Wayland and Kenyan college partner to train church leaders_40504

Posted: 4/02/04

Wayland and Kenyan college partner to train church leaders

By Teresa Young

Wayland Baptist University

PLAINVIEW–Bernard Kabaru has a vision for reaching Kenya with the gospel. And he believes Christian leaders in that country could do it, if they just had the training.

“Missions should be empowering the local church, with partners coming along to help in that mission rather than bringing in their own vision and expecting people to follow,” said Kabaru, principal of Kenya Baptist Theological College.

Bernard Kabaru, principal of the Kenya Baptist Theological College, shares his vision for educating Christian leaders in his native country during a recent visit to the Wayland Baptist University campus in Plainview. Wayland has been involved in a partnership with the Kenyan college five years.

“What we are going to do with the present generation of Christians will determine what the church in Africa will be in the future.”

In 1999, Wayland Baptist University began a formal academic partnership with the Kenya Baptist Theological College with the goal of helping train ministers in the East African nation.

Five years later, Wayland has conferred 16 associate's degrees in theology to ministers who are now better equipped to disciple their church members and minister to unreached populations.

The university continues to send faculty for short visits to teach courses toward the associate's degree.

The first student group visited in the summer of 2002 as part of a three-week mission endeavor, and another group plans to visit in May 2004.

On a recent visit to Wayland's Plainview campus, Kabaru described strategic planning involving the Baptist Convention of Kenya and the theological college and the goals leaders set for increasing the educational level of Kenyan pastors.

Of the 3,000 pastors in Kenya, only seven hold a bachelor's degree in theology, and only five hold a higher degree, he said. About 100 have earned a diploma through the Baptist college, and another 90 have certificates of theology.

Only about 25 percent have received theological education by extension, Kabaru said, noting the college wants to reach 100 percent by 2010. Many of the most highly educated Baptist leaders in Kenya are serving as teachers at the college.

The challenge of educating Kenyan pastors is not a lack of willingness but a lack of resources, Kabaru noted. Ministers who attend the Baptist college often must travel days to get to the campus in Limuru, leaving family and churches behind while earning their education.

About 95 percent serve bivocationally. Most receive no financial compensation from the churches they serve, and attaining theological training often means leaving a paying job at least for a short time, he said.

Students at KBTC are required to be in ministry at the time of enrollment, and Kabaru said it is important for them to be learning while they are serving. But they're not just pastors or ministry leaders; many are businessmen, farmers, teachers or homemakers.

“Those who have been the recipients of western missions have experienced significant numerical growth in church starts and are urging to move forward into maturity, but the western (world) still has the resources,” Kabaru said.

“Kenyans have caught the vision, and the momentum is there. They are already working on church-planting strategies among the churches. The locals are doing the work, but they need trained leaders.”

Wayland's involvement brings great hope for the vision of leaders at the Baptist college in Kenya to be fulfilled in coming years. Kabaru said.

“You all have been a godsend. I really feel God has affirmed my role in this by bringing the partnership with Wayland,” he said, adding that the college had approached others about the possibilities of partnering but found little interest.

Vaughn Ross, professor of biological sciences and a former missionary to Kenya, brought Wayland and the Kenya Baptist college together after visiting with Kabaru and realizing the university's mission went hand-in-hand with KBTC's goals.

Members of Wayland's religion faculty are excited about the venture with Kenya, both for what it now represents academically and for what it may mean to missions.

“We are envisioning establishing a missions center here that would involve a faculty member in missions and would serve as a direct link to the Kenya campus, coordinating activities there such as students traveling there for courses or missions opportunities,” said Fred Meeks, chairman of the religion and philosophy division at Wayland.

“The missions center would also serve as a focal point for churches wanting to do missions and partnering with Wayland for endeavors. We would be the ones providing training and equipping them on how to do missions, perhaps even providing some language training,” Meeks added.

Meeks and his faculty have been instrumental in helping develop and deliver the associate's degree in religion at the Kenyan college, but they see this as just beginning in terms of Wayland's academic involvement.

“We are currently only able to offer the associate's degree, but our goal is to offer the baccalaureate degree, and, in the future, we would envision even offering graduate-level training on that campus,” Meeks said. “We have a long-range vision for this campus, with long-term opportunities for 'doing missions' in that area.”

The college continues to work through a lengthy and complicated accreditation process for the Kenyan government, Kabaru said. But that will eventually require better housing facilities for students and other upgrades.

Wayland has been offering the program to the theological college at no charge, adding the expense to the university's regular annual budget. Wayland would like to help the college make technological and library upgrades that will get it closer to eventually offering a bachelor's degree, but those efforts are costly.

Scholarships for students also are needed, Kabaru added.

Since Kenyan nationals have little income, the cost of attending the Baptist college–though reasonable for theological education–is still a financial hardship. Scholarships that help students cover cost of tuition, books and other requirements for school would help ensure more students are able to further their theological education.

Special gifts such as a $15,000 donation from First Baptist Church in Plainview are used directly in the cost of delivering the associate's degree to Kenya.

Ross hopes more churches in the area will see that through gifts like this, West Texas residents can be involved in missions on the other side of the globe, and the gospel will be spread.

“What KBTC needs is a full spiritual partnership where all participants prayerfully understand the challenge and each brings to the vision the resources God has given them stewardship over,” Ross said.

A very real part of that, he said, is prayer support and sending groups on mission trips.

The key, Ross added, is getting involved. “It's a full expression of what the body of Christ is: What gifts you have you bring to the body.”

For information on the Kenya partnership project, contact Wayland Baptist University at (806) 291-3427.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Student worship leader followed circuitous rout_40504

Posted: 4/02/04

Former university professor Jeff Berry and his band perform and lead worship at Christian events around the country for high school and college students.

Student worship leader followed circuitous route to ministry

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Baptist Standard

ABILENE–Earning an MBA and teaching international economics at a university might not be the typical career path for a worship leader, but Jeff Berry believes God used every step and misstep of his journey to prepare him for ministry.

Berry felt God leading him into vocational ministry when he was in high school. But as a student at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, he took a different route, earning his undergraduate degree in business administration.

He went on to receive his master's degree in business administration from Baylor University in Waco, where he was asked to join the faculty, teaching international economics and entrepreneurship and serving as the assistant director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.

But at Baylor, he also attended Choice Bible study, led by Louie Giglio.

“It was during this time that God began to really speak to me about his plan for my life,” Berry said.

He soon realized his true calling was to connect students to Christ through music.

To him, it was a smooth transition from a college professor to full-time musician and worship leader. Looking back, Berry believes God used his sojourn into the classroom and business world to prepare him for ministry.

Soon after he committed to full-time ministry, founders of Grace Bible study in Abilene asked him to lead worship for their new collegiate ministry. They explained Grace was designed to help students encounter Jesus Christ and be deeply challenged by the Scriptures.

Ten years later, Grace draws about 1,000 students from three universities and area high schools to University Baptist Church in Abilene each Tuesday night. Many students and leaders have gone on to serve on church staffs, establish their own ministries and even plant new churches.

“I believe one of our great legacies will be that God used Grace Bible study to help equip students for ministry literally to the ends of the earth,” Berry said. “When I began leading worship at Grace, I was unsure of my future, but God used Grace to help secure my understanding of the calling on my life and to move me into the area of ministries that I'm in today.”

In 1995, Berry founded CrossWind Ministries as a platform for his worship ministry.

“When we began Grace Bible study and CrossWind Ministries, it was similar to beginning a new (business) venture,” he explained. “So I was able to utilize the knowledge that I had gathered while teaching and working with other new ventures. I am thankful for the business training that I received at Baylor because it helped me understand how to more effectively manage the ministry that the Lord has entrusted to me.”

CrossWind Ministries has developed into a multi-faceted organization comprised of Grace, Jeff Berry Worship Ministry, Curiously Strong Music Publishing, Stonewater Sound Production, Green Room Studios and Reality Weekends.

In the last two years, Berry and Baptist youth evangelist Wes Hamilton have led more than 25 Reality Weekends, which are like an “instant Disciple Now–just add students,” Hamilton said

“We provide the speaker, worship, sound, lights, video, T-shirts, curriculum, promotional materials and small-group leaders. Our desire is to create the excitement and teaching of a weekend conference but still provide the personal relationship that comes from small groups.”

The Reality Weekends are reaching students all over the world.

“Last Christmas, we had the opportunity to do a Reality Weekend in Germany for the children of missionaries who serve in Europe,” Berry explained. “These are kids who have typically lived their life away from American soil and away from the comforts we take for granted, including fellowship with other believers. Once a year, these students get to gather together to fellowship, worship and encourage each other.

“It was an incredible privilege to lead worship with them and to see how God has not just called their parents into the mission field, but he has put a calling on their lives as well. My thought initially was how much fun it would be to go to Germany and lead these kids, … but my thought returning was how much the Lord changed my understanding of life on the mission field and my role as a supporter of these servants.”

In addition to leading worship for Grace Bible study and Reality Weekends, Berry and his band have led worship at a variety of conferences for youth and college students, including Focus, Youth Evangelism Conference, Hot Hearts, Passion and Super Summer.

They have even performed at a coffee house in Istanbul, Turkey.

During his travels, Berry says, he loves spending time off the platform, interacting with people and hearing about what God is doing in their lives.

“Leading anyone into the throne room of the Lord is a privilege,” he said. “Music has always played an important role in every culture, and when music is combined with the truth of Scripture and the perfect focus, which is God, then the connection becomes even more powerful.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Modern CD reclaims ancient hymn_40504

Posted: 4/02/04

Modern CD reclaims ancient hymn

ATLANTA (RNS)–The latest CD from the popular “Passion” Christian student movement differs from most contemporary religious music. All the songs on it were composed more than 100 years ago, and the lyrics to at least one are 1,800 years old.

“Passion: Ancient and Modern Hymns–Live Songs of Our Faith,” was recorded at Northpoint Community Church in Atlanta when 1,300 campus pastors and community leaders gathered.

This collection was inspired by “Phos Hilaron,” perhaps the oldest surviving Christian hymn. Literally translated “hail gladdening light,” the hymn already was considered ancient by the fourth century.

In part, the hymn goes: “Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory poured/Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest/Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord/Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest/The lights of evening round us shine.”

Hear a preview of songs from the the cd here.

Working with Chris Tomlin and the David Crowder Band, Passion director Louie Giglio saw the hymn as a musical connector to help believers bridge the past and the present. Written around A.D. 200, the melody of “Phos Hilaron” has been lost, but the words survive.

“It amazes me to think that we can participate in a song that's been sung for close to 2,000 years,” Tomlin said. He sings “No One More Worthy,” based on the ancient hymn, on the CD.

“Louie, David and I wanted to write something brand new from the core of this ancient hymn,” Tomlin says. “We don't pretend to think that it rivals the original but hope that it causes you to stop and marvel that you stand in a long line of followers of Christ.

“Somewhere along the way, tradition became a casualty in the explosion of contemporary worship that has swept the church around the globe in recent decades. Yet we would be fools to discard the rich treasures that have guided the church through the ages just because they are old.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Help youth succeed by focusing on strengths, speaker urges_40504

Posted: 4/02/04

Help youth succeed by focusing on strengths, speaker urges

By Marv Knox

Editor

DALLAS–Churches can help children and youth succeed by focusing more on relationships than programs and on strengths rather than problems, family ministry leader Eugene Roehlkepartain insisted.

Roehlkepartain delivered a keynote address at Hand in Hand 2004, a conference sponsored by Baylor University's Center for Family & Community Ministries and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work.

“What do children need to succeed?” asked Roehlkepartain, director of family and congregation initiatives for the Search Institute, a research and consulting organization that promotes healthy children, youth and communities.

The answer is at once incredibly complex and deceptively simple, he told social workers from across the nation who gathered in Dallas.

Based on interviews with more than 2 million youth, the Search Institute has identified 40 “developmental assets” that impact the degree to which children and adolescents develop positively, Roehlkepartain said.

These assets range from the kind of family support and parental involvement in schooling a child receives, to physical safety, involvement in a religious group, daily homework, personal integrity, decision-making skills and self-esteem, he explained.

The more “development assets” a young person has, the greater likelihood she or he will make wise decisions, avoid risky behavior and develop maturely, he said.

“Many people think this is just common sense,” that the value of the characteristics are obvious, he acknowledged, adding common sense sometimes is uncommon.

For example, Search Institute findings reveal the average U.S. youth possesses just 18 of the 40 assets, and 62 percent have fewer than 20 percent of the assets.

The typical youth who attends church at least one hour per week possesses 21 assets, which is “average but still too low,” Roehlkepartain said.

Pointing to a “widespread rupture in our developmental system,” Roehlkepartain said: “The challenge is not simply more programs (to help youngsters). The real challenge is to cultivate a society that is deeply sensitive to developing children and teens.”

Parents alone cannot develop youth adequately, he stressed, calling on churches to help. “If you breathe, you're on the team,” he said of the widespread need for church members to help children and teens.

A couple of factors are crucial to the success of such an endeavor, he said.

“First, we've got to shift away from over-reliance on programs and curriculum to a primary reliance on relationships,” he said.

This should be natural for Christians, since their faith is based on “a relational, incarnational understanding of how God functions,” he added, noting Christians ought to embody Christ's presence in the lives of youngsters.

“Our greatest gift ought to be our authentic presence with them,” he insisted.

“Second, we must shift from focusing on children's problems to lifting up their strengths,” he said.

“Some young people are dangerous and make very poor choices, but not all of them.”

For example, rather than bemoaning the number of youth who spend their spring break drunk at the beach, Christians can highlight teens who spend their spring break working on mission trips. Rather than focusing on fear of teen gangs, emphasize the strength of church youth groups.

“Focus more attention on what's right with young people, not just the problems,” he said.

Despite the complexities of both teens' problems and the Search Institute's analysis of their assets, helping them is surprisingly simple, Roehlkepartain said.

“Get involved with kids,” he urged, noting the efforts of both clergy and laity count toward strengthening the lives of youngsters.

“Strive to become asset-rich,” he said of churches. “Examine how we nurture children and youth. … Provide caring mentors, guides, friends and role models. The church's opportunity lies in developing a shared commitment to invest in the lives of young people.”

And churches should not desert the cause just because other social-service providers are present, he cautioned.

“We can't afford to pit ourselves against other people of goodwill. The faith community has to enter the public square. … We're there because we want to make a difference in the lives of kids.

“Is it easy? No. Is it messy? Yes. Is it worth it? Undoubtedly.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Cybercolumn for 3/22 by Brett Younger: On trading places with Vanna White_40504

Posted: 3/29/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
On trading places with Vanna White

By Brett Younger

Sometimes the pastoral calling requires serious soul-searching. During those dark nights of the soul, ministers should think about Vanna White.

Do you remember when Vanna switched from turning the letters to touching a switch? The headline in our local paper was an attention grabber: ”Vanna will be pushing some buttons.”

Brett Younger

The story out of Culver City, Calif., explained, “Vanna White’s job as the renowned letter-turner on TV’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ just got a little easier.” Producer Harry Friedman (who should have been commended for his willingness to make what I thought would be a controversial decision) said: “It’s true that Vanna will no longer turn letters. Instead, she will turn them on.” The new puzzle board allowed White to touch a switch to display correct letters picked by contestants.

The pastoral counselor in me wondered whether this was a sign that years of letter turning aged Vanna before her time. At one point the then-40-year-old White reported, “The new puzzle board was designed especially for me.” Concerned viewers watched carefully to see if Vanna was physically less capable of turning letters that twisted so effortlessly 10 years before.

Cynics wondered about the statement that Vanna’s job “just got a little easier” and asked, “How could Vanna’s job get any easier?”

Intelligent people asked, “Is ‘Wheel of Fortune’ still on?” Even more intelligent people asked, “What’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’?”

For me, the most striking quote (among many) was from the ebullient letter-turner-turned-button-pusher, Vanna herself: “I’ve always felt that I have the most fun job on television. Now, it’s going to be even better.” Like other contemplative ministers, I immediately began comparing my job with hers. Would I trade jobs with Vanna White?

When I am in a ministerial quandary, I often ponder the hidden truths to be found in “Wheel of Fortune” (which is, after all, a game based on hidden truths).

A minister’s job and Vanna’s job are quite similar. We both get to dress up in glamorous outfits. She works with words; ministers work with words. Most of our problems seem hard at first, but things usually work out eventually. We both work with nice people. (Wouldn’t Pat Sajak make a great deacon?)

This is not meant to minimize the differences between our professions. Vanna wears each outfit once; ministers often wear the same outfit each Sunday. Unlike the contestants on the show, preachers are not paid by the word—though some preach as if they are. On “Wheel of Fortune,” there is only one big winner. In the church, everyone gets all the grace there is.

One of the biggest differences is that turning on letters seems (and I mean no disrespect) somewhat limiting. Most jobs, even ones as fascinating as Vanna’s, tend to narrow one’s perspective. Some jobs make the lives of those who fill them seem smaller until they start believing that touching a switch rather than turning a letter is a major life change. Solving the puzzles becomes more important than asking the big questions.

Ministers are fortunate to deal with big questions. When I was at seminary, I had friends who had given up on the institutional church. They were willing to consider any religious job that wasn’t church-related, because they were afraid of the constraints of pastoral ministry. None of them stuck around long enough to know the joy of serving with a genuine church.

The best congregations, far from constraining any thinking their ministers might do, act as catalysts to help us think in broader terms. If we’re fortunate and paying attention, we will see that we are surrounded by people who ask the big questions: How does Christianity relate to other world religions? What does it mean to be as truly inclusive as Jesus was? How can a church go beyond what is expected? How do we avoid getting caught up in trivialities? How should we spend our lives?

A crucial question for most people is, “Does my job lead me to hear only small questions or deal with the big picture?” By that criteria, ministers have a wonderful job. Vanna should be so lucky.

Brett Younger is pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. This is an excerpt from “Who Moved My Pulpit? A Hysterical Look at the Ministerial Life,” available in April from Smyth & Helwys Publishing.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Baby Boot Camp helps women get through first six weeks of motherhood_40504

Posted: 3/26/04

Baby Boot Camp helps women
get through first six weeks of motherhood

By Sondra Washington

Woman's Missionary Union

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)—The first six weeks of motherhood can be one of the most difficult seasons in a woman's life, author Rebecca Ingram Powell believes.

To help encourage new mothers during this physically and emotionally draining time, Powell uses military themes to help moms cultivate their relationship with Jesus Christ in "Baby Boot Camp."

The book, subtitled "Basic Training for the First Six Weeks of Motherhood," is published by New Hope Publishers, a division of Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention.

"The first six weeks are especially tough … your own personal boot camp for moms," Powell writes. "Your body continues to be tried as healing begins and hormones readjust. More mood swings are on the way, with postpartum depression at the front lines. Your drill sergeant wears a diaper and screams every command, waking you at all hours of the night and keeping you on your toes all day."

As a mother of three children ranging in age from 6 to 12, Powell believes motherhood often is glamorized in a way that leaves new moms with an inaccurate view of the days and weeks ahead.

"You get so much attention when you are pregnant and when you bring the baby home"—prior to the times when "nobody else is around when the baby is up," Powell said. "It is the hardest and loneliest time when you are a new mom. I'd like to think that women are reading 'Baby Boot Camp' when they are up at night and they need a friend."

Originally written to encourage expecting friends in Powell's Sunday school class, "Baby Boot Camp" consists of 42 brief devotionals—one for each day of the first six weeks—reminding mothers this season of life is only temporary and God knows and understands their needs.

"The best part about this boot camp is that you don't have to struggle through it alone," she writes. "Jesus Christ wants to walk the floor with you, climb the walls with you, jump for joy with you and run the race with you. … This is your heritage from the Lord, straight from his riches in glory."

Using military themed chapters like "All in the Line of Duty," "Holy Warrior," "AWOL: My Paycheck" and "Earning Your Stripes," Powell reveals lessons learned through her own parenting experiences. She draws parallels between the training endured by soldiers and the difficulties new mothers face.

"My goal in writing this was to encourage women to establish and maintain a daily quiet time even if it is just five minutes," Powell said. "Spending daily time with the Lord is vitally important. Any attempt at parenting without Jesus Christ is in vain. If you don't introduce your children to Jesus, then your parenting has no eternal value."

Powell also hopes churches will use "Baby Boot Camp" to reach unchurched parents.

"Today, we are facing the most unchurched generation ever. But when people become parents, that is a window of opportunity for the church," she said. "New parents realize how inadequate they are for the task (and) they are reaching out to God for biblical answers, … and I think we need to capitalize on that."

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Senate approves fetus protection bill_40504

Posted: 3/26/04

Senate approves fetus protection bill

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)—The Senate has given final approval to a bill that treats violence against a pregnant woman as two separate crimes—against her and the fetus she is carrying.

The Senate passed the bill 61 to 38. The House had passed the measure in February.

President Bush, in a statement promising to sign the bill into law, urged Americans to "continue to build a culture of life in our country, a compassionate society in which every child is welcomed in life and protected by law."

Opponents of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act say it will undermine abortion rights by defining a fetus—from conception—as a human life in federal law.

The measure would be applicable only to federal crimes, such as those that take place on federal lands or against certain government employees.

But the bill's supporters said Congress needs to bring federal law in line with state statutes. Twenty-nine states already have laws that recognize crimes against fetuses.

The bill also contains an exception that explicitly protects abortion doctors from being prosecuted under its provisions.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Hardin-Simmons University considers letting students hold dances in campus facilities_32204

Posted: 3/19/04

Hardin-Simmons University considers
letting students hold dances in campus facilities

ABILENE–Hardin-Simmons University's administrative council will decide whether to permit supervised on-campus dances as a part of student social activities.

Student Congress President Ash Wright and Parliamentarian Wayne Holder recently asked the university's trustees to consider allowing campus facilities to be used for social activities that include student mixers and dances.

Currently, student organizations have off-campus social gatherings that include dancing.

These activities are chaperoned or sponsored, but there is added expense in renting facilities and hiring security, student leaders maintained.

Trustees voted to support a change in policy that allows on-campus dancing if the school's administration determines it serves the best interests and safety of students.

“The HSU administrative council will address the issue and make a decision,” President Craig Turner said. The council is made up of Turner and four vice presidents.

Any proposals for on-campus dances presented by students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, Turner said.

Administrators have no plans for the university to initiate and sponsor dances, but the school will allow approved student groups to hold on-campus dances, primarily out of concern for their safety, he said.

“Baptist students at Baptist colleges have been dancing for years, but we fear that the facilities in which these dances are now held are less secure and safe than ever,” he said.

Allowing on-campus dances seems to be a growing trend among some faith-based schools that previously had not permitted the events, he added, noting: “We live in an era in which conservative evangelical colleges such as Wheaton are now hosting dances on their campus.”

Hardin-Simmons doesn't plan to sponsor dances, but administrators will consider allowing approved student groups to hold on-campus dances, President Craig Turner said.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Texas Baptist Forum_32204

Posted: 3/19/04

TEXAS BAPTIST FORUM
Jesus' sacrifice

Because of “The Passion of the Christ,” debate is raging about who killed Jesus. Again, as people, we put the focus on us.

Some blame others, and others blame themselves. We think the universe revolves around us.

E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com

Jesus willingly gave his life, as the final ultimate sacrifice, to allow us to be made pure in our Father's eyes. It's not about us; it's about him. Praise his name!

If we believe we could kill Christ, then we don't know him. He created us and has total control over all creation. We may be able to disappoint him with a bad decision or break his heart by not accepting his free gift of salvation. But without his consent, we could not have caused him any physical harm.

I pray I can understand just how great his sacrifice was.

George W. Wilson

Irving

All about money

Democrats and Republicans are at it again. The name-calling and mud-slinging has begun.

It's election year and time for Americans to go into the “political party syndrome.” No holds are barred, and it's gonna get dirty!

The TV polls say the economy is issue No. 1. And considering that we all have to make a living, this has to be important.

But moral issues are surprisingly low on our totem pole of priorities. Party leaders are saying that matters of same-sex marriage and abortion are only marginally important.

And what does this say about America? It says we are more driven by money than morality. It says even though we claim to be Christians, Jesus' priorities aren't ours.

So, as usual, this year's big issue isn't Iraq. It's not abortion and gay marriage. It's not race or religion.

It'll still money.

Doug Fincher

San Augustine

Right vs. wrong

I disagree with Gilbert Thornton's letter opposing “political churches.” There most certainly should be a correlation between your religious views and your political views. That correlation is most certainly a legitimate topic to be addressed from the pulpit.

For example, the heinous infanticide procedure known as partial-birth abortion serves no legitimate medical purpose. Even the American Medical Association stated this truth. Its sole purpose is to kill a late-term viable baby.

One political party believes in “no child left behind.” Based on its legislative agenda, the other party seems to believe in “no fetus left behind.”

Does Thornton not see some moral difference between those viewpoints? Should a church ignore political opposition to every moral value they believe in? Do you not see some hypocrisy in voting for what you profess to oppose?

There are some parallels between the decline of the decadent ancient Roman Empire and the increasing decadence in our modern culture. You cannot profess to support your religious values and morality and then go into the voting booth and vote for political Romans.

Morality is not based on prejudices. It is based on what is right and what is wrong.

Donald Baker

Lampasas

Marriage amendment

I'm deeply concerned by J.D. Allen's letter against a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages. I respectfully disagree with his arguments, and I hope others share my concerns.

First, I'm concerned that the example of Jesus would be used to justify embracing the radical left- wing agenda. Let's not confuse the hurting homosexuals with the aggressive homosexual activist.

Second, I'm more concerned that we are becoming like Sodom than like Calvin's Geneva. Can we no longer fight against the aggression of sin without being right-winged?

Third, I'm concerned that anyone would think we were singling out homosexuals. If pedophiles or polygamists were trying to redefine marriage, would we be picking on them too?

Fourth, I'm concerned that trying to figure out the president's ulterior motives only confuses the real issue. The issue is if gay marriage is right or wrong. States will be able to refuse to perform gay marriages, but they ultimately will have to acknowledge them from other states. The constitution's full faith and credit clause will override all individual state laws.

The marriage amendment is the only way to ensure that gay marriage doesn't become the law of the land. As a father of two, I'm concerned that if we don't stand now against this aggression that our sins will visit the following generations.

Steve Trammell

Tyler

Educational value

At 40 years of age, I decided to go back to school for a doctor of ministry degree. To go back to school and have Scott Tatum, Jimmie Nelson, Boyd Hunt and a host of others was a great learning time, as was class participation.

Before I returned to school, a deacon asked, “Henry, when you get that degree, what are you going to do with it?” I stumbled in finding words; finally, I knew where he was going. I answered, “I will hang it on my wall and leave it there.” His answer? “Good.” And this question came from a man whose degree was in science and worked in the Lunar Lab at NASA!

I visited one night in the home of one of the most outstanding Christian men I have known. In his study, I saw a degree on the wall. My response was surprise at his Ph.D. He knew who he was and was secure in himself and Christ.

I value education, but we must never let it value us. Properly understand it and esteem it. I always wished to be taught by those who had achieved the proper preparation for their field. In our day, it is now possible to obtain one's education on the Internet. There is no excuse for not preparing oneself for the work of ministry, whether it be the classroom, on a campus or computer. Value it, but do not derive your value from it.

Henry Adrion III

Hilltop Lakes

New names

Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham is looking for a new name for the SBC, which is certainly appropriate in view of how much it has changed.

How about Non-Cooperative Baptist Convention to reflect the desire to withdraw from the Baptist World Alliance? Or maybe Signing Baptist Convention to signify making the Baptist Faith & Message a creed.

Mud-Slinging Baptist Convention would be appropriate to show how character assassination is a hallmark of the leadership, or Little Tent Baptist Convention to emphasize their exclusion of those with differing opinions.

But the name that sums it up would be My-Way-or-the-Highway Baptist Convention, which they have made their guiding principle for the last quarter-century.

Dolan McKnight

Richardson

Another name

My reaction to reading about Jack Graham's proposal to change the name of the Southern Baptist Convention: “Do what?” “Oh, no!”

Mike Midkiff

Marshall

Response on Marv Knox

This is in response to Helen Watson's letter severely critical of Marv Knox and his writings (Feb. 9). He needs no defense, as the truth he writes is its own defense. He speaks to the basics of Baptist beliefs I grew up with in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. I am so glad I have the Baptist General Convention of Texas to perpetuate these basic beliefs.

Jim Luscombe

Richardson

What do you think? Submit letters for Texas Baptist Forum to marvknox@baptiststandard.com or Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267. Letters must be no longer than 250 words.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




CYBERCOLUMN for 3/22 by Berry D. Simpson: Friends_32204

Posted: 3/23/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
Friends

By Berry D. Simpson

In John 15, Jesus calls us his friends. It has always been easy for me to think of Jesus being a friend to me, but I stumble over the idea that he sees me as a friend to him. I never thought I had that much to offer as a friend, especially to someone like Jesus.

Part of the problem may have been my distorted view of friendship, which I saw more as an exchange of services. My closest friends through college and young adult life tended to be men who had linked up with me in a spiritual role. Either they were mentors to me, or I was a mentor to them. I remember those as warm friendships, and I am sure we loved each other (even though we never said it out loud, no way). But I linked friendship with mentoring, not partnering.

Berry D. Simpson

Some recent instances have caused me to re-evaluate my thoughts about of friendship; maybe I had it wrong all along.

I was on my way to lunch one day, riding with a friend in his SUV, when he quoted a letter of recommendation I had written for him where I referred to him as one of my best friends. He had trouble telling the story because of the tears in his eyes. He was not a guy who cried much, but he had difficulty saying thank you. I realized at that moment how drastically I had underestimated my friendship all those years. This was bigger than I thought, I thought to myself.

And then again, I was having lunch with another man, one of my band of brothers, and he said, “Berry, I want to be better friends with you.” Wow. That’s not an easy thing for one guy to say. It is more exposure than most of us are comfortable with. I was honored by his request and once again realized there was more to friendship than I thought.

Another story. About a year ago after having lunch (all my best stories are about lunch!) with a friend whose wife had an affair and walked out on him, outside the restaurant on the sidewalk in front of all West Texas, I hugged him and told him I loved him. It was a spontaneous act that surprised us both. Friendship is riskier than I thought.

In my youngster days, I was mostly a loner, a book reader, a model builder, a mesquite-pasture explorer. I was never an athlete and so never experienced the friendship of teammates, the closeness built through shared suffering and stress. I was in band, however, and my closest friends came from my fellow band mates. But even among those, I can count no more than two or three that I still think of as friends. I recently read John Grisham’s book, “The Bleachers,” and I was jealous of those men in the book who grew up together and shared deep memories and victories and scars. I don’t remember many friends like that.

Well, the fact is, through the years there have been many men I’ve called friends, and I don’t mean to say those relationships weren’t important. Those guys took care of me, did things with me, supported me and wished me success. It isn’t their friendship I am questioning; it’s mine. I didn’t understand what I brought to the party.

But I’m beginning to understand more the older I get. My current friendships have been a source of joy for me, and I’m happy to be finally growing into this phase of my life. A phase, I’m afraid, everyone else figured out years and years and years ago. That’s the trouble with us analytics. We’re the last ones to jump in. We always want one more data point to consider before making a full commitment. Even to friendship.

So what about Jesus calling me his friend? In truth, I’m much more comfortable being Jesus’ servant than his friend. Servant is simpler. All I have to do is keep my checklist of dos and don’ts close at hand and tick the boxes as I go through my day, and my servant duties are accomplished. But if I am Jesus’ friend, not his servant, well that changes the motivation, doesn’t it? According to my old view of friendship, to be Jesus’ friend I had to offer him something of value beyond mere company or companionship. Now I know there is more to it than that.

What if Jesus says to me one day, “Berry, I want to be better friends with you”? Now what do I do? And if I read John 15 with open eyes, I can see Jesus is telling me exactly that. There is more to this friendship than I thought.

Berry Simpson, a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Midland, is a petroleum engineer, writer, runner and member of the city council in Midland.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Two Texans among Baptist missionaries killed, hurt in Iraq_32204

Posted: 3/19/04

Jean & Larry Elliott
Carrie & David McDonnall
Karen Watson

Two Texans among Baptist missionaries killed, hurt in Iraq

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

MOSUL, Iraq–A husband and wife from Texas were among the four Southern Baptist missionaries killed and one critically injured in a March 15 drive-by shooting in Iraq.

The International Mission Board team was in Mosul, Iraq, exploring the need for water purification and other humanitarian relief projects.

Reports indicate unidentified assailants opened fire on the missionaries' vehicle with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Two European humanitarian aid workers were killed in a similar drive-by shooting the following day in a distantly removed part of Iraq.

David McDonnall, a 29-year-old member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, was fatally wounded in the attack. Four U.S. Army surgeons spent about six hours trying to save him, but McDonnall died onboard a military helicopter.

Carrie Taylor “Niki” McDonnall, 26, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. After emergency surgery in Baghdad, she was airlifted to a hospital in Germany, where she was in stable condition.

The McDonnalls, students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, had served with the IMB since November 2003.

Missionaries who died at the scene of the attack were Larry Elliott, 60, and Jean Dover Elliott, 58, of Cary, N.C.; and Karen Denise Watson, 38, of Bakersfield, Calif.

The Elliotts had served with the IMB in Honduras since 1978 and transferred to the Middle East in February 2004.

Watson, who was single, had been with the board since March 2003.

Michael Dean, pastor of Travis Avenue Baptist Church, said the church was stunned to hear two of the congregation's former youth workers were shot.

Members held prayer vigils in small groups soon after they heard the news, as did a small group of students at Southwestern Seminary left on campus during spring break.

“To have this happen to someone we served with, worshipped with, prayed with has been a real shaking experience,” Dean said.

The McDonnalls understood the risks they were taking by going to Iraq but felt called to the work, the pastor said.

“They were very aware of the danger,” Dean said. “It meant a lot to see them marching off to serve the Lord.”

In a prepared statement, IMB President Jerry Rankin said: “In times like this, there are no words that will take away the pain of a loved one's violent death.

“Everyone in the IMB family and everyone who loves Southern Baptists' overseas workers are grieving with the family members and co-workers of these precious souls.”

Officials at the mission board encouraged Christians to pray for the families, friends and churches of those who died or were injured.

Clyde Meador, IMB executive vice president, told reporters at a March 16 news conference: “We're grieving about the situation. … Our hearts are broken.”

For security reasons, Meador did not indicate if other IMB personnel are in the area, but he said workers would continue carrying out their missions.

“Certainly this affects morale, but our folks are there because God has called them to a lost world,” he said.

The attack in Iraq is the deadliest tragedy in 157 years of Southern Baptist missions history. Eight IMB missionaries have been killed by terrorists in the past 14 months.

The deaths came 14 months after three IMB mission workers were murdered by a terrorist at the Baptist hospital in Jibla, Yemen.

One year ago, an IMB missionary was killed by a terrorist's bomb at the airport in Davao City, Philippines.

Greg Warner of Associated Baptist Press contributed to this report.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.




Storylist_30804

Posted 3/07/04

Storylist for3/08 issue

GO TO SECTIONS:
Texas       • Baptists      
Faith      • Departments      • Opinion      • Bible Study     
Our Front Page Articles
Temple volunteers cook 'casseroles for Christ'

Bivocational ministry means two places to minister, Fort Worth pastor says



Temple volunteers cook 'casseroles for Christ'

Bivocational ministry means two places to minister, Fort Worth pastor says

BGCT Executive Board affirms BWA

BGCT to end LifeWay relationship

Revisioning process to move BGCT forward, put controversy behind, leaders tell board

Truett conference speakers issue wake-up call to Christians

Leaders say drastic shift in youth ministry needed for the 21st century needs

'Passion' too intense for most young children, ministry leaders suggest

Quilting bee-lievers at First Baptist Church in Plano

Regional convocations for Hispanic laity seek to inspire, train and equip

Lariat editorial sparks controversy

Richardson church helps Latvian Christians break down walls with music

WorldconneX forming 'network of networks' to create points of connection

Baylor regents urge president to mend fences with faculty

Children need parents to listen carefully to their questions about God, experts advise

Texas children deserve quality education, commission says

Mission volunteers bring smiles to Indian faces

Carroll Institute offers new approach to theological training

Christian Leadership Institute for high school youth slated at Baylor

Twister wrecks Seymour church gym

Enrollment at BGCT schools mixed

Show Christ's love by working to renew communities, student leaders told

TBM names Smith executive director, agrees to work with SBTC on disaster relief ministry

Texas Tidbits

On the Move

Around the State



Health care chaplains maintain they serve in pastoral role

CBF council proposes doubling BWA financial support next year

BWA denied exhibit space at SBC meeting

Baptist Briefs



Whistleblower tells chilling tale of ruin


Pressure mounts as Bush backs gay marriage ban

Gay marriage OK in Oregon county

Ministers turned away from schools during lunch

Oath trumps court order, Moore claims

Court rules states can't be forced to fund religion



Cartoon

Classified Ads

Texas Baptist Forum

On the Move



Editorial: BGCT must seize singular moment for significant change

Down Home: Just last night, I dreamed that …

Together: BGCT will honor churches' decisions

Cybercolumn by John Duncan: Snow flakes falling

Texas Baptist Forum



LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for March 7: The gospel is all about changing people's lives

LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 7: God selects his leaders from those who listen

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for March 14: The qualities of servant-leaders enumerated

LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 14: Prophets don't point to answers, but to God

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for March 21: A godly character is a key part of evangelism

LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 21: Refuse to compromise when life's trials come



Commentary on “The Passion of The Christ”

Reagan White: Atonement and “The Passion”

Brett Younger: Questions about “The Passion”

Randy Bissell: A passionate appeal

Erich Bridges: Envying Mel Gibson

David Gushee: Passions and 'The Passion'

Keith D. Herron: An unethical evangelism

Mariane Holbrook: We don’t weep enough

Jon Walker: A master storyteller presents a crucified Christ

Dennis R. Wiles: Who killed Jesus?

See articles from previous issue 2/23/04 here.