary, has established himself as the chap- tain, is the abolishment of slavery. the ‘Southern Confederacy,’ or not, lain of the Confederacy. Having delivered the Lincoln comes from a Baptist back- as he ought to do, we can give no prayer at the inauguration of Jefferson Davis, ground, having grown up in a northern idea. For my own part I believe he Manly now relies on his Calvinist theology to Primitive Baptist family. Yet many Baptists of does not intend it. I believe him to assure fellow Southern Baptists that God’s the South despise him. be one of those deceitful, hard- hand guides the new southern nation. Mary Beckley Bristow, a member of headed persons who would overturn Indeed, many Baptist pulpits and news- Sardis Baptist Church in Union, Ky., sums up a world (if they could do it without papers in the South pointedly appropriate the feelings of many southern Baptists as she personal detriment) to accomplish God and the Bible in the fight to preserve comments on Lincoln’s inauguration in her their fanatical bigotry. I imagine African slavery. diary: Lincoln to be such a man as the Sitting quietly in church balconies, slaves witch burners of Salem, Mass- say nothing that their masters might over- “[Lincoln] has it in his power (for achusetts, without Cotton Mather’s hear, but at night in their crude cabins us poor mortals to look at the mat- sense to go on it, but none the less express their anxieties to one another. Few ter) to do much of good or evil, and dangerous because of being feeble- can read, but many clutch to the belief that if we judge him by the silly, foolish minded. May the Lord, if consistent the biblical God of deliverance is on their speeches he made on his route [to with his will, save our country from side and dream of a day of redemption. his inauguration] and the pitiful, a civil war.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This series focuses on the Baptist experience during the American Civil War as it unfolded 150 years ago. For a day-by-day journal along with references to source material, visit www.civilwarbaptists.com.

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FEATURE

Georgia Baptists’ Christian Index (on March 13) also chimes in regarding Lincoln’s inauguration:

“Last week Lincoln was inaugurated, not as a President of a free people, but like a despot.”

During the war, Baptists both North and South will lay claim to the mantle of “free- dom.” For many northern Baptists, the goal of the war is to free African slaves. At the same time, many white Baptists in the South insist that freedom is reserved for the white race. The editor of the Christian Index (on March 20) thus explains the rights of white southerners:

“… we have declared allegiance, and which we look upon as our own of RIGHT — a heritage from the God of nations to a people that knows its rights and liberties, and knowing, dares to maintain them.”

Meanwhile, in Virginia, Lincoln’s inaugu- ral speech tilts public momentum toward secession, and as the month progresses, dis- union seems ever more likely. On March 16, the Richmond Times Dispatch relates:

“The secession flag raised recently by the young ladies of the Baptist Female Institute, and which was taken down by the Professor in charge, was again set up yesterday by the determined young Misses, who seem resolved to show their position on the question of Southern Rights.”

As the month draws to a close and the verbal sparring intensifies, the Confederate states prepare for warfare, while Virginia edges closer to joining them. In the North, Lincoln makes war preparations, but bides his time, not wanting to be seen as the aggressor. Politically, he works to keep the Border States in the Union. Yet the ultimate failure of politics is all too visible, and the language of Providence and God’s Will echoes throughout the fractured nation. BT —Bruce T. Gourley holds a Ph.D. in history from Auburn University. He is online editor for Baptists Today and executive director of the Baptist History & Heritage Society. His book, Diverging Loyalties: Baptists in Middle Georgia During the Civil War, is being published by Mercer University Press.

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INFORMATION BY TONY W. CARTLEDGE, Contributing Editor Who are the Baptists — in Sweden?

Baptist work has existed in Sweden since September 1848, when a Swedish sailor named Fredrik Olaus Nilsson baptized believers in the sea, led them in a celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and guided the formation of the first Baptist church on Swedish soil.

ilsson himself was a relatively new tries, however, Swedish Baptists have often Baptist, reportedly having been con- Now St. Volodymyr’s divided. Ukranian Orthodox N verted during a storm off Cape Church, this century- The first split occurred in 1872, giving Hatteras, then being nurtured in the faith at old brick church in rise to the Free Baptist Fellowship. Beginning Hartford, Conn., was the Mariner’s Baptist Church in New York. originally Swedish in 1913, a Pentecostal “New Movement” left Sent as a missionary to Sweden by the New Bethel Baptist Church. the BUS. In the 1930s, a charismatic move- York Tract Society, he distributed thousands of ment beginning in the Filadelfia church in Bibles in his homeland. Örebro led to further schism. In 1847 he traveled to Germany to be In 1997, the Free Baptist Union, the baptized in the River Elbe by evangelist and Holiness Union, and the Örebro Mission church-planter Johann Oncken. united to form the Evangelical Free Church Nilsson’s work was in violation of (Evangeliska frikyrkan) in Sweden, operating Swedish law, which recognized only the internationally under the name InterAct. Lutheran State Church. As a result, Nilsson According to its website (http://www.efk.se/), and his fellow Baptists were persecuted the Evangelical Free Church claims 31,000 severely. Many were arrested, and Nilsson was members in 300 congregations, who are com- expelled from the country in 1850. mitted to the belief that “growing churches He led a group of 21 immigrants to bring the whole gospel to the whole person America in 1853, where he joined forces with throughout the whole world.” convert Gustaf Palmquist, who had arrived the America, returned to Sweden and led in the The BUS is a member of the Baptist previous year and established a church in Rock formation of the Baptist General Conference World Alliance, and is active in ecumenical Island, Ill. Nilsson and other Swedish Baptists of Sweden. bodies such as the Christian Council of traveled widely, founding churches across the A former Lutheran, Wiberg had pub- Sweden and the Swedish Mission Council. upper Midwest. lished Who Is To Be Baptized and What Is The BUS has particularly close ties with the Their efforts led to the formation of the Baptism? in 1852, the first book in Sweden Swedish Mission Covenant Church and the Swedish Baptist General Conference in 1879. that advocated believer’s baptism. Methodist Church of Sweden. As more of the churches became English- After another trip to America, Wiberg The three denominations jointly support speaking, “Swedish” was dropped from the returned in 1866 with sufficient financial sup- theological education through the Stockholm denomination’s name in 1945, and it became port to establish a church center and a School of Theology, and their youth organiza- known as the Baptist General Conference in seminary. By the end of the century, Baptist tions work together through a federation called America. In 2008, the group adopted the work had spread throughout the country, with “equmenia.” Leaders from the three conferences name Converge Worldwide. more than 500 churches established. have signed a letter of intent to work toward a Despite ongoing persecution, Baptist What is now called the Baptist Union of possible merger, possibly within two years. work in Sweden persisted. By 1860, more than Sweden (BUS), with about 17,500 members in According to a statement on the BUS 120 churches had been established. In 1857, 214 local churches, is the oldest non-Lutheran website (www.baptist.se), “The vision for the Anders Wiberg, who had been working in denomination in Sweden. As in other coun- Baptist Union of Sweden is to search for the will of God in our lives and with the help of the Holy Spirit depart from the forces that Baptists Today is pleased to announce a three-year pledge from exploit and tear human beings down and destroy the earth, and live so everybody will ROY J. AND CHARLOTTE COOK SMITH OF WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. find a personal relation with God through to create and fulfill the mission of the Global Baptist Initiative that will fund the Jesus Christ.” BT news journal’s representation in and coverage of the worldwide Baptist family through the North American Baptist Fellowship and the Baptist World Alliance by Contributing Editor Tony W. Cartledge Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of articles introducing readers to member groups For information on other important giving/naming opportunities, call Baptists Today at 1-877-752-5658. of the global Baptist family.

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BY GREG RICHTER, Religion News Service MEDIA SHELF

‘Ex-Christian’ author explores reasons for leaving faith

rew Dyck didn’t lose the Christian that she constructed her elaborate system pagan rituals, but they deny a transcendent faith of his childhood when he of doubt. Her intellectual doubts may have God, and see earth as the locus of true D became an adult, but he noticed prevented her from returning to Christian- spirituality. that lots of others did. An editor of online ity, but they were almost certainly not the “Spiritual Rebels” flee the faith to publications for Christianity Today, he reason she left in the first place. My chal- indulge in behavior that conflicted with talked to some of those who have left the lenge was to watch for those underlying their faith. They also value autonomy and faith for his recent book, Generation Ex- experiences that often push people from don’t want anyone — especially a superin- Christian: Why Young Adults Are Leaving the faith. It sounds more credible to say tending deity — telling them what to do. the Faith ... and How to Bring Them Back. you left on intellectual grounds. But more “Drifters” do not suffer intellectual often, the head follows the heart. crises or consciously leave the faith; they Q: What prompted you to write simply drift away. Over time God becomes about ex-Christians? Q: What interesting less and less important until one day no A: My friends began leaving the faith. The things did you longer part of their lives. first was a friend from high school. We had learn during the grown up in the church; both of our interviews? Q: What role does contemporary fathers were pastors. A few years after high A: I encountered some American culture play? school he informed me that he was no surprising signs of A: A lot of Christians fear the corrupting longer a Christian. That got my attention. spiritual life. In the influence of “the world,” but when it As I moved through my 20s, I witnessed interviews, I asked the comes to the spiritual plights of young other friends “de-convert.” I realized that Drew Dyck ex-Christians whether people, what happens inside the church these experiences were not unique. they ever still prayed. Most still did pray. matters most. Even for those lured away by They were angry, conflicted prayers, alternative spiritualities such as Wicca, Q: Are a lot of young people really but beautiful in their honesty and despera- their “de-conversions” were precipitated by leaving the faith? Won’t they just tion: “God, where are you? Can you hear what happened inside rather than outside come back when they’re older? me? Do you exist? Do you even care about the church. In other words, it was more A: The answer to the first question is me? I miss you.” push than pull. “yes.” In the 2009 American Religious Identification Survey, 18- to 29-year-olds Q: You have some interesting cate- Q: You’re a part of the generation were found to be the least religious age gories of unbelievers in your book. you’re writing about. What is differ- group: 22 percent claimed “no religion.” Can you explain what these terms ent about those such as yourself That was up 11 percent from 1990. mean? who didn’t leave? Whether or not they will return is A: No two “leavers” are exactly the same, A: Young people who have meaningful rela- where the scholarly consensus breaks down. but some patterns did emerge. tionships with older Christians are much Some view the exodus from the church as a Postmodern leavers reject Christianity more likely to retain their faith into adult- hiatus, a matter of young Americans “slap- because of its exclusive truth claims and hood. I had those connections, and have no ping the snooze” on Sunday mornings. moral absolutes. For them, Christian faith doubt they were instrumental in my life. I They see the trend as a reversible life-phase is just too narrow. also sought out the intellectual resources to phenomenon. I’m not so sure. “Recoilers” leave because they were understand and defend my faith. But I hurt in the church. They suffered some don’t give myself too much credit. Q: What’s the main reason they form of abuse at the hands of someone The difference between me and my give for leaving? they saw as a spiritual authority. God was friends who I now describe as “ex- A: Most cited intellectual doubts, but guilty by association. Christians” may be a matter of degree, there’s often more to the story. One young “Modernists” completely reject super- rather than kind. We all have the tendency woman had attended a prominent natural claims. God is a delusion. Any to stray. But God, in his mercy, keeps Christian college, where she’d suffered a truth beyond science is dismissed as super- drawing me back. BT mental breakdown after feeling ostracized stition. by the community and betrayed by “Neo-pagans” refers to those who left Christian friends. for earth-based religions such as Wicca. —Greg Richter writes for The Birmingham But it was only in subsequent years Not all actually cast spells or participate in News in Birmingham, Ala.

“A lot of Christians fear the corrupting influence of ‘the world,’ but when it comes to the spiritual plights of young people, what happens inside the church matters most.”

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PERSPECTIVE BY BILL WILSON What’s next? Clergy considering change should ask good questions

It is a regular conversation most EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third article in a you discover or rediscover your strengths yearlong series titled “Transitions: Helping churches and weaknesses. ministers have internally: “Should I and church leaders in changing times,” provided Talking with people who know you in through a partnership between Baptists Today and various ways is helpful as well. If such feed- leave?” Some days it is a question the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Center for back supports your sense of God’s call, that Congregational Health (www.healthychurch.org). of leaving a specific church; some is an indication you are on the right track. Besides assessing personal abilities, it is days it is a question of leaving the God’s call, inward at your own gifts and useful to answer questions about your life ministry for another vocation. abilities, and outward toward other career outside of work. If you are feeling a need for prospects. There are numerous tools and change, ask yourself what else is happening Always, it is a complicated, emo- approaches to discerning God’s will. Both that might influence your thoughts and mystery and realism should be a part of the tional and powerful conversation. emotions. multi-modal process. Are you depressed? What losses have almost left vocational ministry once. I occurred in your circle of friends and family Looking Up — decided to stay, and I have not regretted over the last year? How does your age Revisiting your call I that decision. But I remember the impact the way you see your ministry? Has intense discomfort and feelings of anxiety Passion is a key part of call. Sometimes your ministry changed in a way that causes about the future that accompanied that clergy, caught in the day-to-day humdrum, more anxiety and stress than it did when season of my life. can forget what attracted them to ministry you entered this field? Life is complicated. Thoughts of leaving are not uncommon in the first place. Money Sometimes seeking personal therapy is a for ministers, especially during a rough and status can put helpful alternative to moving. patch. How do you make such a big blinders on passion. If decision? wealth, logistics or prox- Looking Outward — My friend Chip Bishop made a success- imity to family drive the Discovering your possibilities ful change from pastor to stockbroker a vocational discussion, Before making any change, it is wise to take decade ago. He calls his reasons for leaving chances are you are a hard look at that more attractive church or after 20 years in full-time ministry moving away from your career. It is our cultural tradition to move “complex.” They relate primarily to denomi- call. While these factors toward more money and power, but that is national issues and family time. Surprisingly, are important, your call to ministry is more not always a good indicator of fit. Many Chip is still a member of the church he once than these drivers. ministers have arrived at a bigger and better- served. When considering a transition of any paying position only to discover that the “I was going toward something,” he sort — especially a career change — a per- difficult issues that plagued them previously said, “There was no sense of running away.” sonal coach is invaluable. A trained coach have also made the trip. In his current position, Chip uses skills can guide you through the process of revisit- One thing I sometimes see in clergy is gained as a pastor and even visits clients in ing your passion and discovering ways to mid-career angst based on changing church the hospital. The decision to change was one serve that draw on personal strengths. size or church context. Growth, decline, he processed for three long years. It was a Call is dynamic and contextual; it is turnaround or maintenance describe scenar- slow, thoughtful process. He has no regrets. likely to shift during your life journey. Once ios that may or may not still engage your When considering such a transition, you articulate your God-given mission for strengths and abilities. take it slow. Transitions are rarely easy, and your life, all other decisions can be filtered Making good decisions requires assess- good transitions seldom result when we are through that vision. ing the situation realistically. You need to ask reactive. Being proactive about any move good questions such as: Why is this attrac- will require vast amounts of emotional, Looking Inward — tive to me? Why now? Is this one of those spiritual and physical energy. Getting reacquainted with yourself predictable ministerial crisis seasons (year 2, As clergy, we often have 20/20 vision Self-understanding, as well as faithfulness, is 7, 11, etc.) that may reward me if I buckle about others’ career decisions and 20/200 part of discerning God’s call. An objective down and endure? Is there more to learn in vision about our own. Anyone considering a friend or trained coach can be invaluable for this position? What do I want to experience change in location or vocation should take a helping you understand your abilities. There somewhere else that I cannot get here? good look in three directions: “upward” for are numerous assessment tools to help It is also helpful to do a force-field

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PERSPECTIVE

analysis by listing the attractive as well as your life. Then strive to be a reconciling and debilitating parts of your job. Can the debili- redemptive presence, even in transition. BT Link BaptistsToday.org tating things be changed? Is it just one staff to your church’s home page member who is making things tough? Is it To learn more about Chip Bishop’s transition Enhance your church’s web site by too many committee meetings? Will the debt out of vocational ministry as well as other providing easy access to daily issue be resolved over time? stories of transition, and to share your own news and reflections. Another key question: Is this about story, go to www.healthychurch.org/threshold. It’s free. It’s simple. moving toward something or moving away Visit the link below from something? Unless it is an unhealthy —Bill Wilson is president of the Center for and follow the situation for you or your family and there Congregational Health based in Winston- directions. are congregational problems that cannot be Salem, N.C. Chris Gambill, senior consultant solved, moving away may be a mistake. and manager of congregational health Cutting and running usually leaves regrets. services, contributed to this article. www.baptiststoday.org/baptistlinks Part of the process of looking outward when considering a career change is asking someone in that vocation what it is like. Ask what energizes them about the job. What drains them? Try to get first-hand experience before you make a transition. If you are con- sidering moving to another church or ministry, look closely there, too. No church is as solid as it may appear. It is easy to fall victim to “the grass is greener” thinking.

When it’s time to go After considering all those questions — preferably with someone who can be objective and honest with you — it may be time for a change. Sometimes change is bet- ter for a minister and for the church. If an environment is toxic for you and your fam- ily, with no relief in sight, it is time to leave. Unrelenting misery and call do not go together. This is where a coach or trusted friend can see clearly what you may not. Other times, while the environment may not be toxic, God is simply calling you to serve in another field. By asking the right questions, looking upward, inward and out- ward, like Chip, you may discern that God is calling you to minister elsewhere. One final word: When it is time to go, it is important to leave well. Your leaving in a healthy way enables the congregation to welcome your successor, and allows you needed closure to this chapter in your life. I wish that congregations and clergy would do needed exit interviews and come to a place of blessing one another. Far too often, we give in to the temptation to say hurtful things to or about one another. We do harm to the kingdom when we allow such impulses to drive our behavior. Healthy closure requires genuine effort and maturity. Remember, ministry is life-long and important, whether in a paid capacity or not. Thank God daily for the divine call upon

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INFORMATION Christine Gregory, missions leader, dies

By Robert Dilday SBC Peace Committee, an ultimately unsuc- “I was perceived to be a liberal because I Religious Herald cessful attempt to resolve theological conflicts am a Virginian, have been closely associated between conservatives and moderates in the with an agency of the convention and do not DANVILLE, Va. (ABP) — Christine Gregory, convention. She was one of two women tell other people what God is saying to them.” a Virginia missions leader who broke barriers added just before After moving to Danville in 1948, to women in Baptist leadership roles, died approval of the 22- Gregory quickly became involved in WMU, Jan. 22 in Danville, Va., at age 89. member committee — and served as president for the congregation Gregory was elected first vice president originally consisting only and the local Baptist association. Biographer of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1981, of men. Catherine Allen wrote that Gregory was the first woman to fill one of the SBC’s top “My and Jodi unsettled by the illiteracy, racial prejudice, elected positions, and in 1982 became the Chapman’s [then of poverty and plight of migrant farm workers first woman to serve as president of the Wichita Falls Texas] rela- she found in Southside Virginia. Baptist General Association of Virginia. tionship to the Peace Wide reading and a family vacation to Christine Gregory In the 1970s, she was president of the Committee from the day an American Baptist conference center in SBC’s Woman’s Missionary Union and of of its approval by the Southern Baptist Green Lake, Wisc., where she was introduced WMU’s Virginia affiliate, roles that placed Convention was different to that of the other to a more activist social ministry than she her at the heart of Baptist administrative life 20 members,” Gregory later told the Religious had experienced among Southern Baptists, and catapulted her into leadership roles Herald, the Virginia Baptist newspaper. “We inspired her to incorporate new concepts in previously held only by men. were on it because of pressure put upon the WMU’s local ministries. Her growing aware- Her long list of involvements included men who were selecting the makeup of the ness of Christian social concerns coincided service as a vice president of the Baptist committee to put women on it.” with similar changes among state and World Alliance and a trustee of Southeastern Her involvement on the committee national WMU leadership. Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, “caused me more pain than any experience in A memorial service was held Jan. 30 at N.C. In 1985, Gregory was named to the my Christian pilgrimage,” she said. First Baptist Church in Danville. BT Morris Ashcraft, who helped launch Richmond seminary, dies

By Bob Allen “It is my belief that too many leaders Virginia, the Alliance of Baptists, a group Associated Baptist Press in the SBC have capitulated to the pressure formed out of the SBC controversy in and agreed with it,” Ashcraft said in a 1987, decided in 1989 to launch an EVANSTON, Ill. — Morris Ashcraft, a statement on Nov. 17, 1987. Ashcraft said alternative seminary. longtime seminary professor and adminis- his intention in resigning was to say “a A board of trustees turned to Ashcraft trator who after retiring helped establish a clear ‘No’” to a move- to serve as acting president of Baptist free-standing seminary for moderates dis- ment started in 1979 Theological Seminary at Richmond, which enfranchised by the rightward swing in the to purge so-called opened in the fall of 1991. Tasked prima- Southern Baptist Convention, died Jan. 29 liberals from the rily with raising start-up funds and after a long illness. He was 88. denomination’s processing documents needed to get the An Arkansas native, Ashcraft taught institutions. school accredited, Ashcraft held the post five years at Southern Baptist Theological “I will not be for one year, until the election of the Seminary and 22 years at Midwestern party to some of the school’s first permanent president. Today Baptist Theological Seminary before mov- actions now taking BTSR is one of 15 theology schools in Morris Ashcraft ing to Southeastern Baptist Theological place and injuring per- partnership with the Cooperative Baptist Seminary as a professor and dean in 1981. sons, nor will I hold the coats of those who Fellowship. Seven years later he resigned his dean- do,” he concluded. Late in life he moved to Evanston, Ill., ship, along with seminary President In 1984 Ashcraft told a group of because of illness and died with his wife of Randall Lolley and six other administra- Baptist educators that Southern Baptist nearly 66 years, Bernice, at his side. tors, to protest policies adopted by a new college and seminary degrees offered “ideal Funeral services were held Feb. 5 at conservative majority on the board of preparation” for ministry in Southern First Baptist Church of Raleigh, N.C., trustees intended to ensure the hiring of Baptist churches. Concerned about the where Ashcraft was a member for nearly 30 only professors who affirmed biblical impact of changes at Southeastern years. He was buried at Seminary inerrancy. Seminary on pulpits in the Carolinas and Cemetery in Wake Forest, N.C. BT “I will not be party to some of the actions now taking place and injuring persons, nor will I hold the coats of those who do.”

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BY JOHN PIERCE IN MEMORIAM

EDITOR’S NOTE: Two of Baptists Today’s most faithful and generous supporters died recently. These tributes first appeared at www.baptiststoday.org.

Remembering Bill Greenhaw was Reaves McCall ‘truest of friends’

ometimes what we hear or read chair was folded and leaned against the takes us back to a specific time table Wednesday evening, Jan. 26, at Sand place. Learning that Reaves A Vineville Baptist Church in Macon, Ga. McCall had died Jan. 21 took me back It was the seat that Bill Greenhaw — who died a few years to Mr. B’s Seafood on the Reaves McCall the night before — had long occupied with Bill Greenhaw outskirts of Hartsville, S.C. friends during the weekly fellowship meal. My colleague Keithen Tucker and I had driven to this Although a quiet and unassuming man, his absence is being felt. lovely little town to meet Reaves for lunch. From the The spot on a front pew where he sat during the church’s early worship moment we sat down I could tell that Reaves was the kind service is unfilled too. And the bench where he faithfully played the of person everyone enjoys encountering in life. organ each Sunday at Centenary United Methodist Church is vacant as His gifts and interests were many — a faithful well. Christian, respected architect, model citizen, curious His pastor Tripp Martin, during the Jan. 28 memorial service, historian and collector of art. described Bill as “the truest of friends.” The gathered crowd nodded in And he was unconfused about what it meant to be a agreement. Baptist. As a result, he generously supported the mission of A dedicated educator, Bill influenced a whole generation as a Baptists Today as an independent news journal rooted in teacher, counselor and principal. And in retirement, he became a freedom of the press and historic Baptist principles. strong advocate for next-generation educators. We talked about small town life, the changing Baptist At Vineville Baptist, Bill served as a deacon and as director of the landscape and whatever else surfaced between bites. He was media library from 1989 to 2006. A plaque reveals that the congrega- a kindred spirit. Afterward, we visited with Reaves’ twin tion named the room in his honor: “The William B. Greenhaw Jr. brother, Roy, who exhibits the same attributes and is a Media Library.” In his usual whispered voice and childlike grin, he told generous supporter as well. me more than once that the first plaque — which he had at home — So following Reaves’ death I returned to Hartsville to was replaced due to a misspelled word. pay my respects and to offer words of sympathy and appreci- When I met Bill for lunch many years ago and asked him to join ation to Roy and his wife, Margaret. It didn’t take long to the Board of Directors at Baptists Today news journal, he suggested see that my high opinion of the McCalls was widely shared. having nothing to offer. But I knew better. He was a wise man whose Turning onto West Home Avenue, I encountered an counsel came quietly. After serving six years on the Board, he told unusual traffic jam in Hartsville. A police officer was direct- friends how eager he was to return. So after the one-year required ing cars and pedestrians toward the funeral home. absence, he was back until his death. Person after person shook my hand and offered words Only once in the more than 10 years of knowing this kind, gentle of affirmation about Reaves. “He was a true Southern gen- man did I see him come unraveled. He had driven to a Board meeting tleman,” one said. Another added: “No one is appreciated in Atlanta and was completely confounded by the traffic and direc- around here more than Reaves.” tions. The next week I announced to our staff that Bill never was to The places where Reaves made his mark are too many travel alone to another out-of-town meeting. That policy worked well to list. At West Hartsville Baptist Church he served as a in that Bill was more at ease and our staff and other directors enjoyed Sunday school teacher, deacon and organist. Civic engage- the travel time spent with him. ments were significant as well. Bill was a good reminder that the loudest voices do not always Last October, when the McCall brothers celebrated deserve the closest listening. For those wise enough to pay close atten- their 80th birthday, the Hartsville Museum revealed its tion, Bill was a constant source of insight, encouragement and hope. W. Reaves McCall Gallery. At the dedication, the town’s As his pastor also said, Bill had a “thoughtful faith.” He was mayor was reported as saying: “Reaves has done more for unmoved by narrow fundamentalism and quick to spot those who used this city probably than any person who wasn’t paid to do it.” religious language to mask selfish motives. He provided real support — Reaves McCall made the most out of his fourscore years money — to organizations that foster the historic Baptist freedoms he and left an influence that will long linger. That is a good held dear. way to go about it. BT There are empty seats because Bill is gone. But there are full hearts because he came our way. BT

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PERSPECTIVE BY J. DANIEL DAY

Shaped in the depths Considering the characteristics of good preachers

reader of sermons can likely identify a good sermon upon reading it. Even after making allowances for the subjective preferences of every sermon consumer, there remain some objective characteris- A tics of this genre that enable a sermon to be awarded the distinction of being “good.” But can the same be said for preachers themselves?

This question is more difficult to answer Good preachers listen to God above all. sermons. because good preachers are as different in Prayer for them is not a sermon subject; it is And, as part of all this listening, they their personalities and styles as good admin- their native land — and the Bible’s cadences listen to the speech of the day, learning from istrators or good athletes. Nonetheless, there and phrases as familiar as a mother’s voice. its idioms, neo-logisms and patterns how to are some characteristics that are unfailingly Good preachers also listen to life, to speak effectively to their hearers. present in preachers who may be described their own life and to the lives of those about as being “good.” them. They strive to hear what life is saying A Curious Soul — and this becomes the stuff of their ser- There is a direct correlation between the A Good Listener mons. curiosity quotient of preachers and the desire Although preachers make their way by their They listen to the times, to the news and listeners have to listen to their sermons. If a speaking, their words are only as effective as nonsense that form the context for our lives preacher is not known to turn over rocks, is their listening. — and this becomes the backdrop of their push edges, or dare to ask “Why?” or “How

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PERSPECTIVE

can this be?” the result will certainly be lis- Faithful imagining means lifting the flowing through language — and they sense teners who are resigned to enduring the low lid of “reality” as culturally defined and its power, persuaded that prayer-born words predictable mouthings of yesteryear’s stuff. pointing to a higher, holier “reality” open to can slip through impenetrable walls, setting Of course, a very real part of the faith’s appropriation. It is painting before the both captive and jailer free. Through flimsy, preacher’s assignment is to convey ancient imagination of listeners a vision alluring mortal words they hear the trumpet song of truth into today’s consciousness, but this enough to spawn hope, elicit joy — and God’s Word and perceive the nearby must be done by way of thoughtfully juxta- summon the church to repentance and labor. rustlings of a kingdom too long deferred. posing present-day questions to bequeathed This transforms preaching from the Good preachers dare to believe that texts and truths. numbing recital of duty to the heartening preaching remains a chosen vessel of God, Blessed is the congregation whose revelation of the good, the true and the effecting God’s purposes in human history. preacher is a curious soul, eager to explore beautiful — in short, the eternal. The faith- territory beyond the biblical/theological and ful imaginer is an eschatological preacher An Experiential Advocate to discern connections that will integrate even when the text is from Leviticus. Good preachers know from their heart the life’s totality. This is the preaching that stirs One whose gospel they proclaim. Theirs is interest, and this is the preacher whose work A Disciplined Worker no mental infatuation with Christian may be called good. It is a sad misstatement to say that good thought, though they are well-versed in it. preachers are born, not taught. Not only They are not content simply to convey A Reluctant Spokesperson does this slogan quench the spirit of some ideas; they seek to evoke encounter with the Good preachers are neither egotistical big- who are more aware of their lack than of Living One. Their loyalty is not an institu- talkers nor intimidated silent Sams — they their potential, but it also encourages sloven- tional one, though they value the rocks and are reluctant spokespersons. The reluctance liness within the “born” preacher that is quarries from whence they were hewn. component of this is related to the first perilous. As fine and helpful as such traditions named characteristic of being a good listener, Regardless of one’s assessment of his or and programs may be, good preachers but it is more. her gifts for the task of preaching, the fact is understand that their foundation is none As John Killinger once wrote, “Probably that good preachers are the product of disci- other than the living God revealed in the the only persons who should preach are plined work as much as of native ability. face of Jesus and known by the ever-present those who are sure they shouldn’t.” The best of good preachers testify ministry of the Holy Spirit. This God they Good preachers are persons to this. have, by God’s grace, come to know is who are aware of their inadequacies They will speak of disciplined greater than all theological systems or and partial understandings and study, of week after week and year ecclesiastical traditions. who, awed by the task, shrink back after year probing the great themes Good preachers therefore live and move from proffering their word as being of human existence as well as and have their being in reverential heart God’s word. They are the meditative of biblical texts and Christian knowledge of this Holy One — and lobby ponderers, not the glibly garrulous. theology. for this way of life with every sermonic Nonetheless, compelled by They speak of the “sweet sentence. And, ultimately, it is this charac- God, they summon the courage to stand and torture” of hard labor over sermons whose teristic alone that rescues them from being to speak what they have seen and heard in truth resists sermonic capture. They speak of simply windy peddlers of just another weary the quiet hour. Like their Lord, they do not the discipline of managing time in the com- philosophy. necessarily cry aloud or scream on street cor- pressed, chaotic week of the preacher who is Although this list names only seven ners but their confident, courageous word is also pastor and family member. characteristics, others could easily be added released to do its bidding, and because that Their good preaching is the fruit of — this is not an exhaustive, perfect list. The word was shaped in the depths it calls unto disciplined work habits, not just spiritual fact, for instance, that good preachers gen- the deeps. And because of its origin the anointing. uinely love the people to whom they preach preacher stands by it. is a serious omission. A Believer in Preaching But it would border on the impossible A Faithful Imaginer Good preachers dare to believe that the spo- to exemplify many of these characteristics The imagination spoken of here is an ocean ken word still has generative and redemptive without such love. And where love is pres- span away from the knack some preachers power. They believe in preaching. ent, a multitude of preaching (and listening) have of lighting upon a cutesy title to the Against a culture that continues to den- sins are covered. BT sermon or of devising a clever acrostic for its igrate their trade, good preachers prize “the arrangement. folly of preaching.” Their love affair with Imagination here instead refers to per- words is scandalous and their commitment ceiving the future of the text or truth at to the word fitly spoken is a shocking con- —J. Daniel Day is associate professor of hand. It refers to the preacher’s ability to see trast to those whose communication skills Christian preaching and worship at the new worlds and wide horizons that have dwindled to grunts and “uhms” and Campbell University Divinity School in Buies beckon hearers to reinvest themselves in thumb-punched texted symbols. Creek, N.C., and former pastor of the First impossible causes. Good preachers hear music and beauty Baptist Church of Raleigh.

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RESOURCES 2011 Brought to you this month ChurchWorks! by Mandy Hudson Good ideas for effective ministry Support groups for parents with problem adult children

quick study of the announcements in of progress to watch for, what to do when a Resources: any Sunday bulletin at most Baptist grown child has cut off communication, and A churches will reveal a score of well- Codependent No More the question at the forefront of everyone’s niched church programs and support services The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children mind, “How do you show tough love, but still The Enabler — single parenting, divorce recovery, addiction let them know you’re there for them?” Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children recovery, etc. Most churches pride themselves “How did you overcome the fear that Tommy Pirkle ([email protected]) on the variety of programs offered to help Paul McCrite ([email protected]) something would happen if you didn’t inter- individuals navigate different life circum- cede?” one man asks. One woman tells the stances, especially groups that have been story of a son hooked on painkillers. “Am I under-ministered to in the past. A surprisingly The agenda of the meeting differs from going to go through this every six to eight large demographic is missing in most week to week. Sometimes attendees simply months?” she asks, tearfully. “The road to churches, however: support for parents with swap stories. Other times they discuss a book recovery is sometimes relapse,” offers one problem adult children. or video series, such as Boundaries by Henry group member, a former nurse. “We’ve had The Prodigal Group at Woodmont Clark and John Townsend. the yo-yo effect with our daughter. Each time Baptist Church in Florence, Ala., meets on a In Boundaries, the authors offer profes- is a little longer that she’s sober.” weekly basis in the church’s basement. It is a sional advice for dealing with dysfunctional The group’s attendees cover a variety of nondenominational outreach to the commu- situations. Sample chapters include: signs of a occupations, including Pirkle, a facility direc- nity and has been a tremendous help to those lack of boundaries, resolution of boundary tor, and two former nurses. While having dealing with conflict or dysfunction in the problems with family, boundaries with your professionals involved is desirable, it is cer- lives of grown children. children, and how to measure success with tainly not required, note Pirkle and McCrite. “How many times do we as parents feel boundaries “Self-help groups really do work,” says like we’re at the end of our rope, and with Clark and Townsend also address several Pirkle. “Unless you’ve been through [a situa- each event we’re just unraveling?” asks one common boundary myths, such as these: If I tion], you don’t know how it feels.” Prodigal member gathered for a Thursday set boundaries, I’m being selfish; boundaries To start a “prodigal” group of your own, night meeting. “We quit going to counseling are a sign of disobedience (or a lack of respon- Pirkle offers the following tips: because this was better,” one couple jokes. sibility); if I set boundaries, I will hurt others; The Prodigal Group started two years boundaries cause feelings of guilt; boundaries • Limit the group to one hour once a week, ago as a result of prayer requests. Co-founder are permanent, and I’m afraid of burning my but allow attendees to remain after the Paul McCrite says he and other parents found bridges. group to continue personal discussions. themselves continually praying for problems The discussion at a sample Prodigal meet- • Do not require attendance at every meeting. in the lives of each other’s grown children and ing ranges from eating disorders to gambling “Some come every week. Some simply come decided to form a support group for those in to alcohol and drugs to sexual addictions. as a crisis demands,” Pirkle says. He and the same situation. He then contacted Pirkle, “If I’ve learned anything from this group, McCrite estimate about a dozen or so attend a church member and former director of a it’s how to be hard-hearted,” says one woman. their meeting each week, with about 50 mental health facility, to see if he would help “The hardest thing for me was to let go and let individuals who have cycled through the with the group. God,” says another. “We do not sweat the program thus far. “People come and go on an as-needed small stuff anymore,” adds a male attendee. • Establish a confidentiality policy. “Everything basis,” Pirkle says. “Some only come one Other topics discussed include when to discussed in this room stays in this room,” time; some come pretty much every week.” speak out and when to be silent, learning not says McCrite, firmly. “We don’t repeat any- Although the group meets at the church, most to facilitate or enable, how to handle situations thing that has been shared.” attendees are from throughout the commu- involving grandchildren, what to do when chil- • Open the group to Christians outside of nity, he says, and not necessarily members of dren cover for their addicted parents, how to the church or to the unchurched in the Woodmont. make decisions and put them in writing, signs community. BT

ChurchWorks! is provided by the Congregational Life office of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in partnership with Baptists Today and for those dedicated lay leaders working in the educational ministries of local churches. This month’s page was written by Mandy Hudson, a freelance writer living in Nashville, Tenn. More ministry resources are available at www.thefellowship.info/News/subscribe and www.thefellowship.info/Resources/Church-Resources/Baptists-Today-resource-page.

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LESSONS FOR: Sunday, April 3-24, 2011

Written by Jim Dant, pastor 2011 of Highland Hills Baptist Bible Studies Church in Macon, Ga. These lessons follow the adult Formations studies from Smyth & Helwys Publishing www.helwys.com

April 3, 2011 family and friend) in anything but glowing be prepared to endure any circumstance with terms. Even the sketchiest scoundrels would patience, live thankful lives, and share in the Rescued from darkness “give you the shirt off their backs” according inheritance of God. These prayers, on behalf Colossians 1:9-14 to those closest to them. of God’s people, set a course for our living — In days past, fiery evangelists reminded us out of darkness and into life. I became a “Dant” midway through my ele- of the words of Isaiah, “…our righteousness is Reflect: In what ways did “darkness” mani- mentary school experience. It was an oddity like filthy rags…” and the words of the Apostle fest itself in your past? How have you emulated then — and now — to be adopted at such an Paul, “…all have sinned and fallen short of the the content of Paul’s prayers in your kingdom old age. Unlike infant adoptions, I was accus- glory of God…” But in recent years, a more living? tomed to a particular family — a particular savvy and civil message tones down the idea of way of life — prior to my introduction to a our emergence from darkness. new family. April 10, 2011 Blindness may be the most extreme form My biological father lived the life of an of darkness. Being oblivious to our distance aspiring musician, and my mother lived the Reconciled through from God, as a result of self-justification and life of a teenage-groupie-turned-wife of an rationalization in our life, is a form of blind- aspiring musician. What seemed abnormal — Christ’s death ness. Before we can enter, enjoy and fully downright detrimental — to the child protec- Colossians 1:21-23 tive agencies in the area, seemed quite natural engage the kingdom-life to which God has Years ago a friend and I decided to ride our to me. Being a latchkey kid deep into the called us, we must consider and confess the motorcycles to each of the state parks in night, living on cereal and peanut butter sand- darkness that has been a part of our lives in Georgia. One beautiful Saturday morning I wiches, becoming accustomed to the smell of days past. began my preparations for one such adventure. alcohol on a parent’s breath, traveling from “…and transferred us into the kingdom small town bar to small town bar every week- of his beloved son…” I opened the garage door, rolled my bike onto end and missing multiple days of school to sit I’ve never been enamored by “how to” the driveway, started the bike (allowing it to in a recording studio … well, like I said, it felt books or “how to” sermons. Anyone who warm up a bit), re-entered the garage, put on normal to me. claims to know 10 simple steps or five easy my riding boots, jacket and helmet. Up until My biological parents died years ago. I secrets or even seven effective habits will rarely this point, all was quite routine — at least was reunited with my mom just months garner my attention. I’ve always felt that life until I put on the helmet. As the padded pro- before her early death. At my mother’s bed- — and certainly life in God’s kingdom — is a tective orb settled onto my head, something side, she lifted a finger and touched my adult bit more complex than that. inside the helmet was anything but settled. cheek. She mustered a smile and contritely, yet I am enamored, however, with people’s Claws and teeth were hitting my scalp while confidently said, “I’m glad you were adopted. prayers. Listening to the heartfelt praises and hisses and squeals were filling my ears. You would have never amounted to much if petitions of my fellow believers has always Quickly lifting the helmet from my head, I you had stayed with me. You probably would inspired me. My prayers have been shaped by watched a chipmunk jump and run. He was not have survived.” As an adult, I understood the prayers of others. My living has been estranged and hostile! what she was saying. I understood the dark- shaped by the prayers of others. In today’s verses, Paul is discussing what ness from which I had emerged. For years, In these verses, Paul does not attempt to we might call “conversion.” It goes by many however, it had just felt normal. give a didactic description of what it means to other names: saved, born again, redeemed — “He has rescued us from the power of live in the kingdom of God’s beloved son. or as Paul states — reconciled to God. Prior to darkness…” What Paul does, however, is share the content this event or experience, however, we are Prior to adulthood, I never considered my of his prayers. These prayers, in verses 9-12, described as estranged and hostile. former life a life of darkness; but few of us provide a beautiful description of God’s king- Estranged carries the feeling of one who ever do. We tend to consider ourselves “pretty dom life. When transferred into this kingdom, is a foreigner. While foreigners may have good people” regardless of the visible or invisi- we are to seek the knowledge of God’s will, much in common with others in a particular ble textures of our lives. I have never preached gain spiritual wisdom and understanding, lead place or region, there is still a sense in which a funeral where the deceased was described (by lives worthy of the Lord, bear fruit, be strong, they do not belong. Being hostile carries the

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship provides these Bible study resources to church leaders through this supplement to Baptists Today. For more information on how CBF is “serving Christians and churches as they discover their God-given mission,” visit www.thefellowship.info or call 1-800-352-8741 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 20

BIBLE STUDIES

discomfort a bit further. The one who is eternal work that Christ has done to present eral years. I’m intrigued — even mesmerized — estranged does not trust the other. It is me in this condition before God does not by her stories. She has given up the security of assumed the other will at worst do them harm relieve me of the work I must do to live this her home to reside in a foreign country. She has and at best give them no attention. way with my family, friends, faith community not had the opportunity to marry, have chil- I do not find it odd that my chipmunk and world. I must be daily converted. dren and enjoy what we deem a typical family friend was estranged and hostile. While we Sitting in a seminary class one day, I life. Because of her message — and at times her shared certain characteristics as mammals — heard a fellow student ask our professor, gender — she has been rejected by some of the living things in God’s created world — the “How can I get closer to God? Should I pray people to whom she is called to minister. She chipmunk was a foreigner in the realm of more? Read my Bible more often? Fast?” Our has often felt tension between other missionar- motorcycle helmets. I also understood its hos- professor looked over his reading glasses and ies in the area as they attempt to work together. tility. The chipmunk had no reason to believe responded, “If you want to get closer to God, She has sacrificed her own food and resources that I would help it or avoid harming it. choose one area of your life where you know to meet the needs of others. She has known Prior to our conversions, we were estranged you struggle — an area of your life that you exhaustion, elation and every visceral possibility and hostile toward God. This does not mean we do not feel you have completely surrendered in between. I often think of her as an embodi- were militant, distant creatures. Rather, even to God — and give serious attention to it. ment of Christ to the people she serves. All that though we are created in God’s image, we still Tackling the sin in your life will always move she experiences — the loneliness, the rejection, sensed a stark difference in ourselves and God. you closer to God.” the tension, the joy, the sacrifice — these unite Even though we share much as a human race, Reflect: Recall and describe what you her with the person and work of Christ. we sensed a difference between ourselves and might identify as your conversion experience. It may seem like shallow consolation to persons of faith. Our hostility had little to do How have you been converted daily since then? some, but the sufferings we bear in this world with attacking God, but it had everything to do and in our work truly reflect who and whose with not trusting God. Conversion for us was a we are. We serve a God who did not shy away April 17, 2011 reconciling moment. It was embracing the from the most difficult moments of life. God knowledge that we are God’s children and that Rejoicing in sufferings did not incarnate the divine self into a body God is “for us.” This conversion, or reconcilia- immune to pain and death. God, in Christ, met tion as Paul calls it, is not the end of our faith Colossians 1:24-29 life and death head on. When we live with that journey, however. It is only the beginning. The problem of suffering has plagued every kind of courage — laying our entitlement men- Many monastic communities are gov- generation. The idea that life should be void of tality aside — we unite our lives with Christ’s erned by The Rule of St. Benedict. Inherent in suffering seems embedded in our DNA. We mission. The Rule are two guiding principles: stability continue to question pain, and yet, cognitively Paul identifies the mystery of the ages as and conversion. These two principles, while understand its place in human existence. “…Christ in us, the hope of glory…” The suf- seemingly contradictory, are to be daily Emotionally we question the existence of dis- fering of the saints is a loud proclamation of attended by the brothers in the monastery. ease. At the same time, we know that every hope. Everyone suffers. The children of God Stability generally addresses the commitment human must die of something. We in turn suffer with purpose and hope. to one’s place and one’s vows. Movement from question the darkness of death, while simulta- Jo Anna Douglas was a member of my one monastery or one community of faith to neously affirming that everyone has to die. The childhood church. In the eyes and mind of an another is not encouraged; it is highly discour- questions we ask then — about pain, suffering elementary school student, she was a mysteri- aged. Taking vows of poverty, chastity and and death — have little to do with their ous creature. She was the first bedridden person obedience is not a matter upon which one inevitability in our existence. Rather, we are I had ever known. According to my parents, she wavers. Within this stability, however, the per- more concerned with their meaning … or our had contracted a disease as a child that had left son of faith is to be converted — changed — ability to affix meaning to them. her lower limbs lifeless. From the time she was daily. One never “arrives” with regard to faith. The Apostle Paul, on more than one occa- a teenager until her “old age,” she had been One never possesses a complete portion of sion, assigned his suffering to his union with confined to her bed. I had contact with Ms. Jo God’s knowledge and will. We are always Christ. In Paul’s logic, if Christ resides in us Anna once a week; I mowed her yard on gracefully working toward a richer commun- and Christ is a suffering Messiah, then we too Saturdays. After mowing the yard, I would ion with God and one another. will suffer with him. In fact, Paul pressed the make my way to her bedside. She would always While Paul does not explain how conver- matter so far as to say that our suffering “com- hand me two things: a five-dollar bill and a sion occurs, it is clear that there are particular pletes” in some measure the work of Christ. cassette tape. The five-dollar bill was mine for results. Through Christ’s work, we have been This in no way demeans the sufficiency of mowing her lawn. The cassette tape was to be made holy, blameless and irreproachable. If Christ’s work on our behalf, but it does take delivered to the senior adult ladies Sunday your life is like mine, however, the challenge seriously the work of Christ in the world school class at our church. From her bed she of living into those realities is a difficult one. through his present-day body — the church. had taught this class of ladies for years. Holy typically refers to “being set apart for a I’ve had numerous conversations with a She proclaimed the mystery of the faith. She purpose.” Blameless means “without moral particular missionary over the past year. She has suffered, but there was purpose and hope in guilt.” Irreproachable denotes “one against served the cause of Christ through the ministry her suffering. whom no valid accusations can be made.” The of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for sev- To look at the life — and particularly the

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death — of Jesus, one might only see the suf- concerns of a child. They are not adequate for perspectives. A large portion of our nation’s fering. For those with eyes of faith, however, we the shaping of a life. population claims to be “spiritual” but not reli- see great hope. We listen to his words from the The Apostle Paul encouraged the early gious. As these neighbors and friends face the cross and hear sins forgiven, families cared for, Christians to avoid being captivated by the challenges of life, the inadequacy of an inter- and God’s sovereignty affirmed. I saw the same high-decibel diversity of their day. The human net-informed faith will be vividly evident. things in Ms. Jo Anna Douglas’ life. I trust that traditions and elementary spirits of the uni- A couple of years ago I found myself in same mystery will be proclaimed to the world verse were/are no competition for the the private room of a hospice care center. A through our sufferings. adequacy of Christ. member of our church had asked me to visit Paul pulled no punches in his praise of one of her neighbors who was unchurched and Christ. He claimed that the “…whole fullness rapidly moving toward the final days of life. I April 24, 2011 of the diety…” dwells in Christ. And, we walked into the room, introduced myself and Raised with Him “…come to fullness in him.” There is nothing quickly surveyed the surroundings. All of the in our present or eternal existence that is not typical furnishings were there. Atop the bed- through faith held in the person of Christ. Why would we side table was a stack of magazines: People, Us, need to search elsewhere? and a host of other media-centered publica- Colossians 2:8-15 Paul very astutely used both the images of tions. I thought to myself, “There’s not an When I was a child we used “cootie catchers.” circumcision and baptism to illustrate this ounce of substantive material in any of those The origami fortune-telling machine kept us fact. In both these rituals, he pointed to their magazines.” I sat beside my new acquaintance entertained for years. The multiple folds on fulfillment in Christ. In Christ, the heart is and listened to his story. I attentively opened the square sheet of paper had four different circumcised and in baptism the complete story my ears and heart to his fears. I finally asked colors printed on the outside, a series of num- of Christ is told. For those first-century him what he needed. He said, “I just need bers on the interior folds and four possible Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile in their some hope.” “fortune telling” answers on the deepest folds: faith origins, Christ was presented as the full- We spent the next few days talking about yes, no, maybe, ask again later. We brought to ness and fulfillment of their journeys. the hope I had found in Christ. It was a hope the cootie catcher all of the momentous ques- The adequacy of Christ is an important that addressed both the present and eternal tions that plague a seventh grader: Does Jackie message for our day. The world is getting concerns of my life. In him, all the fullness of McLemore like me? Will I grow up and be an smaller and smaller. We daily rub shoulders the deity and all the fullness of my life com- astronaut? Are we going to have a pop quiz in with persons of other faiths and other religious fortably dwelt. Christ is sufficient. BT math today? We never performed any scientific analysis on the accuracy of the cootie catcher, but my anecdotal experience told me it wasn’t very reliable — especially in the area of pop quizzes and Jackie McLemore. As we got older, the cootie catcher was replaced with the Magic 8 Ball, the daily horo- scope in our newspaper and the occasional Ouija Board. Again, I’ve got no scientific evi- dence to back me up, but I continue to question the reliability of each of these tools. The first-century world wasn’t that different from ours. People struggled with decisions and life direction. Opinions abounded with regard to where reliable direc- tion might be found. A multitude of religious and secular voices pressed for the attention of the populace. It was into this culture and context that the relatively quiet voice of Christ was raised. In comparison to the governments and religions of the day, Jesus was a quiet Lord. Today there are multiple voices vying for influence in our lives. They are as innocent as family traditions and as strange and sensual as the imaginations of television producers and pseudo-religious leaders. They appeal to the temporal desires of their constituents — like a cootie catcher appeals to the elementary

March 2011 • Baptists Today | 21 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 22

INFORMATION CLASSIFIEDS

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Jan Ballard is the new archivist for the (877) 752-5658 / (478) 301-5655 Minister of Music American Baptist Historical Society. Previously Information: Ballard served as executive director of the Your ad could look like this Rev. Keith Alderman, pastor Jacobsburg Historical Society in Nazareth, First Baptist Church Penn. Beach House for Rent Baxley, Ga. Water Lily Cottage, St. Simons Island, Ga. (912) 367-2738 Todd Blake is pastor of Madison Heights (Va.) 3 bedrooms / 3 baths. / Sleeps 10 Baptist Church, coming from the pastorate of 3-night minimum gifts to Mount Pisgah Baptist church in Fayetteville, www.gacoastrealty.com / (800) 638-1144 N.C. Baptists Today Audio-visual design/service • baptisteries • books • have been received Ken Evans is pastor of the First Baptist bookstores • buses • camps • choir robes • Christian in memory of … Church of King, N.C. Year resources • Christmas ornaments • Communion sets • concessions • construction • education Ron and Louise Glover are children’s ministry resources • entertainment • furniture • hymnals • Cindy Gilbert insurance • interior design • investments • landscap- coordinators, and Sally Williams is adult min- ing • musical instruments • pipe organ builders • From Woodie and Winnie Williams istry coordinator at Wingate (N.C.) Baptist retirement homes • retreat centers • stained glass • steeples • stewardship resources • tours • travel agen- Bill Greenhaw Church. cies • vacation rentals • website design/service From Bill and Sara Powell Sarah Holik, coordinator of children’s min- istries and director of preschool at First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, Ga., was ordained to the Express yourself! Express yourself! Express ministry by Parkway Baptist Church in yourself!Are you Express under 40 yourself! with something Express on your yourself! mind? Duluth, Ga., on Jan. 23. ExpressThe newly yourself! updated Baptists Express Today web site yourself! has a blog spot Express just for you. Robin Lunn, a church development coach and yourself! Express yourself! Express yourself! consultant and former pastor of churches in New Hampshire and Vermont, has been named executive director of the Association of Seeking Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. She has Express been a member of the association’s board since 2000 and chair since June 2009. younger voices Randy Sherron is pastor of Ridge Road yourself! Express yourself! Express Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C. He has evotional, personal reflections or issue- yourself! Express yourself! Express yourself! served churches in Asheboro, Sylva, Morehead oriented opinion pieces on a variety of City and Cary, all in North Carolina. ExpressD yourself! Express yourself! Express subjects — as long as they are well written, David R. Smith has resigned after 13 years as yourself! Express yourself! Express yourself! relevant and free of slander — are welcomed president of Georgia Baptist Convention- Express yourself! Express yourself! Express affiliated Brewton-Parker College in Mount yourself!inclusions. Express yourself! Express yourself! Vernon, Ga. He will join the faculty of Dallas Baptist University on April 1 to chair a mas- ExpressThese submissions yourself! can be ExpressWhile the only yourself! remuneration is Express ter’s degree program in Christian studies. yourself!never-before published, Express previously yourself!the glory of being Express published yourself! published with the writer retaining online or perhaps gaining a little Christopher Turner, a recent graduate of Expressfirst rights, or yourself!something posted Expresstraffic to a personal yourself! blog site, Express Campbell University Divinity School, is pastor yourself!on a personal blogExpress site. Just tell yourself!please send your Express submissions toyourself!

of Neill’s Creek Baptist Church in Angier, Expressus if/where it’s yourself! shown up before. [email protected]. yourself! ExpressGo ahead. Express yourself! N.C. BT yourself! Express yourself! Express yourself! 22 | Baptists Today • March 2011 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 23

PERSPECTIVE guest commentary Marriage and the ‘Times’ By Bill Leonard

or a study of religious and cultural on the beach ... in Punta de Mita, Mexico.” entirely, choosing to live together “without trends in American life, consider At many weddings, clergy from distinct benefit of clergy” or any other “official” F reading the wedding announcements religions share liturgical responsibilities. arrangement. in the “Sunday Styles” section of the New Others conduct entirely separate rites in What does this mean for the church York Times for at least a year. New York celebrations that reflect diverse religious tra- now and in the future? weddings may represent an anomaly when ditions or personal spiritual explorations. First, multiracial, multicultural mar- compared to similar events in the American One recent article noted that the cou- riages are extending interfaith dialogue and South, but their implications are being felt ple was married by a justice of the peace, religious pluralism directly into American nationwide. shortly after “a friend of the bride’s family families, creating consternation, celebration The newspaper stories share a basic for- led a ceremony that incorporated Jewish and negotiation all at the grassroots level. mat: names, ages, location of the wedding, and Christian traditions.” Another observed Second, these developments may com- officiants, education, parental backgrounds, that “a Roman Catholic pel churches to consistently revisit a even previous marriages. Some include priest performed the theology of Christian marriage, offering details of how the couple met or a historical ceremony” with a rabbi instruction, setting boundaries and discern- lineage. “The bride is a descendent of “taking part.” ing how they might “welcome the stranger” President Ulysses Simpson Grant,” for These wedding who stands at a Christian altar but remains announcements are not example, or “The bridegroom’s grandfather committed to a non-Christian faith. trivial. They reflect was the business partner of Andrew Third, ministers should decide what Carnegie.” concrete changes, long they can and cannot do in representing More recently, however, the Times wed- present but increasingly Christ in ceremonies that may have multiple ding pages increasingly offer insights into normative in American life and culture. religious and secular implications. For the changing nature of marriage and the Indeed, a front page story in the Jan. 30 example, a small but determined group of role of religion in it all. Times reported that “one in seven new mar- Protestant ministers has decided no longer While many couples still choose riages is between spouses of different races to sign marriage licenses as de facto justices “church” weddings, alternative locations are or ethnicities” as indicated by 2008-2009 of the peace. They preside at marital wor- proliferating on beaches and mountainsides, census data. ship celebrations while leaving the “legal” or in private gardens, family homes, hotels While multiracial marriages are cer- side to the government. and other “event spaces.” A substantial tainly nothing new, the strength of the Fourth, communities of faith might ask number occur at the “District Court” statistics is evident in the growing presence presided over by a judge or justice of the of “mixed-race” children born of those rela- how they will nurture children reared in peace. Some transport the entire party to tionships. The article notes: “The crop of multiple-faith traditions, traditions that another country. students moving through college now may complement and contradict each other The definition of “clergy” reflects sub- includes the largest group of mixed-race all at once. stantial diversity. There are assorted Jewish people ever to come of age in the United Finally, all faith communities must con- rabbis, Hindu or Catholic priests, Muslim States, and they are only the vanguard.” It front the challenges posed by ministry to imams and Buddhist or Protestant minis- suggests that many of these young people unmarried couples, multicultural couples ters, as well as a growing number of “family are “rejecting the color lines that have and multifaith couples, all in a society friends” who secure ministerial credentials defined Americans for generations in favor where one of every two marriages ends in “for the occasion.” of a much more fluid sense of identity.” divorce. Many an officiant becomes “a Universal In short, while religious Americans Responding to those challenges will Life minister for the event.” The Jan. 30 continue to divide over issues related to take a long, long time, especially since we Times reports that a “minister of the same-sex marriage, a substantial number of have only just begun. BT Universal Brotherhood Movement” presided persons have redefined marriage altogether at a recent ceremony, adding: “Next with implications for issues of race, culture, —Bill J. Leonard is a professor of church Saturday, the bridegroom’s father will lead a family life, faith traditions and religious history at the Wake Forest University School spiritual ceremony incorporating Chinese pluralism. Still other studies indicate that of Divinity. This column was distributed by wedding traditions before family and friends many couples have rejected marriage Associated Baptist Press.

March 2011 • Baptists Today | 23 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 24

PERSPECTIVE the lighter side 1.6 billion served By Brett Younger

What would you say if the bellhop read the story? Gideon is making wine while have been helpful. knocked on your door and asked, hiding from the Midianites when an angel John and Sam, giving away Bibles is a shows up. fine idea, but we don’t need to call them all “Would you mind sharing your Gideon complains, “The Midianites Gideon Bibles. We could have Noah Bibles room?” In 1898, John Nicholson was need to go back to Midian.” that are waterproof. The angel replies, “Funny you should Rahab Bibles would include red asked to share his room in Boscobel, mention that.” ribbons. Wis., with Samuel Hill. Rather than Gideon whines, “I’m just a little guy.” David Bibles belong to someone else, ask, “Why the Sam Hill should I?” In less than two chapters the writer of but you take one even though you already Judges says that Gideon is afraid seven times. have lots of Bibles of your own. Jack and Sam became fast friends Gideon keeps asking for peculiar signs — wet Solomon Bibles have been cut in half. and started the Gideons. wool on dry grass, dry wool on wet Paul Bibles are for travelers. grass — until he gets forced into Lydia Bibles are purple. ince these two strangers met that some exciting adventures. What about a Thomas Bible night, the Gideons have given away He attacks the for people who aren’t sure they more than 1.6 billion Bibles — more S Midianites with torches and want to read it? than a million copies every five days. One trumpets, which probably Were it not for the Sunday night each year the churches in which did not inspire confidence in Gideons, popular culture would I grew up had a Gideon speaker, as in “He his troops, but the torch on be impoverished. was better than last year’s the front of Gideon Bibles The Beatles sang, “Rocky Gideon.” There is an looks great. Gideon attacks his Raccoon checked in to his room only urban legend that people own people when they refuse to lend a to find Gideon’s Bible.” leave money in Gideon hand. In a scene that makes Gideon seem like In Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Bibles, but I never found Edward G. Robinson leading the revelry at Monroe’s character croons, “I’ll be with my (or left) any. While John the foot of Mount Sinai in The Ten diary and that book by Mr. Gideon.” and Sam’s venture has Commandments, Gideon collects everyone’s In Guys and Dolls, Sky Masterson men- been wildly successful, gold to make an idol. Gideon turns down the tions that the only two things that have been the name still puzzles me. chance to be king, but then names one of his in every hotel room in the country are “Sky I write half of the Formations 70 — count ’em, 70 — sons (whose mother Masterson and the Gideon Bible.” Commentary for Adult Bible Study. Writers was a concubine) “Abimelech,” which means In Mission Impossible, Ethan Hunt fig- are at the mercy of editors. I hope to be asked “My father is king.” Maybe he ran out of ures out the identity of a corrupt agent when to write on King David, the Beatitudes or the names. he notices that the Gideon Bible in his team’s church in Acts. Right now I am working, Which part of Gideon’s story screams, slowly, on 8,000 words about Gideon. “We need to stamp this guy’s name on the safe house is from a hotel in a certain city. Did my editor, John or Sam, consider cover of 1.6 billion Bibles”? This is one of When this clue is revealed to the agent, he other possibilities? How carefully did they those rare instances when a committee would remarks, “They stamped it, didn’t they? Those (expletive deleted) Gideons.” In what has to be every Gideon’s favorite episode of Cheers, Sam Malone takes a woman to a hotel, then assumes the Gideon Bible in the nightstand is a sign from God that Sam shouldn’t sleep with her — which, of course, it was. Sam Hill would have laughed. BT

—Brett Younger is associate professor of preaching at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology.

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PERSPECTIVE guest commentary Revisiting hope As if it’s the most natural thing in the world By Peggy Haymes

Cleaning out some files the other Dorisanne became her minister when she was know somewhere there’s some person on a a youth. personnel committee or a pastor search com- day I came across a clipping from Jennifer never knew a time when there mittee who’s raising a question about call and this publication. It was a column wasn’t a woman serving in ministry at her conviction. And in that moment, a door church. Now Jennifer herself serves the peo- opens. I’d written after the first meeting ple of Zebulon Baptist Church in Zebulon, Three generations of women ministers, of what would become the N.C., as their pastor for discipleship. standing there as if it’s the most natural thing Now this may seem like nothing special in the world. Who could have hoped for such Coordinating Council of the to you, but when I a thing? Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, stepped back and thought about it, it —Peggy Haymes is a writer, counselor and although we didn’t have any of nearly took my breath minister in Winston-Salem, N.C. She is the those names yet. away. Three generations author of Didn’t See it Coming: How I Faced of women ministers, Bouncing Off a Buick and Other Assorted spoke of the feeling that many of us at standing there as if it’s Stuff and Heart Prayers 2. that meeting shared, the feeling that we’d the most natural thing I been entrusted with hope. in the world. Work, school and assorted family One colleague told me how moving it demands kept me away from CBF General was to see a table full of women signing Assemblies for a number of years until I books that contained their sermons. Who returned this past year in Charlotte. I made thought we’d see such a day? new friends and reconnected with an awful For me, the most moving time was lot of old friends — standing there with my classmates, professors arms around these two and colleagues. women, both of whom I But there was more am pleased to call col- than memory there. I stood league and friend, and back and saw hope fulfilled. whose journeys I’ve been In fact, someone took blessed to share. Three a picture that captured the generations of women realizing of hopes that I ministers, standing there as barely dared hope 20 years if it’s the most natural ago. thing in the world. Someone somewhere Once upon a time has the picture. I’m in it, there was a woman on that along with Dorisanne Cooper, who followed church personnel committee who said, “We me as associate minister at College Park say we support women in ministry. Maybe Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C. we should put our money where our mouth Dorisanne left us to become pastor of the is.” That woman, Dot Whedbee, didn’t know Lakeshore Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, she was opening a door that all three of us where she still serves. would walk through in one way or another. Standing along with us is Jennifer Ingold We still have a long way to go. I know Asbill, who grew up in College Park. I was that. Women still bump up against closed her minister when she was a child, and doors and ecclesiastical glass ceilings. But I

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INFORMATION BY GREG GARRISON, Religion News Service

Woman recounts On bomb memories Sixteenth from Birmingham BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Street Carolyn McKinstry pointed to a

doorway in the balcony of hatred based on racial prejudice. Sixteenth Street Baptist Church “When I look at how we treat each other, I wonder, ‘How does this happen?’” and memories started rushing McKinstry said. “We were all reading the back — good ones. same Bible.” She wonders why some of the most bel- used to run all over this place as a lit- ligerent segregationists giving orders to use “ tle kid,” she said. “That was my police dogs and fire hoses against marchers, I hiding place.” including police commissioner Eugene McKinstry also has some difficult mem- “Bull” Connor, saw no conflict with their ories, like Sept. 15, 1963, when a bomb roles as church deacons and Sunday school exploded at the church and killed four of her teachers. close friends minutes after she had spoken to “When people tell you that you can’t do them in the girls’ restroom. The church was something because your skin is brown or targeted by the Ku Klux Klan after it had black, you recognize that this is not how been a meeting place for marches organized God intended it to be,” McKinstry said. by civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. “Segregation laws addressed every aspect of and Fred Shuttlesworth. how blacks and whites could interact — no Carolyn McKinstry has written a new book McKinstry also recalled another bomb- about her childhood at Alabama's historic playing checkers together, no playing domi- ing that touched her personally, in April Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which was noes, no baseball, no football, no eating 1964. A bomb targeted at her neighbor’s bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1963. Religion together, no socializing.” News Service photo by Beverly Taylor of house exploded across the street from The Birmingham News. Public schools, buses and water foun- McKinstry’s childhood home. The explosion tains were segregated by race. Those who awakened her at about 3 a.m., shattered her George, McKinstry’s co-author. “She violated those laws were at risk of police bedroom window and knocked her two marched in the children’s march. She was arrest and Klan bombings. “Somebody could brothers out of their beds. right in the middle of all of it. Had she not be put in jail and fined just for socializing,” The neighbors had socialized with walked out of the restroom when she did, McKinstry said. whites, violating segregation laws, and the she would have been one of the girls killed.” King and Shuttlesworth had the Klan was sending a message, McKinstry McKinstry, 63, has been a part of courage to stand up and point out that was said. “They were trying to scare people.” Sixteenth Street Baptist Church since she wrong, she said. Others stood by and Another neighbor, Maurice Ryles, was was two years old, and continues to do vol- watched injustice, taking no action, she said. targeted with a package of dynamite outside unteer work, including giving tours. Shortly “It’s time to stop watching,” McKinstry his house that was discovered before it after finishing the book, she was diagnosed said. “Everybody’s afraid. When it comes exploded. with breast cancer in March 2010. She time to act, where is the courage?” “We were terrorized our whole existence recently completed chemotherapy treat- That’s a message she has tried to spread growing up,” McKinstry said. “Bombing ments. in person to visitors at the church, and in was so routine back then.” McKinstry, a graduate of Fisk University, the new book, she said. Those events and images have haunted returned to school in recent years to graduate “God just tacked something on my and inspired her, as she recounts in a new from Beeson Divinity School at Samford heart I couldn’t get rid of,” McKinstry said. book, While the World Watched, published University in 2007 with a master of divinity by Tyndale House. degree. She wanted to spread a message of —Greg Garrison writes for The Birmingham “It’s a powerful book,” said Denise love that she hoped could help counteract News in Birmingham, Ala. “I wonder, ‘How does this happen?’ … We were all reading the same Bible.”

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BY G. JEFFREY MACDONALD, Religion News Service INFORMATION Welcome home! Former Navy chaplain advises churches on ministry to returning soldiers

ome 2 million Americans have served who really don’t need them. Less than a year Q: How can churches reach out to overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan since ago, 20 people depended on me for their lives. veterans? S2001. Now, thousands are coming I was involved in doing things to help stop A: The welcome mat has to be out in a way home each month and trying, sometimes violence. I feel like I’m just wasting my life.” that’s saying more than, “Come and receive with difficulty, to settle back into civilian life. some help for basic needs.” It really needs to Churches are Q: Where is our society not doing be a reciprocal relationship where veterans uniquely positioned to enough? are giving something to the church, and the help returning veterans A: We’re asking them to come back some- church is giving something to them. Then adjust and find meaning times to stuff that’s pretty boring and pretty it’s a community. in their lives away from deadening. We’re not challenging them. the battlefront, according We’re not saying to them, “Have you Q: How do churches learn to create to David A. Thompson, a thought of the Peace Corps? Have you environments where people make sig- retired Navy chaplain and thought of doing something for the cause of nificant sacrifices together for great co-author of the 2009 justice?” There are a lot of things we could causes? book, Beyond the Yellow David Thompson hook them into. A: I’d probably start with a small group of Ribbon: Ministering to people — not just military people, but peo- Returning Combat Veterans. Q: How can churches help veterans ple in general who are struggling with the For two years, he worked as a military who face these kinds of struggles? deadness of life that doesn’t have a lot of family life consultant, helping 8,000 soldiers A: We could elevate people to capture a meaning and who are frustrated. I’d build a and their families handle the transition back vision of doing something that’s meaningful. mini-community within the church commu- to civilian life. He says churches need to rec- Then we could assist them in the transition nity of people who want to explore options ognize what they have to offer and rise to the by connecting them with training or with under this idea of meaning-making and occasion. people engaged in certain kinds of work. In community-building. That might lead to that, you become part of a band of brothers mentoring relationships. And we’d see where Q: Where do congregations have working for a great cause. that goes. BT something distinctive to offer to vet- erans who are just now returning Q: Why are these circumstances home? largely unaddressed by organizations A: It really comes down to meaning-making that exist to serve veterans? and wrapping people into a community and a A: Sometimes we, in our medical model, are In your brotherhood. Those are the two pieces that zeroing in on all the people who need a hos- veterans long for. pital, or who need serious mental health interventions, which probably is about 20 own Q: Why? percent of the veterans who are coming words A: Soldiers have been in an experience of home. But 80 percent are this other kind of being intensely bonded together. They come veteran, who really needs to end up getting a back to the civilian life, and they feel like sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. they’ve lost their place in life, their commu- “We found the online ad to nity, their brothers and sisters in arms. All of Q: What do returning veterans have be very helpful in reaching a sudden they’re back in a very individualistic to offer congregations? society. There’s not the same level of care and A: They’ve had a lot of responsibility in the out regarding our opening commitment to one another. That’s a real big armed forces. They show up on time, they’re … [W]e ended up selecting missing piece. terribly loyal, they don’t quit easily. Many of one of the candidates who our churches grew as World War II veterans Q: What else do they crave? became part of those churches. Many of the sent us her cover letter and A: They want to be doing something mean- churches we have today are standing because résumé based on the ad.” ingful with their lives. I had one soldier come of that group that came back and is now in back and he said to me, “I’m back in a job at their 80s and 90s. Why not do that with this ST. ANDREWS BAPTIST CHURCH Best Buy. I’m selling big screen TVs to people group? COLUMBIA, S.C.

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PERSPECTIVE The King James Version at 400 A CLOSER LOOK

The only accurate Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three King James and Baptists: English translation? are one.” However, the New International Not a love story By Melody Maxwell Version, first published in the 1970s, does By Bruce Gourley not include a similar sentence in its main s of 2011, the bestselling King text. Instead, a footnote informs the reader he 400th anniversary of the King James James Version of the Bible has of this alternate reading, which editors Bible follows closely on the heels of the A shaped the language and imagina- explain was “not found in any Greek man- T 400th anniversary of Baptists, celebrated a tion of the English-speaking world for uscript before the 14th century.” mere two years ago. So, was there a connection exactly four centuries. Many 21st-century Gail Riplinger, a leading advocate of between Baptists and King James I those four Christians, however, have exchanged the the “King James only” movement, warns centuries ago? book’s thees and thous for newer trans- that “the new versions have entirely Indeed. And the connection may surprise lations that convey the sacred text in a removed the most powerful Scripture iden- most Baptists today. more contemporary idiom. tifying the Trinity” of God the Father, God In brief, Baptists were birthed advocating sep- But among a minority of fundamen- the Son and God the Holy Spirit. aration of church and state, a heretical concept that talist Christians — including some But defenders of the New Internat- enraged King James. Before Baptists appeared, the Baptists — the King James Version is ional Version and other recent translations King thought he had put together an excellent plan much more than an antiquated translation: argue that scholars should give more for preventing heresy and ensuring church-state it is the only acceptable version of the weight to the most ancient Greek, Hebrew union. Bible in the English language. and Aramaic texts, which were transcribed The plan was called the Authorized Bible As the New Jersey-based Dean closest in time to the original manuscripts (later known as the King James Bible). By control- Burgon Society declares, “The God- of the Bible — and which were largely dis- ling the Bible his subjects used, the King could honored Authorized King James Bible has covered after the King James Version was control his subjects. been, and continues to be, the only accu- translated in 1611. The upstart Baptists, however, proved to be a rate English translation of the inspired, How do these scholars account for the burr on the seat of the King’s throne. One year inerrant, infallible, and preserved original Trinitarian version of 1 John 5? Daniel after the Authorized (King James) Bible debuted, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek Words of Wallace, professor of New Testament Baptist co-founder Thomas Helwys, a vocal advo- God for the English-speaking people.” Studies at the evangelical Dallas cate of the separation of church and state, openly To the majority of biblical scholars, Theological Seminary, maintains, “The scolded James. such a claim is baseless — but “King reading seems to have arisen in a fourth “The King is a mortal man, and not God, James only” advocates believe strongly that century Latin homily in which the [origi- therefore he hath no power over the mortal soul of the purity of their holy text is at stake. The nal] text was allegorized to refer to his subjects to make laws and ordinances for them Dean Burgon Society’s summer conference, members of the Trinity.” and to set spiritual Lords over them,” said Helwys, for example, is slated to include workshops Is this explanation heresy or history? in part. on topics such as “Assaults on the King With no extant copies of the original bibli- For his treason, Helwys was cast into Newgate James Bible” and “Acceptance of the KJB cal manuscripts, it’s hard to be absolutely Prison where King James held him until Helwys as Supreme.” sure. At least one group of believers, how- died about four years later, becoming a Baptist How do these “King James only” ever, is certain that the Trinitarian reading martyr for his unwavering commitment to the believers reach their conclusions? It’s a is accurate — and that the King James separation of church and state. debate that unites fiery fundamentalist Version is the only authentic English Bible James’ hatred for Baptists continued, and he passion with arcane biblical scholarship. translation. sought to “harrow out of England” the trouble- While positions vary, a typical “King James Professor Wallace is almost as sure of some heretics. Although never fully realized, his only” stance is that the King James Version something else: “If the King James transla- crusade against Baptists did result in severe perse- (especially the New Testament) was trans- tors knew that this would be the result 400 cution of the sect throughout England. lated from inerrant Greek, Hebrew and years after the completion of their work, Ironically, the Bible that was intended by a Aramaic texts, while later English versions they’d be writhing in their graves.” BT hater of Baptists to be a weapon against heretics are based on inferior manuscripts. such as Baptists is today considered, by some Take the fifth chapter of 1 John, for —Melody Maxwell, a freelance writer Baptists, as the only true translation of scripture. BT example. The King James Version of the in Birmingham, Ala., holds a Ph.D. in Bible includes verse 7: “For there are three religion from the International Baptist —This article first appeared in the “Baptists that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Theological Seminary. Yesterday” blog at www.baptiststoday.org.

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REBLOG — Selections from recent blogs at BaptistsToday.org PERSPECTIVE

Where do military chaplains come from?

By John Pierce program, the story noted. Liberty, while its own military endorsement arm, Posted Feb. 2, 2011 accredited by the Southern Association Liberty Baptist Fellowship, also led by www.baptiststoday.org/ johndpierce-blog of Colleges and Schools (SACS), does not Davidson. He was reported as saying: have its seminary accreditation from the “Praise the Lord, 10 or 15 years from uring the recent debates on the mil- Association of Theological Schools (ATS), now we could have 600, 700, 800 evan- Ditary’s Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell policy, I the national accreditation agency for gelical chaplains sprinkled throughout was surprised at the strong opposition to graduate-level seminaries. the military who are Liberty graduates.” repeal from some chaplain groups. Their That’s acceptable, because the Not everyone is rejoicing, however. perspective — including predictions of Department of Defense requires only Liberty’s churning out of military chap- widespread departure — didn’t jibe with that seminaries training chaplain candi- lains paired with Department of Defense what people in the larger chaplaincy dates be listed with the American data showing that the nation’s corps of community seem to hold. Council on Education, which is not an chaplains already leans heavily toward However, recent reporting by accrediting body. evangelicals has caused some alarm. Religion News Service shed some light on Liberty’s chaplaincy training is led In one response, the United Church the subject. by retired Air Force chaplain Charles of Christ-related Eden Theological According to one news report, which Davidson, who launched the program in Seminary is launching its own military originated with the St. Louis Post- 2007. More than 1,000 students have chaplain-training program. Dispatch, Air Force data show that the enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree However, it would be a shame if the most popular training program for mili- program that is offered online and corps of chaplains becomes its own ideo- tary chaplaincy is Liberty Baptist requires just 72 credit hours (a minimum logical and theological battlefield. Such Theological Seminary, a part of the late allowed by the Armed Forces Chaplain needed service to military personnel is Jerry Falwell’s fundamentalist empire. Board). Most seminaries require 90 hours too important to be anything less than Some within the military have raised for a three-year degree. the best regardless of the individual questions about the quality of Liberty’s According to the report, Liberty has chaplain’s training and faith tradition. BT

tribute to other artists whose self- The art of self-formation portraits are tacked to the top right corner of the canvas, is a reminder to By Tony W. Cartledge me that we all have multiple dimen- Posted Jan. 24, 2011 sions. In the portrait we see the “real” www.baptiststoday.org/ cartledge-blog artist at work on his stool, a reflected image of the artist in the mirror, and a ’ve always liked the art of Norman grayscale painting of himself on the IRockwell, whose work illustrated canvas. much of the 20th century, often on I doubt that Rockwell would assign magazine covers. Art critics typically any deep mystical meaning to the por- dismissed Rockwell as a commercial trait — I suspect he just thought it hack rather than a true artist, but com- would be a cute idea — but it reminds mon folk who think a painting should me that we all have physical, emotional look like something recognizable found and spiritual aspects to our being. in him an artist to whom they could In another way, the painting might relate. suggest how we can think of our real self His glimpses of Americana, whether at work in the chair, the self that others found on the cover of the Saturday see in the mirror, and the self we’d like Evening Post or the front of a cereal to be still forming on the canvas. box, were almost invariably heart- It’s a helpful reminder, I think, that warming. none of us comes into the world com- One of my favorite Rockwell paint- pletely formed: the person we turn out ings has always been his triple self- to be is shaped in various ways through- portrait, a painting that was motivated out our lives, not only by the circum- not by vanity but by a commission from looking harried and scratching his head stances of our birth and family, but also the Post. It’s reminiscent of an earlier because he had a deadline to meet and by our own efforts at physical, emo- portrait he did of himself, viewed from no ideas about what to paint. tional and spiritual formation. behind, but facing a blank canvas while Rockwell’s painting, which pays Happy painting... BT

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FEATURE STORY AND PHOTO BY JOHN PIERCE • PART ONE

Stegall Hall, Wingate University College presidents talk about state of higher education

Challenges and Presidents of colleges and uni- versities with Baptist identities Opportunities face many of the same chal-

lenges of all other institutions Such comments led to posing questions based on cost (‘sticker price’) as compared to about these and other issues regarding higher the private institutions. The continuing eco- of higher learning — along education to leaders on several Baptist-related nomic climate and its resulting demand for with some unique ones. campuses. more financial aid from families, when the institution has been impacted by investment ercer University President Bill BT: What do you see as the biggest losses and reduced donations, has been and Underwood has spoken of the challenges to your college or univer- continues to be a major challenge.” M “arms race of facilities” that has sity’s mission — affordability, resulted in the demand for exceptional recre- competition, others — and how are BILL ELLIS, Howard Payne University, ational and residential offerings to attract you responding to these challenges? Brownwood, Texas: “Affordability. students. They come at a high price tag, Historically, the majority of students who are however, when affordability is a concern for JAMES “JAY” MOSELEY, Franklin attracted to Howard Payne University are many families. College, Franklin, Ind.: “Affordability will interested in service fields, such as education Gardner-Webb University President remain a challenge.” and ministry, so our graduates, while Frank Bonner, in a recent interview, said extremely loyal, do not have resources to sus- technology is changing higher education so DAN LUNSFORD, Mars Hill College, Mars tain the university financially through their dramatically and quickly that he is consider- Hill, N.C.: “A big challenge is competition gifts. Therefore, we are looking beyond our ing a staff person with the sole assignment of from other higher education institutions, graduates to individuals who love and desire addressing innovation. especially public and for-profit, primarily to support Christian education, such as HPU

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FEATURE

provides. We are also looking at expanding work tirelessly to find a balance between gen- our curriculum in business and other areas of erating enough revenue to operate while professional study, but building the univer- keeping tuition and fees as reasonable as possi- sity’s endowment is essential for the ble. Private institutions provide millions of “(For-profit institu- long-term economic stability.” dollars of institutional financial aid to enable tions) lead the lower and moderate-income students to be naïve to waste their JERRY MCGEE, Wingate University, able to attend. More than 90 percent of our Pell Grant dollars.” Wingate, N.C.: “The greatest challenge to students receive financial aid of various types; any institution is to remain relevant. As the around 50 percent are first-generation college world changes around us, our institution students; a majority of our students come Jay Moseley must be willing to change as well. We have to from Appalachia and south central Kentucky, assure that we are producing well-educated which are among the lowest educational graduates who are prepared to meet the needs attainment regions in the nation; and more The continuing of our communities. As an example, it’s than 20 percent of our full-time undergradu- economic climate important to periodically review all academic ate students are minority. We face competition and its resulting programs to assure that they are up-to-date from numerous sectors — public universities demand for more and that graduates of those programs are still with lower tuition rates and operational subsi- financial aid from needed in today’s world. We must be willing dies from public funding, for-profit entities families … contin- to eliminate programs which are no longer who are omnipresent and aggressive, out-of- ues to be a major relevant and consider adding new programs state schools who do not necessarily meet the challenge.” that are in tune with the jobs of the future.” same accrediting standards as those institu- Dan Lunsford tions like CU who are part of the Southern ANDY WESTMORELAND, Samford Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), University, Birmingham, Ala.: “The question and a number of very fine private nonprofit of adequate resources is always a challenge, institutions competing for students. One chal- “HPU will continue but that seems to be true in all facets of edu- lenge that regularly arises is that of assuring to work to improve cation. We are constantly seeking to improve that everything we do at Campbellsville the quality of our programs, and that has an our facilities but University relates back to the basic institu- impact on our pricing. We seek to maintain not at the expense tional mission and mission statement.” affordability through building a stronger base of quality programs for endowed scholarships. I grew up in a fam- and faculty.” CHRIS WHITE, Chowan University, ily that couldn’t have afforded to send me to a Murfreesboro, N.C.: “The biggest challenge private college without significant aid, so this Bill Ellis is adhering to the university’s mission. problem is close to my heart. As for ‘competi- Chowan University is experiencing unprece- tion,’ I suppose that I don’t worry about that very much. We have what are called ‘crossover dented growth, and with this is the applications’ with many other Baptist-related temptation to launch out in areas not integral universities, but I don’t view that as a chal- to the core mission. We cannot be all things “The greatest lenge. Instead, we have great relationships to all people and continue to be successful.” challenge to any with our colleagues at the other institutions.” institution is to REX HORNE, Ouachita Baptist University, remain relevant.” MICHAEL CARTER, Campbellsville Arkadelphia, Ark.: “While we certainly face University, Campbellsville, Ky.: financial challenges, our biggest challenge is letting people know the incredible opportu- “Campbellsville University and other similar Jerry McGee Christian institutions face numerous chal- nity and education available at Ouachita. We lenges including affordability, competition are recognized by our peers and are consis- from different sectors of higher education, tently highly ranked by such prestigious remaining true to our mission, and increasing magazines as U.S. News & World Report and “Our philosophy Forbes.” endowment and raising sufficient funds. Each regarding residen- challenge is on the agenda daily … and tial housing is that demands the attention of the president and LANNY HALL, Hardin-Simmons University, we’re not offering other members of the senior leadership team. Abilene, Texas: “One of the greatest challenges membership in a Affordability is certainly an issue for the entire we face today is how to keep higher education higher education community, and universities affordable. Hardin-Simmons has long been a country club.” such as Campbellsville obviously do not leader in being sensitive to students and par- receive direct public subsidies. Consequently, ents struggling to ‘make the math work’ as Andy Westmoreland our Board of Trustees and administration they manage the payment side of the tuition

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FEATURE

equation. Since 1993, HSU has made a com- access and affordability. With a reluctance to of the importance of serving the interests of mitment to each entering class to guarantee to talk ‘negatively’ about a competitor on issues students. That is why we are here — to serve them that their tuition rate will not increase of student success, high student debt load students and their educational needs. In the as long as the students remain enrolled full- and lack of a ‘personal touch,’ we find it is case of Campbellsville and similar institu- time in consecutive fall and spring semesters difficult to negate the impact.” tions, our goal is to help prepare our students and make satisfactory progress toward their for lives of service in their chosen profes- degree. Students love it and have an incentive ELLIS: “Yes. They are not direct competitors sion.” to remain ‘on track’ in their degree plan. with HPU for students. Because we are pri- Parents love it because they do not have to marily a traditional residential campus, we WHITE: “For-profit educational institutions ‘shoot at a moving target’ when it comes to serve different segments of the population are changing the marketplace. However, I am tuition each year. Additionally, HSU contin- from the for-profits. However, since some convinced there will always be a place for ues to add scholarship funds each year to help for-profits have exploited the federal student traditional campuses. To date, Chowan ease the burden of students’ paying for their loan system and are essentially diploma mills, University has experienced no discernible education. As for the tuition guarantee, HSU the government is moving to bring more impact from the for-profits.” is one of only nine private institutions to do federal regulation into higher education. this in the nation.” I believe it is safe to say that increased federal HORNE: “I don’t give a lot of thought to regulation may have dire consequences for this, but I am sure they are having some level BT: Are for-profit institutions having private, church-related institutions.” of impact. They advertise a lot and sell the an impact on higher education? If ‘price’ of attending while Ouachita, with a so, how? MCGEE: “Not yet in the region in which very good price, is most interested in high- Wingate University operates. One alarming lighting the value we offer our students.” MOSELEY: “They lead the naïve to waste trend is seeing for-profit institutions ‘buying’ their Pell Grant dollars.” small institutions which are struggling as HALL: “In many ways, the for-profits are non-profits.” adversely impacting higher education. Many LUNSFORD: “Yes. The for-profits have of these entities rely heavily on adjuncts/part- been spending large amounts on marketing WESTMORELAND: “For the moment, the time faculty as their front-line teachers. and on-line programs with an emphasis on greatest impact on higher education appears Often they do not provide as much opportu- to be a wave of paranoia. Whenever the nity for student interaction with faculty Chronicle of Higher Education prints an arti- outside of the classroom setting. For-profits cle about the for-profit sector, the online consume an unusually large proportion of postings from academe are incendiary. I think available governmental funding for scholar- that the rise of the for-profit institutions is ships and grants. As the for-profits consume causing us to look more seriously at some of more than their fair share, private and public our costs and the ways in which we deliver non-profit universities may be ‘squeezed’ in education. That’s not such a bad thing.” the financial aid area. In this time of limited public resources for financial aid, more atten- CARTER: “There is no doubt that for-profit tion should be focused on how funds are educational institutions are impacting higher being spent in the for-profit sector. The ‘pub- education. At the federal and state levels, lic good’ needs to be re-examined. In many there is increasing scrutiny of higher educa- cases, for-profits tend to offer degrees that tion in general and the for-profit sector in focus on preparing a person technically for a particular. We all agree on the need for particular position, perhaps devaluing the greater transparency and accountability for all concept of a liberal arts degree program sectors of higher education. Some of the sta- found in many public and private non-profit tistics we are hearing on retention and institutions. The value of a liberal arts educa- graduation rates for students in the for-profit tion for a world facing increasingly complex sector are very stark — i.e., retention and problems that cut across disciplines should graduation rates are very low. The for-profit not be underestimated.” sector has mastered the art of student recruit- ment, appealing marketing, and flexibility of BT: One university president has scheduling and means of instruction. We are spoken about the “arms race of all reading about the negatives that students facilities” by colleges and universi- have encountered in some instances, and fed- ties. Are extraordinary recreational eral and state regulators are rightfully and residential buildings necessary examining such reports. There is justifiable now to attract students? Is the concern about the quality of the educational funding of these major buildings experience, and the situation reminds us all consuming lots of time and money?

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MOSELEY: “Not really.” safe, affordable, and near our academic facilities, but they are not resort-quality. LUNSFORD: “The demand for ‘high-end’ However, we are having to build additional recreational facilities and technology has residence halls in order to accommodate We cannot be all been more of an impact than residential enrollment growth.” things to all people buildings, though the condition of residence and continue to be halls remains an issue. In the difficult cli- CARTER: “Colleges and universities are successful.” mate for fundraising and the high cost of expected, in today’s environment, to provide borrowing, plus lenders placing more and maintain attractive and state-of-the-art requirements on the borrower, there are facilities. Higher education is costly and is a Chris White problems. The process of financing these major investment by the students and their projects is very time-consuming and families. In addition to providing academic expensive.” facilities that provide technology and a posi- “The value of a tive learning atmosphere, students expect liberal arts educa- ELLIS: “Certainly our students have very residential facilities that are comfortable as tion for a world different expectations for facilities than those well as resources for wellness, student life facing increasingly students who attended our colleges when and activities, and recreation. Fundraising is complex problems most of our dorms were built. Studies show indeed a major task and among the primary that cut across that facilities are one of the top concerns for responsibilities of today’s college and univer- disciplines should prospective students and parents. Thus, sity president. There are people of means not be under- there are pressures on colleges to improve who are willing to invest in Christian higher Lanny Hall housing and recreational facilities — the education and who have an understanding of estimated.” ‘arms race.’ However, it is also clear through the importance of having nice facilities.” numerous examples that when universities with enrollment and financial difficulties WHITE: “Extraordinary recreational and “Fundraising is assume sizeable debt to make their facilities residential buildings are wonderful and help- indeed a major more attractive, it does not bring the desired ful. However, I do not consider them task and among results. It remains true that the quality of the mandatory. What is mandatory is a compe- the primary educational programs is of utmost impor- tent and caring faculty and staff.” responsibilities of tance in attracting students, and new dorms today’s college and workout facilities will not make up for HORNE: “The demand for top facilities is a and university questionable academic quality. HPU will given. It is an important part of recruiting. It president.” continue to work to improve our facilities, is something expected and appreciated by Michael Carter but not at the expense of quality programs students and families alike. The truth is that and faculty.” we have existed with buildings that have far exceeded the age expectation for usefulness. MCGEE: “The short answer is yes. At However, we also have invested in several “The demand for Wingate University we work very hard to state-of-the-art residence halls and other top facilities is a build appropriate new facilities and to take facilities the past few years for the benefit of given. It is an care of our existing buildings. However, a our students.” few universities seem to think the college important part of experience is about luxurious facilities rather HALL: “Students are very much aware of recruiting.” than getting a meaningful education. It’s facilities available to them at universities. frightening to watch some small private uni- They want all the latest ‘bells and whistles’ Rex Horne versities borrow in excess of $100 million when it comes to facilities. In the past year, and then use those funds to build luxurious Hardin-Simmons has renovated and accommodations and buildings that seem so expanded its fitness center in response to stu- out of place on a university campus.” dent feedback. Further, HSU has made COMING IN APRIL significant changes in its cafeteria and snack Part two, beginning with: WESTMORELAND: “Our facilities, bar, as we responded to what we have learned How do you use terms such although many of them are older, are in in campus focus groups. Renovation of resi- as “Baptist,” “Christian” or pretty good shape, so we are avoiding some dence halls is a constant. The competition “faith-based” to define your aspects of the ‘arms race’ that you reference. for students is very intense, and keeping up- school? And do you have to For instance, our philosophy regarding resi- to-date facilities is a must in the higher dential housing is that we’re not offering education marketplace today. This requires redefine them since they membership in a country club. We want our careful planning, the ability to be nimble and carry pejorative meanings? residence halls and apartments to be clean, the investment of large sums of money.” BT

March 2011 • Baptists Today | 33 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 34

INFORMATION BY PIET LEVY, Religion News Service

Religious themes get star treatment at Sundance

elebrity sightings and up- A small but noticeable number of films an uptick in the number of submissions that at Sundance tackle issues of religion, spiritual- touch on religious themes. and-coming indie flicks ity and faith. Out of 120 Sundance features at Christianity is a central theme in most of C are a given at the annual the late January festival, 12 are overt stories the films, from the star-studded satire about religion, or chronicle protagonists Salvation Boulevard, featuring Pierce Brosnan Sundance Film Festival in Park largely defined by faith, said John Nein, as a popular preacher who frames a born- City, Utah, but this year’s event senior programmer for the festival. again Christian follower for a crime, to the drew attention to something else: “There are definitely more films (explor- riveting documentary The Redemption of ing spirituality) that ended up in the program General Butt Naked, about a Liberian war- faith on film. this year than in years past,” he said, noting lord-turned-preacher facing the loved ones of people he killed. The Italian film Lost Kisses centers around a Sicilian community’s reaction to a 13-year-old girl who may perform miracles. Two films explore Christianity and Islam, with Kinyarwanda set during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and the documentary Position Among The Stars tracing the lives of an impoverished family in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Japanese Abraxas focuses on a depressed Zen monk who reconnects with punk rock, while the bizarre American com- edy The Catechism Cataclysm centers on a priest who loves heavy metal music. Three American narrative features — Martha Marcy May Marlene, Kevin Smith’s horror film Red State and Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut Higher Ground — are con- cerned with cults and religious sects on the fringe. Religion, of course, isn’t totally new territory for Sundance — previous fest fare included Saved!, Jesus Camp and Shape of the Moon, a precursor to this year’s Position Among The Stars. Most Sundance religious fare tended to be satirical or derisive — with Saved! a prime example — said Dick Staub, author of The Culturally Savvy Christian and a columnist for Religion News Service, who has partici- pated in the Windrider Film Forums around Sundance that bring together directors and audiences to talk about faith on film. William L. Blizek, founding editor of the Journal of Religion and Film and professor of philosophy and religion at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said religion may have a higher profile at Sundance this year because “religion has become a much more visible part of our culture.” With more openness toward religion, there is more freedom to make movies about it, some Sundance filmmakers said. BT

34 | Baptists Today • March 2011 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 35

STORYBYTONYW. CARTLEDGE • PHOTOS BY JOHN PIERCE FEATURE

those at the historic Jersey Baptist Church near Lexington, N.C. “I was the luckiest pastor in North Carolina,” Smith said, recalling a church that had just celebrated its bicentennial but “was ready to explode.” Smith devised and implemented a five- year plan and the church worked it to perfection, he said. As a result, Jersey was named “Church of the Year” in the BSCNC for 1962, and Smith was named “Rural Pastor of the Year” by Emory University and The Progressive Farmer magazine. Smith was rewarded with a month of special studies at Emory University in Atlanta, which he remembers as “a tremendous experi- ence” during which he also first saw a television set. That same year, Smith was invited to join the Baptist State Convention as director of a newly formed “Town and Country Depart- ment” to service churches in rural areas. He remained in that role until 1978, when execu- tive director Cecil Ray tapped him to become associate executive director. After Ray retired Front-row in 1983, Smith served briefly as interim leader before being elected in 1984 as executive direc- tor, a position he held until his retirement in 1997. seat The first SBC annual meeting Smith attended was in 1954, in St. Louis. “In those Roy J. Smith recalls days the meeting began on Monday night and went through Saturday noon,” he said. changes in Baptist life “Those were the days when the Southern Baptist Convention was really like a big family gathering.” “Everything was going great guns in Southern Baptist life,” Smith recalled, includ- INSTON-SALEM, N.C. found distasteful. At the 1962 annual meeting ing the “Million more in ’54” campaign. “It — “It was probably the of the SBC, Smith recalls, bellicose messengers was less than a decade following completion of most violent eruption I have “called him (Elliott) a heretic and tried to fire World War II,” Smith said, “and there was ever seen at a Southern Baptist him.” almost a spirit of euphoria in churches.” Convention.” When told that Elliott could only be dis- That confident spirit led to “The 30,000 That’s how Roy J. Smith, former execu- missed by the school’s trustees, they voted to Movement,” a push to start new churches that tive director of the Baptist State Convention of ask the trustees to do so, and called on the originated with Caspar C. Warren, who was North Carolina (BSCNC), recalls the 1962 Sunday School Board to withdraw the book. pastor of First Baptist in Charlotte and presi- annual meeting, which he saw as the first obvi- Elliott was later dismissed, not for his dent of the SBC in 1957 when he challenged ous sign that the Southern Baptist Convention theological views, but for insubordination Southern Baptists to establish 30,000 new (SBC) was changing course. A furor had when he ignored administrative orders not to churches before the 150th anniversary of the begun in July 1961 when Ralph Elliott, a pro- republish the book after the Sunday School Triennial Convention, the predecessor of the fessor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Board withdrew it from publication. SBC, in 1964. Seminary, published The Message of Genesis Smith, an active Baptist minister for more “There was a great push to organize SBC through Broadman Press, the publishing arm than 50 years, held a number of positions that churches all over the U.S.,” said Smith, “espe- of the SBC’s Baptist Sunday School Board gave him a front-row seat to observe the cially in the West.” At the time, “the Conven- (now LifeWay Christian Resources). changes in Southern Baptist life. After com- tion had tremendous organizational structures, Elliott used historical-critical methods of pleting Southeastern Baptist Theological the six seminaries were shining stars of interpretation, questioned Mosaic authorship, Seminary as one of its first graduates, he Southern Baptist life, and practically every and took other positions that biblical literalists served as a pastor for nine years, the last six of leader was a graduate of one of them.”

March 2011 • Baptists Today | 35 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 36

FEATURE

“Those were the glory days of our denomi- “Probably the first time I thought there president Jim Henry and asked to make a nation,” Smith said. “I really believe that.” was no hope of maintaining anything like the motion that WMU be reinstated on the orga- While the Elliott controversy brought the status quo we had maintained through our nizational chart. With a second from John first big sign of trouble in 1961-62, the Book history was the (1988) convention in San Bisagno, pastor of First Baptist Church in of Genesis also played into the next major Antonio,” Smith said. At that meeting, resolu- Houston, the motion passed easily on a show conflict, when messengers demanded the recall tions were passed criticizing traditional Baptist of ballots. of British Baptist scholar G. Henton Davies’ interpretations of soul competency and the “I don’t remember seeing anyone vote commentary on Genesis in Volume One of the priesthood of the believer, while affirming a against it,” Smith said. “That’s how we got Broadman Bible Commentary, published in more authoritative role of the pastor. WMU back on the program.” 1969. “It became evident that no matter what Smith observed that much of what leaders Davies’ work garnered quick criticism, and the moderates did, the other side could always of the takeover movement predicted did not messengers at the 1970 annual meeting in publicize more and get more people there.” happen: despite the Convention’s more theo- Denver reacted with hostility, voting to require Smith said. “And they had enough trustees at logically conservative direction, baptisms fell the Sunday School Board to recall the book. that point to begin to change the leadership.” rather than increasing. Contributions to the The Board did so, calling on Clyde T. Francisco In Smith’s view, however, “The denomina- Cooperative Program did not show dramatic of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to tion as we knew it really became unraveled in improvement. write a replacement commentary on Genesis to 1995 when the Executive Committee voted to Smith acknowledged that the SBC is not be included in a revised version of the volume. reorganize the convention” by eliminating sev- the only denomination seeing its influence Ironically, the Convention’s westward eral Commissions and reformulating the wane. Fewer and fewer people care about growth during its “glory days” may have con- Convention’s mission boards. The Home denominational matters, he noted, as evi- tributed to the conflicts that later divided it. Mission Board became the North American denced by decreased attendance at Convention “Probably a lot of it happened because we had Mission Board, taking on responsibilities previ- meetings, both state and national. this big push of going west,” Smith said. ously handled by the Brotherhood Commission Citing agreement with Baptist historian “Before then, the people on the other side of and the Radio & TV Commission. Bill Leonard, Smith said: “I believe probably the Mississippi didn’t know what people in the The Foreign Mission Board became the in the future we will find more and more East were doing and vice versa, but then more International Mission Board, with an churches that will affiliate with associations of communication opened up, and we discovered announced intention to switch its attention to like-minded churches that may be across state that there were many differences between us.” evangelizing new “people groups.” lines, or fellowships such as the Cooperative Differences in understanding the nature Commissions were controlled by boards Baptist Fellowship (CBF) that don’t seek of the Bible influenced Paul Pressler, a Texas that were not directly elected by the power or authority over churches. Churches judge, and Paige Patterson, then at Criswell Convention, Smith said, so they were harder will belong to organizations where they can Bible College, to implement a strategy to take over. “That’s why they wanted to get move in and out.” designed to gain control of the SBC. Smith rid of them,” he said, “because they couldn’t Smith was still executive director of the recalled that Pressler had been one of the most control them.” BSCNC when CBF was formed in the early vocal critics of Elliott’s book — and that the “That was the biggest blow to the way we 1990s, and actively supported a move to SBC’s institutional leaders did not take the had always done things,” Smith said. “That develop an alternate budget through which conservative challenge seriously until it was changed literally the nature of our Convention churches could send money to CBF. He too late. in ways it had not been before.” attended the first meeting of the North “I heard the presidents (of the institutions) Smith was a member of the committee Carolina chapter of CBF, and both he and his — five of them — say ‘There’s no way in the that recommended those changes, but did not wife, Charlotte, remain active supporters of world they can take over.’ It seemed so prepos- approve of them. He described himself and CBF and CBFNC. They are members of First terous, they didn’t think they could do it.” another member as “token state executives” Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, which has The institutions were strong, and always who “had no influence whatsoever” on the cut ties with the SBC and BSCNC, aligning had prime spots on the Convention program. committee. with CBF and CBFNC. Smith remembered Baker James Cauthen’s Smith did manage to salvage one thing. Although he officially retired in 1997, annual report from the Foreign Mission Board When Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Smith continues to preach regularly in (now International Mission Board) as being so refused to promise that they would provide lit- churches, including nine Sundays in a row last challenging that “I’d always want to volunteer erature to Southern Baptist churches only, the fall. An avid guitarist and vocalist, Smith also for missions.” reorganization committee left the autonomous performs regularly with the “Hanging Dog “But we all know that began to change in auxiliary off the Convention’s organizational String Band” and the “Far Out Four Quartet,” 1979,” Smith said, speaking of the year when chart and assigned WMU’s work to other a group of four retired directors of missions the Pressler-Patterson plan went into effect, groups. who once served in the westernmost counties electing Memphis pastor Adrian Rogers for the Women’s work was relegated to the of North Carolina. He and Charlotte also reg- express purpose of turning the Convention in Sunday School Board and missions promotion ularly speak or entertain at events for senior a more conservative direction by naming com- to the two mission boards. Before the measure adults, where they are warmly received as mittees that would reshape the institutions’ came to messengers during the 1995 SBC models of what cooperative Baptists should be, trustee boards. meeting in Atlanta, Smith contacted then- reminders of glory days gone by. BT

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FEATURE

hen Roy Smith first met Charlotte Cook it was late 1956, and she was the youngest member of the pastor- search committee that had come from Jersey Baptist Church in Lexington, N.C., to inter- view Smith, who was then pastor of Union Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, N.C. Both were happily married. Roy’s wife Doris actively supported his ministry efforts; Charlotte and her husband Robert were both active members at Jersey Baptist. The search committee was so impressed with their initial interview that they returned to Roy’s home within an hour and, without ever hearing him from the pulpit, invited him to come and preach in view of a call. Smith became pastor and remained at Jersey for six years before entering denominational work. “I can honestly say that was a Camelot experience,” he said, an experience that led to a fast friendship between the Smiths and the Cooks, who remained close long after Smith home in Lexington and surprised Charlotte One day Roy showed up with his guitar accepted a position with the North Carolina by appearing at the appointed hour with a and claimed that he had written a song while Baptist State Convention. big bowl of red and white carnations — on the way. When he sang it for Charlotte, it Even during his time as executive direc- and a speech. was a musical proposal. tor, the Smiths and Cooks would often meet “The white carnations represent the She said yes. They were married in for lunch on the day after the annual Baptist past,” he said, “and we can’t do anything August 2004, and remain happily in love. State Convention meeting. Shortly after the about that.” But “the red carnations repre- Roy celebrates their anniversary 1997 meeting, however, Robert Cook sent joy and happiness and that there can be monthly, rather than yearly, doing something became ill and died. a good future,” he said. special on the 14th of every month. “I knew He and Charlotte had been married for Then he put his hand on her shoulder we’d never make 50 years,” he said, “so we 46 years. Roy had a part in the funeral. Just and kissed her. Charlotte wasn’t expecting have to celebrate more often.” over four years later, in January 2002, Roy’s that. “Before that day, he would barely shake Now 81, Roy brags that he is “much wife Doris also died, leaving him a widower my hand,” she said. older” than Charlotte — by 13 days. He had after 52 years of marriage. Roy acknowledged that, as a minister, quadruple bypass surgery in the summer of “Fast forward to 2004,” Roy remem- he’d always “had a phobia” about being seen 2010 and still has some associated problems bers. “I had lost Doris and been through all alone with any woman other than his wife, with his legs, but he and Charlotte are the grief process, and I decided I would call never wanting to suggest any impropriety. otherwise healthy and remain active residents Charlotte and ask her to lunch.” Then in his 70s, however, Roy didn’t at the Brookridge campus of Baptist He called on a Sunday and asked her for want to waste any more time, and Charlotte Retirement Homes in Winston-Salem, where a lunch date the next day, but she replied enjoyed his company. They began a whirl- they live in an independent housing unit. that she’d be out of town. He asked for wind romance, dating twice each week, then Whether enjoying life at home, support- Tuesday, and she demurred again. When he three times. Their adult children didn’t know ing Baptist causes, or traveling the state and persisted and asked for a lunch on what to think. performing “Jackson” in the guise of Johnny Wednesday, she finally agreed, but without Friends accused them of acting like Cash and June Carter, Roy and Charlotte obvious enthusiasm, saying “If you want to.” teenagers. Charlotte’s son thought they might continue to inspire others with their remark- Roy made the trip from Raleigh to her need counseling. able love story for the ages. BT

March 2011 • Baptists Today | 37 BT_Mar11_Nat_v4:2011 Baptists Today 2/14/11 3:41 PM Page 38

INFORMATION BY JOHN RUTLEDGE, Baptist Standard

Researcher flips gospel records, finds civil rights songs

ACO, Texas (ABP) — A Baylor “Golden Age of Gospel Music” — might be when you sing, remember the wonderful ones University professor says a sur- lost forever. He now oversees Baylor’s Black who lost their dedicated lives for this precious W prisingly large number of Gospel Music Restoration Project. purpose and won’t be allowed to see it lesser-known “B” sides on vintage records of “The reason we haven’t known about the through. Now sing — Sing, every one of gospel songs championed civil rights, suggest- ‘B’ sides before is that more than a third of you!” ing Christian artists were interested in what we’ve received is not in the lone book The lyrics speak of civil rights marches bettering the here and now as well as that tries to catalog all and demonstrations in Atlanta, Tennessee, proclaiming hope for the hereafter. gospel music,” Darden Birmingham and Chicago, of violence and The recent discovery “tells us that the said. “When we’ve snapping police dogs, of integration and gospel community was much more involved known about a song, it is equal rights. in the civil rights movement than we previ- almost always the hit or The All-Star Gospel Singers recorded ously thought — outside of Mahalia Jackson ‘A’ side.” “I Believe Martin Luther King Made It and Dorothy Love Coates, who we knew were The songs related to Home.” And the somber “Tribute to Dr. very involved,” said Robert Darden, an associ- civil rights may have Martin Luther King” by Franklin Fondel ate professor of journalism at Baylor and a escaped notice because speaks of the civil rights leader whose “voice former gospel editor for Billboard magazine. few scholars are studying Robert Darden was his weapon that opened barred doors.… In 2005, Darden began a search-and- gospel music’s impact on He’s free now forever, like all men should be, rescue mission for gospel music on old 78s, that issue, as well as the fact many of the regardless of color, religion or creed.” 45s and LPs and in various taped formats to artists are lesser known or even unknown, One of the well-known individuals who be preserved digitally and cataloged at Baylor. other than by a small circle of friends, family sang of civil rights was Della Reese, a gospel Darden — author of People Get Ready! A members and church members, he said. singer before she became a pop singer and New History of Black Gospel Music — was The spirited “Where is Freedom?” by star of TV’s Touched by an Angel. She sang concerned that while contemporary gospel The Friendly Four begins with a rousing “Simple Song of Freedom.” was thriving, early gospel by lesser-known appeal: “Here’s a freedom song for all you For more information about the project, artists during the 1940s to the 1970s — the freedom fighters out there everywhere. And visit www.baylor.edu/lib/gospel. BT

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