2020-04-23

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • APRIL 23, 2020

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends SWBTS board approves school moves, budget pause due to COVID-19 >> BAPTIST PRESS

Encourage: Advancing amidst uncertainty

BCMs reach out to college communities during pandemic

4 things our children will remember about COVID-19

>> HANCE DILBECK

>> CHRIS DOYLE

>> MARK DANCE

When Matthew tells the resurrection story, he moves quickly to our task. He writes 15 verses to tell the resurrection story, five verses to give the Great Commission, and then abruptly ends—as if to say, “Now get busy!”

The primary implication of the resurrection of Jesus is His Lordship. Since He is alive, He is Lord.

He is Lord of the living and the dead, the Lord of men and nations, the Lord of lords. All authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth!

Sheltering at home is commonplace now during the COVID-19 pandemic. This applies everywhere in Oklahoma, yet perhaps the mandate becomes more challenging for a college student who feels “stranded” on a closed campus.

For the 39 Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) in Oklahoma, the ministry opportunity does not change, but implementation involves some creativity.

One example is what the BCM at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is doing.

Watergate television updates in 1972 were nothing more than interruptions to my cartoons. As a seven year old, I remember wondering how the whole White House got flooded in the first place. Children are not supposed to feel the weight of the world, much less understand it. As our children and grandchildren struggle to grasp the implications of COVID-19, there are a few concrete concepts we can help them with which will remain for the rest of their lives.

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Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Lions, Tiger Kings & screens, oh my! >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Born to be wild >> WALKER MOORE

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry IMB missionary family spreads hope >> JENNIFER WALDREP

Page 12 | News & Culture Dozens of churches adopt digital tithing amid COVID-19 crisis >> ANNA DELLINGER

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SWBTS board approves school moves, & S N O I SPORTS & T MISS TA I N M E N N I S T RY I R E M T N E budget pause due to COVID-19 >> by Baptist Press FORT WORTH (BP)—Meeting via video conference Tuesday, April 7, the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Seminary (SWBTS) approved structural changes including the elimination of the School of Preaching, which is being folded into the School of Theology.

While trustees postponed adoption of the fiscal year 2021 budget until mid-July, if necessary, the school acknowledged it has instituted budget cuts of about 25 percent, including faculty and staff layoffs.

The trustees also authorized the SWBTS administration to make distributions from the seminary’s unrestricted endowment. The decisions were part of the seminary’s response to the severe economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re going to come through this,” SWBTS president Adam W. Greenway said in his report to the trustees. “We’re going to come through this stronger than ever before. We’re going to come through this in a way that I believe is only going to glorify God.” Like some of its peer institutions, SWBTS has been forced by the pandemic to make rapid adjustments—including the closure of campus and moving all classes online for the spring and summer terms—as well as significant longer-term changes.

In his report to trustees, Greenway told trustees E they N L I Nbut were called to makeN“diffi cult O decisions,” that EW T NTENsurCOmerely Enot they would allow theB-E seminary “to IV S U L C X E W vive but to thrive moving forward.”

Trustees voted to rescind, effective immediately, a motion adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2015 to establish the School of Preaching as a separate school of the seminary. All areas of responsibility assigned to the School of Preaching—including INFO faculty, curricula, degrees, centers and Nprograms— TIO A IC L B U P have been reassigned to the School of Theology.

“The ability to rightly understand the biblical text

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and to faithfully interpret the Scriptures as the written Word of God lies at the core of the mission of the School of Theology, and it is incumbent upon us to keep these disciplines inextricably linked in the training of pastors and preaching,” Greenway said after the meeting. “Administratively separating the academic disciplines of hermeneutics E Shomiletics by graduV O I Cand ate school structure does not best serve our students nor accurately reflect our institutional commitments.

This structural change in no way impacts current preaching students, as they will continue to receive the best homiletical instruction with all the same curricular and degree offerings that exist currently.

“We remain fully devoted to the task of training text-driven preachers for the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention and look forward to the discipline of preaching resuming its natural place of prominence back within its original and longtime academic home at Southwestern Seminary, the School of Theology.”

NOBTS receives $311,000 for summer scholarships NEW ORLEANS—When New Orleans Seminary (NOBTS) asked alumni and donors for help in creating summer scholarships, the initial response was overwhelming. The generous seminary donors gave more than $300,000 in the first week of the scholarship campaign.

EVENTS In response to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), many Oklahoma Baptist events have been postponed or cancelled. For a current update on events and information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/coronavirus-response.

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SBC leaders pray for revival, end of pandemic

N IN PUBLICATIO BP STAFF | APRIL 13

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• Oklahoma State Bible Drill —May 2

As churches prepared for another week of online services—an unprecedented Easter on Sunday, April 12—Ronnie Floyd gathered Southern Baptists from across the world on Good Friday, April 10, to pray together online for the end of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and that God would use this time to call the Church to revival.

• Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert —May 3

Drive-by event produces large Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

The following events have been cancelled: • Men’s Rewired Retreat/Conference —April 24-25

• Oklahoma Bible Retreat —May 4-6 • SBC Annual Meeting —June 9-10 • All GoStudents and BCM mission trips for 2020 have been cancelled until further notice.

EVENTS

TESS SCHOONHOVEN | APRIL 13

A “drive-thru” giving process, designed in part to provide an opportunity for the members of Frankfort, Ky., Buck Run to connect with their pastors on Easter Sunday, led to the largest amount the church has ever collected for the annual Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 42,760. Individual subscriptions $13.75 per year. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. April 23, 2020 • Volume 109, Number 8.

Member, Baptist Press News, Christian Newspaper Association, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.

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MESSENGER STAFF >> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Hannah Hanzel | Art Director hhanzel@baptistmessenger.com

FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

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According to last reports, donors have given $311,357 toward “Bridge Campaign” for summer scholarships.

L Eat & Normally, scholarships NOBTS E OoffPered Pare S only during the spring and fall semesters.

Due W E N H C R U H C to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, NOBTS President Jamie Dew sought donor help so students could continue their ministry training. The funds generated would be used to provide summer tuition scholarships during this difficult time for students.

“Our donors stepped up in a major way RE T Uover L U C & S W E the past few weeks N to provide a significant amount of financial aid for summer classes,” Dew said. “Because of their generosity, students who enroll in our Red Carpet Week workshops in May or our June and July summer classes and apply for financial aid will receive a 50 percent tuition scholarship for each course.”

Those who gave to the Bridge Scholarship Campaign include regular NOBTS donors, alumni, seminary administrators and members of the seminary faculty. Dew added that many of those who gave are pastors and ministers serving in Southern Baptist churches.

Midwestern Seminary expands summer live-video classes; offers new four-week online format KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP)—Following the recent announcement that all summer classes will be offered in a synchronous technology format, Midwestern Seminary (MBTS) has expanded its total number of course offerings and added a new format of fourweek-long online classes.

While the school is not currently able to offer its typical on-campus, in-class experience, President Jason Allen emphasized that MBTS “is fullyLoperational.”

E I N of ON W our Eering “Not only are weNoff full slate NT Esummer T CONclasses SIVEmore CLUeven classes, but we have that B-EX WEnow students can take in varying formats,” Allen said.

April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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VOICES

Encourage: Advancing amidst uncertainty Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

When Matthew tells the resurrection story, he moves quickly to our task. He writes 15 verses to tell the resurrection story, five verses to give the Great Commission, and then abruptly ends—as if to say, “Now get busy!”

The primary implication of the resurrection of Jesus is His Lordship. Since He is alive, He is Lord. He is Lord of the living and the dead, the Lord of men and nations, the Lord of lords. All authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth!

His Lordship, His authority, supports both the commandment and the promise that compels us to our task.

“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’” (Matt. 28:18-20).

As we go and make disciples of all nations, as we go to advance the Gospel together, we do so under His authority. We work in obedience to Jesus our Lord. We do what He has told us to do. We are committed to advancing the Gospel together because we are committed to Jesus. We live to serve Him and to keep His charge. He is Lord, and He has all authority over us.

“All authority has been given to Me” casts light also on the promise, “I am with you always.” He works with us; He fights with us. “I am with you” is more than a promise of His presence; it is a promise of His power. We do not march out in this mission alone, not in our own power or resources. The One with all authority is working with us to advance the Gospel.

Better said, we are working with Him. This promise should be read through the lens of Psalm 110. The Lord Jesus is extending His scepter over every nation, and we are His army of volunteers. He rides into battle with us. Hallelujah! His people offer

themselves freely, joyfully, willingly, and His enemies will be made a footstool to His feet. Jesus is the victorious Lord, and we join Him in triumphal procession!

He is Lord, He is Lord! He is risen from the dead and He is Lord!

Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The COVID-19 virus makes this spring a season of uncertainty, yet one thing is crystal clear—our Lord Jesus has commanded us to advance the Good News by making disciples of our neighbors and the nations. He has not called us to this task in our own strength. He is working with us! The Great Commission has not been put on hold, brothers and sisters.

Our missionaries are still in the fields working in every country, and we must keep working to advance the Gospel in every county and community.

Oh, Lord Jesus, give us grace to see all the Gospel opportunities in the midst of this challenging time.

May we be able to look back on 2020 and say with the Apostle Paul, “What has happened has actually advanced the Gospel!” (Phil. 1:12).

Sword & trowel: Lions, Tiger Kings & screens, oh my!

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

As stay-at-home and “social distancing” advisories continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have turned to technology to do business and conduct schooling and, of course, to enjoy entertainment media.

“Screen time,” as it has been called, is on the sharp rise. In recent years, reports showed that daily use of screens—whether smartphones, personal computers or other devices—accounted for some nine hours per day per individual, on average.

In this present crisis, that time is undoubtedly even higher. We are, it seems, in a boom time for screen time.

The overabundance of screen time has led to the runaway popularity of streaming shows like Netflix’s “The Tiger King.” On the other hand, we have seen completely positive developments, such as churches harnessing technology to bring people together who are otherwise scattered and isolated.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic passes, and our

lives return back to normal, it will be interesting to see how much of the screen time goes back down and how much is here to stay.

For those of us prone toward a little too much screen time amid COVID-19, I recommend three things: 1. Set up a filter All of this screen time, for adults or children, opens us up to avenues of dangerous content, like pornography. I highly recommend a content filter for every man, woman and child who surfs the Internet. Two of the best content filters I have found are Covenant Eyes, which offers content filter and peer accountability, and the Qustodio App, which offers a content filter and powerful parental control options.

Jesus said, “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Inspired by our Master’s words, we can say, “What would it profit a person to gain the whole World Wide Web and lose his soul?” Sure, you will give up some web content with a filter, but that’s the price of purity.

2. Set boundaries One person on social media recently said, “Apple tells me my (iPhone) screen time is up. But I don’t have anything else to do, since I’m stuck at home.”

It has been only in the last 50 to 75 years that personal entertainment screens have been part of the human experience. People can and should find

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even better things to do with time than just passively watching screens.

Spend time in Scripture and prayer. Read a book.

Take a walk. Call a friend. Write a poem. Take up a hobby. Let’s not use the pandemic as an excuse for having lives solely dedicated to screen time.

Christians can instead take stock of how much time we’re spending with our screens. To discover this, you could do your own calculations. You could get an app that tells you the time you spend. Or you could simply ask your spouse or your child or a trusted friend if you seem to be stuck behind a screen a great deal of the day.

3. Redeem the time It could be the dinner table. It could be a certain time of day. Pick a designated time each day to set your phone or other device down. Sure, you might miss a text message or call, but wouldn’t that be better than missing so much of life?

In the end, the rise of all this screen time is like any new technology trend that comes along. Technology brings with it convenience but also a need to regulate human behavior related to it.

Whether you spend 10 hours a day sitting in front of a screen or not, nearly every one of us could do with less time in front of the screen and more time at the feet of the Savior. Both during this Coronavirus crisis and beyond.

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Voices | April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: to be wild TS & S P O RBorn T N AINME

What has been the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? The thing that made your family gasp and think you were crazy, the thing they tried to talk you out of?

I find it odd that most people are satisfied living in the safe lane EofDlife.SNo risks, no adventures, A S StoI FbeIstuck C Lcontent just in the middle of the pack.

I would love to see a Sunday school class of senior adult ladies try indoor skydiving.

Can you imagine the conversation in that classroom? The group leader opens by asking what their activity will be this month.

“I hear there is a new painting exhibit at the local museum,” E Sof the class members.

I Cone V Osays Another white-haired lady raises her hand and suggests faintly, “I hear the tulips are in bloom in the park; how about we get the church van and do a tour of the spring flowers?” The ladies’ heads nod in agreement.

Still another member speaks up. “You know there is a new tearoom opening up in town; maybe we could do a brunch.” The ladies nod their heads in unison, agreeing in a chorus of “mmmm”s.

Then the oldest lady in the room says something

Strengthen: Social distancing & social media James Swain Associate Executive Director for Oklahoma Baptists’ Church Relations Group @fcjames There is no doubt in my mind that the phrase of the year for 2020 will be “social distancing.” The efforts taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 have changed almost every facet of life and has caused us to look for different ways to interact with each other.

Social distancing endeavors have led to a significantly increased utilization of social media to stay connected, and it has thrilled my heart to see social media filled with messages of encouragement and hope. Many pastors and churches are using social media not only to stay connected with their flocks but also to share the Gospel in a broader way than ever before.

There is a great potential where social distancing and social media intersect, but there are also some pitfalls.

Sadly, I have watched people hurt their reputation and hinder their witness in their social media interactions.

This has caused me to develop some principles and pointers for social media interaction that I try to follow.

Here are my principles: • It is not a requirement to react or respond to everything on social media. I have started calling Prov.

12:23 the social media passage. It says

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in the CSB, “A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.” Sadly, I have found that when I react or respond to things in this nature it comes back on me. Discretion is often the better part of valor.

• Remember that anything said or shared will be shared or seen again.

I have learned this applies not only to the content but also to the person who shares it. Even in true innocence, you can become attached to something or someone that you have no intention of supporting. This has caused me to pause before sending or sharing, and it has protected me on more than one occasion.

• Remember that anything said or shared reflects not only on me but also on Oklahoma Baptists and ultimately my Lord and Savior. Almost every day of the week, I wear something that says Oklahoma Baptists, Falls Creek or CrossTimbers. The majority of the things I say or share are in some way related to the ministry role in which I serve. I learned years ago, as a pastor, that I always represent the church/ministry in which I serve.

More importantly, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, I always reflect on my Lord.

I do not want to say or share anything

that casts a negative light on Him. Here are a few pointers: • Share and support what is good and godly. Social media provides us with a great opportunity, especially in this season, for encouragement through our interactions. It provides us a widespread outlet to share a Gospel witness and point people to resources that strengthen their faith.

• Engage with others in order to encourage and edify.

Sadly, social media is filled with people who profess to be Christ-followers but are known for their contention and conflict. I have been encouraged to see the tone soften on social media in recent days and pray it will continue even past this crisis. I try to ask this question of all I say or share: Will this encourage others and edify the body of Christ?

• Remember that a lost and unchurched world is watching. Jesus said that all men would know we are His disciples by our love for one another. I fear at times that the world today knows us more for our arguments on social media rather than our love.

Recent days have reminded us in a fresh way that social media is a great avenue to share the love of Christ and the truth of the Gospel. I pray that the world would see us caring for each other and sharing the Good News.

April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

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God can do.” That’s how Awe Star Missions was born, and 27 years later, it is still going. We have taken thousands upon thousands of students into 53 countries, leading people to Christ.

When I turned 50, I got a new motorcycle. I rode it over to Lucile’s house to show it to her. At this point, she was 90 years old, and as she was admiring my gift, she said, “I have never ridden a motorcycle. Could you take me for a ride?” I got her a helmet, she climbed on, and we took off. I could feel her hug me tighter and laugh harder as we sped up and took the corners.

After a few minutes, I pulled back into her driveway, knowing I had probably worn her out. Suddenly, I heard her shout in my ear, “Do we have to stop now?” With that, I turned the bike around and headed back into the street, my adventurous friend clutching me for dear life.

At 87, Lucile bought her first pair of tennis shoes and went to Mexico as a short-term missionary.

I could tell you story after story about this woman and her zest for life. She wasn’t going to rust out waiting for the Lord to come; she determined to make each day meaningful as long as she had breath. She did not die of old age, but at 99, an accident led to an infection that took her life.

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone” (Deut. 34:7).

By the way, if your senior adult Sunday school class decides to go skydiving, I have only one request: Invite me. I want to be in that picture too!

A

President Emeritus of Awe Star Ministries Email | walker@awestar.org @WalkerDeanMoore

“What was that?” asks the group leader.

“I’ve never been skydiving,” she says, her voice a bit louder. “I think we ought to do something different. We are always playing it safe. I hear, ‘You can’t & no one tells me L E But do this’ or ‘You P can’t E OdoPthat.’

S it is a risk what I can do. Yes, there is risk.

W age, NAtEour H C R U H C just getting out of bed.

“It seems like only a few years ago I was carrying a child on one hip and a sack of groceries on the other. And now I find myself stuck in a classroom talking about looking at flowers and eating tiny sandwiches. Shouldn’t we have bigger dreams?

“If you remember, Sarah U was 90U years R Eold when T L C & S W E God called Nher to give birth to her son, Isaac. I don’t know what a baby shower for a 90-year-old woman looks like, but I would love to have been there to experience it. We shouldn’t undersell ourselves; God can use as mightily as He does any other age group. So I say we should all go skydiving.”

If you visit their Sunday school classroom today and look on the announcement board, there, proudly posted, is a picture of their group, each member outfitted in a jumpsuit, windblown hair in disarray as a testimony to the day they took a risk.

I tell this story because I knew a woman just like this. Her name was Lucile Hodges. She never stopped taking risks. She was 84 when she came to me and said she wanted to help me start an organization that would raise up the next generation of missionaries. She said, “I have a nickel, and you have the know-how, so let’s team up and see what

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P R A Y

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY Walker Moore

Scott and Sarah Carlson Owasso, The Refuge Launched March 2020

Scott is a husband, father, grandfather, follower of Christ, and a pastor who wants to make a difference in the world.

He has a heart for the hurting and broken in Oklahoma, to see them find life in Christ.

He grew up in Hobart and has served churches in Oklahoma and the surrounding states for many years. He and his wife Sarah have been married for 34 years and they enjoy serving the Lord together. They are excited to be planting this new church in Owasso this year!

Prayer Requests: • Wisdom during the COVID-19 crisis as pastor of a new church.

• For people to stay united and on board with the plant.

• For increased, Spirit-led creativity, so Scott and his team can maximize this time for Gospel advancement. therefugeowasso.com

oklahomachurchplanting.com

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

SPORTS & T MEN E N T E R TA I N

IMB missionary family spreads hope PLE & O E X P O B L O C H TO WS 1

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1) David and Sarah McNeill are IMB misES V O I C sionaries in Colombia, along with their children, Emma (14); >> PHOTOS: IMB.ORG

JJ (8); Holly (5); and Bella (12); 2) The McNeill children made

notes of hope to encourage their neighbors during the Corothink I understood,” SarThe McNeills’ joy navirus quarantine; 3) Bella prepares a surprise to encourage ah explained. “We do grew when they heard anxious neighbors. understand and we are neighbors’ delighted trying to take precauexclamations at the tions, but we also just surprise flowers or saw have hope and we trust that God is in all those details.” their cards displayed on doors. Some neighbors With neighbors in fear, Sarah resolved to spread even wrote back. hope. The three youngest McNeills made homemade “I was sad, and I felt strange all day,” one wrote. cards for each household in the building. They includ- “But I arrived home and I saw your card. Thank you, ed Phil. 4:6-7 and signed their family’s name with their neighbors, for this. Thank you for hope and the apartment number. They also used the tissue paper happiness of my heart.”

Two months ago, the McNeills started a small Sarah purchased to make 13 flowers in Colombia’s national colors. Using fishing wire, they hung them in group in their home. It usually takes a long time to build rapport to the point that a neighbor will join each floor’s stairwell with a message of hope.

Five-year-old Holly said, “We want to help others not in Bible study. Through Sarah’s response to COVID-19, be so afraid and not be so sad about the Coronavirus.” “we took a step forward with all of our neighbors.”

>> by Jennifer Waldrep IMB WRITER

Sarah McNeill sensed a city-wide quarantine coming. Her preparatory grocery run included school supplies since her kids would make the transition to learning at home. She put printer paper and poster board in her cart and, with an idea blooming, added yellow, blue and red tissue paper.

The McNeills live on the 11th floor of a 13-story residential building. Like many in Bogotá, Colombia, their neighbors are fearful of COVID-19.

As Sarah conversed with one concerned neighbor, she was able to show the difference knowing Christ Jesus personally makes in times of crisis.

“There were tears in her eyes. It was like she didn’t

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

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OKLAHOMA

On-going opportunities for volunteers: Baptist Village Communities: Ada—Tracy Scheer, 580/332-6004 Broken Arrow—Monty Baggett, 918/355-0099 Cleveland—Gary Ligon, 918/358-2575 Cordell—Lindsay Altenhofel, 580/832-5831 Elk City—Cathy Henderson, 580/225-5555 Grove (Honey Creek)—Gary Mishler, 918/786-2223 Hugo—Billy Johnson, 580/326-8383 Madill (Lake Texoma)—Matthew Wood, 580/564-3776 Miami—Shane McGhee, 918/542-7124 OKC—Chris Finley, 405/721-2466 Ext. 2115 Okmulgee—Sherri Powell, 918/756-5377 Owasso—Nathan Purifoy, 918/272-2281 Ext. 102 Entrusted Hearts by Baptist Village (services at home)—Shannon Ryan, 405/942-3000 Ext. 4685

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

All trainings for April have been cancelled. The training for May 2 at Ponca City has been cancelled. Please go to the website www.okdisasterhelp. org for current information.

Chaplaincy: All trainings for April have been cancelled. Please go to the website www. oklahomabaptists.org/ chaplaincy for current information.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionaries:

COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

Kerry Russell

Ron Fleming

Alan Quigley

Kerry is Oklahoma Baptists’ chief financial officer and finance group leader.

Ron is director of missions in Choctaw-Chickasaw Association.

Alan is Church Resources’ associate executive director for Oklahoma Baptists.

Doing More Together

For Powerpoint slides of Prayer Guide, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/cp

Missions & ministry | April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Drive-ins, digital & alive: Churches celebrate the Resurrection in unique ways amid COVID-19 lockdown /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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1) Snyder, First members fan out across the church parking lot for their drive-in Easter worship service; 2, 4) Yukon, Trinity reported they were able to baptize nine people throughout the week before Easter and shared video footage of the baptisms during the church’s online Easter service; 3) Caleb and Jesseka Womack join the drive-in worship service at Okmulgee, Calvary with their daughter Tobi Faye in her Easter dress; 5) Edmond, Community streamed its service online and included previously recorded, swimming pool baptisms; 6) The ministers at Okmulgee, Calvary move the stage outside for their drive-in service.

>> PHOTOS: 1-2, 4-5) PROVIDED; 3, 6) HANNAH HANZEL

>> by Staff Southern Baptists, who previously planned for Easter Sunday 2020 to be “Fill the Tank” Sunday with baptisms in church services, were dealt a major change with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the ability to hold in-person services on Easter.

Yet on Sunday, April 12, Oklahoma Baptist churches across the state did not let the limitations presented by the pandemic stop them from proclaiming and celebrating the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.

Online, drive-in services make impact Whether larger-in-attendance or smaller, many churches offer livestreaming of Sunday services, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From Facebook Live to other streaming platforms, pastors preached the Gospel to their own congregations and “online visitors” alike.

One Facebook report indicated many congregations typically offer online services each week, with a higher online viewership, such as Mustang, First.

Since the COVID-19 government regulations first came down in March, Elmore City, First adapted to a drive-in-style worship service. The church had a platform set up in the parking lot, with microphones and a sound system in place, as individuals and families gathered in their cars at the church for a service Pastor Danny Reed called “Drive up and worship.”

“This ‘Drive up and worship’ is a way to gather while staying in compliance with health officials’ recommendations,” Reed said. “It’s a way we have corporate worship for our church family, as well as for people who do not have Internet or computer capabilities.” The church also livestreamed its service online for any who could not attend, or for non-members.

For Easter Sunday, other churches across the state, including Okmulgee, Calvary and Snyder, First, offered drive-in worship services.

Scores of vehicles gathered in the church parking lot for the special time of worship in Snyder, where Pastor Nick Johnson preached. Johnson thanked all of the worship participants for attending, calling it a “truly great time of worship.”

Lord’s Supper from remote locations The traditional practice of observing the Lord’s Supper around Easter was challenged, as members were sheltering at home. Yet numerous churches overcame the obstacle by using technology and virtual meetings.

Oklahoma City, Portland Avenue celebrated the Lord’s Supper on Palm Sunday. Pastor Walter Mullican said on Facebook, “We did the Lord’s Supper last Sunday night online, and we had our folks get

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juice and bread ready for the online service. We had families that made their own Lord’s Supper bread from recipes online and then left some on the front porch for other families to share.” Mullican indicated his church members were encouraged by the time of worship.

Ray Strauss, pastor of Edmond, East Community, also led Lord Supper services. “This Easter weekend, (our church) is celebrating both ordinances,” he said. “Officiating the Lord’s Supper to our members during our online service is one and recording baptisms from earlier to share with our church family during our online service is the other. Both allow us to celebrate with others who declare their faith in Christ publicly. Since the church is people and not a place, observing the ordinances continues with His people even if it occurs in ways we may not be accustomed to. However, the results are the same. Jesus is glorified, and His Church is edified.”

Outreach & prayer efforts Madill, Oakview took part in a special prayer emphasis leading up to Easter. “Today, our church had some folks who formed the ‘Mobile Prayer Corps’ to pray over homes and some institutions in Madill,” Pastor Greg Idell reported on Facebook. “It is a safe way for folks to be involved in an ‘Eyes On Site’ prayer emphasis. Everyone drove their own cars, and we caravanned from house to house. I communicated the addresses and prayer needs by text.”

Ada, First, led by Pastor Brad Graves, held a weeklong prayer emphasis called “Unstoppable Prayer.”

Family worship, egg hunts, etc.

Leading up to Easter, Oklahoma Baptists provided a compilation of ideas that could be useful for churches to consider in celebrating Easter amid the crisis. By visiting oklahomabaptists.org/easter2020, church leaders were able to access the variety of ideas to promote Easter, to observe on Easter Sunday as a church and for individual families to consider to make Easter more meaningful.

Oklahoma City, Quail Springs offered families Easter Sunday School packets, with word searches, teaching pages, coloring pages, story helps and more.

Ada, First’s children’s ministry also spontaneously surprised some families with an at-home Easter egg hunt. Graves said, “Our kids pastor just surprised 30 kids with a small egg hunt in their yards. They hid the eggs, placed a yard sign and then texted parents. Plus, left a bag of eggs for them to give to a neighbor kid. The eggs had candy, Scripture and

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April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

church info. Love our Ada church. Social distance and clean eggs!”

Online devotions, testimonies posted online Pastor Nick Atyia, of Seminole, First, provided daily devotionals. He said on Facebook, “It’s Holy Week, and so each evening at 7 p.m. I will be giving a short family devotion on the events of Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem. I will go live, right here, on Facebook. Spread the word, gather your family and join in.”

Trevor Bulls, pastor of Boyce City, First, shared his testimony as part of an invitation to the church.

“We are seeking to mobilize our church to share the Gospel during the pandemic,” Bulls said. “One of the ways we are doing this is by encouraging our members to make a short video of their story of coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ and uploading it to Facebook.

“I started by making a video of my story and uploading the video to Facebook,” he continued. “By that evening, I had two people reach out to me via Facebook Messenger and was able to share the Gospel with them. It’s a great tool to share your testimony and reach people with the Gospel.”

Observing baptisms & sharing on Easter Yukon, Trinity reported they were able to baptize nine people throughout the week before Easter and shared video footage of the baptisms during the church’s online Easter service.

“The Lord has given us a lot of favor online as a church,” said Brian Mills, pastor of Yukon, Trinity.

“Our online presence has significantly gone up. We try to stay true to who we are as a church. We have a lot of energy and are evangelistic by nature.”

Mills said, during an invitation time of a service prior to Easter, many people sent text messages in response. The church followed up on the texts, and what resulted was nine people observing believers baptism.

In order to follow “social distancing” standards, Mills said the baptisms were done with limited people involved. After every baptism, they would drain and clean the baptistery before observing another. He said no more than two baptisms were done in a day.

A recording of the baptisms can be found on Yukon, Trinity’s Facebook page.

While the circumstances of the 2020 Easter Sunday were different, the message was the same. Jesus Christ is risen, risen indeed!

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BCMs reach out to college communities during pandemic /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Sheltering at home is commonplace now during the COVID-19 pandemic. This applies everywhere in Oklahoma, yet perhaps the mandate becomes more challenging for a college student who feels “stranded” on a closed campus.

For the 39 Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) in Oklahoma, the ministry opportunity does not change, but implementation involves some creativity.

One example is what the BCM at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is doing. Once a week during a semester, UCO BCM facilitates a midweek lunch with the meal provided by one of 13 Oklahoma Baptist churches.

Since the UCO campus is closed, Paul Lewis, UCO BCM director, and Alisha Jordan, UCO BCM associate director, are delivering meals, provided by the same churches, in individual to-go boxes to nearly 100 students who are staying in dorms.

“Local churches have stepped up and shown love to college students,” Lewis said. “Several students expressed gratitude, and they also are letting their friends know that we are of2 fering lunch.”

Word got out on campus, and UCO’s student newspaper did a story about UCO BCM providing meals to students.

“Our awesome student leadership came up with this idea,” Lewis said. “We have 51 students involved in leadership, and they wanted to do this to keep loving on our community and taking food to them.”

Chad Coleman, associate state BCM director for Oklahoma Baptists, said all BCMs are

connecting with students and the new student started across Oklahoma. asking a lot of questions about 1 “One thing that we are comthe Gospel. This is one example municating with our (BCM) diof BCM students still advancing rectors to do is regain and mainthe Gospel on their campuses. tain community,” Coleman said.

“Discipleship is still going “This will help so that when we on,” Coleman said. “The small do come back together, there’s groups are key right now, this natural step with students whether they are student-led already being familiar with BCM or director-led, and most of and already feeling connected.” them are student-led.”

Coleman said the majority Riley Sowell, one of the BCM of the BCMs at Oklahoma coldirectors affiliated with Tulsa leges and universities are doing Community College, shared how some kind of online Bible study.

BCM continues to impact college A BCM director would provide campuses in Oklahoma. a Bible study guide with dis“Keeping BCM going is imcussion questions for student portant because BCM is peo>> PHOTOS: PAUL LEWIS 1) UCO BCM provided groups who would watch eiple,” Sowell said. “Now, more weekly lunches to students who remained on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic; ther a YouTube presentation of than ever, students need each 2) UCO student Marcus Titterington helps the Bible study or have a live other. BCM is an avenue to cononline discussion with the Bible deliver lunches to other UCO students. nect and to do so safely. In difstudy teacher through a telefering ways, we are all battling conferencing website (like Zoom). isolation, loneliness, laziness and a lack of direction.

“One good thing that I’ve heard from It’s a lot better to fight together. Those who come (BCM directors) is they’re having stu- out on the other side better instead of bitter will do dents who will join (the online Bi- so because they maintained positive relationships.” ble studies) that normally would Along with small group Bible studies, BCMs pronot come to their BCM meetings,” vide innovative fun activities for students. Coleman Coleman said. “They are fringe said BCM directors are providing online scavenger students who don’t get involved hunts, trivia contests and games students can play with BCM, or they work on the through online resources. nights they normally meet.”

“When friends have fun together, they feel conDanny Toombs, BCM director nected,” Coleman said. “When they feel connected, at Cameron University, found en- even in these times, they will feel connected when couraging results from doing online we can get back together.”

Bible studies. Coleman said Toombs The COVID-19 pandemic may offer obstacles, but found out a BCM student invited another Oklahoma BCMs are helping college students get student to participate in the online Bible study, through them.

GoStudents goes online to share the Gospel >> by Staff The first-ever GoStudents Online Mission Project happened April 5-12 and will be an ongoing ministry opportunity. Students reached out to their own spheres of influence with the Gospel through this a digital/home mission project.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created a tremendous opportunity for Oklahoma Baptists to engage the people God has placed near us with conversations about life and eternity. The week leading up to Easter provided a great platform for Gospel conversations and easy opportunities for people to invite others to their drive-in or online church experiences on Easter Sunday.

An Online Missions How-To Guide was created and posted at gostudents.org. The guide was downloaded 1,269 times during the week of outreach.

“It was such a joy to see so many students and youth leaders engage others online by posting Scripture, quotes, videos, pictures and more in an effort to get the Good News of Jesus to their friends,” said Brian Baldwin, student evangelism and missions ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists. “Only God knows the true impact that was made.”

Baldwin provided instructions for others to use to be involved in the GoStudents Online Mission Project.

What is an online mission project? (Information) Here is what Oklahoma Baptist students are being asked to do: 1. PRAY—Ask God for a burden for lost people and opportunities to share (James 5:16).

2. LEARN—Use the online training guide at gostudents.org to learn how to share the Gospel digitally (James 1:15).

3. PLAN—Make a plan to reach the lost people students know online (Hab. 2:2).

4. DIALOGUE—Post, text, tweet or share anything to start conversations (Prov. 20:5).

5. CARE—Seek to care for people in this time of the Coronavirus and beyond (Phil. 2:4).

6. SHARE—Share the hope that Jesus provides to rescue from hell (Rom. 10:14-15).

7. REPORT—Report faithfulness so we can celebrate it. (Acts 5:14) Why is an online mission project important? (Inspiration) Christians from the early church until now have always been leveraging technology for the sake of the Gospel. In the 16th century, Martin Luther used brand new printing methods to create pamphlets, woodcuts and tracts that ended up in the hands of millions across Europe, fueling the Reformation.

Two hundred years later, George Whitefield used a secular media empire—owned by Benjamin Franklin—to organize revival meetings and send copies of his sermons throughout the Western World, fueling the first Great Awakening. In the 20th century, Billy Graham pioneered TV and radio programming to reach a live audience of more than 200 million people and hundreds of millions more around the world, fueling the modern evangelistic crusade. Today it is easier than ever to send a message instantly to anyone in the world who has internet access.

How does one engage in an online mission project?

(Application) “Use social media platforms humbly yet clearly to communicate the hope you have in Jesus and the difference your faith makes in your life,” Baldwin said. “Remember the goal is to make a difference, not make a point, so

don’t engage in arguments as you share online.

“Consider this list of good, better and best ways to share online. Good: Share content on your social media wall like verses, quotes, videos, pictures, stories and compliments. Make sure and share with the purpose of starting conversations. Better: Engage people directly to create dialogue. Check on people, comment on posts so they will talk back, text messages, social media direct messages. Try to go around online traffic, straight to the person. Best: Use your voice to share the Gospel and your testimony—video recording, audio messages, individual FaceTime calls, group Zoom calls, phone calls. Think non-tech as a way to share as well: hand written letter, card, gift, etc.”

If ready, what does one do? (Activation) “Don’t simply talk about engaging people with the Gospel online, actually do it!” Baldwin said. “Get online today and start having natural conversations with lost people. Look for ways to turn that natural conversation into a spiritual conversation.

“The training guide at gostudents.org provides some thought-provoking spiritual conversation starter phrases, videos, pictures and more to help you get started,” he continued. “Better yet, be creative and come up with your own! As you start, look through your social media friend list, phone contacts, etc.

Make a list of names of people who may be lost who you can reach out to. Set a phone alarm for each day to remind you to pray for them, care for them, and share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

Baldwin said the opportunities for the Gospel to go out online are endless, and the list of excuses for not to share are small.

“This past week, hundreds if not thousands of Gospel conversations were initiated online,” he said. “Will you be a part? Will you encourage others to do the same? Especially during this season of life, let’s all be faithful to do our part in serving our King and His cause.”

Visit gostudents.org or contact Baldwin at bbaldwin@oklahomabaptists.org for more information about the online mission project.

Features | April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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LT Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry S&C Emerson Named ofUOBU’s N E WDean Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has appointed Matthew Emerson as dean of the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and the Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership. Emerson has served as interim dean since January 2020 along with his duties as associate professor of religion. Emerson was appointed after a national search and full interview process. His duties as dean will begin immediately.

“It is hard for me to express how thrilled I am with the

appointment of Dr. Matthew Emerson as dean of the Hobbs College at OBU,” said OBU President Heath A. Thomas, who served as Hobbs College dean prior to his role as OBU president. “Dr. Emerson is an internationally-recognized theologian, a respected academic leader and devoted churchman. His love for Christ, his family, his church and OBU is exactly what is needed for our community. This is a happy day on Bison Hill.”

Haskins School offers free course to ministry leaders The Haskins School of Christian Ministry is offering a free ministry course for students who enroll by May 31. The online school, which is presented by Oklahoma Baptists, offers more than 70 courses designed with various ministry contexts in mind. The free courses are meant to help meet the equipping needs of pastors and other ministry leaders who are faced with challenges presented by the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Haskins School Dean Mark McClellan explained the non-accredited courses offered are of the highest quality. “Haskins School courses provide each student with some of the best instruction available that combine strong biblical teaching and practical application,” McClellan said. “The assignments are for the student to put into practice in their specific ministry and prepare them to instruct and equip others. The courses pro-

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vide training for nearly every ministry in the church. Students choose which course(s) meet their ministry needs now and throughout their study in the Haskins School.”

The Haskins School offers courses in two formats of seven weeks and 14 weeks. Students who would like to continue studying with the school after the free course can take seven-week courses for $25 and 14-week courses for $50. Students can earn a diploma from the school for 10 courses and a certificate for five courses or take courses without pursuing either.

For more information about free Haskins School classes contact Terra Easom teasom@ oklahomabaptists.org for English language courses and Grecia Obregon gobregon@ oklahomabaptists.org for classes in Spanish.

Or by calling 405/942-3800.

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OKC, Faith Crossing DS LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE WS & CU baptizes CWJC grad VOICES

EWS CHURCH N PEOPLE IN THE NEWS SHOOK DEATH. Damon Shook, 84, died March 28. He served as pastor MA OMeadowood H of O Midwest City, from A L K E H T 1972-78. He served 66 years in E V I C Hretired in 2005pasT A Rand T I Sministry afB A Ptoral ter 27 years as pastor of Spring, Texas, Champion Forest. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jackie; his children, Mark, Kerry, Mona and Brent; 31 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

TO SHARE NEWS, PLEASE EMAIL ALL INFO TO BAPTISTMESSENGER@OKBAPTIST.NET

WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR CHURCH DOING TO STAY CONNECTED?

PHOTO: NANCY REEVES Thelisa Sparks was baptized by Pastor Craig Wright of OKC, Faith Crossing in a horse trough in Wright’s driveway.

Practicing ‘social distancing,’ observers stayed in their cars and ‘honked’ affirmations. Sparks’ baptism was recorded and shown during a recent Faith Crossing online worship service.

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

Thelisa Sparks made her profession of faith known through the observance of baptism. What made this observance so unique is her baptism was done while practicing “social distancing.”

Craig Wright, senior pastor of Oklahoma City, Faith Crossing, baptized Sparks in a horse trough in the driveway of his house.

The baptism was recorded and shared during one of Faith Crossing’s online worship services.

Those who witnessed Sparks’ baptism stayed in cars and “honked” in affirmation as she came up from the water.

“We’re excited for her and excited for her future,” said Nancy Reeves, a mem-

During the COVID-19 crisis, the Baptist Messenger is continuing to spread the hope of the Gospel and to share the positive impact Oklahoma Baptists are making. From live streaming to parking lot drive-ins, churches are finding unique ways to stay connected in this season. The Baptist Messenger wants to hear what you and your church are doing to stay connected!

ber of Faith Crossing and site coordinator for Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) of Oklahoma City.

Reeves has helped Sparks who recently was released from incarceration. CWJC is supported by Woman’s Missionary Union and provides programs and transitional living for women who were in prison.

“We begin with sharing the Gospel and end with sharing the Gospel to make sure they are on the right foundation,” Reeves said.

Sparks made it known during the CWJC program that she made a profession of faith and realized she needed to be baptized. Reeves made it possible for Sparks to meet with Wright for her to be baptized.

Sparks finished her coursework and recently started a temporary job.

Share your church’s creative avenue for connection by sending a high quality picture and brief description to baptistmessenger@okbaptist.net

SUDOKU

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Note: The word clues for the Word Search are chosen by the Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random.

Alive Celebrate Churches Congregations Coronavirus

Covid Digital Drive Easter Gospel

Government Impact Lockdown Meetings Online

Pandemic Parking Resurrection Risen Services

Stream Sunday Unique Virtual Worship

People & Church News | April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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4 things our children will DS remember about COVID-19 CLASSIFIE /// PREVIEWED ON COVER per byline of this Coronavirus story. HowevEAST CENTRAL REGIONAL MINISTRY er, new stories are daily being told of heroism PARTNER & DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL by our healthcare workers, first responders DEVELOPMENT FOR OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS and multitudes of other good neighbors— including pastors and churches.

VOICES Watergate television updates in 1972 were As this Coronavirus story is being written nothing more than interruptions to my car- each day, ask yourself how you will become a toons. As a 7-year-old, I remember wonder- positive part of it. Ask also how your children ing how the whole White House got flooded can contribute. Your children can glorify God in the first place. Children are not supposed in the middle of this crisis and, in turn, pass to feel the weight of the world, much less that legacy on to their children one day. understand it. As our children and grandJoshua’s generation not only trusted God children struggle to grasp the implications more than their parents did, but so did their of COVID-19, there are a few concrete con- own children who watched them bravely cepts we can help them with which will re- possess the land. main for the rest of their lives.

Our children will remember how God Our children will remember how much provided. There is nothing unspiritual about we trusted God. Deuteronomy is basically a being concerned about your family’s safety review of the Mosaic law, written for the chil- and security. No one can guarantee that we dren of the Exodus Generation, aka: the Josh- will come out of this unscathed, but we do ua Generation. That younger generation was have a great opportunity to show our chilfaced with the same hard decision their par- dren how big we believe God is. The bigger ents had about whether to possess the land our God seems to our children, the smaller or play it safe. Moses reminded them that their our challenges will seem to them—and us. parents panicked at the Promised Land instead I don’t want to sound ungrateful for whatof possessing it, as the LORD God told them to. ever part the $2 trillion dollar stimulus pack“The Promised Land” gets its name from age will play to help us, but we are basically God’s promise to give them the land of Ca- borrowing from ourselves, and our children. naan by empowering them to take it from I suggest that we flip the script of this story their hostile, godless neighbors. by lifting Jesus up as the Savior He really is.

“The LORD your God who goes before you Our children will remember the extra will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for attention they got from us. For adults, this you in Egypt” (Deut. 1:30 CSB). awkward asylum is an excellent opportunity The Exodus generation was terrified of to invest in the most important people in our the Canaanites, even though they saw first- lives—our family. Our children and grandhand the 10 plagues unleashed on Egypt. children will probably remember this crisis They were also eyewitnesses to the part- as being the longest and best Spring Break ing of the Red Sea, which led to both their of their lives. They are likely less concerned safe exit as well as the demise of the world’s about R S vacation than we are beGtheEcancelled N I L S D R O most powerful army. cause they just want our loving attention.

W Their children were now faced with the Will you panic during this pandemic or same opportunity 40 years later to stay in the will you seize this opportunity to trust God? familiar desert or go in and possess the land. Will you look out only for yourself or also Thankfully, that generation learned from their for the interests of others? Will you seize parents’ mistakes and trusted in the faithful- this opportunity to make a lifetime memness of God instead of repeating them. ory with your children, which could beneY Schildren? Our response to this panOur children will remember howAwell fiSt A their E V D we took care of each other. I’m afraid we demic not only impacts our children and are all stuck with the unfortunate toilet pa- our legacy, but also the Kingdom. >> by Mark Dance

BAP T IS TS OKLAHOMA H IG H L I GH T E C R U O S E R

E N CO U R AG I N G V I D E OS

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS REGIONAL PARTNERS

Looking for a word of encouragement in these trying and changing times? Visit the site below for a collection of uplifting videos from regional partners for Oklahoma Baptists. vimeo.com/showcase/6917570

H E LP FO R O N LI N E T I T H E S AN D O FFE R I N G S

THE BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF OKLAHOMA

Is your church new or open to online giving? Visit the site below for free resources and assistance in this area. bfok.org/online-giving-foroklahoma-baptist-churches

Check back with the highlight every issue to learn more about the resources available to every SBC church!

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April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

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GOD HIMSELF PLANTED A GARDEN >> LORI COATS

Freedom is a precious thing. A Have Y Syou ever thought S E V A D about this, “How free are you if you don’t have the ability to provide food for yourself?”

We discover very quickly that we are not so free when we’re hungry and can’t provide food for ourselves. We don’t know where our food comes from, and we don’t know how to grow it. When we are dependent S on others I S Twe P Tthen A B A M to meet oneO ofKour most basic needs are no lonO H LA T H G I L H ger truly free.

URC E H IG R E S Oand Food availability security is a big issue and certainly one that moves to the forefront during a time of crisis.

Back in the 1950s, family gardens were common; dining tables were used for eating meals, and there was no such thing as high fructose corn syrup.

Even though the microwave oven was invented in 1946, it didn’t make its way into the average American household until the early ‘70s, so before that were the days of the real “slow food movement.” It was a badge of honor for a homemaker to have a well-stocked pantry, unlike today where grocery stores have commonly replaced the home pantry, and most people only keep about two weeks’ worth of food on hand.

To read the rest of Lori’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/god-planted-garden

RS RD SLINGE O W To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

D AV E S AY S RESPONSIBILITIES COME FIRST

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BAP Dear Dave, KLAHOMA O IGH My husband runs a small business hasT IG H Lthat EH C R U O S E R never done very well. We have three kids, and I make $55,000 annually in my job. Part of what I make has been going into the business for over a year to help keep it afloat, and we don’t have a lot of money in savings. What do you think we should do?

—Stephanie Dear Stephanie, If you’re putting other money into a business account, that’s a pretty good sign you’re not making money in the business. You and your husband need to sit down together, and do a household budget and a profit and loss statement on the business. You’ve got to get on the same page financially.

Put all his business expenses on the profit and loss statement in detail, and write out what it would take for him to break even each month. But honestly, with everything that’s been going on with your finances, if he’s not at least breaking even at this point, then it’s time for him to do something else for a living full-time.

I’m an entrepreneur and business owner. Trust me, I totally understand the allure and excitement that goes with running your own business. But your own household and its immediate financial responsibilities come first. The only money that should go into the business account is income the business creates.

—Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PASTOR YOUTH MUSIC

JOB LISTING VEHICLE MISC.

EMPLOYMENT >> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Shidler, OK is prayerfully seeking a traditional BI/VO Southern Baptist Pastor for a small rural church. Send resume to email: mom_sharp@yahoo.com or FBC Search Committee P.O. Box 53, Shidler, OK 74652. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Sunset Baptist Church in Ponca City, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee, 915 Greenwood Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601. >> F/T PASTOR: Fletcher First Baptist Church is prayerfully searching for a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: Attention Pastor Search Committee, Office@fletcherfbc.com or Fletcher First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 359 Fletcher, OK 73541. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR-MUSIC LEADER: Utopia Baptist Church in Big Cabin is looking for a F/T Youth Pastor/Music Leader. Please send resumes to: utopiasbc@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Wetumka First Baptist Church in Wetumka, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor. Duties include worship, Bible studies, counseling, visitation & other pastoral duties. Send a cover letter, resume, references & sermon link to: slee.hill@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Warner First Baptist Church in Warner, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Submit your resume to: fbcw@crosstel.net. >> MUSIC/FAMILY MINISTRIES ASSOCIATE PASTOR: First Baptist West of Lawton is seeking God’s man to fill the F/T position of Associate Pastor for Music/Family Ministries. Send resumes to: harold. gaches@sbcglobal.net or First Baptist West, 7302 NW Cache Road, Lawton, OK 73505. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Byars Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a traditional BI/VO Southern Baptist Pastor for a small, rural church. Please send resume to: P.O. Box 83 Byars, OK 74831 or byarsbaptistyouth@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Emmanuel Southern Baptist

Church in Liberal, KS, is seeking a F/T Pastor. Responsibilities include regular preaching & teaching, counseling, visitation & other pastoral duties including church administration in conjunction with the church council & other designated entities. Send a cover letter, resume, references & a sermon link to: esbc.liberalks@gmail.com.

>> F/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Canton seeking spiritually mature, F/T Worship Leader. Must have a heart for worship & for connecting with a strong, growing church. As a multi-generational church, we love contemporary worship music, but we also love a balance of traditional or hymn arrangements.

Minimum 5 years full-time experience, music degree preferred. Please send resumes along with a video or link of you leading worship to: libby@firstcanton. com by April 10, 2020.

VOICES

>> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: Emmanuel’s F/T youth pastor position is open. Multigenerational, multiple services, multiple school systems, healthy church and youth budget, 100 weekly attenders in youth programs. Please send resumes to: David Camp david@emmanuelenid.org. >> WORSHIP DIRECTOR: Emmanuel is hiring a modern contemporary Worship Director. Visit www. emmanuelenid.org for more information about the church. Please send all resumes to the Executive Pastor, David Camp, at david@emmanuelenid.org. >> BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: Accepting Resumes for BI/VO Worship Minister for blended service. Send to: fbccomanche@gmail.com or FBC Music Search Team, 315 Oak Main Comanche, OK 73529. >> F/T PASTOR: Hilltop Country Church, Morrison, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send cover letter, resume, brief statement of call to ministry, 2 video/ audio sermons (as email attachments/hyperlinks) to: Hilltop Country Church, P.O. Box 136, Morrison, OK 73061 or email to: burton@htopc.org. >> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: NewPoint Church, Ponca City, OK is a growing, new church seeking to hire a F/T Associate Pastor to oversee adult discipleship, such as small groups, pastoral care, Next Steps & Growth Track. Please send resumes to: kyle@newpoint.church. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Canaan Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor to lead a small congregation.

Interested candidates should send their resume to: Attn: Pastor Search Committee, Canaan Baptist Church, 17092 CS 2730 Minco, OK 73059 or email to: Eisenmangd@gmail.com. >> BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next BI/VO or P/T Worship Minister for blended services. The position involves planning & leading worship services, as well as working with choir, instrumentalists & media/technology.

Candidate will work closely with the pastor & other staff members. Resumes, along with a cover letter, may be sent to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, Attn: Music Search Committee, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014.

>> PIANIST/KEYBOARD PLAYER: Needing a piano or keyboard player to help us in worship services.

We are a loving family of believers that enjoy music.

Call (918) 605-9486. >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Cache, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resume to: Office@ fbccache.org or PO Box 437, Cache, OK 73527. >> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Memorial Heights, Claremore, is prayerfully seeking the man called by God to serve as our F/T Youth Minister. Please send resumes to: memorialheights@sbcglobal.net, or to 1500 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore, OK, Claremore, 74017. >> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: First Baptist Church Clinton is accepting resumes for a F/T Youth Minister.

Please submit resumes by mail to: Youth Minister Search Committee, 900 Frisco, Clinton, OK 73601 or email to: cfields@clintonfbc.com.

>> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Hillside Baptist Church, McLoud, OK is seeking a BI/VO Youth Minister to begin this summer or in September. Great opportunity for a college student for ministry experience. All resumes will be considered. Email revwesbates@live.com. >> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Panola Baptist church is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Pastor. Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee at P.O. Box 120 Panola, OK 74559 or email: sansbois@crosstel.net. >> F/T SR. PASTOR: Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is accepting resumes for a F/T Senior Pastor. Please send resumes to debbi@shbctul.com. >> YOUNG COUPLES MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Mangum, OK is searching for someone to minister to young couples, children & youth. Updated house provided. Email resume to: mangumfirstbaptist@gmail.com. >> F/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC in Hamburg, AR is seeking a F/T Music Minister. Resumes should be submitted to: fbchbg.office@gmail.com or First Baptist Church. Attn: Music Minister Search Committee, P.O. Box 352, Hamburg, AR 71646.

>> STUDENT MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Piedmont is seeking a F/T Minister to Students to minister in one of the fastest growing communities in the state.

Email resume to: ryan@fbcpiedmont.org.

>> F/T PASTOR: Praying for a F/T Pastor for the First Baptist Church Mannsville Oklahoma. We do have a parsonage on grounds. Send resume with cover letter to: Charles Shockley, 12414 Sartin Rd, Madill, OK, 73446.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Davidson First Baptist Church is prayerfully searching for a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: Davidson First Baptist Church at P.O. Box 187, Davidson, OK. 73530.

>> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Nowata is seeking a BI/VO Music Minister. Contact Pastor Wayne Clayton at (918) 273-2526 or send resume to: 433 N. Mississippi, Nowata, OK 74048.

>> P/T or BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: Enterprise Baptist, Norman is prayerfully seeking a P/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor to lead current youth program. Resumes may be submitted to: EBC c/o Youth Search Committee, 2425 84th Ave, SE, Norman, OK 73026 or email: scbeutler@gmail.com. >> P/T OR F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Woodland Acres,Baptist Church, Tulsa, is seeking a Student Pastor to lead youth & college-age student ministries. Please submit your resume to: SearchTeam@wabc.org. >> HIGH SCHOOL PASTOR: FBC Madill, OK is praying for a person who is called, gifted, & motivated to reach 9th-12th grade students. Opportunity for impact is

CROSSWO

ACROSS 1 Faith helps us“__ how wide...deep is” Christ’s love (Eph. 3:18 niv) 6 Spigots 10 Athletic group (Abbr.)

13 Harvest, e.g.

15 “Thy __ be done” 16 Corp. honcho (Abbr.)

spectacular with such a specific focus! Contact Randy at (580) 795-3341 or rkendrix@fbcmadill.org.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >> VANS: 2017 Chevrolet Express LT 15 Passenger 3500 6.0 v8 34k miles $22900.00. Call (918) 967-3394.

Williams Chevrolet Inc. 1100 E Main St. Stigler, OK 74462. >> BIBLE REPAIR & THESIS BINDING: Hand Sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 West Benedict, Shawnee, OK. 74801. www. mcspaddenbookbindery.com, (405)275-7788.

RD

28 Wine skin 29 Judgment __ of Christ 30 Judas would __ himself 31 Frozen pizza brand 32 Lame man’s afflicted appendage 33 Faith’s gift, __ of heaven 34 Roman Catholic sister 35 Island music maker 37 Ennui 41 Not clerical, in church 42 Times Square feature 43 Pride 44 If salt loses its __, what good is it?

47 Printer ink color 48 Old McDonald had one 49 Serving dish 50 Hockey player’s focus 51 Faith’s gift, new __ in Christ 52 Flyer’s gift, perhaps 54 See 26 Across 56 Tire inflator’s concern (Abbr.)

57 “Star Wars” forest creature 17 “__ the sincere milk of the word” (1 59 Winter eave clinger Peter 2:2) 63 Downwind 18 Black and white snack 64 “__ all that thou hast” 19 NT epistle (Abbr.)

(Luke 18:22) 20 Orange peel 65 Sketch artist 22 “One Lord, one faith, one __” (Eph. 4:5) 66 Omega 24 __ Reaper, symbol of death 67 Trolley 26 Conversion spot for 54 Across

68 Thrill DOWN 1 Have faith in __ 2 Regret 3 O’Hare people-mover (Abbr.)

4 With 30 Down, faith-giver 5 Jewish festival 6 19 Across epistle number 7 Auto safety device 8 Beg, as for forgiveness 9 Prodigal Son longed to eat some 10 Gift of faith, not just words but __ 11 Lively 12 Punctuation marks 14 Commandment number 21 Window treatment 23 Steak 24 Computer expert, slangily 25 Spaghetti sauce choice 27 By faith, we are __ body in Christ 29 Missouri Jesuit school (Abbr.)

30 See 4 Down 31 Convert, e.g.

33 “How shall they __ without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14) 34 When darkness fell at Jesus’ crucifixion 36 Architect Frank __ Wright 37 Birds’ features

38 Jesus healed many who were __ and mute 39 Scary creature 40 Mary to Jesus 42 42 Across locale 44 Basic food 45 Christ has __!

46 Diverse, as spiritual gifts 47 Certain church feature 48 Family tie 50 Faith’s gift, __ to do right 51 Filthy __, miser’s obsession 53 Faith’s gift, __ for weary soul 55 Help 58 Dutch airlines 60 EPA legislative concern (Abbr.)

61 __ your light shine!

62 Bard’s contraction

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Classifieds | April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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LT U R E NE WS & CU

Dozens of churches adopt digital tithing amid COVID-19 crisis solution in place when the COVID-19 crisis began. The Foundation expects the number of churches using the platform to continue to grow, even after soOklahoma Baptist churches contin- cial distancing restrictions are eased.

“In addition to meeting short-term givue to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing sermons, Sunday School and ing needs caused by COVID-19, we beBible studies online. Even the humble lieve Online Giving will continue to serve offering plate has gone digital, thanks many of our churches as a long-term soluto a new online giving solution tion to reach individuals who prefrom The Baptist Foundafer to give online regardless tion of Oklahoma. of the current circumKnown simply as stances,” said Kristen “Online Giving,” the Karr, The Foundaweb-based tool tion’s vice president debuted in late of trust adminisMarch and has tration. “We creatalready been aded Online Giving opted by more to serve Oklahoma than 130 congreBaptist churches, gations across the and believe there’s state. It provides no other solution that’s churches with the abilas simple, fast and affordity to receive online donaable to deploy.” tions given by credit card, debUnlike other digital giving platit card or e-check (electronic check), forms, there is no direct cost for churchallowing church members to give from es or donors to use Online Giving, and anywhere with only a few clicks—no no contract. Churches can start or stop checks, envelopes or postage needed. using the service at will. A third-party, Matt Kelly, pastor of Lawton, Letitia, said 2.9 percent processing fee applies to the platform’s simplicity and accessibili- transactions made with a credit or debty were among the main reasons he reg- it card, but not for electronic checks.

Tax receipts for online gifts are sent to istered his church for Online Giving.

“This is something that’s put on by an donors automatically via email.

Danny Napier, pastor of Shawnee, Oklahoma Baptist entity that is looking out for us,” Kelly said of the tool, which Rock Creek, recently registered his was created exclusively for Oklahoma church for Online Giving.

“Online Giving was so simple to set Baptist churches. “We talked with other organizations that offer online giving, up, and there are no monthly charges,” and they’re all over the country. It’s nice Napier said. “Members would call and to have someone ‘right up the road’ ask how to give, and now we can say we have electronic giving… For some that we can depend on.”

More than $53,000 has been donat- of our folks who don’t really use checks W Sit will be much easier.”

N Emuch, ed through the Online Giving website R C Hor cash U H C To learn more about Online Givduring its first three weeks in operation, providing a vital lifeline for many ing from the Foundation, visit churches that had no online giving bfok.org/onlinegiving. >> Anna Dellinger

CONTENT CREATOR FOR THE BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF OKLAHOMA

OMA T H E O K L A H HIVE C BAPTIST AR

There is ONE great God. God is perfect in His love and He has proven His love for us “But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

We all have ONE great problem.

We have a sin problem. Every person has rebelled against God and sin has broken their relationship with God. “…all have sinned” Romans 3:23 and “…the wages of sin is death.”

Romans 6:23

There is ONE great hope. God loves us so much that He sent Christ to die for our sin. Christ has taken care of our sin problem. “Christ also died for sins, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

We have ONE great decision. We must repent of our sin and believe the gospel. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

If you have never made a personal decision to accept God’s gift of love and salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, why not make this decision now? To begin this new direction in life pray this in your own words:

A VIR AL HATE As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) makes its way throughout the present day world, the Baptist Messenger takes time to reflect on another kind of virus that plagued the world in the early 1950s. Amidst war, communist rule and post-WWII fear and loss, people all over the world fed into the dangerous virus of hate.

Baptist Messenger Editor, Jack L.

Gritz, wrote in 1951, “Once again we who are called Christians are finding it difficult to keep the virus of hate out of our hearts... But it is not necessary to let the virus of hate eat out our hearts and make of us less than the Christian men and women we should be...

If we are to be like the One we call our Master, we must let love crowd out all hate.”

Do you have Oklahoma Baptist history such as Falls Creek testimonies, historical church stories, or photos of a past Baptist event? Send them to baptistmessenger@okbaptist.net!

12

April 23, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner. I believe that Christ died on the cross for my sins and then rose from the dead. Please forgive me of all my sin. I turn away from my sin and confess you as Lord and trust You alone for salvation. Thank you for your love, forgiveness, and the free gift of eternal life. Amen.

For more information, or to talk to someone about your decision, contact Oklahoma Baptists at 405/942-3800 or aquigley@oklahomabaptists.org.