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SBTC ANNUAL MEETING STORIES 8-12

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING 13

BOOKS & GIFT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS 16

DECEMBER 2016

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Looking for bargains, thrift store shoppers find gospel ministry By Bonnie Pritchett TEXAN Correspondent

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PRAYER RALLY, EMPHASIS ON HOLY SPIRIT HIGHLIGHT 2016 SBTC ANNUAL MEETING IN AUSTIN

VIDOR, TEXAS

By Keith Collier

isible through the plate-glass front window of Main Street Thrift Store is the traditional red-bricked, white-steepled edifice of the store’s benefactor, First Baptist Church in Vidor. The view across N. Main Street, either from the vantage point of the church or store, serves to remind the congregation of Christ’s call to go into the world and to care for their neighbors. Compelled to establish a presence in the community beyond the church walls, FBC Vidor 10 years ago purchased the strip-center store sandwiched between a mom-andpop drug store and Chef Leo China Bistro. From there the church offered a host of gospel-infused ministries before deciding to transition the entire space to a thrift store. The store’s success since opening last

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year speaks to its popularity but not its purpose. With the funds raised by the store, the church will open a women’s shelter to further the gospel’s influence in Vidor.

5Karen Davis, left, warmly greets customers at the checkout counter, always mindful of the store’s purpose of funding a women’s shelter. “I have a heart for this,” she said. PHOTO BY BONNIE PRITCHETT

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three-day emphasis on the Holy Spirit concluded with a worship service that included a citywide prayer rally, music led by Christian recording artist Jeremy Camp and the final sermon of a six-part series through Romans 8 during the 2016 Bible Conference & Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Nov. 13-15. The meeting, with the theme of “The Holy Spirit,” was hosted by Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. See ANNUAL MEETING, 8

SBTC A/V CONSULTANT TAKES SKILLS BEHIND BARS By Tammi Reed Ledbetter Special Assignments Editor

HUNTSVILLE

When the sound guy for a gathering of 250 to 300 worshippers read in the TEXAN about the availability of worship technology ministry consultants, he knew that was just what they needed. Unpaid volunteers dealing with the occasional hiss and pop of the sound system could use the help of professionals like Rex Lake, an audio-visual consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. See A/V, 7

HUNTSVILLE Ellis Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

5SBTC A/V consultant Rex Lake (second from right) discusses worship audio with sound operators at the Ellis Unit chapel ministry. PHOTO BY GARY LEDBETTER

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Wright and a small contingent of unashamedly working this fa- furniture and even a 19th-cenlike-minded pastors to Florida to cility with the gospel.” tury pump organ. Looking for visit the Christian Care Center, a Larson said they set capacity bargains, customers often find ministry founded 30 years ago by for the shelter at 20 women at much more. First Baptist Church of Leesburg a time in order to facilitate the “We hear life stories,” said and offers services addressing the personal, discipleship care they Karen Davis, a store volunteer. spiritual, emotional and physical want to provide. He hopes part “I’ve stopped in the middle of needs of the community. something and prayed with During the visit, Wright toured someone. That’s what they the Christian Care Center’s thrift need right then.” store and learned the fundamenVolunteer Scherrie Nix told tals of what it would take to duof a woman who came to the plicate a similar store back home. store in need of a dress to wear FBC Vidor hired Larson in Februto her grandfather’s funeral. ary 2015 as an associate pastor But instead of finding her sortand manager of Main Street Mining through the rows of womistries, the umbrella non-profit en’s clothing, Nix discovered organization for many of FBC her weeping in front of the toy Vidor’s existing ministries. department. With a heart for ministry A gentle inquiry revealed the evangelism but no experience tears were not for the grandfa— K A R E N DAV I S , in operating a store, Larson ther she missed but for her six A STORE VOLUNTEER joked, “There’s no starter kit.” children taken from her by CPS. So he sought advice, culled She desperately wanted them through the operating manuals of the ministry will be the rec- back and the toys only remindof similar ministries, and trust- onciliation of mothers with the ed her of their absence. ed God’s provision. A year later children they have abandoned Nix, who has been a foster the store, staffed mainly by FBC or lost to the custody of Child parent, understands why chilVidor volunteers and two paid Protective Services. dren are taken from homes and, employees, is financially self“If there is any way for us to more importantly for the womsustaining and drawing closer make families whole again, we’ll an, how families are reunited. to being the funding source for help with that,” Larson said. After crying and praying with the women’s shelter. That redeeming work is al- the mother, Nix encouraged her “The Lord’s bringing together ready being seen in small mea- to do everything CPS officials a lot of people,” Larson said. sure at the Main Street Thrift required of her. That, she said, Caleb Stephens gives his 2-year-old son Joey a high-five as the two try The first provision came in the Store, where once-unwanted would help ensure the reconon play hats in the store’s toy department. PHOTO BY BONNIE PRITCHETT form of a donated nursing home. items are given new purposes. ciliation of her family. The facility, damaged in 2005 by Budget-minded customers can Nix recognized the encounter Wright said while the Hurricane Rita and abandoned, purchase clothes and acces- was not a coincidence. She said, church’s benevolence minis- was purchased by an area busi- sories, kitchen supplies, toys, “I felt like God let me be here.” tries offered assistance for per- nessman, who dosons in or on the brink of crisis, nated it along with CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 they only treated the symptoms $60,000 for repairs to Like the volunteers staffing of deeply ingrained troubles Main Street Ministry. the thrift store, FBC Vidor pas- that weekly counseling sessions Through financial tor Terry Wright said he always could not correct. contributions and volbelieved he had a responsibility “We would lead them to unteer assistance, reto care for his community, and Christ,” Wright said, “but the in- pairs to the facility are he long believed the church’s ef- tensity of their discipleship re- 95 percent complete. forts served that purpose. quired more than putting them With a goal of “It was effective, to a degree,” in a Sunday School class.” opening the women’s he said. Wright and others concluded shelter by summer From a small office nestled that only by Christ-centered, 2017, the search for between the back of Main long-term care offered through staff will begin shortStreet Thrift Store’s tidy shop- men’s and women’s shelters ly after the New Year. ping area and the store’s receiv- could real change be effected. But At a minimum the ing and storage area, Wright the expense of operating such shelter will need an and Jayson Larson, executive programs was beyond the means operating budget of director of Main Street Minis- of FBC Vidor or Main Street Min- $150,000. Clients will tries and FBC Vidor associate istry, which operates as a sepa- stay for at least three pastor, spoke of the store’s suc- rate 501 (c) 3 from the church. months, Wright said, Who’s minding the store? From left front, volunteers Karen Davis, Misty Clark, cess and the future women’s In 2014, SBTC Evangelism adding, “We will let Scherrie Nix and FBC Associate Pastor Jayson Larson. Standing behind them is shelter. Director Nathan Lorick took them know we are FBC Pastor Terry Wright. PHOTO BY BONNIE PRITCHETT

“We hear life stories. I’ve stopped in the middle of something and prayed with someone. That’s what they need right then.”

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RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEAR AUSTIN STIRS UP TRANSGENDER BATHROOM DEBATE By Bonnie Pritchett TEXAN Correspondent DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas

Another Texas school district is embroiled in controversy over its decision to reportedly allow an elementary school student—a biological boy who identifies as a girl—to use the girls’ restrooms. Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) parents told school board members they should have been informed of the unwritten policy as it directly impacts their children. Parents, on both sides of the debate, spoke out during the public forum portion of the September and October DSISD school board meetings. Because the issue was not on the agenda, board members did not respond to statements or questions. The board, to date, has refused to put the matter on an upcoming agenda, with Superintendent Bruce Gearing remaining mute on the subject. Citing privacy laws the district stated in a press release it would not respond to “inquiries about any individual student’s accommodation.” “In the absence of clear guidance from the courts on the question of accommodations for transgender students, the district is handling individual student requests for accommodations on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the age of the student, the nature of campus facilities, the activities the student participates in and the privacy interests of other students,” the district stated in a press release.

The TEXAN received the press release in response to several questions. Dripping Springs, about 25 miles southwest of Austin, maintains a small-town atmosphere. The city proper population of 1,788 is surrounded by 30,000 residents including 6,000 DSISD students who attend the district’s five schools. Testimonies at the meeting indicated the lack of transparency by the district angered parents as much as the policy. In late September, when social media lit up over the decision to allow a young boy to use the girls’ bathroom, parents felt betrayed. “That hit me hard,” Steve Curran, a father of two daughters, told the TEXAN. “We tend to be conservative out here. That sounds like something that should have been discussed in the open.” Curran’s reaction echoed that of parents who addressed the school board Sept. 26, a day after word began to spread. Concern over the violation of the privacy and dignity of girls gave way to frustration with the district for keeping parents in the dark. At the September board meeting, parent Glenn Banton condemned the board and administrators for making a “unilateral decision” without communicating with families whose children would be impacted by the unwritten policy that Banton said put the needs of one student over the needs of all others using the same facility. “Who gets priority?” he asked the board.

“I strongly encourage Dripping Springs ISD to support bathroom and locker room policies that reflect common sense, take every student’s safety into account, and give full consideration to the concerns of parents in the most transparent manner possible.” —TEXAS SEN. DONNA CAMP BEL L

Before he addressed the Oct. 24 board meeting, Curran filed a letter of protest with the district asking the principals on his daughters’ intermediate and high school campuses to discuss the issue with him. Students, not district officials, made Curran aware of a transgender junior high student. District officials told him the student does not use the singlesex bathrooms on that campus. A high school representative told Curran transgender restroom use was not an issue at the district’s lone high school. “It will be,” Curran said, if students coming up through the system are accommodated as the elementary school student is now. The Dripping Springs controversy comes on the heels of a months-long protest by parents in the Fort Worth Independent School District over a written policy drafted and implemented by district administrators without school board or community input.

The policy allowed biological males and females to use the private facilities of their choice, including restrooms and locker rooms. An open records request by the TEXAN to FWISD revealed guidance material for the policy amounted to little more than news articles and blogs about the plight of transgender teens. The material included no medical or statistical studies on the nature of gender confusion or best practice recommendations from objective sources. But documents did include material sourced from LGBT advocacy organizations that often help draft bathroom policies. Public pressure forced FWISD to rescind the transgender bathroom policy. The Texas Legislature will address the issue during the 2017 legislative session, said Nathan McDaniel, who serves as communications director for Texas Sen. Donna Campbell. Campbell represents District 25, which includes Dripping Springs. “It has become a priority for the Lt. Governor, and we plan to file legislation to protect the dignity and privacy of women and children,” McDaniel told the TEXAN. In a statement released to the district prior to the Sept. 26 board meeting, Campbell said, “I strongly encourage Dripping Springs ISD to support bathroom and locker room policies that reflect common sense, take every student’s safety into account, and give full consideration to the concerns of parents in the most transpar-

ent manner possible.” Curran said he knew nothing of the roiling pro-transgender movement prior to the issue arising in his own district. As a Christian he said the Bible instructs Christians to treat everyone with compassion and dignity but to also stand for truth. When he addressed the school board during its Oct. 24 meeting, Curran prayed, set his prepared notes aside and spoke off the cuff. He knows most of the board members and attends the same Catholic Church as the superintendent. Parents who spoke in support of the policy at the September board meeting said the children should be able to declare their identity and the adults should affirm it. Kindal Baker insisted the little boy is a girl and any child uncomfortable with “her” using the girls’ restroom can use a single-stall bathroom elsewhere on campus. Another parent, Grant Tait, said he understands the policy seems “weird” because it is a new idea that the community at large has not come to terms with. But, he said, if elementary students are taught that a biological boy who presents himself as a girl is “normal” then that idea will be normal on the intermediate, high school and college campuses. And, ultimately, in society in general. “And that’s fine,” Tait concluded. “That’s indoctrination,” Curran said. “It’s not OK to act out on this. Sometimes love says, ‘No.’”

Churches challenged to share CP stories By TEXAN Staff

Pastors and churches across the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention are encouraged to share their stories of the impact of the Cooperative Program from the pulpit, in newsletters and through social media using #ourCPstory. “We not only need to have a passion for promoting the Cooperative Program, but also need to pass this message on to future generations,” shared Caleb Lasater, social media and IT catalyst for SBTC. “Many people in the pews know they give to missions but do not realize the importance the CP plays into this.” Local SBTC churches give a portion of undesignated receipts to the Cooperative Program through the state convention, which sends 55 percent to

the Southern Baptist Convention for missions and ministries in North America and around the world. The portion that remains within the state is used to start new churches, strengthen church ministries and partner with educational institutions and family ministries. Examples of the impact of CP giving include the student who is the beneficiary of reduced tuition costs for seminary education, the family who received help from disaster relief volunteers after storms damaged their house, and the church planter taking the gospel into a community with no gospel influence. “In 2017 we are looking to leverage the sustainability of the Cooperative Program and viral nature of social media to get the word out of what God is doing

through the CP. These stories can create an awareness of the CP and the many lives being impacted,” he predicted. Videos and photographs can be posted to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #ourCPstory, offering practical examples of how the Cooperative Program is changing lives and expanding ministry. Initial posts include a discussion on church revitalization with a Houston church that has lost its pastor and its building and a church replanting strategy in San Angelo. Thirty percent of churches within the Southern Bap-

where we are in terms of CP giving so far this year and an encouraged mindset from the churches that have made significant increases from 2015 to 2016, we must ask ourselves what we tists of Texas Convention have can do to not just finish this year increased giving to the Co- strong but set the tone for next operative Program over the year as well,” Lasater said. past year. When compared Churches that have not been to the same point in 2015, the giving are encouraged to start increase among this group by allocating one percent of from $8,379,523 to $10,469,232 their undesignated receipts for amounts to an average of 25 CP. Those that have established percent per church. a track record of CP support are At the same time, 36 percent asked to consider increasing of SBTC churches have de- that portion by one percent. creased giving, collectively in Reaching the world with the what amounts to an average de- gospel is a daunting task, Lacline of 17 percent per church. sater admitted, but he appealed Another 28 percent of churches to Matt. 28:19-20 in reminding are not giving at all. Together, believers of the Great Commisthese factors have contributed sion mandate. “Individually, it’s to a net loss of $143,506. overwhelming, but together “With a realistic view of the possibilities are endless.”

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OPINION

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CHRISTMAS, AT LAST Gary Ledbetter Editor

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y colleague, Keith Collier, is a proud “Post-Turk” theologian—no Christmas music or decoration until after Thanksgiving turkey. I cheated on that this year as I listened to music in preparation for our church’s early December Christmas program. I must say that a pretty steady diet of “Joy to the World,” “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” and “O’ Come Immanuel” did wonders to my late October and early November attitude. I needed that after a tough 2016. Maybe you need that also this year. This being our December issue of the TEXAN, you are entitled by even Keith’s standards to let the best songs in Christian hymnody minister to your heart.

It seems right that after a year of alarms, upsets and even disagreements within the body, that we would have a season of peace. Isn’t that a small version of the historical context for the first Christmas? If you’ve said “how long, Lord?” this year, imagine Israel in 6 B.C. God’s people were led by religious leaders who’d grown cold and legalistic. The king, a vassal of Rome, taxed the people heavily, offended the religious of all parties, and murdered his wife and her mother and two of his sons in his mad paranoia. The nation was in fact occupied by one of the most brutal empires in history. The differences between the rich and the poor were vast, and starvation was a real possibility for those who fell ill or were orphaned. Thus, we read of the joy of the shepherds and the gratitude of Anna and Simeon, who counted it an unspeakable honor to merely see the beginning of the Redeem-

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er’s human life. I don’t know that we can imagine it, but perhaps if we visited a poor and brutal third-world dictatorship we would get a picture of it. And these were God’s people, and Jerusalem was his city. The Lord had not spoken to Israel in 400 years, a span nearly as long as the entire period of the Judges, during which he provided 16 deliverers for the nation. Israel faced the invasion of the Greek Empire, the fragmentation of that empire, a successful rebellion against the Greeks, a period of independent monarchy and the conquest of the land by Rome—all without a prophet or a word from the Lord. Our nation has had a troubling year. 2016 was a year in which the two major political parties fielded more than 20 candidates and then selected two that many people found unacceptable. We’ve seen devastating tragedies in cities across the nation and the reopening of racial tensions that many hoped we were moving past. The death of Antonin Scalia last spring caused anxiety across the board as the court considered culture-altering issues. And then came Election Day. Nearly everyone was surprised and many were outraged and disappointed that 60

I THINK EVEN THIS HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE, NO-GOOD YEAR LOOKS BEARABLE COMPARED TO THE EPOCH INTO WHICH JESUS WAS BORN.

million of their neighbors, and fellow church members, voted for a man they found so offensive—they made him president. I think even this horrible, terrible, no-good year looks bearable compared to the epoch into which Jesus was born. But it’s fine to desire a respite. I desire a season of peace, of healing. As we consider the Romans 5:20 nature of God’s redeeming grace (“where sin increased, grace abounded all the more”) celebrated at Christmas, we are reminded to lift our eyes from our mobile devices, away from outrageous headlines ... up from outrage itself, to that holy night of peace and promise. Whether accurate or not, I’ll always think of that first Christmas as a cold and clear night—a night when the stars shone brightly and the world was quiet. That’s what peace looks like to me sometimes. Of course many significant things happened during that quiet night when “How long,

O’ Lord?” became “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This year, that story seems to be written small during these 12 challenging months. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe portrays the fallen world as a place where it is “always winter but never Christmas.” When the Savior, a great lion in that story, begins to move across the land, things begin to sprout and ice begins to melt—the promise of justice restored and life renewed. For us that promise was just as certain in June as it is in December, but the Christmas season is uniquely focused on redemption and hope. I look forward to it especially this year. I wish you joy as you celebrate the Savior this year. May he fortify us with faith that he is strong each day in the lives of those who trust him, regardless of what alarms arise in the coming months.

Oh, You Better Not Fret I’m Telling You Why Diana Davis Fresh Ideas

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he stockings. The fudge. The party. The gifts. The guests. On and on goes the bubbling list of todo’s before Christmas. How can a Christian avoid worry during such a crazy season of year? In a Bible story about two sisters, Martha is critiqued because of her stress and agitation. Reread the story in Luke 10:38-42: “As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, lis-

tening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Here are four reasons to stop worrying. 1. Worry accomplishes nothing. “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish

Jim Richards, Executive Director

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Gary K. Ledbetter, Editor Keith Collier, Managing Editor Tammi Ledbetter, Special Assignments Editor Gayla Sullivan, Circulation Manager Russell Lightner, Layout/Graphic Artist Lauren Reynnells, Intern

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a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?” (Luke 12:25-6). 2. Worry makes you look bad. You scowl. You fidget. You whine. You drive people away. And frowning may cause wrinkles! “Anxiety weighs a person down” (Proverbs 12:25a). 3. Worry doesn’t reflect well on your Savior. People may think you don’t trust God. “I (Jesus) am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22a).

Correspondents: JC Davies Michael Foust Bonnie Pritchett Erin Roach Jane Rodgers

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“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). 4. Scripture actually instructs Christians to not worry. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6a). “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1). “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life …” (Luke 12:22-32). So here’s one simple tip about how to avoid fretting during this Christmas season, or any other season of your life: Don’t. Don’t worry. Don’t fret. Don’t stress. Jesus lovingly reprimanded Martha, reminding her “there

is only one thing worth being concerned about.” Discover that one thing, like Mary, and focus on him. Don’t worry about all the details. This Christmas, be fret-free. Yes, Scripture instructs to be busy about his work. Yes, the kids need dinner. Yes, Christmas is a special time. But prayerfully lower your over-achiever expectations to a level that allows peace and joy. Live focused, as if this might be your last Christmas on earth. Your perfect party or Christmas lighting will not bring nearly as fond of memories as your perfect joy and peace. Don’t worry. “God’s peace exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

The Southern Baptist Texan is the official newspaper of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, P.O. Box 1988, Grapevine, Texas 76099-1988. Toll-free 877-953-7282, Phone 817-552-2500, FAX 817-552-2520. Email: [email protected]

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“BEHOLD, I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY, WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE.” —LUKE 2:10

Jim & June Richards, along with your SBTC staff, wish you a Merry Christmas. May God bless you and your loved ones with the joy of the Lord, especially as we celebrate his birth. Gerard van Honthorst - Adoration of the Child • 1620

$1.375 million in grants to help seminaries, colleges, children’s home, church revitalization By Tammi Reed Ledbetter Special Assigments Editor AUSTIN The Executive Board of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention elected new officers, approved new affiliation requests, and provided $1,375,000 in grants from reserve funds to the help Southern Baptist ministries in Texas and beyond the state.

The board elected Kie Bowman, pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, as chairman; Robert Welch, pastor of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro, as vicechairman; and Joe Rivera, pastor of Primeria Iglesia Bautista in Grand Prairie, as secretary. Requests from 22 churches seeking affiliation with the SBTC were approved as the conven-

tion continues to grow. The number of affiliated churches stands at 2,610 with eight removed, three of which had disbanded, three merged with another church and two disaffiliated. The Board released $1 million previously designated for transitioning returning IMB workers to church planting and revitalization efforts through Reach Houston. Only one

church planter is still in the process and will be funded through budgeted church planting and revitalization funds. Anticipated year-end reserves in excess of the six months goal as well as the portion released from use for Reach Houston allowed the board to approve funds for a $200,000 grant to the Southern Baptist Convention for missions and ministry, $250,000 to Criswell College to assist with construction of a campus student dormitory, $150,000 to Jacksonville College for general operations or construction projects, and $100,000 to Texas Baptist Home for Children to offset a significant reduction in state funding due to a court ruling limiting the number of children that can be cared for in group homes. Other grants included $135,000 over three years to the Dakota Baptist Convention to support pastoral salary and benefits for a church in Williston, N.D.; $200,000 to Midwestern Baptist Theological Semi-

nary for student center construction; and $50,000 to the Louisiana Baptist Convention for disaster relief. Grants were also approved to fund costs related to cultivating diversity among SBTC churches and ministries, a revitalization consultant, technology projects, line item overage, year-end staff bonuses, SBTC reception and exhibit booth at the 2017 SBC meeting, a convention vehicle and a compensation study. The board reaffirmed a rebranding project approved last spring to examine how SBTC can best present itself to pastors and church leaders with an ever-diversifying constituency. Several SBTC ministry leaders brought reports of work among Spanishspeaking congregations, refugee and Asian people groups, and Texas borderlands church planting missionaries. Chief Financial Officer Joe Davis reported that Cooperative Program receipts are $200,782 be-

hind 2015 receipts with a net operating income of $884,128 through October. Davis expects that gap to close following a five-Sunday month in October and a typical pattern of strong year-end giving. Contributions from SBTC churches to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions amounted to $2,765,492 for reporting year that ended in September, $31,205 more than the previous year. With four months reported for giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, receipts are significantly lower at $510,439 as compared to $1,019,287 for the same period last year. Giving through the Reach Texas Offering for state missions was slightly lower than last year at $63,143 for the first month of reporting. The board welcomed new members including Brian Haynes of League City, Maria Rolf of Carrollton, Norman Rushing of Pampa and Caleb Turner of Mesquite.

Year End Giving Reminders JANUARY 6TH Regarding 2016 year end giving, through Jan. 6, 2017, the SBTC will apply gifts postmarked by Dec. 31, 2016 to the 2016 calendar year. After Jan. 6, 2017, all gifts will be applied to the 2017 year. 2017 GIFT FORMS Gift Forms will be arriving in your mailboxes in December 2016. The Gift

Form is also available in a downloadable format on our website, sbtexas.com (click on the “Resources” tab on the home page). 2017 CP GIFTS 55% of all CP gifts will go to the Southern Baptist Convention for missions and ministry around the world, while 45% will remain in state for work in Texas.

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NEWS

‘Jesus tomb’ finding ‘hugely significant,’ SWBTS prof says Archaeologists’ discovery of what may be the original burial bed on which Jesus’ body was laid has been deemed “hugely significant” by a Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary professor. The burial bed—which had not been studied by

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archaeologists previously—was unearthed Oct. 28 inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a site regarded by some as the burial place of Jesus, National Geographic reported. Two days earlier, researchers from the National Technical University of Athens removed marble cladding from the traditional burial site inside a shrine known as the Edicule and found only fill material inside. The burial bed had been sealed since at least 1555 and likely centuries earlier,

BRIEFS LifeWay pulls Hatmaker books over gay marriage views

the LGBT community like family. We have to do better.” —BPNews.net

World Series MVP Zobrist: ‘God doesn’t measure us by what we do’

LifeWay Christian Resources discontinued in late October resources featuring bestselling Bible study author Jen Hatmaker, just days after she voiced approval of gay marriage. “In a recent interview, [Hatmaker] voiced significant changes in her theology of human sexuality and the meaning and definition of marriage—changes which contradict LifeWay’s doctrinal guidelines,” said LifeWay spokesman Marty King. “As a result, LifeWay has discontinued selling her resources.” LifeWay has published several resources by the popular speaker and reality television star, including the bestselling B&H Publishing book, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. In an Oct. 25 Religion News Service article, Hatmaker said she affirms gay marriage from both civil and spiritual perspectives, and advised the church to embrace members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community who profess Christianity. Asked if she thought a gay union could be holy, she replied, “I do.” “Not only are these our neighbors and friends, but they are brothers and sisters in Christ,” Hatmaker said. “They are adopted into the same family as the rest of us, and the church hasn’t treated

Even though Ben Zobrist of the Chicago Cubs has won two World Series, he knows that God does not measure his success by the number of championship rings on his fingers.

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according to National Geographic, to prevent visitors from chipping away pieces of the original rock as souvenirs. The October uncovering occurred in conjunction with the Edicule’s first renovation in 200 years. Tom Davis, professor of archaeology and biblical backgrounds at Southwestern Seminary, said uncovering the ancient burial bed is “hugely significant” because it “shows the survival of the original tomb despite the destruction” by Muslim invaders in 1009 of

the original church built on the site. Davis believes the Church of the Holy Sepulchre marks the burial site of Jesus for at least three reasons: 4In Jesus’ time, the site was a “quarry area outside the walls of Jerusalem,” and Jewish tradition forbade burial within the walls of a city. 4An alternate proposed site of Jesus’ burial known as the Garden Tomb “is an Iron Age tomb (8th c. B.C.)” and therefore cannot have been “a new tomb” in Jesus’ day “as

measuring us by our faith in Christ,” Zobrist added.

Walsh is an ordained Seventhday Adventist lay minister.

—ChristianPost.com

—BPNews.net & FirstLiberty.org

Bivocational minister refuses to give court his sermons

‘Insanity of God’ film now on DVD

A bivocational lay minister and physician is refusing to give the state of Georgia copies of his past sermons in a legal suit alleging the state fired him as health director because of his religious beliefs. Eric Walsh will not comply with the state’s request for his sermons and relevant notes because he believes the state exceeded its authority, he said in an Oct. 26 press release from his counsel, First Liberty Institute. First Liberty filed a lawsuit April 20 on Walsh’s behalf, contending the state fired him because of the content of his sermons.

“No government has the right to require a pastor to turn over his sermons.” —ER IC WALSH

After the Cubs won the World Series, the evangelical nonprofit organization Awana published an audio interview with Zobrist that was conducted before the end of the regular season in which Zobrist talked about his Christian upbringing and what it is like to be a famous and devout Christian athlete. “As a ballplayer, there is no Christian way to swing a bat. There is no Christian way to swing or throw,” Zobrist explained. “You are either good or you’re not at whatever your job is. And it is more important that you understand the grace and love and peace you have in Christ, whether you are good or bad at whatever you are doing every day.” “We are just so thankful that Christ does not measure us by what we do. God is not measuring us by that, he is

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“No government has the right to require a pastor to turn over his sermons,” Walsh said. “I cannot and will not give up my sermons unless I am forced to do so.” The Georgia Department of Public Health fired Walsh after learning he preached on weekends, according to First Liberty, which asserted that the state also obtained copies of some of his sermons before booting him. “The state insists that it did not fire Dr. Walsh over his religious beliefs or sermons,” said Jeremy Dys, First Liberty senior counsel. “If that’s true, why is it demanding copies of his sermons now? It’s clear the government fired Dr. Walsh over his religious beliefs, which is blatant religious discrimination.” A noted physician who has directed the Pasadena, Calif., public health department and served on President Obama’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS,

The LifeWay documentary/ film The Insanity of God, which tells the incredible true story of missionaries Nik and Ruth Ripken, is now available on DVD. It was a box office surprise on its first night in theaters in August, finishing No. 1 on a per-theater average. After the death of their son, the Ripkens traveled to 72 countries, into the depths of the persecuted church, to find out if God actually makes a difference in difficult places. The film is based on a bestselling B&H book of the same name.

LifeWay also has released a six-session Bible study based on the documentary and Ripken’s book. The Insanity of Obedience Bible Study Book presents Ripken sharing true stories of people who are suffering for the name of Jesus. For more information, visit InsanityofGodMovie.com —ChristianExaminer.com & BPNews.net

CP down 2.73 percent below projection in first month

Contributions to Southern Baptist Convention national and international missions and ministries in October were 4.54 percent below last year’s opening month of the convention’s fiscal year and 2.73 percent below the projected budget for the first month. As of Oct. 31, gifts received by the Executive Committee for distribution through the CP Allocation Budget

the Scripture indicates.” 4In the fourth century, the Roman emperor Constantine identified the site within what is now the Edicule as Jesus’ burial site. Examination of any graffiti on the tomb walls documented before it was resealed could provide additional clues as to whether the specific burial bed uncovered was the actual resting place of Christ’s body before His resurrection, Davis said. —BPNews.net

totaled $15,320,010.00, or $728,429.92 below the $16,048,439.92 received in October 2015. The October total of $15,320,010.00 was $429,990.00 below the $15,750,000.00 monthly allocation budget projection to support Southern Baptist ministries globally and across North America. -- BPNews.net

Voters OK marijuana, physician-assisted suicide, death penalty Eight of the nine states with marijuana-related measures on the ballot Nov. 8 expanded legalization of the drug.

Of the five states to consider recreational marijuana legalization for adults, only Arizona rejected it. California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada all voted in favor of legalization. All four states to consider medical marijuana—Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota—voted either to legalize or expand its use. Montana approved medical marijuana in 2004, but the state legislature enacted limitations on its use five years ago. The other three states granted approval for the first time. Elsewhere on Election Day: 4California, Nebraska and Oklahoma voters affirmed the use of capital punishment. In California, a measure that would have repealed the death penalty failed by a margin of 54-46 percent. Nebraskans (61-29 percent) overturned their state legislature’s 2015 repeal of the death penalty, and Oklahomans approved (66-34 percent) an addition to their state constitution affirming existing death penalty statutes amid controversy surrounding the state’s lethal injection methods. 4Colorado voters, by a 6535 percent margin, legalized physician-assisted suicide, joining five other states where similar laws already exist. —BPNews.net

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free world,” explained chaplain David Beaty. A handful of inmates volunteer to run the sound for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the five or six prison chapel On the day Lake showed up services each week, but one to assess the situation, over named Jim knew they could use some outa dozen choir side help. As members gatha teenager in ered for praca Southern tice along with Baptist church the band feahe had volunturing tromteered with the bones, a saxoaudio-visual phone, drums, crew and later keyb oard, spent some and acoustic, time touring rhythm and with a band. lead guitars. The Not long after fact that they arriving at Ellis, were all dressed he got plugged alike had nothinto using his ing to do with skills in chapel. exp e ctations But for guys of a worship like Ray, it was leader. Their on-the-job prison whites training. “We were normal atlearned handtire for the Ellis me-down from Unit of the Texas other sound Department of guys and needCriminal Justice ed help underin Huntsville. —CHA PL A I N standing the “Worship that DAV I D B E AT Y real dynamics brings us to the of where we’re point where at and where we’re able to hear and receive what God we need to go” to provide supsays in his Word is every bit port for the worship services, as important here as it is in the he said.

“Worship that brings us to the point where we’re able to hear and receive what God says in his Word is every bit as important here as it is in the free world.”

Choir members open with a time of prayer before rehearsal in the Ellis Unit chapel.

“In prison you’re all wearing white, and there’s an attitude that you can’t tell me what to do,” Jim explained. Even though that is kept to a minimum within the context of chapel, he joked, “Having Rex here to be the professional takes the heat off of me.” Lake moved around the room, interacting with one instrumentalist at a time, listening to how he played. “I have to see

how they’re working together as a band and then listen to the vocals,” he explained. “Everything he does here has an effect back there,” Lake said, pointing to the back of the room where the sound is controlled. “Then we can work together as a team.” Jim smiled as he watched the process come together, expressing appreciation for the help from the Southern

PHOTO BY GARY LEDBETTER

Baptists of Texas Convention. “This is a place where you can kind of get away from being in prison and just spend time with the Lord.” With their outstretched arms interlocked with the men on each side, the choir members lifted their heads as their prayer time concluded. Together they shouted their purpose: “It ain’t about us. It’s about Jesus. Onetwo-three, Jesus!”

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proved resolutions, offered motions, reelected officers and approved the 2017 convention budget.

An inter-denominational group of pastors from local Resolutions churches in Austin led convenMessengers passed seven tion messengers and guests in resolutions during the meeting. focused times of prayer during Resolutions addressed racial the service. Prayers focused on reconciliation, prayer for govrepentance, pleas for revival ernment leaders and civil disand spiritual awakening, gov- course, religious liberty, orphan ernment leaders and healthy care, meeting needs of those churches. with disabilities, emphasis on Throughout the course of prayer and evangelism, and apthe annual meeting, six differ- preciation to Great Hills Baptist ent speakers preached expo- Church for hosting the meeting. sitional sermons sequentially Read the story on resolutions through Romans 8, emphasiz- on page 10, and read full text of ing the role of the Holy Spirit the resolutions at texanonline. in the life of the believer. In the net/2016sbtcresolutions. final session, Houston’s First Baptist Church pastor Gregg Motions Matte served as James Jordan, the anchor leg a messenger as he preached from Northeast FIND A FULL LIST from verses 31Houston Baptist OF ANNUAL MEETING 39 to describe Church, presentARTICLES AT how victory over ed a motion, askTEXANONLINE.NET/AM16 death gives way ing the convento intimacy with tion to “explore God. the process and In addition to the sermons, changes which would need to convention messengers ap- occur in our structures and by-

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laws in order to permit the use of video venue locations for our annual meeting to include full participation from remote locations around the state, including motions, resolutions, voting and every other aspect of the SBTC annual meeting.” The Committee on Order of Business’ referred the motion to the convention’s executive board. Election of Officers All three officers were up for re-election and ran unopposed. Nathan Lino, pastor of Northeast Baptist Church in Humble was elected convention president. Dante Wright, pastor of Sweet Home Baptist Church in Round Rock, was elected vice president. Juan Sanchez, pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, was elected recording secretary. Budget Messengers approved a 2017 budget of $28,159,810, which represents a 1.5 percent increase from 2016. This budget

is funded by $27,807,810 in Cooperative Program gifts and $352,000 from partnerships with the North American Mission Board and LifeWay Christian Resources. The convention continues to send 55 percent of its budget for SBC Cooperative Program ministries—the highest percentage of any Baptist state convention—while designating 45 percent for Cooperative Program ministries in Texas. Attendance Final attendance numbers

included 823 registered messengers and 386 registered guests for a total of 1,209 registered in attendance. 2017 Meeting The 2017 SBTC Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 12-14 at Criswell College in Dallas. Messengers at this year’s meeting approved Steven Smith, vice president and preaching professor at Southwestern Seminary, to deliver the convention sermon, with JR Vassar, pastor of Church at the Cross in Grapevine, as the alternate.

Six-part sermon series through Romans 8 highlights role of Holy Spirit By Tammi Reed Ledbetter Special Assigments Editor AUSTIN Working sequentially through Romans 8, a series of six speakers emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit over the course of the Southern Baptists of Texas Annual Meeting in Austin, Nov. 14-15. Steven Smith, preaching professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, led off with the first eight verses, citing earlier chapters to reveal God’s response to man’s inability to escape God’s judgment. “Based on the fact that we’re justified and are being sanctified, we do not have to fear for our future what Christ has taken care of in his past,” Smith shared, describing a “no condemnation” status for the believer. From verse two, Smith focused on the Holy Spirit’s role in accomplishing the promise of verse one, stating, “Not only has he set you free from the ultimate penalty of sin, he also set you free from the immediate power of sin.”

He offered praise in knowing “that even my worst day for Jesus has been covered by his best day for me.” SBTC President Nathan Lino, pastor of Northeast Baptist Church, spoke from verses 9-11 to describe the radical transition for Christians from life in the flesh to life in the Spirit. “The old person that used to live inside your body was God’s enemy, but the new person living inside your body is God’s son or daughter, heir to the divine fortune.” Describing the Holy Spirit’s role in rewiring the heart of a believer, Lino said, “When you believed in Jesus with the kind of belief that saves you, God took you out of the kingdom of man and put you into the habitat of the kingdom of God.” In the next message, Chris Osborne, pastor of Central Baptist Church in College Station, spoke from verses 12-17 of the obligation to live according to the Spirit, challenging believers to begin each day committed to that choice.

“Here’s what most of us will do,” Osborne warned. “We make the consequences the purpose. We will go home and say, ‘Okay, God, I want you to fill me with the Spirit, here’s what I’m going to do,’“ describing efforts to pray more, read the Bible longer, go to church more often and avoiding secular influences. “Those are things that happen when you are filled with the Spirit,” he said. “There are only two ways to pray. I pray my will, or I pray his will,” Osborne said, explaining that spiritual disciplines naturally grow out of that commitment. “When you possess the Holy Spirit, trials will only deepen you,” Osborne declared, adding that with the promise of suffering comes the opportunity to glorify God. SBTC Executive Director Jim Richards spoke from verses 1827 of “three groans that end in glory, stating, “We’re going from that heaviness of spirit to the heights of the presence of the Lord Jesus.” He described creation’s groan for release from the curse of sin, explaining, “A new heaven and a new earth and the created order will no longer be under the shackles of this curse that it is living under today.” As believers groan for the resurrection body, Richards said, “The Holy Spirit living inside of us points us to the day of the completion of our salvation.” As the Holy Spirit “groans for the righteousness of the saints,” Richards said God doesn’t always deliver believers from tri-

als but “delivers us through them with the Holy Spirit’s presence.” Grateful for the Spirit’s help, he added, “Your most eloquent prayer may be a groan in your soul, and he is the one who sighs with us in his inaudible offerings before the Father on our behalf. SBTC Vice President Dante Wright, who pastors Sweet Home Baptist Church in Round Rock, spoke on verses 28-30 of how God’s work can be seen in his certainty, activity and purpose for the believer’s life. “God’s sovereignty provides certainty for the believer,” Wright said. “Paul does not give us some polysyllabic language about what God is. Paul says without a shadow of a doubt, ‘And we know.’” Describing God’s sovereign hand producing activity in the life of the believer, Wright said, “He’s working as a conductor of an orchestra,” with believers serving as “participants in a wonderful melody.” Houston’s First Baptist Church pastor Gregg Matte

served as the anchor leg as he preached from verses 31-39 to describe how victory over death gives way to intimacy with God. “If Jesus Christ didn’t give you or me one other thing in our lives, he’s already given us too much,” he said. “Therefore, I walk in gratitude with God, not with arrogance, but submission and say, ‘I give you my life.’” Matte said the intimacy of God’s love is revealed as Paul states that nothing can separate a believer from God’s love, calling the closing verses “the home run over the fence.” Using the account of the prodigal son as an illustration of God’s irrevocable love, Matte said, “God has given us victory in the cross and that victory is to bring intimacy so that you and I, the elder brother or the prodigal, can come into the embrace of the father and realize on bended knee that we can put our head against the breast of the father and hear God’s heartbeat for our lives and for the world.”

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PRESIDENT’S LUNCH ADDRESSES COMMON ISSUES FOR PASTORS AND WIVES

Josh Smith

By JC Davies TEXAN Correspondent

Nicole Lino

of if you’re going to be discouraged in your ministry, but it’s really a matter of when it’s going to happen,” he said. But he also offered hope for those, who like himself, are currently walking through such a season. “I am in very good company, and that is namely Jesus Christ. … Jesus was able to endure dis-

Kevin Ueckert

Irving, cautioned pastors to remember the importance of taking care of their own souls. “Pastors don’t fall. Pastors drift,” Smith said. “If we’re not careful, we find ourselves farther than we ever thought we could be.” To combat the slow drift away from walking in the Spirit, Smith encouraged pastors to

AUSTIN While preparing for the SBTC Annual Meeting, convention president Nathan Lino felt two burdens from the Lord, he said. “One was for us to focus on the theme of the Holy Spirit, and secondly was for us to focus specifically on encouragement and the ministry of encouragement.” The latter was the focus of the president’s luncheon Nov. 15 at the meeting, which included five encouraging talks for ordinary pastors and their wives by address—MAT T CA RT E R, PASTOR OF THE AUSTIN STONE COMMUNITY CHURCH ing common issues. With more than two decades in ministry under his belt Matt Carter, pastor couragement in ministry be- reach out to each other and to of The Austin Stone Communi- cause there was a joy that was stay connected. ty Church, opened the segment set before him. That’s what “We need each other. The with a sobering statement for we’re called to do. We can en- only way we’re not going to be fellow ministers. dure because of the joy that another one of the guys who “I think discouragement is as was set before us,” Carter said. fell and slowly drifted away is if inevitable as death. It’s as ineviJosh Smith, pastor of Ma- we’ve got each other and we’re table as taxes. It’s not a question cArthur Blvd Baptist Church, finding ways to get involved in

each other’s lives,” he said. Lino’s wife Nicole offered a personal perspective for pastors’ wives struggling with often-unseen discouragement. “We all know this woman. She sits on the second row with a smile. … She really loves the Lord, and she wants to serve him with all of her heart; but what we don’t see is that you’re crying yourself to sleep at night, and you’re wondering if this is really what God called you to.” Like Smith, she urged wives of pastors to seek relationships with each other and also to stay rooted in Scripture instead of believing the lies of the world. “We are bombarded with voices from our culture about what our life has to look like and what role we have to play. … Allow his Word to cleanse you, and let that voice speak into your life,” she said. For pastors struggling with resentment of other pastors, Kevin Ueckert, pastor of First Baptist

“I think discouragement is as inevitable as death. It’s as inevitable as taxes. It’s not a question of if you’re going to be discouraged in your ministry, but it’s really a matter of when it’s going to happen.”

Church in Georgetown, offered a reminder from Scripture. The book of Acts gives an account of Jesus’ disciples searching for a candidate to fill the vacant position of the 12th disciple. The 11 cast lots to choose between two candidates—Matthias and Barsabbas—and they selected Matthias. “What in the world would it have felt like in that moment to be Barsabbas?” Ueckert asked. “Barsabbas was nominated as an apostle, a disciple, because of who he was. He was a follower of Jesus Christ, and that ought to tell us what he did when he wasn’t chosen. He kept following Jesus Christ, no matter what.” Closing out the luncheon, Chris Osborne, pastor of Central Baptist Church in College Station, gave a charge for pastors to prepare now for the finish line by guarding their lives and not merely coasting. “I have a heartbeat that I have the same passion and drive in my last sermon at Central that I did the first day,” he said.

ENDING THE YEAR WELL Get a head start on your year-end tax planning.

SELLING SECURITIES, REAL ESTATE OR A BUSINESS THIS YEAR?

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OWN AN IRA AND/OR 401(K)?

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Shift income to this year

EXTRA MEDICAL EXPENSES?

Establish a health savings account (HSA)

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN SHIFT TAX DOLLARS TO CHARITABLE DOLLARS AND SUPPORT MINISTRY. IRA Charitable Rollover

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If you would like further information on these end-of-year planning strategies, please contact us. We can help you create a plan that meets your needs and goals. Contact Jeffrey Steed • 877-953-7282 • [email protected]

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HOLY SPIRIT MUST NOT BE NEGLECTED, BIBLE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS SAY By Keith Collier Managing Editor AUSTIN The Holy Spirit is essential, not optional, to the Christian life, but too many believers attempt to live in their own strength, speakers at this year’s SBTC Bible Conference told pastors and church members, Nov. 13-14. The theme for two-day conference at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin was the Holy Spirit, a topic on which Southern Baptists are often silent. “If you want to walk with the Lord in obedience in these evil days, and if you want to experience the presence and the power of God in your ministry, then you must be filled with the Holy Spirit,” Matt Carter, pastor of The Austin Stone Community Church, told conference attendees during his message from Ephesians 5:15-21. Carter affirmed that every believer receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, but Scripture is clear that Christians must continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. “Although the presence of the Holy Spirit is in us, the filling of the Holy Sprit is not always in us,” he said. “If left unattended in your life, the power of the Holy Sprit will leave your life.” Rhys Stenner, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ga., encouraged participants to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, adding, “The Spirit is not hiding from us.” “The Spirit of God is a certainty for every Christian today. You and I can live a life filled with the Holy Spirit, no excuses,” said Stenner, who spoke during two sessions.

More than a dozen vocalists from Southwestern Seminary representing ethnic groups from around the world sang “Amazing Grace” in their native language during a musical worship time at the SBTC Bible Conference, Nov. 13. PHOTO BY ALLEN SUTTON

Stenner challenged Christians to include discussion of the Holy Spirit in their gospel presentations since no one can be saved apart from receiving the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:38. But salvation is merely the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life, he said. The Spirit also empowers unity in the church. “When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, some of our personal preferences just don’t matter so much because we are captivated with him and we look to him,” Stenner said. Juan Sanchez, pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, expanded the theme of unity in Christ during his message from Ephesians 4:1-3. “We’re all inclined toward our personal preferences, but instead we’re to deal with one another in humility, with

gentleness and patience, bearing with one another, holding one another up in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Christians must fight for unity in the church, Sanchez said. “You can’t fight for other people whom you don’t know. One of the tragedies in many of our churches today is that our membership does not know one another. You need to fight by getting to know the people you’re sitting with every Sunday morning.” Sanchez explained that unity does not equal uniformity and that the Holy Spirit’s work in uniting a diverse group of people in the local church becomes a glorious display of God’s glory to the world. Dante Wright, pastor of Sweet Home Baptist Church in Round Rock, preached from Jeremiah 20:7-9 on the temptation

to quit ministry. Disunity in the church, he said, is evident when there is “more fighting in the church than disciplemaking in the church,” which leaves pastors discouraged. “Even God’s greatest servants get discouraged,” Wright said, but he exhorted pastors not to quit. “When you quit on God, remember you have forfeited the opportunity to win with God,” he said. Wright said the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, brings strength and encouragement in ministry. Southwestern Seminary preaching professor Steven Smith delivered a message from Luke 15 on the unrighteousness of the prodigal son and the selfrighteousness of the older son. Jesus calls the unrighteous and the self-righteous to repentance, he explained. Churches become self-righteous when there is much activity but no presence of the power of the Holy Spirit, he said. “God can bless any church except the self-righteous church because they don’t see their need for God.” Steve Gaines, SBC president and pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tenn., concluded the Bible Conference with a message on the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer. “You’ll never be anointed by the Holy Spirit until you make prayer a priority in your life,” Gaines said. “God doesn’t fill people with the Holy Spirit who are prayerless.” Prayerless is the worst form of pride, he explained. “You can change the world if you pray,” Gaines said. “You can be a catalyst for spiritual awakening and revival, but you must pray.”

Resolutions address racial reconciliation, civil discourse, human dignity issues By Bonnie Pritchett

tionally seek ethnic and racial diversity in hiring and appointing leadership positions. Individual believers must work for AUSTIN As post-election protestors racial “reconciliation in their personal filled the streets in some U.S. cities, mes- relationships and local communities as sengers of the Southern Baptists of Texas they demonstrate the power of the gosConvention overwhelmingly approved pel to unite all persons in Christ.” resolutions dedicated to the reconciliaFaithful commitment to the first resotion of believers to one another and to lution can go a long way in healing the their communities. Among the issues ad- church and nation divided by a long and dressed—race, civil discourse, religious “acrimonious” election. liberty and orphan care—the resolutions In the second resolution “On Prayer exhorted churches to be peace and light for Government Leaders and Civil Disin troubled times. course,” Christians were urged to prayerMore than 800 messengers approved fully submit to God and his word and seven resolutions, Nov. 15, during the to “honor, and obey, all elected and apSBTC Annual Meeting hosted by Great pointed officials.” Hills Baptist Church in Austin. Each The resolution recognized that people of measure passed overwhelmingly with- faith landed across the political spectrum out discussion. but called on Christians to give evidence Prompted by a tumultuous year of ra- to their fidelity to the gospel in speech seacial discord and topping the list of seven soned with “salt” and graciousness. resolutions, messengers approved a resoTwo resolutions—“On Meeting the lution “On Racial Reconciliation.” In do- Needs of Those in Our Communities ing so the messengers agreed to “rededi- with Disabilities” and “On Supporting cate ourselves to the responsibility and and Advocating for Orphan Care in the privilege of loving and discipling people Church”—served to remind the churches of all races and ethnicities in our com- of their role in caring for the needs of munities.” those who cannot care for themselves. The resolution called on SBTC churchThe greatest need for thousands of es and all Texas Southern Baptist entities Texas children is a place to call home and and convention committees to inten- a family to call their own. After drawTEXAN Correspondent

ing attention to the 153 million orphans worldwide, the resolution on orphan care revealed 30,000 Texas children are in the foster care system. Some of those children will be reconciled to their parents, but others can never return and are available for adoption. All of them need Christian families to open their homes in the interim. The resolution encouraged families to consider offering their homes and lives to these children. It also called on churches to prayerfully and materially support those who make that commitment and for pastors to keep the issue before their congregations. Most of the resolutions were grounded in the truth of a common dignity afforded all humanity as image bearers of God. Caring for the disabled and their caregivers promotes the pro-life message and gives relief to those who might not find it in insurance coverage, public assistance or their own families. The resolution on caring for the disabled noted the benefits of Christian fellowship for the disabled and their caregivers and called on “churches to love and minister to this population by developing methods and resources to disciple, fellowship with, and assist them.” Whether ministering to the marginal-

ized in the community or within their own congregations, Texas Southern Baptists are to have a “distinctive and clear witness in our culture.” The resolution “On Prayer and Evangelism Emphasis” served to remind the church of its need to humbly obey and submit to the Lordship of Christ, including his call to make disciples of all nations. But speaking the gospel into the public square is becoming increasingly difficult. Local laws and social pressures cause Christians to self-regulate their speech. The resolution “On Religious Liberty” recognized that “authentic Christianity produces a culture that is often at odds with the culture at large.” Because religious liberty is a “basic and essential human right,” the convention resolved to hold elected officials accountable to ensuring that basic right. The resolution also admonished the United States government to vigorously advocate for the religious liberty of all people in America and abroad. In its final resolution the committee thanked Great Hills Baptist Church for its hospitality and accommodations by serving has host for the 2016 SBTC Annual Meeting. Read all seven resolutions at texanonline.net/2016sbtcresolutions.

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PANEL ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY FOCUSES ON OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE GOSPEL By JC Davies TEXAN Correspondent AUSTIN The recent political season left many Christians and Americans of various faith backgrounds questioning the nation’s future on issues of religious liberty, making a panel on the subject at the SBTC Annual Meeting in Austin, Nov. 14, especially relevant. Among the panelists was Erik Stanley, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom. Stanley was among council that defended a group of Houston pastors whose sermons were subpoenaed in 2014 following their opposition to a city ordinance allowing people of the opposite sex to use each other’s restrooms. The case, which garnered national attention, reflected how many government officials at the local, state and federal levels view religious freedom, Stanley said. “(They) seem to have this idea that religious liberty is just not that important today,” he said. “Things like what happened in Houston alerted people,” said panelist Kie

ERLC Executive Vice President Phillip Bethancourt moderates a religious liberty panel discussion with attorney Erik Stanley, pastor Kie Bowman and Gateway Seminary President Jeff Iorg during the SBTC Annual Meeting, Nov. 14. PHOTO BY ALLEN SUTTON

Bowman, pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin. “When it starts getting that close to home, it moves from political theory to this is where we live.” But despite these apparent threats to religious liberty, Stanley said churches have great opportunities to advance the

spread of the gospel, but Christians cannot back down in such matters. “Now is not the time to let up. We have to continue to speak about the importance of religious liberty today,” Stanley said. “We are locked in a great battle right now over how religious freedom is going

to be handled in this country. Is there going to be room for people of faith to exercise their right to live their faith and to share their faith freely, or is that going to be silenced and squelched?” Jeff Iorg, president of Gateway Seminary in California, said his state is on the “leading edge of what’s happening in our country, in terms of opposing religious conviction,” but he encouraged Christians to resist a response to panic and antagonism as such cases move across the country. “What I would challenge you to do is to move beyond that fairly quickly and recognize the incredible opportunities for ministry that are presented to you. We still have the same gospel and the same responsibility to make disciples,” he said. Iorg also urged pastors and leaders in Christian higher education to train up young people to fight on the front lines of religious freedom battles. “We need people that are in business and finance and law and politics that represent who we are and bring those values to the table in those settings.”

ASIAN DINNER

AFRICAN-AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP DINNER

A pastor shares about his church’s ministry during the Asian Dinner at the SBTC Annual Meeting, Nov. 14. PHOTO BY ALLEN SUTTON

Members of Unity Baptist Church in Copperas Cove lead music during the African-American Fellowship Dinner at the SBTC Annual Meeting, Nov. 15. PHOTO BY ALLEN SUTTON

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ELECTION AFTERMATH: PASTORS DISCUSS HOW CHURCHES SHOULD MOVE FORWARD By Keith Collier Managing Editor AUSTIN Several pastors and public policy experts evaluated the outcomes of the November election and considered the response churches and Christians should have in the midst of a polarized and sometimes hostile American society, during the 9Marks at 9 panel discussion Nov. 15. Moderated by Juan Sanchez, pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, the event took place in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. Sanchez opened the dialogue by asking panelists what they learned or what surprised them over the past year’s election cycle. “Evangelicals, and Southern Baptists in particular, have been doing a better job building bridges to our our non-Anglo brothers and sisters. We’ve been making steps, but we still have a long way to go,” Ben Wright, pastor of Cedar Pointe Baptist Church in Cedar Park, responded. “We [also] have a long way to go in reaching out to Anglos who are not on the same socioeconomic rung of the ladder that a lot of us are on. There’s another set of bridges and people who we don’t understand and have not reached out to well.” SBTC President Nathan Lino, pastor of Northeast Houston Baptist Church, said the election cycle was new territory for Christians, which forced individuals and churches to navigate uncharted waters. “We’re still learning what it means to live as exiles in a foreign land,” Lino said. “We’re

not as advanced in that area as we think we are, and I think the Lord gives us great grace, I think we should give each other great grace.” Paul Miller, associate director of The Clements Center for National Security at University of Texas and an elder at City Life Church in Austin, noted that the “culture of a free and open society is a bit more fragile than I thought it was. Now, I’m wondering what we can do as Christians to love our neighbors by upholding that culture of a free and open society. “The second take away,” he said, “is that by the numbers, by the voting patterns, it seems very evident that white Christians have one set of political concerns and non-white Christians, by and large, have a different set. That difference is real, and it has been the occasion for some hurt and some disagreement.” Phillip Bethancourt, executive vice president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, likened the election season to “a magnifying glass on our own hearts, nation and churches in such a way that it didn’t create new challenges that weren’t already there, it brought those things into greater clarity and often times with greater tension, angst and social media drama.” The panel discussed how President-elect Donald Trump’s

Pastors and public policy experts discuss how Christians should move forward following the presidential election during the 9Marks at 9 panel. From left to right: moderator Juan Sanchez, panelists Ben Wright, Nathan Lino, Paul Miller and Phillip Bethancourt. PHOTO BY ALLEN SUTTON

victory has affected cultural trends, including a breakdown in civil discourse and empathy for others, and the effect the presidential transition will have on domestic and foreign policies. Using Scripture’s description of Christians as citizens of the kingdom of God, with churches serving as embassies in a foreign land, panelists examined how Christians should live out this reality in their public and private lives. They also encouraged pastors to teach their congregations to see themselves in this light. In their concluding remarks, panelists offered helpful resources and issued a few cautions. Wright, for example, said Christians must view religious liberty as a gift to be exercised

but never at the expense of gospel truths. Miller said calls for church unity are important and necessary, but he also cautioned against “pursuing a cheap and shallow version of church unity” that is nothing more than “the unity of a shared consumer experience.” Rather, unity should be based on “our walk with the Lord and what we believe,” which should allow for church members to discuss their differences clearly and honestly. Lino, who grew up in South Africa and watched serious religious persecution and police brutality against his family as a result of his father’s preaching against Apartheid, said, “I think American Christians are really weak, fearful and insipid.

We’re weak, and we need to grow up.” He painted the picture of religious persecution overseas, where Christians must smuggle Bibles and meet in darkness to avoid being killed for their faith. If American Christians experienced that, they would “see what real fear actually feels like, see what harshness actually tastes like,” he said. “We have it so good, and we whine and complain, and we’re weak. The Lord said it would be this way. What we’re headed to as a country, that’s what the Lord said we’d be in for. What we’ve been experiencing these last 200 years was the exception, not the rule. What’s coming is the rule, and we’re not ready for it.”

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LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING “Why should we not ... do something that will prove that we are really in earnest in claiming to be followers of him who, though he was rich, for our sake became poor?” L O T T I E M O O N , S E P T. 1 5 , 1 8 8 7 , T U N G C H O W

By IMB

Starting in 1888, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering was established to empower the international missions efforts for Southern Baptists. Well over 100 years ago, a single missionary named Lottie Moon, while serving in China, began writing letters challenging the American church to send and support more workers to go there. After her death on the field, her challenge was heeded in the formalization of an offering in her name.

CURRENT FAMILIES IN THE MISSION FIELD AND THEIR STORIES. COPLAND FAMILY Nick and Shannan Copland use modern tools to meet people and forge relationships in the ancient Italian city of Verona.

Through websites they’ve established, Nick and Shannan, IMB workers, find common ground on social media for “meet-ups” with people who share interests—outdoor life and Italian cuisine being two. Relationships are natural keys in sharing spiritual truth, especially in a postmodern city like Verona—beautiful and wealthy but spiritually impoverished. Friendships formed during mountain hikes or evening meals often lead to sharing about Christ. Their “meet-ups” have become popular, resulting in Nick and Shannan being tagged locally as the couple who bring people together. Speaking English has also opened doors and led the Coplands to organize English camps for local students, using volunteers from the United States. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® allows the Coplands to bring the gospel of Christ to northeast Italy, where Southern Baptists have never worked before this couple planted their lives in Verona. HARRELL FAMILY Men traveling by boat, sharing the gospel. Paul used the Mediterranean; IMB missionary Brian Harrell skims the coastal waters off Mozambique. Brian steers his dhow, accompanied by a national partner, along the coast where the Makhuwa Nahara people live. This people group has followed Islam since Arab traders arrived 1,000 years ago. And the name of his boat? “Oromela, which in the local dialect means ‘hope,’” explains Brian. He and his wife, Becky, and four

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING AND HOW YOU CAN GIVE, VISIT: WWW.IMB.ORG/LMCO

to support herself. And on this day, she even married a Christian man. IMB missionaries Rodney and Helen Cregg* have partnered in establishing the activity center in the middle of a notorious red-light district that offers prostitutes a place to learn basic skills. children live on the water’s edge solely to reach the approximately 300,000 Makhuwa Nahara people with the gospel, whether it means Brian venturing to unreached villages accessed best by water, or Becky working with village women, making rugs and sharing gospel stories while they work together in a group. The boat has been a game changer, Brian says. “Once you own a dhow, you just become a part of that community. They appreciate it. You’re getting to meet mariners and captains and fishermen and dhow masters. …It just opens up an opportunity for us to share the gospel and become even more a part of their community.” HAUN FAMILY It was near midnight when IMB missionary Dr. Heidi Haun had finished up an abdominal surgery and returned home. Her baby, Karen Jane, and son, Trey, 10, had long been in bed under the watchful eye of her husband, William.

“This is why we do what we do, to see these ladies— and other people in [this city]—realize the hope in the gospel and then find victory in freedom,” Rodney says. Another woman at the center agrees: “Being involved at the center, I am finding the love I didn’t get from my family from people who know the Lord. Through Jesus I am experiencing love. I am blessed.” BETHANY AMBER When Bethany Amber, 18, shares the gospel, she leaves a mark. On this day in a Pretoria township in South Africa, children crowd around her, clamoring for her to paint henna designs on their small hands. The fish, moons, and suns she paints illustrate Bible stories she shares. “We were learning about creation, and I wanted to do designs that [reflected] creation,” she explains.

The Hauns serve in Nalerigu, Ghana, and her patient was a woman who sells cabbages under a mango tree on market days in town. Heidi had planned to perform surgery earlier in the day, but the operation was delayed by an emergency cesarean section. Still, after surgery that night, Heidi said the woman reached out to grasp her hand and thank her. “I think that’s the neatest thing about having patients that live here in town…it leads to opportunities for relationship and gospel sharing,” Heidi explained. “I look forward to the opportunity to share Christ with her—more than just a patient-doctor relationship.” CREGG FAMILY The Indian bride wore blue silk, trimmed with gold. Rich fabrics in brilliant hues are traditional for wedding saris in this South Asian megacity. But the guest list was anything but typical. Among those celebrating this day were 20 prostitutes—women who were like family to Shanti.* She knew them from the years she shared their heartbreaking lifestyle as a prostitute. That was before the ministry of a Christian activity center rescued Shanti from her former life. She is now a believer and has a good job

Through the medium of henna the IMB “missionary kid,” whose parents serve in South Africa, has a ministry of her own. Plant-based henna ink is usually used to create nonpermanent patterns for special occasions such as weddings. She and a friend have created a visual library of designs that, when strung together, represent Bible stories. It’s an avenue that provides opportunities to talk about Christ. As she holds the hands of children and women, painting on these designs, she’s sharing more than just beautiful designs and the human touch: She’s sharing gospel truth.

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GET TO KNOW OUR SBTC TEAM NAME: EUNICE CRUZ JOB: MINISTRY ASSISTANT TO MISSIONS DIRECTOR SHANE PRUITT CHURCH: PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, PLANO

CHURCH POSITIONS PASTOR u Mt. Zion BC in Lufkin seeking FT pastor for rural church. Parsonage provided. Send resumes to [email protected] or mail to: Mt. Zion BC, 4303 FM 842, Lufkin, TX 75901. u Midway BC of Big Spring is seeking a FT pastor. Parsonage available. Please send resume to Search Committee, Midway Baptist Church, 6200 S Service Rd, Big Spring, TX 79720 or email [email protected]. u Trinity Pines BC, a strong contemporary SBTC congregation in East Texas, seeks FT pastor with strong commitment to building relationships and passionate about visitation, expository preaching and missions. Average attendance of 120 and great growth potential. Prior experience and seminary degree preferred. Resumes to [email protected]. u Retama Park BC seeking FT pastor. Church is affiliated with the SBTC. Conservative, loving, growing church with various familyoriented ministries. Parsonage included. Receiving resumes through January 30, 2017. Send resumes to Pastor Search Committee, c/o Darrell Nordeen, 4703 Franklin Adams, Kingsville, TX 78363. Email: [email protected]. u Plaza Heights BC in Blue Springs, MO, is prayerfully seeking a FT senior pastor; a visionary leader, called by God to minister to all ages. Submit resumes to Pastor Search Committee, c/o Plaza Heights Baptist Church, 1500 SW Clark Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015, or e-mail [email protected]. u FBC of Big Wells is accepting resumes for a FT pastor. Please research the area prior to sending your resume. Compensation package includes a newly renovated parsonage. Please submit resume to [email protected]. u Evangelistic and growing church is seeking a FT senior pastor. Seminary degree preferred. Calvary Baptist Church, 900 E 23rd Avenue, Pampa, TX 79065. Resumes may be sent to kjhucks@ cableone.net. u The pastor search committee of Cornerstone FBC of Williston, ND is seeking resumes for a FT pastor. This position is done in coordination of the revitalization ministry of the SBTC. Interested candidates should contact Kenneth Priest, director of convention strategies, SBTC; [email protected]. u FBC in Waskom is accepting resumes for the position of FT pastor. Interested candidates should email their resumes to [email protected] or by mail to First Baptist Church, Pastor Search Committee, 185 Colquitt St, Waskom, TX 75692. u Piney Grove BC in Atlanta is accepting resumes for the position of pastor. Resumes may be mailed to: Piney Grove Baptist Church, Pastor Search Committee, 3268 Texas Highway 77W, Atlanta, TX 75551.

SO, WHAT DO YOU DO AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT? I coordinate the church planter and wives retreat, social media, web content, podcast editing and design work. I also get to manage our hunger ministry, the borderlands and missions education. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE SBTC? 1 year

MUSIC u Calvary BC in Vernon is seeking a FT music minister. Sunday morning contemporary/blended worship services include a praise band, worship team, and choir. Please submit resume and video to pastor [email protected]. u North Richland Hills BC is seeking a FT worship pastor. Graduate degree in music and multiple years of FT ministry preferred. The candidate should be strong vocally and capable in other music areas. The church is conservative theologically and forwardmoving in its methodology. Send resumes to [email protected]. u Bellview BC in Midland a Southern Baptist Church, is seeking a music minister. A bachelor degree in music is required. Send resumes to [email protected] or Bellview Baptist Church, 1701 N Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79701 Attn: Music Minister Search Committee. u Northwest Hills BC in San Antonio is seeking a PT worship leader/pastor to lead blended worship with praise band and vocalists/choir. Some experience and music training required. Salary will be up to $31,200, based on experience. See nwhbc. org for job description. Send resumes to: [email protected]. u FBC Timpson is seeking a bi-vocational music director to lead the church in a blended worship service, choir and direct all aspects of music program. Please send contact information to FirstBCTimpson@ yahoo.com or mail to First Baptist Church, PO Box 488, Timpson, TX 75975. COMBINATION u Hillcrest BC in Jasper is seeking a FT associate pastor/youth minister/missions minister. Send resumes to Bro. David Nugent, Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3196 US Hwy 190 W, Jasper, TX 75951 or email to [email protected]. For questions or information, call Bro. David Nugent at 409-384-3371. u Joy BC in Gladewater is seeking a FT associate pastor to families and students with various administration duties. See website for qualifications and job description at www.jbclibertycity.com. Please submit resumes to jbclibertycity@ outlook.com. u Trinity BC in Port Arthur is seeking a FT bilingual (English-Spanish) music and youth director. Please send resume to [email protected] or call pastor Mike Due at 409-344-1530. u East Mountain BC in Gilmer is seeking a FT minister of discipleship and education to serve in a newly created unique position in a growing rural church with a regional mindset in the middle of everywhere. Experience and seminary education is helpful. Salary is $50,000-$60,000. Send resume to Dr. Timothy W. Smith at drtim@ eastmountainbaptist.org. Church website: www.eastmountainbaptist.org. YOUTH u College BC in Big Spring is seeking a FT youth minister. Email resumes to cbc1957@ suddenlinkmail.com. u FBC Borger seeks FT pastor to families

WHEN PACKING FOR A TRIP, WHAT ITEM MUST YOU ALWAYS BRING ALONG, THAT OTHERS MIGHT FIND SILLY? My SpongeBob Squarepants pillow THE BEST DAY AT THE OFFICE IS WHEN … I get go do design work. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR JOB AT THE SBTC?

The blessing the SBTC is to all the church planters and churches because of the way it enables and provides all kinds of resources to help them further the kingdom of God. ON A WEEKEND AWAY FROM WORK, WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE TO DO? Watch movies and eat ice cream.

PAID CLASSIFIEDS u PORN AND SEXUAL ADDICTION COUNSELING Over 50% of Christian men struggle, few churches know how to help. Personal and couples counseling, men’s and marriage retreats. Confidential help for pastors. MoGrace.com - (817) 504-1680 - [email protected]. u CUSTOM SCREEN-PRINTED T-SHIRTS FOR CHURCHES Great prices and free shipping across the state! Small and large orders welcome. Printed by Christian owned and operated business. Call Southeast Texas Printing Co. 409-622-2197. u BUSINESS FOR SALE Christian publisher, Nets $47K, Part-time from home. E-Z to learn. Will train. Established 14 years. Retiring. $24,900. Call 828-633-6382.

STATE NEWS u COOK SPRINGS BC is celebrating their 9th annual winter revival Jan. 8-11 with Dr. Bob Pitman, evangelist. Featuring The Mark Trammell Quartet, The Whisnants & The Nelons in concert. See www.cooksprings.org for additional information. u FBC RUSK is in need of 10 Bible study leaders for their Discipleship Now Weekend Jan. 27-29. Compensation will be provided. Please send inquiries to Daniel Waid, student pastor, at [email protected].

with students responsible for partnering with families in seeing students, 7th-12th grades, come to Christ, grow in conformity to the image of Christ and form a biblical worldview. Must minister to both students and their families. Send resume to shana@ firstborger.com. u Cornerstone BC in Lucas is seeking a PT youth pastor. Cornerstone is located in one of the fastest growing areas in DFW. We are searching for a self-motivated, theologically sound youth pastor. Our plan is for this position to become FT. Starting salary $20K range. Send information to Darrell Edwards [email protected]. u Kentuckytown BC in Whitewright is looking for the person God has chosen to disciple our youth. Presently, this is a parttime position soon to become a full-time position. Our #1 focus is: How to be a Disciple who makes Disciples. Please email your resume to [email protected].

CHILDREN u Harmony BC in Arlington is seeking a PT or bi-vocational children’s director for preschool thru 6th grade. Some experience required. Send resume to pastor Brian Grey at brian@ hbcarlington.com. u Pleasant Hill BC in Austin is seeking a PT children’s director to lead biblebased activities on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. You will also work with the pastor, staff and volunteers in planning church-wide events and programs, including VBS. To submit your resume, email [email protected]. For further discussion call (512) 442-3717. OTHER North Hills BC, Whitesboro, seeks a piano/ keyboard player for blended style worship Sunday morning only. Must be comfortable in diverse styles of worship (hymns, choruses, contemporary). PT paid position. Contact Kent Oliver 580-579-0840.

DECEMBER 2016

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FIELDS OF FAITH EVENTS SEE RICH HARVEST “We’ve got a generation that doesn’t know what God has done for us. I think our young people are hungry for truth and for the Lord, and if we would take seriously the Great Commission, the fields are ripe for the harvest.”

By Jane Rodgers TEXAN Correspondent EULESS “If you follow Jesus and the Holy Spirit lives inside you, you are the church now,” Shane Pruitt, SBTC director of missions, told a crowd of 545 youth gathered Oct. 26 at the West Campus of First Baptist Euless for the 2016 HurstEuless-Bedford-area Fields of Faith event held in conjunction with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and area churches. “You have a responsibility now…. You are a part of the kingdom of God now. Live it now,” Pruitt challenged an audience used to hearing that they are the “future” of the church. The Field at First Euless was one of 466 held nationally throughout October. In Texas, 105 Fields were held, most on Oct. 12. The Euless Field was originally scheduled for the HEB school district’s Pennington stadium, but for financial and logistical reasons, was moved to The CITY, the student center at First Euless’s Campus West, said Kent Wells, First Euless student pastor. FCA provided food for a tailgate party and First Euless and First Baptist Church of Hurst contributed support, Wells said. Area churches brought students. Pruitt described the evening as one of “high energy” music, interactive games, worship and testimonies by student athletes. It was Pruitt’s second Field of Faith event this year. First Euless has participated in Fields of Faith for the past six or seven years, Wells said, adding that this year, 20-25 of the more than 40 event counselors and volunteers came from his congregation. The event was part of a comprehensive strategy to reach students in their area. Many students walk from local Trinity High School to Wednesday afternoon and evening programs at The CITY. Wells serves as chaplain for Trinity’s football team, and church members volunteer in a school-sponsored mentoring program. Due to the broad diversity at Trinity, Wells said, “You can literally touch 72 different countries.” Local churches have begun following up with the 14 students who made professions of faith and dozens of rededications recorded at the Euless Fields of Faith. The ninth annual Fields of Faith event

—TONY DANIEL, FCA AREA DIREC TOR FOR BROW NWOOD

Students respond to an evangelistic invitation during the Fields of Faith event at Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood. PHOTO BY DAVID COX

held Oct. 12 at Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood, Texas, attracted a less diverse but larger crowd, as more than 3,000 students attended. “In a city, students may have to travel in traffic, come long distances. It’s easier to run a Field of Faith in a rural community,” said Ricky Cavitt, youth pastor of Brownwood’s Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. The Brownwood Field featured the band Firetown, and Marcus Wasson, a local pastor, spoke of the tragic drowning of his grandson. Kevin Kirkland of San Angelo’s PaulAnn Baptist Church was the main speaker. By the night’s conclusion, 684 students had indicated decisions for Christ with 93 rededications. “It was beyond our expectations,” said Tony Daniel, FCA area director for Brownwood. Daniel attends Coggin Avenue BC

and is grateful for their involvement and 85 other area congregations for bringing students and providing volunteers. Of the 207 event volunteers, some 107 came from Coggin, Daniel said. Cavitt echoed the importance of the church’s partnership with FCA. “Our role as a church is to make disciples. Fields of Faith is a target event that helps us carry out the Great Commission. We know the gospel is going to be shared.” “We encourage our youth to be attenders and bring their friends. We spend time praying for the event. Our whole church gets behind it.” Follow-up began the day after the Brownwood Field as 10 area youth pastors met to divide the names of students who had professed faith and begin the process of contacting them.

“We invite them to follow-up meetings to take the next steps,” Cavitt said “It’s a process.” “We [must] make sure those decisions are reinforced and supported. If something happens later on, they may decide it was just an event. If we don’t get them in church, we don’t have that opportunity [to disciple them],” Daniel said, explaining the importance of local church involvement. Daniel added that statistics for his region indicate that 80 percent of the students are unchurched. “We’ve got a generation that doesn’t know what God has done for us. I think our young people are hungry for truth and for the Lord, and if we would take seriously the Great Commission, the fields are ripe for the harvest.” More details at fieldsoffaith.com.

Church gets creative with western-themed fundraiser for state missions By Lauren Reynnells TEXAN Correspondent GILMER, Texas When Tim Smith became pastor of East Mountain Baptist Church in 2012, he challenged the congregation to embrace the Reach Texas Missions Offering, and the church responded enthusiastically. While Smith served as the catalyst, ideas for how to fundraise for the state

missions offering of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention were “totally driven by the congregation,” he said. The following year, church members organized a western-themed “Reach Texas Roundup,” which has been an annual mainstay ever since. The event includes a “Walk across Texas” cupcake walk, a Longhorn ring toss, a “Faces of Texas” sponge throw, and a face painting table, along with several other games and booths. Susan Breitenberg has been a lead organizer of the event since the beginning. “My favorite part about the Texas Roundup is seeing everyone work together to make [it] happen,” Breitenberg said. To get their congregation excited about the Reach Texas offering they utilize the promotional materials provided by the convention. EMBC also creates their own video announcements and provides a visual aid for their congregation to track the status of the money being raised. “The Reach Texas Roundup is the way we cap off the month of September and the offering,” Smith said. This year EMBC raised $1,000 the night of the event and

came just under their goal of $5,000 for the Reach Texas Offering. EMBC has anywhere from 200 to 300 guests that attend the event. The most popular game of the evening is the jail and bail in which they “charged $2 to buy a warrant which they could fill out with the name and ‘crime’ of the person they wanted arrested,” Breitenberg said. “The cashier would give it to one of the three sheriffs who would go ‘arrest’ the person. When brought to the jail they were supervised and sometimes harassed by the jailer! Then some kindhearted soul had to pay $3 to bail them out.” The rest of the booths and activities were free, and they placed a freewill offering jar on the tables. EMBC’s pastor and church body are excited about missions and promoting working together as a congregation.

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Christmas Book Recommendations As 2016 comes to a close and the Christmas season is upon us, the TEXAN staff put together a list of books that might be good to add to your 2017 book list or to buy as a Christmas gift. After reading a number of books this year, these are the ones we’ve found helpful for life or ministry. Maybe you could buy an extra copy and start meeting with someone every week or so to discuss it.

DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLING: HOW TO HELP OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS by Mark Dever

Discipleship is a growing buzz word today, serving as the answer to many problems churches face. But if the Great Commission calls every Christian to be a disciple-maker, what does that actually look like? How do you create a culture of discipling in your church? Mark Dever defines discipling as “helping others follow Jesus” and offers a clear, organic approach to discipling that is both simple and intentional. He weeds through objections, calling Christians to re-orient their lives toward others and to initiate discipling relationships. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, new or seasoned believer, this book will help you walk in obedience as you fulfill your part of the Great Commission. CHRISTIAN CARE BEING THERE: HOW TO LOVE THOSE WHO ARE HURTING by Dave Furman

All around us, our Christian friends are struggling with pain, grief, depression, difficulty and loss. Dave Furman, a pastor who battles daily with a physical disability in his arms, shares from his experience and Scripture how Christians can care for one another in their times of need. Furman’s pastoral heart shines through as he offers practical advice on what compassionate Christian love looks (and does not look) like. This book is helpful for pastors, church members and caregivers of all ages. MARRIAGE/DATING THE MINGLING OF SOULS: GOD’S DESIGN FOR LOVE, MARRIAGE, SEX, AND REDEMPTION by Matt Chandler

King Solomon once said, “of making many books there is no end” (Eccl. 12:12), and this is certainly true of the number of books written on marriage. However, Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, offers a refreshing approach to love, dating, marriage, and sex in his book The Mingling of Souls, which draws lessons from another of Solomon’s writings—The Song of Songs. Walking through the Israelite king’s love ballad, Chandler follows the many stages of romantic love from initial attraction to dating to courting to marriage to lifelong marital commitment. Chandler holds up the biblical standards for love and marriage and offers practical advice on relationships between men and women, addressing conflict, and

maintaining intimacy for the long haul. The audiobook version is a great way to spend a road trip. SUFFERING/TRIALS THE UNWANTED GIFT: HEARING GOD IN THE MIDST OF YOUR STRUGGLES by Tom Elliff

How does a person handle problems that seem too large for human grasp? Is it possible to hear from God during these moments? In The Unwanted Gift, Tom Elliff describes the kind of problems that drain energy, bring emotional fatigue and test one’s faith. When he and his wife Jeannie learned that cancer had begun spreading throughout her body, they found themselves scrambling for answers. Initially knocked off balance, the Elliffs still sensed God’s sovereign control. They turned to 2 Cor. 12:7-10 to study the Apostle Paul’s acceptance of a “thorn in the flesh” and found guidance to believe and behave in a manner that honored Christ. As they sought to understand the purpose of suffering, they found motivation to aggressively cooperate with God and discover how this “unwanted gift” could be transformed into a platform upon which God would display his “unfathomable grace.” APOLOGETICS WHY TRUST THE BIBLE? by Greg Gilbert

This short book answers the questions of the skeptic and strengthens the believer’s trust in the Scriptures as Greg Gilbert walks through a reasonable defense for why we can believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God. He examines the reliability of English translations along with the trustworthiness of the manuscript evidence. He asks if the books of the Bible authorized as the canon are accurate and if the original authors were telling the truth. Ultimately, he says, the historical reliability of the bodily resurrection of Jesus should convince us of the Bible’s truth. If Jesus really did rise from the dead, then we can trust the words of a resurrected man who fulfilled the prophecies about him and proved that he was indeed God in the flesh. The book is accessible for all reading levels and recommends more technical books for those who want to dig deeper. Read it with older children or another believer, or use it to start gospel conversations with unbelieving friends, co-workers or family members. SPIRITUAL GROWTH PRAYING THE BIBLE ORANDO LA BIBLIA (SPANISH EDITION) by Don Whitney

Have you ever felt like your prayer life was boring? Maybe you find yourself praying the same old things about the same old things. Don Whitney addresses this in Praying the Bible (which is available in English and Spanish), offering a simple, practical method on how to use Scripture as a guide to prayer. After reading this book, your quiet times and prayer life will become more effective and enjoyable as you grow closer to God and pray for friends, family and your church.

PASTORAL MINISTRY WHO MOVED MY PULPIT? LEADING CHANGE IN THE CHURCH by Thom S. Rainer

Change is unavoidable and necessary in the church, but it also contains the potential for knocking a church off track in pursuing its vision. Too many churches and pastors have been damaged by unwise navigation on the seas of change. Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, draws from conversations with pastors and research from thousands of churches to offer tools for pastors and church leaders to lead a congregation through changes, both big and small, without ending up in the ditch. He discusses how to evaluate the readiness of the church for change, garner support for the vision, navigate conflict and address problems along the way. HOMOSEXUALITY THE SECRET THOUGHTS OF AN UNLIKELY CONVERT by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

In this thought-provoking autobiography, tenured English professor Rosaria Butterfield shares how she went from secular feminist in a committed lesbian relationship to a follower of Christ who left a homosexual lifestyle and eventually married an evangelical minister. After writing a critique in the newspaper on evangelicals’ gender politics, she received a letter from a local pastor inviting her to his house to discuss her views. What developed from this unlikely display of Christian hospitality was a friendship that exposed Butterfield to the gospel and turned her world upside down. This book, along with her followup book, Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ, presents a biblical view of sexuality and a reminder that no one is too far from the love of God. CHILDREN’S FICTION THE OWLINGS by Daniel A. DeWitt

This worldview adventure introduces young readers to a young boy named Josiah and a group of friends—talking owls—he meets in his back yard. The owls help the young boy and his friend Addi discover one of the greatest truths in the entire world: that there is more to this world than just nature. Parents will enjoy reading The Owlings series to their children and discussing a Christian worldview. CHRISTIAN CLASSICS THE INCARNATION OF THE WORD OF GOD by Athanasius

Athanasius was the bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, and a tireless adversary of the Arian heresy, which claimed that Christ was not fully God. The Incarnation is one of his great works and deals succinctly with one of the most difficult doctrines of the Christian faith. The Incarnation is devotional, inspirational and readable theology—essential to anyone’s library. Modern printings are available on paper and digital for less than $10. Buy a version with the introduction by C. S. Lewis, on the virtues of old books—worth the price of admission.