Arkansas Baptist Life—ABSC Newsletter—January 2023

ECON SEEKS TO TRANSFORM CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES

Evangelism Conference equips, encourages, and empowers leaders to advance the Gospel

BY WARREN GASAWAY EVANGELISM + CHURCH HEALTH INTERIM TEAM LEADER

On January 23 and 24, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, hundreds of Arkansas Baptist church leaders will gather to once again affirm that our greatest hope is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yearly, the Evangelism Conference (ECON) reminds us to bring the mission and message of Jesus to the forefront of our ministries. Our preachers this year will be Robert Smith Jr., Ed Newton, Greg Stier, Jeremy and Caleb Freeman, Bart Barber, and Gordon Fort. The Cross Church Worship Band will be leading us in worship.

In a post-Christian culture, we certainly need the transformational

power of God in our churches and communities. According to Scripture, that power comes from the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18, Romans 1:16). ECON focuses intently on equipping, encouraging, and empowering leaders to prioritize the Good News of Jesus Christ. Consider joining us at this free

event made possible by the generous giving of ABSC churches to missions through the Cooperative Program. We will be having lunch workshops on Tuesday at the conclusion of the conference for pastors, ministers’ wives, worship leaders, student pastors, and preschool/children’s ministers. The lunch workshops are free, but please register at absc.org/econ for the purpose of meal preparation.

Please join us in praying for not just another event but a tremendous time of strengthening our ministry leaders in the presence of God.

Arkansas Baptist Life is the official newsletter of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention

Kick off 2023 with a month-long season of focused prayer.

LEAD>DEFEND PAGE 4

Annual conference equips the next generation to defend faith.

SUMMER CAMPS PAGE 5

Get fired up about unique summer camps for kids at every age level.

more information + register for workshops absc.org/econ

January 23+24 2023

geyer springs

first baptist church little rock

featured guests

JJWashington EdNewton RobertSmithjr. GordonFort

crossdavidmcKinney+ churchworship

Conference Schedule January 23 + 24

Monday

u 1:00 p.m. | Worship Session with Robert Smith Jr., Gordon Fort, and JJ Washington

u 7:00 p.m. | Worship Session with Ed Newton

Tuesday

u 8:45 a.m. | Worship Session with Jeremy Freeman, Greg Stier, and Bart Barber

u 12:00–1:30 p.m. | Tuesday Lunch + Workshops

„ Pastors and Student Leaders

„ Worship Leaders

„ Preschool and Children’s Leaders

„ Ministers’ Wives and Women in Ministry

„ Church Administration for Pastors

monday, january 23

9:30–11:30 a.m. check-in begins 9:00 a.m. guest speaker: gordon fort precedes the evangelism conference u register at absc.org/prayerworkshop

calebFreeman

GregStier BartBarber

JeremyFreeman

INTRODUCING PRAY FIRST 2023

Arkansas Baptists unite in prayer to kick off the new year, focus on loving God, neighbors

BY CRAIG JENKINS DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION ADVANCEMENT & NEWS

As Arkansas Baptists, we begin every year in prayer together. We will kick off 2023 with Pray First, a new tool designed to grow in our discipline of prayer.

During my years serving as a pastor, I can’t recall a time when I encountered a Christ-follower who didn’t see a value in prayer or desire to pray more effectively. For too many of us, however, prayer becomes a last resort instead of a first option. The busyness of life too often gets in the way of our good intentions. It is with this thought that we have felt led to aid Arkansas Baptists in their pursuit of a daily time with the Father.

Every Sunday in January, a video along with resources and daily encouragement will be released to guide you through the week as you prioritize prayer in the new year. The words of Jesus found in Mark 12:30–31 will serve as our guide: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…[and] love your neighbor as yourself” (CSB).

Each week, we will focus on helping you—all of you—as you love the Lord with

WELCOME TO ARKANSAS BAPTIST LIFE

all of your heart, soul, mind, strength, and by loving your neighbor. Arkansas Baptist leaders—Jamie Naramore, Willie Jacobs, Derek Brown, Andrea Lennon,

and Sam Roberts—will lead us in a devotional and give prayer prompts, a Scripture to memorize, and practical life applications.

You may sign up at absc.org/ prayfirst to be added to the email list. If you signed up to receive the 21 Days of Prayer materials last year, you will automatically receive the Pray First emails beginning January 1, 2023.

We will share these resources via social media, allowing you to share them on your personal pages. Be sure to follow the Arkansas Baptist State Convention on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. DETAILS? VISIT ABSC.ORG/PRAYFIRST

You are holding the first issue of Arkansas Baptist Life, a publication devoted to the stories, events, and news of the ABSC. Arkansas Baptist Life replaces Missions + Ministry as the new official newsletter of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Published quarterly and freshly redesigned, Arkansas Baptist Life brings you more in-depth, inspiring stories from leaders in our state, plus all the details about events and emphases that help bring your ministry to life

LEAD>DEFEND EQUIPS NEXT GENERATION TO DEFEND FAITH

One of the nation’s largest apologetics conferences is now two events on March 4

BY CHRIS LARMOYEUX ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER, COLLEGE + YOUNG LEADERS TEAM

Gen Z (those born between 1996 and 2014) is the largest population segment in America at 24.3%. Gen Z has grown up with technology, is racially diverse, independent, eager to impact the world, and very secular. Of Gen Zs, 31% claim to have no religious affiliation, and 18% are atheist or agnostic. This means virtually half of Gen Z is completely non-religious and the first American generation where the “nones” far outnumber the 36% who claim to be Christians.

While some see Gen Z’s lack of religious commitment troubling, Arkansas Baptists see this spiritual openness as an opportunity. Many Gen Z Jesus followers have non-Christian friends, are seeking to grow in their own faith, and are attempting to apply their faith to real life. A recent Barna

survey discovered 82% of Christian teenagers said it is important for them to share their faith, and almost 80% had actually talked with someone about God within the past year. First Peter 3:15 commands us to “always be prepared to give an answer… for the hope you have.” This is where apologetics comes in. Apologetics is using evidence and reason to support or defend your faith. Apologetics can be used to build the faith of believers and also to break down barriers to belief for non-believers.

The Lead>Defend Conference has been designed to equip this next generation of leaders to develop and defend their faith and has grown to become one of the largest apologetics conferences in the country. It is really two conferences in one. Lead>Defend is for high school/college students and young adults, while Lead>Defend

Foundations is for middle school/junior high students. Sean McDowell will be the keynote speaker for Lead>Defend. McDowell is a prolific author, speaker, cohost for the Think Biblically podcast, and is a popular YouTuber. Bobby Conway will be the keynote speaker for Foundations. Conway is an author, speaker, and the founder and host of the One Minute Apologist (YouTube).

Lead>Defend and Foundations will also feature powerful times of worship, fun breaks, and practical breakout sessions led by key leaders from around Arkansas. For more information, including registration, go to leaddefend.org. Be sure the youth or young adults you know join us on this special day, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT LEADDEFEND.ORG

Bubba Illusions + Stunts Bobby One Minute Apologist

McDowell

“MANY GEN Z JESUS FOLLOWERS HAVE NON-CHRISTIAN FRIENDS AND ARE SEEKING TO GROW IN THEIR OWN FAITH.”

GET FIRED UP FOR SUMMER CAMPS!

What comes to mind when you think of “camp”? Swimming?

S’mores? Sleeping under the stars? What about symphonies, skits, salvation? Arkansas Baptist camps are more than campfires and crafts. It’s all about getting fired up to live for Jesus!

PRAISEWORKS AND JOYWORKS (JULY 10–14) PRAISEWORKSARKANSAS.COM OR JOYWORKSARKANSAS.COM

PraiseWorks and JoyWorks reflect an intentional effort to identify and equip the next generation of worshipers and worship leaders by offering a variety of opportunities for students to worship and develop their talents and skills through music, drama, and technical skills. The leaders of these camps desire to see God glorified, to see lives changed and disciples made.

Held simultaneously at Ouachita Baptist University, PraiseWorks is for students who have completed grades 7–12, while JoyWorks is for students who have completed grades 3–6. Registration opens March 1, 2023.

SUPER SUMMER (JUNE 27–JULY 1) AND SUPER SUMMER JV (JUNE 24–27) SUPERSUMMERARKANSAS.COM

Super Summer and Super Summer JV emphasize evangelism and discipleship by providing opportunities for students to hear the Gospel and deepen their relationship with Christ through solid biblical teaching and exciting worship. Planned recreation times enhance the experience through camaraderie and competition.

Held at Ouachita Baptist University, Super Summer is for students who have completed grades 9–12, and Super Summer JV is for students who have completed grade 6–8. Registration opens February 1, 2023.

CAMP SILOAM (SEVEN WEEKS FOR VARIOUS AGE GROUPS, JUNE 5–JULY 28) CAMPSILOAM.COM

Camp Siloam serves churches by offering an affordable summer camp option for youth and children. Worship, group time discussions, and recreation are all designed to help youth and children grow as individuals and grow closer together. Scriptural themes are illustrated with a custom written five-part drama, quiet times, and group discussion questions.

ENGAGE (JULY 17–21) ABSC.ORG/ENGAGE-CAMP

Engage Camp is designed to provide participants with the experience of a missions trip and summer camp rolled into one. In addition to evening worship times, students will be engaged in learning about missions through daily breakout sessions.

Programming is separate for elementary and junior high/ senior high campers. Children Camps are for campers who have completed 3rd–6th grade and Student Camps are for campers who have completed 6th–12th grade. Registration is now open for 2023.

Held at Camp Paron, Engage Camp mobilizes students to go into the surrounding community on Wednesday and Thursday mornings for hands-on missions experiences.

Mission Connection

JANUARY 22

You can’t cooperate if you don’t connect. Mission Connection is a way for church leaders to meet Arkansas Baptist planters and missionaries serving around the world and in the Natural State. Join us during the annual Evangelism Conference for a purposeful time to build connections.

 absc.org/missionconnection

PraizFest

JANUARY 27–28

We know there is eternal value in teaching the next generation the importance of praise and worship. Join us for a student choir weekend at First Baptist Church in Benton for PraizFest. The $25 cost per student includes a PraizFest T-shirt, lunch on Saturday, and all snacks. Sign your students up today!

 absc.org/praizfest23

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

JANUARY 22

Churches across the nation will observe National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, first issued by President Ronald Reagan on January 22. You can find more information, including a bulletin insert on our website.

 absc.org/sohls

Block Party Trainings

JANUARY 28 & FEBRUARY 4, 11, & 25 Lives can be changed through church block parties. Learn how this simple tool can effectively share the love of Christ with your community at our annual regional trainings in El Dorado, Sherwood, Batesville, and Rogers.

 absc.org/ blockpartytrainings

INSPIRE INVOLVE IN YOUR

Critical Incident Stress Management Training

FEBRUARY 17–18

Responding to crises is second nature to first responders. It is vital that they be trained to handle the stress and emotions that these critical incidents elicit. Our Critical Incident Stress Management Training event equips first responders to both minister on the scene and work through the stress they face as a result.

 absc.org/cism

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and Week of Prayer for North American Missions

MARCH 5–12

Giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering supports missionaries in North America as they share the Gospel. Pray and give with us as we help fulfill the Great Commission.

 absc.org/anniearmstrong

ABSC AND NAMB PARTNER IN CHURCH PLANTING

Enhanced partnership aims at starting churches in high need areas throughout Arkansas

Disaster Relief Regional Training— Jonesboro

MARCH 11

When disaster strikes, Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief is not far behind. You can become a trained, credentialed Disaster Relief volunteer by attending regional training. Register today, to join us at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro starting at 8 a.m. on March 11.

 abscdisasterrelief.org/ volunteer

We are better together! Arkansas Baptists have entered an enhanced church planting partnership with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) has always had a close missions partnership with the International Mission Board and NAMB. Through SEND Network Arkansas, additional resources will be utilized to start churches in high need areas throughout the state.

Our Church Planting Team will collaborate with NAMB in assessing, training, caring for and supporting ABSC church planters. The ABSC Church

One Day: Serve Local

APRIL 1

We’re back again for One Day: Serve Local on April 1. Serve Local is a missions opportunity for churches to participate in service-based missions work to make a Kingdom impact on their local communities. It’s free of charge, and resources are available online.

 absc.org/servelocal

Planting Team will continue to care for church planters and provide retreat opportunities for planters and their spouses. We will also continue to recruit Arkansas Baptist churches to become involved as sponsor and supporting churches in order to reach our state with the Gospel.

We look forward to seeing how God uses this partnership for His glory. Please continue praying for our church planters as they minister in our state.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT ABSC.ORG/CHURCHPLANTING

Stay connected to us on social media, watch and listen to our videos and podcasts, sign up for our monthly eNews, and find all things Arkansas Baptist on our website. Get started at:

ABSC.ORG/ UPDATES

January 14 Jail & Prison Ministry Training

February 9 Youth Minister Roundtable

February 12 Global Hunger Relief Sunday

February 17–18 Lift Tour

April 14-15 Connect Student Mission Event

April 15 State Bible Drill

April 20 VBS/KidMin Training

April 27 VBS/KidMin Training

April 28–29 First Responder/Peer Support Training

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIFIC EVENTS, CALL 501.376.4791 OR 800.838.2272 OR VISIT ABSC.ORG/CALENDAR FOR COMPLETE EVENT INFO.