Posted: 9/19/03

Lesson for Oct. 12

Colossians 1:1-23

Who's No. 1?

By Joe McCammon

Truth is an essential part of any civilized society in our world. In order for a nation to hold together, it must have the strength of truth in government, economy, justice and foreign relations. From the most important supreme court decisions to legal disputes among neighbors, honesty backed up with law cannot be compromised. A witness in a court scene is required to stand before the judge and jury to pledge, “I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

The Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians was written with the urgency of guarding the truth of the gospel against a per-version, a popular philosophy which was more dangerous than it seemed to be. Gnosticism, which comes from the word meaning “to know,” professed to set forth a higher knowledge and a more severely ascetic morality. Some of the thinking and prac-tices which tended to obscure and diminish the glory of Christ seemed to mix the laws of Judaism with certain Gentile and pagan philosophies. Paul's fear was that the resulting consequence would be the loss of evangelistic zeal among Christians to tell the good news of Jesus.

While Paul was in prison at Rome, he learned of the false teachings in some of the churches in the province of Asia. The churches at Colossae and Ephesus seem to have been deeply affected by this false teaching.

Suggestions have been given about the nature of what is sometimes called the “Colossian heresy.” Some may have insisted that keeping the Jewish laws and rituals was important and had thus drawn some Christians into, or back into, such practices. Paul desired for his fellow believers to make Christ first in thought and practice. He felt the best way to get this across was for the readers to learn again exactly what makes him No. 1 in their lives–their identity in Christ, faith backed up with love, good works and personal holiness through him.

Their identity

Colossae was a city in the rich Lycus Valley, east of Ephesus. The church there grew up as a result of Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus, the capital city of Asia. So far as we know, Paul never visited the church at Colossae though he was acquainted with its leaders and had a very vital interest in its welfare and progress.

Paul began the letter with his usual salutation. He identifies himself as an apostle, which to him was an honor and privilege. He humbly accepted the will of God in his life and the trials which went along with such a task set before him. He then points out his brother in Christ, Timothy, to be his companion and possibly one who helped him formulate some of the thoughts of the letter. It is possible that Timothy was well-known to the Colossians and was on their hearts as was Paul. Their identity as “brethren” drew them together to also identify with the gospel and their shared mission.

The apostle reminded them they themselves were saints, holy and faithful. They were to accept this honor with humility and gratitude just as he also had accepted his role in God's kingdom work. His first point was to establish the fact of who they were in Christ, and this in itself would continue the process of making him first in their lives. Paul knew that if they would acknowledge the proper place of Christ, the problems in their beliefs and practices would soon turn to that which brings glory to Christ.

Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I the Son of Man am?” After they listed the popular notions of their peers, Jesus got a little more specific: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus was not interested in the popularity of his name among the crowds. His concern was for their personal recognition of the Christ as supreme in their lives. Identity is a very important part of faith as it secures who we are in Christ.

Faith and love

Paul often emphasized two things which to him should be prominent in the lives of believers and clearly seen in the church (v. 4). Faith and love meant so much to Paul perhaps because of the absence of these in his life before Christ. The false teachings of which he was concerned among the Colossians was antagonistic toward faith and love.

The life of faith, on the other hand, is all dependent on the righteousness of Christ given over to each one who trusts in him. To Paul, the hope of any Christian is in the truth of the gospel, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Roman 5:8). The love we share in Christ is central to our walk to please God and to influence our world for him. Christ is No. 1 in a life which walks by faith and love.

Good works

Paul's “fellowservant,” Epaphras, had shared with Paul the condition of the church in Colossae. The acknowledgment of Paul's great joy in their faith and love also was filled with an expression of the real need for prayer in their spiritual situation. He wanted the Colossians to continue to grow in Christ and strive for a mature faith. Paul had hoped and prayed for the transforming power of the gospel to make a difference in their wavering ideas and practices. They must walk in a conduct that would reflect their spiritual relationship with the Lord because of their salvation experience (vv. 9-11). To be fruitful is never an option for Christians. Paul charged his readers with the mandate for every believer to produce fruit as the by-product of good works to the Father.

The spiritual power afforded the Colossians by Christ was to be displayed “with endurance and patience, with joy.” Conforming to the will of God would assure endurance in their journey as a Christian and patience through all of life's trials. The expression, “redemption through his blood” refers to his purchase of his people from slavery to freedom. The believer must share this freedom with all the world.

Texas Baptists have a very real challenge before them to announce the spiritual freedom from sin which they have experience to millions of people who are lost without hope. The involvement of every church and every believer is the only hope for them to hear the gospel and know the joy of salvation for themselves. Bearing fruit through good works for Christ makes it possible for him to be No. 1 to all.

Who he is makes him No. 1

Paul follows up his words of hope and prayer for the Colossians with a proclamation of those things which make Christ No. 1. Jesus Christ is the image of God, the firstborn of God, creator of all things and head of the body (vv. 15-18). Paul writes that he is “the visible likeness of the invisible God” (v. 15).

Some describe him as someone you can't ignore, while others believe Christ is just derived from our imaginations. A dictionary defines God as “a being with power above all human power.” Children may describe God as a very old gentleman who lives in heaven, often to be confused with the nice giver of gifts who lives at the North Pole.

The Bible teaches us that what we know about God is most sufficiently shown in what we know as the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul expressed the surety that only Christ could be mediator to God, and he freely brings us to God's presence: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Paul assumed the Colossians would continue in the faith. He encouraged them to remain fixed, however, in their allegiance to the truth of the gospel. His exhortation for believers to endure and persevere to the end takes into account the assumption that all Christians realize salvation as a gift from God is not retractable by him because of his supreme love and the sacrifice made for our righteousness. Any implication that the true child of God could lose such a gift actually denies the truth of God's grace.

The 1963 Baptist Faith & Message in section 5, titled “God's Purpose of Grace,” states: “All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by his Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.”

Who he is and who you have become in Christ mean you shall endure to the end. Do not lose heart. He will see you through this life and on to eternity.

Questions for discussion

Why were the beliefs and practices of the church at Colossae so important to Paul?

Describe the philosophy of gnosticism and how it affected many believers.

What was the name of Paul's “fellowservant” and why did he mean so much to Paul?

How can we be confident we will not lose God's salvation?

Posted: 9/19/03

Lesson for Oct. 19

Colossians 2:6-23

Lose the rules

By Joe McCammon

One of the all-time favorite children's fables is “Little Red Riding Hood.” Its popularity may be a product of its simple lessons taught. One of these lessons is to beware those who may deceive you.

The big, bad wolf had been watching his potential prey and devised a plan to get what he wanted. He would trick the girl into thinking he was her grandmother. The wolf locked the grandmother in a closet and disguised himself. The unsuspecting girl enters her grandmother's bedroom and looks curiously at the figure in the bed. She says, “Grandmother, what big eyes you have!” The wolf replies, “The better to see you with, my dear.” She then observes, “What big ears you have!” “The better to hear you with,” says the wolf. The little girl finally says, “Grandmother, what big teeth you have!” The impatient wolf then leaps from the bed and yells, “The better to eat you with, my dear!” The story has a good ending as a lumberjack rescues the little girl and the grandmother.

Paul's letter to the Colossians reveals he feared his fellow believers had been deceived into believing what eventually became known as the “Colossian heresy.” He felt the false doctrine of gnosticism was being disguised as a simplistic lifestyle which basically put man at the helm of achieving righteousness. The creeping heresy included a combination of speculations about the nature of God, strange powers, reverence to angelic creatures, food taboos and ascetic practices with similarities to Judaism.

Even though many parts of this philosophy can be assumed, still there is much we will never know of the extent to which this way of thinking affected their world. They claimed to have a secretive wisdom known only to those who accepted their philosophy and the “brotherhood” of its disciples. Paul did not confront the heresies point by point, but in a positive way reminded them of the life which they now had in Christ.

The Gnostics separated matter from thought, considering matter as evil which elevated knowledge as the ultimate way to salvation. This is why they did not want to admit to the humanity of Jesus. From Paul's point of view, the gospel of “grace unto salvation” was being compromised with a return to beliefs and practices leading to bondage under the law. He had told the Ephesians in a sister letter, written almost simultaneously with this epistle to the Colossians, “By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

This letter follows the usual pattern of Paul's epistles in that he develops his main thesis in the first part and then makes very practical applications of this truth to daily living in the second half of the letter. In the second chapter, he stresses the way of holiness is not through asceticism (self-abasement), promoting only spiritual selfishness and efforts to control the passions. He contended that righteousness comes only by putting on Christ, setting one's affections on him, and thus removing everything from our lives contrary to his will. He emphasizes three points he wanted his readers to remember: They were established in Christ, they must beware of false teachings and they were free to live for Christ.

Faith established

Paul sums up his main emphasis for the remainder of the letter in verses 6-7, which exhort the Colossian believers to continue to demonstrate their faith in Jesus Christ and to express thankfulness for the privileges that were theirs in him. They must first come to a place where they should not seek to find “another gospel,” or “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6). His point is clear: If they would only remain established and settled in the way of Christ, they would have no problems with false doctrine which undermined the gospel of Christ.

Paul beseeches them to seek not only the first basis of their faith, but their continual “strengthening in the faith” which rests in him. In the gnostic teaching, faith was held good for the beginner or the common follower of this way and “knowledge was the bright particular jewel of those who went on to perfection.” Paul expresses the urgency of taking this false teaching seriously, since it could bring to void the gospel of Christ and his sacrifice for our sin.

The goal of every Christian, therefore, can be seen in at least three efforts: (1) keep the view of our final glory in Christ uninterrupted, (2) guard against all things which might be done of our own choice and (3) practice true humility of heart.

Beware of deceivers

Paul's real concern seems to elevate with verse 8. His urgency compelled him to warn the Colossians that they were susceptible to a very dangerous heresy which could possibly bring to void the teachings of truth brought to them. The word “spoil” is a military term which means to “take captive,” the spoils of spiritual warfare. The apostle conceded deceivers would always be out there, but believers should never surrender in defeat to the “enemy.” In this case, the efforts of the enemy were being manifested in a subtle way. It was very enticing to some to accept a doctrine which seemed to have all the “answers.”

When the serpent, Satan, enticed Adam and Eve in the garden, he approached first the woman with promises of having all the answers about life. He deceived them by claiming they would not really die if they disobeyed God. Little did they know the consequence would be spiritual death as a result of their sin. They would be separated from the fellowship with God which they had previously enjoyed. The truth of God cannot be intimidated by anything that is anti-Christ and antagonistic toward the gospel of grace through Jesus.

Many false religions today claim to have all the answers. It is often the case that just the assertion of possessing a unique or special teaching should be enough for the Christians to be suspicious.

Some true Christians even today may tend to still rely on and give more attention to rituals and rules, do's and don't's, oughts and shoulds–rather than to Christ. A short list of these would be: making our own deals with life and even with God for our salvation rather than relying on Christ by gaining knowledge and amassing good works; being famous or at least having a good reputation; acquiring money; having things; getting power; engaging in moralistic rule-keeping; attending church “every time the doors are open”; getting baptized; singing the right songs; not saying the wrong words; participating in community events; helping the needy; etc.

Paul would admonish all believers to stand firm on the truth of God in Christ and stay clear of such ways of allowing false teachers to take hold.

Dying to live

It was essential for the readers to acknowledge again that they had died to the ways of this world and the spiritual powers which sought to lead them astray. Paul wanted to turn their thinking back to the way of truth. With a couple of rhetorical questions, he wanted to know, first, why they were living as though still being part of the world without Christ; and second, why they had apparently made an about-face to turn back to the old ways of living under certain rules and regulations.

“The legalists used elementary ABC's of legalism to seduce the early Christians and steer them away from Christ. Paul observed about himself, 'When I was a child, I spoke as a child, thought as a child, reasoned as a child; when I became a man, I put away childish things, elementary things' (1 Corinthians 13:11). We are certainly not free of the possibility of the same heresy taking hold even today. How should we respond to legalism? Paul said we need a funeral. Die with Christ to such legalism (2:20).” (Duane Brooks, Baptistway Study Guide)

In the city of Athens, Paul was confronted by Jews, devout men and philosophers concerning this “new doctrine” which he was proclaiming (Acts 17:16-34). The apostle was “stirred within when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry” (Acts 17:16). He had the wonderful opportunity to share with them what God intended for everyone to know about the way of grace and the life that only Jesus can bring to them. He proclaimed, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). To the Colossians, he was saying, “Since you are alive in Christ, do not fall to anything that would bring to death the Spirit and presence of God in your lives.”

Spread the news

An additional concern for Paul was that gnosticism would undermine the very spread of the gospel. Either the gospel would be silenced altogether by default or the Christians would become judgmental toward those who did not accept the false teaching, which most of the rest of the world sees us to be even now. We can have moral standards, however, that reflect Christ and live in humility toward others exemplified by the Savior. We have a mandate as those who possess the truth of Christ. We must do all we can in the power of the Spirit and with the mission that God has set before us to win our community, our state, and our world for Christ.

How much better to obey willingly than by compulsion!

Questions for discussion

What were some of the evidences of legalism among the Colossian Christians?

Name some possible heresies among believers and false religions in our world today.

How can we guard the church from false teachings of the primacy of laws and rules?

What to Paul was the most grievous affect of the heresy which he confronted?

Posted: 9/19/03

Lesson for Oct. 26

Colossians 3:1-4:1

Live it up!

By Joe McCammon

Of all people in the world, Christians have every reason to be happy. God has looked upon us with his favor. With Christ alone we are forgiven, chosen, challenged and secure in our salvation. Could there be any more reason to be anything but joyful over what he has done on our behalf?

I recently read of a scene observed by a man in a fast-food restaurant. At the next table, a little boy was crying because he didn't get the toy he wanted with his food. Another kid dumped his drink over his sister's burger because she was stealing his fries. Then the smallest child fell off his chair. Clearly at the end of her rope, the mother dragged the boy up from the floor, placed him back in his chair and said, “Shut up, all of you, and eat your Happy Meals!”

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). That is quite a “Happy Meal” for all those who come to him. Yet, so often circumstances have a tendency to distract us from living with a joyful heart. Someone gets to “the end of their rope” and their joy is gone; another may decide they cannot get along in fellowship with another believer; someone else falls to sin and affects an entire congregation. These are just a few circumstances which can deter us from our mission to be light in a dark world and salt in a “tasteless” world with no life or joy.

Following Paul's discourse concerning false teachings and heresies among the Colossians, the third chapter puts a focus on some things which set us apart to live as a positive influences on the world. He desires for them to live up to their potential in the kingdom. Instead of yielding to the “enticing words” of false doctrine (Colossians 2:4), Paul admonishes them to set their “affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). He then warns them to stay clear of the trappings of temptation toward sin and the need for godliness toward one another.

Reasons to rejoice

A few years ago a secular pop group, The New Radicals, wrote a song titled “Dreamer's Disease.” In the song, they point out some of the trials of growing up in our world and that suicide is never the answer. They support this with these words, “You've got the music in you, don't give up, you've got a reason to live, you only get what you give.”

We live in a world of people who simply want to hear a “song” of hope and to know their reason for living. They need to learn they can have a constant melody in their heart by the grace and salvation of God.

The truth that the Christian's hope is in Christ alone makes up a big part of Paul's teachings. He wanted all believers to be fully secure in their faith in Christ. It is quite possible that Paul's emphasis on security had a lot to do with his life before Christ. His life had been filled with constant, daily attempts at being righteous and religious. As a religious leader of his day, he had all the credentials for being a zealot for the law. He finally learned through Christ that there was absolutely no assurance in the law.

Paul shares with his fellow believers that there are several reasons for rejoicing and for walking a kingdom walk–you are risen with him; you have the freedom to seek heavenly things; you can be assured Christ is seated at the right hand of God; you can have confidence your life is hidden with him and protected from evil; you have the assurance that when Christ returns you will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4).

An ounce of prevention

A comedian recently asked, “How do you know when its time to tune your bagpipe?” Christians should never be guilty of sounding out a sour note to the lost world. Paul warns believers that a sinful lifestyle which yields to temptation will certainly give out a sour note to the world. He wants them to prevent this from happening by watching how they live.

Paul comes forth with a listing of personal behaviors of which they should be wary (Colossians 3:5-11). He outlines a “baker's dozen” of at least twelve warnings (depending on your translation) that could prevent a believer from living out the joy which he has in Jesus.

He says “mortify” (get rid of) these–immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, greed, idolatry, disobedience, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication from your mouth, lying to one another. He reminded them that they should no longer use their bodies as instruments of sin. This list is generally organized into three results of ungodliness: (1) It destroys the spirit of Christ within, (2) tears away unity and (3) harms their witness to the lost world.

According to the apostle, these things threatened the gospel in light of the way the good news of Jesus had so rapidly spread throughout their part of the world. The new believers in Acts “were together … and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44). “They continued daily with one accord in the temple and breaking the bread of fellowship from house to house, doing so with gladness, singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all people … and God added” (Acts 2:45-47). From the beginning of the early church the local communities experienced spiritual awakening through the good news of Jesus and his power to save. This mission was spurred on by imperfect “vessels” God chose to use in revealing his grace and love to man.

Paul warns the Colossians to never allow ungodly behaviors to bring a hindrance to the gospel. They were to make a difference in their world for Christ instead of rendering the teachings of the apostles ineffective in bringing some to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Christians are to reflect Christ himself in their lives in order to prevent the hindrance to the good news we preach.

Uncommon living

How should our faith affect our lives? Paul's short answer is, “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). We find another list in this passage which effectively gets his point across that we should live with uncommon determination to please God in all we do.

The list of virtues of the Christian is presented as a “garment” to be worn before the world. “Put on mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace and thankfulness” (Colossians 3:12-15). Paul says these things will be lived out as we dwell “in the word of Christ,” teaching, singing praise and practicing good deeds (Colossians 3:15-17).

A popular expression these days among Christian circles is “walk the talk.” This is a good reminder to take a look at how we live each day and see if it matches our religious claims.

An equal part of this expression is to “talk it” first. If we are not telling the world about our faith in Christ, then how can our walk, either way, make a difference to anyone? Tell the lost first that you have given your life to Christ and then be accountable for your lifestyle.

Someone may take this phrase the wrong way by assuming, “if no one knows that I'm a Christian, then what does it matter how I live?” As children of God we should live so there will be no reason for anyone to doubt our sincerity as a believer.

Getting along

Following Paul's teaching on virtuous living, he gets quite personal in the next passage by giving application for daily living. It does very little for us to claim to have the virtues if it cannot be seen in healthy family living and harmony in the workplace (Colossians 3:18-4:1).

Paul literally “hits home” when he confronts the topic of family living. Every person in the household is to make Christ first in all they do and say. The home is to be dedicated to having the “sweet-smelling aroma of Christ” when people enter.

The family was very important to Paul. His reference to this subject also is presented in a very similar way to the Ephesians (Ephesians 5). The wife is listed first, possibly because to Paul she held of place of respect and honor as suggested by other references to the church being the “bride of Christ.” Husbands are to love their wives “as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

The idea expressed by Paul is not that wives are in any way inferior to their husbands. The point is more on the role of each spouse. The way I was taught growing up in church is that the husband is to be the spiritual leader in the home which suggests the roles of each are different rather than being an estimation of standing or an order of importance. The charge to the husband is no less admonishing with use of the word “love” having behind it the high opinion for the woman which would go so far as to be willing to die for her.

The commentator Zhodiates notes the role of women in the church today is still uncertain in some churches possibly because of centuries of speculation and misinterpretation of Paul's meaning.

Children are to live in obedience toward their parents, and the Lord gave the promise that the child who does so will have many days upon the earth (Exodus 20:12). Fathers are reminded to encourage their children as provoking would discourage them and break their spirit.

The remaining verses turn the attention to masters and servants (Colossians 3:22-4:1). One counterpart to this today would be the workplace, although we no longer use the terms.

Paul encourages working relationships to be supported by having mutual respect, working whole-heartedly, and practicing honesty and humility. The master is reminded to treat the servant as an equal and a brother as in God's family. He must realize that “you also have a Master in heaven.”

Will the church of today advance the gospel? Only if we “practice what we preach.” Do all to the glory of God.

Questions for discussion

For what reason is the Christian to be joyful?

What can threaten the gospel from having a much needed effect on the world?

How can we specifically put to practice the virtues of a child of God?

What to Paul was needed in the home and workplace to bring glory to God?

Posted: 9/19/03

Lesson for Oct. 5

Philippians 4:2-19

Live with genuine joy

By Joe McCammon

The scientific name for this very interesting bird is “mimus polyglottos.” Yes, it's the state bird of Texas. The proud and aggressive mockingbird, which is known for being quite an annoyance to unsuspecting cats and humans, has a unique ability to imitate the sounds of other birds, setting it apart from all the rest. One bird watcher recently reported a mockingbird that imitated 32 kinds of birds in only 10 minutes.

To simulate the songs of another bird is quite a skill. But one of the basic virtues of the Christian life, which cannot be fabricated, is genuine joy. Unwavering contentment for the believer should be a big part of the walk which sets him apart. We have every reason to be joyful when we know Christ in a personal way.

As the Apostle Paul shares some closing thoughts in the last chapter of his letter to the Philippians, he communicates to them the fact that abiding joy is a given for the child of God. The immediate circumstance in which Paul was writing was imprisonment in Rome (1:12-14). In spite of these circumstances, Paul had plenty of reasons to rejoice.

Many Bible commentators agree that the overall theme of the letter is, “I rejoice, you rejoice, we all rejoice together!” Chapter 4 effectively supports the theme, “in all things we should rejoice.” Abiding joy for the child of God is essential for all dealings of life.

Real or only assumed

Paul desired for all his brothers and sisters in Christ to have the determination to say along with him, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (4:11). He pointed out that he had experienced all the ups and downs of life and yet had found his only security in Christ. This kind of faith may be an assumed part of the Christian's life, but it is often unrealized for many who claim to have faith. We must recognize that there is a difference between happiness with the things of this temporal existence and abiding joy which is eternal. The emotion of “happiness” seems to be determined by pleasant surroundings and the bliss of having many things, only to find false security. Lasting joy for the believer, on the other hand, abides in spite of circumstances.

The original word for joy is supported by additional words such as “peace” (4:7,9) and “content” (4:11). A sense of joy, contentment, generosity and well-being permeates the letter, overflowing from Paul's life. The evidences of abiding joy as outlined in this passage were Paul's chief concern for all of his Christian brothers and sisters.

Promote peace

In the letter, we see Paul's warm feelings for the church. Paul called them “my joy and crown” (4:1). He was grateful for the Philippians and the support they had given him (4:10-19). We see his concern for his friends grow out of his real love for them. As the Philippian church's founding pastor, Paul wanted the disagreements the church was experiencing to be healed and he wanted the church to live their relationship to Christ in great faithfulness.

Paul felt it necessary to be specific about his concerns for the disunity among them. He named names so reconciliation could take place. There was no doubt about who needed to come together to restore unity. Nothing more is known of Euodia and Syntyche other than they were in some undesignated dispute. Whatever the reason, the dispute was disrupting the fellowship.

We may note that women in Macedonia apparently occupied a more prominent position in society than in other provinces in the first-century Roman Empire. Their prominence would have the effect of making the problem more visible within the community which they had been called to reach for Christ. The identity of Clement also is unknown, but the point is clear that Paul had a close working relationship with each of these individuals.

Wouldn't it be a sad epitaph for our lives if the only thing for which we are known is that we couldn't get along with others? The child of God should radiate a life of peace, and this includes our relationships with others.

Live an exemplary life

This letter shows Paul making the best of life, given the circumstances in which he found himself and the opportunities he had. In spite of all this, Paul's testimony to the readers is upbeat rather than somber. He had reminded the Philippians that “on Christ's behalf” they should not only believe in Christ, but also suffer for him, “having the same struggle that you saw in me” (1:29-30). He desired for his beloved congregation in Philippi to be examples to the lost as he had been an example to them (v. 9).

His constant prayer for them was to live an exemplary life with all the attributes of following Christ. He exhorts them to meditate (“think”) on the things of Christ (v. 8) and allow God to “keep their hearts and minds” (v. 7). The words which are listed; “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtue and praise” are the basics for the walk of Christ's followers.

We can all appreciate the importance of being able to guide and control our thoughts. We can all understand that it must be a serious thing to have lost or not to possess the power of doing so. The life of genuine joy takes into account the essential ingredients of rightful living.

Be content

A young man in college had run out of money and sent his dad a note: “No mun, no fun, your son.” In reply, he received this note from his father: “Too bad, how sad, your dad.” It can be quite a challenge to be content when very few things around us are going our way. The Christian, however, has hope in things which are far greater than himself.

Paul had learned the discipline of contentment. The word “content” has the thought of being self-sufficient. Such a person has learned to meet crises with an inner strength. It was very clear to his readers that Paul had learned how to deal with them solely because of his relationship to Christ. “Content” has the idea of being independent of external circumstances. Paul says, “I know” (4:12) with great familiarity with the ups and downs of life. In good times or hard times he did not cease to rejoice (4:4).

Contentment, however, cannot be produced by our own efforts. He wanted his readers to understand that his sufficiency did not come from strength of his own character but from Christ Jesus who dwelled within him. Paul was strong enough to endure all things only in the strength of Christ who empowered him (v. 13). He was being filled (infused) with power so that he could “do all things” for the glory of God.

Practice generosity

It was my privilege some time ago to visit the present-day city of Thessaloniki, Macedonia. Looking out over the Aegean Sea, I realized Paul also had enjoyed this beautiful scene. I remember feeling a sense of awe at the greatness of God's creation and the wonder of time and space since the world has changed so dramatically over the centuries. Human nature has never changed, however. We must live in the presence of God and in cooperation with one another.

When Paul left Philippi, he traveled to Thessalonica (70-80 miles), where he ministered for several weeks. He also established a church in that city (Acts 17:1-9). Paul acknowledged that the Philippians had sent him material support on at least two occasions. It is quite possible that, as he looked out over the coast at Thessalonica, he had pleasant memories of his relationship with the people of Philippi. His words to them in the letter were intended not only to express his gratitude but also to encourage them. Their generosity was evidence of the influence Paul had upon their lives in living a life of joy and contentment.

As all should realize, generosity becomes a blessing for everyone involved, including the giver. As the ushers on Sunday take up the offering, the prayer often is expressed with the words, “bless the gift and the giver alike.” Texas Baptists have the great opportunity to be a blessing to so many millions who need to come to know Jesus as their Savior. It is a blessing to be part of our mission to spread the gospel throughout all of Texas. The Mary Hill Davis Offering, promoted throughout the year and particularly in the fall, allows every church and individual be a part of reaching many who are lost without the joy and peace which comes with knowing Christ in a personal way. So many who have given their lives to missions and ministry, like Paul, depend on the support of Christian brothers and sisters.

It's up to you

One important point about abiding joy is that you can't depend on others to bring it to you. The other person may be depending on you to bring a little sunshine into the room. We must learn that true happiness cannot be produced from within. It comes from Christ. We all have just one chance at life. We can allow our experience to be a pleasant one with God's help or make it an altogether unbearable existence on our own devices.

Questions for discussion

How would you define happiness? How does it differ from abiding joy for the Christian?

What was Paul's concern for his Christian brothers and sisters?

Why was Paul able to be so upbeat in light of his circumstances?

Where was Paul located when he received gifts from the Philippians?

What was the source of his assurance and contentment?

Joe McCammon is pastor of Wildwood Baptist Church in Mesquite

Posted: 10/3/03

Around the State

Allison Church in Lipan is compiling information on the church's history. Information is sought on any pastor who served the church prior to 1946, as well as the following: Bob Collard, 1955-1956; L.R. Looper, 1956-1959; Maurice Caldwell, 1959-1960; Harvey Willcox, 1960-1963; and Robert Chenault, 1970-1973. Contact current pastor Wayne Ford at (254) 646-2908.

Clay Polson was one of 18 chaplains endorsed recently by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He serves at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has donated 41 used computers to eight area churches including First Church of La Grange, Taylor's Valley Church of Temple, First Church of Belton, East Side Church of Killeen, Willow Grove Church of Moody, Plantersville Church of Plantersville, First Church of Moffatt and Canyon Creek Church of Temple. Above, Jeff Loudin, pastor of Taylor's Valley Church, loads some of the donated equipment. This is an annual upgrade process of the university. As one-third of the campus computers are upgraded, one-third of the older computers and printers are donated.

New faculty at Houston Baptist University include David Adcock, instructor in Christianity and philosophy; James Claycomb, assistant professor of physics; Curtis Henderson, assistant professor of biology; Jamie Johns, assistant professor of Christianity; Dorothy Johnson, associate professor of nursing; Cynthia Martindill, assistant professor of nursing; Robert McElroy, interim director of instrumental activities; Ray Newman, dean of the college of business and economics; Amie Ryan, assistant professor of mathematics; Doni Wilson, assistant professor of English; and Jacob Wonders, instructor of kinesiology.

New Hardin-Simmons University faculty include Tommy Brisco, professor and dean of the Logsdon School of Theology; Kenneth Lyle, associate professor of New Testament and Greek; Joanne Roberts, associate professor of sociology; Sharon Rogers, assistant professor of nursing; Sandy Self, associate professor of political science and legal studies; Ben Odhiambo, assistant professor of environmental science; Sharon Souter, assistant professor of nursing; Rich Traylor, assistant professor of history; Judy Creech, instructor of nursing; Ellen Boyd, instructor of nursing; Rick Adams, visiting instructor of art; Richard Kincaid, visiting instructor of communication; David Cory, visiting instuctor of social work; and Teresa Ellis, library liason.

Anniversaries

Richard Segars, 25th, as minister of education at First Church in Graham, Aug. 24.

Stan Hanes, 10th, as minister of music and adult education at First Church in Big Spring.

Moises Aguirre, 45th, in the ministry. He is pastor of Mount Horeb Church in McAllen.

Jerry Blake, 10th, as music minister at First Church in Graham, Sept. 14.

Roger Fancher, 40th, as pastor of First Church in Kempner, Sept. 25.

James Morrow, fifth, as pastor of Western Hills Church in Kerrville, Oct. 1.

Kenneth Jordan, fifth, as pastor of First Church in Bartlett, Oct. 4.

First Church in Lueders, 100th, Oct. 10-12. Festivities will kick off Friday night after the football game with a fellowship at the church. Saturday at 7 p.m., a gospel sing will be held with a dessert social to follow. Breakfast will be served before Sunday School the next morning. The service will feature guest speakers and special music. A luncheon will follow. Harold Barnes is pastor.

James Fuller, 10th, as pastor of Calder Church in Beaumont, Oct. 12.

South Park Church in Alvin employed an elaborate backdrop this year as it conducted its Great Kingdom Caper Vacation Bible School. The church decorates the sanctuary each year for the week of Bible study. This year's town setting was designed by church member Karen Dietrich, who was aided in its construction by Pam Buck.

Rock Crossing Church in Electra, 75th, Oct. 18-19. For more information, call (940) 552-0496. Richard Ingram is pastor.

First Church in Kennard, 100th, Oct. 26. A luncheon will follow the morning service. For more information, call (936) 655-2371. James Durham is pastor.

First Church in Kingwood, 25th, Oct. 26. Bill Pinson, former executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, will be the guest speaker. A luncheon will follow. Pastor Dearing Garner celebrated his 25th anniversary with the church in August.

First Church in Woodway, 50th, Oct. 26. The day will feature former staff, special music guests and the church's history. A picnic will follow the morning service. For more information, call (254) 772-9696. Mike Toby is pastor.

First Church in Bartlett, 120th, Nov. 2. Kenneth Jordan is pastor.

Westbury Church in Houston, 40th, Nov. 2. A reunion choir and covered dish luncheon will be among the activities. Bob Campbell is pastor.

First Church in Three Rivers, 90th, Nov. 9. Anyone who can help in locating former pastors and staff is asked to call (361) 786-2760. Robert Hobbins is pastor.

Events

A reunion of participants in the ministry of the Texas Tech Baptist Student Ministry will be held Oct. 10-11.

Timbergrove Church in Houston will hold a homecoming service Oct. 12 to commemorate its 53 years of service to the community. A former youth choir, the JAM Singers, will present a music program following the barbecue lunch to be served at noon. A.M. Stone is pastor.

Calder Church in Beaumont will hold homecoming services Oct. 12. Charter members will be honored, and a luncheon will follow the morning service. James Fuller is pastor.

The Duck Commander, Phil Robertson, will speak Oct. 21 in Harvey Hall at the fairgrounds in Tyler. Presented by Christian Hunters and Anglers and the men's ministry of Green Acres Church in Tyler, exhibits will open at 5 p.m., a catfish dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and Robertson will speak at 7 p.m., complete with a question-and- answer session. Tickets are $10. For more information, call (903) 525-1142.

A dedication service for the Baptist Student Ministry building at Stephen F. Austin University will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

The Heights Church in Richardson will host the World Day of Prayer Nov. 3. The focus will be on the special needs of women worldwide. Baptist groups around the world will be joining in prayer that day in more thatn 150 languages. A free breakfast will be served from 9:30 a.m. until 10 a.m., followed by a program of music, drama, a guest speaker and prayer with missionaries who have served throughout the world. Debra Hochgraber, a consultant with the women's evangelism center of the BGCT, will be the guest speaker. Register through Oct. 29 by calling (972) 231-6047. Free childcare is available by reservation only. Gary Singleton is pastor.

Andy Bratcher will be honored with a reception Nov. 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at First Church in Lott. He has been either a pastor or interim pastor for 57 years and has preached in every church in Falls Association. He also served as chaplain of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Marlin, and since 1969 has officiated at 1,012 funerals.

Iglesia Getsemani in Fort Worth will hold a building dedication service at 11 a.m. Nov. 16. Julio Guarneri is pastor.

Deaths

Charles Bradshaw, 103, Aug. 22. A Baptist deacon and Sunday School teacher, he was a long-time member of the First Baptist churches in Corpus Christi and Beeville.

John Clayton, 60, Sept. 21 in Boston, Mass. He was a 1964 Hardin-Simmons University graduate and the 1995 recipient of the university's distinguished alumni award. He was chairman of the department of religion and director of the graduate division of religious and theological studies at Boston University until July, when health concerns led him to resign.

Revivals

Immanuel Church, Jefferson; Oct. 5-8; evangelist, Tim Ellis; pastor, Clarence Clevenger.

First Church, Jefferson; Oct. 5-8; *evangelists, Randy Fair Family; pastor, Joe Perkins.

College Heights Church, Cleburne; Oct. 5-8; evangelist, Bailey Stone; pastor, Mark Ely.

Nesbitt Church, Marshall; Oct. 8-12; *evangelists, Jim and Kelly Walsh; pastor, Dick Sawyer.

Central Church, Italy; Oct. 19-22; *evangelist, Jon Randles; *music, Steve Thomas; no pastor.

Hillcrest Church, Marshall; Oct. 19-22; *evangelist, Jim Bob Griffin; pastor, William Hogan.

Lebanon Church, Cleburne; Oct. 19-22; evangelist, Cody Whitfill; pastor, Randy Rogers.

*vocational evangelist

Sou

Posted: 10/3/03

Baptist Briefs

CBF launches ministerial sabbatical program. Applications are being accepted for a pilot program for ministerial sabbaticals offered through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. With a $1.9 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the CBF will provide a limited number of stipends for pastors to take sabbatical study leaves from their churches. To qualify, pastors must have been in their current ministry setting at least seven years. Applications must be returned by Jan. 15. For more information, contact Terry Hamrick at (770) 220-1600 or thamrick@cbfnet.org.

Patterson inauguration planned. Paige Patterson will be inaugurated as the eighth president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth Oct. 21. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.

FamilyNet adds show. FamilyNet, a broadcast ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board, has added a new health-care program titled "Healthy, Wealthy and Wise with Frank Jordan." Jordan is a recognized expert on the immune system and related health problems, an instructor in health issues and a scientific researcher. The program will air weekdays at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday at 2 a.m.

ERLC honors Land. Trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission surprised President Richard Land on the 15th anniversary of his hiring by selecting him to receive the commission's 2003 Distinguished Service Award and renaming the award for him.

Posted: 10/3/03

Twentysomethings found less likely to attend church

VENTURA, Calif. (RNS)–Americans in their 20s are less likely to attend church or read the Bible than older Americans, a Barna Research Group study has found.

Thirty-one percent of twentysomethings attend a worship service in a typical week, compared to 42 percent of those in their 30s and 49 percent of all adults ages 40 and older.

The level of Bible reading also decreases by age group. Researchers found 30 percent of twentysomethings had read the Bible in the past week, compared to 37 percent of Americans in their 30s, 44 percent of fortysomethings, 47 percent of Americans in their 50s and 55 percent of adults ages 60 and older.

Comparisons on giving are more dramatic–30 percent of Americans in their 20s donated to a church in the past year, compared to 61 percent of older adults.

Despite the lower percentages in religious practice, researchers found internal aspects of faith rank higher among those in their 20s. For example, 80 percent of twentysomethings said faith is very important in their life; 75 percent said they had prayed to God in the past week; and 57 percent said they had made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life.

“The notion that these people will return to the church when they get older or once they become parents is only true in a minority of cases,” said David Kinnaman, vice president of the research firm. “More importantly, that reasoning ignores the real issue–millions of twentysomethings are crystallizing their views of life without the input of church leaders, the Bible or other mature Christians.”

Research for the overall study was based on nationwide telephone interviews with 14,091 adults from January 2000 through May 2003, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point. A total of 2,660 adults in their 20s were interviewed, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Posted: 10/3/03

Face of campus ministry changing

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

In today's marketplace of collegiate ministries, students are shopping to fill their spiritual needs with little brand loyalty, according to Baptist collegiate ministers.

Following a pattern that mirrors many young adults' church-hopping spirituality, a student may turn to a non-denominational group for Christian fellowship, a Methodist ministry for Bible study and a Baptist effort to do missions.

At least one thing hasn't changed in campus ministry through the years: Food draws. BSM secretary Barbara Raines serves a plate at the first Vision luncheon of the year for the Texas A&M student ministry. More than 300 students enjoyed a home-cooked meal made by volunteers from local churches.

The Baptist name carries little attraction for today's college generation, explained Allan Thompson, director of the Baptist Student Ministry at East Texas Baptist University.

Most students do not see the value of denominations, he said. “Denominational loyalty is a thing of the past.”

Instead, BSM leaders today must rely on relationships to draw students, according to Clif Mouser, director of the Baylor University BSM. Students become part of the Baptist ministries through their network of friends.

“In the '40s and '50s, the name drew people. Now relationships draw them,” Mouser explained. “They get involved because they encounter other Christian students who want them to get involved.”

Although the initial draw is different, students' needs largely remain the same, added Arliss Dickerson, director of the Arkansas State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry.

“I don't think they've changed in what they want. I think they've changed in how they react,” Dickerson said. “I think the No. 1 thing is they want to belong to a group that loves them and encourages them.”

Baptist Student Ministry programs provide those ingredients in industrial-strength doses.

Last year, 886 Baptist collegiate ministries nationwide reached more than 248,618 students using many of the techniques that have been staples for decades, including free lunches and evening worship services.

New roles

BSM work is gaining in diversity as well. More than 10 percent of the 87,000 students actively involved in BSM programs last year were African-Americans, and nearly 8 percent were ethnics, according to statistics compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources. Another 10 percent were international students.

Texas A&M Baptist Student Ministry Director Joel Bratcher welcomes students to this year's first luncheon gathering. At right, international students served by the Texas A&M BSM come from Korea, China, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Poland, Egypt, Jordan, India, Thailand and Spain.

Campus ministry in newer-work areas such as New England, California and the Northwest is multiplying rapidly, thanks largely to the work of volunteers, said John Ramirez, director of collegiate ministries for the Baptist Convention of New England and a strategist for LifeWay.

On top of the traditional activities, college ministries attempt to ease the transition from high school to college. Campus ministers help students move in and get situated. They also often offer concerts and parties as social events.

But the biggest draw is a personal invitation from a friend, and today's Christian students are rising to that challenge, said Joel Bratcher, director of the BSM at Texas A&M University.

“Christian students are more passionate about their faith than when I started in this work,” he said.

The meaning of life

Michael Ball, director of the Mississippi State University Baptist Student Union, finds students are looking for meaning in their lives.

“At the heart of things, the needs are much the same,” Ball said. “When I first started out, I didn't want a cookies and Kool-Aid ministry. I was intentionally trying to challenge them. I think they're really wanting purposeful commitments in their own life.”

In this search for meaning, students are interested in exploring Christianity, campus ministers said. They are closely examining the faith and asking questions.

“Students by and large are trying to find what life is about, and they're open to examining God,” said Steve Masters, director of the Louisiana State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry.

While college ministries have been based on small-group studies in the past, many outreaches are building on the popularity of praise and worship services. The intense emotion of the services intrigues non-believers who want to know this passion, Masters said.

This college generation's desire to participate in missions is extremely strong, campus ministers also reported. Overseas mission trips once seen as dangerous or exotic are a normal expression of the students' faith.

Masters sees more students than ever answering a call to vocational ministry, but most are interested in becoming missionaries rather than serving local churches.

Servant evangelism is a draw as well, particularly in the newer-work areas. Such ventures vary from campus to campus, but examples include helping students move into dorms and serving hot chocolate during the winter in an effort to share the gospel.

“This generation is more about experience than exposure,” Thompson said. “They don't just want to know what's going on or see what's going on; they want to do what's going on.”

Like all generations, however, today's college students' strengths are balanced by their weaknesses, Dickerson said. He notes that students seem to have trouble applying their faith to their lives. Although the large worship service brings people in, there is a great need for small-group Bible studies, he reported.

Additionally, statistics have shown giving from this generation is significantly down compared to previous generations, a trend that could have major implications for the church, Thompson said.

“You either bemoan the fact they don't know good stewardship or work within the framework,” he said.

Coping with change

The speed of change in American life has become so great that college students and younger generations are absorbing changes without having a chance to examine them, campus ministers said. Constant change is part of their lives, and it will only become a larger part as the pace of change continues to increase.

Baptist collegiate ministers largely agree the changing world coupled with new stylistic expressions of Christianity will alter the church. The question is how much.

Several predicted the church will continue with a praise and worship style. The emotionality may decrease as today's students grow older, but the approach will remain.

Thompson sees more dramatic changes, however. He envisions churches aligned by practical ministries rather than doctrinal distinctions. Believers will regularly fellowship with several congregations to meet their spiritual needs. Outreach will be global as well as local.

“If you think it's a wild ride now, just hold on,” he said. “I think it's going to get a whole lot wilder.”

Posted: 10/3/03

Churches' drop in missions giving hits BSM

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Unless congregations increase their support, Baptist collegiate ministries could become the ministries of interested individuals rather than of churches, campus ministers warn.

Financial support for Baptist collegiate ministries has declined during recent years as national convention, state convention, association and church budgets have shrunk due to decreased giving and declining returns on investments.

Typically, state Baptist conventions pay for some campus ministers' salaries and for maintenance on Baptist Student Ministry buildings. Associations pay for some salaries and programming funds.

The California Southern Baptist Convention offers the most significant exception to this pattern. About 10 years ago, the convention eliminated funding for full-time campus ministers due to a budget crunch. In California and in newer-work states where resources are slim, campus ministries often are run by Mission Service Corps volunteers.

But in the larger state Baptist conventions, major funding for campus ministry has continued to come through the state office.

Ministries at Baptist universities enjoy a financial advantage because the school usually pays for all programming and sometimes covers multiple salaries and building costs.

Denominational struggles are hurting support for campus ministries, particularly in states with two conventions.

When churches pull out of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, they pull funding from the college ministries affiliated with the convention unless church funds are designated specially for the outreaches.

“Statewide, it's a tough time,” reported Darrell Cook, director of the Virginia Tech Baptist Student Union. “Watching different resources, we see we won't be able to do as much here.”

In Texas, Baptist student ministries are affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and some churches do not fund them because of that, said Joel Bratcher, director of the Texas A&M Baptist Student Ministry.

“Sometimes churches defund the BGCT, and that affects us,” he explained. “Sometimes they give directly to the BSM; sometimes they don't.”

The Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, both formed by conservatives in recent years, do college ministry through local churches rather than the traditional Baptist Student Ministry. Both new conventions start churches that cater to college students and encourage existing churches near schools to start college programs.

To counter the decreasing funds, campus ministers have had to examine their programming and think in terms of long-range effects, said Bruce McGowan, director of the BGCT Center for Collegiate Ministries.

“We have had to ask ourselves why we are on campus and what would Texas Baptists support,” he added. “It has helped us ask what do we need, what do we do, and get creative.”

Despite this refocusing, many ministries have cut staff positions and hours.

According to national statistics compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources, 886 Baptist collegiate ministries currently are led by 512 full-time directors, 170 part-time directors and 160 volunteer directors. In some cases, an outreach has one staff member.

Of the 107 Baptist student ministries in Texas, 24 have part-time directors, 17 volunteer leaders, and three are intern directors. There currently are two interim directors, and eight are looking for leaders.

College ministries in newer-work areas for Southern Baptists–including California, the Northwest and New England–are overwhelmingly dependent on volunteers who raise their support from churches, associations and individuals.

In many cases, these volunteers provide necessary administrative and program assistance for the one paid staff person, said Eric Black, who serves as a Mission Service Corps volunteer with his wife at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque.

“There's a mentality the Cooperative Program (unified budget) is bottomless and covers everything,” Black said. “The BGCT knows that is not the case. Money only goes so far. People are floored we are not supported by the Cooperative Program.”

As Mission Service Corps volunteers, the Blacks receive training and endorsement from the BGCT but not financial support.

The lack of funding makes it harder to recruit people to work on California campuses, which educate one in seven college students nationwide, according to Neil Walker, director of Christian Challenge at the University of Southern California.

“What I find is most of the workers prefer to be in the Midwest where they can draw a steady paycheck, whether that's the most fertile ground or not,” he said.

With the decrease in budget and staff has come the added responsibility of fund-raising for BSM leaders, explained Arliss Dickerson, director of the Arkansas State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Campus ministers now must look for funding sources outside the traditional means.

“We have always called ourselves a ministry of the churches,” Dickerson commented. “More and more we are becoming a ministry of interested individuals.”

Some campus ministries have launched alumni groups that contribute significantly. Virginia Tech alumni provide ministry assistance as well as financial support to the Baptist Student Union.

“Our alums have done a great job filling those gaps and serving those needs,” Cook said.

The Virginia Mission Board, affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, created a website to network and track college ministry alumni. The site includes a link to the Collegiate Ministries Endowment Fund, where individuals can donate money to support the state's Baptist collegiate ministries.

While Cook is encouraged by the convention's efforts to supplement the funding to the college ministries, he noted a statewide endowment is a “hard sell” because alumni are attached to a local work, not the statewide effort.

The lack of church funding for Baptist student ministries may end the Baptist presence on some campuses, Dickerson warned. While larger ministries that have enough alumni may be able to survive financially and possibly grow larger, work at smaller schools could die out, he explained.

In Texas, the BGCT has been able to stave off budget cuts from reducing ministries on the state's largest campuses, but funding cuts have impacted some smaller campuses.

In the last eight years, at least five part-time positions were eliminated, and part-time salary commitments were cut in half. One campus has gone from a full-time to a three-quarter-time director.

Several campus ministries were combined into one regional effort. For example, Chris Stanley works with Brazosport College in Angleton and Alvin Community College in Alvin.

Associations now pay part of the BSM director's salary on six campuses.

The state student ministry staff has been reduced by two. Two regional coordinator positions in the state office also were eliminated.

In the 2004 BGCT budget, which overall represents a 10 percent reduction from the current year's budget, the Center for Collegiate Ministry maintained a flat budget of $3.9 million.

The vast majority of the Center for Collegiate Ministry's budget goes to personnel expenses. According to the budget book presented to the BGCT Executive Board Sept. 30, the BGCT pays salaries for 32 full-time campus ministers and 29 part-time campus ministers.

These Texas Baptist campus ministers served 43,000 students last year, including 12,000 who were consistently involved throughout the year.

Posted: 10/3/03

Tarleton student ministry sets
up shop in a campus tavern

By Ken Camp

Texas Baptist Communications

STEPHENVILLE–A couple of days each fall, the Baptist Student Ministry at Tarleton State University encourages college kids to go to a bar–not to drink, but to enjoy a free meal and hear the gospel.

As part of its outreach to new students in early September, the BSM sponsors two Wednesday lunches at a tavern across the street from the Tarleton campus. The bar is closed at lunchtime, but the owner makes the building available to the campus ministry.

“We'll have students who go there who won't go to anything else we do,” said Darrell Samuelson, BSM director at Tarleton.

Churches in the Stephenville area provide the covered dish lunches at the popular student hangout. Samuelson acknowledged a couple of congregations have objected to an event at a bar. But most view it as a chance to bring a Christian witness to students who might never set foot in a church or in the BSM building.

Students are drawn to the familiar bar by the free food. While they eat, they listen to a Christian testimony by a local celebrity such as the university's football or baseball coach.

“Some of the students feel less threatened in that setting,” said Trey Felan, baseball coach at Tarleton. “We've got their attention for a little while. Maybe we'll reach somebody, or maybe a seed will be planted for later.”

Felan, a layman at First Baptist Church of Stephenville and an on-campus adviser for the BSM, spoke at a recent luncheon, using baseball analogies in his brief message based on the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy. He encouraged students to prepare “in season and out of season” for whatever lies ahead.

“Like athletes who train in the off-season, as Christians we need to be prepared by staying in the (Bible) and in prayer. That way, when we have the opportunity to witness, we're prepared to do it. And when we have setbacks, whether it's a time when we stumble or when tragedy comes, we're prepared for it. I tried to tell them what I tell my players, 'When you make a mistake, learn from it and then move on.'”

In addition to the bar outreach, the BSM also sponsors about a half-dozen other activities–most of them centered on free or low-cost food–designed to reach new students. For the last two years, the university has embraced the events as part of its welcome week schedule.

“In the first two days of school, we gave away 60 dozen donuts and hundreds of sno-cones,” Samuelson said. As volunteers distributed the sweet treats, they invited students to attend a Tuesday luau. The outdoor Hawaiian-style party featured the BSM praise band and a Christian testimony by a student leader.

One of the most popular outreach activities is the “big feed” on the third day of the new semester. Volunteers set up grills in an open area near the men's dormitories, and they offer steaks for 99 cents.

“That event really reaches the guys. They smell the meat cooking all morning, and that brings them out,” Samuelson said. “They can't believe it's not just hot dogs, but that they can get a real steak for 99 cents.”

In less than a month, the BSM made significant contact with at least 700 students through the events, Samuelson said.

“We know that because we printed 800 devotional guides, and we've distributed all but 100 of them,” he said. Students, alumni and faculty at Tarleton wrote the 40-day inspirational guides.

Event organizers acknowledged that only a fraction of the students they contacted will become active in Baptist Student Ministry, but that's not their ultimate goal.

“It's not about numbers involved in the BSM. It's about getting the gospel to numbers of students who aren't in church anywhere,” Felan said. “We may not get to see the harvest, but we're planting seeds.”

Posted: 10/3/03

Shoe donations run ahead
of funds to ship 200,000 pairs

DALLAS–Unprecedented success collecting shoes and socks for orphan children worldwide has led to the urgent need of additional funds for shipping and storage, according to officials at Buckner Orphan Care International.

Tiffany Taylor, director of the Shoes for Orphan Souls project, said more than 220,000 pairs of new shoes have come to Buckner in 2003, leaving the organization strapped for cash to ship the shoes, socks and shoelaces.

Some of more than 200,000 pairs of new shoes donated to Buckner's Shoes for Orphan Souls project sit boxed in a warehouse, waiting for shipment to orphans around the world.

“We were hoping for 150,000 new shoes,” Taylor said. “So in some ways, we're suffering from our own success.”

Taylor said Buckner needs $100,000 in donations to cover costs associated with the international shipping. Buckner has received donations throughout the shoe collection period for the purchase of new shoes. However, the number of donated shoes far outpaced cash donations designated to cover shipping.

“We're fortunate to have wonderful volunteers who sort the shoes and prepare them for shipping,” she said. “So we don't have to worry about costs related to that part of the process.”

Taylor added that because Buckner hopes to distribute the shoes before winter in places like Russia and Romania, “there is a sense of urgency that we ship these shoes as soon as possible, so we need the funds immediately.”

Along with expenses related to shipping the shoes, Taylor said Buckner has been forced to lease additional warehouse space in Dallas to store the shoes as they arrive from across the country. Currently, Buckner is keeping the shoes and socks in three storage facilities, including a 25,000 square-foot warehouse.

This is the fifth year Buckner has operated the Shoes for Orphan Souls program. In 2002, 103,000 new pairs of shoes were collected and shipped to 28 countries.

For more information about donating to the Shoes for Orphan Souls project, call (877) 7-ORPHAN. Donations marked “For Shipping” may be made through the Internet at www.shoesfororphansouls.org or by sending a contribution to: Shoes for Orphan Souls, 600 N. Pearl, Suite 1900, Dallas 75201.

Posted: 10/3/03

BWA president appeals for SBC to stay

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)– “Stay with us. Pray with us. Evangelize with us,” the president of the Baptist World Alliance urged the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee Sept. 22.

Billy Kim said he “invited myself” to travel from Korea to present a five-minute BWA report regularly provided during the Executive Committee's two-day meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

Kim did not directly reference the circumstances prompting his appeal. Earlier in the session, however, Morris Chapman, president of the Executive Committee, welcomed Kim and the BWA's general secretary, Denton Lotz, to the meeting and briefly noted that a BWA study committee formed several years ago by the Executive Committee has been reactivated.

Chapman said the SBC “is reviewing and evaluating the affiliation of the convention with the Baptist World Alliance. … As we all know, objectives, priorities and purposes change over time within all of our organizations and periodic evaluations become necessary.”

Chapman and other SBC leaders have criticized the BWA for granting membership to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. At the SBC annual meeting in June, the convention's $425,000 allocation to the BWA was reduced by $125,000 for the coming year, and speculation has been widespread that SBC leadership intends to separate completely from the BWA.

Kim thanked Southern Baptists for their part in creating the BWA in 1904 and for their support over the years. “I beg you, stay with us in the Baptist World Alliance,” he urged.

Kim, a pastor in Seoul, Korea, appealed to the unity of believers Jesus prayed for in John 17.

“The closer we grow to Christ, the closer we grow to one another,” Kim said. “Christian unity is supernatural because it comes from God's nature. It is only experienced in fullness as we draw close to him.

“The unity, though, does not mean uniformity in everything. In the Trinity there exists a unity in diversity–three distinct Persons yet they are one.

“Jesus' prayer for unity does not mean that we all should be the same, though many Christians mistakenly assume that,” Kim said. “Too many think other believers should be just like themselves … read the same books, promote the same style, educate their children in the same way, have the same likes and dislikes.”

Kim acknowledged that “there are a lot of differences. I don't like all the unions and conventions that belong to the Baptist World Alliance … . But we come together as a unity, as a force. … May God help us. In a kingdom with empowered growth, we need everybody together who believes that Jesus is the only Savior to go out in the highways and hedges and help them come to know Christ and baptize them in order that we will meet them in 'Hallelujah Square' in heaven.”