Posted: 3/4/05

EDITORIAL:
Parents must keep eternity in mind

The woeful state of child protection saddens the soul and staggers the imagination. Multiplied thousands of Texas children suffer from abuse and neglect. A package of articles in this issue of the Standard describes that need and details how Baptist General Convention of Texas child care agencies are deployed to help children and strengthen their families.

But while the shortcomings of the state's Child Protective Services grab headlines, many well-meaning Christian parents benignly neglect the eternal spiritual needs of their children. We'll get to that point in a minute.

A new survey sheds light on America's parents. The Barna Group, the religion research organization headed by pollster/author George Barna, conducted the survey late last year.

Barna asked parents to name the qualities that contribute most significantly to “effectively raising children.” Patience was the No. 1 answer, listed by 36 percent of parents. Other qualities included demonstrating love (cited by 32 percent), enforcing discipline and being understanding (22 percent), faith commitment and identifiable religious beliefs (20 percent), good communication skills (17 percent), compassion (14 percent), listening (12 percent) and intelligence (11 percent).

While only 6 percent said setting goals was significant, parents readily ranked their goals for raising their children. The far-and-away leader was helping their kids get a good education, cited by 39 percent of parents. Second was helping their children feel loved (24 percent), followed by enabling their children to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ (22 percent), security (16 percent), helping children feel affirmed and encouraged (14 percent), providing a firm spiritual foundation (13 percent), delivering basic necessities such as shelter (12 percent) and food (10 percent), and helping their children feel happy (10 percent).

U.S. parents split evenly over whether they teach moral absolutes to their children, with 43 percent affirming moral absolutes and 45 percent denying them.

Unfortunately, the survey shows the faith commitment of parents does not significantly impact how children are raised. “We found that the qualities born-again parents say an effective parent must possess, the outcomes they hope to facilitate in the lives of their children … (are) indistinguishable from the approach taken by parents who are not born again,” Barna reported.

Even more discouraging are Christian parents' attitudes regarding their children's faith. Only 30 percent of born-again parents listed the salvation of their children as critical. “For that emphasis to not be on the radar screen of most Christian parents is a significant reason why most Americans never embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior,” Barna observed. “We know that parents still have a huge influence on the choices their children make, and we also know that most people either accept Christ when they are young or not at all. The fact that most Christian parents overlook this critical responsibility is one of the biggest challenges to the Christian church.”

He's absolutely right.

We understand the pathology of families that need Child Protective Services. Girls raised in this environment tend to be more promiscuous than girls raised in stable homes. Boys raised like this tend to be more violent and less responsible. So, these boys get these girls pregnant and leave them to raise their children alone. And the cycle starts again.

Ironically, Barna's research points to a spiritually destructive pathology in homes where Christian parents never would dream of physically abusing or neglecting their children. In 70 percent of those homes, guiding children to faith in Christ is not a parental priority.

This problem stems from at least two roots: First, too many Christians have an inadequate theology of salvation. They follow the secular stream of thought–being good is good enough. They really don't believe God would allow unredeemed sinners to spend eternity in hell. Second, too many Christian parents think the spiritual nurture of their children is somebody else's job. Just as they leave education to the schools, they leave spiritual nurture to the church. But studies consistently show parents provide the greatest, most lasting influence on their kids.

So, our churches must train parents. We must help them understand the doctrine of salvation by faith in Christ. We must help them accept their responsibility for raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Every child who falls through the Child Protective Services safety net suffers dire consequences. Every child who leaves a Christian home without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ may suffer eternal consequences.

Posted: 3/4/05

Religion front and center at Grammy awards

By Adelle Banks

Religion News Service

LOS ANGELES (RNS)–Religion played a prominent role at the Grammy Awards, with the late Ray Charles honored in the new gospel performance category and artist Kanye West winning in the top rap song category for “Jesus Walks.”

Charles posthumously won five awards, including one for gospel performance for “Heaven Help Us All,” a track from the Genius Loves Company album that featured him in a duet with Gladys Knight.

West's winning single was featured on the album The College Dropout. Last year that CD was pulled from consideration by the Stellar Gospel Music Awards because a nominating committee determined its overall selections–which included lyrics containing profanity–“were not in the best interest and spirit of gospel music.”

On the day before the ceremony, Mavis Staples accepted a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Staples Singers, a gospel and blues group known for “I'll Take You There.”

Other gospel category winners were:

Best rock gospel album–Wire by Third Day.

Best pop/contemporary gospel album–All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Best southern, country or bluegrass gospel album–Worship & Faith by Randy Travis.

Best traditional soul gospel album–There Will Be a Light by Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Best contemporary soul gospel album–Nothing Without You by Smokie Norful.

Best gospel choir or chorus album–Live … This Is Your House by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Posted: 3/4/05

Hispanic convocations set to train 1,000 volunteers

By Orville Scott

Special to the Baptist Standard

Hispanic Baptist Convocations of the Laity this year are expected to reach and train about 1,000 laymen to organize Brotherhood and Royal Ambassador chapters across the state, said Eli Rodriguez of Dallas, statewide coordinator for the program.

Last year, the one-day regional convocations and a statewide meeting trained volunteers who organized nearly 100 new Brotherhood and Royal Ambassador chapters, he noted.

“Our goal is to begin, in conjunction with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas and Baptist churches across the state, 100 more Brotherhood/Royal Ambassador chapters this year,” Rodriguez said.

The first regional convocations this year were at Iglesia Bautista in Houston and Iglesia Bautista Hillcrest in Tyler.

Other regional convocations will be held March 19 at Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church in Dallas, April 30 at First Hispanic Baptist Church in San Antonio, May 28 at Betania Baptist Church of Austin, July 23 in El Paso at a site to be determined and August 13 at First Mexican Baptist Church of Lubbock.

A statewide convocation of the laity is expected to draw about 400 people to Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center Oct. 13-15.

Key speakers include Alcides Guajardo of Mineral, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas; Roland Lopez, pastor of Northwest Hispanic Baptist Church, San Antonio; Marconi Monteiro, professor at Baptist University of the Americas, San Antonio; Javier Rios of Dallas, president of Varones Bautistas; Rick McClatchy, state Cooperative Baptist Fellowship coordinator; and Glenn Majors of Dallas, director of Cooperative Program planning for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

For information on the convocations, contact Eli Rodriguez at (214) 341-9435 or ERODRIGO@aol.com.

Posted: 3/4/05

STCH joins Buckner for Russia/Latvia mission trip

By Felicia Fuller

Buckner News Service

Buckner Orphan Care International and South Texas Children's Home will link arms and aims in Russia and Latvia July 31-Aug. 7.

Buckner maintains partnerships with the Russian and Latvian governments to help stabilize orphanage, foster and kinship care systems. Buckner Orphan Care International provides similar services in Guatemala and China. Buckner President Ken Hall will lead other mission trips April 30-May 15 to Guatemala and Oct. 13-23 to China.

This will be the second consecutive summer Hall has led a team to Latvia, a former Soviet block country on the Baltic Sea. Last year, a 25-member team from First Baptist Church of Longview traveled with Buckner to deliver food, shoes, clothing and other aid to children in several cities.

This summer, mission participants will distribute supplies, spread the gospel and build relationships with children and indigenous staff at area orphanages. From Latvia, the group will travel by train to St. Petersburg, Russia, where they will stay through Aug. 7.

In Russia, trip participants will tour established and emerging Buckner ministries. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Buckner Orphan Care International, which was formed in 1995 when Russian officials sought Buckner's counsel on ways to improve the country's orphanages. Today, BOCI partners with churches to serve children and families worldwide through humanitarian aid, mission trips, orphanage improvements and social services.

Referencing the joint trip with South Texas Children's Home, Hall said it lends greater credence to the cause when believers unite to serve others.

“Part of my role as president of Buckner is to cast a vision for our ministry. The more people who understand what we do, the easier that is to accomplish,” he explained.

South Texas Children's Home President Jerry Haag characterized the Russia and Lativa trip as “significant for South Texas Children's Home to learn how Buckner is meeting the needs of children worldwide. It's also very significant because it's our Baptist institutions joining together.”

Haag added his organization's travel objectives are threefold: “First is to meet the needs of the children we'll be visiting. Second is to gain experience and exposure to how Buckner is meeting the needs of children on an international basis. Finally, we want to make a determination of how STCH can meet the needs of children outside the South Texas area.

“Since 1952, STCH has been caring for the needs of children and families,” he continued.

“The method of that care has changed somewhat, but the mission is still the same–to meet the physical needs of those we care for while introducing them to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“How very grateful I am for how Buckner has reached out and made a profound impact on children throughout the world. It will be exciting for us to witness the impact firsthand.”

Posted: 3/4/05

On the Move

John Allen to Living Proof Church in Cleburne as minister of youth.

Steve Allen has resigned as associate pastor of North Shore Church in Lewisville.

Clif Anderson to First Church in Longview as minister of evangelism/recreation from Johns Creek Church in Alpharetta, Ga., where he was recreation minister.

Jeff Bankhead to Central Church in Italy as pastor from Casa View Church in Dallas, where he was associate pastor and minister of education.

Mark Bass to First Church in Lillian as minister of youth.

Tracy Bearden has resigned as minister of youth at First Church in Mineral Wells.

Roy Canada to Westlake Chapel in Graham as interim pastor.

Landon Darilek has resigned as youth minister at First Church in Gorman.

Jonathan Fox to Windsor Park Church in DeSoto as student minister from Parkview Church in Mesquite.

Mark Fulmer to Brazos River Church in Granbury as pastor.

Wayne Gadman to Immanuel Church in Paris as minister of music and education.

Dennis Gibbons to Downtown First Church of Texarkana as pastor from Open Door Church in Queen City.

Samuel Glenn to Peniel Church in Greenville as pastor.

Roger Hall to First Church in Waxahachie as interim business administrator.

Ward Hudson has resigned as pastor of New Hope Community Fellowship in Venus.

Terry Hughes to First Church in New Boston as minister of adult education and outreach.

Jeremy Johnston to Colonial Hills Church in Cedar Hill as youth/children's minister.

Keith Kamman has resigned as minister to single adults at First Church in Conroe.

Bill Klinglesmith to Marystown Church in Burleson as pastor, where he had been interim.

Joe Leathers has resigned as pastor of First Church in Guthrie.

Joe Loughlin has resigned as pastor of Harris Creek Church in McGregor to begin Rekindle Ministries, a speaking and writing ministry of spiritual renewal directed toward ministers, missionaries and lay leaders.

Herman Martinez to Iglesia de los Vaqueros in Waxahachie as interim pastor.

Bob McCarty to Liberty Church in Avinger as pastor.

Tom Ogburn to First Church in Oklahoma City, Okla., as pastor. He had been associate coordinator for volunteer and partnership missions for Global Missions of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Dallas.

Marion Palmer to LifeSpring Fellowship in Corinth as pastor.

Uvaldo Quintela to Principe de Paz in Flower Mound as pastor.

Lori Raymond to Bethany Church in Breckenridge as children's director.

James Sain to Second Church in Vernon as interim pastor.

Frank Sanchez has resigned as pastor of Iglesia de los Vaqueros in Waxahachie.

Raven Sappenfield to First Church in Matador as music/ youth director.

Bruce Schmidt to Lamar Church in Arlington as pastor from First Church in Woodstock, Ga., where he had been minister of prayer and missions.

Carl Shroyer to Elm Grove Church in Lubbock as pastor.

Jim Spivey to Faith Church in Iowa Park as interim pastor.

Brett Stair has resigned as pastor of LifeSpring Fellowship in Corinth.

Jim Stevens to First Church in Portland as interim pastor.

Larry Strandberg to First Church in Cresson as pastor, where he had been associate pastor.

David Walker has resigned as minister of music at Crestmont Church in Burleson.

Guy White to First Church in Crane as interim pastor.

John Wills to The Heights Church in Richardson as executive pastor from Sagemont Church in Houston, where he was pastor of education and family ministry.

John Woods to East Paris Church in Paris as youth minister from Bethany Church in Breckenridge.

Posted: 3/4/05

Pastors/laymen focus on sharing
the gospel with next generation

By Teresa Young

Wayland Baptist University

PLAINVIEW–Churches, ministers and Christians in general must change their thinking and their actions to reach the next generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ, speakers at the 84th annual Panhandle-Plains Pastors' and Laymen's Conference insisted.

Chris Seay, pastor of Ecclesia in Houston, emphasized a need for Christians to know the changing culture and to allow themselves to be opened up in witness to others.

“If you begin to open up your soul and let people know who you are, be who we are, we can reach people,” he said. “We need to open the Scriptures so people don't just say, 'That's a good preacher' or 'That's a good person,' but 'That's a good God.'”

To reach emerging generations, Christians must be able to share how satisfying life in Christ is amid their search for meaning and purpose in life, he added.

His father, Ed Seay, pastor of First Baptist Church in Magnolia, added that reaching the next generation ideally begins in the home with parents, but that requires making sure the lessons being passed on are genuine.

Too often, he said, parents make the mistake of overemphasizing rigid rules and religious traditions and don't place enough emphasis on a relationship with Christ.

“We cannot expect youth to fit their new wine of faith into our old wineskin,” he said. “If we don't open ourselves and let them see our heart, they won't get our faith.”

Joel Gregory, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas and Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, led the Bible study for the conference, teaching from 2 Corinthians.

Lessons he noted from the Apostle Paul's life and ministry included that God always is leading the believer to triumph, even when the circumstances don't seem like it; the abiding nature of God amidst the disappearing landmarks of life; and the need to present the Word of God in its full strength, not in a diluted form.

Other speakers at the two-day conference at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview included Robert McKenzie, pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Lubbock; Jesse Rincones, pastor of Alliance Baptist Church in Lubbock; and Tommy Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

McKenzie emphasized the need to change methods in the church in order to impact a lost and dying world. Change begins with the desire to change, being tired of seeing all the sin in the world and wanting to impact the future, he said.

Rincones described the changing demographics of Texas, particularly growth in the Hispanic population. Reaching the generations, he said, requires changing attitudes about race and seeing the possibilities for ministry.

“This is not an invasion, but an opportunity to look across the tracks, the aisle, the church pew and say, 'What an amazing opportunity to reach people for Christ,'” he said.

Using three vignettes from Jesus' ministry, Brisco stressed the need to address the motivation with which Christians declare God's power to the generations.

There is a need to see the harvest with compassion, see people's need for a savior, be about God's will and his work and have mercy on those who don't immediately understand, he said.

The Pastors' and Laymen's Conference is sponsored by several associations, including Amarillo Area, Lubbock Area, Permian, South Plains, Caprock-Plains, Mitchell-Scurry, Red Fork and Top O' Texas.

New officers for the 2006 conference include President Steve Vernon, pastor at First Baptist Church in Levelland, Vice President Philip Golden, pastor at First Baptist Church in Denver City; President-elect David Lowrie, pastor of First Baptist Church in Canyon; and Secretary-Treasurer Charles Bassett, vice president emeritus of Wayland Baptist University, in his 45th year working with the conference.

Posted: 3/4/05

'No justice without fair taxation,' Alabama professor insists

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

AUSTIN–Alabama has the “sorriest tax structure in the country,” but Texas is “close to being right in the mud with us,” a law professor told the Texas Baptist Christian Life Conference.

“The trend is toward unfair taxation,” in which those who make less money carry more of the tax burden, said Susan Hamill, professor at the University of Alabama School of Law.

Hamill spoke about “Taxation for the Common Good” during the annual statewide conference of the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission. She's a former New York corporate tax lawyer and Internal Revenue Service employee. She also holds a theology degree from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, an Alabama Baptist school in Birmingham.

It's easy for Christians to get excited about “hot-button issues” if they don't have to sacrifice, Hamill said. “We want to ignore the issues that require sacrifice because we're greedy. … We are all tainted with the sin of greed to some degree.”

Christians living in a democracy have a God-given responsibility to make sure people are taxed fairly by the government, Hamill said.

“Our laws are a reflection of who we really are spiritually.”

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, a Christian, sought to bring more justice to that state's tax system, Hamill said. But “it failed at the polls by more than a two-to-one margin.” It reflected the state's “peculiar history” in which generations of poor, undereducated and repressed people have been fooled into voting against their own tax relief, she said.

Hamill defined taxation as a “compulsory payment for community needs.” Since it is required, “justice comes into play,” and justice “speaks to how we treat everybody.”

“Pharisees of today” talk about the evil of taxes and say that taxation is a form of theft, the professor said.

But Jesus did not condemn taxation; rather, he accepted it as a fact of life.

The fall of mankind into sin provides the theological reason why taxes are needed, she noted. “The fall makes us greedy,” and law and justice become of critical importance.

Two fundamental principles of justice are: Do not oppress “the least of these,” and everyone has a God-given right for justice, Hamill said.

She warned that “there is no justice without fair taxation, … (and) without fair taxes we are doomed.”

Posted: 3/4/05

Tech gap emerging between large, small churches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–A significant gap in the use of the Internet and computers is emerging between large and small congregations, a recent study found.

Ellison Research, a full-service marketing research firm in Phoenix that conducted the research for Facts & Trends magazine, reported nine of 10 Protestant ministers have access to the Internet either at home or at work, but only about half of all churches maintain a website.

"As the American public becomes more and more reliant on technology in everyday life, they will logically expect churches to have things such as websites, streaming audio or video on the site, or study materials on video or computer software," said Ron Sellers, president of Ellison Research.

"Small churches often don't have the budget to pay for technology or the staff or volunteers to implement it. The increased use of technology in churches has a real potential to widen the gap even further between small churches and medium or large congregations."

In a survey of 700 Protestant pastors nationwide, 91 percent said they have access to the Internet, researchers said.

But only 52 percent of those pastors said their church maintains an Internet presence where surfers can access information ranging from service times to ministries offered.

The breakdown by church size was striking: 88 percent of churches with 200 or more people attending worship services on a typical weekend have a website, while 60 percent of churches with 100 to 199 in attendance have one, and just 28 percent of small churches are on the Internet.

A pastor's age also factors into whether his church maintains a website, Ellison found. Among ministers under 60, 56 percent have a church website, though among ministers 60 or older, 35 percent have a site.

When asked to rank which particular use of technology would be most important to the work of their church over the next five years, doing research on the Internet topped the list with 34 percent of pastors choosing that answer. About one of every four ministers said using Bible study software, maintaining a church website, using PowerPoint or other graphic presentations in worship services, being able to show DVDs or videos and using e-mail to communicate with church members would be important uses of technology in the coming years, the study said.

Again, the size of the church gave some indication of whether its pastor would rank a certain use of technology high. Forty-nine percent of large-church pastors said building and maintaining a website would be extremely important, but only 16 percent of small-church pastors said so.

Similarly, 42 percent of large churches thought communicating with members through e-mail would be important, while 13 percent of small churches saw that as a great need.

The most worthwhile uses of technology for pastors of small churches was cited as Bible study software and doing research on the Internet, the Ellison study revealed.

Among Southern Baptist ministers of all ages, 24 percent said a church website will be "extremely important" in their church's ministry over the next five years, and 25 percent selected that description for using the computer to send e-mail messages to the congregation. Thirty percent said the use of graphics in worship services would be vital, while the same percentage listed use of DVD or video clips.

Ellison found 27 percent of Southern Baptist pastors considered Bible study software to be extremely important, and 30 percent said using the Internet for research is necessary.

Ellison Research said its sample of ministers included only those who currently are leading churches and is accurate to within plus or minus 3.6 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

The study was conducted in all 50 states, using a representative sample of pastors from all Protestant denominations.

Respondents' geography, church size and denomination were tracked for appropriate representation and accuracy.

More data from this study is available at www.greymatterresearch.com/index_files/Church_Technology.htm.

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

Posted: 3/4/05

Texas Tidbits

Baylor receives Templeton grant. Baylor University's Center for Religious Inquiry Across the Disciplines has received a $716,000 research grant from the John Templeton Foundation to conduct research on different aspects of religion's impact on society. The award from the John M. Templeton Foundation will make it possible for Baylor scholars to conduct a longitudinal survey of Americans' religious beliefs, practices and values. Baylor will partner with the Gallup Organization to conduct a comprehensive survey of religious beliefs that examines in much more detail than previous research how faith impacts such factors as civic engagement, volunteerism and consumption patterns.

Endowed scholarship established at DBU. An endowed scholarship fund at Dallas Baptist University, named in honor of Alva and Doris Parks of Montgomery, Ala., has been established to benefit qualifying students in the School of Leadership and Christian Education. Parks was executive vice president at DBU from 1990 to 1996.

Higher education conference set at Baylor. "The Future of Baptist Higher Education" is the theme of a national conference scheduled April 18-19 at Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary. Seminars will explore questions such as to whom are Baptist colleges and universities accountable; who will be the students and faculty at Baptist schools in a post-denominational, multicultural and materialistic age; and how can Baptist higher education carry out its purpose in a context of conflict. Featured speakers include Kirby Godsey, president of Mercer University; William Hull, provost emeritus of Samford University; Denton Lotz, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance; Martin Marty of the University of Chicago; and Albert Reyes, president of Baptist University of the Americas.

Hardin-Simmons trustees approve budget. Hardin-Simmons University trustees in their annual spring meeting approved a $33,607,900 budget, representing a 6.4 percent increase over the current budget of $31,580,000. Of the $2 million increase in revenues, $1.9 million is projected to come from student tuition and fees. Unfunded scholarships will be increased to $762,000. Trustees also approved a $35 per semester hour increase in tuition for the coming fiscal year beginning in June for newly enrolled students. New undergraduate students will be charged $455 per semester hour, and new graduate students' tuition will be $465 per semester hour.

UMHB singers bound for Europe. Two choral groups from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor have been invited by the Baptist General Convention of Texas to participate in a Texas Partnerships missions project this summer. The One Voice ensemble and members of the UMHB Concert Choir will travel to Austria and Germany May 27 to June 7. They will perform concerts at churches and schools and help missionaries in various activities. They also have been invited to sing at an annual meeting of evangelical Christians in Steyr, Austria. For more information, contact David Guess at (254) 295-4228.

Ziglar to speak at UMHB. Motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar will be guest speaker for the Heavin Forum on Christian Principles in Business Leadership at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, March 31 at the W.W. Walton Chapel on campus. The topic of the 9:30 a.m. session will be "Maximizing Your Potential," and at 11 a.m. he will speak on "Building Winning Relationships."

Story of Odessa pastor basis for new opera. "Larkspur," an opera based on the true story of H.E. Gregory, pastor of Eastside Baptist Church in Odessa, will premiere April 1-2 at the Paramount Theater in Abilene. This opera–written by Hardin-Simmons University alumni Daniel Sigmon and Edward Crowell–is a production of Abilene Collegiate Opera of Hardin-Simmons University and Lakehouse Opera of Houston. Singers from Hardin-Simmons University's opera program will fill the chorus and additional secondary roles. For ticket information, contact the Hardin-Simmons University School of Music at (325) 670-1426.

Posted: 3/4/05

TOGETHER:
Baptists remain free and cooperative

What is it about Baptists that makes us so determined to exercise our faith freely and faithfully? Our history offers a clue. Baptists were born in a time when religious faith was controlled by either bishops or secular rulers, sometimes by both. When the Scriptures became available for all to read, our forebears discovered a new vision. It freed believers from the harsh power of those who would control the conscience.

Those early Baptists gladly submitted to God and the authority of the Scriptures, but they believed God wanted worship to be freely given and never required by law.

We were so independent of human authority in religion and so afraid of losing the autonomy of the local church that it took a long time for us to learn to cooperate. What taught us how to cooperate without losing our freedom? Well, the Scriptures helped. The Apostle Paul urged that unity in the church be protected.

Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

But missions called us into a cooperative spirit in the 19th century. Adoniram and Ann Judson, along with Luther Rice, traveled to Burma as Congregationalist missionaries. Along the way, studying the New Testament, they decided they needed to be baptized by immersion. Under that conviction, they found British Baptist missionaries in Calcutta, India, and soon they were baptized. Integrity demanded they resign their Congrega-tionalist commissions and seek Baptist support.

But Baptists were not so sure about the need for missions (many were influenced by Calvinism and even were anti-missionary) and weren't sure how to support missionaries in another part of the world. Rice took up the challenge and sought Baptist support for the Judsons, who served in Burma.

Out of that mission cause arose a call for Baptist churches to get together, which they did. Later, because of disputes over whether it was right for missionaries to be slaveholders, Southern and Northern Baptists parted company.

Through it all, Baptists learned to cooperate. We began to believe God could use us all in getting the gospel of Christ out to a lost world. We learned if you share vision and mutual trust, you could truly do more together than you could ever do alone.

Texas Baptists benefit from that spirit. New York Baptists sent missionaries to the Republic of Texas, and they started some of our fine churches! Baptists from Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas began to flood into Texas, and our Baptist faith took deep root in Texas soil.

Today, we stand in the early dawn of the 21st century, almost 200 years since Luther Rice called Baptists to a new kind of partnership. See what God is doing through our churches as they cooperate with one another: 176 churches started last year; Cooperative Program mission budget of almost $40 million met, another $1,194,000 given for tsunami relief; 90-plus Texas Baptist Men at work in Sri Lanka ; Baptist Child & Family Services providing foster care training in Sri Lanka; Texas Baptist churches worshipping in 48 languages; 35 Christian Women's Job Corps sites sponsored by Texas WMU; 667 churches with loans from our Church Loan Corporation; and collaboration among 23 BGCT institutions and our churches that is greater than ever. People in Texas and around the world are feeling the touch of your love. and they are discovering the saving mercies of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am grateful that Baptists have learned how to be both free and cooperative.

We are loved.

Posted: 3/4/05

Argyle children offer sweet relief

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

ARGYLE–A little sugar and spice is helping improve the lives of young people in South Asia.

Children from First Baptist Church in Argyle organized a bake sale that raised more than $1,000 for the Texas Baptist Men disaster relief effort in Sri Lanka. As of March 1, Texas Baptists had given more than $1.19 million to tsunami relief.

The young people in Argyle created their own signs and did some of the baking themselves.

Nine-year-old Peyton Hutchinson said she wanted to give to Texas Baptist Men so those in South Asia could “hear the gospel and not just get help” for their physical needs.

Bryan Hutchinson, pastor of First Baptist Church, brought both his daughters–Peyton and Madison, age 5–to the Baptist General Convention of Texas offices in Dallas to present the check to TBM Executive Director Leo Smith.

Both Hutchinson and his wife, Alisha, beamed as their children handed over the money.

“It's amazing what five kids can do when they put their hearts in it,” the proud father said.

The family toured the building and met many of the BGCT Executive Board staff members.

Smith said it is gifts that come in like this “that touch my heart and let me know God is alive and working in the hearts of children.”

Posted: 3/4/05

Aaron McClung has designed websites for various churches and ministries.

Website designer believes God had designs on his life

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Baptist Standard

HURST–Aaron McClung always believed God had something ministry-related designed for him.

Sure enough, McClung became a graphic designer who uses his talents to help churches and Christian ministries.

McClung's creative ministry began when he was a junior at the University of North Texas in Denton, majoring in communication design. Troy Rackliffe, student pastor at First Baptist Church of Coppell, asked McClung to design materials for their Disciple Now weekend.

Not only were the youth impressed with the creations, but they also caught the eye of worship leader Joel Engle at 121 Community Church in Grapevine.

Engle asked McClung to create materials for his ministry, and word of the ministry resource quickly began spreading to area churches.

“I always felt called into some type of ministry, but I didn't know what it would be,” McClung said. “Through the years, God revealed how he was using my design skills for his purposes.”

After graduating from college, McClung worked two years on a church staff as a graphic designer before establishing a full-time graphic design business in Hurst.

Now, he typically spends eight to 12 hours each day working on projects for ministries across the United States and Canada.

His client list includes First Baptist Church of Hurst and Memorial Baptist and 121 Community churches in Grapevine.

“Many churches and ministries have given me the opportunity to design everything from logo identities, brochures and postcards … to interactive projects like websites and CD-ROMs,” he explained.

“It's been exciting to be involved in creating pieces that help ministries communicate the message in a dynamic way that competes in a visually stimulated society.

“For each project, I pray and ask God to guide me in the direction that he wants the design to take. It's amazing how God has used these designs to reach people.”