Posted: 1/21/05

Bush faith statements raise concerns
about separation of church & state

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)—President Bush said recently he doesn’t understand “how you can be president without a relationship with the Lord.” But that testament brought a protest from one of the country’s top Jewish leaders.

Bush made the comment in an interview with editors and reporters from the conservative Washington Times.

David Saperstein, director of the Washington-based Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, told reporters he is “deeply troubled” by Bush’s remarks.

“Such an assertion violates the spirit of the Constitution’s ban on religious tests for political office and endangers the strength of the religious pluralism and tolerance that the president has so often affirmed—and re-affirmed in the same interview,” Saperstein said.

The newspaper reported Bush prefaced his statement with an assertion that he supports the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom for all Americans, including those who have no faith.

“I fully understand that the job of the president is, and must always be, protecting the great right of people to worship or not worship as they see fit,” he told the Times. “That’s what distinguishes us from the Taliban. The greatest freedom we have—or one of the greatest freedoms—is the right to worship the way you see fit.”

But Saperstein said Bush needs to explain himself further. He noted the Religious Action Center had already “called on the president to act affirmatively to prevent Americans from misunderstanding his remarks by clarifying that he rejects any religious test for the office of the presidency.”

Bush, a Methodist who often discusses his faith using terminology common among evangelical Protestants, has raised the profile of the role of religion in a president’s life. Both his detractors and supporters have cited Bush’s use of religious terminology among their reasons for opposing or supporting him.

Elsewhere in the Times interview, Bush defended the right of non-religious Americans to challenge the government when they believe it has unconstitutionally endorsed or supported a religious view.

Referring to atheist Michael Newdow’s efforts to get a phrase he views as offensive removed from the Pledge of Allegiance, Bush said, “The great thing about our country is somebody can stand up and say, ‘We should try to take “under God” out of the Pledge of Allegiance.’”

However, Bush noted, “the backlash” to a federal appeals court decision in 2002 endorsing Newdow’s view “was pretty darn significant.”

“This is a country that is a value-based country,” Bush said. “Whether they voted for you or not, there’s a lot of values in this country, for which I’m real proud.”

While a handful of Bush opponents have criticized Bush’s regular use of religious language and imagery while speaking in an official capacity, many others—including some conservatives—have criticized the president for supporting policies they say endanger the First Amendment’s guarantee of church-state separation. Saperstein’s comments came as an aside during a press conference in which several moderate religious leaders discussed threats to that separation they believe will arise as the 109th Congress begins its work.

One of the speakers, Brent Walker, noted that, while “the metaphorical ‘wall of separation’ (between church and state) does not block religious values from playing a role in public life,” one of the many upcoming threats to religious liberty he perceives is an effort to pass legislation that would make it easier to display the Ten Commandments on government property.

“The posting of the Ten Commandments by government officials in a way that demonstrates endorsement of them—such as in a monument on Capitol grounds or in a county courthouse—clearly crosses the line drawn by the First Amendment,” said Walker, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. “The government has no business singling out one favored religious tradition, choosing the preferred Scripture passage and displaying it in a way that creates a religious shrine.”

The Supreme Court will hear two cases in March regarding the display of the Ten Commandments on government property.

Posted: 1/07/05

2nd Opinion:
Ultimate disaster: Life without Christ

By Ebbie Smith

News of Asia's tragic tsunami impacts us emotionally with a force not unlike the horrendous strength of the waves that crushed the shorelines. Christians are gripped as they view the destruction of life and property. The waves brought death to more than 150,000 people, left millions homeless and placed multitudes in danger from disease and further suffering. Christians must respond to the physical needs.

Christians perceive an even more heart-wrenching and desperate tragedy. Some of the areas hardest hit by the consuming waters are among the neediest from the standpoint of Christian evangelism. Many in these areas have never known the joy of living in Christ, the peace of facing reality through Christ or the assurance of entering eternity with Christ.

Among the 3.5 million people in Indonesia's Aceh province in northern Sumatra, less than 50 people are known to be Christians. With losses in Aceh reaching over 80,000, the enormity of the spiritual lostness is profound. Another people group, the Aneuk Jamee, with 15,000 people, reside on the western coastline around small bays and low plains. These people must have suffered major losses, and less than five members of this group are known to be Christians. How many of the Aneuk Jamee people drowned without knowing of Christ?

The 25,000 Singkil people, who also live along the western coast of Aceh, have houses built on stilts that would provide almost no protection against the tsunami waves. No known Christians are among the Singkil, and no churches serve them. How many among these people faced death without Christ?

The Simeulue people live on a group of islands 200 kilometers off the western coast of Aceh. The 30,000 people in this group are primarily followers of Islam with less than five known Christians among them. No Simeulue churches exist. Thankfully, many people on these islands were spared by a centuries-old tradition that called for fleeing to the higher levels in the face of earthquakes. Still, the losses mount on these peaks of land.

The terrifying tsunami waves rushed over the coastal areas of India. Tamal Nadu province (65.3 million people) and Andhra Pradesh Province (79.7 million people) suffered losses as high as 18,000. Less than 10 Christians per 100 residents are estimated in this entire region.

The 38 islands of the Andaman and Nicobar region rise slightly above the waters in an area roughly between the earthquake's epicenter and India. The 350,000 inhabitants of these islands suffered staggering losses.

More than 20 million people live on the island of Sri Lanka. Estimates of the loss of over 41,000 in the tsunami waves are being heard. The evangelistic tragedy is that less than eight people per 100 in Sri Lanka are Christians.

Thailand's 66 million-plus people are 92.34 percent Buddhist and 5.24 percent Muslim. Christians of all groups number only 1.62 percent of the population. Almost 5,000 lives are being reported as lost in Thailand. Further losses occurred in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and even on the shores of Africa.

Since this disaster hit at a high point in the tourist season, thousands of tourists populated the region. In addition to multitudes of local vacationers, thousands of European, Asian and American visitors lost their lives in the swirling waters. Many remain among the missing and most likely are among those who perished.

The Bible speaks of no salvation for those who die without Christ. Christians consider this truth to be the tremendous terror and the ultimate disaster of this tsunami. Christians will join in the efforts to aid the victims and contribute to rebuilding these countries. We must, however, repent of our lack of efforts to share the Good News with them before Dec. 26, 2004.

What other regions of the earth face such devastating tragedies in the coming months? Christians must respond to the challenges.

Ebbie Smith, a former missionary to Indonesia with extensive experience in Southeast Asia, lives in Fort Worth.

Posted: 1/07/05

EDITORIAL:
So, how could a good God allow … ?

The question crept across sensitive minds, much like the tsunami body-count “crawl” scrolled across our TV screens: How could a good God allow such a tragedy to happen?

The first–and most honest–answer also is uncomfortable. We don't know. We understand the physics of the tsunami of '04. Tectonic plates, the foundations on which continents rest, shifted. Miles beneath the Indian Ocean's surface, the most powerful earthquake in a half-century shoved waves outward as fast as a jumbo jet can fly. When the waves met the resistence of continental shelves, they rose up, high as hotels, slammed the earth and destroyed everything for miles.

That's the easy part. Simple mechanics. But human beings want to know something more important and infinitely more complicated: Where was God in all this?

The atheist says that's a stupid question. God doesn't exist. This is all nature. Earth spins, and its continental plates inevitably move. Nature is blind to human consequence. And those poor people were unlucky to be, geologically speaking, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

At the other end of the spectrum, the extreme sovereigntist says God triggered the tsunami and orchestrated its tragedy. God decided when and where to move the continents, and God selected the victims and the survivors. God has God's reasons–maybe to demonstrate divine power, maybe to punish the wicked, maybe to warn the righteous.

Both explanations fail. The atheist ignores evidence for God's activity as recorded in Scripture, but also as seen in the intricacy of nature as well as the testimony of Christ and the experience of people. The extreme sovereigntist, while admirably attempting to give God due credit for God's infinite power and knowledge, likewise ignores one of God's defining characteristics. The Bible says clearly, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). The gospels demonstrate God loves people so much that God sent his only Son to receive the burden of our sin, so that we might live with him forever in paradise (John 3:16). That kind of love is not characteristic of a god who would capriciously slaughter several hundred thousand people, the majority of them innocent children.

So, we come back to the hard question: How could a good God–and a God whose primary description is “love” surely must be good–allow such a cataclysmic tragedy?

We cannot comprehend God's power. God created millions–some say billions–of solar systems with millions of stars each. We cannot grasp God's infinite reach and power. And yet God's love also is infinite, as demonstrated in his wilfull sacrifice of his Son to save us from the consequences of our sin. So, let's attempt to reconcile.

The Bible–especially the Genesis account, but also the prophets, the gospels and the epistles–teaches us God created people for relationship. God didn't “need” people to respond to divine love, but God wanted to bestow that love upon creatures who could reciprocate. And as we all eventually learn, coerced love is not love at all. In order for humanity's love for God to be true and valid, we must have the opportunity not only to receive God's love but also to reject it. Free will, that human randomness, provided the gateway for sin to enter the world. But God decided that risk was worth it, because it also offered humanity the freedom to truly know and love God.

While humans are the apex of the natural order, we also are part of the natural order. So, we may surmise that the capacity for randomness present in human free will has its corollary in the rest of nature. Cells can mutate and cause cancer. Inexplicable events can change the course of history. An earthquake can trigger a tsunami that kills hundreds of thousands of people, wipes out villages and breaks the heart of every person who possesses a scintilla of humanity.

God doesn't will the waves to slaughter children and their families. But God allows horrible things to happen in a world broken by sin and its natural twin, randomness. Such is a cost of our most uniquely human heritage–the freedom to accept or reject God's love. With a pricetag so high, we dare not take it for granted.

You may not agree with this theory. In fact, I may not agree next week. But it is an honest attempt to explore the inexplicable in light of God's infinite power and unfathomable love.

As Christians created in God's image, we are compelled to reflect both that power and that love–however faintly–by doing everything we can to meet the human and spiritual needs of the tsunami victims.

Marv Knox is editor of the Baptist Standard

Posted: 1/21/05

Tsunami summit set at Epicenter

The Baptist General Convention of Texas has convened a “tsunami summit” in conjunction with its Epicenter missions and evangelism conference, Jan. 28-29 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Irving, to help churches and their members discover ways to respond to the disaster in South Asia.

Representatives from Texas Baptist Men, the WorldconneX missions network and the BGCT church missions and evangelism staff will lead breakout conferences and general sessions to present opportunities for involvement in recovery and long-range rebuilding efforts in the region.

Participants also will learn about Texas Baptists' role in initial and ongoing disaster relief in countries impacted by the tidal wave.

For more information about the Epicenter conference, call (800) 345-5251 or visit www.bgct.org/epicenter.

Posted: 1/21/05

Young pastor serves church his
family has attended for generations

By George Henson

Staff Writer

MONT BELVIEU–Like many college students, Jake Porter returned to his hometown following graduation from college. Unlike most recent college graduates, however, Porter came home to become pastor of a church his family has attended for five generations.

Porter insists that being the pastor of the church he grew up in has more plusses than minuses.

“There are a lot of people in this congregation who have changed my diapers, literally,” he said. “All my Sunday school teachers–they're out there. But I don't think about that when I'm preaching. I really don't.

"As a matter of fact, that part of it is really a blessing, because I didn't have to gain their trust or any of that, because it was already in place.

“It's hard is when a couple you've known all your life comes into the office and says that they're thinking about a divorce. That's when it's hard–not the counseling part, but separating the role of pastor from hearing this from people I've loved all my life. That part is difficult.”

Being a pastor of any church wasn't part of his plans when he graduated from Barbers Hill High School in 2000. He planned to attend the University of Texas, pursue a degree in music and become a band director.

None of those things happened.

Even though Porter wanted to attend college in Austin and already had been accepted, a member of First Baptist Church in Mont Belvieu continually trumpeted the merits of Elmira College in Elmira, N.Y. Porter never had heard of the small liberal arts college and had no desire to go there, but to appease the man he submitted an application. He not only was accepted, but also was offered a scholarship that eventually prompted him north for an education.

Before he left for college, Porter attended a youth rally, and he surrendered to ministry. So, he decided to pursue a triple major in music, psychology and philosophy of religion.

As a part of his degree program, he worked as a summer intern at his home church, First Baptist in Mont Belvieu, beginning in April 2003.

“I did a lot of things. I did an inventory of everything in the church; I attended all kinds of committee meetings as a liason; directed Vacation Bible School and a lot of other things,” he recalled.

In June, the church's pastor resigned, and the church asked Porter to fill in as preacher. “I was really excited,” he said. “I love to preach.”

Porter had some experience preaching while in college. His pastor in New York, Kerry Krissel, mentored and discipled him and allowed him to preach when Krissel needed to be away. Krissel now serves the Mont Belvieu church as minister of education.

When it came time for Porter to return for his senior year at Elmira, the Mont Belvieu church called an interim pastor and began searching for a pastor. Several members asked him to submit his resumé, which he did after some hesitation.

“During the sermon I preached when I came in view of a call, I just laid it out straight for them. I told them: 'I have no experience as a pastor. I have no formal training in a seminary. I'm 22 years old, so I don't have a lot of life experience. So, if I am to be your pastor, you will all have to be ministers,'” he recalled.

At that time, about 70 people were attending worship services. Now, less than a year later, the church holds two worship services with a combined average attendance of 225. Since April, Porter has baptized 27 people.

Porter doesn't take credit for that, however, but says much of it is the result of an enthusiasm among the congregation born out of events God orchestrated to coincide with his arrival.

One involved David and Terri Beck. The couple had been living together for about three years but had not married. They were having difficulties in their relationship and had separated when a friend led Beck to faith in Christ and urged him to get involved in a church.

His first Sunday also was Porter's first Sunday. Beck called his estranged girlfriend to tell her about his life change and invite her to attend church with him. She did and three weeks later made a profession of faith in Christ. A week later, they were married in First Baptist Church with Porter officiating, barely a month into his pastorate.

“Things like that and other families joining really energized the people here, as they could see that God was so obviously working,” Porter said. “It's kept the people excited.”

Porter is excited about a few things himself. He has started attending seminary extension classes in Houston and is engaged to marry Ashley Willumson, whom he met while attending college.

Porter is taking all the good things that are happening at First Baptist with a quiet assurance–not in himself, but in his calling.

“I'm really sure that this is where the Lord wants me and he is sovereign–that I am sure of. There are a lot of times when I'm sure I'm not qualified, and that I'm going to mess things up, and I have plenty of times. But I also know that God has put me here, that he is in control and that he is always faithful.”

He said he also relies on people in the congregation to share their expertise, advice and ministry skills.

“A lot of what goes on here is the congregation–the people. I'm just blessed to be in a congregation that is so willing to minister to one another,” he said. “This is a doing church.”

As an example, the church took out a $50,000 loan last spring to renovate the buildings, make roof repairs and expand the parking lot. The congregation already has repaid the loan while at the same time exceeding the budget.

Porter admits being a little surprised at the pace at which things have progressed.

“I didn't think it would take off like it has,” he said. “I thought I'd have more time to plan. As it is, I feel like I'm needing to run to catch up.”

Posted: 1/21/05

WMU provides pure water for Indonesia

National Woman's Missionary Union is sending more than $37,000 in water purification equipment to Indonesia through an effort called “Pure Water, Pure Love.”

In 2004, Texas Baptists donated about $44,000 to Pure Water, Pure Love through 118 gifts.

The shipment of personal water cleaning equipment, which will be delivered by volunteers and disaster relief teams, depletes WMU's supply of water filters.

But Christine Hockin-Boyd, who encourages mission involvement through Woman's Missionary Union of Texas, said the South Asia tsunamis present a unique chance to share the gospel.

“First, it is overwhelming the opportunity to meet the physical needs–the food, the water,” she said. “We can show we care. Secondly, we can share why we are there.”

Hockin-Boyd also noted the relief effort provides an occasion for Texas Baptists to learn more about mission needs in South Asia. Christians can study the religious makeup of the region and examine ways they can share the gospel in that part of the world, Hockin-Boyd added.

Donations also can be given to help Baptist women's groups in South Asia through WMU's Humanitarian Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow Fund.

Gifts can be made online at www.wmufoundation.com or by sending checks payable to WMU to WMU Foundation, HEART Fund-Tsunami Response, P.O. Box 11346, Birmingham, Ala. 35202-1346. More than $20,000 already has been collected.

Posted: 1/21/05

Church prepares to save lives, as well as souls

By George Henson

Staff Writer

RICHARDSON–The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson not only has a plan to save souls, but it also has equipment and trained personnel to save lives.

The church created a medical emergency response team and acquired a defibrillator, not in reaction to any event at the church, but as a proactive measure to make sure the church is prepared to render aid until emergency personnel can arrive, said Executive Pastor John Wills.

The church formed the response team because of desires of laypeople and was not a staff-directed measure, Wills added.

“We have a number of people who are in the hospitals or work with the fire departments as EMTs, and they are very sensitive to the need for this sort of thing,” he said. “They came and said: 'Hello, everyone needs to wake up here. We need to be prepared for this sort of thing.'”

Nancy Viamonte, leader of the response team program, said what happens in those moments before an ambulance arrives is crucial.

“For every minute you lose, there is a 10 percent less chance (a person in a medical emergency) will survive. If it takes 10 minutes to get help, there's a 90 percent chance he's going to die,” said Viamonte, who also is director of the education and leadership center of Richardson Regional Medical Center.

In addition to an automated external defibrillator, the church also has a first aid cart ready to roll to a variety of emergencies. Items on the cart include an oxygen tank and masks for infants, children and adults, CPR mouthshields, protective gloves, a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, arm slings, a nebulizer machine and assorted first aid materials such as bandages, antibiotic ointment and alcohol wipes.

While 18 response team members alternate being the lead person in the event of an emergency, all the church's greeters and ushers have six hours training in CPR and first aid. That training is repeated periodically to keep the instructions fresh.

“The ushers and greeters were trained because they are out there. They are the eyes and ears. And now with their CPR training, they have the ability to save a life,” she said.

The lead response team member for each service has a pager so he or she can be summoned quickly from anywhere on the church property.

The defibrillator is not the type with the paddles seen most often on television and in hospitals but is a model that straps onto the person's body. It not only has visual pictorial instructions on the instrument, but it also gives vocal instructions. Before a shock is given, it warns everyone to stand back. During CPR, the machine may say, “Make compressions deeper” or, “Go faster.” “It's very user-friendly,” Viamonte said.

A church of virtually any size could set up a similar team, she said.

“The important part is to have a dedicated person in charge of overseeing the program,” she said.

She went on to say that the equipment is not cost-prohibitive.

An automated external defibrillator costs about $2,000, and the rest of the equipment can be purchased for less than $1,000. So, for about $3,000, a church can outfit itself to be prepared for most possibilities, she noted. A church member who works as an emergency medical technician with the Dallas Fire Department donated the defibrillator to The Heights.

“It's a pretty minimal expense to potentially save someone's life,” Wills said.

The Heights Baptist Church will be glad to share its procedures and other information with any church that is interested, Viamonte said. Call (972) 238-7243.

List of equipment needed for emergencies

1)Cart with wheels to keep equipment mobile

2) Communication device to send & receive

3) Defibrillator for adult & children

4) Airways (pedi & adult)

5) Sanicloths to clean equipment

6) Oxygen tank with holder

7) Oxygen masks to deliver oxygen (newborn, pedi, & adult)

8) Alcohol wipes

9) CPR mouth shields

10) Gloves in medium & large sizes

11) Blood pressure cuff & stethoscope (pedi & adult, xlg. cuff

12) Pedi arm slings

13) Nebulizer machine

14) Prevacare with holder on cart

15) First Aid kit: Alcohol wipes Bandages (asst. sizes) Butterfly closures Gauze pads Q-tips Zip-lock bags (for ice packs) Antibiotic ointment Anti-itch cream (hydrocortisone) Sterile eyewash solution Eyewash cup Non-latex gloves

16) Tissues

17) Two towels/face cloths

18) Clipboard & pen

19) Event form

Posted: 1/21/05

Proposed bylaws call for greater non-Anglo representation

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

A committee working on new bylaws for the Baptist General Convention of Texas has agreed to include a provision calling for almost one-third of the organization's principal governing body to be non-Anglo.

“This represents a great step forward and will speak volumes to non-Anglo Baptists that we want to be inclusive of all voices,” said Wesley Shotwell, chairperson of the BGCT Governance Committee and pastor of Ash Creek Baptist Church in Azle.

The Governance Committee approved a plan that calls for 30 percent of BGCT Executive Board members to be non-Anglo. The Executive Board makes convention decisions in the periods between the convention's annual meetings.

In recent years, the BGCT has expanded non-Anglo representation on its boards, commissions and committees. But the 30-percent requirement would be the first specific figure included in a “major governing document,” Shotwell said.

Non-Anglo members now account for about 15 percent of Texas Baptist church members, but the state population is about 50 percent non-Anglo.

“The 30-percent figure reflects both who we are now and a need to reach the broader population of Texas with the message of Christ,” Shotwell said.

To take effect, the bylaws proposal must be approved by the Executive Board and by messengers to this year's annual meeting in Austin, Nov. 14-15.

Writing bylaws is part of a broad reorganization now under way in the BGCT. Messengers to the 2004 annual meeting last fall in San Antonio approved a proposed constitution. That constitution must be approved on a second reading at this year's annual meeting before it can be implemented.

Convention leaders have promised details about the proposed reorganization would be developed and communicated well in advance of the Austin meeting. The bylaws will contain many of those details and are expected to be presented for Executive Board response in March and for final board consideration in May. If approved at that meeting, they will be considered by BGCT messengers at the annual meeting in Austin.

Racial and ethnic representation on the Executive Board had been a key issue about which Texas Baptists sought details.

Another issue of concern is the status of the Christian Life Commission, which focuses on ethics and religious liberty on behalf of the convention.

The Governance Committee identified two issues regarding the future of the convention's ethics ministry–what to name it and how it will function in the new organization, Shotwell said.

“The committee unanimously affirmed protecting the prophetic role of the ethics ministry,” Shotwell said.

Traditionally, the Christian Life Commission has spoken to Texas Baptists and not for them. This has enabled commission members to challenge Texas Baptists on various ethical issues when popular opinion might not have allowed such a position. BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade cited the commission's leadership on racial issues in past decades as one example.

Under the proposed constitution, the ethics ministry's connection to the Executive Board is tightened. Some Texas Baptists have expressed concern that this move may compromise the ministry's freedom to speak on unpopular issues.

The Governance Committee, however, approved language in the bylaws that participants said would protect the ministry's traditional role as a prophetic voice, Shotwell said.

A decision on what to call the ministry must wait a few weeks until objective information can be gathered, he said. “We are going to do a scientific study of the most effective name for this ministry.”

The two names under consideration are Christian Life Council and Christian Life Commission, Shotwell said.

The “council” language more effectively connects with the new governance structure, but some Texas Baptists believe the current “commission” name should be kept because of its familiarity around the state and its history of effective ministry, he said.

A professional polling firm will conduct a random survey of Texas Baptists, state government representatives and others.

“This will give us objective, accurate data on which to make our decision regarding the name of this important and visible ministry,” Shotwell said.

The committee worked through more than half of the proposed bylaws during the mid-January meeting, he said. The panel meets again Jan. 24.

Posted: 1/21/05

Around the State

Youth across America will use Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6, to collect money to help hungry and hurting people in their communities through Souper Bowl of Caring. In addition, many groups will collect money to provide aid for the tsunami and earthquake victims in Southern Asia. Youth collect money in large soup pots and then donate the funds to a charity in their community to help people living in poverty. In 2004, 12,750 groups collected more than $4 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other charities. To learn more, call (800) 358-7687 or go to www.souperbowl.org.

Hardin-Simmons Univer-sity's Logsdon School of Theology will hold a special missions emphasis Feb. 10. Denton Lotz, executive director of the Baptist World Alliance, will speak at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. He also will give a brief response at 2:45 p.m. and take part in a panel discussion at 3:45 p.m. Don Sewell of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Stan Parks of WorldconneX and Dellanna O'Brien of Woman's Missionary Union will share their vision of partnering with BWA. There is no cost for the luncheon, but reservations must be made by calling (325) 670-1287.

A group of fourth-to-sixth grade children from The Heights Church in Richardson recently took toiletry items and gift bags to God's Food Pantry in Plano. The children also spent several hours packaging individual portions of food staples such as rice, beans and flour. The community outreach project was part of the church's Boot Camp program which meets on Wednesday evenings to teach basics of Christian living.

Diana Garland has been named the first dean of the School of Social Work at Baylor University. Currently chair of social work, she will begin her term as dean in August. Wallace Daniel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will step down in May after nine years as head of Baylor's largest academic unit to return to research and teaching, as will Robert Yinger, dean of the School of Education the past seven years. David Garland has resigned as associate dean of academic affairs at George Truett Theology Seminary after serving in that capacity since 2001.

Dallas Baptist University will hold its Patriot Weekend for prospective students and their families Feb. 11-12. The cost for students for the weekend is $25 and includes lodging and meals, as well as meals for their parents. For more information, call (214) 333-5360.

Alvin Petty, pastor of Calvary Church in Friona, will teach a class at Clovis Community College titled “The Jesus of the DaVinci Code.” The class will be held Feb. 14, 21 and 28 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (505) 769-4760.

Houston Baptist University will hold an open house Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. for prospective students and their families. For more information, call (281) 649-3211.

The 84th Annual Panhan-dle-Plains Pastors' and Laymen's Conference will be held Feb. 21-22 at Wayland Baptist Univer-sity. Featured speakers will be Chris Seay, pastor of Ecclesia in Houston; Joel Gregory, author, preaching professor and former pastor; Jesse Rincones, pastor of Alliance Church in Lubbock; Ed Seay, pastor of First Church in Magnolia; and Tommy Brisco, dean of Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. For more information or to register, call (806) 291-1165.

The first doctoral graduates in Hardin-Simmons University's history recently received their degrees. Eleven students earned the doctor of physical therapy degree including Shireen Azeemuddin, Jeff Borcik, Melissa Brown, Jonathan Conrad, Alice Fahmy, Jennifer Garard, Lindsey Henson, Bradley Hicks, April Maine, Annabell Montoya and Holly Wilson.

Shirley Walker, associate professor of social work at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, has published a book, Women Without Children, Who Are They? A Life Journey. The book, based on a research study she conducted, discusses women who chose to be childless and women who are childless for other reasons. The book sheds light on common societal assumptions, stereotypes and generalizations about childlessness and provides deeper understanding of the needs, concerns and issues affecting childless women.

Ray Denson has been named the recipient of the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award at Houston Baptist University. Also honored was Monica Hodges, who received the Meritorious Service Alumnus Award.

Ronald Hardin has been named chairman of the board of trustees at Howard Payne University. The retired insurance executive has been first vice chairman the past two years and has completed seven years as a trustee. He is a member of First Church in Wichita Falls.

Dan Williams, founding president of the Texas Baptist Laity Institute in Dallas, has joined Generis Partners in Atlanta, Ga., as a stewardship strategist.

Anniversaries

Randall Perry, fifth, as pastor of First Church in Paris, Jan. 1.

Pedro Hernandez, fifth, as pastor of Iglesia Rios de Agua Viva in Lubbock, Jan. 1.

Bob Dellinger, fifth, as associate pastor of youth at Tabernacle Church in Ennis, Jan. 2.

Jackie Gestes, fifth, as pastor of New Horizon Church in Lubbock, Jan. 2.

Carrol Williams, 20th, as associate pastor for education at First Church in Huntsville, Jan. 27.

Randy Johnson, 20th, youth minister at First Church in Richardson. He also is celebrating 30 years in youth ministry. The church will hold a reception in his honor Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Rob Merriman, fifth, as university minister at First Church in Denton.

Darrell Opper, 15th, as minister of music at Indian Hills Church in Grand Prairie.

Robert Davenport, fifth, as pastor of Mount Sylvan Church in Mount Sylvan, Feb. 1.

Retiring

Norm Rushing, as pastor of Community Church in Riviera. He served the Riviera church more than 17 years and was in the ministry 52 years. He also served churches in Brownsville, Coyonosa, Seminole and Realitos, where he was pastor of Bethany Church 11 years.

H.G. Barnard, as pastor of Elmdale Church in Abilene, Jan. 1. He served the Abilene church 14 years and was in the ministry 35 years.

Deaths

Phil Shelton, 63, Dec. 22 in Lubbock. A retired pastor, he was killed while helping a stranded motorist. He was in the Air Force more than 22 years, serving many of those years as a bivocational pastor. He entered full-time ministry following his military tenure, serving Prairie Valley Church in Campbell, among others. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Lori Kelley; son, Kevin; sisters, Patricia Gaw, Charlene Hardy, Jimmie Bailey and Jerry Summers; and six grandchildren.

Grayson Tennison, 80, Dec. 31, in Fort Worth. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Seminary, he went to Brazil in 1949 as an appointee of the Foreign Mission Board. He transferred to Portugal in 1960. From 1976 until 1983, he was pastor of First Church in Jacksboro. He then returned to Portugal until his retirement in 1989. He was preceded in death by one brother. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty; sons, Gene and James; daughter, Laura Law; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers, Clifton, C.E. and Ike; and sister, Ramona Akins.

Jack Gray, 89, Jan. 7 in Fort Worth. Gray was professor of missions emeritus at Southwestern Seminary. Prior to his seminary service, he was pastor at several small Oklahoma churches and then served in the U.S. Navy as a chaplain. After receiving his doctorate from Southern Seminary and serving churches in Oklahoma and Missouri as pastor, he joined the South-western faculty in 1956. He served there 28 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie. He is survived by his daughters, Noralyn Carpenter and Kristen Desbien; and one granddaughter.

Gerald Riddell, 89, Jan. 12 in Houston. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Seminary, he was a minister 67 years. He was pastor of churches in Texas and Mississippi until he and his wife, Virgie, were appointed as missionaries by the Foreign Mission Board. They served 36 years in Colombia, Chile and Bolivia. Following retirement, he was on staff at Hyde Park Church in Austin, and then was pastor of Simonton Community Church in Simonton and Pattison Church in Pattison. He was preceded in death by his wife, his son, Jerry, and his twin sister, Geraldine. He is survived by his sons, John, Jim and Joe; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Ronald Prince, 82, Jan. 15 in Tyler. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Seminary, he was pastor of several churches, including First Church in Denison, First Church in Paris, First Church in Cleburne and University Church in Abilene. He served in leadership roles at HPU, the Baptist General Con- vention of Texas and the Louisiana Baptist Convention. He also conducted crusades in Panama, the Philippines and Australia at the invitation of the Home Mission Board. Upon retirement in 1987, he became a member of First Church in Tyler. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joye. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roberta; son, Ronald; brother, Harry; sister, Evelyn; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren.

Events

The Southeast Texas Bap-tist United Bible Conference will be held March 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvary Church in Beaumont. For more information on the cross-cultural and cross-racial event, call (409) 898-8797.

First Church in Anson is taking prepublication orders of a book about its history in preparation for the church's 125th anniversary in May. The cost for the 325-page book is $27, plus $5 shipping. Orders must be recieved by Feb. 15. To order, call (325) 823-3681.

Posted: 1/21/05

Baylor University files suit against former student

Baylor University has filed a lawsuit against a former Truett Theological Seminary student who is accused of sending lewd e-mails to employees and their families and fictitious news releases about the school to media outlets.

The Waco Tribune-Herald reported the university filed a suit in state district court, alleging Matthew Bass sent more than 1,000 e-mails containing pornographic images and messages to school personnel.

The university also obtained a restraining order against Bass, prohibiting him from sending any e-mails to Baylor officials and their families.

Bass could not be reached for comment. In the lawsuit, Baylor asks for unspecified damages caused by the e-mails, as well as reimbursement for costs incurred from efforts to track and limit the e-mails.

Bass, 25, lost his scholarship to Truett Seminary when school officials discovered he had told friends he is a homosexual.

The seminary sent him a letter in late 2003 saying his scholarship was revoked because a homosexual lifestyle is inconsistent with the seminary's standards.

At the time, Bass said he left because he could no longer afford the tuition without the scholarship aid.

He later moved to Georgia to attend Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta.

Posted: 1/21/05

Book Reviews

The Church of Irresistible Influence

by Robert Lewis (Zondervan)

Robert Lewis is pastor of a church in Little Rock, Ark., that several years ago would have been called “successful” by many.

However, an internal and external survey revealed a different picture. Many members of the church reported stagnated spiritual growth. Residents of the community around the church said the church did not seem to care for them and the church was pretty irrelevant to their lives. Plus, the community survey uncovered major problems and hurts within the shadow of the church building.

The Church of Irresistible Influence is the story of how this Arkansas congregation began to see itself as a bridge builder to its community and how that has revitalized and helped to transform a community by the demonstrated love of Jesus.

What are you reading that other Texas Baptists would find helpful? Send suggestions and reviews to books@baptiststandard.com.

This is a fascinating, very specific, at times convicting, and ultimately hopeful story of how churches that are focused on maintenance can refocus on mission.

Bill Blackburn, president

Partners in Ministry, Kerrville

Border People: Life and Society in the U.S.–Mexico Borderlands
by Oscar J. Martinez (University of Tucson Press)

Serving as a church planter in the largest borderplex in the world–El Paso-Juarez–created in me a thirst for greater understanding of the complexity and beauty of the border. In 1992, El Paso was Texas' fourth-largest city, with more than 70 percent of the population comprised of Hispanics and a Texas Baptist church-to-population ratio of 1:21,000. Border People helped me to see the Texas borderlands as a potential missions-sending base for the Muslim-dominated 10/40 Window. The information found in part one, “The Border Phenomenon,” is probably the most valuable section of the book. Martinez provides a helpful history of the borderlands, a unique perspective of the borderlands in global context and a borderlands typology useful for those interested in an orientation to and ministry on the border. He presents the good, the bad and the ugly of the border. This insightful, seminal and comprehensive orientation to the border is a basic primer for those serious about being the presence of Christ in the poorest and most needy region of our state.

Albert Reyes, president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

San Antonio

The Elephant in the Boardroom: Speaking the Unspoken about Pastoral Transitions
by Carolyn Weese and J. Russell Crabtree (Jossey-Bass)

The Elephant in the Boardroom addresses pastoral transition, the inevitable event that few churches or pastors discuss openly prior to its occurrence. The lack of open acknowledgement of this reality in church life leads to many poorly managed leadership transitions, which are costly to churches in both dollars and ministry. The authors build their case for strategic planning on biblical foundations, particularly Jesus' example. They identify the five key players in a successful leadership transition and define their roles. The description of four types of church cultures provides great insight, in general, for understanding the relationship dynamics within churches and, specifically, for pastoral transitions. The discussion of health-based versus illness-based transitions is valuable, as is the congregational “capability and maturity” measurement model.

Due to the generic nature of this book, some terms may not be familiar to Baptists. At times, it is confusing which “key players” the authors are addressing. However, I would recommend this book to all pastors and church leaders because of the valuable information it contains and the difficulties I have observed in Baptist churches related to pastoral transitions.

Margaret Hunt Rice,
director of student development & regional outreach

University of Houston-Victoria

Baptist Temple Church, Victoria

The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church
by Reggie McNeal

“I am reading this book in search for answers that bring direction to those who lack spiritual purpose and missional vitality. The tough questions asked in this book are challenging me while living in the present to approach the future with new ideas, new vision and new resolve.”

Nelda Taylor-Thiede, president

Woman's Missionary Union of Texas

Gonzales

40 Days to Freedom: Totally Transformed in Christ

by Bill, Anabel and Preston Gillham

“This 40-day devotional guide contains very practical, easy-to-apply biblical truths and the author's personal experiences to help the reader gain a fuller insight into a life of freedom in Christ. It challenged me to evaluate areas in my life that are 'shackled in my old ways' and to see how Christ proclaims freedom for the captives. The book helped me apply God's promise of 'total transformation in Christ' to my everyday life.”

Kevin Walker, immediate past president

Texas Baptist Men

Fort Worth

One Day In the Life of Ivan Denisovich
by Alexander Solzhenitsyn

“I picked up this little paperback of a classic on a sale table at Baylor University recently. As I reread it, I sensed the power of a faithful witness. The Soviet Union could not stand once the truth began to leak out. Solzhenitsyn tells in brutal detail the agonies of the Soviet prison system. Men were beaten senseless in order to make them sign 'confessions.' Baptists were sentenced to 25 years for their faith alone. In this journal of one day's experience in a wintry, cold prison, you will feel the cold, the hunger, the fear and then experience with Ivan Denisovich gratitude for small things.”

Charles R. Wade, executive director

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Dallas

Posted: 1/21/05

Baptist Briefs

Former Sunday School Board president's wife dies. Bettye Cothen died of Parkinson's disease in Miami, Fla., at age 83. A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., she was the wife of Grady Cothen, former president of the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board. They were married 63 years. She was a former member of the board of trustees at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, Calif. In addition to her husband, Cothen is survived by two daughters, Carole Shields of Westbrook of Miami and Mary Thompson of San Antonio; a son Grady Jr. of Cheverly, Md; nine grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren.

Southwestern names recruitment director. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has named James Caldwell of Heath, Ohio, as recruitment director both for the seminary and its undergraduate college, which is scheduled to begin classes in the fall. Caldwell also has been named to the newly created post of seminary minister of worship to oversee music and worship during chapel services. Caldwell has served 25 years as a pastor, minister of music and youth minister at churches in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.

Retired Southern Baptist educator dies. Longtime Southern Baptist educator and denominational leader Arthur Walker died Jan. 14 at his home in Birmingham, Ala., at age 78. Walker served as the executive director of two SBC agencies–the Education Commission and the Commission on the American Baptist Theological Seminary. He held both positions from 1978 until his retirement in 1993. Both entities were dissolved in the mid-1990s under the SBC's restructuring plan. Earlier in his career, he served at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., first as dean of students and later as vice president for student affairs. Following retirement, Walker returned to his native Birmingham and taught part-time at Samford University for several years. Survivors include his wife, Gladys; a daughter, Marcia Walker Hamby; a son-in-law, Pat Hamby; and three grandchildren, all of Birmingham; brothers Roy and Jimmy Walker, and a sister-in-law, Rochelle Walker.

Warren writes purpose-driven column for women's magazine. Southern Baptist pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren will write a monthly column for Ladies' Home Journal. The column, which debuts in the February issue, will be called "Purpose" and will address topics of spirituality and the search for meaning among American women and their families. The 121-year old magazine has a circulation of 4.1 million. Warren is founding pastor of the 20,000-member Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., south of Los Angeles. In the last two years, his book, The Purpose Driven Life, has sold 21 million copies and been a mainstay on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, where it has been No.1 during 25 weeks.

Graham, Warren ranked tops among influential leaders. Evangelist Billy Graham and innovative Baptist pastor Rick Warren hold the top two spots on a list of leaders who pastors say have the greatest influence on churches, a survey by The Barna Group revealed. Barna asked pastors to name three individuals whom they believe have the greatest influence on churches and church leaders in America. Graham was chosen by 34 percent of respondents, and Warren, author of the best-selling The Purpose Driven Life, was the choice of 26 percent. The December survey was based on telephone interviews with 614 senior pastors from various Protestant denominations.