AUGUST
2021 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ARKANSAS BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION
ARKANSAS BAPTISTS REENGAGE WITH REFOCUSED STRATEGIES, RENEWED PASSION 2020 was a year like no other. No one would have predicted
what we would walk into, but God knew. God has always used difficult and challenging times to help align His church back to His plan and His purpose. Personally, I’m encouraged and amazed by the new and innovative ways Arkansas Baptists found and created to reach people, whether it be through sharing sermons online or going on virtual missions trips. Together, we were stretched and required to depend on
God’s provision, and I believe that was His purpose all along. As we look towards the fall, a new season of “normal”
will begin. We’re going back to the office, the classroom, the sports fields. As we return to “normal,” our family units are
going back into our personal worlds. School will start back, and parents now more than ever need to be strong and
continue to disciple their families. We must not lose sight of engaging the people we see every day with the Gospel. We should never overlook the faithfulness of God
amidst the challenges we faced. As our faith was tested,
improvements were made to our ministries and strategies
so we could continue to make Kingdom impact. We should also stop and reflect, give thanks, and celebrate all that
God has continued to do through this year. Trust that He continues to walk with us and shepherd us towards His will. Pray that He’ll continue to let us share the Gospel to people in our backyards, our state, the nation, and the world. After a really hard year, I’ve never been more proud to be an Arkansas Baptist. You’re the greatest folks in the world!
Sonny Tucker
Executive Director
Arkansas Baptist State Convention
REENGAGE through upcoming ABSC events!
Find out what’s happening soon on pages 6-8.
STATEWIDE PRAYER GATHERING RETURNS TO SINGLE, LIVE EVENT Schedule
Monday, August 30
The 8th Annual
Statewide Prayer Gathering will be
Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Session 1: 6:30–9:30 p.m.
held August 30-31 for
Tuesday, August 31
church staff members.
Doors open: 7:15 a.m. Session 2: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon
pastors, ministers, and This year, there will be one in-person
gathering at Indian
Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant, Arkansas. The single, live event is a welcome return from the multi-site, livestreamed format forced by the 2020 pandemic.
Focused prayer times will be facilitated by pastors and
leaders from Arkansas, and the event will include times of music and worship.
Dr. Sonny Tucker, Executive Director of the ABSC, said, “It is
my prayer that this event will continue to inspire Arkansas Baptist church leaders to prioritize prayer.” He added, “As
in past years, this is not a ‘come and go’ nor a ‘come and be seen’ event. We are gathering once again for serious
ONE DAY OF SERVICE. ONE MESSAGE OF GOD’S LOVE. COUNTLESS LIVES CHANGED. ETERNAL IMPACT.
OCTOBER 2, 2021 RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS
INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
ABSC.ORG/ONEDAY
prayer from start to finish, appealing to God for revival and awakening. I hope you can join us for this valuable time!” Arkansas pastors, staff members, ABSC agency and
institution leaders, associational missionaries, students
training for ministry, itinerant ministers, and retired pastors and staff members are invited to take part in this event.
For more information or registration, visit: absc.org/prayer
THREE STEPS TO PROMOTING STATE MISSIONS IN YOUR CHURCH Ignite a passion for missions in your church through the annual Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering and Week of Prayer
As we near the month
carry out the plan, even if it’s just one or two partners.
for the Dixie Jackson
with all the resources available. Your church will receive
of September, the time Arkansas Missions Offering is quickly
approaching. This annual emphasis and offering supports incredible missions work that
happens all around our state. As your church begins
to consider how you can get involved, we’ve created
Once you have a team in place, it’s vital to familiarize yourself a variety of printed materials very soon if they have not
already arrived. Included in this is a full planning guide to
help you creatively think through all aspects of your plan.
There will also be prayer guides, giving envelopes and more! In addition, there are a variety of digital resources that your
church can use on your website, social media accounts and during your church’s worship service.
To find videos, social media kits, lesson plans and other
helpful resources for planning an effective campaign for
guides and resources, visit absc.org/dixiejackson. If you use
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION: PRAY
your church members gain a larger understanding of the
your church.
As you prepare for the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions
these resources leading up to the week of prayer, it will help mission work they are supporting.
Offering and Week of Prayer, the Holy Spirit is truly the best
WEEK OF PRAYER: IGNITE
Him to ignite a passion in your church for Arkansas missions.
goal, it is important to recognize that those are not the end
guide for your church. So, start by seeking His guidance! Ask Consider tasking your church staff or leaders to spend time
praying for what will soon happen, not only in your church but across Arkansas.
THE CAMPAIGN: PREPARE
To create awareness with your church, consider bringing
together a team to help plan a campaign. With any good team, you’ll need a leader, a plan, and volunteers to help
Even as you plan for the Week of Prayer and set an offering goals. The focused prayer and the money raised are tools
that ignite the work of spreading the word of the Lord around our state and watching it grow in power. As you plan and implement this year, strive also to educate your church,
that the members of your congregation may be ignited to actively participate in this work. Then be ready to share in
the joy as God’s word grows in power throughout the state of Arkansas and beyond!
PROMO RESOURCES FOR YOUR CHURCH
PROMO VIDEOS
Four Dixie Jackson promotional videos feature DJ-funded ministries—ready to show at your church and share on social media. Order the DVD or download at our website.
NEW FOR 2021! ONLINE DJ GIVING
SOCIAL MEDIA
Now it’s easier than ever for your church members to give their Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering. Online gifts from your members are added to your church’s giving total.
Download our social media kit, including Dixie Jackson logos, shareable images, and other content. Also, follow us and share our posts on your own social media.
TEACHING PLANS
Help your church grasp the vision of the 2021 Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering and encourage your church to be on mission. Tailored for preschoolers, children, students, and adults.
ABSC.ORG/DIXIEJACKSON View and download a digital version the 20-page Planning Guide for the 2021 Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering and other promotional resources. Also, order copies of the Planning Guide, Prayer Guides, posters, offering envelopes, and DVD of promo videos.
TEXT TO SUBSCRIBE TO DAILY PRAYER EMAILS
Simply text IGNITE to 55444 to subscribe to free daily emails during the Dixie Jackson Week of Prayer, September 12–19.
The DJ Prayer Guide will help your church members pray each day during the Dixie Jackson Week of Prayer. Also, display your church’s Dixie Jackson Missions Offering goal and chart your giving progress on this 19 x 24-inch DJ poster. Both resources may be ordered at absc.org/ dixiejackson.
AND THE WORD OF THE LORD WAS SPREADING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE REGION. ACTS 14:49
IGNITE
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
DIXIE JACKSON ARKANSAS MISSIONS OFFERING 2021 ABSC.ORG/DIXIEJACKSON
STATE MISSIONS GOAL
$1.85 MILLION
OUR CHURCH GOAL
church planting
Pray for Planters There’s always time for prayer, especially for church planters. The Church Planting Team at the ABSC is inviting you to join us in praying for our local church
Missions
WMU On Board with One Day October 1 Arkansas WMU invites you to join them for On Board with One Day Friday evening, October 1, at Second Baptist Church, Russellville for worship and celebrating missions. The celebration is open to all— men, women, students, children—who wish to attend (no registration required). Teresa Harmening will lead in worship, and you’ll hear from National WMU Executive Director/ Treasurer, Sandy Wisdom-Martin.
planters. If you’d like a resource developing the skills necessary to become effective on-mission Christians who carry out the Great Commission. Christian men from around the state will be with us to share their passions, tell their stories, and demonstrate
as a reminder each month, we release a prayer calendar that includes a planter or church for each day. Join us as we pray!
absc.org/churchplanting
how God uses the things men love to do to enable them to reach other men and boys
college + young leaders
who love to do the same things.
absc.org/camporama
Connect October 15–17
Lead>Defend Podcast School is just around the corner, and that means season 3 of your
Are you looking for a student missions
favorite podcast is almost here!
experience? Join us for a week-long missions
The Lead>Defend Podcast will
trip packaged into a single weekend!
be back with Ryan Scantling
Connect helps to engage and equip
and new co-host Brock Caldwell
students for missions by introducing them to
Join us at Spring Lake Baptist Camp
from First Baptist Rogers. We
various ministries provided through the Dixie
in Lonsdale for Camp-O-Rama 2021!
have some exciting things
Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering and the
The purpose of this missions discipleship
planned, so look for us on your
Cooperative Program.
experience is to aid boys and men in
absc.org/connect
favorite podcast listening app
absc.org/wmuonboard
Camp-O-Rama September 24–26
coming August 19.
absc.org/ldpodcast
The Fall Retreat October 8–9 One Conversation. One Weekend. One Eternity. That’s what The Fall Retreat is all about. Join BCMs from around the state at Spring Lake Baptist Camp in Lonsdale, Arkansas, for a time of powerful worship, engaging speakers, and tons of fun!
myfallretreat.com
church HEALTH
Going Beyond Live with Priscilla Shirer September 25, Simmons Bank Arena, Little Rock Priscilla Shirer is coming to Little Rock! Priscilla Shirer and Anthony Evans will be live at Simmons Arena on September 25. Arkansas will serve as the global simulcast location for 2021. What an honor it is for us to partner with this incredible event that will reach people around the world. Please join us in praying for God to move in a mighty way. Purchase tickets online.
lifeway.com/goingbeyondlive
Replicate September 24–25, Camp Siloam, Siloam Springs The Replicate Retreat is a weekend of life-changing messages, powerful worship, small groups, and interactive experiences challenging students to live a life full of purpose that impacts the Kingdom of God. Replicate’s vision is to share the Gospel while also offering opportunities for students, youth pastors, and leaders to be equipped and empowered to reach this generation and fulfill the Great Commission.
absc.org/replicate
Equip:SMC September 18, Mountain Home There are over 1,550 churches in the Arkansas Baptist State
NEW!
Now it’s easier than ever to share stories about how your church is bringing Good News to the whole world. Introducing new weekly CP Share resources—printable bulletin inserts, slides, and more—all downloadable, ready-to-share, and FREE! DOWNLOAD NOW AT ABSC.ORG/CPSHARE
Convention, the majority of which are Smaller Membership Churches (SMC). For many of the families serving in SMC ministry, it simply isn’t feasible to attend large state gatherings on weekdays. Equip:SMC conferences have been designed with these busy SMC ministry families in mind. Equip:SMC will be Saturday, September 18, at the Hopewell Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and is being held as a cooperative effort of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Williams Baptist University, and the White River Baptist Association.
absc.org/smc WEEKLY BULLETIN INSERTS AND IMAGES FOR SLIDES AND SOCIAL MEDIA
SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER Every month, get news and information about all things Arkansas Baptist right in your inbox. Plus, follow us on all our social media channels. Get connected at:
ABSC.ORG/UPDATES
August 21 Disaster Relief Training, Cross Church—Springdale
eptember 12–19 Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering/ S Week of Prayer September 16 Women’s Ministry Roundtables September 24 You Lead
October 2 One Day
October 9 Disaster Relief Training, Central Baptist Church, North Little Rock October 12 MinistrySafe Webinar
October 23 ServeSafe® Training
October 25–27 Arkansas Baptist State Convention Pastors’ Conference and Annual Meeting
10 Remington Drive | Little Rock, AR 72204
Visit ABSC.org/calendar for complete event info.
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LITTLE ROCK AR PERMIT # 1615