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

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.

06/08/2007 - By John Rutledge

Ministers not immune from sexual addiction

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.

06/08/2007 - By John Rutledge

On the Move

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.

06/08/2007 - By John Rutledge

Cartoon

Posted: 6/08/07

06/08/2007 - By John Rutledge

RIGHT or WRONG? Censorship

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?

06/08/2007 - By John Rutledge

Former Baylor president’s death marks end of an era

Updated: 6/08/07

Former Baylor president’s
death marks end of an era

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

African American Fellowship President Edwards characterized as ‘quiet giant’

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.

06/07/2007 - By John Rutledge

Warren slated to speak at Texas Baptist annual meeting

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.

06/07/2007 - By John Rutledge

BaptistWay Bible Series for June17: Helpers who are no help

Posted: 6/07/07

BaptistWay Bible Series for June 17

Helpers who are no help

• Job 4:1-9; 8:1-6; 11:1-6, 13-15

Bible Studies for Life Series for June 17: Remember the Lord is God

Posted: 6/07/07

Bible Studies for Life Series for June 17

Remember the Lord is God

• Deuteronomy 8:1-14; 17-18

Explore the Bible Series for June 17: A call to remember who we are

Posted: 6/07/07

Explore the Bible Series for June 17

A call to remember who we are

• Nahum 1:1-3, 7-8; 3:1-7, 19

Cyber Column by Jinny Henson: The prize

Posted: 6/06/07

CYBER COLUMN: The prize

By Jinny Henson

Bang! The Independence Day cap gun exploded, and I dove quickly to the deep end of Maplewood Pool, just in the shadows of my church, Westbury Baptist. Scraping, clawing for the greasy watermelon, the 9-to-11-year-old girls as one collective force catapulted up the incline that separated the deep end from the shallow end. You know the spot in every community pool, across from the diving boards where snorkeled boys lie in wait.

I gulped frantically for air and dove back down to seize my slick prize.

06/06/2007 - By John Rutledge