Arkansas Baptist Life—ABSC Newsletter—January 2024

JAN

20 24 Arkansas Baptist Life is the official newsletter of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention

NEW YEAR HOLDS OPPORTUNITY FOR REFLECTION, REALIGNMENT Executive Director champions the goal to be efficient, effective, and enthusiastic

BY DR. REX HORNE, ABSC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Each year holds the expected and

unexpected. The expected may include

Our work together is based on

trust. Trust is built or undermined day by day. It is not a one-time decision or event. Efficiency relating to our

ministry is serving well while operating

conservatively. Arkansas Baptists work

together. A part of our work is the support

given through the Cooperative Program and Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering. If we were to think of this in

Our convention staff is familiar with

my goal, which consists of three Es:

Efficient, Effective, and Enthusiastic.

old cliches used about the new year,

terms of a car, we would want maximum performance, great gas mileage, and few repairs! We will be efficient.

The second and third E continue

resolutions for the new year, or plans

this commitment. Effective may be a

year will bring the unexpected. There is

is to produce a desired result. The

all, it is unexpected, unplanned—an

believe the Lord has set it in the Great

I would not have expected to be serving

set by Arkansas Baptists to assist

of our state convention. I am blessed to

in missions involvement and support.

often said (and will continue to say!),

evidence is the joy we have in being

already established in this new year. The

little harder to quantify. It, by definition,

no way to predict the unexpected, after

key question is who sets the goal. I

unknown at present. A few months ago,

Commission. I think our work has been

Arkansas Baptists as Executive Director

churches and encourage the same

have this opportunity of service. As I have

Expect this! The enthusiasm we should called of the Lord to serve Him

I am a debtor to Arkansas Baptists for

by serving you, Arkansas

the impact you have had on

Baptists.

my life.

Thank you for

A new year is a time

to reflect on the past,

your prayers and

and dedicate oneself to

the Lord and you in

realign what is needed,

opportunities to serve

serving the Lord and a

this new year.

needy world.

ECON 2024 PAGES 2–3

PRAY FIRST PAGES 6–7

SPRING OUTREACH PAGE 9

Get everything you need to know— speakers, workshops, and more!

Prioritizing prayer helps us begin the new year with our eye on the prize.

Three big events to help Arkansas Baptists serve, invite, and celebrate with the people around us.

January

22–23

2024

New Life baptist church

Alexander, AR

GREETINGS! We are greatly anticipating the annual Statewide Conference on Evangelism + Church Health—ECON, as we call it. The Evangelism + Church Health Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention has been praying that these two days will offer inspiration, equipping, and encouragement in leading evangelism efforts in your church. Our team hopes to serve you well. We consider ECON to be one of those moments where collectively we, as ABSC churches, can hear from the Lord, worship Him, be in His presence, and go forward together in His Kingdom work. We are praying that the Lord will speak to each attendee specifically. Let’s pray together that this is not just another conference.

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved.” —1 Corinthians 1:18 Warren Gasaway Team Leader, ABSC, Evangelism + Church Health and College + Young Leaders Team

Conference Schedule January 22–23 Monday

u 1:00 p.m. | Worship Session with Mark Clifton, Todd Kaunitz, and Fred Luter u 7:00 p.m. | Worship Session with Shane Pruitt

Tuesday

u 8:45 a.m. | Worship Session with Ken Whitten, Noe Garcia, and Nathan Lino u 12:00–1:30 p.m. | Tuesday Lunch + Workshops Pastors | Led by Nathan Lino Worship Leaders | Led by Joe Crider Next Gen (Children + Student Leaders) | Led by Shane Pruitt Ministers’ Wives + Women in Ministry | Led by Catherine Renfro Church Administration | Led by Arkansas Baptist Foundation

monday, january 22 more information + register for workshops

u absc.org/econ

9:30–11:30 a.m. check-in begins 9:00 a.m.

Prayer Workshop |Todd Kaunitz Workshop Church Revitalization |Mark Clifton u register at absc.org/econ

SPECIAL GUESTS

3 ABSC.ORG //////////////////////////////////////////////

MARK CLIFTON

KEN WHITTEN

TODD KAUNITZ

NOE GARCIA

Mark Clifton is the Senior Director of Replanting at the North American Mission Board. His experience includes serving as the Lead Mission Strategist for the Kansas/Nebraska Southern Baptist Convention, serving as a church planter in Montreal, Quebec, as a Southern Baptist National Church Planting Missionary for eastern Canada, and leading Southern Baptist church planting projects west of the Mississippi. Mark has been planting, replanting, and providing strategic mission leadership since 1978. Mark and his wife, Jill, live in Basehor, Kansas, and have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandsons.

Todd Kaunitz is the Lead Pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church, located in East Texas. Since his arrival in 2010, God has moved in a gracious way allowing New Beginnings to baptize more than 2,200 people. The church has grown from an average of 450 in weekly worship attendance into three campuses and more than 2,750 people. Todd is a pastor, conference speaker, and consultant who is passionate about leading people and churches to pursue God’s presence in prayer. A graduate of East Texas Baptist University, Todd and his wife, Adrian, have been married for 22 years and have three children.

FRED LUTER

Pastor Fred Luter, Jr., the first African American President of the Southern Baptist Convention, is the Senior Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of Pastor Luter’s famous sayings at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church is, “It’s not about the pastor. It’s all about the Master.” On June 11, 2013, Pastor Luter was unanimously elected for the second time as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has been married to his “Prime Rib,” Elizabeth, since 1980, and they have two children and three grandchildren.

SHANE PRUITT

Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board.

He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Texas, with their five children. He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year he speaks to more than a hundred thousand people about the Good News of Jesus Christ. He is the author of two books: 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better and Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership. He is also one of the hosts of The Gensend Podcast.

Ken Whitten currently serves as the National Director of Pastoral Leadership with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Just as the late Pastor Adrian Rogers mentored Ken, he, too, enjoys mentoring up-and-coming pastors. Until this year, he served as Senior Pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida—a 33-year ministry that included two campus build outs, five church plants, and a current membership of nearly 14,000. He remarks that the strength of his ministry is Jesus and Ginny, in that order. He and Ginny, his wife of 47 years, have four children and 13 grandchildren.

Noe Garcia is the Senior Pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his wife, Clancey, have been married since 2010 and have four children. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Executive Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves on the Evangelism team for the North American Mission Board, is a Trustee for Union University, serves on the ERLC leadership council team, and is a writer for Lifeway Voices blogs. He is passionate about reaching and equipping people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Phoenix and around the world.

NATHAN LINO

Nathan Lino founded Northeast Houston Baptist Church in 2002 and served as their Senior Pastor until 2022, when he began his tenure as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Forney. His ministry opportunities have taken him to more than 25 countries around the world. Nathan has served as President of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention 2015–2017, First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and on the board of the International Mission Board. A fourth-generation African, Nathan became a Christian while attending Pinetown Baptist Church in Pinetown, South Africa. Nathan and his wife, Nicole, have been married since 1999 and have four children.

DAVID MCKINNEY AND CROSS CHURCH WORSHIP

Cross Church Worship is the worship ministry of Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. The worship ministry helps to accomplish the mission of Cross Church (“Reaching Northwest Arkansas, America, and the World for Jesus Christ”) by creatively communicating the Truth of Who God is. They believe that through the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the gift of music they can effectively make much of Jesus through corporate worship. They are also committed to investing in the people of Cross Church to raise up the next generation of worship leaders.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST LIFE 4 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

ADDRESSING FOUR MAJOR GAPS IN STUDENT MINISTRY These strategies can help students navigate through stages in their faith journey

gaps. Help cultivate relationships with their peers and at the same time with

those in the next phase. If your middle school and high school ministries are separate, then throughout their 8th grade year, strategically plan high

school events where they’re intentionally being invited so that they’re building

relationships. When they already know people in the ministry that they’re

A love for Jesus, His Word, and living it out

about to step into, the transition is less

student ministry where teens would

disciple them up.

was the gap between student ministry

If student ministry is run like a “church

When students catch the vision for

navigating through the different

longer an excuse to disappear. Instead,

graduating out of it, it feels like they’re

rides from others. When juniors and

why many leave, because they’re now

living on mission, they no longer feel

and high school

don’t understand and where they

ministry. Rather, they’re making the

driver’s license

to constantly be together instead of

their spiritually lost peers and discipling

year

Build relationships

BY SHANE PRUITT, GUEST SPEAKER AT ECON 2024

intimidating.

There used to be one major gap in

has sticking power. Don’t dumb it down;

typically cease being part of a church. It

Be a part of the church as a whole

Get them serving and living on mission

within a church,” when a teen is

serving, getting a driver’s license is no

transitions within a student ministry or

it’s leveraged to no longer depend on

having to join a different church. That’s

seniors have caught the vision for

77 The gap between middle school

being a part of something that they

like they’re too mature for the student

77 The gap around getting their

do not have relationships. Find ways

most of being a leader by reaching

77 The gap between junior and senior

always separate.

younger students. They should be

77 The gap between youth ministry

The more relationships a student has,

and college ministry.

In my exposure to hundreds of

student ministries and tens of thousands of students every year, I believe there are four major gaps now.

What are those gaps?

and college ministry

Here is a list of four things that I believe will help in

closing these gaps. These are not in any particular order of importance.

Foster a love for the Lord and His Word

Our ultimate call is to make disciples (Matthew 28:19).

Some of our teens walk

away from our ministries with a Ph.D. in pizza and laser tag and a Pre-K

education in doctrine,

theology, and loving Jesus.

Your theology will heavily influence your doxology.

the less likely they are to fall through the

serving and living on mission with the

church, not only in the student ministry.

If we’re equipping and empowering

students to have a love for the Lord

and His Word, be a part

of the church as a whole, build relationships, and

serve and live on mission— then they’ll navigate the different stages in their

life without falling through the gaps, because they’ll

realize worshipping Jesus

and being the church isn’t

for a period of time but for all of eternity.

This article has been edited for space.

Read the full article at baptistpress.com.

EQUIPPING WORSHIPPERS AND WORSHIP LEADERS

given the opportunity to participate

PraizFest, JoyWorks, and PraiseWorks help equip the next generation of worshippers

PraiseWorks

BY JIM DANIEL, ABSC WORSHIP CONSULTANT As Arkansas Baptists, discipleship and

equipping are always on our hearts and minds as we look for creative ways to

partner with churches in the discipling

and equipping of their members. There

are multiple ways a church can disciple and equip their members for worship

and worship leading. This instruction and equipping should begin by partnering with parents in the discipling of their

children. Children need to be taught

how to love God with every aspect of their life. This type of complete love and devotion includes their talent.

(Deuteronomy 6:5, 6). As children begin to understand the biblical definition

of loving God with all their heart, soul,

and strength, the church begins to help children identify their gifts and talents and offer opportunities to use their

resources within the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).

PraizFest

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BENTON | JANUARY 26 AND 27, 2024 PraizFest, our student worship weekend, is a great equipping tool for students in

grades 6 through 12. The students will be able to participate in a mass worship choir while

also choosing

one breakout experience from a list

of nine. These breakout sessions will cover areas from vocals to worship

in several “tracks” led by experts from across our state. These track leaders

give children the opportunity to develop their skills and explore interests.

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY | JULY 8–12, 2024 As children continue to grow in their

understanding of biblical worship and in their gifts and talents, the church should continue to encourage

involvement in

the areas of the

student’s interest

and giftedness. PraiseWorks, our student worship arts camp offered for students

in grades 6 through 12, is the next level of

discipleship and equipping. At this camp

the students are allowed to choose from

over 30 tracks, led by experts in their field.

band instruments and multimedia. It is

PraizFest, JoyWorks, and PraiseWorks are

use as they disciple and equip students

with churches in the equipping of the

another great resource for churches to for worship and worship leading.

JoyWorks

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY | JULY 8–12, 2024

three powerful tools used for partnering next generation of worshippers and

worship leaders. The skills the students learn during these experiences can

be immediately implemented in the

JoyWorks, worship arts camp offered

ministries of their local church. Truly,

excellent way for parents and churches

inspiring events effectively “equip

children in worship

for building up the body of Christ”

for children grades 3 through 6, is an

lives are impacted for eternity as these

to continue equipping

the saints for the work of ministry,

discipleship. At this

(Ephesians 4:11–12).

level, the children are

ARKANSAS BAPTIST LIFE 6 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

PRIORITIZING PRAYER HELPS US PURSUE THE PROMISED PRIZE Arkansas Baptists band together to begin the new year strong with Pray First emphasis provided us with many snapshots of his

At a recent music awards show, a

in letters to churches that are part of

Artist of the Year. While I don’t feel like 39 is old, in the music world, it is old. Most new artists are much younger when they get their big break. As a youth,

however, this artist was in and out of jail

several times and had some rough and difficult early years.

In his acceptance speech, he made

a profound statement. The words were

not original to him. In fact, I am not sure who first made the statement, but it

is one of great truth. He said, “I wanna tell you that the windshield is bigger

than the rearview mirror for a reason, because what’s in front of you is so

much more important than what’s behind you.”

The Apostle Paul is one of the

greatest followers of Jesus that has

ever lived. I am so thankful that God has

is ahead. I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

During the first month of 2024,

Arkansas Baptists will have the

opportunity to prioritize prayer as part

of a strong start for the new year. Every Monday in January, a video along with

resources and daily encouragement will

BY CRAIG JENKINS ABSC DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION ADVANCEMENT & NEWS 39-year-old won the award for New

behind and reaching forward to what

be released as you put God’s truth and

mindset and heart that are expressed

presence first.

God’s Word in the New Testament. Paul

Arkansas Baptists from around the

embracing the truth that what was in

from Philippians 3: forget, reach, goal,

life was far better than what was behind

provide a devotional, prayer prompts,

for all of us!

some practical applications. My desire

heart a few months ago as I considered

see that what is in front of us is more

Each week, with the help of five

indeed had a rough past. Yet he lived

state, we will focus on five key words

front of him through the windshield of

prize, and call. These leaders will

him in life’s rearview mirror. That is true

a Scripture to commit to memory, and

That is a truth that God stirred in my

is that as we Pray First together, we will

a focus for Arkansas Baptists to center

important than what is behind us.

initiative. I was drawn to the inspired

be added to the email list. If you signed

“Not that I have already reached the

year, you will automatically receive the

every effort to take hold of it because I

2024. We will share these resources

Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not

them on your personal pages. Be sure

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is

Convention on Facebook, Instagram,

on at the start of 2024 in our Pray First

Sign up at absc.org/prayfirst2024 to

and inspiring words of Philippians 3:12–14:

up to receive the Pray First materials last

goal or am already perfect, but I make

Pray First emails beginning on January 1,

also have been taken hold of by Christ

via social media, allowing you to share

consider myself to have taken hold of it.

to follow the Arkansas Baptist State and Twitter—visit absc.org/social.

A RETURN TO DESPERATE PRAYER NEEDED FOR CHURCHES Seeking the face of God in prayer brings God’s manifest power and presence to our churches

BY TODD KAUNITZ, GUEST SPEAKER AT ECON 2024

‘tis his will that there should precede it

the extraordinary prayers of his people.”

When God’s people pray together,

there is a supernatural outpouring

that happens in the church! There is

a supernatural favor or grace that He

bestows upon us. Doors open, resources are provided, and divine opportunity will be given to God’s people! Most

importantly, God’s presence will be The one common denominator in

It is an understatement to say, “When

each of the churches experiencing

When the infinite power and presence

to desperate prayer. These prayer

impossible for things to stay the same.

recognition of the absence of God’s

hot sun without significant physical

coming to the end of earthly solutions

manifest presence of God and remain

about their true spiritual condition and

us to the sad reality that God’s manifest

prayer their highest priority.

across our nation.

Him in desperation, He will be found!

the church today is not declining

who are deep in spiritual darkness,

preaching. These could only be

when you seek me with all your

is that the absence of desperate

take to seek Him with all

manifest power and presence. The

Without a return to

encountered, enjoyed, and experienced.

Remember, “When God shows up,

this move of the Holy Spirit is a return

everything changes!”

of God enters the equation, it is

movements are motivated by a

and our nation is to witness the largest

Just as a person could not stand in the

manifest presence. These churches are

we have ever seen and that it will usher

change, a person cannot be in the

to Kingdom problems, getting honest

spiritually unchanged. This should bring

making the seeking the face of God in

God shows up, everything changes.”

presence is absent in most churches I believe the root problem in

God promises that when we seek

In Jeremiah 29:13, He tells His people

attendance or the absence of biblical

“You will seek me and find me,

symptoms. I believe the root problem

heart.” Prayer is the path we

prayer has led to the absence of God’s

our heart.

question we should be asking is not

personal and corporate

get them to return to church? Rather,

see revival. Jonathan

and how do we get Him to return?

God’s will, through his

prayer fueled by a deep desire for the

the prayers of his saints

where are our people and how do we

prayer, we will not

where is the presence of the Holy Spirit

Edwards wrote, “It is

The answer is a return to desperate

wonderful grace, that

presence of God.

should be one great

are seeing this happen! In recent days,

carrying on the designs

things. Stories are being shared of

the world. When God

sin, restored marriages, freedom from

very great to

of salvations and baptisms.

his church,

And here’s the encouraging news: we

and principal means of

God has been doing some incredible

of Christ’s kingdom in

miraculous healings, repentance from

has something

addictions, and an exponential number

accomplish for

My prayer for Arkansas Baptists

prayer movement among our churches in the greatest revival this generation has ever

experienced.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST LIFE 8 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LEAD>DEFEND EQUIPS STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS TO STAND STRONG Today’s Christless culture presents opportunity: engaging the openly unbelieving with the Gospel

is an incredible resource for the youth,

college students, and adults of Arkansas.

The goal each year is to equip attendees to understand how the Bible addresses

certain issues at the forefront of culture.

The benefits of this conference are numerous.

From the main stage and in the

breakouts, all involved are presented

with a biblical worldview on difficult and engage those who are comfortable

hot topics. Secondly, the conference

was respectful of Christianity. Even those

faith. It’s an opportunity that was more

own beliefs and doubts find answers

Christian faith were kind and respectful

harder to tell the difference between a

to Christ and a biblical worldview.

glance at our present culture to see this

“playing nice” because it was impolite

understanding for their own benefit, but

are openly mocked in some circles of

opportunity also presents a challenge:

others on those topics, showing them

Even when not mocking, people are not

to speak into the disbelief when it is

beliefs. While it is true that from one

is to be “ready at any time to give a

out March 2 on your calendar. Join us

Too few Christians have been

better equipped to take advantage of

BY BILL NEWTON, FBC HOT SPRINGS, GENERATIONS PASTOR There was a day when culture-at-large

expressing their disbelief in the Christian

can help students wrestling with their

who did not agree with the tenets of the

difficult to identify back when it was

and help solidify their own commitment

to those who did. It takes only a cursory

true believer and someone who was just

Lead>Defend not only helps with

is no longer the case. Christian beliefs

to speak against Christianity. This

attendees also learn how to engage

society without even batting an eye.

Are Christians equipped and ready

God’s truth and the love of Christ.

afraid to voice opposition to Christian

expressed? In 1 Peter 3:15 the command

to attend Lead>Defend 2024, block

perspective this is lamentable, it also

defense for the hope that is in you.”

to be encouraged in your faith and

the previous era.

equipped to fulfill that command.

the opportunity we have to engage a

Eternity is on the line. In the face of such

culture desperately in need of Jesus.

are presented with an opportunity to

opportunities we are often woefully

unprepared. This is why Lead>Defend

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT LEADDEFEND.ORG ////////////////////////////////

presents an opportunity not present in In the current environment, Christians

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND!

March 2, 2024

If you haven’t already made plans

/

Over the past three years, more than 7,000 Arkansas Baptists have mobilized to

serve their communities in practical ways each spring for Serve Local, which often involved inviting their neighbors to upcoming Easter services. With a desire to

increase involvement, boost outreach, and raise the impact upon the local church,

the Missions Team has collaborated with the Evangelism + Church Health Team for the Spring Outreach Strategy. This strategy has three components:

Serve Local For the Spring Outreach Strategy, churches are encouraged to select a day, or multiple days, in March to serve their communities, meeting practical needs and strategically sharing the

Gospel. Resources will include suggestions on identifying needs and evangelism resources.

As churches look for needs to meet, the

answers do not have to be huge, complicated strategies that require a big budget. They can

be as simple as recruiting a team of volunteers to serve a meal in the community, collecting supplies for a local food pantry, organizing a backpack giveaway for

a low-income area, or even hosting a traditional egg hunt. Churches have been

successful doing door-to-door evangelism and prayer walking, while others see lives changed through connections at newer ministries such as a “No Sell Yard Sale” or sports camp. The possibilities to serve locally are endless.

Big Day A key part of the ministries performed at

Serve Local include an invitation to Big Day. Big Day is March 31, which is Easter, typically a high attendance Sunday.

According to Thom Rainer, 82 percent of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited. Available

resources will help churches prepare for the Big Day through

guest readiness, evangelistic preaching, follow up, and more.

Statewide Baptism Sunday The days after Serve Local and Big Day will focus on following up with contacts made and helping new believers take the next steps in their relationship with

Christ. Churches are invited to mark April 7, 2024, the Sunday after Easter, as a day of celebrating

decisions made through Serve Local and Big Day. As followers of Jesus, we have been given the

privilege of sharing the Good News with the world,

starting in our own community. We anticipate seeing amazing things happen through the Spring Outreach Strategy as Arkansas Baptists serve, invite, and celebrate with the people around us.

Register and keep up with resources as they are added at absc.org/springoutreach.

lines

UPCOMING EVENTS + EMPHASES FOR ARKANSAS BAPTISTS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Mission Connection Event

JANUARY 21

JANUARY 21–23

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

Block Party Trainings

Prepare + Protect Trainings

JANUARY 27 & FEBRUARY 3, 10, 24

FEBRUARY 8 & 29

Lives can be changed through your church block parties. Learn how this simple tool can effectively share the love of Christ with your community at our annual regional trainings in Arkadelphia, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Rogers.

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/blockparty

 absc.org/missionconnection

Hosted by ABSC and the Sexual Abuse Response + Resource Team, this training will assist churches as they protect against abuse, report abuse, and assist those who have experienced abuse. Choose from two dates and locations: February 8 at the NWA Ministry Center in Rogers or February 29 at the ABSC Building in Little Rock.  absc.org/pra

CONNECT MISSIONS WEEKEND April 13-14 | absc.org/connect

ENGAGE MISSIONS CAMP June 17-21 | absc.org/engagecamp

‘24 S P R I NG L A K E

SPRING LAKE

SUPER SUMMER JV June 22-25 | absc.org/supersummer

Registration opens February 1

PLA N NO WF OR

202 4

SUM MER CAM PS

SUPER SUMMER SENIOR HIGH June 25-29 | absc.org/supersummer

Registration opens February 1

PRAISEWORKS/JOYWORKS July 8-12 | absc.org/pwjw

Registration opens March 1

11 ABSC.ORG ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

CISM FEBRUARY 16–17 Responding to crises is second nature to First Responders. It is vital that they be trained to handle the stress and emotions that these incidents elicit. The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training event equips first responders to minister on the scene and to work through the stress they face as a result.  absc.org/cism

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and Week of Prayer

Disaster Relief Regional Trainings

Leadership Collective

MARCH 9, APRIL 6

MARCH 3–10

When disaster strikes, Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief is not far behind. You can become a trained, credentialed Disaster Relief volunteer by attending regional training at Nettleton Baptist Church in Jonesboro starting at 8:30 a.m. on March 9 or at Central Baptist in North Little Rock on April 6.

Leadership Collective is a one-day workshop for women’s ministry leaders in Arkansas. It will take place on Saturday, April 20, at the ABSC Building. This will be a focused time for women’s ministry leaders to receive ministry training as they connect with one another in an interactive setting. Find encouragement, ideas, inspiration and friendship to strengthen your leadership journey. Registration opens February 1.

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

 abscdisasterrelief.org/ volunteer

APRIL 20

 absc.org/abwcollective

PRAY FOR CHURCH PLANTERS

food/supplies), and supporting Baptist

Church of NLR, Mt. Carmel of Conway,

Arkansas University of Magnolia

and all who support us in prayer.

BY DONNELL AND LATANYA FORD ARKANSAS BAPTIST CHURCH PLANTERS

77 Pray that God would

Our doors opened April 17, 2022, Easter Sunday. We are in an impoverished

neighborhood in need of the care and love of Jesus Christ. We have been

blessed to serve our community in

many ways such as: Back to School Bashes (200 plus backpacks and

supplies), Trunk or Treats, Thanksgiving Feed (200 meals), Prayer Walks (Bibles and devotions), Vacation Bible School (75+ in attendance), Church on the

Yard (service on the campus grounds), Christmas Needs Box (over $250 of

Collegiate Ministry (BCM) at Southern (feeding international students). provide laborers to gather His harvest.

77 Pray for continued growth of our

NAMB, ABSC, Liberty Baptist Association, Donnell and LaTanya Ford are

planting Full Faith Community Baptist Church in Magnolia

as a church plant of Central Baptist Church in Magnolia.

Sunday School,

We spend each

Group, Kingdom

planters around the

Bible Study, Youth Men and Women Classes, Core

Group, Praise and Worship Team.

77 Pray for our

relationships with Park Hill Baptist

month praying for

state. You can find a

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CALENDAR January 16

January 27

March 26–27

April 5–6

Church Planting Interest Meeting Jail & Prison Ministry training

Renewing the Church Summit Heart & 4 Fields Evangelism/Discipleship Training

Please feel free to copy any portion of this newsletter to share with other members of your church. To request additional copies, call 501-376-4791, ext. 5153.

The ministries of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention are funded by the generous giving of Arkansas Baptists to missions through the Cooperative Program and the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering.

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

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