Posted: 5/14/04

Alliance condemns marriage amendment

DAYTON, Ohio (ABP)–The Alliance of Baptists has adopted statements of concern about “the politicization of same-sex marriage” and the United States' relations with Cuba.

The statement on same-sex marriage explicitly condemned the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would add a provision to the Constitution banning same-sex marriages in all 50 states.

The resolution objected to that proposal and similar amendments to state constitutions “that would enshrine discrimination against sexual minorities and define marriage in such a way as to deny same-sex couples a legal framework in which to provide for one another and those entrusted to their care.”

The statement also decried what it called “the politicization of same-sex marriage in the current presidential contest and other races for public office.”

Alliance member Donna Mote of McDonough, Ga., presented the statement, which delegates to the group's annual meeting adopted without objection.

The resolution on the United States and Cuba is the latest in a series of statements the group has adopted calling for normalization of relations between the two countries.

It commended the House and Senate for recently passing bipartisan legislation containing provisions that would have lifted the ban but condemned a House-Senate conference committee for “capitulation … to a threatened veto of the legislation by President Bush.”

The statement also voiced objection to the Treasury Department's 2003 decision not to issue licenses to educational institutions for travel to Cuba. It particularly criticized the agency's assignment of 17 percent of workers in its office charged with monitoring foreign assets to enforcing the Cuba travel ban.

The Alliance elected as president Cherie Smith, a chaplain in Baltimore and a former member of the group's board.

Chris Copeland, associate pastor at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Atlanta, was elected vice president. Mary Sue Brookshire, a chaplain at San Diego State University in California, was elected to a second term as secretary.

Posted: 5/14/04

Long-time WMU leader, Alma Hunt,
given Judson-Rice Award for leadership, integrity

By John Pierce

Baptists Today

RICHMOND, Va. (ABP)–Alma Hunt, who led the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union from 1948 to 1974, has received the Judson-Rice Award for leadership with integrity.

The award, which bears the names of Luther Rice and pioneer missionaries Ann and Adoniram Judson, was presented by Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler, Hunt's successor as national WMU executive. She presented the award on behalf of the board of directors of the independent news journal Baptists Today.

Previous recipients of the Judson-Rice Award are Jimmy Allen, Tony Campolo and Russell Dilday.

A description of early Baptist mission proponent Rice as “quick-witted, sociable, with uncommon obstinacy” fits Alma Hunt as well, said Crumpler when presenting the award to Hunt. Like the Judsons and Rice, who stirred up the early missionary zeal in the United States, Crumpler said Hunt, now 94, could “move people to action.”

Crumpler recounted Hunt's longtime career in education before turning her full attention to missions, with a particular emphasis on the global impact of women.

Through her work with WMU and retirement ventures for the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Hunt traveled to more than 90 countries building up women's mission organizations.

Hunt presided over a session of the Baptist World Alliance in 1975, while serving as vice president, becoming the first woman to do so at an assembly of the worldwide fellowship. Allen, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and also a member of the Baptists Today board, deemed Hunt “the Steel Magnolia of Baptist missions.” Using Mary Lynn Hatfield's definition of a steel magnolia, Allen spoke of Hunt's “very essence of strength combined with femininity.”

During Hunt's 26 years at the helm of WMU, the organization saw unprecedented growth both numerically and spiritually, Allen said.

Posted: 5/14/04

Incidents of anti-Muslim bias
jump by 70 percent, group asserts

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)–Incidents of anti-Muslim bias in 2003 jumped 70 percent over the previous year, a study by an Islamic civil rights group says.

In its 9th annual civil rights report, the Council on American-Islamic Relations–which calls itself the nation's “largest Islamic civil liberties group”–said Muslims in the United States reported 1,019 incidents of discrimination or violence in 2003.

That figure is up from 602 incidents reported to the group in 2002, although the group acknowledged the 2003 total may reflect a higher rate of reporting.

Among the incidents were 93 reported hate crimes–more than double the 2002 figure. Many of the other incidents included reports of employment discrimination or discriminatory treatment by government officials or in public accommodations. Many of the reports involved verbal harassment or other incidents that could not be independently verified.

CAIR attributed some of the increase in reports it has received to the fact that the organization has grown over the past year and thus is more visible and accessible to Muslims in the United States. However, it also blamed several other factors:

A “lingering atmosphere of fear” toward Muslims since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Anti-Muslim feelings stirred by the war in Iraq.

The implementation of the USA Patriot Act, passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, which curtailed some protections for civil liberties in order to make it easier for law enforcement to stop terrorists.

A “noticeable increase of anti-Muslim rhetoric” in the nation's public discourse, particularly on talk radio.

“The disturbing jump in reports of anti-Muslim incidents is a wake-up call to those commentators who use their public positions to spread anti-Muslim hate,” said CAIR Research Director Mohamed Nimer, who wrote the report.

However, the report did suggest efforts by government agencies to weed out anti-Muslim bias since 2001 have met with some success. For instance, reports of airline passenger profiling on the basis of religion dropped significantly as compared to 2002, as did reports of unreasonable arrest, search and seizure based on religious profiling.

The organization began compiling annual reports on anti-Muslim bias in 1995, following the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The reports showed sharp spikes in reports of anti-Muslim incidents after 2001.

Posted: 5/14/04

Around the State

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor recently recognized faculty and staff with service awards. Max Hart, associate professor of mathematics, was recognized for 35 years on the faculty. Corky Johnson, professor of biology, and Linda Pehl, dean of the School of Nursing, have served 30 years. Celebrating 25 years were Gary Brinegar, electrician, and Frances Dixon, library technician. Marking 20 years were Bobby Johnson, director of alumni development, and Keith McPherson, assistant vice president of finance and controller. Recognized for 15 years of service were Steve Alexander, professor of biology; Bruce Bolick, associate professor of accounting, economics and finance; Teresa Buck, associate professor, library; Mike Frazier, director of auxiliary services; Diane Howard, professor of communication and performance studies; Randy O'Rear, vice president of external relations; Steve Theodore, vice president of enrollment management; and Donna White, secretary for business and finance. W.D. English, professor of management and marketing; Jim King, dean of the School of Business; and David Sloan, associate professor of English, each marked 10 years of service.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor nursing graduate Carolyn Curry is pinned by Suzanne Beltz during the chartering ceremony that marked the school's inaugural induction of students into Sigma Theta Tau International, an honor society for nursing students. Curry was one of 173 nurses inducted.

Lexi Langley of Elysian Fields has been named Senior Girl Call-Out at East Texas Baptist University. Sponsored by the University Women's Club, this is the 57th year for the award to be bestowed.

The department of history and political science at Houston Baptist University held its inaugural induction ceremony of Phi Alpha Theta, the national collegiate history honor society. Student inductees were Carrie Puryear, Christi Swift, Jami Parsons, Renee Ledoux and Kathryn Bowser.

Lawson Hager, dean of Hardin-Simmons University's School of Music, was named Faculty Member of the Year, and Forrest McMillan, newly named dean of students at HSU, was announced as Staff Member of the Year at the school's Faculty-Staff Appreiciation Dinner.

Dorothy Parker, accounts payable administrator in financial affairs, has been named Staff Member of the Year at Dallas Baptist University.

Anniversaries

First Church in George West, 85th, April 4. Bruce Irving is pastor.

Primera Iglesia in Wharton, 80th, May 2. Joel Ramirez is pastor.

Mark Bumpus, 10th, as pastor of First Church in Mineral Wells, May 2.

Toby Irwin, 35th in the ministry, May 26. He is pastor of Hayden Church in Wills Point.

Louis Rush, fifth, as minister of youth and missions at First Church in Palacios.

Ira Irvin, fifth, as pastor of First Church in Wheelock.

Carl Bradley, 50th, as organist in various Texas Baptist churches. He currently serves at Canyon Creek Church in Temple.

Memorial Church in Grapevine, 50th, June 4-6. Weekend events include a men's fellowship meal, anniversary choir rehearsal and reunion, Sunday lunch, car show, jump houses and sports activities. Special guests will include former Pastor Bruce Perkins and former Minister of Music Keith Ferguson. For more information, call (817) 488-8533. Gregg Simmons is pastor.

First Church in Midland, 50th at its present location, June 5-6. Saturday will include a 9 a.m. walk from the church's former location to its present one. A historical fair will commemorate the church's past from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday will include worship services at 8:15 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11 a.m., with former Pastor L.L. Morriss preaching in the last service. A noon luncheon will honor those members in 1954 and their descendents. For more information, call (432) 683-0600. Gary Dyer is pastor.

Queens Road Church in Pasadena, 50th, June 13. Dennis Whitmire will be the guest speaker. Baxter Williams will be the guest music director. A lunch will be followed by a 2 p.m. concert by the Kingdom Heirs. Conda Traxler is pastor.

First Church in Kempner, 120th, June 27. Former Pastor T.L. Kennedy will speak in the morning service as will former member Don Henderson, who surrendered to vocational service at the church. A lunch will follow the service. A time of testimony and song will complete the day. To make meal reservations or for more information, call (512) 932-3844. Roger Fancher is pastor.

Deaths

Jim Lindsey, 89, April 27. A journalist, he worked for the San Angelo Standard-Times, the San Antonio Express and the Midland Reporter-Telegram. He was publisher and editor of the Hill Country News in Cedar Park. In 1955, he received the Texas Baptist award for Christian service in journalism. He is a former member of the board of directors of the Baptist Standard and the Public Relations Advisory Committee of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was a member of New Hope Church in Cedar Park. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Frances; daughters, Pam Bonner, Debbie Melton, Sherry Lindsey and Lorinda Hughes; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Calvary Church in Tulia celebrated the retirement of its remodeling and renovation note with a note-burning ceremony March 28. Burning the note was assigned to Kenneth Millsap and Lonnie Jobe, two of the three trustees who signed the note on behalf of the congregation. Scott Hensley is pastor.

Frank Fallon, 73, April 30 in Waco. Fallon was the longtime “Voice of the Baylor Bears,” describing the action in Baylor football and basketball games for more than 40 years. His career also encompassed two decades as the public address “Voice of the Final Four” for NCAA basketall. He also did television play-by-play of other Southwest Conference basketball games for NBC and ESPN. He also mentored thousands of telecommunications students in the classes he taught from 1984 until his retirement. In 2001, he was presented the Chris Schenkel Award by the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. In the same year, he was presented the Baylor Communications Award. He is survived by his wife, June; sons, Steve, Mark, Mike and Kyle; and five grandchildren.

Ruby Watson, 81, May 2 in Denton. She was the wife of Texas pastor William Watson, who preceded her in death in 1995. She also was preceded in death by her son, David, and brother, Joseph Harlan. She was a member of First Church in Denton. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Stiles, Linda Cotton, Nancy Moore and Lanita Drake; sons, Chris and Robert; 21 grandchildren; brother, J.C. Harlan; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Keith Telg, 32, May 3 in London, England. An International Mission Board missionary in Northern Africa, Telg was hospitalized April 23 with a severe headache. The cause of death had not been determined at presstime. Telg was a a former member of Macedonia-Hix Church in Caldwell. He and his wife, Michelle, were appointed in 1998. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Kevin and Kyle.

Events

Westview Church in Slaton will celebrate 51 years of ministry June 5 and 6. A fellowship time will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Numerous former pastors and staff members are expected to be present. Jerold McBride will preach in the Sunday morning service. A catered lunch will follow. To make lunch reservations or for more information, call (806) 828-3322. Roy Taylor is pastor.

Ordained

Wayne Proffitt to the ministry at Calvary Church in Friona.

Chance Mace to the ministry at North View Church in El Paso.

James Mize as a deacon at Westwood Church in Waskom.

Jon Mark Allen, Ernest Coffia, Fred Lowery, Donny Malone, Robert Knepp and Chad Wolf as deacons at Canyon Creek Church in Temple.

Revivals

Dellview Church, San Antonio; May 23-26; evangelists, Paul Powell, Tom Fisher, Buck-ner Fanning, Ben Craver; pastor, Christopher Breedlove.

Wildwood Church, Mes-quite; May 23-26; evangelist, Kyle Gulledge; music, Michael Bridges; no pastor.

Bethel Cass Church, Linden; May 23-28; evangelist, Doug White; music, Philo Spiro; pastor, Royce Kinsey.

Posted: 5/14/04

Baylor Faculty Senate gives 'no confidence'
vote to university president for second time

By Greg Warner

Associated Baptist Press

WACO (ABP)–For the second time in a year, Baylor University's Faculty Senate has voted “no confidence” in President Robert Sloan.

The 28-5 vote, taken in a closed-door session May 4, was similar to the group's 26-6 no-confidence vote last September. At that time, the senate cited a climate of fear and mistrust on campus that had produced a chilling work environment among faculty. Little has changed since, the faculty leaders said.

“We still have a much-divided faculty that has not healed, nor is it healing,” Joe Cox, president of the Faculty Senate, told the Waco Tribune-Herald. “The problems have not gone away.”

The senate claimed Sloan “has made only limited and inadequate attempts” to address Baylor's problems and asked the school's regents, or trustees, to conduct an independent referendum on Sloan's leadership among the entire 820-member faculty.

“It's pretty easy to say (the Faculty Senate) is a small group of disenfranchised faculty or something like that,” Cox said. “Well, if that's the case, let's find out what the numbers are.”

Larry Brumley, associate vice president for university relations, questioned whether the 33-member senate represents the interests of the entire faculty. Criticism of Sloan's attempts at reconciliation is “baffling,” Brumley added, “given the fact that the president has held a number of meetings with faculty since February.” Those meetings have included senate members, he added.

Doug Henry, director of Baylor's Institute for Faith and Learning, criticized the senate for meeting and voting in private. And he noted that, at the time of the senate's May 4 vote, Sloan was conducting a positive meeting with 50 new faculty members.

“It's a remarkable and wicked irony that at the very time (Sloan) was engaging in that kind of bridge-building … behind closed doors in another part of campus, the Faculty Senate was making the charge that he wasn't engaging in those sorts of efforts,” Henry said.

The world's largest Baptist-affiliated university has been steeped in controversy for more than a year over Sloan's leadership, the regents' long-range plan, a coaching scandal and an athlete's murder.

The regents voted 31-4 last September to affirm Sloan. They met again May 13-14.

For updated coverage from the Baylor regents meeting, see baptiststandard.com.

Posted: 5/14/04

BGCT leaders hopeful, encouraged by
early stages of revisioning process

By Marv Knox

Editor

The early stages of the Baptist General Convention of Texas' “revisioning” process have given its top two leaders reason for hope.

“We are on the right track,” declared BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade, the convention's staff leader.

“I am very encouraged,” echoed BGCT President Ken Hall, the highest elected leader.

The revisioning process began about three months ago. It has involved representative teams of laity, pastors and BGCT Executive Board staff, as well as representatives of other constituent groups.

Ideas generated by those groups are being handed off to a new strategic planning committee, which will prepare mission and vision statements, as well as priorities and strategies that will guide the convention for years to come.

Wade said the process is congruent with where the Executive Board staff wants to go.

“Our staff is eager for change,” he said. “I know that may sound a little optimistic, but the very things that are being described as critical issues are things the staff has been describing. That's encouraging to me.

“My fervent hope is that we will now be able to fashion a description of what we want Texas Baptists to become–what we believe God wants–and then to fashion an organization structure that will help us achieve that vision.”

The strategic planning committee, which Wade will chair, “will have some good things to report at the end of the summer,” he predicted. “The chance we can achieve significant change and match our structure to the vision is very high.”

Hall, who also will serve on the strategic planning committee, said the task is encompassing.

“What we've heard from these (revisioning) committees is substantive change needs to take place in every area of BGCT work,” Hall said. “From governance through administration, through collaborative ministries, we need to improve and do better.

“We need to be reminded we work for the Lord through our churches,” he added. “Anything great we're going to accomplish is going to be because the impetus behind it is the local church.”

The early steps of the process have provided “reason to be hopeful,” he noted, acknowledging: “It's going to require a lot of courage on the part of our leaders and a lot of trust on the part of all the family. We need to believe the best about each other during this time.”

Trust is important because change seems inevitable, Hall said. “I predict we as a people will look very different in a very short time than we do right now,” he said, particularly citing changes in the convention's governance and organizational structure.

“I hope we create accountability to our institutions, associations, BGCT staff and ministries–that we all realize we work in concert with each other, and we've got some accountability to that,” he said.

“We don't have the luxury of being a lone wolf anymore. We need to be together.”

The strategy process will involve Texas Baptists in listening sessions, where they will be able to provide their insights, Wade said.

“One of the reasons we want this story out is we're trying to keep an open process.”

Posted: 5/14/04

Direct missions involvement rises,
baptisms fall, church data shows

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS–Texas Baptists are getting out of their church buildings and moving into mission fields, church data analyzed by the Baptist General Convention of Texas shows.

The annual church profile revealed 180,170 people were involved in missions projects in 2003, said Clay Price, associate director of research information for the BGCT. Those numbers count each time a person participated in a project.

In 2002, 140,901 Texas Baptists were involved in hands-on missions.

Comparing statistical data has been difficult in recent years, because some churches left the BGCT to join the competing Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.

The BGCT had a net loss of 65 congregations in 2003, with a total of 5,651 compared to 5,716 the previous year.

The convention, by far the largest Baptist group in the state, started 234 congregations and dropped 299. Of those that dropped, 160 disbanded.

In order to determine trends, Price compared 2003 to 2000, removing from the earlier period churches that have since joined another convention. Using that comparison, the number of BGCT congregations has grown 4.7 percent over the three-year period to 5,651 from 5,395.

Another challenge in compiling the statistics is that only about two-thirds of congregations submitted information on the annual church profile forms, Price said. That has been the pattern for the past couple of years, but it is a lower percentage than in previous years.

Of churches reporting in 2003, baptisms dropped below the 50,000 mark for the first time since 1948, with 48,920 reported, Price said. However, he noted that total baptisms would have been more than 60,000 if churches previously in the BGCT had not formed another convention in the state.

The drop in BGCT baptisms occurred among the youngest and the oldest. In each of three categories from ages 12 to 59, BGCT baptisms climbed in 2003 from the previous year.

To determine how well BGCT churches did in 2003 compared to their recent past, the 2000 numbers with the non-BGCT churches removed is actually the best indicator, Price said.

Using those figures, the following ups and downs are revealed:

Baptisms dropped 10.3 percent.

Sunday morning worship attendance rose 4.7 percent.

Sunday school average attendance climbed 2.8 percent.

Discipleship Training participation fell 12.8 percent.

Music enrollment dipped 0.2 percent.

Baptist Men involvement dropped 1.9 percent.

Woman's Missionary Union fell 11.2 percent.

Mission project volunteers soared 24.8 percent.

Total financial receipts climbed 11.4 percent.

Total missions giving went up 8.8 percent.

Church debt rose 30.3 percent.

In regard to finances, churches appear to be spending more on their own congregations, Price said. While undesignated receipts are up 15.1 percent, designated receipts are up only 1.9 percent.

That may be related to the big jump in church debt, with BGCT churches owing $563 million in 2003 versus $432 million in 2000. Local missions projects and rising costs for personnel also may play a role in the small increase for designated giving.

The annual church profile revealed 180,170 Texas Baptists were involved in missions projects in 2003

Posted: 5/14/04

BGCT strategy committee named

Charles Wade, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Executive Board, will be chair the BGCT's strategic planning committee.

The committee will hold its first meeting May 17 and hopes to complete most of its work by the fall, said Sherrill Spies, the organizational consultant who is helping to guide the committee.

The 17-member strategy committee is comprised of nine members who were part of four revisioning teams, which began the convention's strategy process a few months ago.

Holdover members include Carol Bowman, coordinator of the BGCT's Hope for Home program; John Durham, pastor of First Baptist Church in Irving; and Ron Gunter, a BGCT regional associate in the Houston area.

Also Dale Jones, a retired corporate executive and member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, and Patty Lane, director of the BGCT intercultural initiatives office.

Other holdover members are Peter Leong, pastor of Southwest Chinese Baptist Church in Stafford; Rodney McGlothlin, pastor of First Baptist Church in College Station; André Punch, an African-American church growth consultant with the BGCT; and Candy Smith, associate pastor of ministry at First Baptist Church in Richardson.

In addition to Wade, new members of the committee are BGCT President Ken Hall, president of Buckner Baptist Benevolences; David Nabors, the BGCT's treasurer and chief financial officer; and Lorenzo Peña, the BGCT's coordinator of associational missions and administration.

Also Ray Reese, a member of the BGCT Administrative Committee who is an attorney and accountant and member of First Baptist Church in Cuero; Wesley Shotwell, vice chair of the BGCT Executive Board and pastor of Ash Creek Baptist Church in Azle; Josué Valerio, director of missions for El Paso Baptist Association; and BGCT Second Vice President Dennis Young, pastor of Missouri City Baptist Church in Missouri City.

Posted: 5/14/04

Not clear yet, but BGCT vision is emerging, consultant says

By Marv Knox

Editor

Although it's not clear yet, a new vision for the Baptist General Convention of Texas is coming into focus, according to the consultant who is helping the convention develop that vision.

The BGCT's “revisioning” process has produced both common themes and critical issues, and a vision will emerge from those ideas, reported Sherrill Spies, an organizational consultant who works with church groups and other nonprofit organizations.

The process began about three months ago. Supported by the convention's officers, BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade named four revisioning teams–one comprised of lay leaders, two groups of pastors plus a sampling of BGCT staff. Those teams each met three times during March and April. They studied the convention, talked with peers and reported their concerns and dreams for the statewide body.

Representatives of BGCT institutional leaders, directors of missions, Executive Board staff managers, and college and seminary students also contributed in one-day visioning sessions.

Even though the groups functioned independently, they achieved remarkable consensus, said Spies, a member of First Baptist Church in The Woodlands with a doctorate in complex organizations.

“All of them agreed the BGCT exists because of the churches and their desire to do together what they cannot do alone,” she said. “They know the BGCT is here to serve the churches, and not the other way around.”

Spies pointed to six common themes expressed by the revisioning participants:

Customer focus. “The BGCT will focus on being an effective partner to churches as they act to fulfill the vision that God has for them,” she said, noting the convention must collaborate and network to help strengthen and empower churches.

Similarly, the services offered by the convention must be solution-based rather than program-based.

Vision & purpose. A vision–which comes from God–is crucial to developing Texas Baptists' identity, Spies explained. But “the groups want the BGCT to articulate a clear vision that encourages churches to get connected with the BGCT, other churches and organizations to do kingdom work,” she added.

“They're saying (to the BGCT): 'Tell us who you are and what you're doing. And then we can get on board.'”

Connectivity. “The BGCT must provide the infrastructure and processes for connecting churches to resources, other churches, institutions and other organizations,” she said, noting the theme emerged repeatedly.

For example, pastors indicated they want the BGCT to provide Internet chat rooms, where they can build friendships and share ideas.

Among other infrastructure, revisioning participants called for geographically disbursed resources–locating them closer to churches across Texas rather than centralized in the Baptist Building in Dallas. They also asked for a telephone call center that would provide easier access to resources, services and products. And they requested evaluation and guidance regarding non-Baptist materials and resources aimed at churches.

Evaluation and accountability. “The (BGCT) services, programs and ministries will be evaluated, and the Executive Board staff will be accountable to the convention and the churches,” Spies said.

Innovation and creativity. Over and over again, participants suggested the BGCT should create a think-tank for researching and developing cutting-edge ministries and methods, as well as for spotting trends and preparing Texas Baptists to thrive in an ever-changing climate.

Governance. This is a focus on the BGCT, not the churches, Spies said, noting, “We are studying ways to make our governance simple and more effective.”

The BGCT's complex structure–particularly the central organization, with a huge Executive Board and myriad commissions, coordinating boards, committees and subcommittees–has been criticized for being cumbersome for years.

The revisioning participants also highlighted numerous critical issues facing the convention and the churches, Spies said.

“We must have an identity for Texas Baptists,” she reported. “There is a great need for vision for our churches, associations and our state convention.”

And while churches and associations are free to develop their own individual identities, they look to the convention for a common identity that helps define their character and purpose, she said.

Credibility and accountability also are key issues, Spies said. “Our leadership must be moral and effective. Our words must match our actions. Our stewardship must be biblical and wise. And our missions and ministries must be monitored and evaluated.”

In addition, diversity dominated the list of critical issues, she added. “Our churches vary in size, traditions, styles, populations, location, region and more. The big question is: How can the BGCT provide effective services and products to meet the needs of these diverse churches?”

Part of that diversity is reflected in the symphony of languages spoken by Texas Baptists, she observed, stressing the importance of providing services and resources “in the languages of the people.”

Similarly, the teams agreed Baptists must “be aware of and embrace the people groups in Texas,” she said.

Churches should reflect the communities they serve, and BGCT leadership should reflect the diverse population of Texas, the teams agreed.

And noting the demographic forces at work in Texas, they recommended “comprehensive strategies for advancing kingdom work among Hispanic populations,” she said.

They also urged several developments that specifically impact congregations, Spies reported.

“We need to rediscover a sense of community in our churches,” she acknowledged. Also, “how can churches be true to God's word and be relevant in today's society and communities?”

A paramount concern is sharing the gospel across Texas, Spies stated, noting the revisioning teams observed: “We are not seeing enough people come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We are not keeping up with the population growth in Texas. We are trading members more than reaching the unchurched.”

Through all the discussion, the teams did not reach a consensus on the BGCT's relationship to the Southern Baptist Convention.

“Those who want to cut all ties and those who want to find appropriate ways of partnering could not agree on suggestions for actions,” Spies said. “We will continue to study this question and seek feedback from churches.”

Now that the revisioning teams have completed their work, Wade has appointed a strategic planning committee to carry the process forward. The strategy committee will review information from the revisioning teams, as well as responses from listening sessions to be held statewide. It also will evaluate previous and current BGCT strategies and program effectiveness, and identify and learn from the convention's internal and external “stakeholders,” Spies said.

Ultimately, the committee will draft a BGCT strategic plan. It will include mission and vision statements, as well as priorities and strategies for achieving them.

The revisioning teams were supportive of the BGCT and thankful for the ministries it provides, Spies said. “At the same time, they expressed the thought that the time for change is now in order to meet the challenges of the era.”

However, the specific nature of that change is yet to be determined, she said, insisting, “Nothing is decided.”

Posted: 5/14/04

Most Protestant ministers tell pollsters
they like NIV above all other Bibles

PHOENIX, Ariz.–A newly released study shows the New International Version of the Bible is the translation most likely to be used by Protestant ministers in their work

Thirty-one percent preferred NIV, followed by the King James Version at 23 percent, the New Revised Standard at 14 percent, the New King James at 13 percent and the New American Standard at 10 percent.

Together, these five Bible versions represent nine out of 10 Bibles ministers rely on most, even though there are dozens of other versions available.

The study was conducted for Facts & Trends magazine–a publication of LifeWay Christian Resources–by Ellison Research, a full-service marketing research firm in Phoenix, Ariz.

The research was conducted among a representative sample of 700 senior pastors of Protestant churches throughout the United States.

Preferences vary considerably among different types of churches. Pastors of smaller churches, and pastors who are 60 or older, more often lean toward the traditional King James Version. The King James Version is also the favorite of ministers in the southern United States.

The New International Version is strongest in the Midwest and the western United States, while the New Revised Standard has its greatest popularity in the Northeast.

Much of the geographic difference is due to differing strengths of certain denominations in various regions of the country, and the fact Bible preference differs strongly by denomination.

Methodists tend to rely either on the NIV (45 percent) or the NRSV (38 percent).

Those two versions also are dominant among Lutheran ministers, but in reverse order (48 percent NRSV, 23 percent NIV).

Southern Baptist ministers are split almost equally among four versions: 26 percent NIV, 25 percent New King James, 23 percent King James and 22 percent NASB.

Other Baptist ministers (American Baptist, Conservative Baptist, General Baptist, etc.) are strongly on the side of the King James (51 percent), with the NIV a second-place finisher (24 percent).

Pentecostal and charismatic ministers are similar; 45 percent rely most on the King James, while 23 percent prefer the NIV.

Ministers tend to select their top Bible versions based on the perceived accuracy of the translation (40 percent), its readability (16 percent), their preference for its language style (14 percent), and its solid reputation (13 percent).

Very few said the main reason they rely on a specific version is because their congregation prefers it or their denomination requires it.

The top reasons for using the NIV are readability and preference for the language style.

The New King James is preferred for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is accuracy, the survey revealed.

Those who prefer the KJV like it for its accuracy and its solid reputation.

The NASB is preferred primarily due to its accuracy.

In the study, ministers were also asked to rate 12 different Bible versions for members of their congregation to use. They used a five-point scale, from poor to excellent. Versions rated included the Contemporary English Version, Holman Christian Standard Bible, King James Version, Living Bible, The Message, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, New International Version, New King James Version, New Living Translation, New Revised Standard Version, and Today's New International Version.

Among all Protestant pastors, the version most likely to be rated as excellent by pastors is the NIV (rated as excellent by 42 percent of ministers), followed by the New King James (33 percent), the NASB (32 percent), the King James (31 percent), and the NRSV (23 percent).

The Bible versions ministers are most likely to recommend against for their congregation include the Living Bible (26 percent), Today's New International Version (which is not the same as the NIV­18 percent), The Message (15 percent), and the King James Version (15 percent). The King James is the only one among the 12 included in the study to be listed as one of the most recommended and least recommended.

The research also points out that many ministers lack familiarity with the broad range of Bible versions available today. Versions which are unfamiliar to at least one out of every four ministers include the brand-new Holman Christian Standard Bible (65 percent), the New Century Version (55 percent), Today's New International Version (37 percent), the Contemporary English Version (31 percent), the New Living Translation (30 percent), and The Message (28 percent).

Which versions ministers would recommend differ strongly by denomination. For instance, the New Revised Standard is considered excellent by 60 percent of Methodists, but only 5 percent of Pentecostals; the Holman Christian Standard Bible would be strongly recommended by 20 percent of Southern Baptists, but virtually no Lutherans.

Posted: 5/14/04

Bible drill contestants take Scripture into hearts and minds

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS–Some contestants practiced before church, some after. Some memorized passages in their bedrooms, others in their basements. All spent many hours with their Bibles.

In the end, a few were victorious in the statewide Baptist General Convention of Texas Bible drill and speaker competitions.

Tanner Shirley of First Baptist Church in Atlanta won the junior high school Bible drill competition. Robert Scott of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis and Elizabeth Rasmussen of First Baptist Church in Belton tied for second.

Lensie Mabry of Selden Baptist Church in Stephenville and Patrick Walker of First Baptist Church in Tenaha won first and second place, respectively, in the senior high school Bible drill competition.

Emily Burkhead of First Baptist Church in Cleveland won the youth speaker competition. Anna Daub of First Baptist Church in Brownwood placed second. The top finishers earned partial scholarships to their choice of Baylor University, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, Wayland Baptist University or the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Shirley and Burkhead will move on June 1 to the national finals in San Antonio. About 1,600 people from more than 250 churches participated in the regional events for all three competitions.

Cynthia Sargent and Libby Connel of First Baptist Church in Clyde and Cicily Smith of Berea Baptist Church in Fort Worth took the top three spots in the BGCT youth essay contest.

Sargent won $500 for herself and $500 for her church's youth ministry. Connel earned $300 for herself and $300 for her church's youth ministry. Smith won $200 and a matching sum for her church.

Bible drill contestants are quizzed on a series of key Bible verses. They are to locate some passages, memorize others and use still others to answer questions about life issues such as alcohol use.

Speakers were judged on the composition and presentation of a topic that helped them express their faith.

The competition helps young people internalize Scripture, Mabry said. The memorized biblical message continually impacts the actions of the competitors. That is more important than winning, she added.

“There's nothing to lose by it,” she said. “Even if you blow it, you know the verse. It stays with you.”

Mabry and Walker said the fellowship among competitors at their church and at the statewide competition in the Baptist Building made practicing enjoyable. They got to laugh with and get to know others in their church during long practice sessions.

Mabry said she particularly enjoyed creating songs with her fellow church members that helped them remember different passages.

John Stevenson of Westside Baptist Church in Killeen reads a passage before the statewide competition.

Burkhead spoke of trusting God to help her dreams and goals become reality. She talked about God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promises he made throughout the Bible.

She practiced with her mother every night leading up to the competition and received some coaching from her father, Howell Burkhead, pastor of First Baptist Church in Cleveland.

Daub said the hardest part of the speaker competition happens after her effort is finished. Then she has to back up those words with her life.

The speaking contest helps prepare young people to respond to questions about their faith, Burkhead said. Christians should be prepared with thoughtful answers about their faith.

“I think it's very good practice for general life,” she said.

Dickie Dunn, director of discipleship in the BGCT Bible Study/Discipleship Center, said each of the competitors performed excellently and believes the knowledge they gained will make them stronger Christians and church members.

Bible drill “is a good thing because it helps us memorize God's word and apply the meaning and message to everyday life,” he said.

Posted: 5/14/04

Baptist Briefs

Indiana pastor to be nominated for SBC 2nd VP. Mark Stephen Hearn, pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, will be nominated for Southern Baptist Convention second vice president during the SBC's annual meeting June 15-16 in Indianapolis. Charles Sullivan, former executive director-treasurer of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, will nominate Hearn. Hearn has held vice presidential posts in both the Indiana and Georgia state Baptist conventions. He serves as a trustee for LifeWay Christian Resources. Hearn joins John Hays of Jersey Baptist Church near Columbus, Ohio, in the running for SBC second vice president.

Texas representatives named to SBC committee. Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham appointed as the two Texas representatives on the SBC committee on committees members of churches uniquely aligned with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Graham named Paul Cheek from Kentucky Town Baptist Church in Whitewright and Eric Hankins from Galloway Avenue Baptist Church in Mesquite. Both churches are identified on the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention website as uniquely aligned with the convention that broke away from the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The SBC committee on committees has 70 members, two from each of the 35 state or regional conventions qualified for representation on SBC entities. The committee's key responsibility is to nominate members of the committee on nominations, which nominates trustees to serve on the various SBC national entities.

Annuity Board video available in three languages. The Southern Baptist Annuity Board has produced a retirement planning video in Spanish and Korean, as well as English. The 15-minute video highlights the benefits of the Church Annuity Plan, a 403(b) retirement plan designed exclusively for Southern Baptist ministers and church employees. Vietnamese and French Haitian versions of the video should be available this summer. Free copies of these videos are available by calling the Annuity Board at (800) 262-0511. Callers can also request translation assistance through this toll-free number.

Centurymen to perform Washington concert. The Centurymen, a 100-voice men's chorus comprised of Baptist ministers of music from across the United States, will perform a June 29 concert at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. They will share the stage with the Broadway Inspirational Voices, a gospel ensemble of actors who perform in stage musicals, and the Nashville Children's Choir.

Dallas pastor named distinguished alum. Mac Brunson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas and chancellor of Criswell College, has been named a distinguished alumnus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brunson, who became pastor of First Baptist Dallas in 1999, is immediate past president of Southern Baptist Convention Pastors' Conference. Claude Cone, executive director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico, also will receive the award for his 19 years of service in that state. He previously was pastor of churches in Slide, Crandall, Howe, Denison, Lubbock and Pampa. Other recipients are Paul K.S. Kim, pastor of Berkland Baptist Church in Cambridge, Mass., and Ronnie Floyd, pastor of First Baptist Church in Springdale, Ark. The awards will be presented at the seminary's national alumni luncheon, held in conjunction with the SBC annual meeting in Indianapolis.

Missouri Baptists name interim exec. The Baptist General Convention of Missouri has named as its interim leader the former executive director of the convention from which it broke away. The convention named James Hill interim executive director, effective June 1. Hill was executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention from 1998 to 2001. He currently is president of RDI Consulting and Resource Churches in Jefferson City, Mo. H.K. Neely, a former university administrator, has led the Baptist General Convention of Missouri since it was formed two years ago.