N.C. PASSES 72-HOUR BSC ANNOUNCES ABORTION WAIT PERIOD annual meeting theme Page 6 Page 12 JUNE 20, 2015 • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists • VOLUME 181 NO. 13 • BRnow.org Churches promote, equip LAX POLICIES LEAVE CHURCHES OPEN TO LAWSUITS ‘servant leaders’ at home By SETH BROWN | BR Content Editor By DAVID ROACH | Baptist Press s the U.S. Supreme Court justices deliberate over argu- ments regarding same-sex marriage, many Christians hen Fred Luter had a son, he worry about the possible effects of the high court’s wanted to give him a bibli- A decision on their congregations. W cal name. So he decided on Some wonder, “If same-sex marriage becomes a 14th Amend- “Chip.” As in, “chip off the old block” ment right, what will happen if we refuse to allow ceremonies – a reference to the oft neglected biblical or other services in our church facility that celebrate homosex- principle that children’s lives are shaped ual unions? Can churches be successfully sued like Washington by the spiritual, intellectual and emo- florist Baronelle Stutzmann when she declined her services to tional leadership of their fathers. a homosexual couple for their wedding?” “When I started living for God and Furthermore, recent media attention on an instance of then I got married and God blessed me church discipline at The Village Church in Texas led with a son, one of my prayers to God Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News was, ‘Let me be the spiritual man in my Service, to ask whether public displays of alleged son’s life that I didn’t have in my home “shame” and the open discussion of personal growing up,’” said Luter, pastor of information merit any legal action against the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New church. Orleans. “And God honored that.” Christiana Holcomb, litigation counsel for Today Fred “Chip” Luter III is cam- the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), said pus pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church’s churches that do not have specific and clear pol- Sulphur Springs campus in Tampa, Fla. icies leave “gray areas that can be exploited.” Fred Luter Jr., a former Southern Baptist The rapidly changing culture in America Convention president, is among the Bap- is placing an increasing amount of scrutiny tist leaders seeking to teach men practi- cally what it means to be the leaders of on church policies, especially policies about their homes. membership, employment and facility use. “Men are supposed to be, according to If the Supreme Court were to rule in favor scripture, the provider, the protector and of same-sex marriage, Holcomb said, “I the priest of their family,” the elder Luter think we’ll see an immediate increase in the told Baptist Press. number of lawsuits against churches in all As providers, men are responsible to areas.” See Lawsuit page 9 meet their families’ needs financially, Luter said. In the Garden of Eden, “before God ever gave Adam a wife, God gave Adam a Look for SBC 2015 coverage in next issue job.” Biblical Recorder’s June 20 print deadline falls on June 15, the day before the Southern Baptist As protectors, men should guard their Convention’s annual meeting begins in Columbus, Ohio. So all print coverage of the event is slated for wives and children from physical threats, the July 4 issue. shield them from harmful content on Check online at BRnow.org for up-to-date coverage of the annual meeting. You can also keep up television and the Internet, and keep with SBC news by following us on Twitter (@biblicalrecord and @brnow) or by visiting our Facebook their teenagers from dating unwholesome page. Use #sbc2015 for related social media posts. The general sessions will be livestreamed at people, Luter said. sbcannualmeeting.net. A man’s priestly role involves teaching Have news from the annual meeting to share? Three BR staff will be in Columbus for the annual his family the Bible. Luter noted, “I don’t meeting and related events; find us and share your stories. You can also email [email protected]. care how long the wife’s been saved, how See Equip page 7 2 Opinion JUNE 20, 2015 • BIBLICAL RECORDER • News Journal of North Carolina Baptists Celebrate Dad illy Graham once said, “A good and man-of-God. Print the puzzle, roll about Daddy, such ... Whether it’ a cookout or an indoor father is one of the most unsung, and tie with ribbon. – “What do you love most about feast, involve the kids in its preparation Bunpraised, unnoticed, and yet • Take a great photo with your dad. Dad?” and make it great fun. Before the meal, al- one of the most valuable assets in our Make a 2-by-3-inch print for his billfold, – “How much does Dad weigh?” or low each child to pray, thanking God for society.” with a “love you” note on the – “What does daddy do that makes one specific thing about their dad. Help your children show back. you laugh?” Mother’s Day is often celebrated well, love for Dad with a well- • Kidnap Dad and take him Make a little booklet of the answers. but since God’s Word instructs us to planned, poignant Father’s out for breakfast. Ask ques- • Simple handmade coupons make honor our father and mother, why not go Day gift or love demonstra- tions about his childhood and a sweet gift. Be creative with promises, all out to help your kids celebrate God’s tion. Try one of these starter his work. Ask him about how such as grilling assistant, foot massage, a gift of a dad? ideas: he came to know God. Tell Dad race down the sidewalk and back. (EDITOR’S NOTE – Diana Davis, on the things you love about him. • An older preschooler might enjoy Web at dianadavis.org, is an author, colum- High school or college setting up a simple treasure hunt for Dad, nist and ministry wife in Pensacola, Fla. She son or daughter: Elementary-age son or with a small gift at the end. is the author of Fresh Ideas, Deacon Wives • Write a long, heartfelt, DIANA DAVIS daughter: • Make it a meal to remember. Prepare and the newly released Six Simple Steps – hand-written letter to Dad, Guest Column • Blow up dozens of bal- a fabulous meal of Dad’s very favorite Finding Contentment and Joy as a Minis- listing things you admire loons and write one thing you foods on Father’s Day. try Wife.) about him. Be very specific. love and appreciate about Dad on each. • Find two photos of you and Dad – Words can be funny, serious and creative Fond memories of Dad one with you as a baby or small kid and or simple phrases such as “Thank You, Some of the fondest memories of my dad include waking up early for one of you with him this year. Put it in a God, for my dad.” Fill a small room, such school and catching him in the act of reading the Word and praying. I dual frame. as dad’s closet, with the balloons. Or can picture him at his desk, on the couch or in his big leather chair with • Take Dad to lunch – just the two tape them around his workbench or desk his head bowed praying, interceding on behalf of his family members, of you – your treat! Be intentional about or around the house. friends, fellow church members or the people he was counseling that sharing your heart and goals. Take a selfie • Ask Mom to help you plan a special week. Even when my father, who was an [International Mission Board] with him and proudly post it on Insta- outing – just for Dad and you – such as missionary for years and still an active pastor, had tough weeks and I gram or Facebook. go-cart racing, fishing or a ball game. mean REALLY tough weeks, you could still find him faithfully spending time with the Lord. What an encouragement that was then and continues • Write a simple poem about Dad. to be now. I know each day my dad continues to intercede in prayer over Middle school daughter or son: Add a scripture, such as 1 Corinthians the things in my life along with praying for others, and that always encourages me. His continual • Use one of many free word search 16:13, Joshua 24:15b, Ephesians 6:2a. Frame faithfulness challenges me to not only examine my daily conversations with the Lord, but see how websites to easily make a personalized it or use a free app to convert it to a rap. much I really love people. If I could be half the person my dad has been, I would be truly blessed. word search game about your dad. First, Abby Edwards list lots of descriptive words – traits you Preschool daughter or son: Team leader assistant, Great Commission & Associational Partnerships admire, nicknames, hobbies, favorite • Mom, make a list of questions, rang- Baptist State Convention of North Carolina things along with words like hero, dad ing from silly to serious, to ask your child Why Christian denominations aren’t going away Religion News Service vention will gather in Columbus, Ohio, on June 16-17. within Christianity – Christians and churches claiming During the same week, the Evangelical Free Church of “none” when it comes to denominational affiliation. ummer is the time when America will host its national conference in Vista, Calif. A century ago, most Christians saw themselves as many Protestant denom- Denominational meetings may go on as usual this Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, Lutherans and so Sinations hold annual or summer, but denominations, as a whole, have fallen on forth.