Posted: 3/29/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
On trading places with Vanna White

By Brett Younger

Sometimes the pastoral calling requires serious soul-searching. During those dark nights of the soul, ministers should think about Vanna White.

Do you remember when Vanna switched from turning the letters to touching a switch? The headline in our local paper was an attention grabber: ”Vanna will be pushing some buttons.”

The story out of Culver City, Calif., explained, “Vanna White’s job as the renowned letter-turner on TV’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ just got a little easier.” Producer Harry Friedman (who should have been commended for his willingness to make what I thought would be a controversial decision) said: “It’s true that Vanna will no longer turn letters. Instead, she will turn them on.” The new puzzle board allowed White to touch a switch to display correct letters picked by contestants.

The pastoral counselor in me wondered whether this was a sign that years of letter turning aged Vanna before her time. At one point the then-40-year-old White reported, “The new puzzle board was designed especially for me.” Concerned viewers watched carefully to see if Vanna was physically less capable of turning letters that twisted so effortlessly 10 years before.

Cynics wondered about the statement that Vanna’s job “just got a little easier” and asked, “How could Vanna’s job get any easier?”

Intelligent people asked, “Is ‘Wheel of Fortune’ still on?” Even more intelligent people asked, “What’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’?”

For me, the most striking quote (among many) was from the ebullient letter-turner-turned-button-pusher, Vanna herself: “I’ve always felt that I have the most fun job on television. Now, it’s going to be even better.” Like other contemplative ministers, I immediately began comparing my job with hers. Would I trade jobs with Vanna White?

When I am in a ministerial quandary, I often ponder the hidden truths to be found in “Wheel of Fortune” (which is, after all, a game based on hidden truths).

A minister’s job and Vanna’s job are quite similar. We both get to dress up in glamorous outfits. She works with words; ministers work with words. Most of our problems seem hard at first, but things usually work out eventually. We both work with nice people. (Wouldn’t Pat Sajak make a great deacon?)

This is not meant to minimize the differences between our professions. Vanna wears each outfit once; ministers often wear the same outfit each Sunday. Unlike the contestants on the show, preachers are not paid by the word—though some preach as if they are. On “Wheel of Fortune,” there is only one big winner. In the church, everyone gets all the grace there is.

One of the biggest differences is that turning on letters seems (and I mean no disrespect) somewhat limiting. Most jobs, even ones as fascinating as Vanna’s, tend to narrow one’s perspective. Some jobs make the lives of those who fill them seem smaller until they start believing that touching a switch rather than turning a letter is a major life change. Solving the puzzles becomes more important than asking the big questions.

Ministers are fortunate to deal with big questions. When I was at seminary, I had friends who had given up on the institutional church. They were willing to consider any religious job that wasn’t church-related, because they were afraid of the constraints of pastoral ministry. None of them stuck around long enough to know the joy of serving with a genuine church.

The best congregations, far from constraining any thinking their ministers might do, act as catalysts to help us think in broader terms. If we’re fortunate and paying attention, we will see that we are surrounded by people who ask the big questions: How does Christianity relate to other world religions? What does it mean to be as truly inclusive as Jesus was? How can a church go beyond what is expected? How do we avoid getting caught up in trivialities? How should we spend our lives?

A crucial question for most people is, “Does my job lead me to hear only small questions or deal with the big picture?” By that criteria, ministers have a wonderful job. Vanna should be so lucky.

Brett Younger is pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. This is an excerpt from “Who Moved My Pulpit? A Hysterical Look at the Ministerial Life,” available in April from Smyth & Helwys Publishing.

Posted: 3/26/04

Baby Boot Camp helps women
get through first six weeks of motherhood

By Sondra Washington

Woman's Missionary Union

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)—The first six weeks of motherhood can be one of the most difficult seasons in a woman's life, author Rebecca Ingram Powell believes.

To help encourage new mothers during this physically and emotionally draining time, Powell uses military themes to help moms cultivate their relationship with Jesus Christ in "Baby Boot Camp."

The book, subtitled "Basic Training for the First Six Weeks of Motherhood," is published by New Hope Publishers, a division of Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention.

"The first six weeks are especially tough … your own personal boot camp for moms," Powell writes. "Your body continues to be tried as healing begins and hormones readjust. More mood swings are on the way, with postpartum depression at the front lines. Your drill sergeant wears a diaper and screams every command, waking you at all hours of the night and keeping you on your toes all day."

As a mother of three children ranging in age from 6 to 12, Powell believes motherhood often is glamorized in a way that leaves new moms with an inaccurate view of the days and weeks ahead.

"You get so much attention when you are pregnant and when you bring the baby home"—prior to the times when "nobody else is around when the baby is up," Powell said. "It is the hardest and loneliest time when you are a new mom. I'd like to think that women are reading 'Baby Boot Camp' when they are up at night and they need a friend."

Originally written to encourage expecting friends in Powell's Sunday school class, "Baby Boot Camp" consists of 42 brief devotionals—one for each day of the first six weeks—reminding mothers this season of life is only temporary and God knows and understands their needs.

"The best part about this boot camp is that you don't have to struggle through it alone," she writes. "Jesus Christ wants to walk the floor with you, climb the walls with you, jump for joy with you and run the race with you. … This is your heritage from the Lord, straight from his riches in glory."

Using military themed chapters like "All in the Line of Duty," "Holy Warrior," "AWOL: My Paycheck" and "Earning Your Stripes," Powell reveals lessons learned through her own parenting experiences. She draws parallels between the training endured by soldiers and the difficulties new mothers face.

"My goal in writing this was to encourage women to establish and maintain a daily quiet time even if it is just five minutes," Powell said. "Spending daily time with the Lord is vitally important. Any attempt at parenting without Jesus Christ is in vain. If you don't introduce your children to Jesus, then your parenting has no eternal value."

Powell also hopes churches will use "Baby Boot Camp" to reach unchurched parents.

"Today, we are facing the most unchurched generation ever. But when people become parents, that is a window of opportunity for the church," she said. "New parents realize how inadequate they are for the task (and) they are reaching out to God for biblical answers, … and I think we need to capitalize on that."

Posted: 3/26/04

Senate approves fetus protection bill

By Robert Marus

ABP Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (ABP)—The Senate has given final approval to a bill that treats violence against a pregnant woman as two separate crimes—against her and the fetus she is carrying.

The Senate passed the bill 61 to 38. The House had passed the measure in February.

President Bush, in a statement promising to sign the bill into law, urged Americans to "continue to build a culture of life in our country, a compassionate society in which every child is welcomed in life and protected by law."

Opponents of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act say it will undermine abortion rights by defining a fetus—from conception—as a human life in federal law.

The measure would be applicable only to federal crimes, such as those that take place on federal lands or against certain government employees.

But the bill's supporters said Congress needs to bring federal law in line with state statutes. Twenty-nine states already have laws that recognize crimes against fetuses.

The bill also contains an exception that explicitly protects abortion doctors from being prosecuted under its provisions.

Posted: 3/19/04

Hardin-Simmons University considers
letting students hold dances in campus facilities

ABILENE–Hardin-Simmons University's administrative council will decide whether to permit supervised on-campus dances as a part of student social activities.

Student Congress President Ash Wright and Parliamentarian Wayne Holder recently asked the university's trustees to consider allowing campus facilities to be used for social activities that include student mixers and dances.

Currently, student organizations have off-campus social gatherings that include dancing.

These activities are chaperoned or sponsored, but there is added expense in renting facilities and hiring security, student leaders maintained.

Trustees voted to support a change in policy that allows on-campus dancing if the school's administration determines it serves the best interests and safety of students.

“The HSU administrative council will address the issue and make a decision,” President Craig Turner said. The council is made up of Turner and four vice presidents.

Any proposals for on-campus dances presented by students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, Turner said.

Administrators have no plans for the university to initiate and sponsor dances, but the school will allow approved student groups to hold on-campus dances, primarily out of concern for their safety, he said.

“Baptist students at Baptist colleges have been dancing for years, but we fear that the facilities in which these dances are now held are less secure and safe than ever,” he said.

Allowing on-campus dances seems to be a growing trend among some faith-based schools that previously had not permitted the events, he added, noting: “We live in an era in which conservative evangelical colleges such as Wheaton are now hosting dances on their campus.”

Hardin-Simmons doesn't plan to sponsor dances, but administrators will consider allowing approved student groups to hold on-campus dances, President Craig Turner said.

Posted: 3/19/04

TEXAS BAPTIST FORUM
Jesus' sacrifice

Because of “The Passion of the Christ,” debate is raging about who killed Jesus. Again, as people, we put the focus on us.

Some blame others, and others blame themselves. We think the universe revolves around us.

Jesus willingly gave his life, as the final ultimate sacrifice, to allow us to be made pure in our Father's eyes. It's not about us; it's about him. Praise his name!

If we believe we could kill Christ, then we don't know him. He created us and has total control over all creation. We may be able to disappoint him with a bad decision or break his heart by not accepting his free gift of salvation. But without his consent, we could not have caused him any physical harm.

I pray I can understand just how great his sacrifice was.

George W. Wilson

Irving

All about money

Democrats and Republicans are at it again. The name-calling and mud-slinging has begun.

It's election year and time for Americans to go into the “political party syndrome.” No holds are barred, and it's gonna get dirty!

The TV polls say the economy is issue No. 1. And considering that we all have to make a living, this has to be important.

But moral issues are surprisingly low on our totem pole of priorities. Party leaders are saying that matters of same-sex marriage and abortion are only marginally important.

And what does this say about America? It says we are more driven by money than morality. It says even though we claim to be Christians, Jesus' priorities aren't ours.

So, as usual, this year's big issue isn't Iraq. It's not abortion and gay marriage. It's not race or religion.

It'll still money.

Doug Fincher

San Augustine

Right vs. wrong

I disagree with Gilbert Thornton's letter opposing “political churches.” There most certainly should be a correlation between your religious views and your political views. That correlation is most certainly a legitimate topic to be addressed from the pulpit.

For example, the heinous infanticide procedure known as partial-birth abortion serves no legitimate medical purpose. Even the American Medical Association stated this truth. Its sole purpose is to kill a late-term viable baby.

One political party believes in “no child left behind.” Based on its legislative agenda, the other party seems to believe in “no fetus left behind.”

Does Thornton not see some moral difference between those viewpoints? Should a church ignore political opposition to every moral value they believe in? Do you not see some hypocrisy in voting for what you profess to oppose?

There are some parallels between the decline of the decadent ancient Roman Empire and the increasing decadence in our modern culture. You cannot profess to support your religious values and morality and then go into the voting booth and vote for political Romans.

Morality is not based on prejudices. It is based on what is right and what is wrong.

Donald Baker

Lampasas

Marriage amendment

I'm deeply concerned by J.D. Allen's letter against a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages. I respectfully disagree with his arguments, and I hope others share my concerns.

First, I'm concerned that the example of Jesus would be used to justify embracing the radical left- wing agenda. Let's not confuse the hurting homosexuals with the aggressive homosexual activist.

Second, I'm more concerned that we are becoming like Sodom than like Calvin's Geneva. Can we no longer fight against the aggression of sin without being right-winged?

Third, I'm concerned that anyone would think we were singling out homosexuals. If pedophiles or polygamists were trying to redefine marriage, would we be picking on them too?

Fourth, I'm concerned that trying to figure out the president's ulterior motives only confuses the real issue. The issue is if gay marriage is right or wrong. States will be able to refuse to perform gay marriages, but they ultimately will have to acknowledge them from other states. The constitution's full faith and credit clause will override all individual state laws.

The marriage amendment is the only way to ensure that gay marriage doesn't become the law of the land. As a father of two, I'm concerned that if we don't stand now against this aggression that our sins will visit the following generations.

Steve Trammell

Tyler

Educational value

At 40 years of age, I decided to go back to school for a doctor of ministry degree. To go back to school and have Scott Tatum, Jimmie Nelson, Boyd Hunt and a host of others was a great learning time, as was class participation.

Before I returned to school, a deacon asked, “Henry, when you get that degree, what are you going to do with it?” I stumbled in finding words; finally, I knew where he was going. I answered, “I will hang it on my wall and leave it there.” His answer? “Good.” And this question came from a man whose degree was in science and worked in the Lunar Lab at NASA!

I visited one night in the home of one of the most outstanding Christian men I have known. In his study, I saw a degree on the wall. My response was surprise at his Ph.D. He knew who he was and was secure in himself and Christ.

I value education, but we must never let it value us. Properly understand it and esteem it. I always wished to be taught by those who had achieved the proper preparation for their field. In our day, it is now possible to obtain one's education on the Internet. There is no excuse for not preparing oneself for the work of ministry, whether it be the classroom, on a campus or computer. Value it, but do not derive your value from it.

Henry Adrion III

Hilltop Lakes

New names

Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham is looking for a new name for the SBC, which is certainly appropriate in view of how much it has changed.

How about Non-Cooperative Baptist Convention to reflect the desire to withdraw from the Baptist World Alliance? Or maybe Signing Baptist Convention to signify making the Baptist Faith & Message a creed.

Mud-Slinging Baptist Convention would be appropriate to show how character assassination is a hallmark of the leadership, or Little Tent Baptist Convention to emphasize their exclusion of those with differing opinions.

But the name that sums it up would be My-Way-or-the-Highway Baptist Convention, which they have made their guiding principle for the last quarter-century.

Dolan McKnight

Richardson

Another name

My reaction to reading about Jack Graham's proposal to change the name of the Southern Baptist Convention: “Do what?” “Oh, no!”

Mike Midkiff

Marshall

Response on Marv Knox

This is in response to Helen Watson's letter severely critical of Marv Knox and his writings (Feb. 9). He needs no defense, as the truth he writes is its own defense. He speaks to the basics of Baptist beliefs I grew up with in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. I am so glad I have the Baptist General Convention of Texas to perpetuate these basic beliefs.

Jim Luscombe

Richardson

What do you think? Submit letters for Texas Baptist Forum to marvknox@baptiststandard.com or Box 660267, Dallas 75266-0267. Letters must be no longer than 250 words.

Posted: 3/23/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
Friends

By Berry D. Simpson

In John 15, Jesus calls us his friends. It has always been easy for me to think of Jesus being a friend to me, but I stumble over the idea that he sees me as a friend to him. I never thought I had that much to offer as a friend, especially to someone like Jesus.

Part of the problem may have been my distorted view of friendship, which I saw more as an exchange of services. My closest friends through college and young adult life tended to be men who had linked up with me in a spiritual role. Either they were mentors to me, or I was a mentor to them. I remember those as warm friendships, and I am sure we loved each other (even though we never said it out loud, no way). But I linked friendship with mentoring, not partnering.

Some recent instances have caused me to re-evaluate my thoughts about of friendship; maybe I had it wrong all along.

I was on my way to lunch one day, riding with a friend in his SUV, when he quoted a letter of recommendation I had written for him where I referred to him as one of my best friends. He had trouble telling the story because of the tears in his eyes. He was not a guy who cried much, but he had difficulty saying thank you. I realized at that moment how drastically I had underestimated my friendship all those years. This was bigger than I thought, I thought to myself.

And then again, I was having lunch with another man, one of my band of brothers, and he said, “Berry, I want to be better friends with you.” Wow. That’s not an easy thing for one guy to say. It is more exposure than most of us are comfortable with. I was honored by his request and once again realized there was more to friendship than I thought.

Another story. About a year ago after having lunch (all my best stories are about lunch!) with a friend whose wife had an affair and walked out on him, outside the restaurant on the sidewalk in front of all West Texas, I hugged him and told him I loved him. It was a spontaneous act that surprised us both. Friendship is riskier than I thought.

In my youngster days, I was mostly a loner, a book reader, a model builder, a mesquite-pasture explorer. I was never an athlete and so never experienced the friendship of teammates, the closeness built through shared suffering and stress. I was in band, however, and my closest friends came from my fellow band mates. But even among those, I can count no more than two or three that I still think of as friends. I recently read John Grisham’s book, “The Bleachers,” and I was jealous of those men in the book who grew up together and shared deep memories and victories and scars. I don’t remember many friends like that.

Well, the fact is, through the years there have been many men I’ve called friends, and I don’t mean to say those relationships weren’t important. Those guys took care of me, did things with me, supported me and wished me success. It isn’t their friendship I am questioning; it’s mine. I didn’t understand what I brought to the party.

But I’m beginning to understand more the older I get. My current friendships have been a source of joy for me, and I’m happy to be finally growing into this phase of my life. A phase, I’m afraid, everyone else figured out years and years and years ago. That’s the trouble with us analytics. We’re the last ones to jump in. We always want one more data point to consider before making a full commitment. Even to friendship.

So what about Jesus calling me his friend? In truth, I’m much more comfortable being Jesus’ servant than his friend. Servant is simpler. All I have to do is keep my checklist of dos and don’ts close at hand and tick the boxes as I go through my day, and my servant duties are accomplished. But if I am Jesus’ friend, not his servant, well that changes the motivation, doesn’t it? According to my old view of friendship, to be Jesus’ friend I had to offer him something of value beyond mere company or companionship. Now I know there is more to it than that.

What if Jesus says to me one day, “Berry, I want to be better friends with you”? Now what do I do? And if I read John 15 with open eyes, I can see Jesus is telling me exactly that. There is more to this friendship than I thought.

Berry Simpson, a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Midland, is a petroleum engineer, writer, runner and member of the city council in Midland.

Posted: 3/19/04

Jean & Larry Elliott		Carrie & David McDonnall		Karen Watson

Two Texans among Baptist missionaries killed, hurt in Iraq

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

MOSUL, Iraq–A husband and wife from Texas were among the four Southern Baptist missionaries killed and one critically injured in a March 15 drive-by shooting in Iraq.

The International Mission Board team was in Mosul, Iraq, exploring the need for water purification and other humanitarian relief projects.

Reports indicate unidentified assailants opened fire on the missionaries' vehicle with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Two European humanitarian aid workers were killed in a similar drive-by shooting the following day in a distantly removed part of Iraq.

David McDonnall, a 29-year-old member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, was fatally wounded in the attack. Four U.S. Army surgeons spent about six hours trying to save him, but McDonnall died onboard a military helicopter.

Carrie Taylor “Niki” McDonnall, 26, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. After emergency surgery in Baghdad, she was airlifted to a hospital in Germany, where she was in stable condition.

The McDonnalls, students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, had served with the IMB since November 2003.

Missionaries who died at the scene of the attack were Larry Elliott, 60, and Jean Dover Elliott, 58, of Cary, N.C.; and Karen Denise Watson, 38, of Bakersfield, Calif.

The Elliotts had served with the IMB in Honduras since 1978 and transferred to the Middle East in February 2004.

Watson, who was single, had been with the board since March 2003.

Michael Dean, pastor of Travis Avenue Baptist Church, said the church was stunned to hear two of the congregation's former youth workers were shot.

Members held prayer vigils in small groups soon after they heard the news, as did a small group of students at Southwestern Seminary left on campus during spring break.

“To have this happen to someone we served with, worshipped with, prayed with has been a real shaking experience,” Dean said.

The McDonnalls understood the risks they were taking by going to Iraq but felt called to the work, the pastor said.

“They were very aware of the danger,” Dean said. “It meant a lot to see them marching off to serve the Lord.”

In a prepared statement, IMB President Jerry Rankin said: “In times like this, there are no words that will take away the pain of a loved one's violent death.

“Everyone in the IMB family and everyone who loves Southern Baptists' overseas workers are grieving with the family members and co-workers of these precious souls.”

Officials at the mission board encouraged Christians to pray for the families, friends and churches of those who died or were injured.

Clyde Meador, IMB executive vice president, told reporters at a March 16 news conference: “We're grieving about the situation. … Our hearts are broken.”

For security reasons, Meador did not indicate if other IMB personnel are in the area, but he said workers would continue carrying out their missions.

“Certainly this affects morale, but our folks are there because God has called them to a lost world,” he said.

The attack in Iraq is the deadliest tragedy in 157 years of Southern Baptist missions history. Eight IMB missionaries have been killed by terrorists in the past 14 months.

The deaths came 14 months after three IMB mission workers were murdered by a terrorist at the Baptist hospital in Jibla, Yemen.

One year ago, an IMB missionary was killed by a terrorist's bomb at the airport in Davao City, Philippines.

Greg Warner of Associated Baptist Press contributed to this report.

Posted 3/07/04

Storylist for3/08 issue

Our Front Page Articles
• Temple volunteers cook 'casseroles for Christ'

• Bivocational ministry means two places to minister, Fort Worth pastor says



• Temple volunteers cook 'casseroles for Christ'

• Bivocational ministry means two places to minister, Fort Worth pastor says

• BGCT Executive Board affirms BWA

• BGCT to end LifeWay relationship

• Revisioning process to move BGCT forward, put controversy behind, leaders tell board

• Truett conference speakers issue wake-up call to Christians

• Leaders say drastic shift in youth ministry needed for the 21st century needs

• 'Passion' too intense for most young children, ministry leaders suggest

• Quilting bee-lievers at First Baptist Church in Plano

• Regional convocations for Hispanic laity seek to inspire, train and equip

• Lariat editorial sparks controversy

• Richardson church helps Latvian Christians break down walls with music

• WorldconneX forming 'network of networks' to create points of connection

• Baylor regents urge president to mend fences with faculty

• Children need parents to listen carefully to their questions about God, experts advise

• Texas children deserve quality education, commission says

• Mission volunteers bring smiles to Indian faces

• Carroll Institute offers new approach to theological training

• Christian Leadership Institute for high school youth slated at Baylor

• Twister wrecks Seymour church gym

• Enrollment at BGCT schools mixed

• Show Christ's love by working to renew communities, student leaders told

• TBM names Smith executive director, agrees to work with SBTC on disaster relief ministry

• Texas Tidbits

• On the Move

• Around the State



• Health care chaplains maintain they serve in pastoral role

• CBF council proposes doubling BWA financial support next year

• BWA denied exhibit space at SBC meeting

• Baptist Briefs



• Whistleblower tells chilling tale of ruin


• Pressure mounts as Bush backs gay marriage ban

• Gay marriage OK in Oregon county

• Ministers turned away from schools during lunch

• Oath trumps court order, Moore claims

• Court rules states can't be forced to fund religion



• Cartoon

• Classified Ads

• Texas Baptist Forum

• On the Move



• Editorial: BGCT must seize singular moment for significant change

• Down Home: Just last night, I dreamed that …

• Together: BGCT will honor churches' decisions

• Cybercolumn by John Duncan: Snow flakes falling

• Texas Baptist Forum



• LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for March 7: The gospel is all about changing people's lives

• LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 7: God selects his leaders from those who listen

• LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for March 14: The qualities of servant-leaders enumerated

• LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 14: Prophets don't point to answers, but to God

• LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for March 21: A godly character is a key part of evangelism

• LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 21: Refuse to compromise when life's trials come



Commentary on “The Passion of The Christ”

• Reagan White: Atonement and “The Passion”

• Brett Younger: Questions about “The Passion”

• Randy Bissell: A passionate appeal

• Erich Bridges: Envying Mel Gibson

• David Gushee: Passions and 'The Passion'

• Keith D. Herron: An unethical evangelism

• Mariane Holbrook: We don’t weep enough

• Jon Walker: A master storyteller presents a crucified Christ

• Dennis R. Wiles: Who killed Jesus?

See articles from previous issue 2/23/04 here.