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November 2004 Vol. 22, No. 11

Anti-public schools resolution expected at state conventions PAGE 12 Dilday recalls events surrounding his firing as seminary president PAAGGEE 1133 Master craftsman carries on family tradition PAGE 2 www.baptiststoday.org PAGE 2 F E A T U R E Story and photos by John Pierce master craftsman Mission volunteer carries on family tradition

SPRUCE PINE, N.C. — Preparing to preach uther Stroup can H.M. Stroup was a 22-year-old machinist without turn a pile of wood a high school diploma when he sensed a divine and moving parts calling. Humility was apparently one of his many into an elegant good traits. Lgrandfather clock. He is also Luther said his grandfather would take his 6- known for leaving the hills of year-old daughter by the hand and walk her to the western North Carolina on occa- one-room schoolhouse in the Steel Creek commu- sion for a good mission venture nity south of Charlotte. After seating her with — whether in neighboring states other first graders, he would join the high school hit by storms or faraway places kids in the back of the room. like Alaska, Cuba and Poland. The oldest graduate in his class then moved Both Luther’s craftsmanship and on to Wake Forest College “with four children and discipleship were strongly influ- $40 — believing that the Lord had blessed him.” enced by his late grandfather, H.M. Then study at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Stroup, who served as pastor of sev- Worth, Texas, would follow. eral North Carolina congregations “He came back to North Carolina and took including the First Baptist Church mostly small rural churches,” said Luther. “That is of Spruce Pine where Luther is where his heart was.” actively involved. Most impressive, said Luther, Another skill was his grandfather’s willingness to In his spare time the rural pastor would build fur- get a good education following his niture that soon evolved into clock making. call to ministry. Following retirement, he refined the craft even “He said the Lord has too many more. ignorant people trying to speak for “He worked until he was nearly 90 years old,” him,” Luther recalled. But his said Luther who began as a youth helping his grandfather’s ministry prepara- grandfather around the shop. “He made about 700 tion would not come easy. (grandfather clocks) by himself.”

uther Stroup’s handcrafted clocks are grandfather — are being passed down to L constructed to order at Stroup Hobby second- and third-generation owners. They Shop. A few finished clocks are displayed at can be found across the country and around the Twisted Laurel Gallery in downtown the world. Spruce Pine, N.C., along with the works of During heavy demand, Luther said it has other artisans. taken up to two years to complete a clock Custom clocks range from $1,500 - from the time it was ordered. Today, he said, $5,000, with a typical grandfather clock he can usually do one in about eight weeks costing $2,000 - $2,500. — that is, unless a good mission project is

Today, Stroup clocks — many built by his on the horizon. BT

2 Baptists Today • November 2004 F E A T U R E

Personal touch: Luther Stroup builds, delivers and sets up handcrafted clocks, a skill learned from Stroup Hobby Shop his grandfather. P.O. Box 683, Spruce Pine, N.C. 28777 In 1972, with the Army waffling on road trip and a break from the sawdust (828) 765-2765 [Shop] whether Luther and his weak knees were and stain. (828) 765-1562 [Gallery] needed, the recent college graduate with public relations experience passed over Craftsman on mission two good job offers and began working When not working among the stacks of more closely with his grandfather. walnut, cherry, mahogany, oak, maple Luther carefully constructed a ledger and pine, Luther enjoys another passion showing the style, date, cost and cus- he learned from his grandfather — tomer of each individually crafted clock. ministry to those in need. In August of this year, he was working The Carson-Newman College grad- on the 2,507th floor clock crafted in the uate with degrees in religion and English understated Stroup Hobby Shop by teaches Sunday school and serves as dea- Luther, his grandfather, or the two of con at First Baptist Church of Spruce them when they worked hand in hand. Pine. Pastor David Vess calls him a “So I turned this into a business uniquely gifted lay leader. rather than a hobby,” said Luther of his “He’s just one of those special folks unintended profession. who has a wide variety of interests,” said New orders come through word-of- Vess. “He can sit down and talk to any- mouth referrals, not advertising. And body; he’s an open and accepting this is no assembly-line operation. person.” “(Customers) tell me what they Those interests have taken him far want or I steer them toward what they from Spruce Pine. Luther and his want,” said Luther. “I take their name brother, Robert, have joined N.C. down and call them when it’s done.” Baptist Men on several projects in the Often customers have an idea of U.S. and overseas. what they want, said Luther, because “I’ve tried to go somewhere every they have seen someone else’s clock. year since 1990,” said Luther, whose Wood samples, photographs and design first overseas venture was to Poland. patterns created by his grandfather help He has since been to Honduras, with the personalized decisions. Russia and other destinations. The flexi- The same care in construction bility of his one-man operation enhances comes with the delivery. Every clock his mission involvement. made by the Stroups since 1949 has “I’ve done in my working life what been delivered by Luther, his father or a lot of people are retiring to do,” said brother, except those shipped overseas. Luther of crafting wood into art. And “I’ve personally delivered and set up with no boss, Luther said he only needs clocks in 48 states, Canada and permission from his wife to join the Pastor David Vess (right) calls Stroup a gifted lay Mexico,” said Luther who enjoys a good next mission endeavor coming along. BT leader with a variety of interests.

Baptists Today • November 2004 3 A 13-DAY BAPTIST HERITAGE TOUR July 25- August 6, 2005 Including the Baptist World Alliance Centenary Congress, July 27-31, in Birmingham, England

Get daily insights from noted historian • Rest comfortably in centrally-located, first-class hotels. Walter B. Shurden, director of the • Enjoy the benefits of uniquely-planned insider tours. Center for Baptist Studies at Mercer University. • Join former President Jimmy Carter, Rick Warren, Billy Kim and many other Baptists from around the world to worship and to celebrate BWA’s 100th anniversary. • Take in the sites of London, Salisbury, Bath, Coventry, Oxford, Chartwell and much more.

Cost is $3499 from Atlanta. Supplemental air fare To receive a brochure with from other cities may apply. Travel arrangements complete itinerary and travel informa- coordinated through Dehoney Travel. tion, contact trip organizer Drayton Sanders, M.D., chairman of the Baptist Sponsored by the Baptist Heritage Council Heritage Council, at (706) 226-2349 of Georgia, Mercer University’s Center for or [email protected]. Baptist Studies and Baptists Today news journal Volume 22 • Number 11 • November 2004 John D. Pierce Executive Editor Baptists Today serves churches by providing a reliable [email protected] source of unrestricted news coverage, thoughtful Jackie B. Riley analysis and inspiring features focusing on issues Managing Editor of importance to Baptist Christians. An autonomous national [email protected] Baptist news journal Keithen M. Tucker Development & Marketing P E R S P E C T I V E [email protected] 7 It’s not that complicated, really John Pierce Gail Hardison I N E V E R Y I S S U E Circulation Manager 9 Lessons from the deeper Milton Rhodes [email protected] 6 Quotation Remarks Jannie Lister shadowlands Office Assistant 7 Editorial Bruce T. Gourley Online Editor I N T H E N E W S 8 Readers’ Response [email protected] 10 NAMB: New churches must affirm inerrancy, Furious Minds 10 Baptist News Designer not ordain women deacons Walker Knight Jack U. Harwell 20 Back-row Birdie Publisher Emeritus Editor Emeritus 11 Baylor regents narrowly reject call for Board of Directors Sloan’s termination 21 Formations Commentary Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Ann Beane, Richmond, Va. 24 The Resource Page Jack C. Bishop Jr., Lake Junaluska, N.C. 13 Ga. Supreme Court to hear Thomas E. Boland , Alpharetta, Ga. Shorter College case Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. 25 Classifieds Wilma B. Cosper, Cullowhee, N.C. Jimmy L. Gardner, Alpharetta, Ga. 15 SBC, BWA leaders disagree 26 Religion News W.M. Gilbert Jr., Lavonia, Ga. on appeals to churches William B. Greenhaw Jr., Macon, Ga. Kate J. Harvey, Valley Forge, Pa. 31 The Lighter Side Jimmy Little, Hartselle, Ala. 18 Virginia WMU leaders James T. McAfee, Big Canoe, Ga. oppose devaluing of 32 In the Know William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. Ella Wall Prichard, Corpus Christi, Texas women in ministry 33 Faith Experience Mary Etta Sanders, Dalton, Ga. R. Scott Walker, Waco, Texas 19 Ga. church with female E.C. Watson, Elgin, S.C. 36 The Media Shelf Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. co-pastor leaves association Board of Advisors Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. 27 Religious Right pioneer Mary Jayne Allen, Chattanooga, Tenn. Barbara Baugh, San Antonio, Texas Ed McAteer dead at 78 Hardy C. Clemons, Greenville, S.C. W. Henry Crouch, Asheville, N.C. 29 Saudi Arabia added to religious freedom Carolyn W. Crumpler, Cincinnati, Ohio James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. watchlist James L. Evans, Auburn, Ala. R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. 30 Habitat leaders compromise on leadership Randy L. Hyde, Little Rock, Ark. Harold A. Phillips, Liberty, Mo. transition Cecil E. Sherman, Richmond, Va. Gayla Sherman, Bismarck, N.D. Joel C. Wayne, Louisville, Ky. Gifts in memory of Margaret Nuckolls Pierce, mother Baptists Today (ISSN 1072-7787) of the executive editor, were gratefully received by is published monthly by: Baptists Today Baptists Today from the following: P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 Biblical Recorder staff, Raleigh, N.C. To subscribe or place Tony and Jan Cartledge, Apex, N.C. Cover photo by John Pierce. an advertisement, Scott and Glenda Folsom, Johnson City, Tenn. call 478-301-5655 or Baptist layman Luther Stroup is a Wayne and Karen Glasgow, Macon, Ga. toll-free 1-877-752-5658. respected clockmaker and missions Subscription rates: David and Lynn Priester, Gray, Ga. 1 year, $18; 2 years, $32 David and Grace Stallings, Cairo, Ga. volunteer. 1 year groups of 25 or more, $15 1 year Canada, $35 Story on page 2 1 year foreign air mail, $50 Periodical postage paid WELCOME NEW GROUP SUBSCRIBERS at Macon, Ga. 31208 POSTMASTER: ANGIER BAPTIST CHURCH BAYSHORE BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH Send address corrections to: Angier, N.C. Tampa, Fla. North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Baptists Today P.O. Box 6318 Grover Blackburn, Pastor Steve Hadden, Pastor Jack Rowan, pastor Macon, GA 31208-6318 Thanks for keeping your church leaders well informed through Baptists Today. © 2004 Baptists Today. For information on discounted group subscriptions, please call 1-877-752-5658. All rights reserved. Baptists Today • November 2004 5 P E R S P E C T I V E quo a ion t t r e m a r k s

“Let us recognize it was an evil deed. “I will not retire from the ministry “Smaller membership churches may None of the great religions of the until I draw my last breath.” want to consider providing enough world would condone it, even the —Former Southern Baptist Convention President freedom for the pastor to be the religion from which the terrorists Adrian Rogers, announcing that he will retire as pas- leader of the church … The pastor is profess to come.” tor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis next still accountable, but not to everyone —Pastor Jerry Gladson of First Christian Church year when his successor is named, but will continue in the community for every word in Marietta, Ga., during the funeral for beheaded his televised preaching and church membership spoken or every action or how every American contractor Jack Hensley “ minute is spent.” ” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) —Bob Terry, editor of The Alabama Baptist “We don’t need to make “We have implemented corrective Jesus and God look good. “Just as congregations needed wor- actions to make sure that such an Our responsibility is to be ship in the aftermath of Sept. 11, error never happens in the future.” many will feel violated, isolated and —Stellar Gospel Music Awards officials, who honest and authentic.” afraid after Nov. 2. Churches could initially included rapper Kanye West’s CD, The —Ruth Graham, youngest daughter of famed evan- announce that their sanctuaries will College Dropout, on its ballot, but gelist Billy Graham, on her willingness to speak be open as safe havens for prayer and discovered the CD contains explicit language on publicly about overcoming depression (RNS) reflection following the elections.” cuts other than “Jesus Walks” (RNS) —Joe Phelps, pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. (Western Recorder) “She wanted to put her team first, “My new jungle is going to be Santa after her faith, and didn’t want to be Cruz, Calif., where I will be attending “I think what we’re seeing here is the center of the controversy.” Cabrillo College for a year while deciding what to study.” really not yet the full flowering, but —Ahmed Bedier, spokesman for the Council on the beginning of the full flowering of —College freshman Tim Chapman, who lived an American-Islamic Relations, on why Andrea this issue in the evangelical commu- adventurous adolescence in the Congo as an Armstrong quit the University of South Florida nity.” women’s basketball team although the school was American Baptist missionary kid seeking NCAA permission for her to wear a (God’s Kids newsletter, Fall 2004) —Jim Ball, executive director of Evangelical scarf, long pants and long sleeves during Environmental Network, on the growing concern about the impact of climate changes (RNS) games for religious purposes (RNS) “This is the most important event to happen in the (Wiccan) religion for “I had some ticker trouble in May over the past 50 years.” “I am disappointed but not surprised that this liberal Supreme Court, which and the heart people say it takes a —Paul Cameron Rickards, whose September mar- good six months for a football player riage to Laurie Schedler marked the first officially opens every session with ‘God save to get over something like that.” recognized pagan wedding in Scotland (RNS) the United States and this honorable court,’ would now simply ignore the —George Beverly Shea, 95, who followed doctors’ fact that the chief justice of a state advice and skipped the October crusade in Kansas “Across millenniums, religion has was removed from office because he City, Mo., making the first time in 57 years he has produced innumerable acts of charity acknowledged who God is.” missed singing before Billy Graham preached (RNS) and unspeakable acts of violence.” —Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, whose —Molecular biologist Dean Hamer, author of the failed efforts to be reinstated ended Oct. 4 when the forthcoming book The God Gene: How Faith Is U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear his case (RNS) Hardwired Into Our Genes (RNS)

6 Baptists Today • November 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E e d i t o r i a l It’s not that complicated, really By John D. Pierce

ith election fever running high, cannot be coerced regardless of how subtle reality, too little — for government- the emotional debates over the the coercion may be. Respect for others subsidized faith is a weakened faith. Wrole of religious faith in the polit- ensures that we value those who may not Government’s helping hand on our ical arena have escalated. Some church-related share our religious convictions — no matter treasured beliefs confuses allegiances and groups have devoted unprecedented energy how important those convictions may be to tempts us to put our trust in places less trust- and resources to affect the tally at the polls. us personally. worthy than Almighty God. Such a faith — From high school classrooms to the high Understandably, some university leaders that requires the endorsement of, or preferen- courts, issues concerning the proper relation- had suspicions early on. I had to prove myself tial treatment from, political powers — is too ship between church and state are being to be trustworthy. But that came quickly fragile a faith for me. hashed out. Admittedly, some specific cases when campus leaders If we can get past the heated rhetoric are rather complex. Astute observers will note learned that I was as and unfounded fears, we will realize that the the shades of gray where proponents and strong an advocate of proven path of church-state separation is not opponents speak confidently of black and church-state separation as that complicated, really. America’s vital reli- white. they — if not stronger. gious liberties and healthy religious In the midst of these emotionally Preferential treatment communities are not being enhanced by the charged exchanges it is easy for the more was never my goal. I sim- hostile, counter-point exchanges often heard rational voices to be drowned out. But they ply insisted on having the on Larry King Live or Fox News. must be heard. same opportunities to We need to raise the clearer voices that Those advocating extreme positions on reserve space, advertise our events and relate advocate a common-sense approach to either side of the religious liberty debate are to the broader campus community as other convictional faith alongside a deep respect for wrong. One side suggests that only private religious and non-religious organizations. the freedoms of all others as well. BT expressions of faith are appropriate within the Trust was also increased by making realm of church-state relations. myself available during times of crisis such as The First Amendment clause forbidding the tragic death of a student in the dormi- “I want to the establishment of a particular brand of tory. And evidence that our ministry religion is over-emphasized to the exclusion improved the school’s student retention statis- subscribe today!” of the free exercise clause that guarantees all tics was no small concern for most educators. Please fill out this form and return it to Baptists Americans the right to express their religious On one occasion a university president Today, P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208- asked me to serve on what was deemed the 6318, or call 1-877-752-5658. views freely. subscription “sensitivity committee.” All other representa- On the other extreme are those who I have enclosed a check tives were faculty or staff members. J 1 year $18 undervalue the genius of church-state separa- in the amount of $ ______J 2 years $32 tion and look for special privileges for their The committee was formed when a particular religious viewpoints and endeavors. Jewish counselor — new to the university — Name ______They wed their faith to partisan politics in objected to an overtly Christian prayer given Address ______ways that weaken both. at a faculty meeting and likewise at gradua- ______Recently, it dawned on me that for 13 tion. During the initial committee meeting, years I served as a Baptist campus minister on he seemed rather surprised when the Baptist City ______State _____ state university campuses without conflicts campus minister was the first to argue that Zip ______with school administrators or any difficulties sectarian prayers don’t belong at state Phone (______) ______in fulfilling my ministry calling. university-sponsored events. Perhaps the reason is that university However, I also used the opportunity to Church ______launch a Bible study and prayer group for administrators and I approached the unusual ______relationship — a denominationally-employed faculty and staff interested in exploring the minister serving students and faculty in gov- Christian faith. It, of course, was a voluntary ernment-operated academic settings — with event on campus. two shared principles: common sense and Asking government for anything more respect for the rights of all persons. than equal opportunity to express our reli- Common sense assures us that real faith gious faith is asking for too much — or, in Baptists Today • November 2004 7 P E R S P E C T I V E r e a d e r s ’ r e s p o n s e s

Powerful preaching wanted Jesus overshadowed by politics (Chism, a recent graduate of Baylor EDITOR: I congratulate you on printing EDITOR: It appears that we, as Baptists, have University’s Truett Seminary, is currently the guest commentary by Ron Grizzle on waited far too long for Moses to come down working on a Ph.D. in education through a the state of preaching today (September from the mountain and have erected our own joint program with Claremont Graduate 2004, page 8). I see a direct correlation golden calf. Our calf is secular politics. University and San Diego State University.) between this article and the report on the I recently noticed a terrifying trend in Discover Bible’s meaning decline of Protestantism on page 28. several large Baptist churches that caused me Like it or not, strong churches have to look back over the Gospels to make sure we EDITOR: The most common mistake in always been built on strong preaching and were reading the same Bible. American politics reading the Bible is to assign meaning to there is precious little of it in “moderate” in every form imaginable has moved into our scripture. The reader already has in mind pulpits today. That has been my greatest churches and has, quite frankly, pushed Jesus what the passage means and, if it fits, disappointment in retirement. and his teachings out the back door. concludes that the correct meaning has been I expected to have the chance to hear I can attend worship, learn about any found. great preaching and experience outstanding number of propositions on the state books, This amounts to reading into the Bible worship. I have found neither. find out where the presidential candidates what the reader wants the Bible to say. True Today’s preachers too often spend 20 stand and register to vote all in the same understanding comes from discovering the minutes saying nothing. They say it well. service. The only thing lacking is Jesus. meaning in the Bible, not assigning meaning They just don’t say anything. In the urgency to call upon God the to the Bible. I keep waiting for the meat of the ser- Father to bless us, our troops and our presi- We are helped in our understanding mon, and 12 noon arrives and they still dent, Christ has become a footnote for some when we see the Bible has both a divine and haven’t said anything. I leave with the Christians. We have declared that the human character. The truth of the Bible is thought, “So what?” Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 is no given by God, but it comes to us through With the country and the world in tur- longer applicable to today’s society. human processes. moil, wrecked homes, dysfunctional families We are right back to an eye for an eye. To overlook the human element in the and persons, people eating tranquilizers and We resist evil people, we do not turn the Bible is to make it a collection of divine ora- anti-depressants like candy (and getting other cheek, we hang on to that tunic, and cles spoken directly by God, independently worse), with fear, ignorance, bigotry, guilt we refuse to even go the first mile. of human affairs and experience. This makes and intolerance rampant and our nation How often do you hear a prayer for the Bible seem unreal, an object for venera- viciously divided politically — is there no Iraqi militants, Osama bin Laden or tion rather than a source of spiritual help. word from the Lord today? Saddam Hussein? Not often enough if we There are those who admire the Bible It appears that preachers today believe Matthew 5:43-44 to be true. but seldom read it. absolutely refuse to engage the crying needs “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they There is a close, inseparable relationship of our time or say anything that relates to will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). I do between the Bible and the Word of God. To anyone in the congregation. Forget about not see how we, the Baptist community in understand the Bible is to be confronted by taking a stand for or against anything or North America, have made much of an the Word of God. The Bible is inspired, an anybody. But salaries for pastors today have effort at all to bring about peace. authentic record of the revelation of the skyrocketed in many cases. Is there a One of our own documents (Baptist Word of God in creation, in salvation correlation? Faith and Message, adopted June 14, 2000) history and in Jesus Christ. I see very little in our services (I won’t states it in the simplest way possible: “It is So supremely is Jesus Christ that it is call them worship) to cause seekers to the duty of Christians to seek peace with all correct to say that he is the Word of God. In return. Mamby-pamby, politically-correct men on principles of righteousness. In Christ, this Word is authoritative and drivel along with tacky, unsingable music accordance with the spirit and teachings of inerrant. This definition of the Bible gives certainly won’t do it. Christ they should do all in their power to us a high view of Scripture without elevating There is no passion, no “fire in the put an end to war.” it to the status of deity… belly” as the old-timers called it. Unless Let us bring Jesus and his teachings Understanding the Bible while appro- there is a radical revival in our so-called back into the sanctuary, back into the pulpit priating its spiritual treasure into our minds moderate churches and pulpits, they are and back into our lives. Christ did not and hearts honors God and is worthy of our down the tubes and ignorant fundamental- preach a gospel of politics; he taught one of best efforts. Don’t let a day go by without ism will be all that’s left. love, mercy, forgiveness and kindness. reading it. H. Edgar Twine, Tampa, Fla. Blake Chism, Carlsbad, Calif. Carmen L. Conner, Leesburg, Fla.

This forum gives readers a chance to participate in respectful, though often passionate, dialogue on important issues. Your opinion is welcomed. Please include your name, address and phone number, and limit your letters to 200 words. Send by e-mail to [email protected], by fax to (478) 301-5021, or by mail to Editor, Baptists Today, P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318. 8 Baptists Today • November 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E g u e s t c o m m e n t a r y Lessons from the deeper shadowlands By Milton L. Rhodes

n the article, “Meditation in a “Not everyone who gets prayed for will cannot do this by myself. Please help me!” Toolshed,” C.S. Lewis describes standing And God did. I know that my chances for Iin a dark tool shed where the sun could survive whatever ordeal may come. survival were, at times, very slim and that shine in only through a small crack above there could have been a different outcome the door (God in the Dock, Inspirational But the challenges of life are beyond to this story without God’s help. Not everyone who gets prayed for will Press, 1967). As he looked at the sunbeam, our ability to solve, and we need God’s all he could see were specks of dust. survive whatever ordeal may come. But the However, when he moved to where the help more than we often realize.” challenges of life are beyond our ability to sunbeam fell on his eyes, he could see “green solve, and we need God’s help more than we leaves moving on the branches of a tree out- often realize. God is constantly on our side side, and beyond that, some 90-odd-million I sensed it in the demeanor of people with throughout all our difficult times. miles away,” he could see the sun itself. whom I shared an elevator ride. The third lesson was that I need the There is a difference, he said, in “looking What did I learn from this experience? help of others. A remarkable team of physi- along the beam” and “looking at the beam.” First, I learned that I am mortal. While we cians cared for me. Cards, prayers and visits In The Weight of Glory (Simon and all know that we will eventually die, we tend from friends brought me out of the shadow- Schuster, New York, 1962), Lewis writes, “I to think of it only when writing out our lands daily. believe in Christianity as I believe the sun wills or purchasing an insurance policy. Family and friends gathered in the wait- has risen, not only because I see it, but In the deeper levels of the shadowlands ing room during surgery. My loving wife, because by it I see everything else.” we think of it often. We sense its presence Fran, stayed with me every night taking care We live in a shadow of the real world. daily. The loss of physical stamina and the of my personal needs. One day, as Paul said, we shall see things as difficulty in seeing any positive progress I remember the love in her eyes when they really are. keep the reality of death close by. she would awaken and smile at me asking if There are experiences in life that move The closeness of death also means that I was “OK”. I could not have made it with- us further into the shadows. Those who suf- God is near us, for God has promised to go out her support, prayers and presence fer from life-threatening illnesses or are with us as we walk through the valley of the during those difficult days. chronically ill often feel they live in a level “shadow of death.” What we do not antici- I am a blessed man and will never be of shadowlands far removed from the world pate is that being close to God reveals not the same. But it was a hard way to learn most people experience. only our mortality, but also our sinfulness. what I should have already known. That is, I learned this in January 2003 while I heard T.B. Maston tell of the time he God and his helpers are there in the deeper spending 25 days in the hospital with a con- looked out of his bedroom window and saw shadows of the shadowlands. BT dition known as infectious endocarditis that his mother hanging the laundry on a led to a series of small strokes. The experience clothesline. The clothes appeared to be very (Milton L. Rhodes, Ph.D., is a member of the gave me a very different perspective on life. clean and shiny as they were bathed in the Woodland Baptist Church in San Antonio, Some shadowlands are worse than oth- rays of the sun. Texas, where he served as a deacon and ers. I think this is what I heard late one During the night it snowed. When he Sunday school teacher.) night in the voice of a man in the next bed looked out his window the next morning, the who whispered to the nurse that the only clothes that had appeared bright and clean reason he was alive was that his son had res- the day before now looked yellow and dingy Baptist News cued him. He added that he wished the son compared to the whiteness of the snow. had not done that. Life in the deeper regions of the shadow- Baptist Views I experienced the darker shadowlands lands encourages a more intense look for when I learned that two people had died in God’s face and viewing the stark reality of our BAPTISTS ICU on the night I had been there. I saw it sinfulness. The deeper shadowlands is not a in the faces of emaciated elderly persons place to pretend to be humble. It is a time for TODAY who were whisked down the corridors in being truthful and honest with God. wheel chairs to unknown destinations. I The second lesson I learned while going heard it in the cries of those who had just through a serious medical event was the learned terrible news about their loved one. need for God’s help. I often prayed: “God, I 1-877-752-5658 Baptists Today • November 2004 9 I N F O R M A T I O N

NAMB: new churches must affirm inerrancy, male deacons

By Steve DeVane church receives NAMB funding, King said. I believe the Bible relegates authority and Biblical Recorder Milton Hollifield, executive leader of oversight to men,” the NAMB document the Baptist State Convention of North adds. “If a church, however, does not ordain ALPHARETTA, Ga. — New North Carolina Mission Growth Evangelism group, its deacons, then the authority-oversight American Mission Board guidelines for said NAMB officials had indicated the prohibitions would not apply. In that case, starting Southern Baptist churches call for document will serve as a guide for planting the generic meaning of the term ‘deacon’ … the congregations to have a covenant affirm- Southern Baptist Convention churches. is that of a servant or a table waiter. Thus, ing inerrancy and only male ordained NAMB officials said the guidelines are any member of the congregation is qualified deacons. not intended to be a hindrance to church to serve.” A document titled “Ecclesiological planting efforts, he said. NAMB helps start about 1,500 new Guidelines to Inform Southern Baptist “I think this is a statement for planting Southern Baptist churches each year. Church Planters” was approved Oct. 6 by what they see as a New Testament, Southern Speaking to trustees during their NAMB trustees. Stan Norman, associate Baptist church containing foundational regularly scheduled meeting, NAMB professor of theology at New Orleans principles, rather than something that will President Bob Reccord said the document Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote the be used to determine funding or lack of was needed because of the rapid prolifera- guidelines, which include a commitment to funding,” Hollifield said. tion across the country of some non-biblical the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message state- Norman wrote that “the covenant of a church models including the “family” or ment. Baptist church must minimally affirm three “simple” church networks. The BF&M neither uses the term things: the Lordship of Jesus Christ over the “In many parts of North America, an “inerrancy” nor addresses women’s ordina- church and its members; the divine inspira- errant theology of church has begun to tion as deacons. tion, inerrancy and authority of the Bible; spread, especially in a few younger church The paper addresses such issues as the and the membership of the church consist- planters, because these non-biblical models authority of a Baptist church, classic marks ing only of regenerate persons who have sound good and it’s easy to get sucked in,” of a true church, congregational polity, professed their faith in believer’s baptism by he said. autonomy, and the offices, ordinances, and immersion.” “A church cannot be myself and my mission of a New Testament church. Martin While the 2000 BF&M “leaves open wife meeting in our home, and it’s we two King, a NAMB spokesman, said NAMB the issue of whether or not women can serve and no more. That is not a church. What officials will work to be sure materials, as deaconnesses in SBC churches,” Norman we’re doing with this document is giving training, strategies and initiatives aren’t out- states, “My position is that, if a local church guidelines to ensure that Southern Baptists side the bounds of the document. ordains its deacons, then women cannot are starting biblically sound New Testament NAMB officials will continue to work serve in this capacity.” churches.” with state convention and association “In SBC life, ordination carries with it (This article contains additional partners when determining whether a new implications of authority and oversight, and reporting from news services.) BT

President Carter’s pastor, Dan Ariail, to retire from Plains, Ga. church By John Pierce most Sundays to a full sanctuary, and often an Plains and being a part of the Maranatha overflow crowd in the church’s fellowship hall, congregation. PLAINS, Ga. — After 22 years as pastor of a has not indicated any plans to quit soon. Tour “I dearly love the church and its people, small Baptist congregation that includes for- buses and vehicles with and think I can be a help to the new pastor,” mer President Jimmy Carter and his wife car tags from across said Ariail. “If it appears that I am giving him Rosalynn, Dan Ariail plans to retire next year. the nation are parked trouble, I will back off.” The 135-member Maranatha Baptist Church among the pecan trees Ariail, 66, plans to retire Oct.1, 2005 or in Plains, Ga., is known for attracting outside the rural earlier in the year if a new pastor is called. thousands of visitors, including many interna- Southwest Georgia The open plan, he said, does not tie the tionals, annually to hear Carter teach weekly church on typical Sunday church leaders’ hands, but “is meant to get Sunday school lessons. mornings. them into gear on the process.” “Both Jimmy and I are in good health, Ariail has the In 1996, Ariail co-authored a book from but I feel that if I waited until he is no longer unique responsibility to Dan Ariail Zondervan Press titled, The Carpenter’s able to teach the class, our church might not preach to more visitors Apprentice: The Spiritual Biography of Jimmy survive such a double whammy,” Ariail told than members with many of the guests experi- Carter. A native Georgian, Ariail is a graduate the independent news journal, Baptists Today. encing a Baptist church for the first time. He of Mercer University and Southern Baptist Carter, 80, who teaches Bible lessons and his wife Nell plan to continue living in Theological Seminary. BT 10 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N Baptists Today expands board, honors outgoing directors

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Three longtime immediately. They are Ann Beane of Two new working committees of the Baptist leaders were recognized for their Richmond, Va., Jimmy Little of Hartselle, Baptists Today board held their first meet- devoted service to Baptists Today during the Ala., William Neal of Stone Mountain, Ga., ings. The circulation/partnership committee, news journal’s annual meeting of the boards Ella Wall Prichard of Corpus Christi, Texas, chaired by Winnie Williams of Seneca, S.C., of directors and advisors Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 Mary Etta Sanders of Dalton, Ga., and E.C. is exploring ways to continue the steady in Jacksonville, Fla. Watson of Elgin, S.C. growth of subscriptions in recent years. Jack Jimmy Allen of Big Canoe, Ga., Their election increases the news jour- Bishop Jr., of Waynesville, N.C., chairs the Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler of nal’s board of directors to 18. A committee development committee that is considering Cincinnati, Ohio, and James Dunn of of the board is reviewing plans to expand an endowment program to help secure the Winston-Salem, N.C., completed consecu- the board of advisors with rotating terms of future of the autonomous news journal tive three-year terms on the board of service as well. that relies on contributions for much of its directors. However, their involvement with The annual board meeting was held in support. the autonomous, national news journal will Jacksonville in order to share a dinner and The next meeting of the Baptists Today continue. program with directors of the independent board of directors is set for April 22-23, The three were elected to serve on the news service Associated Baptist Press. A 2005, in Atlanta that includes the annual board of advisors. Also, Allen was reaffirmed panel discussion on the future of Baptist Judson-Rice Dinner. The public will be as chair of the Friends of Freedom campaign news was led by James Evans of Auburn, invited to the April 22 dinner event that will that seeks three-year financial commitments Ala., Marv Knox of Dallas, Texas, Dan feature the presentation of the 2005 Judson- from individual donors as a primary means Lattimore of Memphis, Tenn., and Ben Rice Award to Walter B. Shurden, author, of support for Baptists Today. McDade of the Cooperative Baptist historian and director of Mercer University’s Six new directors were elected effective Fellowship in Atlanta. Center for Baptist Studies. BT Baylor narrowly votes to postpone call for Sloan’s termination

By Ken Camp unanimously affirming the Baylor 2012 of his critics. They also faulted him for Baptist Standard 10-year plan that has become the controver- increasing tuition, failing to foster good rela- sial centerpiece of his administration. tionships with alumni and faculty, and WACO, Texas (ABP) — Baylor University While Davis described the Sept. 24 imposing more narrow religious restrictions regents voted to postpone indefinitely a call meeting as “collegial,” a regent said the mood on faculty. for President Robert Sloan’s resignation, and was “very tense.” A Prior to the regents meeting, 22 former they unanimously rejected a request by the majority of the board Baylor regents submitted a resolution calling university’s faculty senate to hold a faculty- members expressed their for the current board to replace Sloan imme- wide referendum on Sloan’s administration. views during extended diately with an interim leader and initiate a After a motion was introduced at the discussion of Sloan’s nationwide presidential search. Sept. 24 regents’ meeting calling for Sloan’s leadership, he added. Signers included John Baugh, founder resignation, a second motion called for the Twice in a little of the Houston-based Sysco Corporation matter to be postponed indefinitely, chair- more than a year, the and a major Baylor benefactor. Baugh had man Will Davis announced after the university’s faculty sen- addressed the regents at their May meeting, executive session. ate passed votes of no Robert Sloan warning he would ask for loans to be repaid “It does not kill the idea for ever and confidence in Sloan’s leadership. At a recent and his financial gifts to Baylor be returned ever. It can be brought up at another time,” retreat, the group voted 29-1 to call for an unless the board took action to rescue the he said. Davis declined to reveal the vote independently administered secret-ballot sur- university from “the paralyzing quagmire in margin on the motion to postpone, but one vey asking all university faculty whether they which it ... is ensnared.” regent characterized it as “very close.” believe Sloan should remain as Baylor’s presi- Following the Sept. 24 regents meeting, The motion to postpone a call for resig- dent. Davis said the regents unanimously Baugh said he felt university leaders were nation was the latest in a series of votes by turned down that request and he personally “still bogged down,” but he would not make regents on Sloan’s leadership. The board did not believe it was appropriate to put the a decision regarding his gifts and loans until voted 31-4 in September 2003 to affirm issue to “some kind of popularity contest.” he knew more about “what went on behind Sloan. But his support had eroded by spring, New facilities have been a key compo- the scenes” or until “the direction they take and at the board’s May meeting, a motion to nent of Baylor 2012, Sloan’s 10-year vision is definitive.” ask for Sloan’s resignation failed by an 18-17 for making Baylor a top-tier university. But Sloan, 55, is a Texas native and Baylor secret ballot. capital expansion at the university, coupled graduate. Before assuming the Baylor presi- Regents took no vote on Sloan’s presi- with unprecedented levels of debt, during dency in 1995, he was dean of Baylor’s dency at their July retreat, other than Sloan’s tenure as president have raised the ire Truett Theological Seminary. BT Baptists Today • November 2004 11 I N F O R M A T I O N Anti-schools resolution expected to surface in 10 state Baptist conventions this autumn

By Michael Leathers expect the resolution to pass in even one from the 10 conventions found no one state convention. But raising the issue is aware that the measure was heading their ALEXANDRIA, Va. (ABP) — Although a necessary, he said, to build awareness for the way. resolution urging Christians to pull their cause. “To deal with an issue like this takes “This is the first time I have even heard children from public schools failed to gain quite a while because you’re dealing with about such a resolution,” according to an approval of the Southern Baptist basic assumptions that people have made,” e-mail response from David Clippard, exec- Convention last summer, the issue is he said. utive of the Missouri Baptist Convention. expected to come to a vote in as many as 10 Pinckney, who went through the public “As far as I know, no such resolution exists.” state Baptist conventions this fall. school system and sent his three children to According to Exodus Mandate’s web- T.C. Pinckney of Virginia and Bruce public schools, said he used to be one of site, the resolution’s sponsor in Missouri is Shortt of Texas were unable to muster sup- those people who saw no real harm in pub- Roger Moran, an outspoken conservative port from their denomination’s resolutions lic education. He no longer believes that, he and member of the SBC Executive committee to bring their proposal before said, and his 12 grandchildren are all home- Committee. voting messengers last June in Indianapolis. schooled. “We are criticizing the overall Jim Wideman, executive director of the Generating considerable pre-convention system of government schools as not being Baptist Convention of New England, said publicity, the resolution decried the secular biblical,” he said. he had been contacted by Jonathan Black, condition of public or “government” Larry Reagan, a Tennessee pastor, said the pastor listed by Exodus Mandate as the schools, as Pinckney describes them. The he and another co-sponsor are revising the New England sponsor, about how to present measure urged parents to “remove their chil- language of the resolution so it’s not as con- a resolution, but he “had no idea of the dren from “godless” and “anti-Christian frontational as the one rejected by the SBC. content of his resolution.” government schools and see to it they He will bring it the Tennessee Wendell Lang, executive director of the receive a thoroughly Christian education.” Baptist Convention’s annual Illinois Baptist State Association, said Oct. 6 The issue is expected to resurface at meeting Nov. 9-10 in he wasn’t aware of the resolu- nine state Baptist conventions and one Sevierville. Reagan’s tion. Pat Pajak, former multi-state convention, according to Exodus goal is also to build IBSA vice president and Mandate, a group advocating a Christian awareness, past member of the SBC departure from public education. with an Executive Committee, con- Those state conventions are in eye firmed earlier in the week California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North toward encour- that he intends to send it to Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas aging more the IBSA but has not done and Virginia. The Baptist Convention of Christian so. “At this point, I haven’t New England, representing Connecticut, churches to made any kind of commit- Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, start their own schools. ment to T.C. [Pinckney],” Rhode Island and Vermont, is also expected Robert Dreyfus, who will introduce the Pajak said. to have the resolution introduced at its resolution at the Florida Baptist State The Illinois resolutions committee did annual meeting. The executive directors of Convention’s annual meeting Nov. 8-9 in briefly discuss the resolution Sept. 14 but at three of these conventions — Illinois, Jacksonville, said public schools have failed that time “did not feel they could recom- Missouri and New England — were on the academic, moral and spiritual fronts. mend it to our messengers for unaware of the movement to introduce the He sees little hope for change, citing federal consideration,” according to Bill Weedman, resolutions at their annual meetings. and state legislation, an educational bureau- the IBSA’s senior associate executive director. Last June, the SBC resolutions commit- cracy and teachers’ unions as factors It’s not clear if the committee will reverse tee declined to act on the anti-schools hindering meaningful reform. course before the Nov. 10-11 annual meet- resolution, saying to do so would “usurp” An exodus of Christian students from ing or if someone will introduce the the responsibility of parents to decide how the public school system can keep those resolution from the floor. to educate their children. Pinckney’s attempt children from drifting away from their faith Whether it results in a vote or not in to add the anti-school language to an SBC in their adult lives, Dreyfus said. He said any of these conventions isn’t most impor- resolution on secularization in America research by pollster George Barna has shown tant, Pinckney said. Just discussing the failed on a show-of-hands vote. that as many as 88 percent of children from proposal will cause some Christians to think Pinckney, a retired brigadier general evangelical families enrolled in public through the issue and realize, as Pinckney from the U.S. Air Force and a former sec- schools will drop out of church in the two sees it, that sending their children to “gov- ond vice president of the Southern Baptist years following graduation. ernment schools” is not what God has Convention, said recently he does not A survey of several executive directors directed parents to do. BT 12 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N Dilday recalls events surrounding his firing as president of Southwestern Seminary

By John Pierce The book is both history and commentary. The various columns are

Fort Worth, Texas — March 9, 1994, is con- preceded by listings of “key events” such as seminary programs, speak- sidered by many to be a monumental day in what supporters call the “conservative resur- ing engagements and other contextual information. Dilday seems gence” and detractors call the “fundamen- talist takeover” in the Southern Baptist particularly interested in communicating once again with the many Convention. It was the day Russell Dilday was fired as president of Southwestern Baptist ministers, educators and missionaries who came through SWBTS. Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. A decade later, Dilday is bringing his tary. The various columns are preceded by music evangelist, is asked to sing for the dismissal and the surrounding events to light listings of “key events” such as seminary pro- seminary’s top donors. in Columns: Glimpses of a Seminary Under grams, speaking engagements and other “He was going to sing and whistle at the Assault, to be released by Smyth &Helwys contextual information. Dilday seems partic- same time,” writes Dilday. “What came out Publishing in November. The title comes ularly interested in communicating once was something close to the sound Donald from the monthly columns Dilday wrote in again with the many ministers, educators and Duck makes in TV cartoons. It was humiliat- the seminary newsletter during his 16 years as missionaries who came through Southwestern ing to all except the fundamentalist board president. during his tenure as president. members…” Dilday said he re-read the columns in He writes: “I hope reflecting on these Dilday leaves no doubt about where he preparation for another book to be released years again will renew your appreciation for places the direct blame for his ouster — in 2005 in which he reflects on the larger the Southwestern of yesterday, will highlight board chairman Ralph Pulley and those who issues concerning the SBC controversy that dangers to avoid in future models of ministry put him in leadership. began in the late ‘70s and significantly training, and will clarify some of the mystery Pulley, who returned to the board in reshaped the nation’s largest non-Catholic of how such a great school could be captured 1992 after already serving an unprecedented denomination. and pillaged.” 12 years as a trustee, was described by Dilday “I was struck by how well (the columns) The cautious and affirmative columns of as “a source of contention at nearly every tell the story of the joys, accomplishments a denominational executive are sandwiched meeting.” Dilday notes the close relationship and disappointments we experienced and between more recent and direct comments of between Pulley, an attorney and deacon a how the seminary family worked together to one considered by sympathetic persons to be Dallas’ First Baptist Church, with then pastor keep Southwestern ‘lashed to the cross,’” a victim of fundamentalist politics. At times W.A. Criswell and associate pastor Paige wrote Dilday in the book’s preface. Dilday refers to individual trustees who Patterson. Dilday said the columns “speak for helped carry out his dismissal by descriptions These two men, of course, were key themselves” and are a “remarkable and some- such as “a Texas lawyer” or “another trustee players in the rightward shift within the SBC times sad chronicle of how the fundamen- from North Carolina” rather than names. in recent decades. And, now, Patterson occu- talist takeover of the SBC from 1978 to 1994 However, he roundly portrays the major- pies the president’s office on the seminary ultimately undermined the world’s largest ity of trustees responsible for his ouster as campus from which Dilday was barred seminary…” incompetent and often unsophisticated. He immediately following his swift termination The book is both history and commen- even describes a scene in which one trustee, a in 1994. BT

Georgia Supreme Court to hear Shorter College appeal over reorganization ROME, Ga. (ABP) — The Georgia without the Georgia Baptist Convention’s accreditation at risk by unduly influencing Supreme Court has agreed to hear Shorter approval. The state Supreme Court will trustees. Convention leaders charge Shorter College’s appeal of a court’s decision in now hear arguments in the case, although President Ed Schrader and trustees with favor of the Georgia Baptist Convention, no court date has been set. trying to remove the Georgia Baptist according to the court clerk’s office Sept. The college transferred its assets to a Convention as the rightful owner of the 14. new foundation in April 2003. The new college. A state appeals court ruled March 17 entity was then named as Shorter College Shrader announced Sept. 16 that he that Shorter College’s dissolution and reor- Inc. will leave Shorter at yearend to serve as ganization that created a self-perpetuating The college has claimed in recent years president of Brenau University in board of trustees last year “cannot stand” that the convention has put the college’s Gainesville, Ga. BT

Baptists Today • November 2004 13 I N F O R M A T I O N Future of society, democracy at stake, Land tells SBC Executive Committee By Tony Cartledge judges.” feet with a stirring call to action. Biblical Recorder Land cited several states in which citizens Welch, pastor of First Baptist Church in have voted to amend their state constitutions Daytona Beach, Fla., recently finished the east- NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — America is to prevent judges from ruling in favor of mar- ern swing of a promotional bus tour in which approaching “the most crucial election process riage between same-sex partners. He said, even he plans to visit all 50 states and Canada in our lifetime,” according to Richard Land, California residents voted against allowing the within 25 travel days. The tour, he said, is one executive director of the Southern Baptist marriage of “girlie men,” with the only demo- of “seven or eight” promotional components Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. graphic favoring same-sex marriage being leading up to the launch of the “Everyone Can Though not explicitly endorsing the re-election people between the ages of 18 and 24. Kingdom Challenge” during the 2005 SBC of President Bush, Land made it clear he “We can do this,” Land said. “The major- meeting in Nashville, Tenn. believes a John Kerry victory would take the ity is with us. We must mobilize our citizens, Welch and other SBC leaders are promot- United States down the wrong path. register them, and get them to vote their val- ing a goal of 1 million baptisms during the Land told the Southern Baptist ues.” 12-month period between the 2005 meeting Convention Executive Committee Sept. 21 Referring to the relatively small ERLC as in Nashville and the 2006 annual meeting in that Americans will choose between a high “the swift boat of the culture wars,” Land also Greensboro, N.C. road and a low road. Choosing the “high road” highlighted the development of the “I Vote This comes after four years of declining could lead to renewal, revival and possibly ref- Values” campaign to register voters, provide baptisms in the SBC, with 377,357 recorded ormation, he said. But choosing the “low road” values-based information about party plat- for 2003. will lead American society into outright sexual forms, and encourage people to vote their Welch said Baptists must stop viewing the paganism, he told the committee at their semi- values. church as a fort and think of it as a forward annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. An “I Vote Values” tractor-trailer outfitted operations base. Welch, a wounded and deco- Claiming the recent Massachusetts by the ERLC has appeared at more than 50 rated Vietnam veteran who served in the Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex venues in 13 states so far, with 20,000 people Special Forces, said a forward operations base marriage is what makes the election so impor- passing through its doors, he said. The effort is not intended to be permanent, but is tant, Land said, “Legalizing same-sex marriage has distributed more than 9,000 “voter tool- designed to facilitate an army’s forward will be the final death blow to marriage as kits” designed to help volunteers register at progress. Soldiers advance from the forward defined by God” and as accepted in Western least 50 voters each, produced half a million operations base, then return to it for rest, society for hundreds of years. platform resource guides, and drawn millions nourishment, medical attention, encourage- And because of the gay-marriage issue, of visitors to the ivotevalues.com and ment and new weapons before going out democracy is also at stake, Land continued. ivotevalues.org websites, Land said. again, Welch said. Americans must choose “whether we will have Earlier in the two-day meeting, in the Likewise, Baptists should think of their government of the people, by the people and mode of a general rallying his troops for battle, churches not as places of retreat but as forward for the people,” or whether government will be Southern Baptist Convention president Bobby operations bases from which they go out to “of the judges, by the judges, and for the Welch brought the Executive Committee to its work for God. BT

“For the time being, that limits our NC church leaves SBC to feel “unencumbered” cooperation with the SBC,” Massey said. GREENSBORO, N.C. (ABP) — First International Mission Board from the Massey said the church is not Baptist Church of Greensboro, N.C., voted church budget. angry, but just wants to move forward Sept. 15 to remove all denominational Massey said the church could still send “unencumbered.” affiliation from its bylaws and cut its last messengers to the SBC annual meeting Massey said the church will evaluate funding for a Southern Baptist Convention because some members designate funds for all its funding as a practice of good stew- agency. The moves effectively end the the SBC’s Lottie Moon offering for ardship. The church will financially church’s formal ties with the SBC. international missions or the Annie Arm- support two missionary families that have About 225 people voted on the issues, strong offering for North American missions. ties to the church, Massey said. said Ken Massey, the church’s pastor. Three The church hasn’t sent messengers to the First Baptist Church in Greensboro is people voted against the bylaw change that SBC’s annual meeting since 1991, he said. one of more than two dozen North took out the reference to cooperation with The change to the bylaws says the Carolina Baptist churches to leave the SBC any specific Baptist group. About 25 voted church’s relationships to other groups “must in recent years — and one of more than against removing funding for the remain free, faithful and mutually edifying.” 100 across the South. BT

14 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N SBC, BWA leaders disagree on appeal to churches

By Trennis Henderson and “We are, of course, all sorry that the Robert Marus SBC will no longer be part of the world NASHVILLE (ABP) — A Baptist World The Betrayal of Southern Alliance fund-raising appeal directed to fellowship they helped Baptist Missionaries by Southern Baptist Convention churches has drawn criticism from Morris Chapman, form.” Southern Baptist Leaders president of the SBC Executive Committee. —Denton Lotz, 1979-2004 In a letter to BWA officials, Chapman claimed the effort violates denominational so,” Chapman added that by John W. Merritt “solicitation of funds from policy. That policy, however, is limited only to A 34-year missionary veteran, SBC-run agencies. The SBC voted to break all our churches fails to honor the con- Merritt writes to clarify who official ties with the worldwide Baptist organiza- vention’s cooperative plan for sends missionaries and under tion in June, redirecting funding to its own supporting missions, and thus, whose authority they live and planned international group. defies the spirit of working work. He deals with the chaos, The policy, included in the SBC’s busi- together with another Baptist confusion and division that SBC ness and financial plan, specifies that “in no body.” fundamentalist leaders have case shall any convention entity approach a Contacted by Associated brought to the SBC and taken church for inclusion in its church budget Baptist Press for comment, into mission work. or appeal for financial contributions.” a BWA spokesperson BWA leaders voluntarily honored that referred to a message that Lotz sent to Chapman in • Unveils their distortion of the policy when the SBC was affiliated with response. theory of biblical inerrancy the BWA. The denomination ended its In it, Lotz notes that the fund-raising letter • Traces their march toward authority over the SBC affiliation with the BWA after an SBC was not sent only to SBC churches, but also to • Documents their deception study committee charged that the group was too other United States congregations in denomina- in foreign missions tions historically affiliated with the BWA. They friendly with some Baptist individuals and organi- • Presents 10 arguments that zations that SBC leaders deemed unorthodox. included churches affiliated with the American the movement is “another The fund-raising letter, signed by BWA presi- Baptist Churches, Progressive National Baptist gospel” dent Billy Kim and General Secretary Denton Lotz Convention and Baptist General Conference. • Appeals to churches to study and dated Aug. 27, addresses the SBC’s charges Lotz said that was because of a recent BWA the movement under and also details the ministry of the Baptist World bylaw change that allows churches, individ- scrutiny of Scriptures Alliance. uals and other Baptist bodies to join • Makes five proposals to The letter notes that a gift of $250 will the organization as “associate mem- churches to enable them make a church an “associate member” of bers.” Only regional or national to regain their autonomy BWA, while a gift of $1,000 will make it a Baptist denominations or under the authority of Christ “Global Impact Church.” associations can be full members • Offers a new vision for In the Sept. 24 response, Chapman wrote, of BWA. a new future for Southern “In attempting to encourage Southern Baptist “A letter of invitation went out Baptists • Calls for churches to churches to include the Baptist World to most all North American “Hear what the Spirit is Alliance in their budgets, you are violating churches, not only SBC saying to the churches” a policy by which our entities abide for the churches,” Lotz said. “We are, sake of Southern Baptist cooperative world of course, all sorry that as of A valuable resource missions. Therefore, on behalf of the Oct. 1, the SBC will no Southern Baptist Convention and its longer be part of the world for church leaders churches, I respectfully ask you to cease immedi- fellowship they helped form. This is a great $14.00 + shipping ately any fund-raising appeals to our churches.” loss for all of us. Acknowledging that “Southern Baptist “We look forward in the years ahead to the Orders: churches are autonomous and can voluntarily sup- day when the SBC will again take its rightful place www.helwys.com or port the BWA financially should they choose to do at the table of Baptists around the world,” Lotz said. BT [email protected]

Baptists Today • November 2004 15 I N F O R M A T I O N Baptist Joint Committee makes name change By Robert Marus The board also voted to enter center around raising funds to build, buy or lease a religious-freedom center some- WASHINGTON (ABP) — The Baptist into a fund-raising campaign that where in Washington. The building would Joint Committee on Public Affairs became house BJC’s offices as well as meeting the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious would culminate in 2006. space for educational and lobbying efforts. Liberty after the agency’s directors A document provided to board mem- approved a name change Sept. 27. issues in which Baptists might be inter- bers says the center would “provide a Holding their annual meeting in ested. Therefore, Massengill said, the name strategic base to protect and advance reli- Washington, D.C., representatives of the change was in order. gious liberty.” national and regional Baptist bodies that The change came about with a revi- For several decades, BJC has rented support the group voted unanimously to sion of the group’s incorporation office space from the Washington office of alter their certificate of incorporation. The documents, as well as its bylaws, to bring the Veterans of Foreign Wars. alterations include the name change, the documents better into line with In other business, the board approved designed to better reflect the BJC’s mission District of Columbia law for non-profit a 2005 budget of $1,096,100. The of advocating for religious freedom and corporations. proposal represents a $33,000 increase church-state separation. Opening the board’s meeting with a over BJC’s 2004 budget. “‘Baptist Joint Committee on Public devotional message, Falls Church, Va., pas- The board also re-elected its current Affairs’ is a relic from the old days when tor Jim Baucom told BJC leaders that officers — Jeffrey Haggray, executive there was possibly more of a public-affairs many Baptists don’t understand or appre- director of the District of Columbia mission [for the organization],” David ciate the concept of church-state Baptist Convention, as chairman; Ray Massengill, chair of the BJC’s bylaw revi- separation anymore. Therefore, Baucom Swatkowski, executive vice president of the sion committee, told board members in said, the organization needs to focus its Baptist General Conference, as vice recommending the change. public message more on advocacy for reli- chairman; and Sue Bennett, a Tulsa The Washington-based group deals gious freedom — and then note that such businesswoman, as secretary. strictly with legal and legislative issues freedom is underpinned by the separation The new BJC bylaws created a regarding the First Amendment’s two reli- of church and state. treasurer position separate from the execu- gion clauses — that ban both government The board also voted to enter into a tive director’s position. To fill that new establishment of religion and government fund-raising campaign that would culmi- slot, the board elected Valoria Cheek, pres- infringement on religious exercise. The nate in 2006, the 70th anniversary of the ident of the American Baptist Extension BJC does not deal with other public-affairs BJC’s founding. The campaign would Corporation, as treasurer. BT Campaign set to mobilize Christians to combat poverty

By Greg Warner told Associated Baptist Press. HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; He referred to the United Nations- ensure environmental sustainability; and NEW YORK (ABP) — Christian leaders approved Millennium Development Goals, develop a global partnership for development. from around the world launched a major adopted by the U.N.’s member countries in The Micah Challenge was initiated by anti-poverty initiative Oct. 15 in New York 2000. Those eight goals represent “kind of a the Micah Network, an association of 260 City with an ambitious goal — to cut world- benign framework [Christians] can get Christian relief and development organiza- wide poverty in half by 2015. behind,” he said, adding, “We’re not asking tions, which recognized the need to “become The campaign — named the Micah them to get into an argument” over which more involved at the political level to support Challenge after the Old Testament prophet of anti-poverty strategies are best. what they are doing on the ground,” justice — represents more than 3 million Central in the international strategy is Smitheram said. The network sought the help congregations worldwide and 260 Christian canceling the debts of Third World countries of the World Evangelical Alliance, the pri- relief and development organizations, includ- and eliminating trade inequities, Smitheram mary international network of evangelical ing the Baptist World Alliance and Baptist said. But even that won’t be enough to cut churches. World Aid. poverty in half, he said. The Baptist World Alliance, through its But those groups don’t plan to fight It will require commitment to all eight General Council, endorsed the Micah poverty alone, said Michael Smitheram of U.N.-adopted goals: to eradicate extreme Challenge Aug. 1, calling Christians to take England, international coordinator for the poverty and hunger; achieve universal pri- “prayerful, practical action in their nations Micah Challenge. Instead, they are “calling mary education; promote gender equality and and communities” and to hold their nations on their [political] leaders to live up to a empower women; reduce child mortality; and global leaders “accountable in securing a promise they have already made,” Smitheram improve maternal health; combat more just and merciful world.” BT 16 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N Louisiana College hires conservative seminary scholar as 8th president

By Greg Warner was asked if he had confidence in the new specifics of the presidential search process, president’s ability to heal tensions at the he did say it was clear at the end of the six- PINEVILLE, La. (ABP) — Trustees of school. month effort that Yarnell was the most Louisiana College announced Sept. 30 that “Dr. Yarnell is a peacemaker,” Tarpley outstanding candidate. The vote reportedly conservative seminary scholar Malcolm responded. “He’s a consensus builder. He’s was divided when trustees met Sept. 24, but Yarnell will be the embattled school’s eighth going to be someone they united behind their choice after the president. who’s going to come in vote. Yarnell, assistant dean of theological and listen to everyone In June, college president Rory Lee studies and associate professor of systemic and do what is best for resigned amid controversy over new policies theology at Southwestern Baptist the students, the faculty that require new faculty members to submit Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and the entire Louisiana a statement outlining their “worldviews,” as was offered the job after a closed-door ses- College community. well as a policy forcing faculty members to sion of trustees Sept. 24. “And I think, with have all classroom materials approved by the “Today is a great day for the college,” all those characteristics, academic dean. emphasized Ed Tarpley of Pineville, who he’ll be able to come in Malcolm Yarnell Another policy adopted recently headed the presidential search committee. and start the healing process and move requires a committee of trustees to approve “Malcolm Yarnell is an outstanding Louisiana College forward,” Tarpley said. the contract before a new faculty member theologian and teacher. He has a love for Tarpley rejected the idea when asked if can be hired. That policy, reportedly unique students and faculty, and he is truly a man there were concerns that Southwestern among Baptist colleges, is similar to one that all Louisiana Baptists can be proud of.” Seminary and its president — longtime con- criticized by the college’s accrediting agency The college’s trustee board has been servative leader Paige Patterson — will exert in 2001. divided between the conservative majority undue influence on Louisiana College Many faculty members have protested and a moderate minority, and the school is matters. the policies, saying they endanger academic now under investigation by its accrediting “Dr. Yarnell is his own man,” Tarpley freedom. Conservative board members agency, the Southern Association of Colleges stressed. He will be making his own deci- have defended the policies as necessary to and Schools. Trustee chair Joe Nesom sions. He is a man of great character and maintain the school’s fidelity to its Baptist resigned June 27 as fellow trustees prepared wisdom and maturity. He is very well edu- roots. to remove him from office. Nesom cated and has outstanding qualifications and Yarnell, an advocate for the conservative denounced “unwise unilateral actions taken great experience. There is no question that movement in the SBC, has written articles by certain board members.” Dr. Yarnell will be someone who will chart arguing for closer governance of Christian At a news conference announcing his own course at Louisiana College.” colleges by local churches and against self- Yarnell’s decision to accept the post, Tarpley And while Tarpley declined to discuss perpetuating trustee boards. BT

will remain members at Bellevue. Adrian Rogers to retire but remain at Bellevue Bellevue, with more than 28,000 mem- bers, is one of the nation’s largest Southern CORDOVA, Tenn. (ABP) — Adrian “I’ve got a short list of men I think Baptist congregations. And Rogers is Rogers, prominent pastor and leader of would make fine candidates,” Rogers said at arguably one of the most recognizable names Southern Baptist conservatives, has a press conference. “I’m not going in Baptist life. He was three times announced he will retire next year from the to hand-select the man who’ll elected president of the Southern church he has led for 32 years — but that follow me, but I’ll stand close by Baptist Convention — the first in he’ll remain close at hand. to make sure there aren’t any 1979, launching a succession of Rogers, pastor of Bellevue Baptist mistakes.” conservative presidents that took Church in Cordova, Tenn., a suburb of Although Rogers did not give control of the largest non-Catholic Memphis, announced his plans to the a specific date as his last day, he denomination and reshaped it congregation Sunday, Sept. 12, his 73rd said his target for retirement is in around biblical inerrancy and birthday. the spring. The church’s goal is to conservative social values. According to the Memphis Commercial have a replacement by the time of Adrian Rogers He is seen nationwide on his Appeal, he promised to watch the selection his departure. “Love Worth Finding” broadcasts. In addi- of his replacement closely. In addition, Rogers said he and his wife tion, he has authored numerous books. BT

Baptists Today • November 2004 17 I N F O R M A T I O N WMU of Virginia leaders oppose devaluing of women in ministry

By Robert Dilday heritage. Empowered by our mission, values came to the conclusion that they must say Religious Herald and heritage, we pledge to support all something. As one of our trustees said, people, especially women and girls, as they silence is consent.” RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Leaders of live out their diverse and unlimited voca- Pat Bloxom, a Mappsville, Va., lay- Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia have tions. Through the study and exposition of woman who serves as WMUV’s president, adopted a declaration endorsing the “diverse Scripture, public advocacy, mentorship, called women “servant leaders.” and unlimited” Christian vocations of networking, inclusive language, careful “They are the backbone of the church women and “rejecting” both the Southern dialogue, proactive speech, seminary schol- in many cases,” she said. “We have been Baptist Convention’s official opposition to arships and influence on pastoral search waiting for someone to speak out on this women pastors and the refusal of the committees and nominating boards, we will [devaluing of women’s roles in church].” denomination’s North American Mission encourage and continue to develop the Bloxom said enthusiasm for the Board to endorse women as military and leadership of women and girls in all spheres declaration was strong among WMUV’s prison chaplains. and at all levels of church life.” trustees and advisory board members. The “Declaration of the Dignity of The 130-year-old WMUV is a Virginia “It became apparent as we discussed it Women” was unanimously approved Sept. Baptist women’s organization that provides that they were eager not only to vote for it 11 by Virginia WMU’s board of trustees and missions education and training to adults, but to sign it,” she said. “We only had three its advisory board during their annual meet- youth, children and preschoolers of both places for signatures — for the presi- ing at CrossRoads Camp and Conference genders. It is an affiliate of the national dent, vice president and Center near Lowesville, Va. WMU, which is an auxiliary to the SBC, executive director. But Speaking “at a time when the leadership but WMUV is governed independently they all said, ‘We want of women has been devalued and sup- by its 14-member board of trustees to sign this, too.’ So pressed,” the leaders declared: and 68-member advisory board. we turned the page — “That we reject all blanket discrimi- WMUV’s president serves on over and they put nation against women in the work of national WMU’s board. their signatures on the Christian ministry, in particular as elaborated The Virginia WMU works back.” in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.” The closely in mission and training The declaration Southern Baptist Convention’s confession of ventures with the Baptist General emphasizes WMUV’s faith, as revised in 2000, maintains that Association of Virginia, which “prophetic conviction” Scripture limits the office of pastor to men. officially regards the issue in speaking against the — “That we reject the findings and of women pastors as a devaluing of women. policy of the North American Mission local church matter. “In this Kingdom Board with regard to the non-endorsement But the BGAV is work, we are not of women in chaplaincy positions.” arguably the state activists but leaders and The NAMB voted last February to Baptist convention prophets, calling the cease endorsing women for chaplain posi- most open to women Church toward its true, tions “where the role and function of the ministers, who regularly original and best chaplain would be seen the same as that of a serve as officers of the identity,” it says. “As pastor.” That apparently included all mili- convention and its women, our call to tary and prison chaplains, but not those pastors conference, and leadership is the Great serving in hospitals or industrial settings. are frequent preachers at Commission of Jesus Chaplains typically are required to be statewide meetings. Christ; our guide is endorsed by a denominational entity. The “The women of Virginia have the Holy Spirit of NAMB is the Southern Baptist Convention always seen themselves as leaders in God; our heritage is endorser. the church,” Earlene Jessee, executive scriptural, ancient and living; — “That we reject any devaluation of director of WMUV, told the Religious our crisis is urgent and our women worldwide.” Herald, newsjournal of the BGAV. “But declaration is firm: ‘Your sons and The document notes: “Our declaration in recent years they have seen the role of daughters will prophesy’ (Joel 2:28, is that women are leaders in the church, women in the church devalued and no Acts 2:17).” called by God, commissioned by Christ, led one has stood to speak against the The full text of the declaration may be by the Holy Spirit, with a strong, noble devaluing. In discussing that, our women read at www.wmu-va.org. BT 18 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N Georgia church with female co-pastor leaves association over adoption of 2000 BF&M

By Robert Marus messengers defeated by a similar margin an aimed at excluding any particular church, but amendment that would have prevented any that the association had the right to set its ROME, Ga. (ABP) — North Broad Baptist churches from being dismissed from the asso- doctrinal parameters. Church in Rome, Ga., has left the Floyd ciation in the future simply because they did “People are changing what they believe, County Baptist Association after the group not adhere to the statement. and why would we expect any less from our adopted a statement of faith that, among In response, North Broad members pre- integrity?” said David Harper, pastor of other things, bans female pastors. sented a letter of resignation to the Rome’s Hollywood Baptist Church, according Members of the church reportedly left association, thus ending the church’s 112- to the Rome News-Tribune. “This could lead the association’s annual meeting the evening year-old affiliation with the body. us down a slippery slope.... We could end up of Sept. 27, shortly after their fellow messen- “I’m not sure how I feel right now,” seeing the Nudist Baptist Church or the gers voted to adopt the 2000 revision of the Katrina Brooks said after the vote, according Homosexual Baptist Church.” Baptist Faith and Message as the association’s to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I don’t But North Broad member Carla official doctrinal statement. understand how an individual church’s deci- Moldavan, a professor at nearby Berry In November of 2003, the church called sion on who its pastor will be could affect the College, said the church’s decision to call the a husband-and-wife team to serve as its co- ministry that the church belongs to. That’s Brooks was God-led. “We didn’t go out to senior pastors. Shortly after Katrina and Tony not a part of my framework. stir up trouble. We made this decision with Brooks began ministering at North Broad, the “I’d like to hope they prayed about it and much prayer and thought,” she said, accord- association’s executive board recommended considered it, but they obviously felt North ing to the News-Tribune. “There are adoption of the faith statement, which says Broad’s presence was tainting their associa- wonderful, incredible people in Floyd the office of senior pastor is for men only. tion,” she continued. County, and I thought there was a chance Messengers to the association voted 428- But other messengers reportedly argued they would understand. I might have been 130 to adopt the statement. Earlier, that the adoption of the statement was not too optimistic.” BT

Baptists Today • November 2004 19 P E R S P E C T I V E b a c k - r o w b i r d i e By the rivers in Babylon By Keith D. Herron

irdie, how’s your granddaughter? went down to Egypt for a few hundred Psalm 137: ‘By the rivers of Babylon, there “ Didn’t I hear her unit got shipped years. Isn’t that when Moses freed the slaves we sat down and wept when we remem- Bout to Iraq?” and led them into the desert?” bered Zion. Upon the willows we hung our “That’s right! I’m mighty proud of “So far, you get an A+ in Jewish history! harps. Our captors demanded songs from us Amber for having the guts to sign up, but Any ideas about what happened next?” and taunted us: Sing us one of the songs of I’m not happy about her actually going over “Gosh, I don’t like how this conversa- Zion! And all we could think was, How can there. The nightly news reminds me too tion has turned into a chance for you to we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?’” much of Vietnam. The color palette on the gloat! I remember they wandered around in “Wow, Preacher! That’s exactly how I nightly news has changed from jungle green the desert until all the gripers died off, and feel about this mess in Iraq. When I think to sand tan, but the rest of it is downright then they whipped all the tribes who were of my little Amber over there carrying an eerie.” squatting on their land. I’m not sure they automatic weapon and wearing body armor “Birdie,” I asked gingerly, “we’ve sent really had the deed in their pockets, but so she doesn’t get killed, it makes me want troops in the past all over the globe, but it’s they whipped them anyway ‘cause God told to sit down and cry. It must have been never been like this. How do you handle them to. Does that have anything to do something awful to be torn from your watching the news knowing Amber’s headed with what’s happening in Israel today?” homes and led like slaves out into the mid- there?” “Birdie, you’re good at connecting the dle of the desert to spend the rest of your “Preacher, you don’t know the half of it. dots, but maybe foreign political history is days as someone’s pitiful slave.” When Amber was over to the house last not the best application of your many gifts! “Birdie, maybe we’re living in another week, the news came on and I knew imme- If you keep going in this story, you’ll time such as that. Maybe we’re being carried diately we were looking at the same stuff but undoubtedly get to the parts of the Old off in captivity again.” seeing it from two totally different points of Testament where the prophets emerged as “Another Babylonian captivity? I never view. I saw the terror and the tragedy of it, the voice of God trying to get Israel to act thought of it like that.” and all she saw was the nobility of protect- and do more like they were God’s people. “Sure, it’s true we weren’t whipped but ing our homeland. The muscles in her jaw When the people refused to change their we’ve sure been leading our young over there tightened up, and my tear glands loosened. ways, God allowed them to be conquered and dropping them off in a war we don’t Sometimes we talk about it, but most of the and carried off into captivity. That’s mod- know how to end. There’s more and more of time we just sit there silently immersed in ern-day Babylon! We’re traipsing around on them dying over there, and the place looks silence. It’s plain we can’t talk about it with- land the Jews endured while in captivity. like a powder keg with a short fuse. Is it out arguing whether it’s right to be over Took them a generation or two before they possible it could get worse?” there.” were released. In fact, it was such a tough “Preacher, be careful how you say this Birdie was suddenly moved to tears, time, the poetry of that day is absolutely stuff. No one liked a prophet back then, and and we stood there in our own awkward startling. How about these words from I doubt anyone wants one now. We like our silence. preachers better when they stick It was left to me to break to the Big Book and leave poli- the silence. “Funny how ironic tics at the door. We like our all this is … I was reading in sweet Jesus to mind his own the Old Testament the other business so we can mind ours.” day about the Babylonian cap- “I’ll bet the prophets tivity, and suddenly it dawned muttered the same thing when on me that our troops are walk- God told them to speak to the ing on holy ground. Spooky people.” really when you think about it.” “Now I have two soldiers “Rev, you’re preaching to worry about.” BT from the backside of the Old Testament I’ve never really understood. I can’t seem to — Keith D. Herron is pastor keep all the enemies and slaver- of Holmeswood Baptist Church ies straight. Seems I know they in Kansas City, Mo. Illustration by Scott Brooks 20 Baptists Today • November 2004 2004 Formations Commentary Bible Study resources for the adult Formations lessons available from Smyth & Helwys Publishing (www.helwys.com)

LESSONS FOR: For Jesus, being prepared did not something that gives you purpose and Sunday, Dec. 5-26, mean studying the signs or the prophecies, meaning.” 2004 watching for specific events to happen in While Morrie was not a Christian Written by Pam Durso, the world or plotting out numbers and teacher or even a Christian, his words associate director of timelines. For Jesus, being prepared meant remind me of those spoken by Jesus in the Baptist History and offering compassion to the needy, giving Matthew 24. Like Jesus, Morrie placed Heritage Society in help to those struggling and living in peace great emphasis on living with expectation Brentwood, Tenn. with everyone. In other teaching passages, and on being prepared for the end of life Dec. 5, 2004 Jesus taught that being prepared meant on earth. Like Jesus, Morrie also saw a daily trusting God, sharing God’s message connection between being prepared and Just another Sunday of grace with the world, and loving neigh- the treatment of others. Morrie knew that Matthew 24:36-44 bors and enemies. caring for others, meeting the needs of One of my favorite books has a similar those in pain, and loving friends, neighbors Near the end of his life, Jesus gave his dis- message about being prepared. Tuesdays and even strangers would bring great ciples a lesson on what the end of time with Morrie tells the story of Morrie meaning to life. would be like. He talked of signs and Schwartz, a retired university professor While I love the story of Morrie’s rela- prophecies, described the kingdom of who is dying of amyotrophic lateral sclero- tionship with his student, and while I find heaven, and spoke of preparing for the day sis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). In 1995, as his great challenge in reading the lessons he and hour of his second coming. disease was progressing and his death near- shared with Mitch, I am always struck by The teaching passage found in ing, Morrie spent several hours each one missing element — hope. In Jesus’ Matthew 24-25 has long intrigued the Tuesday with a former student. After teachings, preparedness is tied to the hope Christian community, and scholars and Morrie’s death, that student, Mitch Albom, for future, the hope of life beyond this laypersons alike have spent much time wrote of the many lessons he learned from earthly life, the hope of being with God. reading and studying Jesus’ words. Some his teacher, and one of those lessons was Jesus was not only preparing his listeners have even spent their lives trying to on being prepared. for death, but he was also preparing them unravel the mystery of Jesus’ second com- Morrie told Mitch: “Everyone knows for a new life with him. ing. Yet, Jesus’ words in these chapters were they’re going to die, but nobody believes it. Two thousands years later, Jesus’ mes- not meant as a challenge to his followers to If we did, we would do things differently. sage remains unchanged. He calls us to be figure out the exact day and hour. His … To know you’re going to die, and to be ready, to be prepared, and he requires that words were meant as a challenge to live in prepared for it at any time. That’s better. we offer compassion to the needy, give expectation and preparation for his return. That way you can actually be more help to the struggling, live in peace, share Jesus noted that neither he nor the involved in your life while you’re living.” God’s message of grace, and love our angels had a clue about the scheduled end The student then asked the obvious neighbors and enemies. of the world. He followed this declaration question about how to prepare to die. with a few examples of the surprising way Morrie answered: “Every day, have a little Dec. 12, 2004 in which people involved in everyday activ- bird on your shoulder that asks, ‘Is today ities would suddenly be taken from the the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need When good news earth, while other people would be left. He to do? Am I being the person I want to then offered these words: “Therefore, you be?’” is bad news also must be ready” (24:44). For Morrie, being prepared meant Matthew 3:1-12 Being prepared was Jesus’ central stripping away all of life’s clutter and focus- message on that day of teaching the crowd. ing on the essentials. Later, on another Recently, while, I was listening to National Later that day he offered illustrations about Tuesday, Morrie talked to Mitch about Public Radio, I heard Garrison Keillor read how his followers could ready themselves finding meaning in life. The teacher a poem by Jeanne Marie Beaumont titled for his return. He called them to meet advised: “Devote yourself to loving others, “Afraid So.” The poem consists of 34 the needs of the hungry, the naked, the devote yourself to your community around questions, and the implied answer to each imprisoned and the sick. you, and devote yourself to creating question is “Afraid So.” The first few

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. F O R M A T I O N S C O M M E N T A R Y questions are ones we have all asked: “Is it have wondered if following Jesus would comfort in those words, or would they starting to rain? Did the check bounce? Are result in their suffering and perhaps even frighten you? we out of coffee?” But as the list of ques- dying. Jesus’ message again sounded more Joseph heard those words following his tions progresses, the questions become like bad news than good news. decision to renounce quietly his marriage more painful: “Is the bone broken? Will I So what are we to do with all this bad arrangement with Mary. Joseph knew in have to put him to sleep? Was the car news? Is there any good news to be found? his heart that Mary’s dilemma was not of totaled? Was the gun loaded? Could this Or, do the messages of John and Jesus his making, and he determined that her cause side effects? Can it get any worse?” conclude with the terribly painful words well-being should no longer be his respon- By the time Keillor had finished read- “Afraid So.” sibility. Yet, he compassionately decided ing this brief poem, I was disturbed and Look back at John’s message in that while he could not marry her, he even a bit depressed. So much bad news Matthew 3. John finally offered his listen- could not publicly humiliate her either. was in that short poem, and so many of ers some good news (v. 11). He told the With the decision made, Joseph settled the questions were all too familiar. Bad crowd gathered around him that the down for a nap, only to be rudely awak- news seems to dominate the headlines and Messiah was coming and that God’s ened by a messenger from God: “Do not our conversations. Bad news surrounds and messenger would soon arrive and bring be afraid!” These same words appear sometimes suffocates us. cleansing and healing to those who were repeatedly in the Luke birth narratives. When John the Baptist began his min- prepared to hear his message. Although this Messengers from God said these words istry in the wilderness of Judea, he good news contained some hard words of to Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds. preached bad news. He called people to judgment, it was still good news. The good When an angel of the Lord appeared in the repent, telling them time was short and the news was that Jesus was on his way. Jesus temple and spoke to Zechariah, these kingdom of heaven was near. He pointed was coming, and in the verse following the words were the first ones spoken to the eld- fingers at the religious leaders and called conclusion of John’s sermon, Jesus showed erly fatherless priest (Luke 1:12). When the them vipers. He chided them for depend- up! Jesus asked John for baptism and then angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to inform ing on their ancestors’ faith instead of began his ministry among the people. her she had been chosen to bear a son who developing their own faith. He roared Look back at Jesus’ preaching. In John would become the savior of the world, words about cutting down all unproductive 14, Jesus shared good news with his disci- Gabriel first spoke words of greeting and trees and throwing them into the blazing ples. He assured them of the security of affirmation to her and then said, “Do not fire. He proclaimed that the wheat and their future with him: “Do not let your be afraid” (Luke 1:30). When an angel chaff would soon be separated and that the hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also spoke to a group of shepherds sitting chaff would burn in an unquenchable fire. in me. In my Father’s house are many around a campfire on a hill outside John’s words were not meant to bring rooms; if it were not so, I would have told Bethlehem, the first words they heard were, comfort or reassurance. They were hard you. I am going there to prepare a place for “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10). words, frightening words. The message he you.” And then Jesus offered them reassur- Each time these words were spoken by brought from God surely did not sound like ance: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I a messenger of God, the hearers must have good news to those who heard him preach. give you. I do not give to you as the world wondered what was about to happen to Like John, Jesus’ sermons often con- gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, them. They must have been frightened and tained bad news, repeating the themes and do not be afraid.” anxious. Perhaps they were even startled preached by John. Matthew 23 recounts a In this much loved chapter of the when they heard these words, words that sermon in which Jesus called the religious Bible, Jesus presented a message of hope to must have seemed almost ludicrous given leaders hypocrites, fools, blind men, dirty those who had the faith to hear his words the circumstances. Imagine Joseph, a dishes, whitewashed tombs and serpents. and the perseverance to follow his com- sleepy, rumpled man waking up to He rebuked their superficial attempts at mands. It was good news. His words are encounter a heavenly being. Hearing “Do religious living and threatened to block still good news. “Afraid so” was not and is not be afraid” most likely did not calm his heaven’s entrance so they could not enter. not the message of Jesus. Rather, his mes- nerves or end his fear. Experiencing an He warned them that they were bound for sage to us is “Do not be afraid.” encounter with a messenger from God hell and that there was no escape for them. would have been scary, and receiving a Surely his listeners could find no good message from God would have been even Dec. 19, 2004 news in these harsh words spoken by Jesus. more frightening. Even Jesus’ words to his own disciples “Let heaven and earth Yet, these words of reassurance were sometimes seemed like bad news. Jesus told spoken. Even though Joseph may not have his followers: “If any man would come combine” realized it, they were needed words, words that were meant to give comfort and hope after me, let him deny himself and take up Matthew 1:18-25 his cross and follow me. For whoever not only in that one moment, but also in would save his life will lose it, and whoever Just imagine that an angel appeared in your the days and years to come. loses his life for my sake will find it” bedroom, waking you from a deep sleep, Throughout the remainder of his life, (16:24-25). These words must have fright- and the first words spoken by the angel the importance of these words would be ened even Jesus’ closest friends, who must were, “Do not be afraid.” Would you find made clear to Joseph. The events that 22 Baptists Today • November 2004 F O R M A T I O N S C O M M E N T A R Y followed this encounter with an angel were ily gold, frankincense and myrrh. Much thanksgiving to the magi. For both Mary often difficult. Joseph, by changing his has been written about the symbolic nature and Joseph, the arrival of respected, edu- decision about Mary and taking her as his of these gifts, but rarely have I heard much cated men and the receipt of expensive gifts wife, ensured that his life would have more talk about the intentions of the gift givers must have been a bit overwhelming. Yet, than its share of pain, fear and uncertainty. or about what the gifts meant to Mary and this experience must have given them con- In time, he may have recognized that the Joseph or about the practical nature of the fidence that somehow all the things that angel’s words of reassurance were meant gifts. had happened were truly the work of God. not only for that decision but also for each Look back at the story. The magi dis- For Mary, the arrival of the magi and day of his life. “Do not be afraid” were covered through their study that a special their presentation of gifts must have words of support for the hard days, for the child had been born. This child was the affirmed that the words spoken to her ear- days of doubt, for the days of fear and Christ, whose birth had been predicted lier by the angel were not a dream, that her uncertainty. God’s messenger had given long before by Hebrew prophets. The magi newborn son was truly the promised mes- Joseph a lifetime gift of encouragement set out to find this child, embarking on a siah, and that God was surely present with and a life-long promise of divine presence. dangerous, bewildering journey that led her and would continue to be present. Joseph responded to these words and them to the palace of King Herod. There Joseph must have felt similarly affirmed by the instructions that followed by obeying. they revealed their findings to the king and the magi’s coming and their presentation of He asked no questions and demonstrated asked for help in locating this newborn gifts. For this young couple, the gifts were no hesitation. In faith, he simply obeyed. Christ. more than symbolic of the kingly nature of His soon-to-be relative Zechariah, however, Herod took seriously their belief that their son. The gifts were reminders of had a few questions and expressed doubt such a child had been born, but rather God’s love for them. about the message he received from the than give them help, he ordered them to Shortly after presenting their gifts, the angel. Joseph’s soon-to-be bride also had a track down the baby and report back con- magi left to return home. Realizing that few questions for the angel about the cerning the child’s location. Once the magi King Herod was not sincere in his desire to possibility of her conception. set off on their mission to Bethlehem, worship the Christ-child, the magi avoided Yet, in the end, Joseph, Zechariah and Herod plotted to track down this baby the royal palace and took an alternate route Mary all experienced the faithfulness of himself and to have the child killed. Before home. Meanwhile, God revealed to Joseph God. They were blessed by the birth of he could implement his plot, however, the that his family must flee Bethlehem to healthy children. They experienced affirma- magi succeeded in their mission. They escape Herod’s plans, so Joseph packed up tion and support from friends and arrived in Bethlehem and located the baby. Mary and Jesus and headed to Egypt, tak- neighbors — if shepherds and the magi can Upon seeing the Christ-child, these great ing with them the gold, frankincense and be counted as friends and neighbors. As learned, scholarly men dropped to their myrrh. recipients of words of reassurance, Joseph, knees, worshipping Jesus, and then they Although the family was forced to Zechariah and Mary experienced the power offerd their treasures to the baby. move quickly to a new, unknown land, of God’s presence and lived daily with the I have often wondered if the magi, they were not destitute. They had the gifts knowledge of God’s love for them and when they set out on their journey, took from the magi. I like to think that Mary God’s faithfulness toward them. along these expensive treasures to present and Joseph used these treasures to support “Do not be afraid” continues to be a to the Christ-child. Maybe they did, but I themselves while they settled into a new message for the people of God. While like to think they took along the gold, home. The gifts then would have become angels do not often bring the message to us frankincense and myrrh to finance their practical means of support for two directly, this message comes to us through trip. They knew they might be on the road people who had followed God’s leading the biblical text, through the words of for months, and they needed to take along despite their encounters with humiliation, God’s messengers here on earth, and some first-century travelers’ checks to cover discomfort and danger. The gifts served as through the love and kindness of family their expenses. Their treasures were not practical reminders of God’s care giving, and friends. As it was for Joseph, “Do not meant to be gifts for the baby they were faithfulness and provision. be afraid” is a message meant to reassure us seeking. Yet, when they encountered the The lessons learned by the magi and today and to comfort us throughout our Christ-child, when they stood in the pres- by Mary and Joseph are lessons God con- lives. ence of the Son of God, they fell down and tinues to teach today. Spontaneous and worshipped and then spontaneously pre- joyous giving will and should occur when sented their earthly treasures to this people encounter Christ. Signs of God’s Dec. 26, 2004 heavenly king. Their giving was an act of love for us often come in unexpected forms A gift for a king worship. Perhaps it was not a pre-planned from unexpected people. And while follow- gift-giving ceremony, but rather an ing God’s lead down frightening and Matthew 2:1-12 unplanned gesture of love. dangerous paths may not ensure that we Matthew’s is the only Gospel that offers us Mary and Joseph, on Jesus’ behalf, receive gold, frankincense and myrrh, the story of magi wandering in from the received these generous gifts, and while following God does mean we will be the East, bringing three gifts meant for a king. Matthew did not record their expressions beneficiaries of God’s care giving, faithful- These magi presented to Jesus and his fam- of gratitude, surely they spoke words of ness and provision. BT Baptists Today • November 2004 23 R E S O U R C E S

Brought to you this month 2004 by Hugh Kinard The Resource Page ... creative and practical ideas The challenges of teaching adults

eaching adults presents challenges in most Recommended Resources any setting, but it may be an even more complex assignment in a church. There 32 Ways to Become a Great Sunday School Teacher, Delia Halverson T Activities for Teacher Training, Elaine M. Ward are logical reasons for this: Basic Teacher Skills: Handbook for Church School Teachers, Richard E. Rusbuldt • Most teachers in church settings are not specially Being an Effective Teacher, Robert G. Davidson trained as educators. Their knowledge of teaching Creative Ideas for Teaching, Mary Nelson Keithahn is gleaned primarily from what they have Creative Teaching Methods: Be an Effective Teacher, Marlene D. LeFever observed and experienced. Effective Teaching and Mentoring, Larent A. Daloz • Many think of teaching only in terms of Fostering Critical Reflection in Adulthood, Jack Mezirow and Associates “telling.” Although there are occasions when the Help! I’m a Sunday School Teacher, Ray Johnson Learning Styles: Reaching Everyone God Gave You to Teach, Marlene D. LeFever lecture method may be appropriate for a certain Planning for Teaching Church School, Donald L. Griggs phase of a study, those times are rare. When Teaching the Bible to Adults and Youth, Dick Murray teachers do all of the talking, the focus is on Teaching for Faith: A Guide for Teachers of Adult Classes, Richard Robert Osmer them rather than on the learners. Teaching and Learning in Communities of Faith: Empowering Adults Through Religious Education, Linda J. Vogel • Our society assumes that childhood is the time Teaching Teachers to Teach, Donald L. Griggs for learning and that when we reach adulthood, The Craft of Christian Teaching: Essentials for Becoming a Very Good Teacher, Israel Galindo we probably know all we need to know. Transforming Bible Study, Walter Wink • Adults like to think of themselves as independ- ent, self-motivated and autonomous. Putting • Never stop learning and improving your skills. as parents guide their children to learn to ourselves into the role of learners may lessen our You will not become an expert on any one skill perform certain tasks. sense of maturity, adequacy and completeness. right away, but you can improve your abilities by • Rather than devoting attention to what you say • Opening ourselves to the possibility of learning focusing on one or two areas at a time. and do during instruction, focus on what the can be threatening to some. Maturity, however, • Stir interest in or curiosity about the areas to be pupils are led to think, feel, discover or ask in includes a willingness to admit there are some explored. order to learn for themselves. Moving the focus things we don’t know. • Determine what the pupils already know related in the teaching/learning process to the pupils • Some adults are sensitive when talking about to the learning objective at hand. does not place less importance upon your role as spiritual learning and growth. Our vocabulary • Be sensitive enough to detect opportunities for teacher, instructor or facilitator. In fact, the work seems limited when it comes to talking about significant learning encounters. and responsibility are greatly expanded. those things we cannot see and/or pertain to our • Don’t assume which needs might be met by a • Formulate procedures that will reinforce the inner experiences. given study. Listen to the questions asked and learning. responses to various ideas to learn about the • Evaluate progress toward learning goals and plan Effective approaches interests and concerns of each participant. Note appropriate next steps or follow-up. to teaching adults the more frequently expressed needs and address Summary The activity of teaching is so general in our society them when the best opportunity arises. that most people can successfully carry out the task • Create learning activities appropriate to the learn- Learning is exciting, even for teachers. And if if they are willing to grow and learn “on the job.” ers’ level of development that will permit them to teachers can’t get excited about their own learning, Following are effective approaches to directing or discover and learn for themselves. how can they become interested in the learning of influencing the learning of adults: • Remember that learning is a lifelong process. someone else? • Talk with respected teachers about the special Adults are continually developing spiritually, and After all, if the pupils have not experienced dimensions and considerations of teaching adults. development is often slow and gradual. On learning, there has been no teaching. Regardless of • Consult some of many good resources on plan- almost any topic, there are opportunities for the activities conducted, if learners have not ning and conducting suitable learning activities. deepening our understanding, insight or level of appropriated some new information, fact, • Take advantage of excellent teacher training concern. understanding, skill or insight, there has been no opportunities for lay leaders. • Learn how to direct the learning of pupils — just teaching. BT

THE RESOURCE PAGE 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 Hugh Kinard, a retired educator living in Smyrna, Ga., and a member of Marietta First Baptist Church. 24 Baptists Today • November 2004 C L A S S I F I E D S

Mount Zion Baptist Church of Macon, The First Baptist Church of Frederick, Ga., a historical church approaching Md., is seeking a minister of Capital Stewardship Services its 175th anniversary in 2007, is now worship. We are looking for an Need capital resources? receiving résumés for senior pastor. energetic, team-oriented individual Experienced consultants will We are seeking an experienced with demonstrated expertise and help you develop a customized minister of the gospel with strong passion for both traditional worship, campaign to meet your specific leadership skills and a heart for the which includes an adult choir, and fundraising needs. Contact people of the community of faith to contemporary worship, which Resource Churches at help lead our church to the next step includes a praise band. FBC Frederick (800) 659-7445 or in its bright history. This man of God is a fast-growing church located in a www.resourcechurches.com for needs to possess effective preaching fast-growing area within 50 miles of a free brochure or consultation. skills and be able to work with and both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. love people of all ages. Weekly atten- We cooperate with the Southern dance averages 300. Mount Zion is Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Stewardship affiliated with SBC and CBF. If inter- Baptist Fellowship and the Baptist Will your annual stewardship ested, mail résumé to: Chairman of Convention of Maryland/Delaware. emphasis help your members Pastor Search Committee, Mount We offer both traditional and contem- discover The Giving Life? Order a Zion Baptist Church, 7501 Rivoli Rd., porary worship, and plan to relocate comprehensive set of materials Macon, GA 31210. in the next few years to a 38-acre for your annual stewardship site three miles from the present emphasis — posters, worship downtown location. We seek to be handouts, Bible study lessons, Crosscreek Baptist Church “Light Unleashed” — a church dramas, commitments cards, (www.crosscreekbaptist.org), a litur- whose life and good works are so offering envelopes and sermon gical and informal moderate church compelling to the world around it resources. For a free emphasis family of about 150 active members that the community is drawn to God guide, contact Resource Churches located in Alabama’s fastest growing through its irresistible influence. For at (800) 659-7445 or county just south of Birmingham, more information about the church, www.resourcechurches.com. announces an opening for pastor. visit www.firstfrederick.org. Send Salary commensurate with experi- inquiries and résumés to: Dr. Larry ence and education. Respond to: Eubanks, 217 Dill Ave., Frederick, MD For rent: Water Lily #45, Coast Pastor Search Committee, 600 21701 or [email protected]. Cottages, St. Simons Island, Ga. Crosscreek Trail, Pelham, AL 35124 or 5-year-old Victorian vacation [email protected]. home. 3 BR/3 BA. Sleeps 8-10. Minister to Adults: McLean Baptist Complete furnishings. Delightful Church, McLean, Va., affiliated with decor. 3 porches overlooking First Baptist Church Albany, Ga., is the CBF, seeks candidates with marsh. Community pool/pavilion. searching for the senior pastor 7-plus years experience on a church 1/2 block to private beach whom God has chosen to lead us staff and strong talents in Christian entrance. $1500/week/fall. into the future. We are looking for education. Résumés and letters will $1200/week/winter 3-night min. someone with strong preaching and be accepted until Nov. 15. Email Monthly discounts. Contact: teaching abilities, a dedicated soul [email protected] or fax Jackie Riley (478) 471-9274 or winner with a minimum of five years (703) 356-8091. Direct questions to Ga. Coast Realty (800) 638-1144. experience as a pastor, to lead our James Henderson at (202) 857-2333. congregation of approximately 450 For details on this position, visit (average attendance). First Baptist www.mcleanbaptist.org. Albany has had a historical affiliation For rent: Beautiful 2 BR/2 BA with the Southern Baptist guest house at Lake Junaluska, Convention. Please prayerfully con- Trinity Baptist Church of Moultrie, N.C. Completely furnished includ- sider whether God is calling you for Ga., a church affiliated with both ing 42-foot porch with swing and this position and send your résumé the SBC and the CBF, is seeking a rocking chairs and a view of the to: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. minister to students and families. Blue Ridge Mountains. $450/ Box 67 Albany, GA 31702 or Mail résumés to: Dr. Michael Helms, week. 3-day min. $295. [email protected]. For 201 Twelfth Ave. SE, Moultrie, GA Contact: [email protected] or additional information, visit 31768. (828) 456-4887. www.firstbaptistalbany.org. Read about it in Baptists Today DISCUSS IT AT www.BaptistLife.com

MASTER YOUR CALLING AT SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY. Convenient and challenging master’s degree program in communication offered entirely online. For details, visit www.arbor.edu/communication or call (800) 968-0011, ext. 1491. Baptists Today • November 2004 25 I N F O R M A T I O N Members of Congress, Presbyterian Church differ on policy in Middle East, Israel (RNS) — More than a dozen members of “The Presbyterian Church has both Israelis and Palestinians,” he wrote in a Congress and an official of the Presbyterian three-page letter. Church (USA) have recently exchanged knowingly gone on record calling Kirkpatrick added that the start of the letters related to their differences on Middle process of “phased, selective divestment” East policy. for jeopardizing the existence from some companies working in Israel “was In a mid-September letter, the members not taken lightly” and said it was “the occu- of Congress criticized actions at the General of the State of Israel.” pation, not our move to consider Assembly of the denomination this summer. divestment” that threatens Israel’s existence. “The Presbyterian Church has know- understands the Israeli-Palestinian conflict He added that he would welcome the ingly gone on record calling for jeopardizing and called the proposal for divestiture “irre- opportunity for further dialogue between the existence of the State of Israel,” the sponsible, counterproductive and morally Presbyterian Church leaders and congres- members concluded in their Sept. 13 letter. bankrupt.” sional representatives. Those signing the In July, assembly delegates voted to Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the letter to Kirkpatrick were: Gary L. study whether the church should divest Presbyterian Church (USA)’s General Ackerman, D-N.Y.; Howard L. Berman, from companies doing business in Israel. In Assembly, responded in a Sept. 24 letter D-Calif.; Roy Blunt, R-Mo.; Eric Cantor, a separate vote, they called for an end to with his own criticisms. “Perhaps if the R-Va.; Tom Feeney, R-Fla.; Barney Frank, construction of a controversial Israeli secu- United States Congress had been more D-Mass.; Steny Hoyer, D-Md.; Mark rity barrier that has been criticized for forthright in seeking ... a just solution for Steven Kirk, R-Ill.; John Lewis, D-Ga.; separating Palestinians from their land, jobs Israel and Palestine, it would not have been John Linder, R-Ga.; Deborah Pryce, R- and schools. necessary for our General Assembly to take Ohio; Linda T. Sanchez, D-Calif.; Lamar S. The 21/2-page document stated the U.S. this further action to achieve our long-term Smith, R-Texas; and Henry A. Waxman, representatives’ belief that the church mis- commitment for peace and well-being for D-Calif. BT Under pressure, Wal-Mart pulls anti-Semitic book

(RNS) — Retail giant Wal-Mart has agreed The Protocols has been widely said Cooper. to stop selling the anti-Semitic book Anti-Defamation League National The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion dismissed for years as a forgery Director Abraham Foxman said Wal-Mart’s after receiving complaints from Jewish decision to drop the book made sense. groups. created by Russia’s pre-Soviet czarist “I would guess that part of their think- Wal-Mart said in a statement Sept. 24 ing was, ‘This is another headache we don’t that “we have made a business decision to police, yet the book is read and need,’” said Foxman. “The (online) remove this book” based on “significant description of it sounded like it was a regu- customer feedback.” believed today in anti-Semitic circles. lar nonfiction book. Wal-Mart had been selling the book, a But it’s a notorious discredited tale of a world Jewish conspir- forgery that continues acy, on its Web site. “Hamas quotes directly from the to be part of the In early September, Rabbi Abraham Protocols in its 1988 charter,” Cooper said. anti-Semitic arsenal.” Cooper, associate dean of the Los Angeles- “It’s part and parcel of its founding docu- Foxman had based Simon Wiesenthal Center, sent a ments. They invoke it.” advocated that letter to Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott after The Amazon.com and Barnes & Wal-Mart carry a one of the Jewish human rights group’s Noble Web sites also sell the book but with Protocols disclaimer supporters alerted Cooper’s office. content warnings that were lacking on the similar to those on the “One of our members sent us a link to Wal-Mart site. Cooper said he did not Amazon and Barnes & Noble sites. Cooper the site,” said Cooper in an interview. think Wal-Mart intentionally was trying to suggested the book itself be removed and The Protocols has been widely “make a buck” off the Protocols but specu- then replaced online with one or several of dismissed for years as a forgery created by lated that the book somehow found its way the annotated deconstructions of the Russia’s pre-Soviet czarist police, yet the book into the retailer’s extensive online selling Protocols, which include chapter-by-chapter is read and believed today in anti-Semitic bin without proper scrutiny. refutations. circles and was a part of the founding of “I have no doubt that there was no “This is a white-hot, third-rail, alive the Islamic militant group Hamas. conscious decision at all by Wal-Mart,” hate tract,” said Cooper. BT

26 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N Bush appoints commissioners for religious freedom

(RNS) — President Bush has appointed a president, Congress and secretary of state. freedom as defined in the Universal Roman Catholic archbishop and an evangel- Chaput will be serving his second term Declaration of Human Rights. Nine voting ical leader to the U.S. Commission on on the commission. Cromartie succeeds commissioners and a non-voting ambassador International Religious Freedom. Richard D. Land, president of the Ethics at large serve on the commission. The presi- Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver and Religious Liberty Commission of the dent appoints three of the commissioners. and Michael Cromartie of the Washington- Southern Baptist Convention. Chaput became the first Native based Ethics and Public Policy Center will The commission was created by the American archbishop in 1997. Cromartie, serve two-year terms on the commission, International Religious Freedom Act of an evangelical Christian, is vice president of which makes recommendations to the 1998 to monitor international religious the Ethics and Public Policy Center. BT Religious-Right pioneer Ed McAteer dead at age 78 By Robert Marus Reagan — by most accounts a nominal state owed to his adherence to an interpreta- Presbyterian — cemented his ties to the tion of the Bible that claims the present-day WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Southern Religious Right by famously declaring, “I version of Israel continues to have a special Baptist layman credited with being the know you can’t endorse me, but I endorse relationship with God and a role in biblical “godfather” of the modern Religious Right you.” prophecy, according to Dallas minister Mark is dead at age 78. According to Wingfield. Ed McAteer died after a long battle Lindberg, who is pastor “Ed McAteer epitomized a certain with myeloma, a form of cancer, on the of Memphis’ First strain of Southern Baptist fundamentalism morning of Oct. 6 at his home in Memphis, Assembly of God, that that is focused in on Israel’s role in premil- Tenn. His wife, Faye, was with him when he event “catapulted lenial dispensational theology as the key to passed away. Reagan toward the fore- understanding the world,” said Wingfield, In the late 1970s, McAteer became con- front” of the who knew McAteer from his previous career vinced that the nation was on a declining presidential race among in Baptist journalism. “His whole worldview moral trajectory. He left a successful career evangelicals — even Ed McAteer was built around eschatology — it was his as a salesman and executive with Colgate- though he was running driving passion.” Palmolive to enter political advocacy. against incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter, But McAteer also became frustrated He soon became one of the driving an avowed born-again Southern Baptist. with the Religious Right’s lack of success in forces in convincing Jerry Falwell, the con- The meeting drew national headlines achieving many of its policy goals, servative Baptist television preacher, to enter for Reagan’s statement, as well as publicity Wingfield said. Although he midwifed a politics in the late 1970s. McAteer — along surrounding comments by Southern Baptist movement that led many conservative evan- with Religious Right activists Paul Weyrich, pastor Bailey Smith. He received heavy criti- gelicals into the Republican Party, McAteer Paul Viguerie and Howard Phillips — cism for telling National Affairs Briefing sometimes felt as if the party did little to helped Falwell found the Moral Majority in participants, “God Almighty does not hear return the favor. 1979. the prayer of a Jew.” For example, in 2001, a host of conser- Although the Moral Majority no longer According to Americans United for vative religious and political leaders lobbied exists, it was the first major organization Separation of Church and State, which has newly elected President George W. Bush to encouraging fundamentalist Protestants to tracked McAteer’s career, the Memphis appoint McAteer as ambassador to Israel. get involved in secular politics. activist was passed over as director of the But Bush passed him over for Daniel “Ed was a gigantic figure, starting in Moral Majority, but soon founded his own Kurtzer, a former ambassador to Egypt. “We the late ‘70s on through the ‘80s, in the life organization, the Religious Roundtable. He were dropped like a hot potato once they of America in the conservative — especially directed the group until his death. got out of these Christians what they the religious — right,” said Tom Lindberg, a McAteer — a longtime member of wanted,” Wingfield quoted McAteer as say- family friend and co-author of a recent biog- Memphis’ Bellevue Baptist Church — ing, in an article for the Texas Baptist raphy of the activist. “Jerry Falwell has said devoted much of his time in subsequent Standard. that there would not have been a Moral years to building support among evangelical McAteer “was one of the few people Majority if it had not been for Ed McAteer. Christians for the modern state of Israel. He who grew weary of political leaders making Ed has been a titanic figure in that.” organized regular prayer breakfasts “for the promises to the Religious Right to get McAteer organized the first National love and support of Israel,” Lindberg said, in elected, and then not keeping them,” Affairs Briefing, which brought about both the United States and in Jerusalem. Wingfield said. “Which is, in time, what 15,000 pastors and other conservative His most recent pro-Israel prayer breakfast drove him to support more and more fringe Christian activists to Dallas in 1980. At that took place in Memphis earlier this year. candidates. He’s a fascinating case study of a meeting, then-presidential candidate Ronald The activist’s support for the Jewish true believer.” BT Baptists Today • November 2004 27 I N F O R M A T I O N

Lutheran congregation censured for ordaining gay man

(RNS) — A Minneapolis congregation of roster “because he is gay and living in a The bishop said he would postpone the Evangelical Lutheran Church in relationship with another man.” Church any disciplinary action against the congre- America has been censured for ordaining a policy requires that single ministers gation until the denomination completes a gay man who serves as its associate pastor. not engage in sexual relations outside process in which it expects to decide about Bishop Craig E. Johnson of the heterosexual marriage. ordination of gays and lesbians in commit- church’s Minneapolis Area Synod sent a let- Johnson cited the portion of the ted relationships and whether there should ter “of censure and admonition” to Bethany denomination’s constitution that states that be a ceremony for the blessing of same- Lutheran Church, the denomination congregations will call pastors in accor- gender relationships. Those decisions are announced Sept. 24. dance with church procedures unless they expected to be made during the ELCA The church ordained Jay A. Wiesner receive special approval from a regional Churchwide Assembly in 2005. on July 25 and installed him as its associate bishop. Both Johnson and Steven R. Benson, pastor on Aug. 1, the ELCA News Service “Bethany Lutheran Church, after pastor of the church, expressed “sadness” reported. debate, discussion and vote, willfully disre- about the censure. Johnson censured the congregation garded this critical accord of congregational Benson said the reprimand was because Wiesner was not on the official life in the ELCA,” he wrote. expected, the denominational news service church roster of eligible clergy, ELCA He said congregations don’t have “sole reported, but the congregation felt that spokesman John Brooks told Religion authority and responsibility to ordain a ordaining Wiesner was “an expression of News Service. Wiesner was not on the leader.” faith.” BT BBC to drop ‘Popetown’ cartoon series offensive to Catholics

LONDON (RNS) — The BBC has Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth, Catholics.” announced it will not broadcast chairman of the bishops’ strategic communi- According to the BBC’s publicity mate- “Popetown,” a cartoon series set in the cations committee, also expressed relief. rial, issued when the series was first Vatican featuring sinister cardinals and a “It was obviously going to be a contro- announced two years ago, in Popetown “car- childish pope. versial program which would have caused dinals are sinister, corrupt and mysteriously The Sept. 23 decision was welcomed by offense, not least among the Catholic com- wealthy, and the pope is an infuriatingly Roman Catholic officials. munity who hold the person of the Holy childish 77-year-old whose every fickle Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Father in the highest regard and affection,” whim must be indulged.” archbishop of Westminster, said: “I raised said Hollis. The series would have been shown this this issue with the BBC. I am very happy “Any attempt to belittle or diminish his year on BBC 3, one of the BBC’s new digi- they have heeded my wishes and the status as the leader of the Catholic Church tal channels which has a potential audience concerns of Roman Catholics.” is totally unacceptable, and not only to of about 6.5 million. BT United Methodist bishops open office in D.C. Baptist News WASHINGTON (RNS) The Council of the world’s most important centers of Baptist Views Bishops of the United Methodist Church has communication.” opened its first permanent office in the The office is in a building that houses United Methodist Building in Washington. other United Methodist and ecumenical agen- BAPTISTS The new office will be the international cies. It is located across the street from the TODAY headquarters of the council, said Bishop Peter U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol. D. Weaver, council president. The office will be staffed by retired An autonomous “United Methodist bishops have much Bishop Roy I. Sano, the council’s executive national Baptist to offer to the church and to the world,” he secretary. said in a statement released by United The United Methodist Church has 68 news journal Methodist News Service. “As a council we active bishops, 50 in the United States and 18 believe we are better positioned and better in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. It has equipped to provide effective leadership and 8.3 million members in the United States and communications by being located in one of a total of 11 million worldwide. BT 1-877-752-5658 “United Methodist bishops have much to offer to the world.” 28 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N Saudi Arabia added to religious freedom watchlist

By Kevin Eckstrom Hanford’s public comments, noting that subjected to inhumane treatment that Religion News Service “freedom of religion does not exist” in Saudi includes poor living conditions and abuse,” Arabia, a distinction only shared with North the report said. WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Korea. — Iran: imprisonment, harassment, Department on Sept. 15 for the first time Factors cited in the other “countries of intimidation and discrimination directed included Saudi Arabia on a list of eight particular concern” included: against Sunni Muslims, Baha’is, Jews and “countries of particular concern” for not — China: “intimidation, harassment and Christians. allowing religious freedom, a potential stum- detention” of members of underground reli- — Sudan: second-class status for non- bling block for relations between the United gious groups, especially Falun Gong, and a Muslims and “ethnic cleansing” against ethnic States and its Persian Gulf ally. “poor” respect for religious freedom. black Africans in the western Darfur region The department’s sixth annual report on — Burma: government monitoring and that has killed at least 30,000 and displaced international religious freedom also added infiltration of private religious groups and millions. Eritrea and Vietnam to the roster of those restrictions on Buddhists and Muslims to “Too many people continue to suffer for countries guilty or tolerant of “systematic, worship freely. the belief or practice of their faith and too ongoing, egregious violations of religious — North Korea: “arrest and harsh penal- many governments refuse to recognize or pro- freedom.” ties” for proselytizers of unauthorized religious tect this universal right,” Hanford said. Countries that remained on the list were groups and deaths of underground church The report cited five countries — Burma, China, Iran, North Korea and Sudan. members. “Genuine religious freedom does Afghanistan, Georgia, India, Turkey and Iraq, which had been on the list under not exist,” the report said. Turkmenistan — for “significant improve- Saddam Hussein’s regime, was removed. — Vietnam: persecution and detention ments” in religious freedom. “Defending the sacred ground of human of minority Protestants and faiths that are not The State Department report went conscience is a natural commandment to all officially recognized by the government. beyond the eight CPCs to single out prob- mankind and America will always heed this — Eritrea: persecution of Pentecostal, lems in other nations. Many of the CPCs call,” Secretary of State Colin Powell said. evangelical, Orthodox and Jehovah’s were included on other lists, but the report Designation on the “CPC” list does not Witnesses. “Prisoners of conscience are often included a wide scope of nations. BT carry immediate sanctions, and returning countries faced little more than diplomatic pressure. Still, human rights advocates say being listed among “the worst of the worst” is a significant signal. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent watchdog group chartered by Congress in 1998, had urged Powell to also add Pakistan and Turkmenistan to the CPC list in its May report. The panel was divided on whether India should also be listed. Pressure had been mounting on Powell to add the Saudis to the CPC list, despite their key role in the war on terrorism. Critics accuse the kingdom of exporting a militant form of extremist Islam known as Wahhabism and supressing all non-Muslim religions. John Hanford, the U.S. ambassador at large for religious freedom, noted some “sin- cere improvements” among the Saudis to reign in extremists, open dialogues with Shi’a Muslims and revising textbooks with “inflam- matory statements” against non-Muslims. Still, Hanford said such steps were not enough. “We just feel the improvements aren’t adequate at this point to put them in a posi- tion where they do not deserve designation,” he said. The report was more blunt than Baptists Today • November 2004 29 I N F O R M A T I O N

Statement of Ownership, Habitat leaders compromise on leadership transition Management, and Circulation 1. Publication title: Baptists Today 2. Publication number: 1072-7787 By John Pierce 3. Filing date: Sept. 16, 2004 “Now as I approach 4. Issue frequency: monthly 5. No. of issues published annually: 12 AMERICUS, Ga. — Millard Fuller, who founded th 6. Annual subscription price: $18 my 70 birthday, it is 7. Complete mailing address of known office Habitat for Humanity International with his wife, of publication: P.O. Box 6318 Linda, in 1976, will relinquish the title of chief time for a change.” Macon, GA 31208-6318 executive officer but continue as “founding presi- Contact person: John D. Pierce —Millard Fuller Telephone: 478-301-5655 dent” of the worldwide housing ministry. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters Fuller has been in dispute for several months or general business office of publisher: release. “I will remain very 988 1/2 Bond St. with Habitat’s board of directors that appointed a engaged in the ministry as a Macon, GA 31201 9. Full names and complete mailing address new managing director in June and called for spokesperson and strategist, and will help in every of publisher, editor and managing editor: Fuller to retire as president on his 70th birthday in other way I can to strengthen and expand the Publisher: Baptists Today, Inc. c/o James T. McAfee, chairman January 2005. Former U.S. President Jimmy work of Habitat for Humanity throughout the 3117 Falcon Heights 10580 Big Canoe Carter, Habitat’s best known volunteer, has inter- United States and around the world.” Big Canoe, GA 30143-5128 vened on two occasions to seek a compromise. Board chairman Rey Ramsey announced that Editor: John D. Pierce Baptists Today According to a press release from Habitat’s Paul Leonard, managing director since June, will P.O. Box 6318 headquarters in Americus, Ga., the Fullers will serve as Habitat’s CEO until a permanent replace- Macon, GA 31208-6318 Managing Editor: Jackie B. Riley serve as ambassadors for the ecumenical Christian ment is named. David Williams will remain in Baptists Today housing movement that will dedicate its 200,000th charge of day-to-day management as chief operat- P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 house this year. Fuller has stated earlier that he ing officer, a job he has held for several years. 10. Owner: Baptists Today, Inc. (nonprofit) wanted to be in a leadership role when that mile- P.O. Box 6318 “With today’s actions,” said Ramsey, an Macon, GA 31208-6318 stone is reached. attorney in Baltimore, “everyone involved in the James T. McAfee, chairman “Now as I approach my 70th birthday, it is 3117 Falcon Heights organization can keep their focus firmly on the 10580 Big Canoe time for a change,” said Fuller, according to the future.” BT Big Canoe, GA 30143-5128 Thomas E. Boland, vice chairman 14950 E. Bluff Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30004-3158 John D. Pierce, executive editor P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None 12. Tax status: The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months. 13. Publication title: Baptists Today 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2004 15. Extent and nature of circulation Total number of copies: *11,741 **11,750 Paid and/or requested circulation (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail sub- scriptions stated on Form 3541: *9,975 **10,345 (2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541: *— **— (3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution: *— **— (4) Other classes mailed through the USPS: *1,000 **— Total paid and/or requested circulation: *10,975 **10,345 Free distribution by mail Outside-county as stated on Form 3541: *120 **188 In-county as stated on Form 3541: *— **— Other classes mailed through the USPS: *— **— Free distribution outside the mail: *621 **750 Total free distribution: *741 **938 Total distribution: *11,716 **11,283 Copies not distributed: *25 **467 Total: *11,741 **11,750 Percent paid and/or requested circulation: *93% **91% 16. Publication statement of ownership: Publication required. Will be printed in the November 2004 issue of this publication. *Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months **No. copies of single issues published nearest to filing date 30 Baptists Today • November 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E t h e l i g h t e r s i d e Church dinners meet modernity By Kathryn Hamrick

s a Baptist preacher’s daughter, I ole-timey stickies, which I did not take to Our last contribution to the meal was haven’t grieved as much over the church. corn sticks, baked in Grandma’s cast iron A disappearance of Training Union as By now my husband had returned with cornstick pan. Thank goodness for aerosol I have over the near extinction of homecom- four pounds of liver mush, a local delicacy. cooking spray. The cornbread itself was from ing, aka dinner on the grounds. For PKs, As our church members still know, when scratch, since my husband got on his knees homecoming was the culinary event of the you “work up a hog,” the recipe for liver and begged me not to add contemporary Baptist ecclesiastical calendar. mush is “everything else.” ingredients such as sour cream, cheese or Fast forward a couple of decades and That Sunday morning, sensing that I Mexican corn. witness Baptist churches taking a stab at ole- was nearing meltdown, my husband did With our authentic ole-timey meal thusly timey cooking to commemorate historic something no male ancestor would ever prepared, we checked the weather Doppler, anniversaries. When our church celebrated have done: he volunteered to cook. So he the Internet and our cell phones, raced to its 150th Founders Day, the modern Ladies sharpened his knives with PaPa’s whet rock, church, and thanked God for our goodly of the Church were asked to prepare the sliced the block of meat, lighted our gas grill heritage … and modern translations. BT great recipes of the past. The completion of and grilled the liver mush. our air-conditioned, comfortable family life Back in the house, I wondered what —A layperson, Kathryn Hamrick is a center certainly made it easier to reinstitute sort of authentic vegetable to fry. Then an trustee of North Carolina Baptist Hospital “dinner on the grounds.” There would be no inspiration: OKRA! But who would fry the in Winston-Salem and has served as president flies in the egg custard; no slipped iced cake okra? Why not youngest son, Miles? So I of the General Board for the N.C. Baptist layers; and, most of all, no wilted church got him out of bed and State Convention. members. volunteered him. The charter members would have Miles decided to sniffed their smelling salts had they been use his fish cooker able to witness the frenzy as my husband, and propane tank. son and I prepared the 21st century’s version It took just three of ole-timey recipes. minutes and $10 My husband suggested we fix authentic worth of oil, but he fried chicken, but quickly backpedaled at fried a whole bucket of the prospect of wringing a chicken’s neck. I okra for Founders’ Day was secretly relieved — our Fry Daddy was lunch. not large enough to handle a whole fryer. If not chicken, what kind of meat would we cook, we wondered early Sunday morning as we watched the Doppler radar on The Weather Channel. We nixed meat loaf, that being a 1950s creation as opposed to 1850s. We almost settled on country ham biscuits, but the Doughboy’s frozen biscuits would violate the spirit of the event. “Let’s do a platter of liver mush!” my husband decided and set off for the grocery store. The times they are a-changing. Just 20 years ago, husbands didn’t know where the grocery store was. In the meantime, I started on our favorite dessert: blackberry cobbler. Mother Nature helped with the blackberries, but I was on my own with the pastry. There were enough pastry scraps left over for Grandma’s Illustration by Scott Brooks Baptists Today • November 2004 31 I N F O R M A T I O N i n t h e k n o w Keeping up with people, places, and events

PEOPLE Tom Jackson has been named pastor emeritus by Wake Forest Carlton Allen is pastor of First Baptist Church in Wake Forest, Baptist Church of Commerce, N.C. He served as pastor from Ga., coming from First Baptist 1988 until his retirement earlier Church of Claxton, Ga., where this year. he served for 10 years. Tony Lankford is pastor of Park Robin Anderson is associate Avenue Baptist Church in pastor of University Baptist Atlanta at Grant Park. He comes Church in Baltimore, Md., from Second Baptist Church of coming from First Baptist Cedartown where he served as Church of Decatur, Ga. associate pastor.

Paul Dakin is minister of music Clay Lester, a student at the at First Baptist Church of Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, is Murfreesboro, Tenn. He served youth minister at First Baptist Warrenton Baptist Church in Church of Frankfort, Ky. Virginia for eight years. Timothy K. Norman is director Tommy Ferrell is pastor of of congregational relations at Briarlake Baptist Church in Baptist Theological Seminary at Decatur, Ga. He had served as Richmond, a newly-created director of the evangelism and position. Previously, he served as missions team for the South president of the Virginia Baptist Carolina Baptist Convention. Foundation for 11 years.

Daniel Glaze, a recent graduate Kathy Pickett is associate pastor of the Baptist Theological for youth and missions at Seminary at Richmond, has Holmeswood Baptist Church of joined the staff of First Baptist Kansas City, Mo. Church of Frankfort, Ky., as minister-in-residence. William D. Shiell is pastor of First Baptist Church of Joy Heaton is pastor of Waverly Knoxville, Tenn., coming from Congregational Christian Southland Baptist Church in Church near Richmond, Va. San Angelo, Texas. Her husband, Tom, will study at the Baptist Theological PLACES Seminary at Richmond. She pre- viously served Antioch Baptist Campbell University has Church in Enfield, N.C. received a pledge of $4.5 million from the John William Pope Wanda Herron is associate pas- Foundation that will be applied tor for worship and arts at to the cost of the $30 million Holmeswood Baptist Church of John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Kansas City, Mo. Center to be constructed on the Ray Higgins will become the Buies Creek campus. The center second coordinator of will seat 3,000 spectators for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship athletic events and up to 5,000 of Arkansas Jan. 1, 2005, com- for special concerts, graduation ing from the pastorate of Second activities and other community Baptist Church in Little Rock. and regional events. He succeeds Tom Logue who is retiring. 32 Baptists Today • November 2004 P E R S P E C T I V E f a i t h e x p e r i e n c e Mothers and daughters and storms By Colleen Burroughs

hat was up with the hurricanes this season? I lost count. My Wfamily was in Florida for two of them. Then there was Ivan who swept up through Alabama and knocked a million of us into darkness for days. I spent the first hours of Ivan’s darkness with my parents and my 94-year-old grand- mother who lives with them. Long-term health needs in the house require oxygen and a C-pap machine — and the electricity to run them! So, like many folks across the South lately, I hauled out a generator. The basement flooded. The bedroom leaked. The rooms were dark. We lit candles. But then we remembered oxygen is FLAM- MABLE, so we blew out the candles. The generator read, “Do not use in rain or snow,” but I cranked it anyway — and celebration of survival, my mother’s words The week following hurricane Jeanne there then worried about the carbon monoxide lev- stopped me short. They brought my heart to was a picture of a Haitian boy on the cover of els inside the house. So, Mom and I opened my knees. Even though my father is very ill our newspaper. He was crying behind bars the storm windows and allowed the wet wind and my grandmother could never hear the that blocked him from receiving the limited to blow inside. tornado siren, mother spoke about how supply of food and water. My 6-year-old As if the threat of flooding, electrocu- blessed we were. She praised God for the asked me if he had lost his house. Then she tion, explosion or poisonous gases weren’t unusually bright, cloudy night to see by and asked if he had lost all his clothes. Later in enough, multitudes of ants crawled into the for the cool breeze coming through the win- the day, as I was clearing the clutter from the kitchen seeking shelter. They did not survive dows. “Yes, we have lots to be thankful for room, she held tight to the picture of the boy. as I wiped them away with the fury of the today,” she said. I had separated it into the pile intended for storm itself. I have so much to learn from my the recycling bin, but she would not let me When the lights are out, you think it’s mother. I’m moved by her deep faith and throw him away. time to go to bed — but then discover it’s constant kindness, even in exhaustion. She I have much to learn from my mother only 7:30. We were all tired, and I was didn’t pray for the storm to miss us, and and my daughter … something about weath- grumpy. The generator was small enough to therefore hit someone else. She didn’t expect ering a storm with a countanace of Christ’s be carried with help, but it was not large God to keep limbs from falling on the car. peace whatever the outcome … something enough to run all night. It required refueling She just weathered the storm with a counte- about trying not to ignore the reality that every hour. The neighbor’s flashlights blinked nance of Christ’s peace. there are places in the world devastated by at us every time we would crank it. Maybe I’m struck by something else. How is it the same storm that may simply interrupt my they assumed from the noise that we had a that we live in a world where communication cable service. I need to wrap my brain around TV and a hot meal. is available in such a way that millions of us the fact that the thousands of Haitian people About 1 a.m. I wondered how many know to board up, buy water, find batteries who were wiped out are not ants, but are days my mom and I could keep cranking and cancel school? The same storm that people whom God loves. They are mothers without extended sleep. The electricity finally wipes out thousands of people like ants else- who weathered the storm in prayer just like came on, and I was so relieved that I cried. where manages a comparatively small number mine did. And they are children who must First I thought, “We didn’t kill ourselves sur- of fatalities on our own shores. While I’m not be tossed aside by my indifference. BT viving the storm.” My next thought was “We personally grateful for the technology and can make coffee — hot coffee!” The Weather Channel, I have survivor’s guilt. —Colleen Burroughts is executive vice As I reveled in my own egocentric I have a lot to learn from my daughter. president of Passport Inc., in Birmingham, Ala. Baptists Today • November 2004 33 I N F O R M A T I O N Friends of Freedom add up to needed support

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Heritage Partners Circle of Friends Elsie M. Causey — Estill, S.C. Henry and Bobby Chiles — Knoxville, Tenn. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Atlanta, Ga. Russ Barker — Demorest, Ga. George A. Christenberry — Augusta, Ga. James and Paula Baumgardner — Olive Springs, Tenn. Marie Clontz — Asheville, N.C. Founders Circle Hardy and Ardelle Clemons — Greenville, S.C. Howard B. Cockrum — Knoxville, Tenn. Red and Sandra Covington — Waco, Texas Patricia S. Ayers — Austin, Texas Robert R. Cole — Plattsmouth, Neb. Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler — Cincinnati, Ohio Art and LaNell Coltharp — Austin, Texas Troy Day — Kannapolis, N.C. Walton T. Conn — Franklin, Tenn. Freedom Circle Ben and Helen Gross — Chattanooga, Tenn. Henry and Jan Crouch — Asheville, N.C. Bernece Cotney — Wadley, Ala. William P. Harris — Alexandria, Va. Tom and Ellen Crouch — Asheville, N.C. Jim and Carolyn McAfee — Big Canoe, Ga. Les and Jan Hill — Lexington, Ky. Joyce Crow — Waco, Texas P.L. McCall Jr. — Society Hill, SC. 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Fields — Chickamauga, Ga. Joel and Melissa Wayne — Louisville, Ky. Clarence and Bonnie Adams — Charlotte, N.C. Robert Flora — Chesapeake, Va. Jimmy R. Allen — Big Canoe, Ga. Walker and Carmen Ford — Beaufort, S.C. J. William Allford — McAlester, Okla. Patron Bill Foster — Washington, N.C. Billy and Carolyn Anderson — Macon, Ga. Bill and Mary Jayne Allen — Chattanooga, Tenn. Dennis W. Foust — Birmingham, Ala. Joel and Nannette Avery — Signal Mountain, Tenn. Sarah Frances Anders — Pineville, La. Jean Fuller — Bowdon, Ga. Barbara Baugh — San Antonio, Texas Kent and Deanna Anglin — Sautee, Ga. William and Caroline Galloway — Greensboro, Ga. Jack and Eve Bishop — Waynesville, N.C. Sybil A. Anthony — Pensacola, Fla. Truett and Margaret Gannon — Stone Mountain, Ga. Tom and Doris Black — Columbus, Ga. Harold and Judy Ashworth — Ringgold, Ga. Joe Gideon — Albuquerque, N.M. Barbara B. Chafin — Bellaire, Texas Patricia R. Austell — Greenville, S.C. Harriet B. Gilbert — St. Simons Island, Ga. Anthony D. Clevenger — Pensacola, Fla. Mr. And Mrs. R.C. Barnett — Winston—Salem, N.C. Joseph and Alice Giles — Baltimore, Md. Wilma B. Cosper — Cullowhee, N.C. Stan Barnett — Jasper, Ga. James N. Gillum — Richmond, Va. Bill and Jan Crouch — Georgetown, Ky. Robert Beard — Prattville, Ala. Perry and Betty Ginn — Decatur, Ga. James and Marilyn Dunn — Winston—Salem, N.C. Robert and Mary Belcher — Washington, N.C. Bryan and Carolyn Glass — Stillwater, Ok. Jim and Janice Frank — Kansas City, Mo. Richard and Anne Bielski — Lavonia, Ga. Alan Gragg — Asheville, N.C. Patricia Gillis — Statesboro, Ga. Lindel S. Bittick — New Braunfels, Texas Jasper and Libby Gray — Charlotte, N.C. William Greenhaw — Macon, Ga. John Blanton — Gaffney, S.C. Joyce K. Gray — Johnson City, Tenn. Robert R. Hudson — Silver Springs, Md. Ben and Sallie Box — Clemson, S.C. J. David Griffin — Carrollton, Ga. Roy and Marye Jennings — Germantown, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Boyd — Moultrie, Ga. James N. Griffith — Newnan, Ga. Kathryn G. Kirkpatrick — Waynesville, N.C. John and Betty Brannon — Kirkwood, Mo. G. Earl Guinn — Alexandria, LA. Allan and Evelyn McCartney — Vero Beach, Fla. Maurice and Edna Brantley — Tucson, Ariz. Roy Gunter — Shawnee, Kan. John and Teresa Pierce — Macon, Ga. Donald and Joey Brewer — Gainesville, Ga. Tom and Vera Gullatt — Fairburn, Ga. Dan and Jackie Riley — Macon, Ga. John and Roxanne Bridges — Gastonia, N.C. Barbara Haig — Atlanta, Ga. John and Jean Rogers — Bainbridge, Ga. Huey and Charlotte Bridgman — Columbus, Ga. H.R. Hale — Commerce, Texas Walter H. Smartt — Rising Fawn, Ga. Harold Brown — Port Neches, Texas Betty Harbin — West Union, S.C. David and Grace Stallings — Cairo, Ga. Nolen Brunson — Greenville, S.C. Marion and Marguerite Hardy — Elberton, Ga. Blair and Edna Trewhitt — Villa Rica, Ga. James Bryant — Harrison, Ark. Ircel and Rita Harrison — Murfreesboro, Tenn. Keithen and Sarah Tucker — Macon, Ga Vivian C. Bullock — Fayetteville, Ga. C.L. Hasting — Laurel, Miss. Carl and Blanche Westmoreland — Macon, Ga. C.S. Burgess, Jr. — Decatur, Ga. Wilma Hays — Camilla, Ga. Woodie and Winnie Williams — Seneca, S.C. Frieda Byrd — Macon, Ga. Joy Heaton – Richmond, Va. David and Ann Wilson — Maryville, Tenn. Nancy Callaway — Ringgold, Ga. Mary M. Hebert — Baton Rouge, La. Tony and Peggy Campolo — St. Davids, Penn. Leonard Hill — Nashville, Tenn. E.H. Cantwell — Baton Rouge, La. Arlis and Georgia Hinson — Anderson, S.C. 34 Baptists Today • November 2004 I N F O R M A T I O N

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Julia Tucker — Albany, Ga. Gene K. Hiers — Metter, Ga. Ken Kessler — Birmingham, Ala. Robert and Llew Tyndall — Washington, N.C. Mary Hines — Birmingham, Ala. Bill and Hester Ann Kidd — Washington, N.C. Bill and Dotty Vinson — Knoxville, Tenn. W.L. Hooper — Bolivar, Mo. Florrie C. King — Lithonia, Ga. Jack and Carol Wainwright — Greensboro, Fla. Marilyn S. Ivey — Knoxville, Tenn. Allie C. Kirkpatrick — Milledgeville, Ga. Scott and Beth Walker — Waco, Texas Carol Johnson — Brownfield, Texas Dan Kong — Honolulu, Hawaii Billy C. Wallace — Stillwater, Okla. Charles and Carleen Johnson — Sikeston, Mo. Geraldine Lane — San Antonio, Texas Carey B. Washburn — Kinston, N.C. Monty and Diane Jordan — Talbott, Tenn. Charles and Betty Langford — Dalton, Ga. E.C. and Mary Anne Watson — Elgin, S.C. Thomas I. Kent — Atlanta, Ga. Carl and Melba Lehman — Powder Springs, Ga. Bryan J. Whitfield — Macon, Ga. Robert Lamb — Shelby, N.C. Elliott Loftin — Lincolnton, N.C. Sam R. Whitfield — Smyrna, Ga. 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Baptists Today • November 2004 35 P E R S P E C T I V E t h e m e d i a s h e l f Review by John Pierce

Writer explores impact of Civil Rights Movement on leaders’ children

ames like Martin Luther King Jr., JB: I think too many also surprised by how unapologetic some of Malcolm X, Andrew Young, Ralph people today see the the children of the segregationist leaders were. NDavid Abernathy and George Civil Rights Movement Wallace have been chiseled into the annals of as a “black thang.” I BT: What conclusions did you reach about American history. But John Blake addresses an think it was actually one the movement’s impact on these families? unexplored and fascinating question: How did of the most inspiring the Civil Rights Movement impact the chil- expressions of Christian JB: I couldn’t draw any broad conclusion dren of those leaders? and Jewish faith ever. It because each family reacted so differently. Through deeply personal interviews with made religion real to so John Blake Some children like the daughter of Bob Moses 24 now-adult children — and, when possible, many hurting people. and the son of Julian Bond expressed a deep their parents — Blake discovers there is no The movement never had one voice, despite appreciation for their fathers, despite being single answer. For some, the struggle brought people who think today that Dr. King spoke second place at times to the movement. But families together. In other cases, the public for all blacks. There were always competing more children still seem to experience an emo- leader failed miserably as a visions from within the black communities tional distance with their parents. The saddest parent. about how blacks should react part came from families who never recovered Former Atlanta Mayor and to segregation. Those visions from the movement. The son of Rev. James U.N. Ambassador Andrew include the Black Panthers Reeb, for example, a white minister murdered Young confessed: “We willingly party and people like Malcolm in Selma, stopped believing in God because of risked our lives, but too seldom X. I included children of segre- his father’s murder. And the daughter of James did we stop to recognize the gationists like George Wallace Earl Chaney, one of the three civil rights burden we placed on our and Ross Barnett because I workers murdered in Mississippi during 1964, children.” never heard much about them. told a heartbreaking story of being born a Baptists Today editor John I wanted to know if they had week after her father was murdered, and grow- Pierce asked author John Blake, adopted their parents’ views or ing up knowing that she would never know religion writer for the Atlanta rejected them. the father whose picture she constantly sees in Journal-Constitution, about his history books. book. BT: How were your requests for interviews received? BT: Is it constructive for readers to under- BT: What piqued your interest in the off- stand that faulty humans are often the spring of those on center stage of the Civil JB: Hardly anyone turned me down, children vehicles for great social change? Rights Movement? or parents. Even reclusive figures like Bob Moses and busy leaders such as Andrew Young JB: I think it’s needed. Think of all the flawed JB: Living in Atlanta sparked my curiosity. I’ve talked to me. I suspect people said yes because characters in the Bible: Jacob the deceiver; been here about 14 years and periodically I no one has explored this perspective on the Moses, who murdered a man; Paul with his would read news accounts about some of the movement. And for a lot of people who “thorn in his flesh.” The biblical stories say difficulties the children of Civil Rights leaders shared these very raw, personal stories, talking more to us when we know that these heroes of were having. I always sensed that there were about their relationship with their parents the faith struggled like we do. these rich stories out there about the children seemed like therapy to them. I think the greatest enemy of the Civil of the movement’s most famous figures. I Rights Movement today is not racism, but decided to finally write those stories one day BT: What were the biggest surprises to you indifference and sentimentality. Heroes when I stumbled into a conversation with the from the interviews? become bores if we don’t make them human. I daughter of Rev. James Bevel, a close associate wanted to show a more personal and raw side of Dr. King, who told me how terrible her I was surprised at how so many children of of these leaders to make them come alive to a father was though he was a great Civil Rights famous civil rights leaders grew up not know- new generation. leader. ing about their parents’ significance. They had to find out about their parents through others. Children of the Movement by John Blake BT: You chose to go wide in your choice of Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilysasah, told me she (Lawrence Hill Books, 2004) had to buy her father’s book to learn more so ISBN 1-55652-537-0 interviews to include the children of segre- www.childrenofthemovement.com gationists and Black Panther leaders. Why? she could talk about him with others. I was

36 Baptists Today • November 2004

RESCHEDULED

Gary Furr The Mercer PREACHING CONSULTATION November 21-23, 2004

Truett Gannon The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, St. Simons Island, Ga. Co-sponsored by Leaders include The James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology R. Alan Culpepper, Dean R. Kirby Godsey and The Center for Baptist Studies Walter B. Shurden, Executive Director Clyde E. Fant Charles E. Poole Rena Henderson Sunday Evening Monday Evening Walter Shurden, presiding Walter Shurden, presiding 4:00 Registration 7:30 Robert Setzer Jr., Pastor, First Baptist Church, Macon, Ga. 8:00 R. Kirby Godsey, President, Mercer University “Prophetic Preaching: Handling Hot Potatoes in the Pulpit” “The Plague of Religious Certainty” 8:00 Robin Norsworthy, Pastor, University Baptist Church, 8:30 Clyde E. Fant, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Montevallo, Ala. Amy Mears Stetson University, Deland, Fla. “Reflections from My First Year as a Female Pastor” “The Contemporary Church and Preaching: 8:30 Fellowship hosted by Morningstar Treatment Growing a Church or Growing the Church?” Services, Inc. 9:30 Reception hosted by the President’s Office, 9:00 Clyde E. Fant, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Mercer University Stetson University, Deland, Fla. “The Contemporary Church and Preaching: Seeing Visions and Dreaming Dreams” Bruce Morgan Monday Morning Truett Gannon, presiding Tuesday Morning 8:30 Charles E. Poole, LifeShare Community Minister, Jackson, Miss. Truett Gannon, presiding “Lessons and Seasons: Lectionary Preaching” 8:30 Bill Wilson, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Dalton, Ga. 9:15 Gary Furr, Pastor, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, “Leading for Change Without Alienating” Birmingham, Ala. 9:00 Bruce Morgan, Retired Pastor, First Baptist Church, Robin Norsworthy “Spirituality and Ministry: Can This Oxymoron Be Saved?” Griffin, Ga. 9:45 Rena Henderson, Pastor’s Wife, First Baptist Church, “The Preacher Learning from the Poet” St. Simons Island, Ga. 9:30 Clyde E. Fant, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, “It Is Well with My Soul” Stetson University, Deland, Fla. 10:15 Fellowship hosted by Morningstar Treatment Services “The Contemporary Church and Preaching: Touching the Untouched” 10:45 Charles E. Poole, LifeShare Community Minister, Jackson, Miss. Robert Setzer Jr. “Two Cheers for the Lectionary: Lectionary Preaching and To register, contact Sharon Lim Advent” at Mercer University: 11:30 Amy Mears, Chaplain, University Hospital, Augusta, Ga. “‘Don’t He Look Natural?’ — Good Funeral Preaching” (800) 837-2905 or (678) 547-6420 12:00 Truett Gannon, Professor, McAfee School of Theology, For details, go to Atlanta, Ga. “An Organization Must Have a Pastor If It Wants www.mercer.edu/baptiststudies Bill Wilson To Be a Church” and click on “conferences.”

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