Our ability to heal divides is getting harder. The problem is deeper than where we get our news or what social networks we use. The problem is in our ability to relate to one another.

As we narrow our sources of information and social networks, we are losing a skill necessary for human flourishing. As we disengage from those who don’t think like us, we’re not encountering different ideas. Our ability to understand each other is atrophying.

Some divides are over more than different ideas; they are the result of abuse—physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sexual. Abuse calls for a more robust response than is the subject of this editorial.

Divides over political, social and religious differences, however, can begin to be healed through understanding each other. Instead, our response to these kinds of divides increasingly is to pull away. In doing that, we are weakening our ability to connect and strengthening the impetus to divide.

Here is an example of how quickly we are pulling farther apart over political differences. Following the 2020 presidential election, Fox News appeared to lose millions of viewers to networks considered more conservative. At the same time, some Facebook and Twitter users encouraged followers to move with them to Parler—a social platform seen as more friendly to conservative views and whose users nearly doubled in the week following the election.

One can assume similar trends are happening across the political spectrum, that platforms are becoming more partisan as users move from platform to platform seeking like-minded networks.

Parting over political differences

When we talk about people moving from one popular social platform to another in search of a more like-minded network, we are not talking about a nameless and faceless crowd. We are talking about our parents, friends, co-workers or fellow church members. We are talking about people we know, love and care about.

When someone we know in “real life” changes social media platforms to find a more like-minded network, we lose more than the relational connection. Our ability to understand one another begins to atrophy as a whole set of words and meanings disappear from our experience of the world.

Our social media feeds have been echo chambers absent of differing thoughts and views for a while. As these echo chambers have solidified, we have found ourselves talking past each other more frequently—if we even talk toward each other at all.

We jump to conclusions faster. We see words and images and make snap judgments and assumptions. We attribute meanings to others without really paying attention or listening. We react, and many of our reactions question the other’s God-given value.

Healing divides is hard work

Our propensity to differ is common to the point of normal. It’s a truth about ourselves we understand very well.

Most of our differences usually are easy enough to repair if we can work through pride, disappointment and other tendencies conquerable through repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. That sounds flippant, but the reality is such work can be grueling and even unsuccessful.

A recent addition to the challenge of healing divides is the proliferation of digital platforms. These platforms allow us to craft reality by seeing only what we want and not seeing what we don’t want. The apparent freedom from unwanted messages is not without its cost.

Losing the ability to heal

We already misunderstand one another, but as long as we continue to come together in the same places—like churches and social media networks—we still have the opportunity to understand each other if we will listen to each other. In places like churches and social media networks, we still can encounter each other’s differences and the ways those are communicated.

But once we disconnect, once we sequester in ever-narrowing echo chambers, we no longer encounter differences in thinking, language and ways of communicating. When we no longer have that thread of connection, our minds begin to let go of the ability—the need—to make sense of one another in the real world.

Like muscle or skill, we lose what we don’t use. Without the ability to understand people different from us, it will be harder and harder to heal the divide—including the divide among brothers and sisters in Christ.

The healing we need

Any follower of Jesus should be concerned about this. Jesus’ first group of followers consisted of political, social and religious opposites. They didn’t always get along, but Jesus was their common bond, and after him, the Holy Spirit.

If Christians today intend to call ourselves “followers of Jesus,” then this first group of Jesus-followers must be a model for us. Like them, we must keep Jesus as our common bond, and after him, the Holy Spirit. In them, our political, social and religious differences are overcome.

We need to resist the tendency to divide over political, social and religious differences. We need to stay in networks where we encounter others with whom we disagree.

We need to regard each other as created and valued by God. We need to practice patience in listening to each other, and kindness and gentleness in responding to each another.

In our bitterly divided world, we need to heal.

Eric Black is the executive director, publisher and editor of the Baptist Standard. He can be reached at eric.black@baptiststandard.com or on Twitter at @EricBlackBSP. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

Jesus called his followers to love one another, even in the midst of a bitterly divided society, said Pastor Michael Evans of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

“I believe we are called to unity in the spirit of love,” Evans said in his presidential message to Texas Baptists’ virtual annual meeting.

He reminded Texas Baptists’ of their mission, vision and identity as “a fellowship of transformational churches sacrificially giving themselves to God’s redemptive purposes.”

Texas Baptist churches reflect the state’s ethnic, racial, cultural and language diversity, Evans noted.

“We are the face of the state, but also the nation and even the world,” he said.

Truth in time of chaos and confusion

At their best, Texas Baptists seek to live out Christ’s Great Commission and Great Commandment, Evans emphasized. They value the authority of Scripture, the local church, spiritual formation, servant leadership, and Baptists’ distinctive heritage and principles, he said.

“We value the worth of all people. … Even in times like these, we value integrity and inclusion,” Evans said.

“I would say to you, my family, if there was ever a time when we needed to hold these truths to the light of day, that time is now. That time is now, when we find ourselves in the midst of some chaos and some confusion.

“That time is now, when it appears we are a divided nation. We are so divided, Lord help us, that we have even politicized the pandemic. We are so divided, we have an entire people group begging the attention of fellow citizens to say that their lives matter. We are so divided that civil discourse seldom exists and compromise seems to be a thing of the past.”

The church “does not get a pass” when it comes to the matter of division, he added.

‘These are some tense times’

Focusing on John 15, Evans pointed out when Jesus was giving instructions to his disciples just prior to his crucifixion, he commanded them to love one another without selfish intention. At that point, some disciples were jockeying for positions of power and prestige in Christ’s kingdom, even within the hearing of fellow followers of Jesus.

“There was tension in that room,” Evans said.

Likewise, American society today is characterized by tension and uneasiness, he noted.

“People are quite uncomfortable. Folks are afraid to say anything. … These are some tense times,” he said.

In the midst of a tense situation, Jesus commanded his disciples to abide in his love, Evans said.

Christians cannot afford to allow “differing political views” to create the kind of tension that creates division and prevents Christ’s followers from demonstrating love to each other, he insisted.

Called to self-sacrificial love

“We increase our power through love. … I believe, in these times, the Lord is calling us to be self-sacrificing,” Evans said. “We have got to move beyond our own self-interests.”

He called on Christians to “lay down” anything that hinders love and harmony—bitterness, bigotry, selfishness, gossip or any sin that keeps a believer from being an effective ambassador for righteousness.

Traveling the state as BGCT president, Evans said, God gave him “renewed hope” as he saw diverse Texas Baptists working together for kingdom causes.

“We are in this together. … It’s real love that makes our mission meaningful,” he said.

Scripture repeatedly warns against false teaching, false teachers and false prophets (Matthew 7:15; Colossians 2:8; 2 Peter 2:1-3). The New Testament also charges the church—especially its leaders—to uphold “sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).

So, what do you do if you fear a sister or brother in Christ has fallen into false doctrine? I believe the Apostle Paul’s engagement with the Corinthian church is instructive for us and in many ways serves as a helpful paradigm.

Conflict at Corinth

Not long after Paul left the city of Corinth after planting a church there, the congregation fell into disarray. They struggled with severe doctrinal and ethical confusion, compounded by the invasion of certain false teachers seeking to undermine Paul.

When Paul learned of this, he promptly began a correspondence with the Corinthians that involved several letters and even a few in-person visits. Of those numerous letters, only two survive, which we have labeled 1 and 2 Corinthians.

First, and most fundamentally, Paul regards the Corinthian congregation as a genuine church. Paul recognizes that most—even all—of the people to whom he’s writing are his brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-9; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2). Despite their numerous severe flaws, Paul does not write them off or treat them as his enemies.

John Calvin puts it well: “Among the Corinthians it was not a few that erred, but almost the whole body had become tainted; there was not one species of sin merely, but a multitude, and those not trivial errors, but some of them execrable crimes … Does [Paul] seek separation from them? Does he discard them from the kingdom of Christ? Does he strike them with the thunder of a final anathema? He not only does none of these things, but he acknowledges and heralds them as a Church of Christ, and a society of saints” (Institutes of the Christian Religion 4.1.14).

Paul loves the Corinthians, even if they exasperate him and he must rebuke them sternly. Paul’s primary focus is on their spiritual well-being and faithfulness to Jesus Christ, not on Paul’s own reputation or influence within the congregation (2 Corinthians 2:4; 12:19-21).

Second, Paul prioritizes transparency and honesty. He addresses matters directly and openly, not in secret. He insists on being utterly open about his life and ministry to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 6:11). And as he prepares for the “final showdown,” Paul insists “every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1).

Principles of confrontation

These two principles ought to serve as the bedrock of any confrontation we undertake against false teaching in Christ’s church.

First, we must operate out of genuine love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, not out of selfish ambition or a desire to “be right.”

Second, we must prioritize truth. We should not run off half-cocked, making misinformed accusations. We ought to get all our facts straight. Nor should we participate in clandestine meetings and backdoor political maneuvering in order to “win.”

Why are these two principles so important, besides being found in Scripture? The truth is, many “heresy hunts” are motivated by selfishness, ambition and malice, rather than a desire for other Christians’ spiritual well-being. And these hunts often are based on half-truths, rumors, hearsay and outright lies.

Such heresy hunts do far more damage than good. Numerous churches, parachurch organizations and even denominations have been splintered by misguided quests to “expose false doctrine” and “drive out false teachers.” Many Christians have had their lives and ministries severely damaged or even ruined by false accusations and misrepresentations. I myself have seen this happen to people and institutions I love.

Should we reject false doctrine and refute those who teach it? Absolutely. Should we be willing to implement church discipline and break fellowship with others over doctrinal matters? Yes, sadly, sometimes we must do so.

But the process is vitally important to the final goal. If we compromise the integrity of the process, we jeopardize the legitimacy of the result. What if we ruin the ministry of an innocent person? What if we fracture a church over a mere misunderstanding?

Practical applications for Baptists

Different Christian traditions address these matters in different ways. Many denominations have a formal “trial” system built into their polity, for example. However, Baptists do not have a single, monolithic approach.

Since we Baptists do not have a strictly defined formal system, here are some guidelines I would propose.

First, we should remember the local church is the center for handling these disputes. While other Baptist congregations may offer advice and choose to remain in or break fellowship with us, they cannot directly adjudicate our doctrinal conflicts.

Second, Baptist congregations should have a clear understanding of what role confessions play in their life and in the life of their association(s). Is there an official confession? How strict of conformity to the confession is required for fellowship? There are a variety of approaches to confessionalism in Baptist life. Be proactive and figure out the approach embraced by your local congregation and association(s).

Third, we must seek to cultivate appropriate doctrinal priorities. I have written in the past concerning the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary issues. Before addressing doctrinal disputes, we should make sure we have our doctrinal priorities clearly outlined.

Confronting false teaching is never fun or easy. But Scripture gives us no option to avoid it. When we must confront false teaching, we must strive to do it well.

Joshua Sharp is a writer and Bible teacher living in Waco. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Truett Theological Seminary. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

Baptists Preaching is a column from the Baptist Standard. It is not an effort to advance any one theology or style but to present what a collection of Baptists considers a word from God. Likewise, Baptists Preaching offers a repository of Baptist preaching for future study and research. To recommend a sermon to be featured in Baptists Preaching, please contact eric.black@baptiststandard.com.

Ellis Orozco: Weight We Carry (Philippians 4:10-14)

Ellis Orozco, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Richardson, acknowledged the weight being carried societally during the pandemic and the concurrent racial, political and economic tension. He encouraged his hearers to embrace the weight being carried, examine what is being carried, and find healing and strength to keep going.

Paul was carrying the weight of being in prison for following Jesus, being betrayed by fellow followers of Jesus, and the possibility of execution. Under that weight, he wrote his letter of encouragement to the Philippian church.

Orozco examined the nature of life in this world. “To be alive is to have conflict,” he said. In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul described ways for dealing with the conflict.

This sermon was delivered online on Sept. 6, 2020, for the morning worship services of First Baptist Church in Richardson. It is the first in a series titled “Weight We Carry.”

The sermon audio podcast is available here.

WACO—Don Guthrie, pastor for 23 years at First Baptist Church in San Antonio, received the Paul W. Powell Preaching Award at the second annual National Preaching Conference, sponsored by Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.

“It is a strange thing to be honored for doing a thing that is itself the greatest honor I’ve ever had,” said Guthrie, currently interim pastor at Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano.

Preaching in the Truett Seminary chapel, Guthrie reflected on the “thorn in the flesh” the Apostle Paul described in this second letter to the church at Corinth. Paul prayed three times, asking God to remove the pain and hindrance.

“Sometimes an assignment from God can be really good and really painful—both of them,” he said.

‘A regular encounter with one’s own weaknesses’

Guthrie described the “holy hope” he felt as a student at Baylor that one day he could be privileged to open God’s word and allow it to speak to others. But, he acknowledged, he did not understand the cost and the burden that accompany the calling.

“With this high calling comes a regular encounter with one’s own weaknesses,” he said.

Guthrie described occasions when he felt “so exposed … so vulnerable, so inadequate” after delivering a sermon that seemingly did not connect with his listeners.

God chooses to work through the human weakness of preachers so that his power shines forth, he said.

“The Great One seemed more reconciled to my humanity than I was,” Guthrie confessed.

In a sense, vulnerability, weakness and inadequacy qualify the preacher to be God’s messenger, he asserted.

“I preach grace because I need it. I preach community because sometimes I feel so lonely. I preach hope because in Christ I found it,” he said.

The ‘hard, happy and holy work’ of preaching

Guthrie marveled at the mystery that God delivers his divine message through flawed and fallible human beings.

So, he encouraged others who feel God’s call to persevere “in the hard, happy and holy work” of preaching in spite of their feelings of inadequacy.

“If you preach God’s word, somebody will hear you—somebody will. Not everyone. It’s never everyone, but somebody will,” he said.

Weakness must be coupled with acceptance of inadequacy as a part of one’s identity and a willingness to bear the burden, he emphasized.

“There were days when I thought the stress would crush me,” he said. “I thought, ‘I cannot do this.’ I just wanted out, to be truthful. I just wanted to be some place where it didn’t feel this way.

“But it didn’t crush me—not completely. It just made me a different man than I thought I would be. It just reshaped me in a way I never could have imagined or desired.”

Guthrie recalled a time when his vulnerability was on full display. While preaching to a single adult group at a church in Miami, Fla., he stepped off a platform and fell down five steps.

After his sermon, one person expressed gratitude for that exhibition of failure.

“Thanks for blowing it,” he said. “I blow it all the time, and it’s just good to know that sometimes it happens to you, too.”

Guthrie encouraged other preachers not to hide their human frailty but accept it.

“It will make you accessible. It will make you relatable. It will make you a preacher,” he said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Justice looks like …” is a special series in the Voices column. Readers will have the opportunity to consider justice from numerous viewpoints. The series is based on each writer’s understanding of Scripture and relationship with Jesus Christ. Writers present their own views independent of any institution, unless otherwise noted in their bios.

You are encouraged to listen to each writer without prejudgment. Then, engage in conversation with others around you about what justice looks like to you.

Click here for more information about the series. Click here to read the full “Justice looks like…” series.

For me, justice looks like a divine invitation from God to join in the coming of God’s reign here on Earth. In the introduction to this series, Eric Black invited us to see justice as “central to God’s character and God’s interaction with the world.” Furthermore, Black affirms: “When creation is unjust, the Creator will make sure justice is accomplished.”

As part of God’s attributes, justice is one of the standards God has set before us as human beings. In his book Introducing Christian Doctrine, theologian Millard Erickson highlights: “God expects his followers to emulate his righteousness and justice. We are to adopt as our standard his law and precepts. We are to treat others fairly and justly because that is what God himself does.”

While it is true justice is more than an invitation—it is God’s requirement for our lives (Micah 6:8)—I like to see it as an invitation. God does not force us to be just, but gives us an opportunity to choose to do the right thing.

It is an invitation to join our Creator, as Black mentioned, in making sure justice is accomplished. If accepted, this invitation will get us closer to fulfilling our purpose of giving glory to God.

Gifted to enact justice

As we are invited to join God in this project of building God’s reign here on earth, we are not invited empty-handed. The Holy Spirit, based on God’s will and his own choosing, has graced us with different gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11,18). Often, these gifts are correlated with the areas of passion God has placed in our hearts.

Together, these gifts and areas of passion are part of God’s invitation to join in a particular area of God’s concern where justice needs to be accomplished.

In my particular case, the Holy Spirit has graced me with the gift of teaching through spoken and written words. I have spent more than 25 years encouraging students, especially minority ones, to open their imaginations to a broader and richer future through the wonderful world of knowledge and education.

At Baptist University of the Américas, I have encouraged them to believe they can finish college and continue to graduate school. I have been teaching at BUA for 20 years, long enough to have the blessing of witnessing the success of former students as they graduate with their masters and doctorates.

My hope is these former students, in turn, will continue encouraging other minority students in such a way that God’s justice is accomplished in our communities.

Latina leadership

Another area where God has invited me to join in this project of accomplishing justice is the one of women’s issues. The fact I am a Latina woman with a doctorate opens the imagination of minority women and encourages them to study and obtain the highest academic degrees. As they see me, they may think: “If she, as a Latina, was able to do it, I can do it, too.”

Additionally, God has invited me to join in this task of accomplishing justice through the work of the Christian Latina Leadership Institute, where the goal is to train women in leadership issues—personal and professional/ministerial—in order to become agents of transformation in their families, churches and communities. As they become agents of transformation, they also join in God’s project of accomplishing justice in their communities.

To think God invites me every day to join in accomplishing God’s justice and developing the Reign here on earth is a privilege, a responsibility and a joy.

You’re invited, too

In the same way, God also is inviting you to join in this project of accomplishing justice and developing the Reign.

What are your areas of passion? What are your gifts? Whatever they are, God has given them to you with the purpose of inviting you to join in a particular area where justice needs to be accomplished.

Today there are so many areas where justice is needed. Let’s listen to God’s invitation. Let’s find our place in the service of God’s reign. Let’s bring honor and glory to God through just and right actions.

Dr. Nora O. Lozano is professor of theological studies at Baptist University of the Américas and executive director of the Christian Latina Leadership Institute in San Antonio, Texas. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

Click here to read the full “Justice looks like…” series.

NOTA DEL EDITOR: “La justicia parece …” es una serie especial en la columna Voces. Los lectores tendrán la oportunidad de considerar la justicia desde numerosos puntos de vista. La serie se basa en la comprensión de cada escritor de las Escrituras y su relación con Jesucristo. Los escritores presentan sus propios puntos de vista independientemente de cualquier institución, a menos que se indique lo contrario en sus biografías.

Se le anima a escuchar a cada escritor sin prejuicios. Luego, entable una conversación con los que le rodean sobre cómo le parece la justicia.

Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre la serie. Haga clic aquí para leer la serie completa “La justicia parece …”.

Haga clic aquí para ver la versión inglés de este artículo. Click here for the English versión of this article.

Para mí, la justicia es como una invitación divina de parte de Dios a participar en la venida de su reino aquí en la Tierra. En la introducción a esta serie, Eric Black nos invitó a ver a la justicia como “fundamental para el carácter de Dios y la interacción de Dios con el mundo”. Además, Black afirma: “Cuando la creación es injusta, el Creador se asegurará de que se cumpla la justicia”.

Como parte de los atributos de Dios, la justicia es uno de los estándares que Dios ha establecido ante nosotros como seres humanos. En su libro Introducing Christian Doctrine, el teólogo Millard Erickson destaca: “Dios espera que sus seguidores emulen su rectitud y justicia. Debemos adoptar como norma su ley y preceptos. Debemos tratar a las demás personas de manera justa y equitativa porque eso mismo es lo que Dios hace”.

Si bien es cierto que la justicia es más que una invitación, pues es un requisito de Dios para nuestras vidas (Miqueas 6:8), a mí me gusta verla como una invitación. Dios no nos obliga a ser personas justas, sino que nos da la oportunidad de elegir hacer lo correcto.

Es una invitación a unirse a nuestro Creador, como mencionó Black, para asegurarnos de que se haga justicia. Si la aceptamos, esta invitación nos acercará más al cumplimiento de nuestro propósito de darle gloria a Dios.

Dotados para hacer justicia

Cuando recibimos la invitación a unirnos a Dios en este proyecto de construir su reino aquí en la tierra, no se nos invita con las manos vacías. El Espíritu Santo, basado en la voluntad de Dios y su propia elección, nos ha dotado con diferentes dones (1 Corintios 12:11, 18). A menudo, estos dones están relacionados con las áreas de pasión que Dios ha puesto en nuestros corazones.

Juntos, estos dones y áreas de pasión son parte de la invitación de Dios a unirnos en un área particular que le interesa a Dios, donde se debe de alcanzar justicia.

En mi caso particular, el Espíritu Santo me ha dado el don de enseñar a través de la palabra hablada y escrita. He pasado más de 25 años animando a estudiantes, especialmente a quienes pertenecen a grupos minoritarios, a abrir su imaginación a un futuro más vasto y rico a través del maravilloso mundo del conocimiento y la educación.

En la Universidad Bautista de las Américas (Baptist University of the Américas), les he animado a creer que pueden terminar la universidad y continuar con estudios de posgrado. He estado enseñando en BUA durante 20 años, tiempo suficiente para tener la bendición de presenciar el éxito de exalumnos/as a medida que se gradúan de sus maestrías y doctorados.

Mi esperanza es que estos antiguos estudiantes, a su vez, continúen alentando a otros estudiantes de grupos minoritarios, de tal manera que la justicia de Dios se alcance en nuestras comunidades.

Latinas en liderazgo

Otra área en la que Dios me ha invitado a unirme a este proyecto de hacer justicia es la de las mujeres. El hecho de ser una mujer latina con un doctorado, abre la imaginación de las mujeres de grupos minoritarios, y las anima a estudiar y a obtener los más altos títulos académicos. Al verme, ellas pueden pensar: “Si ella, como latina, pudo hacerlo, yo también puedo hacerlo”.

Además, Dios me ha invitado a unirme a esta tarea de alcanzar justicia a través del trabajo del Instituto Cristiano para Líderes Latinas (Christian Latina Leadership Institute), donde la meta es capacitar a las mujeres en asuntos de liderazgo, personal y profesional/ministerial, para que se conviertan en agentes de transformación en sus familias, iglesias y comunidades. A medida que se convierten en agentes de transformación, ellas también se unen al proyecto de Dios de alcanzar justicia en sus comunidades.

Pensar que Dios me invita todos los días a unirme a este proyecto de alcanzar su justicia y extender su reino aquí en la tierra, es un privilegio, una responsabilidad y un gozo.

La invitación es para usted también

De la misma forma, Dios también le invita a usted a unirse a este proyecto de hacer justicia y desarrollar el Reino.

¿Cuáles son sus áreas de pasión? ¿Cuáles son sus dones? Cualesquiera que sean, Dios se los ha dado con el propósito de invitarle a unirse en un área en particular donde se debe alcanzar justicia.

Hoy en día hay muchas áreas donde se necesita justicia. Escuchemos la invitación de Dios. Encontremos nuestro lugar al servicio del reino de Dios. Démosle el honor y la gloria a Dios mediante acciones justas y rectas.

La Dra. Nora O. Lozano es profesora de estudios teológicos en la Universidad Bautista de las Américas (Baptist University of the Américas) y directora ejecutiva del Instituto Cristiano para Líderes Latinas (Christian Latina Leadership Institute) en San Antonio, Texas. Las opiniones expresadas aquí pertenecen únicamente a la autora.

Haga clic aquí para leer la serie completa “La justicia parece …”.

Andrea Harp has taught at Stanton High School more than 25 years. She is one of nine public school educators who received the 2020 BEST—Baptist Educators Serving Texans—award. Harp is a member of First Baptist Church in Stanton. From deep in the heart of one Texan, she shares her background and thoughts on being a Christian in public education.

To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated educator to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.

Background

What have you taught at Stanton High School?

Most years, I have taught English II—or Sophomore English—and debate. I also have taught speech and even had a choir class for a couple of years. I have taught every grade in high school since I’ve been here, but sophomores are my favorite.

Where else have you served, and what were your positions there?

• Big Spring Independent School District, Goliad Middle School, 6th grade language arts
• Forsan Independent School District, Forsan Middle School, 7th grade self-contained classroom
• Mansfield Independent School District, Mansfield Middle School, 8th grade language arts
• Bangs Independent School District, Bangs High School, English I

Where did you grow up?

The majority of my childhood was spent in Ballinger, Texas. We moved there when I was 7 years old. My dad was the pastor of First Baptist Church, and my mom taught 6th grade English.

We previously lived in Early, Cleburne and Covington, where my dad pastored churches. My parents still reside in Ballinger.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

Raised in a preacher’s home, I was in church all of my life. It was during a revival week, at First Baptist Church in Ballinger in April 1965, that I felt God’s Spirit tugging at my heart.

After school on Thursday of that week, I asked my mother if I could go to the church and talk to my daddy about trusting Christ as my Savior. We talked in his study, and then I prayed the sinner’s prayer as we knelt.

I often have wavered in my daily walk with the Lord, but I’ve never doubted the sincerity of that prayer with my daddy in his office at the church. God has been faithful to me as I work to follow and serve him.

Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

I graduated from Ballinger High School in 1975. Howard Payne University gave me an outstanding college education. I finished HPU in the summer of 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a minor in government and a secondary education teaching certificate.

During my teaching career, I have added an English-as-a-Second-Language certification and Gifted and Talented certification.

About education

Why do you feel called into education?

I always have loved to read, study and speak. I don’t remember ever being frightened to stand before others to speak—a little nervous, maybe, but never scared to death. As a high school student, I often shared devotionals in the old “opening assembly” of the adult Sunday school departments.

Teaching and educating had been a calling for me long before I declared a major at Howard Payne University. I worked in Vacation Bible School every summer as a high school student and recognized early that one of my gifts was teaching. Telling a Bible story in VBS always has been one of my favorite things to do.

I felt called into education, because I believed I could use the gifts God had given me to help others. For me, the public school system was the right avenue to travel as I shared my love of teaching.

Teaching is a calling; it’s a call to share your knowledge in a particular area, along with a call to love your students. I encourage my students to study and learn, telling them learning never should stop. Education is empowerment. It is my calling to encourage the students who walk into my classroom to discover their gifts and try their best.

How does being a Christian influence your work in education?

It is my prayer that being a Christian influences everything I do. I hope I am a better teacher because I care about the entire student—his or her mind and soul.

I pray for my students and try to show God’s love and compassion to them. We have many troubled students in today’s world, so I believe anything I can do to love and encourage them might lead them to Jesus at some point in their lives. We need Christian educators now more than ever.

What is your favorite aspect of education? Why?

My favorite aspect of education would have to be the students. It brings me joy to meet new students every school year and watch them as they seek to find their place in the world. My experiences with some of them extend beyond the classroom as we participate in extra-curricular activities.

For the past 25 years, I’ve sponsored UIL academic events in speaking: cross examination debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, extemporaneous speaking and oral interpretation. Guiding and challenging students to improve their God-given abilities through speech and debate offers extra opportunities to get to know the students and possibly influence their lives.

I’ve also worked with the National Honor Society students for many years, striving to teach academic excellence as well as community service to others.

What is your favorite class to teach? Why?

My favorite class to teach is English II Honors. Sophomore students have passed the awkward freshman stage and are settling into high school. The students who choose to take an honors class generally are motivated and eager to learn. We can learn, discuss and work on interesting projects together. Most days, it is just fun.

How do you expect education to change in the next 10 to 20 years?

Education has changed drastically since I began teaching 41 years ago. I think hardback books will all but disappear in the classroom in the next 10 to 20 years. Almost every textbook now comes with a digital license, so it can be accessed anywhere online. I don’t think state testing will go away, either, and it continues to change the scope and focus of education.

What do you wish more people knew about education?

I wish more people understood the pressure teachers face today. Even if you leave the pandemic out of the picture, education is such a challenge for teachers. Testing expectations, limitations in the classroom, lack of support, and time constraints affect most of us in the field of education. It is a wonderful place to be for those who love to teach, but it’s a daily test to grapple with all of the distractions.

About Baptists

Why are you Baptist?

I was definitely born a Baptist. When I was a little girl, I did not understand why everyone was not a Baptist. Hopefully, I’ve matured enough to see differing viewpoints on denominations, but I still believe Baptists understand and practice cooperation well.

I support the Cooperative Program and the mission work Baptists have established and supported through many years. Evangelism is a priority to Texas Baptists, and I believe that’s why we are here—to win lost souls to Christ.

What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?

I believe a key issue facing Baptist today is reaching people for Christ while maintaining our basic values and beliefs as Baptists denominationally.

Church definitely has changed during my lifetime. We constantly are looking for new ways to minister and reach people for Christ. Even though some of our methods may change, we need to keep our basic beliefs intact.

About Andrea

Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?

My parents have to be at the top of my mentor list. I am so thankful and blessed they still are a vital part of our lives at 91 and 88. They have served the Lord faithfully for all of their lives and influenced their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to do the same.

My daddy has pastored Baptist churches most of his life, and my mother taught school for 32 years. I have watched them pour their lives into others; yet, they never sacrificed our family in the process. They ministered, taught, discipled and served others; they never asked others to do what they weren’t willing to do. They both are true servant leaders who continue to inspire me to be the best servant I can be for the Lord and his kingdom work.

What is the impact of education on your family?

I already have mentioned my mother was a school teacher. I come from a long line of people who prioritized education and/or became educators. Many of my aunts and uncles born during the Depression managed to graduate from high school and pursue a college education. That leads me to believe my grandparents placed a high value on education.

My family has produced college professors and public school teachers. We seem to have passed on the importance and legacy of education, because my daughter and several nieces are educators now.

Other than the Bible, name some of your favorite books or authors, and explain why.

Two authors who immediately come to mind are C.S. Lewis and Zora Neale Hurston. I love their work, even though their content and styles are quite different.

I have read and studied C.S. Lewis for many years. I admire the magnitude of his work with The Chronicles of Narnia. It manages to create a literary masterpiece while sharing the simple gospel at the same time.

I also admire and respect the work of Zora Neale Hurston. My favorite book of hers would be Their Eyes Were Watching God. It is a great story of a young girl’s search for love and acceptance, but her literary style is unparalleled. She can paint a word picture better than any other author I have read.

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

I’m not sure I can narrow this down, but Philippians 4 has been a favorite of mine for a long time. During times of daily struggles, I remind myself of verses 6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I need God’s peace guarding my mind and heart always.

Biblical references often have featured in American presidential speeches. Joe Biden’s speech Nov. 7 was no exception.

Evangelical Christians generally appreciate a politician’s references to the Bible or Christian hymns. At the same time, Christians need to remain clear-headed about the political appropriation of faith language—especially when that language comes from the Bible, what the majority of Baptists consider “the supreme standard by which all human conduct … should be tried.”

What did Biden say?

Halfway through his speech, Biden said: “[L]et’s give each other a chance. It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again. And to make progress, we have to stop treating our opponents as our enemy. They are not our enemies. They are Americans.”

Those worn out by the demonizing political rhetoric of the last four years received these words as balm for the soul. Certainly, Biden intended that.

Then quoting from Ecclesiastes 3, Biden said: “The Bible tells us, ‘To everything there is a season, a time to build, a time to reap and a time to sow, and a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America.”

Near the conclusion of his speech, Biden quoted from “On Eagle’s Wings,” a hymn loved by his deceased son Beau. He said the hymn “captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.”

“And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings / bear you on the breath of dawn / and make you to shine like the sun / and hold you in the palm of his hand,” Biden recited. “And now together—on eagle’s wings—we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do … with faith in America and in each other,” he continued.

Biden ended by quoting his grandfather, who frequently told him as a child, “Joey, keep the faith.” His grandmother always followed with, “No, Joey, spread it.”

“Spread the faith,” Biden proclaimed.

Critiquing Biden’s faith language

Biden quoting the Bible, a hymn and his grandparents’ exhortations about faith are the kind of thing that can warm a Christian’s heart.

So welcome are the words of Ecclesiastes 3 that it might seem petty to take issue with them. It might seem heartless to quibble with a song so important to Biden’s deceased son. And his grandparents’ exhortation? Am I really going to take issue with that? How it was used, yes.

The words cited in each instance are not problematic in themselves. What should give us pause is the context in which they were spoken.

While there are seasons and times for everything, the starting and stopping of them is not always at our discretion. Though Christians may agree a time of healing is needed, our steps are ordered by God’s will, not our desires. As much as I may desire healing, it may be time for correcting and repenting, and then healing.

“On Eagle’s Wings” is a beautiful rendering of Psalm 91. However, the promises of Psalm 91 were not given to bless America’s will. Rather, they are assurances given to those who obey God’s will. The promise is made to “[w]hoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High … ‘because he loves me,’ says the Lord.” Psalm 91 stipulates calling on the Lord, but Biden didn’t seem to suggest America needs to do that. But he’s not alone on that score.

Then there’s faith. I imagine evangelical Christians shouting, “Amen!” at Biden’s grandmother charging him to spread the faith rather than keep it. Making that distinction was a winning finish.

But faith is a fuzzy word. What faith are we talking about? Or are we talking about hope, optimism, belief, moral support or something else?

Biden’s meaning came a few sentences before, when he told us to “embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do … with faith in America and in each other.”

However committed Biden is to God, he seems to be asking Americans to place their trust in America, fellow Americans, and in the laws, institutions and systems of the U.S. government. He follows in a long line of presidents who have used the language of Christian faith to call us to America’s cause.

As preferable as Biden’s speech may be in comparison to others, we must listen to it carefully. When Biden tells us to spread the faith, what faith are we spreading?

The language of Christian faith has a place in American political discourse, but when it is brought to the service of American political will, we must pay attention.

Listen carefully

American Christians cheer these biblical references. They hear themselves in them and, as a result, more closely identify with the politician who speaks them.

American politicians know biblical references connect with the majority of the U.S. population. They know these references can soothe or rally, depending on the need. For politicians, there is a pragmatic reason to speak the language of Christian faith.

Politicians speaking the language of Christian faith isn’t necessarily cynical, though. The words Biden recited Nov. 7 surely mean as much to him as they would to conservative Christians like Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) or Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.).

The problem lies in appropriating the language of Christian faith to baptize American ways and values. This is a bipartisan problem.

Regardless of intentions or how sincere a politician is about his or her Christian faith, we must pay close attention to where a politician’s faith language is pointing us.

Eric Black is the executive director, publisher and editor of the Baptist Standard. He can be reached at eric.black@baptiststandard.com or on Twitter at @EricBlackBSP. The views expressed are those solely of the author.

Baptists Preaching is a column from the Baptist Standard. It is not an effort to advance any one theology or style but to present what a collection of Baptists considers a word from God. Likewise, Baptists Preaching offers a repository of Baptist preaching for future study and research. To recommend a sermon to be featured in Baptists Preaching, please contact eric.black@baptiststandard.com.

Amy Castello: Quit Living by the Rules! (Galatians 2)

Amy Castello, missions and family pastor of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Robinson, examines a disagreement between Peter and Paul. Even though Peter knew freedom from religious rules because of Jesus, he was afraid of being judged by Jewish Christians if they saw him with Gentile Christians. Paul was angry with Peter’s hypocrisy and called him out on it.

Castello points to feedback from people outside the church who indicate one of the biggest reasons they do not participate in the church is its hypocrisy. People outside the church recognize freedom from religious rules doesn’t mean Christians aren’t supposed to behave differently.

She wraps up Paul’s response to Peter with a powerful quote from South Dakota Jackrabbits Head Coach Scott Nagy.

This sermon was delivered on Aug. 9, 2020, for the morning worship services of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Robinson. It is part of an expository series on Galatians. A sermon script is available here.

From online purchases to minimal-contact curbside drop-off, Operation Christmas Child—the Samaritan’s Purse program that provides shoeboxes filled with small gifts for children in developing nations—looks different this year due to COVID-19.

While some churches held “packing parties” to fill the shoeboxes as they have done in previous years, others opted out of the group activity this year due to concerns about social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols.

Samaritan’s Purse established COVID-19 protocols for packing, collecting and processing shoeboxes safely, and the organization communicated the information to volunteers.

This year, Samaritan’s Purse offered individuals and groups the opportunity to pack a shoebox digitally—selecting and purchasing toys online.

The organization also provided suggested alternatives to large packing parties, such as family-only events or individual shoebox filling stations at businesses. The group also highlighted the bulk purchase of bundled gifts that individuals could pick up at a church and small groups could then sort and place into shoeboxes.

Curbside drop-off limits contact

During National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23, more than 4,000 collection sites nationally—264 in Texas—will offer curbside drop-off where Operation Christmas Child volunteers with personal protection equipment will unload shoeboxes from donors’ vehicles.

“The objective is for it to be a safe experience for volunteers and for shoebox donors,” said Matt Smith, a member of First Baptist Church in Wylie and logistics team leader for Operation Christmas Child in South Collin County.

Typically, donors have been encouraged to enter a drop-off site, where they could talk to Operation Christmas Child representatives and learn more about the ministry.

“We’ve seen it as the opportunity to move from transaction to transformation,” Smith said, lamenting that COVID-19 makes that level of interaction impossible in 2020.

A family tradition

Smith has been a year-around volunteer with Operation Christmas Child the past three years.

For him, involvement in the international ministry to children is a family tradition.

When bone and joint disease deprived his mother, Sally Smith, of participating in many of the mission-related activities she enjoyed, she began packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child—sometimes up to 1,250 a year.

She died in 2015, but her son carries on her legacy by serving as a local Operation Christmas Child leader.

“We don’t know exactly what kind of impact COVID-19 will have in terms of the number of churches participating or number of shoeboxes collected,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what happens and trust God.”

To locate the closest shoebox drop-off location, click here.

Tammy Barrack teaches third grade at Packsaddle Elementary School in Kingsland. She is one of nine public school educators who received the 2020 BEST—Baptist Educators Serving Texans—award. Barrack is a member of First Baptist Church in Llano. From deep in the heart of one Texan, she shares her background and thoughts on being a Christian in public education.

To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated educator to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.

Background

Where else have you served, and what were your positions there?

At Packsaddle, I have taught both third and fourth grades.

I spent 8 1/2 years teaching at McWhorter Elementary School in Mesquite. Mesquite Independent School District helped me complete my master’s degree. So much of who I am as a teacher is because of what they taught me and allowed me to learn. At McWhorter, I taught sixth grade for six years and fourth grade for three years.

I entered my first classroom in Gallup, N.M., at Washington Elementary. I had the privilege of teaching kindergarten for three years. I am so blessed to have had the opportunities these schools and districts have provided and taught me.

I serve as the Kids4Christ director at First Baptist Church of Llano. My husband is the youth minister.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Waco.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

At age 14, my pastor preached a sermon about Jesus. Having not grown up in a Bible-taught household, I didn’t understand the tugging I felt previously on my heart. That day, I knew it was Jesus.

I accepted Christ in April 1991, and was baptized shortly thereafter. I began to serve in a second grade Sunday school class, so I could learn the stories I never had been taught.

At age 19, I met my husband. Craig was a youth pastor and taught me a great deal. Since we married in 1997, I have served beside him in ministry.

Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?

I have a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and a Master of Curriculum and Instruction degree from Texas A&M–Commerce.

About education

Why do you feel called into education?

God has given me an ability to teach. I love to watch the sparks in the children’s eyes as they come to understand a concept for the first time. I believe I make a difference in the lives of my students.

Children need loving teachers who will guide them and support them. My classroom is my mission field.

How does being a Christian influence your work in education?

As a teacher in a public classroom, I do have to be careful. But at the same time, I am deliberate in telling my students and their parents I am a Christian. I encourage my students, support them and discipline them in a way that creates understanding and not mere punishment.

I have had opportunities to pray with and for the parents. I have counseled moms and dads, shared my own experiences as a mom of a child their children’s age, and sent families to Christian resources we have in our community.

I do not push what I believe onto my families, yet I attempt to show them what a Christian is.

What is your favorite aspect of education? Why?

Just recently, I was reminded why I do what I love. One of my students has been very apathetic, both currently and historically.

She and I sat down and reviewed a math concept. At first, she pretended to get it but couldn’t duplicate the procedure. After a few minutes, she was not only able to duplicate the procedure, but also explain it back to me. She was so proud of herself.

I yelled out to the class how she learned the concept, and the whole class clapped for her. She was so proud of herself, and they were proud of her as well.

Creating an experience like this for an underachieving student, who has been retained once already and is on the brink of being referred to the Special Ed department, is priceless. I pray she forever will remember this day, a day of success.

What one aspect of education gives you the greatest joy?

I am most proud of students who implement the values of kindness and generosity I teach them. Students who refuse to give up and fight through the confusion give me great joy. When my students from last year remind me of all I’ve taught them, I find more joy.

When the friendships I have developed with parents in the past stay true as the kids grow older, I find joy. Just recently, I was at the football game and ran into lots of parents. Hugs, well-wishes and lots of “I love you”s were given. This gives me great joy. I want to make a difference.

What is your favorite class to teach? Why?

I love it all.

I love teaching math, because there are so many ways to solve a problem, and everyone can do it differently.

I love teaching reading, because it involves our written language and how we learn. I love to read, and I can share that passion with my students.

I love history, because I believe we have to know where we come from in order to understand where we are going.

I love science, because it causes students to question and wonder. It has a process, and students can make predictions and see the outcome.

What one aspect of education would you like to change?

It would be great if class sizes were smaller. So many children require individual attention in learning, and I would love not to be spread so thin.

How has your place in education or your perspective on education changed?

I am reminded frequently what a privilege it is to be able to do what I love. Teaching is hard.

The hours required to make my classroom a success: I work over 50 hours a week to make sure I have covered all my bases and to think outside of the box. I used to think teachers worked 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Little did I know.

How do you expect education to change in the next 10 to 20 years?

I am scared for what changes may be brought to the public school system. As more liberals attempt to include their agenda into sexual education and in my classroom—through history lessons, moral codes and doctrines—I need to know how to protect my students and families. I need to give my parents the resources to stand against what they don’t believe in. I will continue to emulate Esther and take that stand.

What do you wish more people knew about education?

In education, we teachers are doing our best to build up and encourage our students. I want parents to understand they are their child’s first teacher. Whatever their children see and hear from their parents is how they actually view the world. Whatever experiences and opportunities they can provide only open more opportunities to access understanding for their child.

Also, as a teacher, I need their support. We are a team, and we must stand united.

About Baptists

Why are you Baptist?

I believe in the Baptist Faith and Message. I believe the Bible is the true and holy word of God. I believe Jesus was immersed fully by John the Baptist as a sign that when we confess our sins and surrender to Jesus, we are dead in our trespasses and are raised to life in him.

What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?

I’m sure this is not exclusive to Baptists, but we are seeing an aging population of devout servants. The upcoming generation—as far as what I can see—struggles with commitment and serving. Sports and community are huge, but they get too tired for church.

If we don’t teach our children how much we need Jesus and our local church, we are showing them how to live without him and his church.

About Tammy

Who were/are your mentors, and how did/do they influence you?

Dr. Poppy Airhart was my principal for five years at McWhorter Elementary School in Mesquite. She gave me opportunities to achieve, succeed and fail. She encouraged me when I needed it and chewed me out when I needed it. She has shaped me more than she may realize.

I learned how to control my responses, how to troubleshoot a parent and situations at school, how to disaggregate data and teach to my weaknesses. Because of Dr. Airhart, I am strong, confident and humble. She encouraged me to teach others and lead other teachers. I am forever grateful.

What is the impact of education on your family?

As an educator, I have had the same schedule as my son. I am aware of what trends are being implemented and laws are being passed.

As a parent, I hold my students to the same standards as I hold my own son. I have been able to counsel parents about education and share my own experiences as a wife and mom.

Because of my certifications and what I have taught, my son likes that I can help him with his homework from time to time.

What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?

One of my favorite books is Esther. She was a queen on a mission. She went against the customs and stood up for her people. She was in that position for “such a time as this.”

I believe I am in my position for such a time as this. My students could be hungry, hurting, lonely or scared. I’ve had kids hide in the dark, eat crayons, use solar lamps in the house because the electricity was off, and more.

Having a teacher tell you she loves you, encourages you and helps provide resources for you really could change a child’s life. This love and help can provide hope. Esther gave hope to her people. It’s my job to give hope to mine.