Posted: 8/09/07

Moment of silence case indicates importance
of teacher training, CLC director says

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS—A case challenging the moment of silence in schools illustrates the need for training teachers on how to handle issues dealing with religion in schools, according to the director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission.

David Wallace Croft is suing Gov. Rick Perry and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in an effort to end the minute of silence. He argues it is unconstitutional because it amounts to the state endorsing prayer.

According to the lawsuit, a teacher told Croft’s son, who attends Rosedale Elementary School, the minute of silence was specifically for prayer, and then the teacher prayed.

CLC Director Suzii Paynter, who worked on minute of silence legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio), said the law is constitutional, but the teacher apparently mishandled the situation.

Situations like these can be prevented by following principles outlined in Texas Education Agency training sessions, Paynter said.

“The most common problem with the minute of silence and confusion with mandatory prayer is when teachers have difficulty expressing the purpose and limits of the minute of silence,” she said.

“It appears that in Carrollton, the problem for Mr. Croft’s child resulted from a classroom comment by a teacher, not as a result of an unconstitutional law. The most common-sense remedy for a situation like this is proper and thorough training for teachers. Texas provides the opportunity for this training currently in the staff development code for Texas schools.

“Staff development training on prayer in schools is an option for every school district in required teacher training. Unfortunately, many school districts do not choose this option for training and teachers are not prepared adequately to handle questions or confusion regarding the minute of silence.”

Instructors must understand how to be neutral regarding religion in the classroom, said Paynter, a former teacher. Students can reflect, pray, meditate or do nothing during the minute of silence, and teachers must let students know that.

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

Posted: 8/08/07

BaptistWay Bible Series for August 19

Weeping in the night

• Lamentations 1:1-5, 12-22

By Corey Cornutt

Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene

The book of Lamentations captures sorrow in its purest form. The book is anonymously written by someone who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. The destruction of the city was so complete Jerusalem never again would be the same. It was as if the Jews were grieving over the death of a loved one.

The book of Lamentations is included in Jewish liturgy, being read on the day of commemoration of the destruction of the temple. Likewise, the Roman Catholic Church includes Lamentations in its liturgy during the final three days of the Holy Week.

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This liturgical use probably arises from the structure of Lamentations. Each poem, with the exception of the fifth one, is an acrostic. Every line begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. This could have been the author’s attempt either to help readers memorize the poems or to show the readers the complete “A to Z” destruction of Jerusalem and the holy temple.

A horrific tragedy (Lamentations 1:1-5)

In verse 1, Jerusalem is called both a widow and a princess who has become a slave. This shows the great disparity between the Jerusalem that was a city to be envied and what Jerusalem became after the Babylonian defeat—smoldering ruins left in the wake of a superior power. The Jews identity as God’s chosen people was very important to their faith, and now that identity was gone.

To add insult to injury, verse 5 indicates that while Jerusalem is going through disaster, her enemies are prospering. There is nothing worse than suffering while those you dislike thrive. This is the same thing many Americans experienced as they watched news channels broadcast pictures of Al Qaeda members celebrating in the streets combined with pictures of a smoldering New York City in the wake of 9/11. To reflect on our own history, that also was probably what African slaves felt under their American masters and others who profited from the cotton trade before the American Civil War.

Perhaps the tragedy hits hardest as described in Lamentations 2:11-12. The author speaks of shedding tears at the sight of children fainting in the streets from extreme hunger because even food was becoming a rarity for the defeated Jews. Sorrow and suffering are experienced most purely when one looks into the eyes of a hurting child.

You are correct if you think that we, as Americans, could never fully understand the plight of the Jews in Lamentations. We can, however, find a measure of similarity to Lamentations in our own experiences. All of us have undergone some type of loss, whether it be suffering in our own lives or sorrow over the death of a loved one. Likewise, people all over the world face suffering daily, whether it be feeling the pangs of starvation or hiding from a corrupt government.

Our country also has experienced great times of loss. Take these few words and phrases for example: the Challenger, Pearl Harbor, Columbine, 9/11, Oklahoma City bombing, Hurricane Katrina, Space Shuttle Columbia, Vietnam, Iraq and, most recently, the Virginia Tech shootings. No country will ever be free from tragedy. But why do such tragedies occur?

The reason for tragedy (Lamentations 1:12-22)

Throughout the entire book, the author attributes Jerusalem’s suffering to God alone. Verse 13 is a prime example—where God acts against Jerusalem in all four statements. I’m sure many of the Jews were questioning God: “Why, O Lord, would you forsake us and bless those evildoers?” The answer, however, had already been provided.

In 2 Chronicles 36:15-16, we learn God was angry at his people for continually breaking the holy law. Yet God had compassion on the people and sent messenger after messenger telling them to repent from their wicked ways. But alas, they never repented, and God’s wrath burned so hotly against them there was no remedy. God had to act. The author of Lamentations reminds his readers in verse 18 that God is righteous, and they are being punished for their rebellion against God.

Can such a tragedy happen again? Is America in danger due to its current trend towards ungodliness? Some might think so. We know that on this side of the cross, however, there is no longer one specific country that is God’s chosen. The church is now where God resides. So should the church be afraid?

Some think God actively punished the Jews himself when they were overthrown. Others think that God merely removed his hedge of protection around Jerusalem because of their transgressions. Perhaps God was letting them live with the results of their sin. Maybe he had just “given them enough rope to hang themselves.”

Whatever the case, no one should disobey the word of God. As individuals and churches, we must consistently live in harmony with God’s will. Otherwise—whether it be God’s direct punishment, his removal of protection, or living with the consequences of our sin—tragedy is inevitable.

Discussion question

• How might you and/or your church be taking God’s grace and protection for granted?

• What are some ways God has protected you from your sin and/or the sin of others?

• What would your life be like if that protection were non-existent.

• How can committing to obey God’s commands show your gratitude for God’s presence in your life?

Corey Cornutt is a master of divinity student at Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon Seminary in Abilene.

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

Posted: 8/08/07

Bible Studies for Life Series for August 19

When sickness strikes

• 2 Kings 5:1-5; 8-16

By David Harp

First Baptist Church, Stanton

I was 18 years old and bulletproof. It was my senior year in high school. The world was at my fingertips. Many years before, I had made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, regardless.

On Sundays I worshipped God at Belmont Baptist Church in Pueblo, Colo. The sad truth of my life is that I had become a “secret service” Christian. I had managed to compartmentalize my life. On Sundays, my friends were church people. The rest of the week, I lived my life apart from God with the friends I made with my own winning personality. Sports and friends became my personal god.

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In the fall of 1975, I suddenly became ill. My illness started with a whimper—influenza. No big deal for an 18-year-old who was bulletproof and invincible. But the flu wouldn’t go away. Each day brought a new and mysterious symptom. Until that point, I had only seen a doctor when the school required me to do so for a physical. Those days were over for Mr. Bulletproof.

The next year of my life I became all too familiar with the medical community. I won’t bore you with all my details; you probably have your own. I will tell you that it took three months in 1975 for me to receive my diagnosis: Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Translation: French Polio. What began with a whimper now ravaged my weak and frail body. I lost all ability to walk because paralysis had taken over my body slowly and painstakingly.

In the words of the remarkable Presbyterian minister and chaplain to the U.S. Senate, Peter Marshall, God was tapping me on the shoulder. What would I do? Where could I turn? Would I be healed from this disease?

Our lesson this week seeks an answer to a question we have asked for ourselves or for a loved one: How can I know God cares for me when I’m sick?

Sickness can strike anyone (2 Kings 5:1-5)

In a few phrases in these verses, we learn Naaman was a remarkable man. Naaman was a high-ranking officer in the Syrian army. We might call him a four-star general. Scripture calls him “A great man with his master.” Naaman was trustworthy and important. He garnered the respect of his fellow man. Naaman was secure, responsible, honorable and brave. Naaman was also very sick; he had contracted leprosy.

Leprosy is a serious skin disease that can begin with a mild form of foot fungus and can lead to skin lesions where the skin literally falls away from the body. Leprosy often has been referred to as the cancer or AIDS disease of the ancient world.

Naaman was strong, powerful, and influential, but with leprosy, he also was very vulnerable. How long could he keep his powerful position? How long would it be before the disease took such control that he no longer could lead other men? When we are sick we are faced with our own limitations.

Naaman searches for a prophet of God so that he can be healed. Naaman is desperate and needs a cure. God uses ordinary people along the way. A servant girl suggests a cure might be possible through God’s prophet, Elisha. Naaman prepares and searches and finally finds God’s prophet, Elisha.

In error, Naaman thought he could purchase God’s healing. Surely God would be moved when he saw Naaman’s resources, strength and prominence.

Naaman is in a bargaining mood with God. Could he buy his healing?

God’s ways are not always understood (2 Kings 5:8-12)

Naaman is not the first person to seek an audience with God based on his own credentials. Surely Naaman’s wealth and prestige would gain this four-star general an audience with God or God’s prophet. Naaman brought with him horses and chariots—surely God would be impressed! Of course, we know God is not impressed with Naaman’s horses and chariots. God’s ways are not always understood!

The scene is set. Naaman stands outside the prophet Elisha’s house with his impressive collection of men and money. Instead of a personal audience with God or his mighty prophet, an unknown household servant peeks through the door, steps outside and gives him a most unusual message. In effect he says: “Elisha says to go dip in the river seven times and you’ll be fine. Have a nice day!” The door shuts and the servant is gone.

The seasoned soldier stands speechless. His neatly-pressed uniform must have wrinkled along with his confused face. God’s prophet didn’t even bother to come to the door himself. God’s prophet was seemingly unimpressed with Naaman’s entourage. What a humiliating set of instructions he gave. Scripture tells us Naaman was furious.

Naaman expected God and God’s prophet to take him seriously. Naaman also expected God and God’s prophet to take his illness seriously. Naaman wanted to hear Elisha personally say, “Well this is going to take some doing, but I think we can motivate God to work in the way we ask him to.”

Sound familiar? As we read these verses, we witness pride on parade. How often have we said, “I want God to work and move on my terms, in my way, according to my merit?” God’s ways are different.

God’s grace is available (2 Kings 5:13-16)

Naaman came dangerously close to missing out on God’s power and healing. Naaman would have to abandon his own personal ways for the ways of God. Was this strong and impressive general a big enough man to recognize his limitations? Could the general follow orders no matter how simple? Fortunately, in our passage, we are told that God uses ordinary people like Naaman’s servants. They urge him to follow orders. Naaman, the general used to giving orders, proves he also can follow orders. He goes to the Jordan River and immerses himself seven times.

Naaman receives healing from God alone. The mystery and simplicity of Naaman’s healing prompts us to praise God alone. No puff of smoke or loud trumpets playing. Elisha is not the source of God’s healing, cleansing power. The water is not magical. God uses ordinary people.

In my life, I had to learn no one is bulletproof. When sickness comes, we value health. God used ordinary people in my own life—doctors, physical therapists and a desperate patient. I made God a promise when I was at my lowest. I promised God if he would let me walk again, my steps would move in his direction.

Ken Gire, in his book The North Face of God, says: “When suffering shatters the carefully kept vase that is our lives, God stoops to pick up the pieces. But he doesn’t put them back together as a restoration project patterned after our former selves. Instead, he sifts through the rubble and selects some of the shards as raw material for another project—a mosaic that tells the story of redemption.”

The only answer to Naaman’s healing is the invisible and invincible Lord. In my experience, God alone always has been faithful.

Discussion questions

• Do you believe in healing?

• Why does God sometimes choose not to heal?

• What role does obedience play in this miracle?

• What have you learned from “God’s tap on your shoulder?”

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

Posted: 8/08/07

Explore the Bible Series for August 19

Living in covenant relationship

• Malachi 2:1-16

By Kathryn Aragon

First Baptist Church, Duncanville

There is no greater bond than covenant relationship. Although we see many depictions of this relationship throughout the Old Testament, none is greater than the covenant of salvation.

Covenant signifies agreement. In the case of salvation, this means we agree with God about our sinful nature and our inability to live up to God’s standard of perfection. Having agreed with God, we enter into Jesus’ death, allowing his blood to wash away the sins of the “old man” while giving life to the “new man.”

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This covenant is made at God’s expense. The debt of sin, which is far too heavy for us to carry, is removed. But it was meant to be replaced by a debt that is no burden at all, that of thankfulness, reverence and awe. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Hebrews 8:10).

Jesus’ invitation, then, is to covenant relationship: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me … . For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Covenant relationship is binding

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple, separating us from the Holy of Holies, was torn in two. Through this, God signified we would no longer need an earthly high priest. Instead, Jesus is the High Priest who mediates for us with God. It also signifies each of us can enter a priestly role, relating to God personally and individually.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

God’s plan is perfect. Unfortunately, we aren’t. How easy it is to enter God’s grace, give a sigh of relief, and then fail to draw near to God. Or fail to love God sincerely. How easy it is to continue in our sin, turning our backs on our covenant with God. “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left” (Hebrews 10: 26).

Is it any wonder God is offended? He made the perfect plan, waited patiently for the fullness of time, and sacrificed his own Son, Jesus. He offers a “covenant of life and peace.” Our response should be awe. How can it be that the majestic God of all creation, whose throne is heaven and whose footstool is earth, should favor us with his love. Yet in his perfection, he can’t help himself. God is love, after all.

In speaking of his covenant with Levi, God says, “My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin” (v. 5-6). God already has given us life and peace. We are bound to give God reverence.

Covenant relationship is eternal

The most wonderful thing about salvation is the magnitude of the gift. It gives us life and peace not only in this world, but for eternity. However, since the blessings of covenant relationship last forever, the consequences of ignoring covenant requirements also must be eternal.

When we fail to give God the reverence he deserves, we cheat God. Having accepted his grace in salvation, we now are in his debt. Of course, God intends the debt to be light. He only asks that we repay him with thankfulness and obedience. Unfortunately, because of the nature of covenants, when we fail to perform our part of the covenant, Malachi says we bring curses upon ourselves.

Not only does disregard for God bring curses on us individually, it also brings curses on our descendants. When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, he told him, “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:5).

Although we don’t like to think about God in the same sentence with curses, we can’t deny what God says. There are consequences for not honoring him. We can, however, take comfort in the fact that God’s blessings far outweigh his curses. Notice the curses will affect our children, grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren. Now notice how many of our descendants will be blessed by our commitment to covenant relationship with God. God prefers to bless us, but sometimes he must resort to drastic measures to get our attention. Cursing our blessings is just that: a drastic measure meant to discipline his children.

Because each of us has access to God, just as the priests did in the time of Malachi, God’s rebuke applies to us. “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction” (v. 7).

Yet we can’t preserve something we don’t have. Covenant relationship means we must know God, and we can know him only if we spend time with him. We must commit to learning God’s heart through prayer and reading the Bible. As the Psalmist writes, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1).

We must learn to stay focused on the generous gift of covenant relationship and show our thanks to God by honoring and reverencing him. Malachi reminds us disobedience brings curses on our blessings. But how much more will the God of love bless our curses if we turn to him with our whole hearts? “‘I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue,’ says the Lord Almighty” (v. 4). Let’s step into the fullness of covenant relationship, and let’s step into blessing.

Discussion questions

• Why is it difficult for us to reverence God as he deserves?

• What does it mean to have “true instruction” in our mouths?

• Can we do this without seeming too dogmatic?

• Does being saved protect us from God’s anger?

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

Posted: 7/20/07

Effective children’s ministry more than numbers

By Robert Dilday

Virginia Religious Herald

An effective children’s ministry is more than an appendage to a congregation’s programming: It’s an integral part of a church’s mission and vision, children’s ministry leaders say.

Although it’s tempting to evaluate the success of children’s ministry by the numbers—attendance or professions of faith in Christ, for instance—other ways sometimes are more effective, the leaders report.

“I don’t think churches that have all the bells and whistles are necessarily doing the best ministry,” observed Diane Smith, children’s ministry specialist for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. “I’ve seen some church functions for children where there are so many kids, it’s easy for them to get lost in the crowd.”

Instead, it’s better to evaluate children’s ministry in light of its role in the overall life of the church.

“I would look at the vision of a specific church’s ministry to children and see how it is incorporated into the larger mission of the church,” said Deborah Upton, associate pastor for children’s ministries at First Baptist Church in Richmond, Va. “When there is clarity about that, other pieces fall into place.”

“I always hope children’s ministry will be seen as an integral part of the church,” said Carol Kleckner, children’s minister at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston. “It’s not a kingdom unto itself, anymore than any ministry in the church is. What we do in children’s ministry impacts every family member.”

Evaluating children’s ministry means asking:

• Are the child’s attitudes changed?

“One of the most effective ways—though a difficult way—of evaluating children’s ministry is if you see biblical concepts being lived out in the life of the child,” Smith said. “Are they showing kindness or patience? Are they making good choices, basing decisions on what God would have them do?”

“I’ve developed a variety of discipleship classes for children … to help them examine their faith,” Upton said. “There need to be places where children can discuss specific topics of their faith more in depth than is possible in Sunday school.”

See Related Articles: • LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME: Children need worship role models • Effective children's ministry more than numbers • Ministry to children changes moms' & dads' lives, too

Among the classes Upton developed was “‘T’ is Tithing” and another on prayer, in which children practiced a variety of ways to pray. She’s developing a class on service—giving children an opportunity to experiment with several church ministry opportunities.

At Dallas Baptist University, students training to become children’s ministers use an interview process to discover how children feel about their church and their faith.

“It’s not an invasive thing to measure children against each other, but a process that gives us a clue about how they’re feeling about church and their understanding of key spiritual concepts,” said Tommy Sanders, director of DBU’s master’s degree in Christian education/childhood ministry.

Sanders’ students use a standardized measure of biblical learning. “One of my goals is not so much to gain the information as to equip students to learn how to talk to boys and girls. Often, we don’t do a good job at talking to children,” he explained.

• How do other members of the church relate to the children?

“How welcome are the children in congregation—with members who are not involved in teaching children?” Smith questioned. “Are children involved in the life of the church, or do they have to wait until they make a profession of faith? If you look at the biblical model, children were included in the church’s life from birth, not just after they became Christians. Is the church actively looking for ways to involve children and their families?”

• How involved are parents?

“What is the church doing to equip parents to be faith shapers?” Smith asked. “That should be the No. 1 question.”

The DBU program has focused on ways to involve parents and connect them to children’s ministry, Sanders said.

“Sunday school has kind of taken spiritual education away from parents,” he noted. “The education and training of parents (to shape their children spiritually) is as important as anything we do at church and may be the most important thing we do. We’ve missed that because Sunday school is so important to Baptists. But in the past—before Sunday school was developed—spiritual instruction was the parents’ responsibility. Since then, it’s become the church’s responsibility.”

In response, Sanders, former children’s minister at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, helped the church develop a mandatory four-hour class for parents who want to have their babies dedicated.

• How involved outside of church are teachers and others leaders in lives of children they teach?

“The first thing I notice in a new situation is the relationship between the Sunday school teacher and the children,” Kleckner said. “It’s especially noteworthy when you see older children on a Sunday morning going back to speak to a teacher they had in the second or third grade.

“When children know the teacher cares about them, greets them every week, contacts them when they’re absent—that’s what the kids remember.

“Teachers should be making contact with the children in a variety of shapes and forms—phone calls, cards, e-mails, just stopping by and chatting.”

• Is the church keeping up with trends in child care and education—such as security and safety?

“These are very big issues right now,” Upton said. “Parents want to know that their kids are safe. Churches need to meet the challenge of improving their facilities and procedures to accommodate those concerns.”

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

Storylist for week of 7/23/07

TAKE ME TO: Top Story |  Texas |  Opinion |  Baptists |  Faith & Culture |  Book Reviews |  Classifieds  |  Departments  |  Bible Study



• Pope's assertion finds parallels in Baptist successionism

• Baptists, other Christians push for reform in farm bill



• LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME: Children need worship role models

Special Report: Children's Ministry
• LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME: Children need worship role models

• Effective children's ministry more than numbers

• Ministry to children changes moms' & dads' lives, too


• Shores to lead Buckner ministry to Mexico, Border

• Court affirms religious obligation in case pitting sacred vs. secular

• Border, upstate churches team up to press gospel deep into Mexico

• Pieces fall in place to restore passion

• A truly ‘heavenly' cup of coffee

• On the Move

• Around the State

• Texas Tidbits


• Baptist bloggers start hanging out together in the same SBC ‘outpost'


• Harry Potter, move aside. Christian fantasy has arrived

• Urban population crunch prompts crowds in church

• Want your kids to keep faith? Take a chance on college degree

• Faith Digest


• Books reviewed in this issue: Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World by Craig Kielburger and Marc Kielburger, The Divine Appointment by Jerome Teel and The Sermon on the Mount: A Theological Investigation by Carl G. Vaught.


• Classified Ads

• Cartoon

• Texas Baptist Forum

• On the Move

• Around the State


• EDITORIAL: At least the pope cleared the air

• DOWN HOME: It's not too late to say some things

• TOGETHER: Ministers need time for rest & renewal

• 2nd Opinion: Immigration & evangelism

• RIGHT or WRONG? Non-smoking ordinances

• Texas Baptist Forum

• Cybercolumn by John Duncan: Above, where Christ is



• BaptistWay Bible Series for July 22: All for nothing

• Bible Studies for Life Series for July 22: Sharing Christ in All Places

• Explore the Bible Series for July 22: Zechariah calls us to dependence

• BaptistWay Bible Series for July 29: Toward a more meaningful life

• Bible Studies for Life Series for July 29: Agreeing on the basics

• Explore the Bible Series for July 29: Zechariah calls us to integrity


Previously Posted
• Baptists' statewide efforts pull Texas out of floods

• Flips flops. Bibles. Teenagers: YEC cultivates relationships with God

• BGCT jumpstarts evangelism efforts, releases plans for “Engage”

• Baylor hospital ranks among best in U.S.

• Philanthropic Texas Baptist family issues challenge for BJC campaign

• World Changers bridge generation gap with a helping hand

• Football trip focuses more on winning souls than on winning games

• Late-in-life parents count their blessings, beginning with their son

• Sports camp gives children hope

• In spite of disabilities, author sees life from ‘the bright side'

• Baylor student's Middle East mission a lifetime in the making

• Cromartie, Land again officers for religious-freedom panel

• BGCT seeks to open doors for women's ministry

• Jamaican pastor elected BWA general secretary in historic vote

• Baptist alliance celebrates global freedom

• BWA celebrates freedom, promotes reconciliation

• BWA leaders at Ghana gathering call for repentance, forgiveness for slavery

• Accrediting association reprimands Criswell College due to finances

• CBF meets with American Baptists for centennial celebration

• Truett's famed religious liberty sermon recreated at D.C. event


• See articles from the previous 7/09/07 issue here.

Posted: 8/03/07

Participants at Blume—formerly known as the National Acteens Convention— sing praises to God.

Young women challenged to live
the ‘amazing life’ on mission with God

By Julie Walters

Woman’s Missionary Union

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—More than 3,000 teenaged and collegiate young women were challenged to live “the amazing life” during Blume, a missions event sponsored by national Woman’s Missionary Union.

Texas had the largest representation of any state at the event—formerly known as the National Acteens Convention—with 349 participants.

National Acteens Panelists—including Tiffany Clark of First Baptist Church in Humble (2nd from left) share their personal prayer and challenge with Blume participants during the opening session of the missions meeting. Other panelists pictured are (left to right) Juliana Robbins of Calvary Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Tenn.; Brittany Burdine of University Hills Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C.; and Tara Hammett of First Baptist Church, Minden, La.

During five general sessions, keynote speaker Clella Lee of Fayetteville, N.C., used an analogy to TV reality contest show The Amazing Race, and she asked the girls to consider what is necessary to live “the amazing life.”

Her answer, which she and other speakers, including international and North American missionaries, developed over five general sessions, was to live out the commands in Luke 10:27—to love God holistically and to love one’s neighbor.

“God wants you to have an amazing, fulfilling and purposeful life,” Lee encouraged. “That’s why he made you, and that’s why he died for you. The amazing life is not a way to life; it’s a way of life—and you have to choose it.

“It is God’s plan for you to be God’s instrument in the world to carry out his plan, just as you are.”

At the conclusion of one evening session, 81 girls responded to an invitation to make a faith commitment.

Lauren Brown (left) of Minden, La., and Sarah Martin (right) of New Johnsonville, Tenn., show pony tails of Brown’s hair that she donated to Locks of Love. Martin, a recipient of hair pieces from Locks of Love, snipped the locks of Brown’s hair on stage during the first general session of Blume.

Of those, 10 made professions of faith in Christ, 26 indicated God was leading them into missions as a life direction, and many others rededicated their lives to Christ or wanted someone to pray with them about a specific need or decision.

As part of the breakout sessions, an elaborate interactive area featured opportunities for participants to learn more about various ministries, join in hands-on missions efforts, experience different cultures, and explore how they can use their gifts and passions to further the kingdom of God, Blume Coordinator Kym Mitchell explained.

Of the 100 collegiate girls who attended Blume, 25 walked more than a mile to the Kansas City Rescue Mission, a men’s shelter and soup kitchen in the heart of downtown.

They stood in line with other shelter guests to get their food, then later spent the night on the floor of a warehouse across the street. This eye-opening evening was part of a poverty simulation experience led by Jimmy and Janet Dorrell of Mission Waco.

“It was nice to put faces to this issue” of poverty, said Rachel Gerke, a member of Reynoldsburg Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio.

“We talk about the marginalized, but it was cool to actually sit and talk with them. It was humbling.

“It’s easy to think we have it all together, and we may have a good heart or we may think we have it better than them. But I don’t have anything on my own. It’s all of God.”

As part of Blume, girls were given an opportunity to put their faith into action by learning about and supporting several ministries.

Jean Cullen, national WMU ministry consultant who heads up the organization’s International Initiatives, made a powerful visual impact with a paper chain made of links of written prayers which girls penned for victims of human trafficking in Moldova during their time in the Blume interactive area.

Jena Lee, the executive director of Blood:Water Mission, a ministry dedicated to providing clean water to Africans and founded by Christian rock band Jars of Clay, was on hand to tell the girls about their 1000 Wells Project.

In the “Welcome to Moldova” exhibit, girls wound their way through a maze, their path based on tough life decisions presented at each doorway.

The exhibit was designed to help the girls understand life for many in Moldova—how thousands of girls become enslaved by human trafficking—and how the Beginning of Life Foundation can help.

This ministry seeks to help victims of human trafficking by providing them with safe housing, education and job skills training, and Christian counseling and discipleship.

At the end of the maze, participants were encouraged to write a prayer for girls in Moldova and add it to the prayer chain made of paper links.

A classroom and petting zoo filled with goats and a pig were set up to invite girls to learn about the Ricks Institute in Liberia, a K–12 school for children of the war-torn region.

It purchases livestock for children, who receive the immediate benefits of the animal, such as milk or meat from the offspring.

In addition, they learn animal husbandry skills, enabling their families to earn a living.

In the Locks of Love salon, girls personally gave to the ministry by donating their hair to be made into hairpieces for children with long-term medical hair loss.

With additional reporting by Amy Richardson, Jennifer Harris and Shea Vailes

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

Posted: 8/03/07

Sherri Manning (left), manager of the Agape Thrift Store in Evant, visits with volunteer Carolyn Huncke.

Store offers help for needy and youth ministry

By Whitney Farr

Communications Intern

EVANT—Coffee addicts might not mind paying $4 for a frappe, but Agape Thrift Store in Evant sold a brand new espresso machine for a mere three bucks.

Coffee drinkers may not be the only ones paying too much. Every item in Agape is sold for $1, unless otherwise marked.

First Baptist Church in Evant opened Agape Thrift Store March 24 to aid needy people in its community by providing discounted clothing, housewares, furniture and other items, and to fund the congregation’s youth and children’s programs.

“This town is 25 miles away from a Wal-Mart, and that is a lot of money in gas, so people go here first to look for what they need,” Pastor David Bonnet said.

As the only English-speaking Baptist church in a town of 393 people, First Baptist felt called to minister to the children and youth in the community. The church, which averages 55 during Sunday services, was going into the red each month trying to fund its youth ministry.

Bill and Sherri Manning, who are now the managers of Agape, shared the idea of creating a thrift store that would meet the needs of the church youth ministry while responding to the needs of the people in Evant.

“If folks come in and they really need something, they don’t have to pay. We also provide a lot of clothing to go into Mexico,” volunteer Joe Lee said. “It’s part of our mission in life to help the unfortunate.”

Not long ago, a needy man passing through Evant on a bike sought help from First Baptist. The church took him to the thrift store and gave him much-needed clothing, shoes and personal items.

“It’s intended to be one big act of love in our community,” Bonnet said.

Lives have been touched, and the community of Evant has gotten closer since the store’s opening, Sherri Manning said.

“You have to help the physical needs of people before you can minister to their souls,” she said. “One woman came into the store saying she hadn’t been very faithful in her walk with Christ, but that the Christian music we were playing touched her heart. Just music—it planted a seed.”

Shoppers find surprises on the shelves every week as new items are donated, including plenty of hunting gear, said Lisa Bonnet, pastor’s wife and youth minister at First Baptist.

“We were wondering at first how many donations we would receive in a town this small, but the people have been remarkable—we receive a lot of new stuff,” Lee said. “I never thought we would be this blessed.”

Carolyn Huncke was out of town when her youth group was raising funds for camp, so she volunteered at Agape and received credit toward camp. A lot of interesting things are donated to the store, according to Huncke.

“They have this nose-picker that you plug into the wall and it has a finger,” Huncke said. “It’s still there, surprisingly.”

Agape Thrift Store is located on Brooks road, just off of US-281 in Evant, and is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Posted: 8/03/07

Community North Church in McKinney has broken ground on a multi-use building. It will be the first phase of a four-phase building plan. The two-story stone-exterior structure will include both worship and fellowship hall space and will feature stained glass. Offices and classrooms also are included. Participating in the groundbreaking from left were Blanca Garcia, Don Hild, Mabel Lois Rutledge, Will Alexander, Burton Douglas, Larry Vowell of Collin Association, Rick Ballard of Collin Association, Pastor Bruce Austin, Ed Bratton, Linda Young and Barbara Francis.

Around the State

• Brian Carter has been presented the Douglas MacArthur Freedom Medal by Howard Payne University. The medal is awarded to individuals for their role in preserving Judeo-Christian values, Western heritage and the free enterprise system. Carter, a graduate of HPU’s Academy of Freedom program, was chosen to receive the award in honor of his service in the Marine Corps, including a recent tour of duty in Iraq, according to Justin Murphy, director of the Academy of Freedom.

• The Baylor Board of Regents has approved formation of the Baylor Advanced Research Institute. It will provide faculty with industrially funded research opportunities, student internships and graduate faculty funding to meet the scientific challenges of the future. The institute’s goal is to narrow the gap between discoveries in Baylor’s research laboratories and their practical application in industry.

• Dallas Baptist University has announced additions to its faculty. Included are Joe Cook, assistant professor of counseling; Scott Jeffries, assistant professor of library science and reference librarian; Caia McCullar, professor of music; Amie Sarker, assistant professor of education; and Stephen Stookey, professor of Christian history and leadership studies.

• Ted Barnes has been named dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

• Candace Desrosiers has been named director of university events and conferences at Houston Baptist University.

Joel and Angela Jolley
Truman and Becky Oakley

• Two couples with Texas ties were among the 84 missionaries appointed recently by the International Mission Board. Joel and Angela Jolley will serve in western Europe as church starters. Both attended Dallas Baptist University. He was pastor of Iglesia Nueva Vida in Irving from 2003 until early this year. Oak View Church in Irving is their home church. They have two children—Elizabeth, 8, and Abigail, 3. Truman and Becky Oakley will serve in central, eastern and southern Africa as church starters. He previously served as minister of youth at First Church in Post and Northside Church in Weatherford. She directed the mother’s day out programs at Northside Church in Weatherford and First Church in Canton. The Canton church is their home church. They have two children—Samantha, 10, and Truman, 5.

Anniversaries

• Brian Hill, fifth, as minister of education at First Church in Levelland, July 29.

• Jack Chelf, fifth, as pastor of First Church in Rockdale, Aug. 11.

• Emmanuel Church in Houston, 100th, Aug. 19. A time of fellowship will begin at 10 a.m., and the worship service will begin at 10:45 a.m. An unveiling and dedication of an official Texas historical marker will follow. A lunch also is planned. For more information, call (713) 869-1786. Arlis Fuller and Raul Hidalgo are copastors.

• First Church in Mineral Wells, 125th, Sept. 15-16. A reception and a viewing of historical displays will be held Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Included is a collection of photographs and memorabilia of weddings held throughout the history of the church. Sunday morning’s worship service will be followed by a catered lunch. Tickets for the lunch are $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for children 10 years old and younger. To purchase tickets to the lunch or for more information, call (940) 325-2523. Mark Bumpus is pastor.

Retiring

• Paul Wheelus, as pastor of Country Chapel in Denison, May 6. He served the church six years and was in the ministry 60 years. He also was pastor of North Park Church in Sherman, First Church in Brenham, First Church in Fairview, and Bounds Church in Powderly, as well as churches in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. He and his wife, Monnie Marie, live in Sherman.

• Harold Cook, as director of missions of FIRM Area, where he has served 15 years, Aug. 31. Among churches he served as pastor are First Church in Taylor, where he also had a 15-year tenure, and First Church in Godley. A celebration of his ministry is planned Sept. 8, beginning at noon at First Church in Cameron with a catered meal. The cost of the meal is $7 and reservations are required. A general reception will follow at 1:30 p.m. To make reservations, call (254) 697-6505.

Deaths

• Ralph Caffey, 84, July 12 in Midland. He was licensed and ordained to the ministry at First Church in Trent in 1951. His ministry spanned 45 years and 15 full-time pastorates plus numerous interim pastorates in West Texas, California and North Dakota. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ladie Fred; daughters, Linda Russell, Dianne Haun and Deborah Heath; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

• George Oakes, 93, July 13 in Dallas. Oakes was a missionary to Brazil from 1951 to 1979. After returning from South America, he served as associate pastor at Cockrell Hill Church in Dallas. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy; sons, Philip and Tim; and four grandchildren.

• William Clardy, 50, July 24 at Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool. He died after being struck by lightning while hiking with two of his sons. Both his sons also suffered injuries, but his 18-year-old son, Andrew, managed to secure help. Clardy was pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in San Antonio, where he had served three years. Clardy had retired from the Air Force and formerly was associate pastor of Crestview Church in Midland. He is survived by his wife, Tawnya; sons, William, Andrew and Stephen; mother, Alice; and brothers, David and Mark.

Events

• First Church in Howe has commissioned Jack and Sondra Leavenworth as Mission Service Corps volunteers. Roger Tidwell is pastor.

• Blake Bolerjack will perform at First Church in Carrollton Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Songs will range from gospel to contemporary. Admission is free. Brent Taylor is pastor.

• The Franz Family, a bluegrass/acoustic gospel group, will perform at First Church in Dennis Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. An offering will be taken. Danny Shearman is pastor.

Licensed

• Robert Jay Mills to the ministry at Crescent Heights Church in Abilene.

• Rick Carney to the ministry at Bones Chapel in Whitesboro.

Ordained

• Adrian Ramirez to the ministry at Iglesia Hispana in Groveton.

Revival

• Mount Sylvan Church in Mount Sylvan; Aug. 12-15; evangelist, Charles Dodson; music, Norris Cash; pastor, Robert Davenport.

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

Posted: 8/03/07

Book Reviews

Sitting Strong: Wrestling with the Ornery God by Jeanie Miley (Smyth & Helwys)

Like Job, Jeanie Miley is acquainted with heart-wrenching grief. And like Job, her book offers the fortitude to “sit strong” in pain. That’s a far cry—and, frankly, a more realistic option—than “being strong.” This book is a guide for being able to “simply sit with your suffering, wrestling with it, arguing with God, and letting the old die so that the new can be born.”

With healing, renewing candor, Miley lauds an honest-with-God confrontation of life’s hardships. Rather than deny or denigrate them, she shows how to hold fast to God in the abyss of their pain. She teaches how to listen for the whisper of God’s grace even as the storms of life howl about.

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

Sitting Strong not only confronts the mind with its forthright acknowledgement of pain, evil and suffering, but it also soothes the heart. The straightforward prose of each chapter presses onward in exploration, while the original poetry that concludes them reaches beyond thoughful analysis to salve the soul.

Marv Knox, editor

Baptist Standard, Dallas

Find it in the Bible for Women: Lists, Lists, and More Lists by Bob Phillips (Howard Books)

For people fascinated by the World Almanac and Book of Facts, gripped by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, or enthralled by Google searches, Bob Phillips compiled Find it in the Bible for Women: Lists, Lists, and More Lists.

Phillips offers 50 lists, all related to women and everyday living. Bible characters range from “107 Nameless Women” and “6 Women of the Night” to “6 Gentile Queens” and “161 Who’s Who Women.”

While fun topics include “11 Helps for Worrywarts” and “15 Men Who Married More Than One Wife,” more serious enumerations contain “9 Passages to Consider in Seeking God’s Will” and “12 Things to Remember when Facing Fear.”

Christian leaders will discover a wealth of devotional material and sermon illustrations in Find it in the Bible for Women: Lists, Lists, and More Lists. For others, the book will provide endless fodder for conversation and trivia games. After all, who else could name “4 Hairy Men” and “15 Bad Hair Days”?

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, Waco

For God’s Sake, Shut Up! Lessons for Christians on How to Speak Effectively and When to Remain Silent by Brian Kaylor (Smyth & Helwys)

Brian Kaylor recounts seeing a sidewalk screamer/preacher who forced everyone to the other side of the street in order to avoid him. Kaylor remembers thinking, “For God’s sake, shut up,” not profanely, but because he honestly believed the speaker was driving people away from God as quickly as they were literally running away from him.

This stirred Kaylor into writing about how often Christians say something that in content or manner not only makes them look bad, but also hurts how people view God.

The book is divided into two sections. The first addresses seven common mistakes in communication to avoid, and the second covers steps toward becoming a more effective communicator.

Kaylor uses pertinent examples that almost everyone will recognize. His suggestions are thought-provoking and lead to self-examination. Anyone interested in shaping up their skills in communicating the good news of Jesus Christ will benefit from reading and applying the lessons of this easily readable book.

Van Christian, pastor

First Baptist Church, Comanche

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

Posted: 8/03/07

Baptist Briefs

Accrediting association reprimands Criswell College. A Bible college with close ties to the Southern Baptist fundamentalist movement is in danger of losing its accreditation due to financial problems. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced it has placed Criswell College on a one-year probation period for failure to comply with standards regarding financial stability and control of finances. The Dallas-based school’s finances have been under scrutiny by the accrediting agency for two years. While the association’s statement indicates Criswell displayed enough progress on “noncompliance” with SACS financial standards to prevent a complete withdrawal of accreditation, those advances apparently were not enough to return it to good standing with the association. SACS rules require it either to regain good standing after the two-year study period, continue accreditation but in a probationary period, or have its accreditation revoked entirely. SACS officials said they would continue studying the school’s finances and make another determination on Criswell’s status in June 2008.

Gushee migrates to Mercer. Ethicist and author David Gushee has been appointed distinguished university professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University. Gushee currently serves as a university fellow, Graves Professor of moral philosophy and senior fellow of the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Christian Leadership at Union University in Jackson, Tenn. At Mercer, he will be based in the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta and is expected to teach interdisciplinary ethics courses throughout the university. Gushee is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the College of William and Mary, where he earned an undergraduate degree. He received the master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a master of philosophy degree and a doctorate in Christian ethics from Union Theological Seminary in New York. Gushee is a columnist for Christianity Today and Associated Baptist Press, and he has written or edited nine books. Gushee, an ordained Baptist minister, is married to Jeanie, a homemaker, poet and nurse. They have four children: Holly, David, Marie, and Madeleine.

N.C. Baptist moral activist arrested. Coy Privette, chief of a Christian morality group and a former state legislator and Southern Baptist Convention leader, has been arrested on prostitution-related charges in North Carolina. Privette, the president of the Christian Action League, was charged with six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution. Privette’s alleged actions took place in a Rowan County hotel between May 4 and June 25. Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury, N.C., was charged with six counts of prostitution in connection with the investigation. Privette, 74, is a former trustee of the Christian Life Commission (now Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission), the Southern Baptist Convention’s moral-watchdog agency. He is a former trustee chair of the SBC’s Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. Privette, who is married, was freed from Rowan County jail on a written promise to appear in court Aug. 22. A State Bureau of Investigation spokesman said the investigation is ongoing. Privette could not be reached for comment. Privette is a current member of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and its executive committee. During a conference call, the board of the Christian Action League removed Privette as president, pending resolution of the charges. League Vice President David Hansley of Kinston, N.C., has assumed the duties of president.

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

Posted: 8/03/07

BWA creates young leaders network

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

The Baptist World Alliance has started a network of young people in an effort to develop its next generation of leaders.

More than 30 young leaders from around the world gathered before the BWA’s General Council meeting held recently in Ghana. They met one another and discussed issues they are facing.

Three Texans—John Petty, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville; Beverly Parrish, Texas A&M University Baptist Student Ministries associate director; and Blake Killingsworth, assistant to the Dallas Baptist University president—took part in the initial gathering of leaders.

Chris Liebrum, Baptist General Convention of Texas executive coordinator who helped organize the first young leaders’ meeting, said the gathering helped individuals from around the globe connect.

Parrish said she was blessed by the time she spent with other young leaders. Each person provided unique insight into what it is like being a Baptist where they are.

“It was a great opportunity to meet and spend time with Baptist leaders, basically my peers, from around the world,” she said. “It was very humbling and enriching just to see what being a Baptist and follower of Christ costs people around the world.”

Killingsworth indicated the worship service during the meeting provided a glimpse of heaven.

“I think that the first meeting went exceptionally well,” he said. “Everybody in the group found common ground through Christ, and even though we had different backgrounds and viewpoints, we saw value and worth in each other’s ministries. We wanted to know how we could pray and help each other, and when we worshipped together, each in our own language, it was an incredible glimpse into the future reality of every tongue and tribe gathering around the throne, praising the Risen Lamb.”

Each participant in the group, called the Emerging Leaders Network, was paired with a mentor from another country, and the group committed to meeting annually for the next three years.

Participants encouraged BWA leaders to expand the group, and Parrish said this young leaders group could help the alliance develop people who will lead for years to come.

“I think it’s a starting place of something that hopefully will grow,” she said.

 

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