Posted: 6/08/07

Elder statesman Fletcher
lauded as educator, writer

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

INDEPENDENCE—Texas Baptists honored educator and author Jesse Fletcher as recipient of this year’s Elder Statesman Award in a special service at Independence Baptist Church June 3.

The award is given each year by the Independence Association to honor significant contributions to Baptist education in Texas.

Fletcher is president-emeritus of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, where he served as president 1977 to 1991. Fletcher also is widely known as author of 10 books, including Bill Wallace of China, a classic book about Baptist missions, and The Southern Baptist Convention, which was published during the SBC’s sesquicentennial.

The event’s program said Fletcher has “contributed significantly to Baptist life as a teacher, missions leader, pastor and educator. Through his preaching teaching, writing, and service on numerous denominational boards and committees, he has enhanced both individuals and institutions.”

Bill Pitts, a professor at Baylor University and president of Independence Association, called Fletcher’s book about Wallace “maybe the best-known biography of a Baptist in the 20th century.” Pitts said Fletcher depicted Wallace as a real human being—believable and human and yet inspiring.

Charles Wade, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board, said he read Fletcher’s book about Wallace years ago, and it “caused me to want to be the best I could be” in service to Christ.

Russell Dilday, former president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, delivered the message at Independence Baptist Church. He and Fletcher met as students at Southwestern about 50 years ago and became study partners.

Speaking from Hebrews 13, Dilday urged worshippers to “remember your leaders.” Godly leaders are those who have spoken the word faithfully, lived godly lives, died confidently and left noble examples to follow.

Vernon Davis, retired dean of the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons, presented the Sunday school lesson from Isaiah 40:27-31.

Waiting is a prominent theme in Scripture and it can be painful, Davis said. Using the analogy of what an orchestra does while waiting to begin a symphony, he said during the waiting times of life “you tune your instrument, you practice your part … and you wait for the music to begin.”

Fletcher is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Southwestern Seminary, where he received master’s and doctorate degrees. Prior to becoming the 12th president of Hardin-Simmons, he served in an administrative role with the Foreign Mission Board of the SBC from 1960 to 1975. He was pastor of First Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., 1975 to 1977.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

Faith Digest

Creation Museum opens. The Answers in Genesis Ministry opened a $27 million Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky., just across the state line from Cincinnati, Memorial Day weekend. The main hall of the 60,000-square-foot building features animatronic dinosaurs and figures of young children playing near each other in a way its owners believe life really occurred some 6,000 years ago. The state-of-the-art museum includes vibrating seats and sprays of water in a theater that depicts Noah’s flood, and extensive exhibits that claim the Grand Canyon could have formed around the time of that flood rather than millions of years ago as suggested by most scientists.

Crusade crew reunites for library opening. Song leader Cliff Barrows, 84, and soloist George Beverly Shea, 98, joined their longtime crusade partner Billy Graham in a rare public appearance at the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. Graham, 88, also was joined by his son, Franklin, who heads his father’s ministry and by three former presidents—George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton—who took turns praising the evangelist. The $27 million library and history complex includes a barn-styled building reminiscent of the dairy farm where Graham spent his boyhood years, with a 40-foot glass cross as its entrance.

Lausanne movement to host South Africa conference. The Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization has announced it will hold its third International Congress on World Evangelization, Oct. 16-25, 2010, in South Africa. Evangelist Billy Graham convened the first congress in 1974 in Lausanne, Switzerland. It attracted more than 2,700 evangelical leaders from 150 countries. The second, in 1989, brought together 3,600 leaders from 190 countries to Manila, Philippines. The first meeting produced the Lausanne Covenant, which declared a theological basis for collaborative evangelism across the globe. The covenant was reaffirmed at the 1989 meeting.

Worshippers at church in bar don’t drink enough, owner says. A Welsh church that meets regularly in a Cardiff nightclub faces difficulties because people attending aren’t drinking enough to suit the proprietor. Baptist minister James Karran devised the church, called Solace, as “a church for non-church-goers.” It meets on Sundays from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in various venues near the city center, including a nightclub called Clwb Ifor Bach. It costs the owners about $1,200 to open the place for the church, and rent is only $100.“The bar is open, and people do buy drinks—but not nearly enough to make up the shortfall,” Karran said.

Falwell’s sons take up mantle. Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va., voted to call Jonathan Falwell, 40, the late Jerry Falwell’s younger son, as senior pastor. He succeeds his father, who died May 15. Since 1994, Jonathan Falwell has been executive pastor of the church. He also succeeded his father by writing Falwell Confidential, a weekly e-newsletter of the Moral Majority Coalition. Falwell’s older son, Jerry Falwell Jr., 44, is chancellor and president of Liberty University, the school his father founded in 1971.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

Immigration issues reveal disparity
between views in pulpits and pews

By Daniel Burke

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)—As Congress debates immigration policy, many prominent religious leaders—from all shades of the theological spectrum—have called for a “comprehensive and compassionate” reform of existing laws. It’s part of what they see as their biblical mandate to care for the stranger.

But it’s unclear if their flocks in the pews agree. More than 60 percent of white evangelicals said immigrants are a “burden” to the United States because they take jobs, housing and health care, according to a 2006 poll conducted by the non-partisan Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

Fifty-six percent of white Catholics and 51 percent of white mainline Protestants agreed, according to the survey.

John Green, a senior fellow at the Pew Center, said religious leaders—particularly evangelicals and Southern Baptists—sometimes are caught between the law-and-order conservatives who fill their pews and the Latino immigrants who populate their mission fields.

“There really is a tension there. They know that many of their parishioners are skeptical—if not actively opposed” to immigration reform, Green said.

“On the other hand, this is a group that puts an imperative on evangelization.”

Sometimes ministers need to take prophet positions different than the views of their church members, said Jim Wallis, a best-selling author and head of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, a progressive Washington-based social justice group.

“Pastors and preachers aren’t pollsters,” Wallis said. “You’ve got to love your congregation enough to preach the gospel.”

Wallis and others recently launched Christians for Compre-hensive Immigration Reform, a coalition of mainline and evangelical Christians, including Church World Service, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and United Methodists’ General Board of Church & Society.

A consortium of 12 faith traditions also has launched a “New Sanctuary Movement” to protect illegal immigrants in danger of deportation.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is lobbying lawmakers behind the scenes as well as pushing grass-roots efforts in about 100 dioceses, said Kevin Appleby, the bishops’ director of migration and refugee services.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

Texas Baptist Forum

Falwell’s legacy

I was surprised at the article concerning Jerry Falwell’s legacy (May 28). No mention was made of the evangelical outreach that showed the road to salvation for thousands and thousands of souls over his 50-year ministry.

Actual evangelism as an evangelical Christian will always be his greatest legacy. It wasn’t the television, radio, university or controversial comments that his ministry was built upon. It was the winning of souls at every opportunity.

• Jump to online-only letters below

Letters are welcomed. Send them to marvknox@baptiststandard.com; 250 words maximum.

“The tragic thing is to think how many churches this Sunday will be treated to safe, nice, harmless, insignificant, intramural and Trivial Pursuit sermons. There are going to be an awful lot of sermons preached in Christian churches … that actually probably help the world become a worse place.” Brian McLaren Author and former pastor (ABP) “I feel like I’ve been attending my own funeral.” Billy Graham Evangelist, joking about the dedication ceremony of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. (RNS) “I share with my comedian friends who primarily work comedy clubs that if they want a real challenge, come try to make a roomful of Baptist deacons laugh without a two-drink minimum! Then we'll see how funny you really are!” Chondra Pierce Christian comedian (Today's Christian/RNS)

That is the thing that all ministries should be based upon.

Daryl Lott

Houston

Huckabee’s politics

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee responded to President Carter’s criticism of George W. Bush’s foreign policy by withdrawing from the New Baptist Covenant meeting in Atlanta next year (May 28). Why? He did not want to appear “to be giving approval to what could be a political, rather than spiritual, agenda.”

When I heard Huckabee might be invited to speak in Atlanta, I questioned the wisdom of inviting him. I was concerned a presidential candidate would use this meeting to further his or her own political ambitions. My concern was, unfortunately, brushed aside by those who, though well-intentioned, were eager to “balance” the Baptist Democrats on the podium with Baptist Republicans.

Now Huckabee has, predictably, politicized the spiritual, unable to separate faith from politics.

Either he is using the event to play to his Religious Right base, or he truly cannot understand a Jimmy Carter, who can offer his counsel on political matters, yet—as a real, traditional, mainstream Baptist—can leave those matters at the door and worship with those with whom he disagrees in spirit and in truth. Or maybe it is a little of both.

The New Baptist Covenant meeting promises to be a time of worship, healing and moving people to respond to the challenges that Christ gave us in the Sermon on the Mount.

But it will fulfill its promise only with the absence of those who, in the manner of Mike Huckabee, would turn it into a political rally.

Bill Jones

Plano

Newspaper’s role

Have you heard the one about the ace reporter who comes into his news office with an accurately researched, cogently written story about inner city crime? “This is some of the best work I’ve ever read,” his editor says, “but we’re not going to publish it because our focus is farm and ranch life. City crime isn’t our beat.”

Or this one? I peruse several stories in the Baptist Standard and discuss them at the church that provides me with the subscription. “You know,” I say, “the Standard says Candidate A believes X, while Candidate B believes Y,” and, without thinking, I add, “so obviously Candidate B is the one Christians should vote for.” And suddenly my church, formerly a haven of nonpolitical fellowship characterized by the spirit of brotherly love, becomes a hotbed of political animus.

I was dismayed to read stories and analysis of the better-known U.S. presidential candidates in a recent issue of the Baptist Standard, even though I didn’t fault the information provided. I’m interested in politics and am a political party member, but I believe in separation of church and state.

I don’t argue politics at church, and I don’t argue religion at political party meetings. I wouldn’t read a government publication or a party flyer to help me decide whether to be a Christian or which denomination to join, and I don’t read the Standard to help me decide how to vote.

No matter how well-written the articles, politics isn’t the Standard’s beat.

Ann Carson

Amarillo

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

TOGETHER:
Who’s going to fill their huge shoes?

Three great Texas Baptist leaders died in the past few weeks: John Baugh, founder of Sysco and strong Baptist layman; Herbert Reynolds, Baylor University’s 11th president; and Ronald Edwards, pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in Goliad and president of the African American Fellowship.

At John Baugh’s funeral, Daniel Vestal, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship coordinator and his former pastor, described how he believed in the priesthood of each and all believers. He believed America had grown great because of the Baptist witness to religious liberty and our conviction of soul competency in matters of faith.

Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

His generosity to Baptist causes was legendary. One gift I would mention: He helped bring hundreds of pastors and spouses together for fellowship and retreat. He asked us to tell them: “A Baptist layman believes in you and is grateful for the sacrificial service you and your families give to the cause of Christ. This is a way for a layman to say, ‘Thank you for all you do.’” That word healed marriages and sent pastors back to their tasks with vigor and dedication.

Herbert Reynolds loved Baylor and Texas Baptists. He believed the future of Texas, as well as the eternal future of Texans, depended on reaching people for Christ; and he believed new churches were a key strategy in helping that happen. He believed strong Baptist churches were a key ingredient also to a strong Baylor future.

He engineered the change in Baylor’s governance formula from the BGCT electing 100 percent of the Baylor board to the convention electing 25 percent and the others being board-elected. He felt Baylor’s future must not rest upon who could win the elections each year at the BGCT annual meeting. Still, he cared deeply for the Baptist witness at Baylor, and he sought to enrich the partnership between Baylor and all the BGCT.

At his funeral, his favorite hymn was featured—“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

Ronald Edwards was born, saved and educated in Goliad and Minnehulla Baptist Church. He was raised in a family with deep roots in the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, many of whom settled in the historic Goliad area. They were gifted cowboys, and many developed ranching and farm operations that still are strong.

In his first year of college, he answered the call to preach and was a leader of Bible studies and campus ministry. For 17 years, he was pastor of the church he grew up in. He led the church to become part of the BGCT. He led in buying land and building two buildings. He was a passionate advocate for missions and involved his congregation in starting three new churches, including the first African-American cowboy church. The most apt description expressed of this strong leader’s life was that he was a “bridge builder.”

He gave his life for his people, and it was easy to see how much they loved him at his “Home Going Celebration.”

When great women and men die, the question must always be: “Who will take their place?” It will take more than three.

We are loved.

Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

Ministers not immune from sexual addiction

By Rick Owen

BGCT Counseling and Psychological Services Center

With few exceptions, the men and women who fill the pulpits and ministry positions of our Texas Baptist churches at one time occupied the pews. The churches from which our ministers came have not been immune to the aftermath of the sexual revolution and the presence of cable TV and the internet.

As a result, those among our memberships and in ministry who suffer with sexual concerns, sexual compulsivity or addiction are many. There are both ministers and church members who struggle with impure sexual thoughts; inappropriate, compulsive, offensive, or illegal sexual behavior; internet pornography addiction; or compulsive sexual-acting-out behaviors of various kinds.

Almost all of us have heard of or know a minister who has had an affair, an emotional affair, became sexually involved with a minor, or whose computer was found to have a history of visits to pornographic websites.

A 2000 survey by Christianity Today and Leadership magazines found that some 40 percent of ministers reported having visited sexually explicit websites. As is often cited, the problem of internet pornography viewing is greatly increased because of its three ‘A’s: Availability, Affordability, and Anonymity.

Statistics regarding pornography viewing online vary so widely and change so rapidly that they may be hardly worth reporting, but the following numbers were presented in a recent training by one of America’s leading addiction treatment centers: over 4.2 million pornographic websites on the internet, comprising 12 percent of all websites; this 12 percent of all sites accounts for 60 percent of all web traffic; 70 percent of visits to pornographic websites occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Many of us will react with harsh judgment toward ministers or church members who are found to have a problem with sexual addiction. Indeed, we have legitimate concerns for the safety of innocents and are only right to be protective of them. And there are addicts who live in misery and would love nothing more than to be free of their addiction(s)—if they only knew a way.

Recent developments in theory and practice regarding the nature and treatment of sexual addiction have focused on control of the problem behavior and resolution of issues stemming from childhood experiences. Before an addict will have adequate access to his or her own emotional issues, he or she must come out of the mental fog of addiction. Just as meaningful therapy cannot be done with a drug addict under the effects of his or her chosen drug, meaningful therapy cannot be done with a sex addict who is continuing to bathe his or her brain in the neuro-chemical bath created by sexual fantasy, arousal, or acting out. Thus, many treatment programs begin with a period of sexual abstinence and continue with a monitoring process (polygraph) to verify that the patient is not returning to inappropriate sexual behavior.

And then there are the emotional/psychological issues to resolve. Prevailing theory is that most adolescent and adult addicts were either deliberately or accidentally abused as children, resulting in the development of a core-personality of shame instead of value. Deliberate abuse, of course, is abuse that is knowingly carried out by perpetrators with callous disregard or deliberate intent to harm the victim. Accidental abuse—in this language—includes things that parents or caregivers say without thinking, or do without knowing their effects upon children. In this case a child may accidentally learn, for example, to inappropriately withdraw or fantasize as a means of coping with an unpleasant moment; or when being corrected or disciplined come to believe (learn) that he or she is bad, or worthless, or shameful at their very core. No loving parent intentionally gives these messages to their child, but—as in any communication—the message sent and the message received are often not the same. It just happens that, in the case of children, the tablets of their souls may be written over with messages of shame and inappropriate guilt rather than messages of love, acceptance, grace and infinite value.

In clinical terms, abuse constitutes what is referred to as an insult to the psyche—a soul injury. An insult to the psyche will cause a change in the way a person thinks and feels. It will often result in a child growing up with a distorted or skewed view of themselves, others and God. Most addicts, for example, have inappropriate self-esteem (usually low, sometimes inappropriately high), poor boundaries (violating the boundaries of others and allowing others to violate theirs), inaccurate perceptions of themselves, inappropriate dependence or independence, and an inability to do much of anything in moderation.

This child—when grown into an adult—will not view the world in a blurry way that informs them of their need for vision correction. No, their view may be as sharp and crisp as anyone’s, but it will be distorted rather than accurate. He or she will not understand the meanings of relational concepts such as affection, friendship, acceptance, confrontation, grace, value, love, self-love, or sex in the same way that others do. Their images and definitions of these concepts may clash with what others understand or expect.

Adults who grew up believing that they were inherently bad are believed to be more vulnerable to addictive disorders. Often, children who come to believe that they are bad, without value, or shameful-to-the-core will—as adults—continue to believe that they are worthless, and that since they are worthless anyway they may as well do this thing—that they know they should not do—that momentarily relieves the pain of worthlessness and makes them feel comforted or alive. So now—because of their current real behavior—there is legitimate guilt to add to their shame, confirming again their negative opinion of themselves which now must either be accepted in remorse or compartmentalized in denial.

Since these bad feelings are connected to or may arise directly from deeply held beliefs about one’s self, they will inevitably rise again in some moment of failure, rejection, confrontation, or simple error: “I am bad. I am worth less than others. I am not acceptable. I am worthless.” Followed by: “This feels (is) devastating.” And in order to escape the feeling of devastation the addict will soon turn again to their numbing, soothing, or comforting behavior. The cycle repeats.

The addict believes that because he is imperfect, he is unacceptable, and being unacceptable is a devastating experience. The church and much of society find sexual addiction and inappropriate sexual behavior unacceptable. God’s view of sexual sin is made clear in Scripture: unacceptable. People, however, are not unacceptable. The differentiation between sin and sinner remains valuable.

In order for the individual facing sexual addiction to find true peace of mind and joy in relationship, he or she will invariably need to find a safe person [read licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or licensed professional counselor (LPC)] with whom to share their story, will need to become genuinely involved in treatment, and become a part of an appropriate 12-Step group. Many people with lower levels of sexual concern may find great comfort and freedom through a few sessions with a qualified therapist.

Is there hope? Yes, treatments for sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, and annoying, depressing, guilt-inducing sexual concerns are available. Effective treatment may be found through a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional counselor (preferably with training and experience in sexual addictions). Addiction treatment sometimes begins with an intensive component varying from a three-day workshop to brief (up to 30 days) inpatient care (including assessment, treatment planning, education, and various modalities of both individual and group therapy). Following an initial intensive phase of treatment, the individual will need to continue with specialized individual psycho-therapy (LMFT, or LPC) and regular participation in an appropriate 12-Step group.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Patrick Carnes cites the following predictors of successful treatment for sexual addiction:

A primary therapist

Group therapy

Regular participation in a 12-Step program

Management of the addict’s other addictions

Therapeutic resolution of childhood issues

Involvement of family

Involvement of spouse

Development of spiritual life

Good physical health

Symptoms of sexual compulsive disorders:

Loss of control (doing more of a behavior than one intended or wanted)

Compulsive behavior (repeating pattern of loss-of-control)

Repeated failed efforts to stop

Significant loss of time to the activity

Preoccupation with worry over the behavior or obsession with thoughts connected to the behavior

Interference of the behavior with work, school, family or other obligations

Losses of hobbies, family, friendships, or work

Continuation despite negative consequences

Escalation of the frequency, duration, or intensity of the behavior

Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, irritability) when the behavior is stopped

Addictions are particularly marked by a cycle including the following:

A ritualized set of behaviors consciously or unconsciously used to reduce bad feelings

Escalation of the activity

Failed attempts to stop

Guilt and shame over the behavior leading to physical or emotional isolation

A return to the behavior in order to drown the feelings of guilt and shame in comfort or stimulation

Helpful publications:

Beattie, Melody (1987). Codependent No More: How to stop controlling others and start caring for yourself. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Carnes, Patrick (1989). Contrary to Love. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Carnes, Patrick (1992). Out of the Shadows. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Mellody, Pia (2003). The Intimacy Factor: The ground rules for overcoming obstacles to truth, respect, and lasting love. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.

Mellody, Pia (2003). Facing Codependence. Harper Collins: New York.

Nakken, Craig (1988). The Addictive Personality: Understanding the addictive process and compulsive behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Helpful websites:

Website of Sex Addicts Anonymous provides information regarding sex addiction and 12-Step Group contacts.

www.covenanteyes.com offers internet accountability software that scores all websites visited for likelihood of adult or pornographic content and sends a list of all websites visited to an accountability partner(s).

www.pureonline.com offers online workshops and phone counseling.

Texas Baptist ministers needing assistance in assessing their needs and locating a qualified counselor may contact Rick Owen at the BGCT Counseling and Psychological Services Center: (214) 826-6591 or e-mail rick.owen@bgct.org.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

On the Move

• Heath Barkley to South Garland Church in Garland as children’s minister.

• Clarence Barten has resigned as pastor of Pilgrim’s Way Church in Sanger.

• Trevor Dickson to Crescent Heights Church in Abilene as interim minister of music.

• Scot Edmoundson to First Church in Lometa as pastor.

• Tim Fox to Centerpoint Church in Burleson as pastor, where he was interim.

• Travis Gibson has resigned as minister of youth at North Cleburne Church in Cleburne to become pastor of a church in Washington.

• Robin Gibson has resigned as minister of music at North Cleburne Church in Cleburne.

• Stephen Gunner to Carlton Church in Carlton as youth minister.

• David Hartwig to Mount Pleasant Church in Mountain Springs as pastor from First Church in Chillicothe.

• Matt Hunter to Gateway United Church in Denton as youth minister.

• Ryan Irick to Gateway United Church in Denton as minister to singles and college.

• Bill Klinglesmith has resigned as pastor of Marystown Church in Burleson.

• Cliff Marion to First Church in Goldthwaite as student minister.

• Jonathan Maxey to Baptist Temple in San Benito as worship and youth pastor.

• Dan McGlasson to First Church in El Paso as interim minister to students.

• Larry Millican has resigned as pastor of Caps Church in Abilene.

• Sam Patty to Forest Avenue Church in Sherman as minister of music.

• Dennis Phariss to First Church in Lolita as pastor.

• Hardy Sprague to Morales Church in Edna as pastor.

• David Wilkinson has resigned as minister of education and discipleship at Broadway Church in Fort Worth to become director of development for the School of Social Work at Baylor University.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/08/07

RIGHT or WRONG? Censorship

A church member recently donated a book to our church library. But a question has been raised about the book’s appropriateness for the library. If we don’t shelve the book, we will be accused of censorship. How should we determine the appropriateness of the book?

Some oppose any form of censorship, based on the idea that each individual is free to define truth for himself or herself. All views are permitted in the marketplace of ideas, because we are all free to select what ideas best suit our individual understanding of truth. Christians, however, do not believe we are free to define truth in terms of what suits us. Instead, we believe the truth of the gospel is what sets us free to live lives as God intended.

Certainly, some books have no place in a church library, and we are not obligated to accept everything in print. There is room, however, for caution on this matter of censorship, for Christians of goodwill might disagree on the appropriateness of some books. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:9-11 that we know in part and prophesy in part. Children immaturely believe their partial grasp on reality can be taken for the whole. Paul argues that we can afford to listen to perspectives other than our own because none of us “knows fully” as we are fully known by God. Obviously, we might believe differently than some perspectives, but we still may learn and benefit from them. I like what Paul says to the Thessalonians: “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Such an admonition requires the capacity for critical engagement with ideas and perspectives that we should neither dismiss out of hand, nor swallow whole-hog.

How might a church exhibit this critical engagement that allows for contrasting views to be represented in a church library? First, a committee representing a cross-section of the congregation should be tasked with (1) determining what criteria will be consulted in evaluating a title’s inclusion, (2) gaining approval of these criteria by the church, (3) making it clear that inclusion in the church’s library does not imply 100 percent endorsement of everything in the book, (4) emphasizing that there is a process of approval and not every book offered for inclusion might be accepted and (5) perhaps establishing certain age restrictions on what books might be available to whom.

With this process, a book still could really cause a stir if included in the church’s library. Such a situation provides a wonderful opportunity for leaders in the church to address what might be controversial issues from the standpoint of Christian faith. Doing such could be an important means by which leaders equip the saints in the practice of critical discernment, helping believers move from child-like thinking to greater Christian maturity.

Jeph Holloway, professor of religion

East Texas Baptist University, Marshall

Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to btillman@hsutx.edu.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Updated: 6/08/07

Former Baylor president’s
death marks end of an era

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

WACO—Texas Baptist leaders agreed Baylor University President Emeritus Herbert Reynolds’ death marked the end of an era in Baptist life.

Reynolds died May 25 at his family’s second home in Angel Fire, N.M., at age 77 from what was presumed to be a heart attack.

Reynolds served as Baylor’s 11th president from 1981 to 1995, succeeding Abner McCall. He led the school to found Truett Theological Seminary, enter the Big 12 Conference and change its charter to protect the university from what he saw as a possible fundamentalist takeover.

Baylor University President John Lilley termed Reynolds one of the “great leaders” in Baylor’s history and “a renowned Texas Baptist.” He particularly singled out Reynolds’ role in founding Truett Seminary in 1994.

“I have known Herb for 50 years, first as Capt. Reynolds, one of my Air Force ROTC professors,” Lilley recalled. “During his 14-year presidency and the service he provided under President Abner McCall, Herb made an extraordinary impact on Baylor University, creating a new governance structure and supporting a variety of new academic initiatives, student life opportunities and facilities.”

Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Director Charles Wade praised Reynolds’ life of ministry and leadership.

“Dr. Reynolds was a courageous leader not only of the Baylor family but of Texas Baptists,” Wade said. “His deep appreciation for the essence of our Baptist heritage based on his confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ and his faithfulness to the Baptist vision of soul competency and religious liberty made him a true Baptist statesman.

“In addition to his strong leadership of Baylor and influence in Texas Baptist life, he was a quintessential Christian gentleman. His love for students and friends was evident in all his relationships. I will greatly miss him as a friend and adviser.”

Bill Pinson, whose tenure as BGCT executive director mostly coincided with Reynolds’ time as Baylor’s president, remembered Reynolds as a friend and co-worker in Baptist life.

“A flood of words come to mind about him—Christian gentleman, devoted family man, committed churchman, dedicated Baptist, brilliant administrator, tireless worker. … Indeed, an array of adjectives fit him such as devout, insightful, thoughtful, courteous, gracious, appreciative, zealous, courageous, forthright, responsible and generous. He possessed a sharp mind, a quick wit and a sense of humor,” Pinson said.

But for all his academic achievements and intellectual abilities, Reynolds never forgot the simple lessons he learned as a child in Sunday school and Training Union, Pinson added.

“In the midst of all that he did and was part of, the stability of his life came from a single-minded focus on serving Christ—this was his guiding light, his source of navigation through life,” he said. “Simple faith and profound commitment bound together as one characterized Herbert Reynolds.”

During Reynolds’ tenure, the university changed its charter so the BGCT no longer would appoint all its governing board. Reynolds said the change was needed to protect the school from being taken over by fundamentalists who had taken over the institutions of the Southern Bap-tist Convention and were making inroads into state conventions.

David Currie, executive director of Texas Bap-tists Committed, worked closely with Reynolds in resisting fundamentalism. He praised Reynolds as possessing “pure courage and pure class” and as being “a Baptist hero for the ages.”

Reynolds “clearly saw the threat to all it means to be a Baptist before most and responded with unwavering conviction, courage and leadership,” Currie said.

Phil Lineberger, pastor of Williams Trace Baptist Church in Sugar Land, served as BGCT president when the BGCT and Baylor reached an agreement that allowed the state convention to name one-fourth of the university’s regents and continue to receive some financial support. He praised Reynolds as “a giant of a man,” a “Christian gentleman who was sincere in all that he did” and “a good friend” who will be missed greatly.

“Dr. Herb Reynolds offered a tremendous witness to the authentic Baptist faith,” Lineberger said. “He was a Christian example, a tremendous leader in higher education and a champion of the Baptist principle of separation of church and state.”

Jeff Kilgore, executive vice president of the Baylor Alumni Association, praised Reynolds as “the rare combination of a visionary and an achiever” whose impact on Baylor University would be hard to overstate.

“A steadfast champion of religious and academic freedom and a bold leader, he had a deep faith and unshakable integrity. Yet, despite his greatness, he was humble and approachable, witty and kind,” Kilgore said.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Updated: 6/08/07

African American Fellowship President
Edwards characterized as ‘quiet giant’

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Ronald Edwards, president of the African American Fellowship of Texas and pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in Goliad, died May 31 due to complications from an infection caused by a spider bite. He was 45.

Leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the African American Fellowship, Guadalupe Baptist Association and the Goliad Ministerial Alliance were among the crowd who who filled Minnehulla Baptist Church to overflowing at a June 6 memorial service for Edwards.

At the service, Charlie Singleton, director of BGCT African-American ministries, characterized Edwards as a “quiet giant” and a man of vision. He lauded Edwards’ commitment to Texas Baptists and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Edwards became pastor of Minnehulla Baptist Church in 1990. The congregation started the first African-American cowboy church last year.

In addition to serving as president of the African American Fel-lowship of Texas since 2005, Edwards also had served the group as vice president two years and secretary four years.

He was moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Texas and a regional consultant for BGCT African-American ministries

Michael Evans, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield and former director of BGCT African-American ministries, recalled how Edwards was known to give of his own resources to care for people in need—particularly children.

BGCT Executive Di-rector Charles Wade praised Edwards as “an effective and generous-hearted leader.”

“He had a sense of humor that eased tension and a spirit that always pointed us to the future. Texas Baptists have lost an important leader,” Wade said.

Edwards is survived by his mother, four brothers, three sisters and four aunts.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.

Posted: 6/01/07

Warren slated to speak
at Texas Baptist annual meeting

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS—Rick Warren, best-selling author of The Purpose-Driven Life, will address the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting in Amarillo.

Warren will speak Oct. 29 about his PEACE Plan, an effort where churches lead the way in eliminating issues such as illiteracy and poverty. PEACE stands for planting churches, equipping leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick and educating the next generation. “Missions—Together We Can Do More” will be the theme of the BGCT annual meeting.

“We are delighted Rick Warren will be with us in Amarillo,” BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade said.

“Rick has caught the attention of people around the world with his vision of what local churches can do to make a genuine difference in solving the giant problems facing humanity. His articulation of the PEACE program is very similar to the concerns of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and its cooperating churches as we minister in a lost and needy world.”

Warren has been called “one of the most influential pastors in America” by The Economist. Time magazine called him “America’s new people’s pastor” as they named him among the top 25 most influential evangelicals in America.

Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life has sold more than 20 million copies. The book and its predecessor, The Purpose-Driven Church, spurred congregations across the country to undertake efforts dubbed “40 Days of Purpose.” where members of congregations seek to find God’s calling upon their lives.

Warren started Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. with one family in 1980. It now serves 22,000 people each week and has a 120-acre campus.

“Rick Warren has done more than anyone in the last 10 years to bring the gospel to this nation,” said Steve Vernon, BGCT president and pastor of First Baptist Church in Levelland. “His mission vision is as great as the Great Commission. His commitment to telling the story of the gospel is an example of what every Christian should be about. We are fortunate to have him at our annual meeting this year.”

David Coffey, president of the Baptist World Alliance, also will speak to the BGCT annual meeting Oct. 29. The Baptist General Convention of Texas is one of more than 200 conventions and unions that are part of the Baptist World Alliance, which serves more than 110 million Baptists around the globe.

Coffey’s appearance in Amarillo will be his second visit to Texas since becoming BWA president. He is the former general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Wade called Coffey a friend to Texas Baptists and praised him for his advocacy of persecuted Christians.

“David Coffey has become a favorite among Texas Baptists. Wherever he goes, he has made good friends for the Baptist World Alliance. We appreciate him for his candor and his understanding of the power of the gospel to touch and change lives and communities. The more Texas Baptists get to know him, the more get to understand how he became such a dynamic leader in England and across the world,” he said.

In addition to Warren and Coffey, the BGCT annual meeting will feature more than 40 workshops designed to encourage and strengthen church ministry, including a session led by Skip Lanfried of Saddleback Church on how congregations can get involved in Warren’s PEACE plan.

Discounted hotel rooms will be available for the BGCT starting June 4. For more information on accommodations as well as updates about the BGCT annual meeting, visit www.bgct.org/annualmeeting.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Baptist churches, in Texas, the BGCT, the nation and around the world.