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John D. Pierce Baptists Today serves churches by providing a reliable source of Executive Editor [email protected] unrestricted news coverage, thoughtful analysis and inspiring Jackie B. Riley features focusing on issues of importance to Baptist Christians. Managing Editor An autonomous national [email protected] Baptist news journal Keithen M. Tucker Development and Marketing Director [email protected] PERSPECTIVE Tony W. Cartledge Contributing Editor > Essentially, we divide according to our essentials ...... 7 Street [email protected] By John Pierce 8 Bruce T. Gourley Question Online Editor [email protected] > An open response to an open letter ...... 14 ‘Where did Baptists Vickie Frayne By Bill Hardee get their name?’ Art Director Jannie T. Lister Connie Pursiful > Baptists and baptism at year 400 ...... 17 By Carol Crawford Office Assistant Circulation Assistant By Curtis W. Freeman Holcomb Walker Knight Jack U. Harwell Publisher Emeritus Editor Emeritus > Consequences of resurgent Baptist Calvinism ...... 26 Board of Directors Gary F. Eubanks, Marietta, Ga. (chairman) By Fisher Humphreys Kelly L. Belcher, Spartanburg, S.C. (vice chair) Z. Allen Abbott, Peachtree City, Ga. Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. IN THE NEWS Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Ann T. Beane, Richmond, Va. Thomas E. Boland, Alpharetta, Ga. > Five questions for Jeffrey Haggray ...... 11 Huey Bridgman, Columbus, Ga. Mary Jane Cardwell, Waycross, Ga. Robert Cates, Rome, Ga. > NAMB essential or obsolete? ...... 12 Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. Depends on whom you ask David Currie, San Angelo, Texas James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. > The atheist who just won’t die ...... 13 William B. Greenhaw, Macon, Ga. Leslie D. Hill, Lexington, Ky. Michael M. Massar, Tyler, Texas > Most physicians value role of chaplains ...... 16 J. Thomas McAfee, Macon, Ga. Photo by John Pierce. (Left to right) William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. > Evangelicals rethinking creation care ...... 23 Ella Wall Prichard, Corpus Christi, Texas Jeffrey and Tonya Vickery and Lisa Michael G. Queen, Wilmington, N.C. and Dean Allen share the pastorates Mary Etta Sanders, Dalton, Ga. > New series to focus on clergy, congregational health ...... 36 Charles Schaible, Macon, Ga. of Cullowhee Baptist Church in Macon Sheppard, Folly Beach, S.C. western North Carolina and Walter B. Shurden, Macon, Ga. > Evangelicals look to nonpolitical future ...... 38 Charlotte Cook Smith, Raleigh, N.C. Fernwood Baptist Church in David M. Smith, Houston, Texas Spartanburg, S.C., respectively. Leo Thorne, Valley Forge, Pa. > When pastors’ silent suffering turns tragic ...... 39 Sarah Timmerman, Cairo, Ga. Their friendships go back to college Clement H. White, St. Petersburg, Fla. days in South Carolina. Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. Page 4 Advocates FEATURES Mary Jayne Allen, Chattanooga, Tenn. Randy L. Hyde, Little Rock, Ark. > Connecting research, classroom learning and service ...... 33 A conversation with Sherry McGlaughlin, Liberty, Mo. David Woody, Daniel Island, S.C. Mercer president Baptists Today (ISSN 1072-7787) > The pavilion people: Sticking with a plan ...... 34 Bill Underwood is published monthly by: Baptists Today > Community garden grows out of church’s outreach focus ....35 P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 To subscribe or place > Digital Fasting: A response to ‘online overload’ ...... 37 an advertisement, call 478-301-5655 or toll-free 1-877-752-5658. Subscription rates: 1 year, $20 2 years, $35 1 year groups of 25 or more, $18 30 1 year groups of less than 25, $20 IN EVERY ISSUE 1 year Canada, $35 1 year foreign, $50 Editorial 7 Resource Page 22 Periodical postage paid at Macon, Ga. 31208 Quotation Remarks 10 Readers’ Responses 24,25 POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: Baptists Today Classifeds 18 Media Shelf 27 P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 Formations Commentary 19 Lighter Side 28 © 2009 Baptists Today . All rights reserved. In the Know 21 Reblog 29

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 3 FEATURE STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN PIERCE

Some married couples such as (left to right) Russ and Amy Jacks Dean, Lisa and Dean Allen, and Jeffrey and Tonya Vickery share pastorates of Baptist churches and believe this model of ministry will continue to grow. pastoral pairs Married couples sharing pastorate provide new model

HARLOTTE, N.C. — After nine Deans sent a letter making a case for both. pastoral pair. Amy said it was important for years of sharing a pulpit and other “Imagine that you had a pastor whose them to clarify the specific roles they would C pastoral duties, Russ and Amy Jacks strengths and studies had been devoted fill. Dean can’t imagine doing ministry any other to pastoral care and whose interests and “It was very clear that one of us was not way. concen tration were in organization and the associate (pastor),” said Amy, who “We’ve done different (ministry) jobs in administration,” the letter proposed. “Imagine assumed the previous pastor’s office to help the same church, the same job at different that you had a pastor whose preaching style members grasp the shared role. “I took the churches, and now share a job together,” said was pastoral and relationally-oriented and lead in the first Communion and did the first Russ. “For us, by far, the best world is clergy whose method was more given to an intellec - baptism.” couple ministry.” tual approach of ideas and concepts. The church bought into the arrangement The Deans proposed the unique pastoral “Imagine that your pastor had the ability with ease, the couple said. arrangement to the search committee of Park to counsel with women when the empathetic “The (search) committee did a really Road Baptist Church in Charlotte nearly a ear of another woman was needed and to good job in educating the church (about co- decade ago. In hand they had a listing of six hear men’s concerns as only another man pastors),” Russ said. “They treat us each as areas of pastoral responsibility — worship could (or, on the other hand, to hear con - the pastor; we’ve not spent 10 minutes telling planning, administration, outreach, pastoral cerns as someone of the opposite sex). them that Amy is the pastor.” care, missions and spiritual nurture — as “Imagine that your pastor could partici - Amy said the shared ministry position spelled out by Bill Hull, theologian in resi - pate in marital counseling, perform marriages has been a very fulfilling way to do ministry dence at Mountain Brook Baptist Church in and lead family seminars and workshops with — one that offsets the isolation often experi - Birmingham, where Russ was serving on a more holistic understanding of people’s enced by solo pastors. staff. They indicated which three of these lives... Imagine that you had a pastor who, “I wouldn’t do it by myself; I’d quit a areas were best suited for each of them. literally, could attend two committee meet - long time ago,” she said. “I don’t know how ings simultaneously!” anybody pastors a church alone.” MAKING THEIR CASE The search committee agreed to an ini - The male-female balance strengthens The Charlotte church had indicated they were tial conversation about the possibility of shared pastoral ministry, said Russ. And the open to either a male or female pastor. The changing their search from a pastor to a model helps break down the structures of

4 | Baptists Today • December 2009 FEATURE

male hierarchy present in many churches: to become more prevalent,” said Amy. “We still have our individual interests …,” “Just visually, there’s a benefit.” And why did they not talk with the said Jeffrey. “It’s not that we are one person.” The Deans believe their personal/profes - committee showing interest in them? Tonya added that establishing the right sional relationship has become a good model “We’re just real happy here,” said Russ. boundaries is helpful. of mutuality, cooperation and partnership — “The chemistry was just right; it’s worked “There is a professional relationship and even, or perhaps especially, when they don’t really well.” a personal relationship,” she said. “Jeffrey and necessarily see eye-to-eye. I are not going to hold hands in worship, but “I think it is really interesting for A CAMPUS CHURCH we will at the movie theater.” (church members) to see the pastors disagree In the mountain home of Western Carolina While pastoral pairs are more common and have to work it out,” said Amy, noting University, Cullowhee Baptist Church called in Southeast Asia, the Vickerys said they hope that any potential stalemates are settled by Jeffrey and Tonya Vickery as pastors seven more U.S. congregations will look at this having specific areas of responsibility to years ago. They equally divided one position good option. which one is granted final word. and split the preaching duties evenly. “We have different models now where Practically, the arrangement has worked “There is just that one job description it’s working successfully — and we’re getting well, the Deans said, in that they can literally for a pastor,” said Tonya, noting that she and some longevity,” said Jeffrey. “My hope is be in two places at the same time — such as Jeffrey divided up the various tasks aside from that we’ll see more healthy churches calling Amy being with a member at the hospital preaching. co-pastors.” during a crisis while Russ meets with the dea - The Vickerys shared an associate minis - An important part of their success, cons at church. “That happens all the time,” ter’s position at another church before Tonya attested, comes from the congrega - she said. coming to Cullowhee, N.C. The experience tion’s affirmation of gender equality and Technically, Russ is a full-time employee gave them a better idea of how to make this competence: “I didn’t have to earn my right and Amy is three-quarters time — though arrangement work in a small, campus-church to be pastor at Cullowhee.” few would know it, they said. The arrange - setting with a single pastor. ment allows Amy more time with their two “Preaching every other week makes ser - DIVISION OF DUTIES sons in the afternoon. mons richer,” said Jeffrey. “And every other The search committee of Fernwood Baptist Rather than fill a vacancy for a minister week I get to hear a good sermon too.” Church in Spartanburg, S.C., was in conver - of education, the church incorporated those And there is a built-in sounding board, sation with prospective pastor Dean Allen duties into the dual-pastors function at one said Tonya. when the idea of his wife, Lisa, sharing a por - point. But it was clear that the shared “I think being a pastor is a hard job, and tion of the job arose. They were called to pastoral roles were still equal. you’re sharing it with your best friend,” she serve the congregation earlier this year. “It was not two-for-one,” said Russ. explained. “That’s not for every couple though.” Dean and Lisa split the job 80/20 “They have to pay both of us.” Like the Deans, Jeffrey said the church respectively, allowing Lisa to use her ministry The Deans vacation together but take their continuing education time off sepa - can benefit from seeing its married pastors gifts while continuing in another career. Both rately. And they, along with their sons, “having different opinions in a committee hold doctorates from Boston University. participated in a sabbatical this summer. meeting and expressing them in healthy “We share worship leadership and preach By their choice, Russ preaches about ways.” equally,” said Dean. “In other things, I’m the three-fifths of the time but rarely will either The Vickerys expressed appreciation for first point of contact.” pastor preach three Sundays in a row. The the support they received when some neigh - Lisa said her work is mostly tied to wor - congregation has responded well to hearing boring Southern Baptist churches condemned ship though both she and Dean are highly two distinct voices in the pulpit on a regular the Cullowhee church for calling a female relational ministers. The Allens’ shared min - basis. pastor. The church, as a result, withdrew istry goes back to college days when they “We have very different preaching from the Tuckaseigee Baptist Association in were on a Baptist Student Union summer styles,” said Amy. 2002. missions team. While not for every couple, the Deans “They came to our defense … though it Together they have served the First hope more will consider this option — as was difficult for them,” said Jeffrey of Baptist Church of Weston, Mass., and at well as more congregations. Cullowhee congregation. “They said, ‘We’re Central Baptist Seminary. At their previous “We’re big proponents of the model,” Baptists; we’re going to hire who we want to.’” pastorate, the 80/20 split was reversed with said Russ, who created a network for pastoral After a “huge pastoral crisis” in which a Lisa filling the larger time slot. couples. “It’s a very fulfilling way to spend a pastor needed to be with both a family and Early in their time at Fernwood, a health marriage.” the congregation, Tonya said they discovered: crisis occurred in which Lisa and Dean were Recently a very prominent church con - “You can be in two places at one time.” able to minister. tacted the Deans to see if they would have Jeffrey, who also teaches college classes, “Co-pastoring allows for pastors to interest in their pastoral opening. The call and Tonya feel they can offer a healthy model respond to a crisis in a different way than a suggests that pastoral pairs may have moved a for other married couples interested in a single pastor,” said Lisa. “When there is a call step closer to mainstream. shared pastorate. But to do so, they said, for all hands on deck, there are more hands “I think it is a model that will continue requires keeping a proper perspective. on deck.”

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 5 FEATURE

ONE PASTOR, TWO PASTORS other assisting in worship including the chil - interim pastors for nearly two years. dren’s sermon. Both provide pastoral care as “We took turns preaching and often After nine years as a pastor, Tony Brooks the members choose. made pastoral visits together,” said American took a different path to pastoral ministry in “For funerals, weddings, baptism, Lord’s Baptist mission volunteer Carla Romarate- November 2003. He and his wife, Katrina, Supper — we share,” said Katrina. Knipel and David Knipel, who does legal were called as co-pastors of North Broad Some neighboring pastors reacted with work for American Baptists and other Baptist Church in Rome, Ga. hostility to the calling of a female co-pastor. organizations. They shared one job until duties of The local newspaper quoted pastor David This model is not a new idea to every another ministry position were rolled into the Harper of Hollywood Baptist Church saying: church. Douglas Harris and Carol McVetty, a mix. Both have been full-time pastors since “This could lead us down a slippery slope.... clergy couple with a commitment to multi - the spring of 2004. Pastoral duties are divided We could end up seeing the Nudist Baptist cultural ministry who now serve a pastorate between the two, but not cast in concrete. Church or the Homosexual Baptist Church.” in Chicago, were co-pastors of the racially “We’ve rotated these duties,” said In response, North Broad withdrew from diverse First Baptist Church of Detroit for Katrina, noting the importance of keeping the Floyd County Baptist Association in more than 12 years beginning in 1984. the personnel committee “very clear” on 2004. Katrina and Tony said their congrega - “While there we shared one pastoral who’s doing what. Currently, for example, tion and some other local churches were very position that grew to one and a third position Katrina leads Wednesday night Bible study affirming of them. by the time we left in January 1997 to come for adults while Tony works with youth. North Broad first contacted Tony as a to North Shore Baptist Church in Chicago,” They too have benefited from the potential pastor. When he raised the possibil - said Douglas. “In Detroit we shared the groundwork of the Deans and the Vickerys ity of the co-pastorate, the committee was preaching by taking turns each week with one — although each church with a married cou - willing to explore the idea. the preacher and the other the liturgist and ple as pastors has taken a different approach. It is working very well, said Katrina, have continued that here as well.” “The big thing for us is you’ve got to be whom the children call “Pastor K.” “But the The shared pastorate was a good way to flexible,” said Tony, who shares the pastor’s church’s identity must be affirming of women share more closely in parenting as well, he office with his wife. and men as ministers.” said. “We felt they needed to see this is the pastors’ office,” he said about the space with NEW PASTORAL PARADIGM AT HOME, AT WORK two adjoining desks. Katrina said the model gives the church Clarissa Strickland, networking specialist for While married co-pastors may have different “a broader gift base to tap into.” And, natu - the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, said she divisions of responsibilities, they agree that rally, some people simply have an affinity for passes along the résumés of married couples one of the most important factors is to find one of the pastors more so than the other. interested in a shared pastorate anytime she the right balance in their professional and The couple rotates preaching with the thinks a church might be open to such an personal lives. arrangement. “There’s always the challenge of leaving Tony and Katrina Brooks “I always suggest that such couples write ‘it’ at work,” said Tony Brooks. a cover letter to send with their résumés,” His wife and co-pastor Katrina agreed. said Strickland. The letter asks the committee One will sometimes say to the other: “That’s to consider the possibility of co-pastors who work related; we’re not going to talk about bring multiple gifts. that now.” Fernwood Baptist Church was “looking On the other hand, co-pastor couples for a pastor with strong people skills and an may spend less time rehashing the day, they extroverted personality, and one who brought said. strong pulpit skills,” said search committee When called as co-pastors, Tonya chair Gerald Keown, Old Testament profes - Vickery said she and Jeffrey “promised sor at Gardner-Webb University’s divinity Cullowhee (Baptist Church) we would never school. draw them into a marital conflict.” “While there was discussion within the The upsides outweigh any downsides, committee on how the church would respond these couples agree. In fact, they recommend to co-pastors, the conviction that they the idea to other ministry couples and to brought the best gifts for our needs out - churches searching for a pastor — or perhaps weighed any of those concerns,” said Keown. a pastoral pair. “It was a pleasant surprise when, at the “I think this model will continue to introduction of Dean and Lisa to the congre - become more prevalent,” said Amy Jacks gation, the congregational response was every Dean, fresh from a sabbatical and eager to bit as positive as that of the committee.” continue the shared pastoral ministry of Park The First Baptist Church of Norristown, Road Baptist Church with her husband and Penn., turned to a married couple to serve as co-pastor Russ. BT

6 | Baptists Today • December 2009 EDITORIAL Essentially, we divide according to our essentials By John Pierce

uch of the division within rapture and the nature of the millennium.” moderates are wishy-washy on doctrinal and churches and denominations has My interest is not in arguing with Akin’s moral issues or too willing to accommodate M to do with disagreement over the list, but simply to note that division into any and all beliefs. list of essentials. The essentials of one are not denominations and within denominations is However, it is the heavy-handed use of necessarily the essentials of another. most often tied to whose list of essentials wins an ever-changing list of “essentials” by some This thought came to mind when reading out. Baptists that makes other Baptists shy away about an address given by Danny Akin, presi - It is curious to note, however, that Akin from even the appearance of imposing their dent of Southeastern Baptist Seminary, during considers opposition to evolutionary science beliefs on another. And much of it has to do a conference on “Southern Baptists, Evangel- to be an essential belief with a historic Baptist understanding that no icals and the Future of Denominationalism” while tagging the one Baptist’s interpretation of scripture should held in October at Union University in Calvinist position that be forced upon another. Jackson, Tenn. Jesus died for a predeter - Yet even some moderate Baptists, dis - According to a Baptist Press report, Akin mined, limited number pleased with or dismissed by the narrow said Southern Baptists hold a common belief of persons rather than doctrinal exclusion of Southern Baptists, feel in the triune God, rejection of evolution, the the whole world as the need for some clear, even if very limited, full deity and perfect humanity of Jesus, penal nonessential. The parameters. Others feel such fence-building substitutionary atonement, the need for reasoning for that con - should be left to local congregations — out of regenerate church membership, salvation by clusion, of course, is that Akin opposes respect for church autonomy — while denom - grace alone through faith alone in Christ evolution and affirms Calvinism. inational groups simply coordinate the alone, the reality of an eternal heaven and an However, it seems extremely odd that a mission and ministry opportunities of these eternal hell, and the sanctity of life from particular viewpoint on a debated scientific diverse congregations. conception to natural death. matter would make the essentials list while a From a practical standpoint, it is hard to He prefaced that list with an affirmation doctrinal position on the offer of salvation rally around the “essentials” when essentially of biblical “inerrancy” and the 2000 version would not. everyone has a different set. Yet it is possible of the Baptist Faith and Message doctrinal Where Southern Baptist leaders draw to rally around shared commitments — to statement. Then he added that Southern lines these days matters little to me. I’ve been missions, disaster relief, religious liberty, etc. Baptists also agree on the “sanctity of hetero - on the outside of their efforts at exclusion for — despite holding different lists of beliefs. sexual marriage, the goodness of sex in a long time and prefer life out here. But my Someone asked about my own list of marriage and the gift of children, lots of interest lies in the ways in which dividing essentials. My surprise was how little desire them.” lines are drawn with markers of so-called could be mustered for producing one. It has But, according to Akin, some other essential doctrine. nothing to do with my lack of belief in much-discussed issues should not be placed One criticism of the moderate Baptist Christian doctrine, but my keen awareness on the essential/non-negotiable list. Non- movement, sometimes from within and often that my list carries little weight with others. essentials for Akin, according to the article, from without, is an uneasiness with spelling It is one thing to sit down with a group included: “Calvinism, elders, whether certain out a list of essentials that participants are of fellow believers and discover what we hold spiritual gifts are still active, the time of the asked to affirm. Charges are made that in common. It is another for a select few to create a list of beliefs deemed essential — and YES! I/We want to support BAPTISTS TODAY by … start excluding everyone who can’t sign on the dotted line. ______ Making a gift of $______(enclosed). NAME Of course, it’s even more challenging Making a pledge of $______to the Keystone ______when those calling for allegiance to their Fund to be given over three years. (Initial gift enclosed) PHONE “essentials” keep changing the list. ______ Making a gift of $______in memory or My resistance to producing or affirming ______honor (circle one) of ______. a list of essential beliefs is not because doc - ADDRESS Providing a church group subscription trine is considered unimportant — but (25 copies) through a gift of $450. ______CITY because such efforts in my recent memory Sending individual gift subscriptions to _____ friends at $20 each for one year or ______have been used more as wedges than unifiers. $35 for two years. (Enclose names and STATE ZIP And, for me, the essentials seem to get fewer addresses of recipients.) ••• BT and firmer as I get older. Exploring ways to support Baptists Today MAIL completed form with check to: Baptists Today , P.O. Box 6318, through estate planning. (Contact Keithen Macon, GA 31208-6318 — or, to use a CREDIT CARD, call Tucker at 478-330-6223 or 478-361-5363 1-877-752-5658 or 478-301-5655. This editorial stems from a recent blog entry or [email protected] .) and feedback at www.bteditor.blogspot.com. BAPTISTS TODAY IS A 501( C)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION . G IFTS OF SUPPORT ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED . December 2009 • Baptists Today | 7 PERSPECTIVE BY CAROL CRAWFORD HOLCOMB

‘STREET QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISTS’

Editor’s note: This is the 12th and final article in a series titled “Street Questions about Baptists,” in celebration of 400 years of the Baptist movement. ‘Where did Baptists get their name? ’

Recently I asked a group of college students if baptism was important. One of them replied, “No, it is a meaningless ritual and we should do away with it.”

f course, I know his words were arrive at a similar conclusion. Smyth believed this hindered the work meant to shock. He was looking In 1608 a small group of Puritan of the Holy Spirit. Churches must follow O for a reaction from his professor. separatists — weary of persecution and scripture to the letter and sift out all the Still, his response was startling and harassment by the Church of England — human inventions that perverted the gospel raised a host of disturbing questions. For fled to Holland seeking religious freedom. of Christ. one, if the younger generation views bap - A Cambridge-educated minister named Church membership also troubled tism as trivial, then we who identify John Smyth and a prominent layman Smyth. The church could not be pure, in ourselves as the “Baptists” are in trouble. named Thomas Helwys led the small band his thinking, unless all of its members had Furthermore, his question pressed me to to Amsterdam. confessed Christ as Lord. In the Anglican study Baptist identity in a new light. Smyth zealously defended his decision pattern, ministers of the Church of How did we come to value baptism so to “separate” from the Church of England England baptized the children born in each much that it became our name? and wrote passionate appeals urging his parish. A century before our Baptist story friends at home to be faithful to the teach - Hence, all citizens were Christians. All began, a group of young men in Switzer- ings of the New Testament. Smyth was participated in communion and confession, land risked their lives to gather a New obsessed with ridding the church of cor - and any could seek a position of church Testament church marked by adult ruption and longed for a pure fellowship of leadership. believer’s baptism. In January 1527 a large believers. The Puritans felt that church member - crowd followed a condemned man named He came to the conclusion that the ship should be extended only to those who Felix Manz through the streets of Zurich to Church of England was not a “true” church could offer a testimony of conversion. How the edge of the River Limmat. because it followed practices not supported could the church function as the body of In an act of poetic justice, the town by scripture. In order for the church to be Christ if one could not claim to be “in council had sentenced Manz to be drowned pure, argued Smyth, it had to conform to Christ”? because he refused to stop baptizing those the New Testament pattern in every way. After studying the scriptures, Smyth who confessed Christ. As Manz marched to For example, he and other reformers became convinced that baptism should be his execution, he proclaimed to all within believed that church members should administered after a confession of faith. In hearing that believer’s baptism was the true choose their own leadership and style of 1609 Smyth baptized himself, Helwys and Christian baptism. worship. The Church of England insisted about 40 other members of their congrega - His executioners placed him in a boat, that all churches in the realm should sub - tion. Smyth asserted that the church must took him to a fisherman’s hut in the middle mit to the authority of the Archbishop of be “rightly constituted” with the proper of the river, and bound him hand and foot. Canterbury and conduct services according form of baptism in order to guarantee its There they dropped Felix Manz into the to the patterns outlined in The Book of purity. cold dark waters of the river. Common Prayer. Ever the zealous seeker, Smyth imme - Anyone who dared embrace Manz’s diately began to wrestle with questions of “Anabaptist” beliefs (as they came to be authority and became insecure about his called) met a similar fate. Both Catholics “self-baptism.” As a result, Smyth and and Protestants hounded Anabaptists Helwys parted company. across the European continent with an Carol Crawford Smyth applied to the Dutch unrestrained viciousness. Anabaptists suf - Holcomb is assistant Anabaptists for membership, and Helwys fered and died because they insisted that a professor of religion at took a small group of followers back to church founded on the New Testament the University of Mary England. There, they established the first pattern required believer’s baptism. Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Baptist church on English soil in a village In the next century, another group of Texas. near London. Christians — called the Baptists — would Thomas Helwys’ congregation, like

8 | Baptists Today • December 2009 PERSPECTIVE

other early Baptist churches, did not imme - Smyth described the church as diately adopt the Baptist label. Instead, “a company of the faithful; baptized after they preferred being called “the Brethren,” confession of sin and of faith, endowed “the Brethren of the Baptized Way,” with the power of Christ.” Interestingly, in “Churches of Christ,” or the “Baptized The Confession of 1660 , the lengthiest dis - Churches.” cussion of baptism can be found in the The name “Baptist” originated as a article on the church. nickname to ridicule Baptist beliefs. One There it states that the right and only prominent opponent named Daniel Featley way, of gathering Churches, (according to mocked the practice of immersion in Christ’s appointment, Mat. 28. 19, 20.) is printed tracts and scoffed at those believers first to teach, or preach the Gospel, Mark who had been “plung’d head over eares.” 16. 16. to the Sons and Daughters of men; Because the name “Baptist” emerged and then to Baptize (that is in English to in a spirit of contempt, these churches were Dip) in the name of the Father, Son, and reluctant to accept it. Other enemies holy Spirit, or in the name of the Lord Jesus described Baptists as Anabaptists, a name Christ; such only of them, as profess repen - Baptist leaders vehemently rejected. tance towards God, and faith towards our An unfortunate incident in the city of Lord Jesus Christ, Acts. 2. 38. Acts 8. 12. Münster in 1534-35 had so tarnished the Acts 18. 8 name “Anabaptist” that it had become a A profession of faith led to baptism. synonym for anarchists. Frequently Baptist Baptism produced a pure church. pamphlets and confessions protested that Contemporary rhetoric about baptism they were “falsely called Anabaptists.” often obscures or ignores the relationship For example, the First London between baptism and the church. Confession of 1644 claimed it was “a con - Many ministers encourage new believ - fession of faith of seven congregations or ers to be baptized as a public confession of churches of Christ in London, which are their faith and perhaps exaggerate the act as commonly, but unjustly called Anabap- a “personal” ritual. However, we need to tists.” Over time the baptized churches help congregations understand that bap - embraced the name Baptist, although they tism serves as the foundation of a believer’s continued to protest the Anabaptist label church. well into the 18th century. In her study of Baptist baptismal the - The 17th century Baptists’ obsession ology, Sheila Klopfer concluded that with baptism cannot be understood apart “Baptism was not a monologue; it was a from the quest to establish a church rooted dialogue between Jesus Christ and the will - in scripture. My friend Doug Weaver ing disciple … [Baptism] belonged to Jesus rightly describes the Baptist pilgrimage as and was not the believer’s own act in isola - the search for a New Testament church. tion, which reflected the importance of The fact that Smyth and Helwys were baptism as a relational act.” Christians before they submitted to bap - By grace through faith, baptism binds tism as adults indicates their concern for us to Christ and knits us to one another as ecclesiology. Both had received baptism as the church. Perhaps we should return once infants along with the majority of their fel - more to the riverbanks and stand as wit - low church members. Even though they nesses together. Maybe we should receive clearly affirmed the necessity of individual, new believers into the warmth of our arms personal conversion, they understood con - as they come out of the water as a tangible fession as the beginning of the journey reminder that “by one spirit we were all toward baptism and church membership. baptized into one body.” BT

“Both Catholics and Protestants hounded Anabaptists across the European continent with an unrestrained viciousness. Anabaptists suffered and died because they insisted that a church founded on the New Testament

pattern required believer’s baptism. ”

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 9 PERSPECTIVE quotation remarks

“…We gather in the hope that one “The work that we need to do, we shark-infested waters, which were day such a service will not even be atheists, humanists and non-believ - occasionally filled with a spiritually newsworthy because we have over - ers, is to build a better world and not high-minded deacon or another come issues of racism, sexism, try to tear down tho“se with whom sanctified busybody wh”o was always classism and all other -isms that sep - we disagree. When our goal is eras - ready to extract pounds of flesh from arate us from one another and God.” ing religion, rather than embracing the preacher. —Pastor Mark Kelly Tyler of Mother Bethel AME human beings, we all lose.” —David Sanders, a Little Rock columnist and Church in Philadelphia on the first joint worship —Greg M. Epstein, the Humanist chaplain at educational television producer/host, in a service with predominately white St. George’s United Harvard University (RNS) commentary on race and the church (ABP) Methodist Church in more than 200 years when his African-American congregation was formed due to “There’s a generation coming behind racial tension (RNS) “The movement, like the original me in their 20s and 30s that are say - Baptist movement, is a marginal - ing, ‘We need to forfeit the American ized, prophetic attempt to form “[S]ome claim that the best way to dream for the nations.’ That is chal - communities true to the New protect the freedom of religion is to lenging me to the core. I think when Testament in an era of radical implement so-called anti-defamation a generation is coming along saying, change.” policies that would restrict freedom ‘We’re willing to forgo nicer cars, of expression and the freedom of —William Loyd Allen, professor of church we’re willing to live in lesser history and spiritual formation at Mercer religion. I strongly disagree … The neighborhoods,’ I’ve never been University‘s McAfee School of Theology, on the protection of speech about religion is challenged that way in my life.” Emerging Church (ABP) particularly important since persons —Southern Baptist Convention president of different faiths will inevitably hold Johnny Hunt, pastor of First Baptist Church of divergent views on religious ques - Woodstock, Ga. (BP) tions. These differences should be “They’ve just proven that Jefferson met with tolerance, not with the and Madison got it right. It’s a suppression of discourse.” reminder of the difference between In the news, 25 years ago . . . —Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on inter- religion that’s state-sponsored and national efforts to adopt policies outlawing the religion that is vital, voluntary and Responding to a Texas Monthly article tying him and others leading the defamation of religions (BP) robust.” Southern Baptist Convention takeover —Charles Haynes of the First Amendment Center to the actions of late fundamentalist “I would like it understood that this on fans in Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga., who responded to a pastor Frank Norris, Dallas First committee’s recommendation will ban on cheerleaders holding overtly Christian Baptist pastor W.A. Criswell allow nobody to take this resolution banners on the field during football games by responded: “There is nothing in any of and say this convention has in any wearing faith-affirming T-shirts and holding signs this that I see as Norrisism. Nothing, way approved the consumption of in the stands (New York Times) absolutely nothing. What these men alcoholic beverages.” are doing is trying to keep our denomi - “I benefited from loving, godly nation conservative, that’s all… A —Judge Paul Pressler of Houston on a Southern ‘conservative’ is a Bible-believing man Baptists of Texas Convention resolution on the suffi - people who loved my family like me.” ciency of Scripture that affirms “nothing as sin unless unconditionally and reflected what it is forbidden explicitly or implicitly” in the Bible, Scripture taught about living out which he amended to state that “the consumption of one’s faith. But I also watched — SBC Today December 1984 alcoholic beverages is intrinsically wrong” (BP) my father navigate the church’s

10 | Baptists Today • December 2009 INFORMATION Historic church makes history again

center, and a weekly program on Sundays Five questions for that seeks to disciple children. As parents of three children, Shelby and I are excited to Jeffrey Haggray become part of a church that is committed to families with small children. By John Pierce BT: What ministry challenges/opportunities ASHINGTON, D.C. — Pastor come from being in the nation’s capital? Jeffrey Haggray took to the historic W pulpit of the First Baptist Church JH: In the nation’s capital, the challenges are in the City of Washington on Nov. 15 as the usually synonymous with the opportunities. first African-American to guide the church Millions of people pass through Washington, established more than two centuries ago. D.C., on a weekly basis, some for a day or a Haggray, 46, has served as executive few days, some for a few months, and others director/minister of the District of Columbia to settle permanently. Baptist Convention The church’s mission is to provide a car - since 2001. A native of ing and enduring faith community for those Savannah, Ga., he is a who come to stay, and to be a witnessing and graduate of the worshipping community for those who are University of Virginia, More than two centuries since its founding, passing through. the First Baptist Church of Washington, D.C., Yale University Divinity has called Jeffrey Haggray as pastor. He is the Also, the District of Columbia is both a School and Wesley first African-American pastor to lead the local community and the Federal City. It Theological Seminary. historic congregation, reaching a diverse population in the nation’s capital. would be a mistake to be so fixated on His wife, Shelby, is Capitol Hill, the White House and the Jeffrey Haggray also a minister who First Baptist members represent all Judiciary that one overlooks the spiritual and serves as associate dean for community life at regions of North America, and many inter- moral needs of local residents who do not Wesley Seminary. They have three children. nationals are part of the congregation. always place national politics at the top of Haggray took time from his busy transi - Members also represent diverse viewpoints as their agenda. tion to answer these five questions from Baptists who profess faith in Jesus Christ and Conversely, it would be shortsighted to Baptists Today editor John Pierce. who cherish soul liberty. neglect to proclaim Good News and the year First Baptists are a missional people who of the Lord to the powers that be while also BT: In just a couple of sentences, please see the Metropolitan Washington Region as modeling a heart of love and welcome. describe the congregation as you see it. their mission field, and who passionately want Folks inside Washington are more in to work with diverse individuals, congrega - touch with their spiritual and moral needs, JH: First Baptist is a warm and sincere con - tions, Baptist bodies and other communions and their vulnerabilities, than the “inside the gregation that is both profoundly aware and to fulfill the Great Commission. Every lesson beltway” accusations give them credit for. A proud of its rich Baptist legacy, and eager to I have learned from my time with DCBC will church — that fulfills the Great Commission embrace the emerging diversity and complex - serve me well at First Baptist. and the Great Commandment, and that ity that are to be found in contemporary extends the invitation to discipleship, and Washington. First Baptist is a youthful- BT: What ministries in or through the church welcomes all who respond — will succeed in looking, 207-year-old congregation that excite you most? this city. intends to keep current as a community that is forward looking while remaining faithful to JH: First Baptist has a consistent track record BT: What hopes do you have for this its Christian heritage. of reaching out to the young adults who live congregation? in the community surrounding the church. BT: What from your eight years as executive Through a combination of small groups, JH: My hope is that First Baptist will con - director/minister at D.C. Baptist Convention study, recreation and mission endeavors, First tinue to resemble God’s beloved community will be of benefit to you in this pastorate? Baptist consciously seeks to provide a com - more and more, wherein the Good News is munity of faith that is home away from home boldly preached, where worship is offered in JH: Apart from being the first church of the for these young adults. I am excited about a spirit of excellence and enthusiasm is typi - D.C. Baptist Convention, First Baptist is in becoming a part of that outreach. cal, where welcome and hospitality to all many respects a microcosm of the denomina - Also, First Baptist is passionate about people is practiced, and where it perceives its tional, ideological and demographic diversity ministry to small children. What a concept! mission to be both local and global seven within DCBC. The church has a child development days a week. BT

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 11 INFORMATION Former SBC leader says NAMB is obsolete

By Bob Allen Against the Wind: The Moderate Voice in Danny Akin, a task force member and Associated Baptist Press Baptist Life by Carl Kell, called the North president of Southeastern Seminary, has American Mission Board, established in said that NAMB “is broke, and has been KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An elder states - 1997 in a merger of three SBC agencies, a broke for a long time.” Pastors quoted in a man who led three Southern Baptist “wasteful funding mechanism” that “has task force listening session in North Convention entities for a total of 40 years served as a pressure device to keep state Carolina described Southern Baptists’ says the denomination’s North American conventions in line with church-planting method as “stupid” and Mission Board is an obsolete bureaucracy Southern Baptist said it involved “massive replication.” that will likely have a diminished role or Convention programs.” McCall says a few changes in the disappear altogether in the 21st century. “Thus the North Cooperative Program — the SBC’s unified Duke McCall, 95, says in a recently American Mission giving mechanism — would improve effi - published essay that leadership missteps Board continues to ciency and greatly strengthen the Baptist before 2006 add to NAMB’s vulnerability appeal to SBC leaders state conventions. “Like the nation’s as a new generation of SBC leaders emerges despite its clear obsoles - budget, it has been the victim of political in the first quarter of the 21st century. On cence,” McCall says. changes until it reflects political power Duke McCall the other hand, McCall says, NAMB’s suc - Kell said McCall more than fiscal rationality or denomina - cesses have helped boost the growth of originally submitted the essay before discus - tional strategy,” he says. Baptist state conventions across the nation. sions that led to appointment in June of an McCall says it may be about 2015 “These state conventions are a better 18-member task force to study how before a revision of SBC strategy can take alternative for domestic missions than a Southern Baptists can work “more faithfully place — after at least three “new breed” SBC central organization,” McCall writes. “This and effectively together in serving Christ presidents have served their terms and made has been obvious for at least 50 years in through the Great Commission.” Meetings appointments to the convention’s committee that most of the Cooperative Program of the task force, appointed by SBC presi - on boards. Any effort before that, he says, funds sent to Atlanta for the North dent Johnny Hunt, are not open to the would “result in little change, because the American Mission Board have actually been press, but comments by individual members mindset at the end of the last century will spent by the state conventions through vari - suggest looking at the role of NAMB is part still be in office.” He suggests a target date ous kinds of ‘partnership’ programs.” of their thinking. for “a renewal of the Cooperative Program” McCall, in a postscript chapter in According to the Biblical Recorder , for its centennial in 2025. BT Mission board ‘essential’, Baptist state execs say By Jennifer Davis Rash mission board. But Lance and others like works like NAMB. In cooperative agree - The Alabama Baptist Georgia Baptist Convention (GBC) Executive ments with 42 state Baptist conventions, Director Bob White, believe NAMB is NAMB works to support the effort of mis - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama Baptists “absolutely essential” to Southern Baptists sionaries in language missions, resort want to reach North America and the world and reaching North missions and various other ministries that for Christ, said Rick Lance, executive direc - America for Christ. reach our nation for Jesus Christ. Those tor of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Lance said that joint efforts are unique to NAMB.” Missions (SBOM). And through the Acts 1:8 NAMB is involved in Lance said if NAMB no longer existed, strategy adopted by both the International numerous ministries something like it would have to be rein - Mission Board (IMB) and the North including church plant - vented. “You’d have to start all over. The American Mission Board (NAMB) about ing, evangelism states would have to do it rather than there eight years ago, “we are doing that.” strategies, disaster relief being a national strategy.” Both Lance and But the ability to continue strong evan - and missions education. White noted affirmation from executive gelism efforts in all levels of this strategy — “It’s a total missional Rick Lance directors from smaller and newer state con - Jerusalem (local area), Judea (state), Samaria effort,” he said. “And ventions for what larger ones like Alabama (North America) and “the ends of the earth” those ministries only touch the surface of and Georgia are doing through their support (international) — depends on the existence what really the North American Mission of the Cooperative Program and in partner - of NAMB, he said. Board seeks to do, much of which is under ship with NAMB. BT Recent talks among Southern Baptists the radar.” have led to discussions and informal propos - White told the GBC executive commit - — Joe Westbury of the Georgia Baptist als of dissolving the two mission boards and tee in September: “There is no agency in the Christian Index contributed to this story combining all missions efforts into one global SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) that through Baptist Press.

12 | Baptists Today • December 2009 INFORMATION O’Hair: the atheist who just won’t die

By Robert Marus and Ken Camp tion, the e-mails claim, that if approved received at least 30 million letters, faxes or Associated Baptist Press would remove all Sunday worship services e-mails expressing opposition to this peti - from radio and television. O’Hair typically tion since 1974. The only new element in WASHINGTON — Thanks to the is identified in the e-mail as the atheist this later incarnation is the mention of Internet, some gullible American Christians “whose effort successfully eliminated the Touched by an Angel — a show that’s been can engage in one of their favorite hobbies use of the Bible reading and prayer from off the air for six years. — digging up the metaphorical corpse of public schools 15 years ago.” Some ver - But O’Hair’s posthumous powers Madalyn Murray O’Hair and rhetorically sions of the e-mail link the petition to an should not be a surprise. Labeled by Life flogging it — more easily than ever before. effort to remove religiously themed televi - magazine in 1964 as “the most hated Even though the famous atheist’s body sion shows, specifically woman in America,” O’Hair is considered was discovered in 1998 and positively iden - mentioning Touched by enough of an enemy by many Christians tified in Texas — and even though she an Angel. that they are willing to believe just about apparently has been dead since she dis- There indeed once anything about her. The advent of the appeared in 1995 — patently false rumors was a petition about Internet only made the rumors easier to about her alleged anti-Christian campaigns religious broadcasting spread and harder to correct. continue to spread. Credulous Christians filed with the FCC, but And rumors become more powerful who once forwarded these kinds of rumors that’s the extent of the when they tap into the hostility and dis - in mimeographed chain letters or spread truth in this rumor. trust toward government that is widespread Madalyn Murray The petition, called RM among conservative Christians. It’s easier to them on talk radio now can broadcast O’Hair them around the world with the mere click 2493, was filed nearly believe a rumor that fits one’s larger politi - of a mouse. 35 years ago — but not by O’Hair, and cal paradigm. And, of course, O’Hair is not alone in not to eliminate religious broadcasting. Ethicist Tillman said that gullibility the annals of perceived enemies of Christ According to Snopes.com, a website may grow out of fear and anxiety — that about whom some Christians will spread that debunks urban legends, e-mail rumors directly relates to what people believe. the most ridiculous stories, not bothering and other myths, Jeremy Lansman and “I suggest to my students, ‘Tell me to do the merest hint of fact-checking on Lorenzo Milam asked the FCC to prevent something about your fears, and I will tell them. From the old Procter & Gamble religious organizations from obtaining you something of your theology,’” Tillman Satanism libel to tales about President licenses to operate radio and TV channels said. “Dealing with our fears — an action Obama’s faith and citizenship, Internet- reserved for education. usually dismissed or ignored — may be one fueled rumors seem to run rampant. The petition was not intended to ban of the keys to understanding just which But why would Christians who should all religious broadcasting, but rather to pre - e-mails we forward and those we don’t.” BT hold the highest standards of truth-telling vent religious organizations that operate be so eager to spread such rumors and even universities and schools from receiving —Robert Marus is Washington bureau chief downright libels? FCC licenses for broadcast frequencies for Associated Baptist Press, and “Their gullibility seems to follow the reserved for educational use. The FCC Ken Camp is managing editor of the culture’s levels and channels of gullibility,” turned down the petition in August 1975. Texas Baptist Standard. said Bill Tillman, Christian-ethics profes - And O’Hair never had anything to do with sor at Hardin-Simmons University’s such a petition. Logsdon Seminary. “That similarity should There are other problems with the lat - Read about it in give Christians pause to think: If I am no est rumor. O’Hair’s famous court case — in different than the surrounding culture on 1964, not 15 years ago — didn’t eliminate Baptists Today the treatment of e-mails and communica - Bible reading and prayer from public tion they carry, with what else am I no schools, but rather led to the Supreme different?” Court decision that said government- then Historically, O’Hair is the hands-down sanctioned school prayer and school-led, favorite target of the Christian rumor mill. devotional Bible study are unconstitutional. discuss Some tales tied to her name have been in Moreover, the FCC would not have circulation for more than a quarter century. the authority to ban religious broadcasting, it at The most pervasive and indestructible since such a rule would blatantly violate O’Hair rumor credits her for a campaign the First Amendment’s religion clauses and to ban religious broadcasting. would be overturned by the Supreme It links her to a petition to the Federal Court. But the rumor just won’t die. Communications Commission — a peti - According to Snopes, the FCC has BaptistLife.com

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 13 PERSPECTIVE Open letter, open response to questions about being Baptist

EDITOR’S NOTE: The name of the person who submitted this open letter is being withheld to avoid identification of the church. While no one Baptist speaks for another — much less for a Baptist organization or movement — Bill Hardee, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Griffin, Ga., was asked to give his perspective on the issues raised in this open letter. Also, the commentary on Baptists and baptism by Curtis Freedom (on page 17) speaks to a specific point in question.

An open letter being baptized as infants should have Baptists were jailed, beaten and abused been “confirmed.” How can one be in Virginia because they stood for the Dear editor: Baptist without baptism? ideas and beliefs of a true Baptist? I use this open forum as I know a num - Further, my church is now trying to Was Obadiah Holmes’ beating use - ber of other Baptists who feel as I do. observe Advent and Lent, and lights less? Were Adoniram and Ann Judson We earnestly desire to know where some candles to signify the presence of the baptized to become Baptist in vain? of you are trying to take our Baptist Holy Spirit. The program for the 2009 My heart is heavy. My denomina - church. CBF General Assembly included a tion, in which I was baptized by Are we to still be Baptist, or are we workshop on Lent; thus I assume it immersion in July 1941, now seems to to become only a church taking advan - must be CBF recommended. be telling me: “It was not so,” you really tage of the Baptist name but with none I am not a total stranger to Baptist don’t have to “believe and be baptized,” of the historical Baptist distinctives that history and have never discovered a a church is not really made up of bap - made us so different? Why? Have the record or seen any evidence that in the tized believers as I thought it was. I Baptists been wrong for 400 years now? previous 400 years of our history that failed since I did not celebrate Advent, How did you discover our mistakes? Advent, Lent nor lighting candles to sig - Lent or light candles to remind me that Can we be Baptist without baptism? Do nify the presence of the Holy Spirit was I was in the presence of the Holy Spirit. we not deserve some explanation? a part of Baptist worship. Am I wrong? I am greatly concerned that the Here are only a few of my reasons If so, where is there such a record? Baptist name seems to stand for very lit - for asking these questions: My church, a Is there a biblical reference? If not, tle now, only a way to attract a few but Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) what is the basis for the practice? Did I is really meaningless. I agonize more church never very concerned about the miss a meeting or fail to read my mail though over the fact that those in the Baptist distinctives such as immersion or Baptist papers when these items were church, in the future, will not have what baptism of believers only, now is accept - presented? Do I even have a choice, or I have had; pride in our distinctive his - ing as members some never baptized at must I just “do them”? tory and glory in the examples of the all and anyone only baptized as an I realize full well that as a pre-baby- achievements of those like Helwys, infant. boomer, I am an old Baptist still on the Ketch, Williams, Backus, Stearns, Is getting names on the church rolls Baptist pew and rolls but not of much Marshall (both Daniel and Martha), the true motive? Are numbers that long-term value. With deep regret and Leland, Truett, Hobbs and many more. important? Baptist without baptism? almost unbelief I have been told that I know where I stand and face my In my church there is no recogni - believer’s baptism by immersion is not future with confidence, but I mourn for tion that believer’s baptism by immer- taught as a Baptist distinctive in at least those following who apparently will not sion is a basic and important aspect one Baptist school of theology; that have the experiences that I have had and of demonstrating one’s obedience to baptism is not really an important part may not know the joy of that old-time and acceptance of Christ and his com - of a Baptist church, and certainly not religion. What is a Baptist without bap - mands. The pastor says he will baptize the mode of baptism, and this in a tism? Will someone please tell me? by immersion those making professions church with Baptist in its name. These are my “ Ninety-five of faith, but will accept anyone saying Can this be the future of this old Theses.” I nail them on my church they are already members of other denomination that I have held so closely door, pleading for your response. I, too, churches regardless of baptism or mode for so long, or is there no future? Did can do no other. of baptism. those Baptist martyrs die for this? Was He does say that he feels those it for no good reason that those 50-odd (Name withheld by editor at request of writer)

14 | Baptists Today • December 2009 PERSPECTIVE

An open response resident in a nursing home — might a he was taking a class leading up to church By William L. Hardee minister consider any other mode. membership, he expressed gratitude that he As I reflected on your letter, the real was not required to be re-baptized. His com - Dear Concerned Baptist: concern seems to be accepting believers from ment was that God had used his parent’s faith I empathize with your anguish over changing other denominations who have not been and the confirmation process to draw him to times and the adoption of new practices baptized by immersion as believers. Christ. In his words, re-baptism would feel among Baptists. As a pastor in my mid-50s So what has changed in the intervening like denying the rich spiritual experiences who has lived through revolutionary changes years? In your generation, people rarely that enabled him to be the person of faith he in church, let me offer to you the answers I changed denominations; to do so was almost has become. have found in my own journey of faith, par - an act of treason in some settings. Today, it is My task as a minister is to facilitate peo - ticularly since those answers coincide with not unusual for 50 percent of new members ple’s spiritual journey, not to ask them to the practices of your own church. in a traditional Baptist church to come from negate the path God has used to bring them First, let us acknowledge the important other denominations. We live in a post- to faith. As Baptists, it seems fair to ask peo - differences between Baptist principles and denominational age; that is, people join a ple to yield to our requirements if they are to Baptist practices . Principles are enduring church based upon how be one of us. But as Christians, we may judge because they are based upon our theology of good a fit the church is our requirements to be stumbling blocks. God and man. Practices may change and do in terms of nurturing Sometimes you have to choose whether change as needs arise. their faith and providing you will be Baptist in practice or Christian in It is appealing to imagine that all Baptist meaningful friendships principle. We can’t always be Baptist and practices arise from the Bible. However, most — not because of its Christian; sometimes we must choose. Baptist of our practices arise from more practical denominational affilia - principles don’t change; Baptist practices may. considerations. For example, Sunday school is tion. Even when we accept a believer from not found in the Bible nor are indoor pools This has led many Bill Hardee another denomination, we do not change our for baptism. ministers to raise impor - own tradition of baptizing by immersion In my own studies of Baptist history I tant questions regarding the basis of a those who come to faith in our congregation. discovered a Baptist association that withdrew requirement of re-baptism (by immersion). To become Baptist means that new members fellowship from a church for installing an The most troubling question to me is: If bap - respect the Baptist principle that baptism is indoor baptistery. Now the practice is perva - tism is biblically related to one’s initial faith for believers. Regardless of their own faith sive. Also, while the Bible may tell us of commitment, what value is there is requiring tradition that has nurtured them, they have qualifications for deacons, nowhere does it tell re-baptism years later — especially when now made a decision to live within the us what they do. Each church determines Christian maturity is greatly evidenced? Baptist vision. what it means to be a deacon in its context. Other questions are also perplexing. If It is interesting to note that this practice Second, let us also acknowledge that the form of baptism (immersion) is so impor - of accepting believers without requiring re- baptism is not a Baptist-only tradition. tant, why isn’t the form of the Lord’s Supper baptism has numerous precedents in Baptist Mainline Christianity in its denominational (using real wine and unleavened bread) history. G. Todd Wilson has written an excel - varieties has always affirmed baptism as a important? If a believer coming from another lent essay in Baptism and the Lord’s Supper , clear command of Christ. What is distinctive faith tradition is satisfied with his or her bap - edited by Walter B. Shurden. He writes that and one of our Baptist principles is believer’s tism, isn’t there some arrogance in us making “open church membership has existed from baptism . John Smyth and Thomas Helwys re-baptism by immersion a requirement sim - our earliest beginnings.” reacted against the traditions that baptized ply for membership in a Baptist church? After The most prominent early advocate was infants, reasoning that baptism was an out - all, baptism does not save us; it is a symbol of John Bunyan who in 1673 warned of the ward sign of a commitment to Christ. spiritual rebirth. peril of making an idol of God’s ordinance of In very important ways it signifies the Certainly, prospective members whose water baptism. In the 18th century, Robert beginning of a Christian journey toward baptism came after making a commitment to Robinson of Cambridge vigorously argued maturity. It is a public confession of a com - Christ (even if not by immersion) is more that an error in the mode of baptism should mitment to Christ. Yet it is surprising to palatable to our sensibilities. However, there not prevent membership or communion in most Baptists to discover that the first is always a possible moment of growth when the Baptist church. Baptists were not immersed, but rather were we listen to those who come from other tra - Wilson concludes his paragraph by baptized by having water poured over their ditions. One member, who came from a noting that accepting believers without re- heads. John Smyth actually baptized himself Presbyterian church more than 40 years ago baptism is in fact “the accepted practice of in that manner. Immersion, however, did and was re-baptized, is our church’s most many British churches where our denomina - become the common practice after only a few ardent proponent of Baptist heritage. Yet to tion originated.” decades. this day she sees her re-baptism as adding The church was at its best in Acts 15. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship nothing to her faith and as a blatant act of Recorded there is the remarkable story of (CBF) churches I am aware of practice disrespect to her former tradition. church leaders changing their practices to believer’s baptism by immersion. Only in Another member was baptized as a baby reach people. Church leaders met in Jerusalem unusual circumstances — such as a frail and confirmed in the Catholic Church. When to assess Peter’s encounter with Cornelius and

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 15 PERSPECTIVE

Paul’s preaching to the Gentiles. impoverished. This is certainly true with our What could be more biblical than taking The traditionalists mounted their best tendency to ignore or diminish the liturgical the rich story of the gospel and reliving it case that Gentiles had to conform to the calendar. every calendar year under the rich themes of Word of God (the Torah) with all its pre - The word liturgical simply means joy, repentance, empowerment and growth? scriptions, laws and even the initiatory rite of worship. The calendar is an overview of sig - Protestant principles remind us that the circumcision to be Christians. In what is nificant moments in the life of the early church is always in need of reform. Baptist arguably the most radical text in the entire church — moments that we are invited to principles are best understood as ways of set - Bible, James and the leaders of the council in relive and draw inspiration from as we ting people free: a free conscience to choose Jerusalem set the gospel free. They erased the remember those pivotal moments that God; a free church to decide its own path; a binding authority of the Torah (Genesis continue to enrich our lives. free state unencumbered by religious wran - through Deuteronomy). They said that God Advent reminds us that we spend much gling; a free body of believers who can each had done such a radical, new thing in Jesus of our lives in waiting. And the experience of hear God and testify to his words; and, a free that it seems good to us and to the Holy Spirit Christmas is much deeper when we rehearse act of commitment (baptism) whereby one not to lay the burden of the Law on Gentiles. the story of the prophets, Zachariah, Mary, says yes to God in his/her unique journey The New Testament church could be Joseph, and the shepherds and draw their with Christ. self-critical about its own practices and longings and aspirations into our own lives. Part of what these principles hold to be enlarge its own principles to cover new situa - Likewise, why would we want to dismiss dear is that each believer is free to respond to tions. New Testament Christians believed Lent when its goal is to teach us how powerful God as God meets him/her and guides that being followers of Christ compelled the flesh is; to remind us that even the best of him/her. The authenticity of one’s baptism is them to be open to new ways of looking at Jesus’ followers failed him; and, to prepare our an issue between a believer and God. I do not things if it was true to the spirit of the hearts to rejoice that the power of death has feel the need to judge someone else’s experi - gospel, as well as the larger reality that God’s been broken by Christ’s resurrection? ence. I am much more interested in the fruit Spirit was leading them. And surely we must not forget Pentecost a life produces. The simple answer to celebrating Lent, — the birthday of the church. It is a time Judging from the parable of the sheep Advent and other sacred moments in the when we are reminded that we are successful and goats, God seems to be pretty interested church year is that they are meaningful. only when we are enlivened by the Holy in that too. We celebrate Baptist principles ; Historically, Baptists have tended to react Spirit. The church calendar collects our com - we evaluate Baptist practices as to their value against more fixed forms of worship found in mon spiritual ancestry and helps us to flow to God and his children. the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and from one season of faith to another rather Catholic traditions. Sometimes, our resistance than to live randomly, disjointed with no —William L. (Bill) Hardee is pastor of the to respecting other traditions and listening to larger purpose than what is happening at any First Baptist Church of Griffin, Ga., and a their testimony has resulted in us being moment in our lives. former college professor. Physicians give chaplains a clean bill of health

By Omar Sacirbey role in ensuring that patients have access to patients or with emergency rooms have a Religion News Service chaplains, the study said. But most doctors greater need for chaplains than hospitals spe - have little training in connecting chaplains cializing in joint replacements or cosmetic Science and faith may often clash, but a new to patients, and instead rely on their own surgery. survey suggests that most American doctors spiritual values and experiences. The survey also found that physicians in believe religion and spirituality can help About 5 percent of referrals connecting the Northeast and those with negative views patients. patients with chaplains come from physi - of religion’s effects on patients were less likely Published Oct. 26 in the Archives of cians, while the rest come from nurses or to be satisfied with chaplain services. Internal Medicine , the survey found that 90 patient family members, said George Those who were satisfied tended to be percent of physicians are satisfied with spiri - Fitchett, a chaplain at Rush University physicians who worked in teaching hospitals, tual services provided by hospital chaplains Medical Center in Chicago, and the study’s practiced medical subspecialties, such as car - to their patients. lead author. diology, oncology, or emergency medicine. While most doctors in the survey “Things are changing a little,” said Half of the physicians surveyed said it was acknowledged that religion and spirituality Fitchett. “There’s a lot of education to help appropriate for them to pray with patients if help patients cope with illness, the study physicians become better at making referrals, circumstances warranted. found that at least one-third of U.S. hospi - but it’s still not systematized.” Of the 1,102 physicians surveyed, 59 tals do not have chaplains, and many of Fitchett said an ideal ratio of chaplains percent identified themselves as Christian, those that do have chaplains don’t have to patients is hard to pinpoint, and depends 16 percent Jewish, 14 percent other affilia - enough to address all patient needs. on what type of patients a hospital treats. tions, and 10 percent reported having no Consequently, doctors play a crucial For example, hospitals specializing in cancer religious affiliation. BT

16 | Baptists Today • December 2009 PERSPECTIVE guest commentary Baptists and baptism at year 400 By Curtis W. Freeman

he Baptist movement began 400 years infant baptism make sense. by not excluding from their church fellowship ago with the self-baptism of John Yet the persuasiveness of this witness is those who had received infant baptism but T Smyth, but the roots of immersion lie too seldom acknowledged. In many Baptist had never submitted to re-baptism. beyond that first gathered community whose congregations, those who have been baptized Among the so-called “open membership” mode was affusion (the pouring of water on as believers by immersion but not in a Baptist Baptists were John Bunyan, John Thombes one’s head). church are refused membership until they and Henry Jessey. Advocates of open member - Edward Barber was probably the first to have been “properly” dunked in Baptist water. ship were admittedly a distinct minority, but embrace believer baptism by immersion some - Baptism as practiced by many Baptists their voices were influential and their dissent time in 1640. In his tract A Small Treatise of has consequently ceased to be a biblical man - was respected. Baptisme or Dipping , written in 1641, Barber date and a sign of union with Jesus Christ and Daniel Turner, an 18th-century English argued: “They only are to be dipped that are his universal body. Baptist minister, argued that by excluding any made disciples by teaching. Infants cannot be Instead it has devolved of God’s children from the means of grace “we made disciples by teaching, therefore infants into a denuded ritual of are guilty of invading the prerogative of are not to be dipped.” club membership. Christ.” Not surprisingly, he was the guiding Barber’s Treatise was followed by at least Only lingering influence behind the covenant for a gathered 34 baptismal tracts between 1640 and 1645 Landmarkism, which church in Oxford, which admitted into mem - that stirred the transatlantic controversy in still clings to the empty bership both Presbyterians and Baptists. Old and New England. The most famous was assertion that the After noting the difference of sentiment a 51-page booklet published in 1643, titled Baptists and only the on the baptismal views of the two groups, the A Confutation of Infants Baptisme , by Baptists are the true church covenant pledged “to receive one Thomas Lambe, a popular London Baptist Church, can justify the refusal to admit into another into the same affection and love” pastor and soap-boiler. membership those who have been baptized by offering among its reasons “because the Lord Lambe declaimed that no one was a true immersion upon their profession of faith in Jesus receiving and owning them on both member of “the visible Church according to Jesus Christ but whose baptism happens to sides of the question, we think we ought to do the Gospel, unless they did manifest faith, have been administered by a non-Baptist so too.” and be in covenant with Abraham according church. Perhaps the time has come for Baptists to the Spirit and baptised into the same Baptists today must look for marks of today to ask in the same spirit whether or not faith.” true Christian baptism that may not always Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians and oth - When Baptists began arguing for believer be indicated by a sign out front with the word ers who are genuinely committed disciples of baptism by immersion, they were alone. But “Baptist” on it. We do well to attend to our Jesus Christ are true Christians and have been the 21st century ecclesial landscape looks original conviction — not that everyone must accepted by the grace of the Triune God into quite different. be immersed and become a Baptist, but that the one universal Church. Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry , the believer baptism is the most clearly warranted Can the infant baptism of such persons most widely-distributed and studied ecumeni - pattern of Christian initiation in the New be recognized as a true baptism that has been cal document, states: “While the possibility Testament and that it is a disciple-making joined with personal faith? And if the answer that infant baptism was also practised in the practice waiting to be embraced by the whole is “Yes!” then the question must be asked why apostolic age cannot be excluded, baptism church. a church that is limited to those who have upon personal profession of faith is the most Believer baptism deserves, and indeed been baptized as believers only by immersion clearly attested pattern in the New Testament demands, to be practiced by Baptists. This is only should remain smaller than that one true documents.” a gift to the Church catholic. Yet faithfulness universal Church. If the Lord Jesus receives Non-Baptist churches commonly practice to the Baptist heritage also means that when - and owns them, can’t the Baptists find a way believer baptism by immersion. Even the ever Christian baptism is practiced according to do the same? BT Catholic Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to the apostolic pattern, it must be recognized recognizes adult believer baptism as the nor - and received. —Curtis W. Freeman is research professor of mal way for unbaptized persons to become But there is one more lesson: Though all theology and Baptist studies and director of the Catholic Christians, and as the norm adult early Baptists argued for and practiced only Baptist House of Studies at Duke University conversion baptism makes the exception of believer baptism, some of them went further Divinity School.

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 17 CLASSIFIEDS

Willow Meadows Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, First Baptist Church of Marietta, Ga. is seeking a The Tennessee CBF Coordinating Council is seeks a senior pastor . Please send résumés to: student minister to work with youth grade 6 announcing a call for applications for the new [email protected]. through college. Applicants should have experi - position of CBF field coordinator in Tennessee . ence growing a Christ-centered youth program, as The woman or man who is selected for this excit - well as coordinating events and programs with Living Faith Baptist Fellowship, a partner congre - ing position would work jointly with TCBF and adult volunteers and other ministerial staff, in addi - gation of the Kentucky Baptist Fellowship and national CBF to coordinate all Cooperative Baptist tion to effectively managing a departmental Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, is accepting Fellowship ministries for Tennessee. Information budget. We are looking for a person with a strong résumés for senior pastor . Interested persons regarding the qualifications of the ideal candidate sense of mission to help our youth and young should send their résumés to: Barry Birdwhistell, can be found at www.tncbf.org. Please submit adults become active and caring persons in part - 2825 Ring Rd., Elizabethtown, KY 42701. For more your curriculum vitae or résumé to: Judy Fryer, nership with our community. Submit résumé to: information, visit www.livingfaithbaptistfellow - P.O. Box 399, Murfreesboro, TN 37133-0399, and [email protected]. For more ship.org or email [email protected]. include a brief statement that outlines your per - information, view employment opportunities at sonal history of support and involvement in the www.mariettafbc.org. CBF movement. First Baptist Church of Rockingham, N.C., a mid- sized moderate church aligned with the CBF and First Baptist Church of Marietta, Ga., is seeking a SBC, is prayerfully seeking an associate pastor of The McAfee School of Theology at Mercer children and youth . We would prefer the candidate children’s minister to work with children pre-K through 5th grade. Applicants should have experi - University invites applications and nominations for to have a master’s degree from an accredited semi - a tenure-track faculty position in pastoral care nary or divinity school and at least 2 years of ence growing a Christ-centered children’s program, as well as coordinating programs and and counseling . The appointee will teach two or experience working with children and youth. Guided three courses each semester and one course in a and supported by the children’s council and youth events with adult volunteers and other ministerial January or summer term. Rank and salary will be council, this person would be responsible for the staff, in addition to effectively managing a depart - based on experience and qualifications; competitive development and implementation of programs for mental budget. We are looking for a person with benefits package provided. Preference will be given children and youth, and would also provide pastoral a strong sense of mission to help our children care to children, youth and their families. The candi - become active and caring persons in partnership to scholars who have demonstrated ability in teach - date should be energetic and enthusiastic with with our community. Submit résumé to: ing, publication, hold the M.Div. and the Ph.D. or good communication skills. Salary would be based [email protected]. For more infor - equivalent from an accredited university/college, on experience and education. Submit résumé to: mation, view employment opportunities at and are committed to preparing men and women Harry Coble, Chairperson, Children and Youth www.mariettafbc.org. for vocations in ministry. Experience in counseling, Minister Search Committee, First Baptist Church, CPE supervision or congregational pastoral care 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham, NC 28379. experience will be an asset. The appointee must be Morningside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, S.C., is willing to work in a collegial context and engage in seeking an associate pastor to children . interdisciplinary conversations, which assumes Immanuel Baptist Church has an immediate open - Morningside is a congregation of 1,550+ mem - interaction with students outside of the classroom. ing for an energetic part-time youth minister . The bers and has a ministerial team of six other Applications should include a letter of application, minister to youth, with the cooperation of church ministers, and affirms women in ministry and wor - leaders, is responsible for giving creative and ships in a traditional form. Appropriate college and complete vitae and list of references attached to effective leadership in conducting a comprehen - seminary degrees are required. Candidates must the brief online application found online at sive program of activities and ministries for our have the ability to coordinate a comprehensive www.mercerjobs.com. The committee will consider 7th-12th grade youth. Please submit a cover letter children’s program. Send résumés to: Mike all applications submitted by the deadline, but and résumé to: Personnel Committee, Immanuel Hensley, Associate Pastor to Children Search reserves the right to fill the position at any time or Baptist Church, 222 Belle Meade Blvd., Nashville, Committee, Morningside Baptist Church, extend the search deadline if needed. The review TN 37221, or [email protected], or (615) 897 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29302, or process will begin Dec. 1, 2009. Applicants will be 297-2247 (fax). [email protected]. notified when the position is filled. AA/EOE/ADA

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18 | Baptists Today • December 2009 2010 Formations Commentary Bible Study resources for the adult Formations lessons available from Smyth & Helwys Publishing (www.helwys.com)

LESSONS FOR: newborn king. which the wise men engaged. Now, to be fair, Sunday, Jan. 3-17, As the wise men approached, they first we really do not know what they were think - 2010 went to Jerusalem. Jesus was born in ing as they worshipped. But we do know that Written by Mark Nickens, Bethlehem, so why did they go to when Jesus was revealed to them, all they assistant professor of Jerusalem? Because it was the capital city of could do was bow down and worship. church history at Carolina the Jews, and they were looking for the When you think about it, isn’t this Evangelical Divinity School in newborn king. really the response we all should have when Greensboro, N.C. Once they arrived, they naturally began Jesus is revealed to us? Whether in the asking for the location of the new king, “church hour” or in our cars or in prayer or which greatly interested the current king, among other people, when Jesus is revealed Herod. This brings up another question, to us, what other response could we have? Jan. 3, 2010 though: Why did Herod care that some Certainly, we cannot “bow down and wor - strangers were in the city asking for the ship” in most situations, be we can and Jesus revealed newborn king? After all, Herod knew he did should respond as Thomas did after Jesus to the wise men not have a new son, plus he assumed that appeared to him and told him to place his Matthew 2:1-12 his son would become king after he died. So hand in the holes in Jesus’ hands and side: why did Herod care? Herod’s identity as an “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28). The story of the wise men is familiar to ethnic Idumean and his lack of a royal pedi - In whatever way Jesus reveals himself to many both through the Bible story and in gree could have contributed to his well- us, therefore, our response should be the the nativity scenes that appear in front of known sense of paranoia, even though the same as that of the wise men or Thomas or churches and in homes throughout Romans had installed him as king of the any number of people who saw Jesus. In our December. Most know that the wise men Jews. spirits we bow down and acknowledge him came in search of the baby Jesus, eventually So, when the wise men showed up ask - as the king of all kings. found him and gave him three gifts. ing for a new king, Herod grew concerned Discuss: The Wise Men and the shep - Giving the three gifts has given rise to that the Jews might have hidden a Jewish herds were some of the first worshippers of the belief that there were three wise men. royal family, and now there was a new son. Jesus. In what way did the Magi honor Jesus? We do not know how many there were. Finding out from the wise men when they What would their prayers have sounded like? Matthew only mentions the title “magi,” first saw the star, he decided to kill all baby What do you think the wise men told their which has been translated to mean wise boys two years of age and under. In this way family and friends when they returned home? men or kings. Herod thought to ensure that his bloodline How were the lives of the wise men changed? Before getting to the mission of the would continue to rule in Israel (which is wise men, consider this: Why did they come what happened). Jan. 10, 2010 at all? What interest would they have had? After the wise men left Herod, they Again, we don’t know, but perhaps continued to follow the star. Eventually it Jesus revealed there is a clue in the Old Testament. stopped over the site where Jesus was born. Genesis 25:1-6 describes the family Upon seeing Jesus, “they bowed down and at his baptism Abraham had with another wife and some worshiped him” (Matt. 2:11). How did they Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 concubines after Sarah died. According to worship him? verse 5, “Abraham left everything he owned This brings up an interesting point about As Baptists, we are all familiar with bap - to Isaac.” And the other sons (half-brothers the idea of “worship.” If you ask many tism. It takes place in a variety of locations of Isaac)? Verse 6 states: “But while he was Christians today what worship is, you will — the baptistery, lakes, the ocean, swim - still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his find a range of answers. But most likely a ming pools — but the meaning is the same: concubines and sent them away from his common thread running through their This person acknowledges his or her past son Isaac to the land of the east.” So, answers will reflect the time spent in church sinful life and decision to follow Jesus by descendants of Abraham were living in the on Sunday morning when they are gathered undergoing baptism in this place and time east. Perhaps these descendants kept alive with other Christians for “worship.” This will and in front of these people as witnesses. In the memory of Abraham, and, many years include songs, Bible readings and a sermon. doing this we follow the example of Jesus. later, were the ones God spoke to about the But this was not the type of worship in Before moving on, let us look at John’s

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 FORMATIONS COMMENTARY

baptism. Luke 3:3 tells us about John, what was revealed about Jesus as a result of the bride. She came to Jesus and told him “preaching a baptism of repentance for the his baptism? His nature. the wine was depleted. We do not know forgiveness of sins.” And John speaks later The person who was baptized in front why Jesus was there; he may have been of “a voice of one calling in the desert, of Jesus revealed his repentance; Jesus invited as a friend or as a friend of a friend ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight revealed his deity within the Trinity. As he or a friend of the family. But it does not paths for him’” (v. 4). So John recognized was baptized, the Father spoke and the Holy appear that Jesus was in charge of any that he was not the Chosen One, but one Spirit descended. Thus the Trinity of God aspect of the wedding. Since the wine ran who would prepare the way. was revealed in this act. The Father is the out, it was the responsibility of someone Yet some people still wondered. part who is to be obeyed, the Son is the part else to have replenished it. Jesus was just a Although John had stated otherwise (“one who is to be praised, and the Holy Spirit is bystander. who would prepare the way”), still some the part of the Godhead who comes to the Nevertheless, Mary became involved. people thought he might be The Way. earth after Jesus is revealed in order to live Again, we don’t know if she was just con - Perhaps these people believed this was the within Christians. cerned for the embarrassment of the manner in which the Christ would be This was above the comprehension of wedding party, or if she was related and felt revealed to them (3:15, “all wondering in the persons on the bank of the Jordan. But a duty. But assist she did. Approaching their hearts if John might possibly be the what they did understand was that the bap - Jesus, she informed him of the predicament. Christ”). Yet John knew the truth. He even tism of Jesus was different. They did not Remember that this has taken place more directly prepared the people in addi - understand how different because God had after Jesus has been revealed as a king to the tion to quoting from Isaiah 40:3 (see Luke not acted in this way throughout human magi at his birth and as God at his baptism. 3:4). He told the crowd that the one to history. But this revelation of the fullness of Also, at this point Jesus had begun gather - come would be so far above John that John God would be recorded and understood ing what would be his apostles. The would not be worthy to untie his sandals after Jesus ascended to heaven and the Holy previous verses in John reveal that at this (Luke 3:16). Spirit came to indwell all believers. point Jesus had chosen Andrew, Peter, It would not be by baptizing with water Following his baptism, Jesus was ready Philip and Nathaniel. Out of all these, that the Christ would be revealed, but by to begin his ministry. It is this event to Andrew had also been John the Baptist’s dis - baptizing “with the Holy Spirit and with which John was looking forward when he ciple (John 1:35-40), which meant he likely fire.” Yet that is not what took place at this spoke of Jesus having a different baptism. had witnessed Jesus’ baptism. And he likely time. Here, Jesus came to John and desired Discuss: What do you think John told Peter (his brother), Philip and to be baptized. From Luke 3:21 it sounds thought the next day about what he had Nathaniel. And perhaps Mary had told like a regular day for John. Luke 3:7-14 tells experienced with Jesus? What would a them of the incident with the magi. So they us that crowds came, which included tax Roman soldier (see Luke 3:14) have thought knew that Jesus was special, but not the collectors and soldiers. So John baptized about his experience of watching Jesus be extent of his “specialness.” many, as he probably did so often, and then baptized? If Jesus had told one of his friends Now they are all at the wedding (John Jesus approached. that he was going to be baptized by John the 2:2). Jesus’ mother informs him of the prob - The Scripture does not tell us if Jesus Baptist, and the friend had asked him why, lem. But instead of performing the miracle was the first or the last to be baptized that what do you think Jesus would have said? himself, as he did on so many other occa - day, only that he was baptized while others sions, Jesus works his miracle through were being baptized. I like to think that Jesus Jan. 17, 2010 others. He tells the servants to fill six jars was in the middle of the pack, because this with water, and then to take some of the reflects the nature of his desire to come to us: Jesus revealed water to the master of the banquet. Upon to show his love for us by living among us. tasting it, the master declares it first-rate Yet his baptism had a different immedi - at a wedding and even praises the wine to the bridegroom ate result than the person in front of him. John 2:1-11 (John 2:10). After being baptized, Jesus prayed and the Next John tells us this was the first of heavens opened up “and the Holy Spirit When I was preparing to get married, an Jesus’ miracles and that “he thus revealed descended on him in bodily form like a older man told me to leave the planning to his glory, and his disciples put their faith in dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You my fiancée. After all, most women have him.” But what was his glory? We know are my Son, whom I love; with you I am been dreaming of their wedding day for from the previous revelations that Jesus was well pleased’” (3:21-22). In this manner, years, if not decades, whereas I had been King and God. What does this add to this therefore, was Jesus revealed. planning it for a couple of weeks; if nothing title? Nothing. But his glory was revealed in Remember that one of the reasons for else, she just had more practice! So women, that he showed his divinity by doing only John’s baptism was for repentance of sins. it seems, have a way around weddings. what God could do — a miracle. Yet Jesus had no sins from which to repent. Now, Jesus had a mother, and Jesus was But note this was not just any miracle. For average persons, baptism meant they at a wedding, and a problem came up. To further explain, the four Gospels tell of a revealed themselves to others as someone Having gone through wedding planning who has changed. But Jesus did not change; (and a wedding, although probably small) he did not need to undergo a change. So before, Mary decided to come to the aid of See COMMENTARY page 21 20 | Baptists Today • December 2009 INFORMATION

in the know Give the gift of Keeping up with people, places, and events insight & PEOPLE Greg Warner received Associated Baptist Press’ inaugural lifetime achievement award inspiration Kal Busman is pastor of King’s Cross Church in religious journalism Oct. 23 that will bear in Tullahoma, Tenn. He came from the staff his name. The independent news service, all year long of Central Baptist Church in Fountain City, which Warner led from 1990-2008, was Tenn. formed in response to the firing of two top editors of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Terri Byrd is associate coordinator for congre - Give a gift subscription news service, Baptist Press. The Warner gational life and missions for Alabama Cooper- Award will honor journalists whose work has to Baptists Today . ative Baptist Fellowship. contributed to the understanding of religion To order by phone, call Wilma B. Cosper died Oct. 12 at age 85. She in America, according to ABP. 1-877-752-5658. To order online, was professor emeritus and former department chair of Western Carolina University’s depart - Jeff Zurheide died Oct. 28 at age 54. visit www.baptiststoday.org. ment of human environmental sciences. An Diagnosed with cancer six years ago, he active member of Cullowhee (N.C.) Baptist preached his final sermon at First Baptist print subscription Church, she also served as a trustee at Mercer Church of New London, N.H., on Aug. 30. ❏ 1 year $20; ❏ 2 years $35 University and a director for Baptists Today . He came to that pastorate in 2004 from the online subscription First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. ❏ 1 year $15; ❏ 2 years $25 Larry Fields will retire yearend from Central Baptist Church of Bearden in Knoxville, EVENTS Tenn., where he has served since 1986. The Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Herbert C. Gabhart , 95, president of Joint Committee announces the fifth annual Belmont University from 1959-1982, and Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest , chancellor for the past 26 years, died Sept. 10. which is open to all high school students in the graduating classes of 2010 and 2011. LeAnn Gunter Johns is pastor at New This year’s contest will commemorate the Community of Faith in San Jose, Calif., an 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s land - ABCUSA and UCC-affiliated congregation, mark speech about the relationship between after serving as CPE resident at Veteran Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto. She previously his religion and his politics and the separation served as associate pastor of Peachtree Baptist of church and state. The scholarship contest Church in Atlanta. offers a grand prize of $1,000 and a trip for two to Washington, D.C. Second prize is Paul Meyer died Oct. 25 in Waco, Texas, at $500, and third prize is $100. To read this age 81. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, year’s topic and to download entry forms, Meyer was a major supporter of Baylor visit www.BJConline.org/contest. Entries are 1-877-752-5658 University as well as other charitable causes. due March 1, 2010.

COMMENTARY from page 20 water, calming the storm, feeding the multi - was blind and mute.” Immediately the tude with bread and fish, the miraculous Pharisees stated, “It is only by Beelzebub, catch of fish by the apostles, Peter catching the prince of demons, that this fellow drives number of miracles Jesus did. He healed a fish with a coin that covered the tax he out demons.” So Jesus’ enemies could dis - lepers and a blind man, cast out demons, and Jesus owed, and killing the fig tree that count a healing miracle by making up a and raised people from the dead. He also bore no fruit. reason, no matter how far-fetched. But there performed what are known as “nature mira - So this first miracle was not a healing was no way they could defeat a nature mira - cles,” those that do not involve a healing miracle but a nature miracle. Why so? We cle (nor his disciples, who had only been but instead involve changing nature in some actually see the answer to this in a healing following him a very short time). Thus his way. The Gospels describe seven of these: miracle Jesus did. In Matthew 12:22-24, divinity was revealed, “and his disciples put turning the water into wine, walking on Jesus healed a “demon-possessed man who their faith in him” (2:11). BT December 2009 • Baptists Today | 21 RESOURCES

Brought to you this month 2009 by Jackie Riley The Resource Page ... creative and practical ideas

Greening your faith community and worship space

ccording to the Sierra Club, “67 per - other large spaces when a smaller space could Suggested resources: cent of Americans say they care about be used. A the environment because it is ‘God’s Gushee, David. “Christian Environmental Ethics: • Clean HVAC ducts. creation’ … Most of the world’s major religions Bringing Creation Care Down to Earth.” Keeping • Install a vapor barrier in the basement and have long-standing traditions and teachings God’s Earth . Intervarsity Press, 2009. crawl areas. that inform how humans should interact with Merritt, Jonathan. Green Like God: Unlocking the • Reduce water heater temperature to 120 the natural world…. ‘Creation care’ is a grow - Divine Plan for Our Planet . Hachette Book degrees. ing movement.… People from all walks of life Group, 2010. • Seal doors, windows, ductwork, etc. are coming together to make a difference.” www.buildingchurchleaders.com • Clean debris and vegetation away from Your church can make a difference by www.careofcreation.net outdoor HVAC units. taking these first steps: www.creationcare.org • Change air filters every 1-3 months. www.creationcareforpastors.com • Schedule meetings and other building uses on • Ministers can preach a “creation care” sermon www.earthministry.org specific days/nights and in concentrated areas series, using Scriptures such as Genesis 1-11, www.faith-commongood.net of the buildings to reduce the activation of an Micah 6:8, and the parables of the talents and www.shopipl.org entire heating/cooling system. (your state’s name) Interfaith Power and Light the prodigal son. • Heat or cool the sanctuary according to • Use worship opportunities such as the read - guidelines for pipe organ maintenance ing of Psalm 104 on creation, the call to • Start a recycling program, placing the cam - (www.gipl.org/organs.html). worship, liturgies, prayers of confession and paign logo on every receptacle. If the church • Post signs reminding people to turn off lights carefully chosen music. doesn’t have recycling pickup, members can upon exiting a room. • Teach that the most basic call to stewardship take the items home. • Use natural daytime lighting when possible. in the Bible concerns care of the earth. • Use Fair Trade coffee and tea and also locally- • Use all refrigerators and keep them full. • Enlist support through informal dialogue and produced and organic foods, and reduce the • Turn off office equipment during long lunch discussion in class or other settings, engaging consumption of meat. hours and overnight; for shorter periods, use people at their area of interest (ex: economics, • Replace Styrofoam cups and plates with the sleep mode. the future of their children and grand- ceramic, glass or metal ones. • Place water coolers and drink machines on children, effects on the church by changes in • Establish a comprehensive composting system. timers. the environment). • Recycle ink and toner cartridges. • Unplug equipment when not in use. • Create a creation care group to study environ - • Properly dispose of electronics. • Use insulated curtains and reflective blinds. mental stewardship and provide leadership. • Reduce paper and printing in the church • Reduce the amount of water used in toilets. • Involve young people in creating awareness office and by volunteers, using email and • Clean gutters and cut back or remove and challenging conversations. phone whenever possible; provide an option surrounding vegetation. • Share examples of what churches in similar for electronic bulletins/newsletters. • Replace T-12 tubular fluorescent lights used situations are doing. • Use recycled paper products. more than 40-50 hours per week with T-8 • Set up a notice board for green information • Avoid using pesticides and gas-powered bulbs. and announcements. equipment in yard maintenance. • Replace frequently used incandescent bulbs • Educate worshippers on how to incorporate • Use eco-friendly and people-friendly cleaning with compact fluorescents. “green” practices into their daily lives (ex: products. • Install bulbs in all light receptables. invest savings in ethical and earth-friendly • Implement an energy audit. • Retrofit or replace incandescent exit signs companies and funds; use alternate trans - • Monitor electricity and gas use. with LED signs. portation such as carpooling, walking, • Run only full dishwasher loads. • Use sensor-controlled or timed or battery- bicycling and public transportation). • Avoid heating or cooling the sanctuary or powered lights wherever feasible. 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 Jackie Riley, managing editor of Baptists Today. Resource Page Archives are available at http://www.thefellowship.info/Resources/Church-Resources/Baptists-Today-resource-page.

22 | Baptists Today • December 2009 INFORMATION Evangelicals rethinking creation care

By Mark Vanderhoek neighbors and of self, a vision of doing unto be the last people to accept contrarian infor - Mercer University others as we would have ourselves done by. mation without doing the hard work of And if you think about the world as it is, this researching the validity of the claims being MACON, Ga. (ABP) — American Christians is about more than being a nice person and made.” must move beyond a theology of “me” to a being honest at work. It’s about caring that The final obstacle is misplaced hope in a theology of “we” in order to play a meaningful others can’t breathe clean air, can’t drink clean political form of religion. The morphing of role in creation care, according to speakers at a water, can’t eat safe food, and can’t feed their Christian faith into a political movement in conference held Oct. 29-31 on the campus of babies safe breast milk the late 20th century has had ramifications for Mercer University in Macon, Ga. because we have been the climate-change debate, he said. Dubbed “Caring for Creation: A Scientific bad stewards of God’s “Americans began to choose sides. So the and Theological Response,” the gathering creation.” Right stole God and the Left stole green,” included sessions where speakers focused their Merritt began his Merritt said. “And you almost never, until messages on inspiring those of faith to engage quest to do just that recently, saw those two words in the same sen - with science, and scientists to engage with the while still in seminary, tence. One side did a lot of talking about faithful, on caring for the Earth. inspired by the realiza - green and the other side did a lot of talking At the opening session David Gushee, a tion that God’s creation Jonathan Merritt about God, but you had to wonder sometimes, Mercer Christian ethics professor, and Jonathan is part of what theolo - does God have anything to say about green? Merritt, author of the forthcoming book Green gians call “general revelation,” and the idea They were totally separated, entrapped. Like God and son of a that the destruction of creation was akin to “The way Christians started to talk about former Southern Baptist tearing pages from God’s specific revelation, God began to change. Instead of God being a Convention president, the Bible. loving being who wrapped himself in flesh in addressed the gathered. He worked with others to draft the order to bring peace to the entire cosmos ... Adding creation “Southern Baptist Declaration on the many spoke of God as an American patriot care to the agenda for Environment and Climate Change” that called who has a disproportionate stake in our federal Christians will take new on Southern Baptists to refocus themselves on government’s success. This God was not build - theology and a new out - urgent environmental problems as a natural ing a global kingdom on Earth, or an look on caring for God’s outgrowth of their doctrinal stances. The doc - David Gushee other-worldy kingdom beyond Earth. This creation, Gushee noted. ument received strong denunciations from God was building and blessing an American The theological narratives of current American some prominent Southern Baptists, as well as kingdom.” evangelicals are almost entirely personal — personal attacks, Merritt said. The criticism A new generation of young evangelicals is “God and I,” he noted. was stunning, he said — but it also confirmed realizing the paradoxes of the past, Merritt Using the analogy of a fictional “Billy that he was doing the work he was supposed said, and is taking these challenges head on. Christian” — a typical white evangelical to do. Christian — Gushee highlighted the obstacles Merritt set out to examine the obstacles to He encouraged the audience of more than 800 in moving Billy from his individualistic faith creating a more creation-focused evangelical to take this challenge on as well. in Christ to a more cosmic and holistic view of message. Among the three most prominent “At the intersection of faith and facts we sit faith. “God’s redemptive purposes go beyond barriers, he said, are misguided theology, a mis - at the feet of a green God who has placed the human beings. They extend to the whole cre - informed constituency and misplaced hope. burden of action squarely on our shoulders,” ated order,” Gushee said, and Billy must be “Churches that claim to teach the whole Merritt said. “So don’t give in to the temptation swayed by the realization that “the God who Bible sheepishly avoid or brush over the many to get angry or haughty. Stay humble. made the whole world has intentions for the passages that … reveal God’s intentions for Constantly confess the intellectual and theologi - whole world.” this Earth,” Merritt said. cal arrogance in your heart. Open up your mind Billy must also be persuaded to read On the misinformation side, he said the to these conversations. Rest assured that inside about God’s call to care for creation while he is explosion of communications technology can each of us, beginning with me, there is a bul - on Earth, Gushee said. By focusing his faith elevate “experts” in every field who are far bous cyst of egotism yet to be brought under on his own time and place rather than heaven, from expert. He urged Christian leaders and the lance of God’s grace. Don’t become callous Billy will be inspired to a more global vision. scientists to maintain “occupational integrity” or bitter because of those who disagree with “We must help Billy transition to a social and to beware of those who would spread mis - you. Don’t be discouraged. I can tell you — and global moral vision, not just a personal or information about things like climate change. because I’ve traveled around the country and interpersonal one,” Gushee said. “Maybe when “Neither viewership of Fox News nor talked to people about it — God is on the the other theological work is done, Billy will ownership of a copy of An Inconvenient Truth move, God’s people are on the move, transition come to see that what God is looking for in makes you an expert,” Merritt said. . . . is occurring, people are waking up to these followers of Christ is a global Kingdom-of- Christian communities should be places of issues, we are engaging them, and in some cases God vision, a vision of comprehensive love of honesty and integrity. Christian people should now leading these conversations.” BT

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 23 PERSPECTIVE readers’ responses

Women owed an apology “Americans tend to see only the angry When in the summer and autumn of rock-throwers that Israel’s communications 2007 Israel responded to the kidnapping of EDITOR: As a proud, female, Baptist ministry wants us to see,” he added. two of its soldiers by bombing Hezbollah Sunday school teacher (at Providence Meanwhile we “comfort ourselves with positions in Lebanon, what bothered us? Baptist Church in Charlotte), I take great Bible stories about God giving the land to Was it stories of Katyusha rockets landing offense at the publication of the commen - Abraham, assuming that everyone else is an indiscriminately and terrorizing the resi - tary for the Nov. 1 lesson (Formations automatic interloper.” dents of Haifa, Nazareth and Tiberias? Or Commentary, October 2009, page 19) on In reality, Americans and American was it the “collateral” destruction of prop - Bathsheba. Christians have ample opportunity to hear erty and innocent lives in Beirut? The third paragraph from the end both sides of what Tony correctly calls “the When last December Israel wearied of [“She should have known the king’s routine thorniest political issue of our time.” What hundreds of Kassam rockets fired over sev - and that he or anyone else could see her we hear depends upon what news sources eral years toward its southern city of from the palace. Did she draw David’s we follow and what websites we consult. It Sderot, and responded with a heavy hand, attention and therefore use her beauty to also depends upon which side of the what bothered us then? Did we decry what lure David…? Probably so.”] continues to American religious, cultural and ideological Hamas termed a “Gaza massacre”? Or did support the notion that when a man in divide we sit. we sympathize with Israel’s determination power (political, economic, physical, emo - Do we consider “the Palestinian prob - to stop the attacks, regardless? Obviously, it tional) takes advantage of a women, it is lem?” Or do we think more in terms of all depends. probably her fault. “Israeli aggression”? The New York Times Which suggests that our attitudes If King David had gone to war, as was and the BBC will guide us in one direction. toward Israel and its neighbors, the his duty , he would not have been on his Fox News and World magazine will point Palestinians included, are shaped largely by roof. To suggest that a woman should know us in another. our crowd — the people we run with and his routine is a far stretch of any biblical If we are liberal Protestants, we likely the influences we honor. They determine truth. will take umbrage at the “security barrier” the Middle Eastern narrative that we hear. When I read this paragraph to the 43 that Tony said Palestinians are “kept Tony correctly called Palestinian suffer - adults in my class, they were as surprised as behind.” We may also oppose Israel’s policy ing “wrong in the sight of God and I that you would continue to perpetuate the of “collective punishment” of the families humanity.” I wonder, however, if there can notion that women “get” what they of suicide bombers, while we deliberate be any indisputably correct or Christian or deserve. You usually do better than this. measures such as divestment in American biblical position on the Palestinians vis-à- However, you owe all women an apology corporations that do business with Israel. vis Israel. Not, I suspect, if we are content for this affront. —Anita Pangle, Charlotte, N.C. If, on the other hand, we are conserva - to hear one side only and then forge our tive evangelicals, we may be more offended attitudes accordingly. (Editor’s note: Anita, your point is well that four out of 10 of the total number of A few years back I spent a sabbatical in taken and the apology you requested is sin - Jews in the world may never get a good Jerusalem with a mostly Catholic group. cerely offered. The writer of the commentary, night’s sleep. And that because they live in Tantur Ecumenical Center is located on the Terry Eddinger, said in response to your cri - a part of the Middle East where their Arab dividing line between Jerusalem and tique that while he is not the only person neighbors have for 60 years vowed their Bethlehem, in clear view of “the wall” that who thinks Bathsheba is not free from some destruction. now separates Israel from the West Bank. blame, he does not subscribe to the notion Education also makes a difference. A Tantur’s rector, Fr. Michael McGarry, that “women get what they deserve.”) graduate of The University of Chicago noted that many of the Americans who Divinity School may find it impossible to came his way arrived with a pro-Israel What Middle Eastern narrative fathom why the Israelis need to live in a point-of-view. Most, however, departed do Americans hear? corner of the world where few want them, three months later feeling deeply for the EDITOR: Tony Cartledge’s commentary, much less why the United States govern - Palestinians. And that because the recep - “Considering the Palestinian ‘Problem’” ment would swear by their strategic tionists, the housekeepers, the cooks, the (October 2009, p. 26), invites the question: importance or invest so heavily in their librarians and the gardeners were What really is the Middle Eastern narrative defense. If, by contrast, one graduated from Palestinian. It was their narrative that that Americans hear? Tony suggested that Dallas Theological Seminary — also a seri - students heard daily. for many it is: “Israelis good; Palestinians ous institution — all of that might make As I dined in the refectory or enjoyed bad. End of story.” perfect political and biblical sense. coffee in “The Bethlehem Room,” I listened

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. 24 | Baptists Today • December 2009 PERSPECTIVE

as my fellow sabbaticants bemoaned “the Realities about health care missed To put it simply: someone has to build the wall.” Stories were told of soldiers and their buildings, compensate the employees and pay EDITOR: Although the article by Bert harsh dealings with Palestinians. Israeli the bills. Montgomery (October 2009, page 24) about “harassment” was a common theme. If this is not done, the hospital closes. an increased role in the health care reform by One evening I visited the checkpoint Reasonable financial reserves must be main - faith-based hospitals was well meaning, it nearby and observed two soldiers — tained; in fact, this is mandated by law. If that ignores several realities. As one who has served teenaged girls, both of them — processing were not enough, common sense would tell us on the board of a Baptist hospital system, I Palestinian families through “the wall.” to do it. feel that I have some insights that give other Such encounters have tested tempers on Furthermore, to personalize the situation perspectives. both sides, but I witnessed no mistreatment a bit, if the doctors, nurses, custodial employ - First, these hospitals are already rendering that evening. ees and clerical help are not paid, they cannot large amounts of money in charity care. When Then I thought of another “wall” that donate their time for free. I was a board member, we received extensive stood nearby — a concrete barrier that Fourth, the analogy to medical missions reports about this at every meeting related to Israel erected along the southern slope of trips overseas also breaks down at this point. finances. the suburb of Gilo, to prevent bullets fired Almost all the people who make these trips We were constantly reminding ourselves from Bethlehem from entering the win - have had to take vacation time from paying that the doors were open because of the love of dows of the many tall apartment buildings jobs to go. Somebody had to pay them. God for all people and because of the sacred - that make up the community. Medical missionaries are paid by their ness of human life. To imply otherwise is to The question whether Israel has dealt respective mission boards. They cannot minis - misunderstand the motivation of many who justly with the Palestinians is indeed ter overseas full time for free. The offerings of already feel that they are ministering by “thorny,” as thorny as the question whether churches ultimately built the hospitals and providing quality care for the sick. the Palestinians and other Arabs intend clinics in which they and their U.S. visitors Second, the implication that many are ever to live peacefully alongside their Jewish serve. If fact, unless Brother Montgomery is turned away should not be exaggerated. neighbor. What is beyond argument is that independently wealthy, I assume that his Hospitals are under legal obligation to treat Israel is there in the land of its fathers, church pays his salary and benefits, too. people, but this does not mean that they sat - vibrant and strong, and apparently not Fifth, faith-based hospitals are certainly isfy every patient with the level of care that planning to vacate the premises. seeking more dollars for charity care, but none patient wants at the moment he or she appears Americans and American Christians is as successful as St. Jude in Memphis. They (especially in the ER), nor that reasonable should take advantage of our unparalleled are able to conduct massive nationwide fund- means to determine a person’s ability or will - opportunity to hear all sides. Still, for raising campaigns in order to treat everyone. ingness to pay for care should not be sought. Christians, even the appearance of taking The part I agree with in this article is that Yes, faith-based hospitals do compete for sides is distinctly unhelpful. We can and faith-based hospitals and churches can do dollars from the insurance companies, because should sympathize with everyone, even as more. But to assume that they are the simple that is one significant way in our society that we hold everyone — ourselves included — solution to a most complex problem is naïve. payment can be found. accountable before God. It is the responsibility of all citizens in America Third, every faith-based hospital (like any to find ways to repair a good but flawed sys - —Steve Pressley, Greensboro, N.C. public institution) has to operate in a business- tem so that everyone can receive needed care. (Pressley is associate pastor of First Baptist like way, even though it is understood that the Church of Greensboro, N.C.) mission of the hospital is not to make profits. —Charles Parker, Antioch, Tenn. Yes! I want to subscribe today Please fill out this form and return it to Baptists Today , P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318 I have enclosed a check in the amount of $______print subscription Name ______❏ 1 year $20 ❏ 2 years $35 Address ______online subscription City ______State ______Zip ______❏ 1 year $15 ❏ 2 years $25 Phone ______Email ______Church ______

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 25 PERSPECTIVE guest commentary The consequences of resurgent Baptist Calvinism By Fisher Humphreys

his year marks the 500th anniversary promote Calvinism. ing their pastor’s Calvinism. of the birth of the man who gave us No one knows Many Baptists worry that resurgent T Calvinism. The word refers to the exactly how many Calvinism will undercut our commitment to vision of the Christian faith of John Calvin, a Baptists are Calvinists. evangelism and missions. They reason that if 16th-century Protestant reformer. A recent survey found God has predestined who will and won’t be He thought that, before creating the uni - that 10 percent of pas - saved, our efforts to evangelize do not really verse, God decreed that human beings would tors in the SBC are matter; the elect will be saved whether or not fall into sin; God then chose which ones God Calvinists, but that fig - we evangelize. This means that many Baptists would save (“the elect”) and which ones ure may be high. In my are being motivated to engage in missions would remain lost (“the reprobate”). God home state more than and evangelism by the idea that their efforts decided the destinies of the elect and the 3,100 churches are affiliated with the can make a difference in who is saved. reprobate sovereignly, without reference to Alabama Baptist State Convention, but fewer Obviously, Calvinists don’t believe that God’s knowledge of how they would respond than 1 percent of them (29 churches) are such human effort can make a difference in to the gospel. listed as “Founders-Friendly Churches” on whom God chooses to save. However, they Some Christians think that Calvinism is the group’s website. have other motives for doing evangelism. a matter of degree, but in fact you either are Still, Calvinism is making a comeback. They evangelize because Christ commanded a Calvinist or you aren’t. If you think that in What are the implications of that? There is it, because it brings glory to God, and eternity God sovereignly predestined some good news and bad news. because they enjoy doing it. people for salvation and not others, then you Calvinism has made massive contribu - The Calvinistic Baptists I know are com - are a Calvinist; if you do not think this, you tions to Christian theology. Resurgent mitted to evangelism and missions. Still, are not a Calvinist. Calvinism may help restore a sense of the unless they are able to replace the motive Some people assume that the difference value of theology to sectors of Baptist life they take away (“we can make a difference!”) between Calvinists and other Christians is that where that sense is weak. with other motives, resurgent Calvinists Calvinists emphasize God’s sovereignty while One of the great temptations we all face could undermine Baptists’ evangelism and non-Calvinists emphasize human freedom. is narcissism. Calvinism is effective at helping missions. This is inaccurate. Non-Calvinists emphasize people turn their attention away from them - We Baptists — Calvinists and non- both divine sovereignty and human freedom; selves and toward God. Calvinists alike — are brothers and sisters in they just do not believe that God decided to And Calvinists have a long record of tak - Christ. We likely will continue to disagree save some while passing over others. ing worship seriously. This could prove about whether God predestined some for sal - The first Baptists opposed Calvinism, helpful to Baptist churches, many of which vation and passed over others, so we need to but soon Calvinism entered Baptist life and have become so focused on helping people treat each other with what the New flourished. For more than two centuries, that they need to place more emphasis on Testament calls “forbearance.” most of the best-known Baptist leaders were worshiping God. We who are not Calvinists have a special Calvinists. Eventually, however, Calvinism On the bad-news side of the equation, responsibility to emphasize God’s love for the began to fade from Baptist life, and for more though, most significant conflicts dividing entire world; then we can follow that up with than a century now most Baptists have not Alabama Baptist churches today involve dis - our conviction that since God loves everyone, been Calvinists. putes over Calvinism; presumably this is true God would not have predestined some to be Today, however, Calvinism is experienc - in other states as well. lost. BT ing a resurgence among Baptists in the South Usually, but not always, this takes the and elsewhere. An organization of Southern form of a congregation becoming distressed —Fisher Humpreys is a retired theology Baptist Calvinists called Founders Ministries when it discovers that its pastor is a Calvinist. professor living in Birmingham, Ala. This is dedicated to this endeavor, and some — Some congregations have dismissed their column from Associated Baptist Press but not all — of the six Southern Baptist Calvinistic pastors; in other congregations originated as an essay for the Baptist History Convention-supported seminaries actively numerous members have left upon discover - and Heritage Society.

26 | Baptists Today • December 2009 PERSPECTIVE the media shelf

Reviews by Jackie Riley

The Unfinished Gift inspire as the author incredible insights through his descriptions of A Novel seeks “to show human them. He offers this challenge to readers: Dan Walsh nature at its best and “These wonder-filled characters played their that there is more to peo - parts well. I pray you won’t diminish the part It’s Christmastime in 1943, and 7-year-old ple that what we often you’ve been given. Remember, the Mighty Patrick Collins is grieving the death of his see.” It will touch the One’s favor comes in unexpected ways.” mother, waiting for his father to return from heart and encourage This gift book of 12 short devotional the war and rescue him from his grumpy old readers old and young to readings and a prelude and an interlude is widowed grandfather be better people. easy to read and attractively designed with its whom he has never delicate pencil drawings. Along with each known — the only rela - $15.00 / pb / 176 pp / Righter Books / reading the author offers reflections that tive the kind social ISBN 978-0-9706023-4-5 / www.righterbooks.com emphasize the concept of pondering and services lady could locate. recapturing the awe of the story. Each reflec - While Patrick waits Christmas Promises tion is then followed by a handwritten prayer. he discovers the only Heavenly Gifts for the Holiday Season Christmas present he LeAnn Weis $12.99 / hb / 128 pp / David C. Cook / wants other than his ISBN 978-1-4347-6465-2 / www.davidccook.com father’s return — an “unfinished gift” long In this delightfully designed and easy-to-read hidden away in the deep recesses of his volume of 22 stories, readers will find inspi - The Christmas Dog grandfather’s attic. Its discovery also unveils ration in the quotes and deeply-bedded bitterness and family issues messages, true stories Melody Carlson that need resolution. Yet he also experiences about God fulfilling Betty Kowalski is finding it hard to take seri - the warmth of community from a boistrous promises, thought- ously her minister’s December sermon on Italian woman and an impoverished African- provoking life reflections, loving her neighbors. Folks all around her are American family. and prayers. sporting fancy clothes and cars and trips Dan Walsh presents in his first novel a Weis, a bestselling while she lives on a mea - masterpiece full of authentic characters and author known for her ger widow’s income and captivating details. Well written and appeal - popular “Hugs” series, in a place far away from ing to adults and youth alike, readers will seeks to help us personalize God’s promises her children but close to find it hard to put the book down — being through offerings such as “Christmas Eve strangers. kept in suspense with its twists and turns and Intruders” and “The Charlie Brown Tree of The week of then a surprise ending. Hope.” Christmas then becomes anything but mundane. $14.99 / hb / 250 pp / Revell Books / $14.99 / hb / 192 pp / Regal Books / From a mysterious and ISBN 978-0-8007-1924-1 / www.revellbooks.com ISBN 978-0-8307-4697-2 / www.regalbooks.com obnoxious neighbor to a wayward grand - daughter to a daughter-in-law with a hidden Christmas Without Kyoko Touching Wonder agenda to affluent friends celebrating their A Christmas Treasury Recapturing the Awe of Christmas 50th wedding anniversary to a stray dog … Elizabeth Silance Ballard John Blasé What can Betty learn about the real meaning With story titles such as “The Christmas In an imaginative retelling of the miracle of of Christmas? Shoes,” “A Broken Truck for Christmas,” Christmas, the author of The Message Melody Carlson has a gift for writing “The Barber of Babylon,” “The Red Lunch Children’s Bible explains the Christmas story wholesome, easy-to-read books in which she Box,” Saving Baby Jesus” and “The from the viewpoints of ably interweaves various characters and plots. Christmas Nandina,” Ballard proves herself characters such as The Christmas Dog will warm the hearts of an able storyteller. She has a keen sense for Zachariah, Elizabeth, both young and old, especially dog lovers. It’s delving into the thoughts of her characters Mary, Joseph and the perfect for fireside reading on a winter after - and for heightening interest through details shepherds. noon or night, complete with a hot beverage and conversation. While not pretend - in hand. A collection of 10 Christmas stories pri - ing to provide answers or marily fictional, but based on real events, this to know the thoughts of $14.99 / hb / 176 pp / Revell Books / Christmas Treasury will both entertain and these folks, Blasé offers ISBN 978-0-8007-1881-8 / www.revellbooks.com

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 27 PERSPECTIVE the lighter side Christmas quiz By Brett Younger

ost readers of Baptists Today have _____ 7) The baby Jesus cried: a. like other _____ 12) What does Magi mean? a. wise an extensive, inconclusive and babies. b. at the little drummer boy’s song. ones. b. kings. c. any person in the Christmas M superfluous knowledge of the c. he never cried, but he would not be play wearing a bathrobe. Christmas stories in the Gospels. Scholars thrilled with this quiz. argue that we should not try to reconcile the _____ 13) What is myrrh? a. an easily shaped stories in Matthew and Luke, but scholars are _____ 8) A manger is: a. a cradle. b. a trough. metal. b. a spice used for burying people. not always the most fun at the Christmas c. a stable. d. any vehicle in which you get c. a drink. d. According to recent New Testa- party. While no prizes will be awarded — “away.” ment scholarship, myrrh and frankincense are only in part because the answers are provided the same thing. — this could start you on your way to yule - _____ 9) Which animals does the Bible tide joy. mention as being present at Jesus’ birth? _____ 14) As long as Christmas has been a. cows, sheep, goats. b. only sheep. c. lions celebrated, it has been on December 25th. _____ 1) The Roman emperor at the birth of and tigers and bears. d. none. (true or false) Christ was: a. Quirinius. b. Julius Caesar. c. Julius Caesar’s nephew. d. deceased by the _____ 10) What “sign” did the angels tell the _____ 15) This quiz was: a. a time of time Jesus was born. shepherds to look for? a. “This way to baby thoughtful biblical inquiry that helped pre - Jesus.” b. a star. c. a baby in a manger. pare me for this Christmas season in a new _____ 2) There was snow that first Christ- d. a baby that doesn’t cry. and fascinating way. b. well worth the time. mas: a. all over Israel. b. somewhere in Israel. c. about 15 questions too long. c. nowhere in Israel. d. for the very first time _____ 11) What did the angels sing? in history. a. “Joy to the World” b. “Glory to God in the (You’re not supposed to look at these until you Highest” c. “Unto Us a Child Is Born” finish.) _____ 3) According to Luke, who did Mary d. the song about chestnuts. first visit with the news of Jesus? a. Anna. 1) c. Luke 2:1 2) b. Mount Hermon in Israel is always snow covered. b. Joseph. c. Elizabeth. d. Dr. Luke. (Isn’t this great? Do you think you’ve missed 3) c. Luke 1:39 any yet? You’ve looked at the answers, haven’t 4) d. Some have argued that a carpenter wouldn’t _____ 4) Also according to Luke, how did you? You don’t have the Christmas spirit at all, own a donkey. Mary and Joseph make the trip from do you?) 5) d. The innkeeper isn’t mentioned. 6) b. Luke 2:5. This doesn’t get mentioned much in Nazareth to Bethlehem? a. on camel. some churches. b. Joseph walked; Mary rode the donkey. 7) a. The line “little Lord Jesus no crying he makes” c. Mary walked; Joseph rode the donkey. is, surprisingly, not found in scripture. 8) b. “Manger” is from the French word d. Luke doesn’t say. e. in silence; Mary for eating. wasn’t real thrilled with the timing 9) d. The Hallmark Cards people of the trip. don’t let it bother them. 10) c. Luke 2:12 11) b. Luke 2:14 _____ 5) Which are the 12) a. They were trained in innkeeper’s recorded words? astrology and dream inter - a. “There’s no room.” pretation. 13) b. The spice serves an aromatic b. “I have a stable.” purpose. c. “Come back after the 14 ) False. It wasn’t until the Christmas rush.” d. none fourth century that December 25th was celebrated. of the above. 15) Don’t be a grinch. BT

_____ 6) When Jesus —Brett Younger is associate was born, Mary and professor of preaching at Joseph were: a. dating. Mercer University’s McAfee b. betrothed. c. married. School of Theology. d. not speaking. Illustration by Scott Brooks 28 | Baptists Today • December 2009 REBLOG — Selections from recent blogs at BaptistsToday.org PERSPECTIVE

Singing in church . . . for better or worse

By John Pierce delightful lyrics like: “Children died, the day congregational singing and workshops — is Posted Oct. 24, 2009 grew cold, a piece of bread could buy a bag set for March 7-9, 2010, at Atlanta’s Second- www.bteditor.blogspot.com of gold ...” Ponce de Leon Baptist Church. Sadly, those words “We believe a hymnal should be a com - lthough my own musical gifts are very are still etched in my prehensive, practical worship resource for Alimited, my discernment about musical mind from an early ’70s churches and congregations,” reported the choices has grown over the years. Perhaps it obsession with Hal team responsible for this new resource. is the result of some bad musical decisions Lindsey’s wacky and “The editors set high standards for the in my past. profitable predictions music, the texts, the support materials, the Once, as a campus minister, I allowed a of the world coming organization and the production.” transfer student to play his guitar and sing to an end while we The hymnal has many supplemental at one of our weekly meetings without ask - were wearing our bell- resources to enhance its use. Some very ing what song he would perform. Even today bottom pants. gifted church musicians, theologians and lay my former students and I are trying to find But for those who value the important leaders have put enormous effort into bring - the spiritual significance in Jim Stafford’s and inspiring role of music in worship there ing together this superb volume. “Wildwood Weed.” is some exciting news. A new hymnal, Most happily, I checked the index and As teens, my friends and I often belted Celebrating Grace , is headed for pew racks neither “Wildwood Weed” nor “I Wish We’d out the worst song ever sung in church, in the spring. All Been Ready” made the cut. Praise God “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” It had The hymnal’s premiere — with concerts, from whom all blessings flow. BT

when the boat breaks down three miles Life’s reward offshore. Other craft had playful names like “Skinny By Tony W. Cartledge Dippin’” and “Killin’ Time,” drinking names Posted Oct. 15, 2009 like “Absolut,” fanciful names like “Starship” www.tonycartledge.com and “Kizmet.” I saw a sailboat named “Hananiah,” a While on a writing retreat, I took a walk Hebrew name that means something like around the Northwest Creek Marina near New “Yahweh is gracious to me.” Whether it’s a Bern, N.C. I don’t know a sloop from a ketch, family name or reflects a belief that someone but I enjoy taking note of the various names got the boat by the grace of God, I don’t know. boat owners give to their yachts. Speaking of which, I couldn’t help being I saw one named “Stressless,” which I taken aback by a floating oxymoron. On the thought was interesting, given that two years back of a big cabin cruiser was the name of owning a little runabout had brought me far “Life’s Reward.” Attached to the back window more stress than relaxation. I can’t imagine the was a sign: “For Sale by Owner.” trouble that a yacht would bring, unless you I paused. Can life’s reward be bought and were rich enough to pay someone else to keep sold? it up for you, and I can’t imagine that, either. I couldn’t help but recall the words of One boat had a statue of Buddha on the someone I admire greatly: “Do not store up for back, perhaps an aid to peaceful meditation yourselves treasures on earth ...” BT

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 29 FEATURE BY JOHN PIERCE

A conversation with Bill Underwood

ACON, Ga. — William D. (Bill) Underwood is an attorney Mand educator with a distin - guished career at Baylor University where he also served as interim president. Since July 1, 2006, he has served as the 18th president of Mercer University. Along with another active Baptist layman, President Jimmy Carter, he envi - sioned and led in the development of the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant that was launched with a historic gathering of diverse Baptists in Atlanta in the winter of 2008. Executive editor John Pierce conducted this interview in September when the news journal’s Board of Directors met in Macon, Ga., where both Mercer University and Baptists Today are headquartered. The conversation has been edited for space and clarity.

BT: You came to the presidency of Mercer from Baylor. How have you found Baptist life to be different here — and elsewhere — outside of Texas?

BU: The first difference I noticed was when I interviewed. Over dinner they offered me a drink. At Baylor, we had to do that in secret. Mercer President Bill Underwood calls the Celebration of a New Baptist BT: I’ll give you another shot at that question. Covenant gathering in Atlanta in 2008 “the most rewarding Baptist experience I’ve had BU: Actually I do see some things that are since being here.” Photo by different. I think in some respects the John Pierce. moderate, progressive Baptist element is stronger in this part of the world than it is in Texas. And that’s a little bit counter- here they are filling a void that didn’t really “intentionally Baptist university.” Why and intuitive because we know the Baptist exist in Texas. how? And do you still feel the same way General Convention of Texas resisted a I think you all ( Baptists Today ) are about Mercer’s heritage and mission as fundamentalist takeover. probably a stronger presence here (in the you did when you arrived here? But I think to some degree the conse - East) than in Texas. So that’s one difference quences of that, organizations such as the I’ve noticed. BU: I think the Baptist principles that ani - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship seem to be mated the founding of the university have more present, more active in this part of BT: You took the position early — along always been very important to our institu - the world than I sensed in Texas. Because with trustees — that Mercer would be an tion. Regardless of who the president has

30 | Baptists Today • December 2009 FEATURE

Progressive National Baptist Convention have been fostered through our participa - tion in the New Baptist Covenant. Those are new and exciting relationships for us.

BT: Building Baptist bridges across cultural and convention lines can be challenging. Have you found some chal - lenges in trying to initiate partnerships among diverse Baptists without appearing to take the dominant leadership role in each of those efforts?

BU: Yes. (long pause)

BT: Would you dare articulate some of those challenges?

BU: One of the things I learned through

Mercer University President Bill Underwood (right) responds to questions from Baptists Today the New Baptist Covenant process was how editor John Pierce during a dinner at the Woodruff House on the university's law campus in culturally diverse these various Baptist Macon, Ga. The event was part of the news journal's Board of Directors meeting in September. organizations are — and how sometimes Photo by Clem White. we don’t speak the same language and been or who the trustees have been, it’s an Has that gone as you had hoped? Do you sometimes when I think we are communi - institution that for 176 years has been still see value in doing that? cating we’re not, because of cultural guided by some very important Baptist differences that exist between the organiza - principles. BU: Yes. I think we have maybe stronger tions. The historic Baptist commitment to relationships with individual Baptist con - At least at some point in the New intellectual freedom and religious freedom gregations than we’ve ever had. I spend 15 Baptist Covenant movement I was per - has certainly been felt stronger at Mercer to 20 Sundays a year speaking in Baptist suaded that the movement was likely to do than I think at any of the other Baptist churches. better if Mercer did not play as strong a universities in the country — something I think for the university to relate to role as it had initially. By Mercer perhaps that remains very, very important to us. individual Baptist congregations is a very stepping back a step or two it would create The historic Baptist commitment to appropriate and Baptist thing to do. I room for more participation by others. encouraging young people to use their gifts think we’ve established an even-stronger We’ve done that, and I think by gauging and talents in service to others has always relationship with the Cooperative Baptist from the success of the regional gatherings been something very important at Mercer Fellowship than we had before. of the New Baptist Covenant, there’s been University. You look at the university today Because, to some degree, our relation - a lot of merit to that. and see programs like Mercer on Missions ship with the Georgia Baptist Convention that are designed to promote spiritual placed some limits on the full development BT: What has been the most frustrating or growth through encouraging young people of relationships with some organizations disappointing experience — from a to use their gifts and talents in ministering like the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Baptist perspective — you’ve encountered to others through healing and education My sense is that we are freer to fully since assuming the presidency of Mercer? and other types of service designed to develop that relationship than we may have improve the human condition. been historically. BU: I haven’t had any frustrating experi - Those things have always been very And I think the participation of the ences; everything’s been happy. important at Mercer and they have defined university in things like the New Baptist the institution. And those are principles Covenant has been a really rewarding thing BT: Then what has been the second most this institution will continue to embrace for us and has enabled us to relate to frustrating or disappointing experience? whether we are affiliated with a particular groups of Baptists that we haven’t had Baptist convention or not. strong relationships with before — like the BU: I think the most frustrating experience American Baptist Churches USA. We now was probably the meeting we had at the BT: Speaking of that, the Georgia Baptist have relationships with Baptists in the Carter Center right after our New Baptist Convention broke ties with Mercer just North that we didn’t have historically. Covenant gathering in Atlanta. I thought before you came. Yet you started develop - Relationships with some of the we had an opportunity to build even ing wider connections between the African-American Baptist conventions like greater momentum coming out of that university and various Baptist entities. the National Baptist Convention and the event than we probably had.

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 31 FEATURE

I think the regional meetings have state convention and where the percentage all. When I was interviewed by Mercer’s been great successes and I sense there is of Baptists on our campus is less than it search committee, one of the pastors on something happening in Baptist life sur - once was and probably will continue to the committee pulled me aside and asked: rounding that movement. But I thought decline. “Bill, you’re not a theologian are you?” our initial meeting after the gathering The answer is that we embrace those I said, “No, I’m not.” He said, “Thank in Atlanta tended to reflect typical Baptist Baptist principles that have always ani - God.” infighting more than the spirit of mated the university and we remain a place cooperation. that is committed to the historic Baptist BT: Do you see the partnership between commitment to religious and intellectual Mercer and Baptists Today — as well as BT: What — from a Baptist perspective — Baptist freedom. We continue to be a place among other Baptist groups or causes — has been your most gratifying experience? that puts people first and where people as being mutually beneficial and helpful to genuinely love one another and where our the larger movement? BU: The fact that 18,000 people from dif - students are embraced by faculty. ferent geographical areas and different We continue to be a place that is will - BU: Well I think these relationships are theological backgrounds and different ideo - ing to grapple with the great moral and beneficial to Baptists Today and to Mercer logical perspectives and different races and ethical issues of our age — and willing to — and are natural relationships to have. different Baptist organizations came consider those issues from different faith Baptist Today , to me, is in the education together for three days to worship together perspectives. We continue to be a place business and so are we. and study together and celebrate all the where students are encouraged to ask the To the extent that we can support your wonderful things we have in common in great questions that once were at the core work in educating the Baptists around the Atlanta in January 2008. That’s the most of university curriculum but are now sel - country, that is consistent with our mission rewarding Baptist experience I’ve had since dom asked at our universities: Why am I and supportive of our mission. The same is being here. here? What should I do with my life? true with a number of other Baptists we We continue to be a place where stu - have embraced and support. BT: How much more or less “Baptist” can dents are encouraged to ask the really The American Baptist Historical we expect Mercer to be in the near tough questions like where was God at Society, which is based on our campus in future? Auschwitz? Or how can a God of love and Atlanta, (and) brought its wonderful, his - grace allow hundreds of millions of people torical archives to Mercer, is another BU: I think you can expect us to be more to be born into almost unimaginable Baptist organization committed to educa - Baptist. How much more is hard to quan - poverty in places like Zimbabwe? You tion. I see their mission and our mission as tify. But I think we will certainly be Baptist know, the really tough questions. being mutually supportive. in some different ways. We must continue to be a place that The Baptist History and Heritage Things have changed over the last 20 recognizes that, as important as these intel - Society, which is now located on our cam - years, 50 years, 100 years. One change is lectual questions are, our faith is not pus in Atlanta, is the same thing — we’re no longer affiliated with the Georgia primarily a private, intellectual matter. mutually supportive missions focused on Baptist Convention; we no longer have a How we conduct our lives matters. . . . education. And, of course, we’re very proud state convention supporting our work at That we be a place that encourages our of the fact that the national office of the the university. students to follow the Great Command- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship continues That requires rethinking how we do ment, that we love God by loving our to be on our campus in Atlanta. some of the things we do. Like at most neighbor, and a place that actively encour - Baptist universities, the Baptist presence on ages spiritual growth in our students by BT: Finally, can you share one big dream our governing board, on our faculty and in encouraging them to use their gifts and that you can’t seem to get off your mind? our student body is declining. I think that’s talents to improve the lives of other pe ople. a reflection of the demographics of our By being that kind of place, we will be BU: Yes, my dream of Mercer playing society. a great Baptist university regardless of how football one day. There was a time (1970) when one in many Baptists are on campus. every five Georgians was a Baptist. Now BT: Is that moving toward reality? it’s one in every ten. If that demographic BT: What perspective do you bring to your trend continues, then that percentage will work from being a preacher’s kid? BU: Yes. continue to decline — and that’s the demo - graphic we draw students from principally. BU: Certainly my understanding of what it BT: At what speed — like a wide receiver So you’d expect to see the percentage of means to be a Baptist grows out of the or a lineman? Baptists among our student body continue education I received at home from my par - to decline. ents. And my commitment to Baptist BU: A more serious answer to your ques - The question is how to be a Baptist principles reflects the lessons taught to me tion is that I’d eventually like for every university in that kind of environment — by my father who was a Baptist preacher. Mercer student to participate in Mercer on when we’re no longer connected to the I don’t have any theological training at Missions. BT

32 | Baptists Today • December 2009 BY JOHN PIERCE FEATURE Connecting research, classroom learning, service

Academia is often criticized for its ivory tower. What does all of this education have to do with daily living?

hirty Vietnamese — walking for the first time in years — could T testify to the success of an inten - tional effort at Mercer University to bring research, classroom learning and service together and to the streets. Each received a low-cost leg prosthetic designed, manufactured and fitted by faculty and students as part of the “Mercer on Mission” program. The Vietnam effort — part class - room study and part on-site participation — was one of eight “Mercer on Mission” projects this past summer. The Photo courtesy of Mercer University growing program, directed by University Minister Craig McMahan, seeks to amputee’s stump. to come up with a business plan so that involve 100 students at nine sites in Then engineering students got the low-cost prosthetics can be mass 2010 with hopes of reaching 250 per involved in the development of a leg produced in poorer nations to provide year soon. mechanism that could be adjusted on economic as well as health benefits. President Bill Underwood has a goal site to suit the length and gate of the “There are 30 people in Vietnam of every Mercer University student hav - recipient. The fully-functioning leg costs walking today who were dragging them - ing this experience that he has called life $170 to produce, said Underwood. selves through the street,” said changing for several students involved in In a video of the project, one stu - Underwood, who described the program the initial projects. dent told of a man receiving his leg and as “a transformative learning experi - Dr. Ha Van Vo of Mercer, an associ - trying to walk away before the adjust - ence” for the students involved. ate research professor in the medical ments were complete because it had It is a way of “loving God with our school and an assistant professor of bio - been decades since he could do so. minds,” said Underwood of the univer - medical engineering, set the stage for Students will manufacture 100 more sity’s focus on “a marriage between the project in his homeland when seek - prosthetics for next summer. Underwood research activities and mission outreach ing to address the need for artificial legs said the business school is being asked service.” BT in Vietnam where, according to reports, approximately 2,000 people are injured each year by land mines and unexploded bombs. It is estimated that 100,000 amputees are living in Vietnam today with millions of others worldwide. Typically, a leg prosthesis costs between $5,000 and $50,000, said President Underwood, noting that cus - tomized fitting is the primary expense. So Dr. Vo turned his research eyes and hands toward developing a universal socket that could be adjusted to fit any

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 33 FEATURE BY JOHN PIERCE The pavilion people Church has carved out niche in construction missions

ASPER, Ga. — David Stuart, a long - time minister at the First Baptist J Church of Jasper, Ga., received a phone call last July from Dianne Fuller with Morningstar Children and Family Services asking if a mission team might build a 16x16 pavilion at their facility in Macon, Ga. “I said that’s no problem as long as its 14x22,” Stuart recalled with a laugh. The reason: volunteers from the congre - gation in the North Georgia mountains have built 17 shelters of that same size over several years. This unique, specialized mission effort grew out of the church’s longtime involve - ment in resort missions — especially in partnership with resort missionaries Bill and Cindy Black of Gatlinburg, Tenn., who have long led Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. Youth teams from the Jasper church David Stuart, minister of music at First would lead ministry programs in camp - Baptist Church of Jasper, Ga., and his daugh - grounds. They discovered a need for better ter, Hannah (left), a social work major at the facilities to hold day camps and evening University of Georgia, joined crew chief Anthony Whitworth, Dennis Woodard and programs. Jeff Hyatt to construct a shelter for The resort ministry leaders suggested Morningstar Children and Family Services that building pavilions would “create good - (shown above). The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia also contributed to will” with campground owners who open creating a new picnic/play area for families. their facilities to outreach efforts and serve as Photos by Dianne Fuller and John Pierce. helpful ministry tools for ongoing projects. “We were looking for ways to use adults from the hot sun and coastal showers. in mission projects,” said Stuart who came to Also, an experienced team of five men the church in 1974 as minister of music and from Jasper built a shelter (in just nine hours youth. His earliest resort mission efforts were over two days) in 2004 as part of the specifically for teens. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia’s Church member Anthony Whitworth “Touching Taliaferro with Love” rural had the plans for a 14x22 pavilion and has poverty initiative. Jimmy Lewis, pastor of laid out every one of the 17 built by the First Baptist Church of Jasper, is a former Jasper congregation thus far — with the first missions coordinator for CBF of Georgia. one going up at a campground in Pigeon ministry church of the year — a unique While the Jasper congregation does a Forge, Tenn., in 1993. A total of six have honor for a church not in a resort setting. wide variety of mission activities in their local been built in the Smoky Mountain region. In recent years, mission volunteers from community and beyond, they have discovered Two each have been erected in resort set - Jasper have made four summer trips to the the benefits of providing this unique ministry tings in Panama City, Fla., and Branson, main Morningstar campus in Brunswick, Ga., in repeated settings. One wonders if they Mo., said Stuart. Overall, ten of the 17 have that serves mentally retarded and severely could build a 14x 22 shelter in their sleep. been connected to resort ministries. emotionally disturbed children. Five pavilions “One of the satisfactions is the knowl - In fact, the Jasper congregation was once — each measuring a familiar 14x22 — have edge that these things will be used for various recognized by the Southern Baptist North been built there by the Jasper teams to pro - ministries for who knows how long,” Stuart American Mission Board as the resort vide outdoor gathering spaces with protection concluded. BT

34 | Baptists Today • December 2009 BY JOHN PIERCE FEATURE outdoor outreach

Community garden One Florida congregation has found that a community garden makes for good food and impor - tant neighborhood connections. grows out of church Photo contributed by Parkview Baptist Church. ministry exploration

AINESVILLE, Fla. — How does a Sunday school growth seminar grow G into a garden? Leaders of Parkview Baptist Church in Gainesville, Fla., have the answer. Parkview, according to pastor Greg Magruder, was one of four churches partici - pating in the seminar conducted by the Santa Fe River Baptist Association in 2006-2007 that called for finding ways congregations could focus on particular groups within their community. Sunday school director Jean Paul Calixte ran with the idea. sectioned off a portion of a church-owned a mild climate that makes for a long growing “Jean Paul began to implement the park for the garden. Wendy Wilbur of the season. But church leaders say more has process in our Sunday school,” said University of Florida and the Alachua County grown out of this project than produce. Magruder. “He rallied the Sunday school Extension Office provided expertise in garden “New friendships and relationships have classes to meet for a strategy session on how development. developed in the neighborhood,” said to best reach the community for Christ.” Calixte, who works for the Natural Magruder. “The church is now seen as a After studying demographics and gain - Resources Conservation Service, coordinated positive influence in the community.” ing insight into the various groups within the garden working within the U.S. Other doors of ministry have opened — their community, the adult classes met Department of Agriculture’s People’s Gardens such as the pastor being asked to mediate together in November 2007 to discuss ways initiatives. The Florida Organic Growers and community conflicts and to counsel residents to reach out more effectively. their Gainesville “Initiative for Tasty — as a result of this project. And new fami - “We had learned in previous sessions Gardens” program provided a grant for the lies have become involved in the church. that the church neighborhood has a majority 10 raised garden beds and compost. United “The gardens have built bridges to the of singles and young adults,” said Magruder. Way volunteers assisted church members in community and given a new vision of “Five discussion groups were organized and building the garden. outreach to the church,” said Magruder, participants presented ideas that would help Tomatoes, various greens, onions, car - remembering that it all started with Sunday us reach these groups.” rots, beets and herbs began making their school leaders looking for ways to reach out Over the next year a task force explored appearances earlier this year and continued in beyond the classroom. BT and evaluated the many good options before making a report to the congregation the end of last year. The top three projects identified were a singles Bible study, a ministry to unwed mothers and a community garden. One group of church members made con - nections with the Stephen Foster Neighborhood Association to develop a common community garden. A University of Florida graduate stu - dent interviewed the pastor about Christian views of environmental issues. Visibility of the church’s ministries was raised in the community. After signing an agreement with the neighborhood association, the congregation

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 35 INFORMATION New series to address clergy, congregational health

Insightful articles on “Healthy ministers spiritual and emotional health. Topics to be addressed for healthy churches” will appear in Higher than average rates of obesity, • “Marks of a healthy faith community” heart disease, diabetes, back pain and a each issue of Baptists Today during • “Why every minister needs a coach” host of other ailments make ministers one 2010 through a partnership between of the higher risk groups to insure. The • “Ministers need Sabbath too” ability to blend the demands of ministry the news journal and the Center for • “Getting off the road to burnout” and the practices of eating, exercising and Congregational Health. This special • “Finding realistic expectations in ministry other types of self-care are beyond many of series is supported by a generous gift covenants” us. It is difficult to set boundaries in a boundary-less profession. from Henry V. Langford of Richmond, Va. • “The pastor as prophet and chaplain” Also important, clergy desperately • “Managing time and setting boundaries ill Wilson, president of the Center need tools for engaging in a positive and while remaining accessible” for Congregational Health, based in proactive approach to relationships and B Winston-Salem, N.C., in an intro - • “Finding healing from sick religion” group process. Maturity, wisdom and dis - ductory article explains the need for both • “Linking emotional health and spiritual cernment are spiritual gifts that can be clergy and laity to pay close attention to maturity” enhanced by healthy practices and habits. Many clergy neglect their own spiri - good practices of healthy ministers and • “Numbers don’t lie: The truth about clergy tual formation in the rush to care for churches. health” Gifted writers from a wide variety of others. Like a travel agent who never trav - backgrounds and disciplines have been • “One pastor’s story of truth and grace” els, we describe spiritual destinations never enlisted to provide practical and proven • “Living in a glass house without cracking” visited. To lead a church toward health, a information that can help ministers and minister must move spiritual health prac - congregations to nurture trusting relation - tices to a high priority for all concerned. ships and caring communities. who view us from the outside. As a pastor, The stakes are high. Far too many I constantly encountered people who had clergy find ministry to be discouraging and been deeply wounded by a church or a leave for other vocations. Ministry oppor - Facing the challenges head-on minister and no longer chose to be part of tunities are missed. Potential witness is By William G. Wilson, an organization they deemed unhealthy. lost. The Kingdom suffers. It’s time to get Our organization’s web site is healthy - healthy. It is hard to imagine a more timely topic church.org . One person, upon hearing This Healthy Ministers for Healthy than “healthy ministers for healthy that, declared such a name to be an oxy - Churches series might help you if ... churches.” Too many of us have seen the moron. She laughed bitterly at the idea, • You’ve been in a church business meeting image of the local church go from a pillar and then told me her painful story of con - where people argued for 45 minutes of strength in the community to an institu - flict and disillusionment that resulted from about whether the parking lot stripes tion associated with a dysfunctional church and its unhealthy should be perpendicular or diagonal. conflict, weakness, practices. • You are a pastor who usually works on division and confusion. As with our physical bodies, the Body your day off. An infusion of of Christ begins the journey toward health • You are a pastor who secretly takes health is desperately when we decide to make that a priority. We days off when you are supposed to be needed. It is fitting to can wait until crisis occurs or be proactive working. clarify what a healthy before illness takes root. Either way, our • You can’t remember the last time you congregation — minis - decisions — or lack thereof — have laughed at church. ter and ministry — consequences. • The angriest you can ever remember looks like, and how to move toward health. When we are at our best, the church being was on church property. Honesty is the best place to start. provides meaning, healing, purpose and • You are a pastor who thought “24/7” Churches are full of people so there is hope found nowhere else. But we must give meant the members approved of you potential for grace, harmony and healing as deliberate attention to engendering such playing the lottery. well as for bitterness, conflict and pain. health and to nurturing the kind of fellow - • Your image of a coach is someone who Some of us are in denial about how ship that brings life to all who are part of a gets doused with Gatorade when things unhealthy the outside world believes our church. go well. churches to be. David Kinnaman, in his Also, individual ministers must recog - • Your congregation’s vision for future book Unchristian , clearly reveals the per - nize that their own wellness is at the heart ministry is to do the same things you’re ception that churches and Christians are of helping create a healthy culture among doing now, only with a few more people hypocritical, insensitive and judgmental. our churches. This subject addresses a — just like the ones attending now This perspective is not limited to those multitude of concerns including physical, except younger with children. BT 36 | Baptists Today • December 2009 BY BOBBY ROSS , JR ., Religion News Service FEATURE digital fasting Seeking a disciplined response to ‘online overload’

n the world of faith-based social network - Balance is the key, said Peggy Kendall, an Burroughs, a former pastor who networks ing, evangelical Christian leader Mark associate professor of communication studies extensively with ministry leaders and has more I Oestreicher commanded a huge chunk of at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., who than 38,000 Twitter followers. cyberspace. has researched the impact of technology on During the week, Margot Starbuck, a Known as “Marko,” the technological society. She bristles at the notion that online mother of three who works as a writer and hipster amassed 4,000 Facebook friends, 1,500 connections are “perpetually superficial.” speaker, said she writes, blogs and typically Twitter followers and 2,000 daily readers of “While there are certainly limitations to replies to e-mails within minutes of receiving his blog. But then he decided he’d had enough online communication, there are also signifi - them. — and unplugged from his online circle of cant benefits to communicating online that “If I’m not at my computer, I’m wonder - friends. one can only rarely experience face to face,” ing what I’m missing,” said Starbuck, an “It’s not that I don’t think online connec - said Kendall, author of the forthcoming book ordained Presbyterian pastor who lives in tions are real. It’s just that they are perpetually Reboot: Refreshing Your Faith in a High-Tech Durham, N.C. “I check e-mail first thing in superficial,” said Oestreicher, former longtime World . the morning and often as the last thing I do president of Youth Specialties, a company before bedtime. I am not proud of that.” based in El Cajon, Calif., that specializes in Even on Sundays, when she wasn’t techni - youth pastor training materials and seminars. cally working, she found herself staying busy In an age when many religious leaders with e-mail and computer games. So, she embrace the latest technology and even implemented what she calls “Unplugged “tweet” from the pulpit, some — like Sabbath” — no computer all day long. Oestreicher — are reassessing the potential “When I wake up in the morning, when negative impact of online overload. I’d typically start mentally tuning in to work “Unplugging has become essential to my In the old days of youth ministry, a pastor on the computer, I find I have nothing better spiritual journey and truly hearing God,” said might endure years of junior high gym nights to do than crawl in bed with my daughter,” Anne Jackson, an author, speaker, and volun - and overnight retreats before a student would Starbuck said. teer pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, feel comfortable enough to share deep hurts “After worship, when I don’t have to be Tenn. “For me, all the noise can drown that and uncertainties and ask authentic questions, about my own business, I’m freed up to take a out if I’m not careful.” she said. hike with my family and be entirely present to Jackson, author of the book Mad Church But in an age of texting and instant them,” she added. “By the time evening rolls Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic , messaging, a student might divulge “intensely around, I don’t even want to check the e-mail maintains a church leadership blog at personal things” within days of getting to that’s backed up all day.” Flowerdust.net that draws 150,000 page views know the youth pastor, Kendall said. In Oestreicher’s case, he said he’s not sug - a month, by her estimate. She has 6,700 Students “have found that the hyper- gesting that everyone delete online profiles and Twitter followers. personal nature of online communication stop using the Internet. But earlier this year, she closed her provides them a safe place to be real and com - Rather, he said he made a personal deci - Facebook account — saying goodbye to 2,500 municate freely,” she said. sion to choose “best over good” and stop friends — and committed to spend less time Rather than unplug entirely, Kendall constantly checking his Blackberry for updates. on Twitter and her blog. advocates that people of faith periodically Trying to maintain hundreds — and even She finally acknowledged what her hus - “fast” from technology — to assess what’s thousands — of online connections distracted band had hinted for a while: She had become helpful about their online activities and what’s from his real-life relationships with his family a little obsessed with her online persona. simply distracting. and colleagues, he said. Months after unplug - “For me, Facebook was a problem,” This concept has become a “huge conver - ging, he voiced surprise at how little Jackson wrote in an essay titled “Why I Kissed sation” in the classes that theology professor withdrawal pains he experienced. Facebook Goodbye.” Dillon Burroughs teaches at Tennessee Temple “I think that was primarily because I so “I don’t believe everyone should quit University in Chattanooga, Tenn. immediately saw a return of four things I was using Facebook, or be afraid of it if one hasn’t “I call it ‘digital fasting,’ although I rec - hoping for: time, presence, focus and creativ - started,” she added. “We just need to be aware ommend short breaks since it is like asking ity,” he said. “My family could tell the of the ways any form of media can interrupt someone my parents’ age to stop using a difference, and my co-workers also. It was our time with God or those closest to us.” phone or reading a newspaper,” said rather astounding, actually.” BT

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 37 INFORMATION BY G. JEFFREY MACDONALD , Religion News Service Evangelicals look to nonpolitical future

SOUTH HAMILTON, Mass. — Repentant John Jefferson Davis, a theologian for having spent a generation bowing at the at Gordon-Conwell altars of church growth and political power, Theological concerned evangelicals gathered in mid- Seminary, was one of several intellec - October to search the soul of their movement tuals who and find a new way forward. discussed the That evangelicals, who compose a quarter future of evangeli - calism at the of the American population, must refocus on Massachussets shaping authentic disciples of Jesus Christ has seminary. Religion always garnered wide support. But how to do New Service photo courtesy of that in a consumerist society with little appetite Gordon-Conwell for self-denial is fueling internal debate. Theological The state of evangelicalism drew the Seminary scrutiny of intellectuals as 500 people attended a conference at Gordon-Conwell Theological do you share with us to take what you’ve said issues. Richard Alberta, senior pastor of Seminary on “renewing the evangelical mis - back to the churches?” Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church sion.” Leading thinkers called fellow believers Some evangelicals are taking little comfort in Brighton, Mich., said preoccupations with to repent for a host of sins, from reducing the these days in successes of the past two decades, doctrinal purity help explain why he struggles Gospel to a right-wing political agenda to ren - which included hundreds of mushrooming to round up fellow evangelicals to join him at dering God as a lenient father who merely megachurches and the advancement of a anti-abortion events. wants “cuddle time with his kids.” socially conservative agenda. Too often, they “When you get evangelicals among them - “We are seeing the very serious weakening say, Christians came to selves, instead of addressing the social and of American faith, even among people who display un-Christian moral issues, they get backwatered into some profess to be believers,” said Os Guinness, sen - behavior in the public debate about dispensationalism or Calvin or ior fellow of the EastWest Institute in New square and did their Charismatic Renewal,” Alberta said. “There’s York and author of The Case for Civility . “Yet disciple-making cause a lots of suspicion, and those [worries] seem to an awful lot of people haven’t really faced up to disservice. act as filters that keep evangelicals from get - the true challenge and still think they can turn “Beware the escala - ting together.” it around with things like political action.” tion of extremism,” Similar frustrations beleaguer Travis Speakers earned applause for highlighting Guinness said. “Christian Hutchinson, pastor of Highlands Presbyterian where evangelicalism, which began as a sayings such as, ‘love your Os Guinness Church in Lafayette, Ga. He routinely gets a Protestant renewal movement, has ironically enemies’ — they’re forgot - cool response from fellow evangelicals, he said, come to need its own renewing. At one point, ten. People are attacking their enemies, [but] when he asks them to show courage and join participants sang a new hymn that’s setting the they’re certainly not on the side of Jesus in his efforts to minister among undocumented tone for a new era: “We spurned God’s way this.” immigrants. The problem, as he sees it, is that and sought our own,” they sang, “and so have For some, the solution lies in re-empha - the doctrine-obsessed have lost touch with the become worthless.” sizing Reformation doctrines. This approach heart of Jesus Christ. “The church in a sense has lost its resonates with the growing ranks of “New “The missing ingredient is not the pri - mission to go out and love the people,” Calvinists,” who profess such teachings as macy of the mind and doctrine,” Hutchinson said Steven Mayo, pastor of Elm Street man’s total depravity, God’s complete sover - said. “It’s the willingness to suffer.” Congregational Church in Fitchburg, Mass. eignty and predestination of souls to heaven Though renewal strategies may vary in “We’ve become useless in a society that and hell. Some church leaders feel the drift the years ahead, evangelicals agree their calling desperately needs us.” away from traditional teachings has led evan - is to be found in their bedrock source: How to become useful again, however, is a gelicals to neglect such biblical mandates as Scripture. Theologian John Jefferson Davis of matter without consensus. Calvin Theological ecumenism and organize around lesser princi - Gordon-Conwell, for instance, said today’s Seminary President Cornelius Plantinga urged ples, such as political preferences. Christians “need a high-intensity experience of pastors to talk less about fulfilling personal “We [evangelicals] have moved from a God” and should seek it through meditative potential and offer more from the likes of Old church grounded in solid theology to a church readings of Scripture. Testament prophet Joel, who warns God’s peo - grounded in personal relationships,” said Neil Still, he conceded, even Bible-based wor - ple to wail and repent before the Lord scorches Gastonguay, pastor of Bath United Methodist ship will need to be “more attractive and more the earth. Church in Bath, Maine. “We don’t have a enjoyable than a trip to the shopping mall.” “For pastors, it’s very easy to lose [a] job message anymore.” “Unless we can experience God [in a way] that by taking your advice,” said Rachel Stahle of But others say evangelicals have worried is as real and as appealing as what we see on a First Presbyterian Church in Carteret, N.J., too much about doctrinal differences when 60-inch, high-definition plasma home theater after Plantinga’s lecture. “…So what wisdom they’ve needed to be joining forces on larger screen,” Davis said, “we are in trouble.” BT

38 | Baptists Today • December 2009 BY GREG WARNER , Religion News Service INFORMATION When pastors’ silent suffering turns tragic

HICKORY, N.C. — What kind of personal liness — the pastorate’s “greatest occupa - Treadway, pastor of Sandy Ridge Baptist pain would cause a 42-year-old pastor to tional hazards,” said Scoggin, who counsels Church in Hickory, was the exception. He abandon his family, his calling and even life many Baptist and other ministers. “These told his congregation he was in treatment itself? Members of a Baptist church here are suicides are born out of a lack of those social several months before his suicide. Still the asking that question after their pastor com - supports that can intervene in times of per - shock was hard to absorb, co-workers said. mitted suicide in his parked car in September. sonal crisis.” Rodney Powe, worship pastor at the Those who counsel pastors say Christian No one knows for sure how many minis - church, said he only now understands depres - culture, especially Southern evangelicalism, ters suffer depression or attempt suicide, said sion is a mental illness. Christians who don’t creates the perfect environment for depres - London. But he estimated 18 percent to 25 experience depression trivialize it, he said. sion. Pastors suffer in silence, unwilling or percent of all ministers are depressed at any “We just say, ‘Come on, get over it. We have unable to seek help or even talk about it. one time. the hope of Christ and the Holy Spirit.’” Sometimes they leave the ministry. Most counselors and psychologists inter - Studies purporting to measure the Occasionally the result is the unthinkable. viewed for this article agreed depression suicide risk of various occupations have pro - Experts say clergy suicide is a rare out - among clergy is at least as prevalent as in the duced wildly different results. But Stanford come to a common problem. But Baptists in general population. As many as 12 percent of said depression in Christian culture carries “a the Carolinas are soul searching after a spate men and 26 percent of women will experience double stigmatization.” Society still places a of suicides and suicide attempts by pastors. In major depression during their lifetime, accord - stigma on mental illness, but Christians make addition to the September suicide of David ing to the American Medical Association. it worse, he said, by “over-spiritualizing” Treadway, two others in North Carolina “The likelihood is that one out of every depression and other disorders — dismissing attempted suicide, and three in South four pastors is depressed,” said Matthew them as a lack of faith or a sign of weakness. Carolina succeeded, all in the last four years. Stanford, a professor of psychology and Polite Southern culture adds its own Being a pastor — a high-profile, high- neuroscience at Baylor University in Waco, taboo against “talking about something stress job with nearly impossible expectations Texas. as personal as your mental health,” for success — can send one down the road to But anxiety and depression in the noted Scoggin. depression, according to pastoral counselors. pulpit are “markedly higher” in the last The result is a culture of avoid - “We set the bar so high that most pas - five years, said Smoot. “The current eco - ance. “You can’t talk about it before tors can’t achieve that,” said H.B. London, nomic crisis has caused many of our it happens and you can’t talk about vice president for pastoral ministries at Focus pastors to go into depression.” it after it happens,” said Monty on the Family, based in Colorado Springs, Besides the recession’s strain on Hale, director of pastoral ministries Colo. “And because most pastors are people- church budgets, depressed pastors for the South Carolina Baptist pleasers, they get frustrated and feel they increasingly report frustration over Convention. can’t live up to that.” their congregations’ resistance to For pastors, treatment can When pastors fail to live up to demands cultural change. Most depression come at a high price. “You are imposed by themselves or others they often does not lead to suicide, but committing career suicide if you “turn their frustration back on themselves,” almost all suicides begin with have to seek treatment,” said leading to self-doubt and to feelings of failure depression. Stanford, “particularly if you and hopelessness, said Fred Smoot, executive Nearly two out of three have to take time off.” director of Emory Clergy Care in Duluth, depressed people don’t seek In some settings, however, Ga., which provides pastoral care to 1,200 treatment, according to studies it is becoming a little more United Methodist ministers in Georgia. by the Depression and acceptable for clergy to get A pastor is like “a 24-hour ER” who is Bipolar Support Alliance. treatment, he said. supposed to be available to any congregant at Counselors say even fewer depressed minis - The good news, said Smoot, is “most any time, said Steve Scoggin, president of ters get treated because of career fears, social pastors don’t stay depressed. They find a way CareNet, a network of 21 pastoral counseling stigma and spiritual taboo. out of that frustration.” centers in North Carolina. “We create an “Clergy do not talk about it because it “Depression is part of the human condi - environment that makes it hard to admit our violates their understanding of their faith,” tion,” added Scoggin. “Some people simply humanity.” said Scoggin. “They believe they are not find ways to gracefully live with it. Like other It’s a job that breeds isolation and lone- supposed to have those kinds of thoughts.” chronic illnesses, you may not get over it.” BT

“Besides the recession’s strain on church budgets, depressed pastors increasingly report frustration over their congregations’ resistance to cultural change. Most depression does not lead to suicide, but almost all suicides begin with depression. ”

December 2009 • Baptists Today | 39 P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318