2020-07-23

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • JULY 23, 2020 /// SEE PAGE 6

CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends FIRST-PERSON: Big decisions >> DAVID JEREMIAH

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Halftime huddle >> BRIAN HOBBS

Encourage: A storm is brewing >> HANCE DILBECK

When the weatherman shows a storm coming your way, you prepare. You pull the cars into the garage, put the tractor in the barn, take care of the livestock, cancel the ballgame and pick up the lawn chairs and the kid’s toys from the yard. You protect your property, your pets and your people, while taking timely action.

There is a storm brewing this fall. If I had a giant siren, I would sound it. All the conditions are right and ripe for a big one. The unity of your church is at risk.

Heat, an unstable air mass and moisture combine to build a big thunderstorm. /// SEE PAGE 3

Expect the ‘Unexpected’ at The Call Conference Aug. 29

Falls Creek Road Show travels on

>> CHRIS DOYLE

Falls Creek Road Show continues to draw students across Oklahoma, making seven stops as of July 13. Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director, reported 152 spiritual decisions were made after seven Road Shows.

The decisions included 42 professions of faith in Christ, 36 calls to ministry and 67 other decisions. As far as attendance, the Road Shows have seen more than 100 students at each stop. The most recent Road Show, at press time, was at Southwest Baptist Assembly, outside Lone Grove, where 209 students attended.

SHAWNEE—One word that could describe the year 2020 would be “unexpected.” This year definitely did not turn out like what anyone anticipated.

“Unexpected” could also describe how God uses people to do Kingdom work and advance His Gospel. This is why The Call Conference has “Unexpected” as its theme this year.

“God uses unexpected people to spread His message and lead His people,” said Brian Baldwin who serves as student evangelism and missions partner for Oklahoma Baptists. /// SEE PAGE 5

>> CHRIS DOYLE

/// SEE PAGE 7

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To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Generation gap >> WALKER MOORE

Page 7 | Features IMB urges caution while encouraging sustained commitment to missions >> LESLIE PEACOCK CALDWELL

Page 10 | Church Toolbox Does your pastor need a support team? >> MARK DANCE

Page 12 | News & Culture Property sale funds $2 million endowment to grow future ministry at OKC, Village >> ANNA DELLINGER

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FIRST-PERSON: Big decisions & MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

David Jeremiah Senior Pastor, El Cajon, Calif., Shadow Mountain Community Founder and Host of Turning Point for God

EL CAJON, Calif. (BP)—When we are faced with uncertain times, we can find ourselves stuck in a holding pattern because we can’t decide what to do. Margaret Thatcher said this about decision-making: “Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.” For the follower of Christ, our decisions need to be birthed in seeking His will and purpose for our life.

We need to think of all our decisions as big decisions. Most decisions reflect, in one way or another, our unseen values. If I’m a Christian, my every decision should be a Christian decision. What entertainment I’m going to enjoy, how I’m going to invest that extra money that came my way, what I’m going to do on my day off—all these are big decisions because they reflect my desire to glorify God in all I do and say.

Learn to consider every decision as an opportunity to honor God, and keep your unseen, biblical values as the underpinning for all the choices in life.

L I N E of N atmosphere Big decisions are also in an EW O N birthed NT ONTEprayer prayer—and I don’t mean muttering LUSIVE aCquick EB-EXC W just before a decision is made. I’m talking about living in an atmosphere of prayer so that our heart is constantly pondering the choices that represent God’s will for our life. Very often it’s while at prayer that certain convictions develop or ideas come.

Big decision thinking includes God as partner in

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the decision-making process, and prayer is our way of recognizing the presence of the heavenly Father and acknowledging OX C HIt’sT O O L B Him in C allHour U Rways. our way of asking God for His proffered wisdom, given liberally and willingly to those who ask for it.

It’s the incubator of our best ideas and the source of our freshest creativi-F I E D S A S StoI L lifeline ty. Prayer is C our finding and fulfilling God’s perfect will in all we say and do.

We also need the wisdom of those we trust. The book of Proverbs repeatedly reminds us to seek godly counsel before deciding what to V do:O I C E S —“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Prov. 11:14, NIV).

—“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15).

—“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Prov. 13:10, NIV).

—“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Prov. 15:22).

—“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Prov. 19:20).

Speaking of Proverbs, we can learn another lesson about big decision thinking. Whenever possible, take your time so you can mull over issues long enough to understand them. Prov. 14:8 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way.” And Prov. 14:15 says, “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps” (NIV). Prov. 13:16

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Falls Creek Road Show

Virtual Worship Conference

Virtual Indian Falls Creek Info: indianfallscreek.org

JULY 27

Falls Creek Road Show

Info: Gibson Baptist Assembly, Hardesty skopos.org/fallscreek

JULY 29

Falls Creek Road Show Info: Claremore, First skopos.org/fallscreek

Info: oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

AUG 15

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Retreat Info: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Baptist Building oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

AUG 29

The Call Conference

Info: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Oklahoma Baptist University oklahomabaptists.org/ thecallconference

FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS

PAUL CHITWOOD | JULY 8

What could be more exciting than investing two years of your life in the role God has for you in His vision?

At the IMB, we are looking for team members who are recent college graduates under the age of 30, sent by their church as missionaries for a two-year term on the international mission field. We call these team members “journeymen.”

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FIRST-PERSON: Five lessons I learned from a COVID-19 spike at our church DEREK ALLEN | JULY 10

In March, April and May, our church staff braced for a wave of COVID-19 cases to sweep through our church family. It never happened. In fact, for the first three months of the COVID-19 outbreak, our church family of about 1,500 only experienced a handful of Coronavirus cases. As far as we know, none of those cases was spread at one of our events. In June, that all changed.

FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

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adds, “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t” (TLB).

Ted Engstrom wrote in his book on leadership: “Don’t make snap decisions. The spur-of-the-moment decisions are merely guesses... Before announcing a decision, it’s best to take a little time; sleep on it first. God may have other plans.”

Finally, big decisions must be committed to God. You and I have a lot of decisions to make every day. We’re fallible people, and we’ll make mistakes along the way. But when we earnestly base our decisions on our unseen values, pray over them, make them thoughtfully, based on wise counsel and commit them to God, He can bless them. If we make a wrong decision, He knows how to correct our path or redeem our mistakes.

At this critical moment in history, the Lord needs men and women who know how to make wise choices, who are growing more mature day by day, and who can then commit their decision to the Lord and press on.

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Info: Clinton, First skopos.org/fallscreek

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

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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: 41,989. 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. July 23, 2020 • Volume 109, Number 14.

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

EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF >> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Hannah Hanzel | Art Projects Leader hhanzel@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer/ Branding & Marketing cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org

VOICES

Encourage: A storm is brewing Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

When the weatherman shows a storm coming your way, you prepare. You pull the cars into the garage, put the tractor in the barn, take care of the livestock, cancel the ballgame and pick up the lawn chairs and the kid’s toys from the yard. You protect your property, your pets and your people, while taking timely action.

There is a storm brewing this fall. If I had a giant siren, I would sound it. All the conditions are right and ripe for a big one. The unity of your church is at risk.

Heat, an unstable air mass and moisture combine to build a big thunderstorm. In a similar way, there are three conditions that will threaten to thunder in the life of your church this fall: the 2020 election, COVID-19, and this general cultural upheaval. Boom!

I heard one of our wise, seasoned church leaders make this observation a few days ago, “After years of pastoring, I have learned that every four years, during the presidential election, our people go to grumbling.” Our whole nation is divided into two

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER political factions, and those factions spill over into the fellowship of our churches. This fall will be a challenging time for our country and for our communities, and our churches are not beyond the reach of political turmoil. Beware!

Alongside that, this virus is wearing us out. So much uncertainty, so little clarity—communities, families and, yes, even churches are being divided.

Are you wearing a mask? Should we have our class?

Should we play ball? Will we have school? Will you shake my hand? Are you taking this too seriously or not seriously enough? He’s too careless, and she’s too fearful. Many of the people snapping, swiping and jabbing at each other at city hall and on social media are all members of your church. Watch out!

I am not sure what an unstable air mass is, but I know that our culture and our country are a mass of instability right now with racial, social, generational and economic upheaval. We cannot absorb much more fussing. The times feel like a tinderbox, and there is tension in the air. That is the air we are all breathing. Be alert, Church.

Hear the Word of the Lord: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unit of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3, NASB).

The unity of the church is real. We don’t have to fabricate it. God, in Christ, has made us One. The Holy Spirit connects us. We have one calling as the children of God redeemed to follow Jesus. There are many very important issues in play in the fall of 2020—political, economic, social, moral—weighty, weighty matters. Hear me now: None are as important as what Jesus did for us on the cross.

The unity of the church must be fiercely guarded. Godly, faithful members of the body are called to preserve, maintain and keep the fellowship that God has given them with one another. Paul implores us to unity, and he challenges us to be diligent. It is no easy task. Any fool can fight, and any child can throw a fit. It takes men and women who are full-grown disciples to protect the unity of the church.

Your character is the key. Notice how Paul piles it up—humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love and diligence. Peacemakers are not pansies.

This is not an easy task and not a simple challenge.

Only disciples who have cultivated the character of Jesus can preserve the unity of the church. The fullness and the fruit of the Spirit is required.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:5-6, NASB).

Sword & trowel: Halftime huddle Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

With more than half of the calendar year complete, many are already calling 2020 an “annus horribilis,” a Latin phrase once used by the Queen of England that means “horrible year.”

Perhaps the first six months of 2020 for you or your church have been especially rough. In addition to all of the Coronavirus issues and social upheaval, there still are a staggering number of people facing economic hardships or other personal problems.

When a hard year hits, it’s only natural to think, “God, can we please bring on the New Year now?” in hopes of better times, in hopes of a better year. I confess that I have thought the very same.

It’s important to remember that the first half of a ballgame doesn’t necessarily determine the final score. In a 1993 football classic known simply as “The Comeback,” the Buffalo Bills trailed the Houston Oilers by 32 points at halftime, only to come back and win in overtime. The Oklahoma Sooners, facing the Baylor Bears, mounted a similar stunning comeback in the 2019 football season. In real life, like sports, “it ain’t over til it’s over.”

Yet comebacks like this are indeed rare. Whether 2020 ends up as a comeback year or continues on in a bruising fashion, I recently have come across three truths that have helped me, and may help you, through a bad year.

Trust the Lord. One of my favorite verses is Prov.

3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

When hard times hit, don’t try to make sense of it all. Try to trust Him more, and pray more in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Count your blessings. I love the hymn that encourages us to count our blessings and “name them one by one.” When we complain, we often make lists of all that went wrong. Why not turn that on its head, and list blessings from the Lord one by one? God can use this to lift your spirit.

Never give up. In Christian terms, we call this perseverance (Col. 1:11-12). Russell Moore in his book, “The Storm-Tossed Family,” quotes the popular line, “You are either just coming out of a storm, you are currently in one, or you’re about to be in one.”

Moore points out that, in some ways, this is not an entirely accurate idea. It’s probably more accurate to say that, in life, we are always in a storm of some size, and it’s only God who will get us through.

So whether 2020 is shaping up to be a horrible year for you or not, it’s my prayer that these simple truths—and the promises of Jesus Christ that we know from God’s Word—will sustain you. That He will sustain you for the remainder of 2020 and beyond, as well as for all the days God gives all of us.

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

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Rite of passage: gap TS & S P O RGeneration T N AINME

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

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

O O L B OX T H C R U H C For a number of years, Beloit College has pro-

duced the Mindset List, a reminder that the worldview of today’s new college students is significantly different from the previous year’s. It will be interesting to see how COVID-19 will affect this generation of students in years to come.

Many of us grew Sthe beginning of today’s I F I EupDinWe C L A S Srevolution. technology were there when televisions appeared, along with hair dryers, telephones, air conditioning, refrigerators, washers and dryers and more. I think of ours as the “Howdy Doody” generation. The generation that will graduate from college in 2024 grew up experiencing a different world.

I sawV the E Sshuttle launch and the first step I Cspace Ofirst on the moon. This generation has seen Elon Musk send up a rocket that landed upright on a small platform in the ocean. Many of you remember when your grandparents didn’t have electricity, and now you have witnessed the mass production of electric cars.

All of these affect our worldview. Here is a list of what current students have or have not experienced in their formative years.

1. They are the first class born in the new millennium, escaping the dreaded label of “Millennial,” though their new designation—iGen, GenZ, etc.

— has not yet been agreed upon by them.

R Tnever been without human 2. Outer space N T Ehas E habitation.

3. They have always been able to refer to Wikipedia.

4. They have grown up afraid that a shooting could happen at their school.

5. People loudly conversing with themselves in L E & to be talking to public are no longer O Pthought PE imaginary friends. H N E W S R Cbeen Kolkata.

HU Chas 6. Calcutta always 7. They never used a spit bowl in a dentist’s office.

8. When filling out forms, they are not surprised to find more than two gender categories to choose from.

9. A visit to a bank has been a rare event in their lives.

E where 10. They’ve grown up with stories T U Rabout L U C & S W E theirN grandparents were on Nov. 22, 1963, and where their parents were on 9/11.

11. The words “veritas” and “horizon” have always joined together to form Verizon.

12. The Prius has always been on the road in the U.S. 13. It’s not unusual to have presidential candidates who win the popular vote but lose the election.

14. There has always been a “Survivor” TV show.

15. “Oprah” has always been a magazine.

16. Donny and Marie who?

17. Denmark and Sweden have always been just a 10-minute drive apart via the Oresund Bridge.

18. Films have always been distributed online.

19. There have always been more than a billion people in India.

20. The Tower of Pisa has always had a prop to keep it leaning.

21. Starbucks has always served venti café lattes in Beijing’s Forbidden City.

22. Someone has always skied nonstop down Mount Everest. (I had to look this one up.)

23. They will never fly TWA, Swissair or Sabena Airlines.

24. Mass market books have always been available exclusively as e-books.

25. Exotic animals have always provided emotional support to airline passengers.

26. Robert Downey Jr. has always been the sober “Iron Man.” The “Howdy Doody” world I grew up in is different than my parents’ world, and the world your children are growing up in is also different than yours—vastly different. Due to the escalation of technology, the difference between generations is now greater than any previous gap.

Just a few years ago, in 1984 (to most of us, 1984 is just a few years back), the technology analysts questioned the need for a computer small enough to fit into a briefcase. Yet many of these articles are written on just such a computer. Also in 1984, it was said that “videotape technology” was killing the film industry and slowing cable network development, and there was no market for TV satellite systems. As you know, videotapes are history, and TV satellites are the “in” thing.

There is only one constant, and that is Jesus Christ, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Creator and Sustainer of all life. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

To find peace in an ever-changing world, you need to be grounded in the Unchangeable One Himself. His promises are also unchangeable: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Now that’s better than “Howdy Doody” time!

The blessed tension Brett Selby Regional Ministry Partner for Oklahoma Baptists @brettselby

Healthy churches are made up of healthy people.

So what does “health” look like in the life of a follower of Jesus?

Spiritual health is the proper tension between being and doing in the life of a believer. Notice I didn’t say “balance” but rather “tension.” Balance assumes that two things are in equal measure and authority.

Tension, on the other hand, means that at various times one of the two elements takes precedence.

“Being” refers to our position regardless of what we do or have done. “Doing,” of course, refers to the condition that we have created for ourselves by our actions and behavior. When the proper tension between the two is not maintained, all manner of evil ensues.

All being with no doing is what we call antinomianism. Some call this “love-ism” because the associated bad behavior excuses itself in the name of love. The characterizing phrase of this failure to maintain tension is “live your life.” This person, whom you probably have met, says, “Hey, listen, God loves you and He just wants you to be happy so just live your life. Don’t worry about keeping all the rules. Someday you’ll get to go to heaven because God loves everybody!” For them, doing has nothing to do with being.

All doing with no being is what we call legalism.

Some might want to refer to this as “law-ism.” The byword of this failure to maintain tension is “keep the rules.” You know this person. You’ve met them before. They insist on all rules being followed. One reason for this is that they believe you create an identity for yourself exclusively by what you do. For them, there is no being apart from doing.

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There are three areas of application of this blessed tension. First, it has a theological importance, in which being comes before doing. Ultimately, salvation is a matter of “done, not do,” in regards to us.

Christ did something for us that brought us into a new position of being justified in Him. What He has done for us becomes the basis for what we do.

Ironically enough, the one day each week designed to reinforce this truth, the Sabbath day of rest, becomes the day most characterized by activity for every pastor. Even still, there is no escaping the need of God’s servants to observe a day of rest in which being takes precedent over doing.

Secondly, there is a devotional emphasis within this tension in that doing flows out of being. We talk about this in terms of justification and sanctification.

The latter is accomplished through faith just as much as the former. Those who have experienced the grace of God in salvation live in a way that adorns and reflects that truth.

Finally, there is a seasonal relevance of this tension because being and doing rotate the point position in our life seasons. In times of youth and physical vitality, doing always characterizes life. Schedules are full, responsibilities are great, and the pace is maddening. Yet eventually as age advances, life slows down.

My mother lives at Baptist Village of Oklahoma City in a small apartment.

All of her life, she was incredibly active, but over

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

the past five-to-10 years, the limitations of age have caught up with her. Now her life is not characterized as much by doing as it is by being. Nevertheless, she lives as someone who is loved by God and by her family and friends. This is the season of life in which she currently resides. And it is blessed.

I think that, ultimately, those who accomplish the most for God and His Kingdom recognize this blessed tension. The Apostle John, had he chosen to compile it, would have had an impressive resume.

Biblical author. Original apostle. Eyewitness to Jesus’ transfiguration. Yet he did not define himself in terms of his doing, but rather his being. He defined himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”

He lived in the blessed tension of being and doing, and that’s the healthiest place we can be.

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Expect the ‘Unexpected’ atHThe Call Conference Aug. & P L E29 O E X P O B L O TO S RC /// U PREVIEWED ON COVER CH

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MANAGING EDITOR

SHAWNEE—One word that could describe the year 2020 would be “unexpected.” This year definitely did not turn out how anyone anticipated.

“Unexpected” could also describe how God uses people to do Kingdom work and advance His Gospel. This is why The Call Conference has “Unexpected” as its theme this year.

“God uses unexpected people to spread His message and lead His people,” said Brian Baldwin who serves as student evangelism and missions partner for Oklahoma Baptists. “The reason for that is He gets more glory for Himself. A lot of times, people have their own preconceived notions of who’s worthy to lead out for the cause of Christ, and God doesn’t play by our rules when it comes to leadership. God is always using unexpected people to bring glory to Himself.”

Baldwin said the theme is based on 2 Cor. 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

The Call Conference, which will meet 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 29 at Oklahoma Baptist University, is “designed for those who are exploring a call to ministry, whether they are discovering it or they are deepening their call,” Baldwin said.

The event also encourages attendees who don’t know about their future and God’s plans for their lives.

Now in its 10th year, The Call Conference has been increasing in attendance, reaching nearly 400 students in past years from Oklahoma and the surrounding region.

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“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this allsurpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

VOICES

AUGUST 29, 2020

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

General sessions at this year’s Call Conference will feature Ed Newton, Matthew Emerson and Vedaste Ndamiye as keynote speakers. Newton is a Falls Creek favorite speaker who currently serves as pastor at a church in San Antonio, Texas. Baldwin said Newton will speak on how to confirm your call.

Emerson, the new dean of OBU’s Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry, will lead a “mega-breakout”EDsession, which willDR. be MATTHEW for all attendees at two NEWTON EMERSON different sessions. He will speakKeynote on the topic of how Keynote to grow in your calling.

The last speaker will be Vedaste Ndamiye who is originally from the Congo and is now a pastor and church planter in Edmonton, Canada. Ndamiye has worked with Go Student mission groups that visited

Edmonton. He will talk to students about how to follow the Lord in their calling.

The Call Conference also will feature 13 breakouts, with two new topics this year covering “first two years of ministry” and “small town ministry.”

Other breakout sessions cover topics that include pastoral, children, student, worship, discipleship and small group ministries.

One favorite session& isJOSIE titledGULLIVER “Slash/PurVEDASTE NDAMIYEbreakoutCHASE suing A Call That Looks Different.”

The session covWorship Keynote ers aspects of ministry that may not be considered in traditional church settings. Dustin Cupp who is involved in a medical ministry will lead this session.

To register or find more information on The Call Conference, visit oklahomabaptists.org/thecall.

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On-going opportunities for volunteers: Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/338-3452 or pbaok221@gmail.com Families Feeding Families Meal Center, Durant— 580/230-9142 or familiesfeedingfamilies.org Hope Pregnancy Centers—South OKC 405/688-8700, North OKC 405/755-5433, Edmond 405/330-0200, Ardmore 580/223-7232 Tulsa 918/622-3325 Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Campuses Oklahoma City—Peggy Duncan, 405/691-7781 Edmond—Brent Thackerson, 405/341-3606 Madill—Stephen Wiese, 580/564-2218 Owasso—Kate Eacret, 918/272-2233

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Orientation and Credentialing (Training) Dates for 2020: Sept. 12—Owasso, First, 13307 E. 96th St. N. 74055 Oct. 17—Newcastle, First, 1650 N. Main, 73065 Nov. 7—Madill, First, 210 S. 1st St., 73446

Chaplaincy: Aug. 6-The Transforming Power of Spiritual Resilience, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Fee: $5. To register email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org. Payment must be received by July 30.

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Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Krystal Krug Krystal is on the OSU BCM staff. She coordinates the freshman Bible study and the international study, and she manages the ministry finances.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Kenzie Haworth As a collegiate missionary, Kenzie trains student leaders, leads the Hospitality team, and coordinates Oklahoma State University BCM’s social media.

Graphic Size with 143.75”w x 90.25”

Final Graphic Area 140.75”w x 88.25”

Front Visual Area: 117.25”w x 88.25” Front Safe Zone: 113.25”w x 84.25

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

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

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Reaching the nations through the Oklahoma panhandle /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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>> by William Haun

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>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED 1) Members of Guymon, First conduct ministry outreach to the 37 people groups who have come to the city to live and work; 2) A man from an unreached people group talks about his African homeland; 3) The panhandle church is home to this language fellowship comprised of members of a Southeast Asian people group.

IMB WRITER

GUYMON—The sun was blazing, and the 102-degree heat was taking its toll on International Mission Board (IMB) missionary Mark Chambers*. He had driven four hours across a rugged, desolate landscape for this ministry opportunity, causing him and Pastor Michael Carter to become lost.

They asked for directions from an African man sitting outside of his home, and a conversation began that soon turned to spiritual matters. A short while later, the man had heard the Gospel and professed faith in Jesus Christ.

Stories from the mission field of God reaching the nations are always exciting for Southern Baptists to hear. However, this particular story didn’t take place in Northern Africa where Chambers typically serves. This African man was led to Christ in the panhandle of Oklahoma where Carter is lead pastor of Guymon, First.

For years Guymon, First has been trying to effectively reach the large refugee community in their small, rural town of 12,000 people. The meat packing industry in the region attracts thousands of immigrants with the promise of jobs. This has so drastically diversified the population of Guymon that the local high school now has 37 languages represented among its students.

Language and cultural barriers are the biggest challenges to connecting with the refugee communities.

“We’re just grasping at straws trying to do what we can,” a church leader said. Guymon, First offered Backyard Bible Clubs in refugees’ apartment complexes with limited success. Often just striking up an initial conversation is awkward and difficult.

“How do we build relationships and share the Gospel?” This is the question often on the minds of church members committed to reaching their communities.

They decided to seek out people who might be familiar with the people groups now represented in Guymon. This decision would prove vital to making contacts and developing relationships.

Allan Karr of Gateway Seminary came to visit

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with a Southeast Asian colleague and helped the church connect with believers among one marginalized refugee group. While meeting with the Southeast Asian refugees, they discovered one of the immigrants had some Bible school training and just needed a space to hold weekly worship services with his people. Guymon, First now shares their facilities with this people group. In Oklahoma, this group from Asia now has the opportunity to worship and study the Bible in their own language.

Most recently, when the church wanted to build relationships with a people group from Africa, the church used contacts Oklahoma Baptists leaders provided to put them in touch with Chambers, one of the hundreds of IMB missionaries temporarily relocated to the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chambers was thrilled with the opportunity to partner with the local church to reach the same people groups he works among overseas.

“I’m looking for ways not just to keep busy but to still be about the (missions) task,” Chambers said.

Chambers called another IMB colleague, Stuart Foster*, who had been relocated with his family to Alabama. Foster jumped at the chance and flew to join Chambers in Oklahoma. Foster and his wife had been praying “for God to open some doors… to infuse some purpose while we’re waiting to go back.” This was an answer to that petition.

When the missionaries met with Guymon, First’s pastoral staff, they were impressed with their humility and passion to reach the refugees. Foster and Chambers helped them map out the immigrant peoples in their area and develop engagement strategies. Chambers credits the IMB training he and Foster received for missions work overseas for giving them practical ideas to pass on to the church staff.

The small team scouted out the apartment complexes where the refugees live and spent an entire day in pairs, connecting with and witnessing to the immigrant population. When Foster would meet

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

men whose language he could speak, they would immediately loosen up, smile and laugh—curious as to how this American man knew their language so far from their home.

One of the most significant contributions Foster made was to acquaint the members of Guymon, First with the refugees’ histories, stories and culture.

This is key, he said, to having impactful encounters.

Understanding how other cultures observe events like birthdays and funerals can provide many open doors to minister in practical ways.

One African refugee family they met was holding a memorial service for a loved one. Foster explained the traditional customs this people group observes while grieving, which include giving a gift basket with bananas, sugar, coffee and money to the mourning family. The next day, the church’s missions pastor delivered such a basket to the home of the refugee family. He was welcomed into their home with surprise and appreciation for having connected in such a culturally-appropriate way.

Chambers pointed out that Southern Baptist strategy has traditionally been very programmatic and event driven, but the church cannot expect refugee and immigrant communities to come to their facilities and events. A stronger and more effective approach is for churches to go into the communities and learn the best ways to engage them to meet their needs—physical and spiritual.

Guymon, First’s missions pastor recognizes the many opportunities for Gospel sharing in his small town. He understands that it can be difficult for Christians in the U.S. to see the nations represented in their own backyards.

He has made his prayer, “God open our eyes to it and provide help along the way because we’re so very dependent on you.” * names changed for security William Haun serves with the IMB in West Africa. He, too, is waiting to return to the field.

Falls Creek Road Show travels on /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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>> PHOTOS: 1) BRIAN HOBBS; 2) CHRIS DOYLE; 3) PROVIDED 1) ‘Simone Says’ continues to be a fun Falls Creek tradition that has made appearances at some Road Shows; 2) Brian Baldwin tells students why now is the best time to serve in international missions; 3) From left, Charlie Gatton, Alexandra Bays and Todd Sanders talk with Blake and Marissa on the phone. Their conversation is part of a video presentation to students, sharing about Blake and Marissa’s experiences as international missionaries.

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Falls Creek Road Show continues to draw students across Oklahoma, making seven stops as of July 13. Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director, reported 152 spiritual decisions were made after seven Road Shows.

The decisions included 42 professions of faith in Christ, 36 calls to ministry and 67 other decisions. As far as attendance, the Road Shows have seen more than 100 students at each stop. The most recent Road Show, at press time, was at Southwest Baptist Assembly, near Lone Grove, where 209 students attended.

Road Shows have featured either Brian Mills, pastor of Yukon, Trinity, or Stuart Henslee, pastor of Pryor, Life Fellowship, as the Road Show preachers.

Cody Dunbar and his worship band or Summit OK Collective have led times of worship through music.

Caleb Freeman and his father Jeremy Freeman, pastor of Newcastle, First, have shared Caleb’s miraculous story at each Road Show. Students have listened intently as the Freemans spoke about the car wreck Caleb experienced in December 2017 and how God has blessed him abundantly. Recovering from a major brain injury, Caleb now eagerly shares Christ with everyone.

Road Shows also offer a major emphasis on missions. Each event features a video of Sanders with Alexandra Bays, Oklahoma Baptists student ministry assistant, and Charlie Gatton, childhood ministry part-

ner for Oklahoma Baptists, talking over the phone to a missionary couple, identified as Blake and Marissa.

“We are going to make a call to two missionaries,” Sanders said in the opening of the video. “These missionaries were Oklahoma Baptist students. They were sitting where you are, just a few years ago. Now they are on the field in a place where we can’t mention. As a matter of fact, for security purposes, we’re not even going to use their real names.”

The seven-minute video is an eye-opening experience for many Oklahoma Baptist students who may not realize that many international missionaries have to go through heightened security conditions. These missionaries have to protect their identities and other details of their lives, in order to serve in countries that do not allow Christians to practice their faith.

Blake and Marissa shared how God called them to serve in international missions. They applied to serve overseas soon after their honeymoon, Blake said.

“I didn’t think it would be as quickly as it was,” Marissa said about their process of becoming missionaries, “but we knew this didn’t surprise God.” In the video, the couple helped students understand how God does work, encouraging students to consider serving in international missions. “God is worth it,” Blake said. “He’s worthy to serve, to do whatever He calls us to do. We are going to follow God, no matter where He calls us. He’s worth it.”

Brian Baldwin, student evangelism and missions partner for Oklahoma Baptists, spoke with students at the Road Shows on why now is “the greatest time for missions.”

“Some think it would be better to have lived in the Bible times or early centuries,” Baldwin said, “but in terms of possibilities, opportunities and resources, there’s no better time than now.”

Baldwin made a presentation of seven reasons to encourage students to serve now in missions. The reasons include Christianity’s strong presence in the world; more cities are accessible in the world; the world has a younger population now and is more receptive; immigration in the U.S. has made it possible for us to connect with numerous international groups; advanced technology makes it possible to travel anywhere in days; globalization has allowed Christians to relate more with other cultures; and English is the universal language in education, business and research.

Both the video featuring Blake and Marissa and Baldwin’s presentation of international missions have made strong influences on Oklahoma Baptist students.

Falls Creek Road Shows continue through the end of July with the final three stops at Clinton, First, July 24; Gibson Baptist Assembly in Hardesty, July 27; and Claremore, First, July 29.

For more information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/ fallscreek2020 or skopos.org/fallscreek.

IMB urges caution while encouraging sustained commitment to missions >> by Leslie Peacock Caldwell IMB SENIOR EDITOR

RICHMOND, VA.—International Mission Board (IMB) senior leaders are urging Southern Baptists to use extreme caution if they are considering overseas missions travel for the remainder of 2020. As many countries continue to require quarantines or have not yet opened their borders, travelers could face unexpected circumstances, including quarantines upon re-entering the United States. The future threat and spread of COVID-19 also remains an unknown factor.

IMB personnel on the field are continually monitoring their local situations and government’s restrictions. Many missionaries will not be able to host groups for the foreseeable future due to government-imposed travel bans and other factors related to the pandemic. Churches with long-standing partnerships and plans to travel soon should remain in close contact with their field contact for guidance. They should also continue to check travel restrictions and re-entry to the U.S. guidelines, which could change day to day.

“The work of Southern Baptists’ missionaries has and will continue. Not a day has passed in the midst of this pandemic, or over the course of the past 175 years, that Southern Baptists have been without a witness among the nations,” IMB President Paul Chitwood said.

“In making decisions about hosting volunteer teams during this unusual season, however, we must consider the well-being of locals in the host countries, our field workers and our faithful volunteers.”

While also deeply affected by COVID-19 and government regulations, missionaries have had new Gospel opportunities and Southern Baptist relief work related to the Coronavirus has been significant. Send Relief reports more than 300 projects in progress or completed in 78 countries. These efforts are projected to help more than 900,000 people worldwide and have provided food packages, personal protection equipment (PPE), handwashing stations, sanitation supplies and education materials.

IMB staff and missionaries encourage churches to support relief work and to seek other ways to stay engaged in missions, even when travel is not advised.

Some affinities, like South Asia, are offering virtual mission trips for participants to connect with missionaries, learn about people groups and join in prayer. The IMB student team has also announced online opportunities through the Stateside Summer Initiative.

Missionaries rely daily on the prayers of supporters.

Churches can find daily prayer requests at imb.org/pray and can still join the 175 Days of Prayer for the nations.

Consider connecting your church or small group with missionaries on temporary assignments in the U.S. and also to explore partnership opportunities.

Stay in close contact with field personnel you know and spend time encouraging them and worshiping with them, whether they are currently overseas or back in the U.S. Ask missionary partners how you can find and minister to representatives of their people groups in

>> PHOTO: IMB PHOTO Through

Send Relief, Southern Baptists have helped more than 900,000 people worldwide affected by the Coronavirus to date.

the U.S. or on the internet. These doors to sharing the Gospel remain open.

IMB cannot continue our work without the support of prayers and gifts. Consider a mid-year financial gift to the Cooperative Program or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®. In Oklahoma, the Edna McMillan State Missions Offering emphasis, which funds vital missions efforts in Oklahoma, will be promoted in the coming weeks.

Chitwood remains thankful and conveys the thanks of missionaries for the support they have received. As Southern Baptists pray for IMB missionaries, IMB missionaries continue to pray for Southern Baptists and for Southern Baptist churches across the U.S. “Thank you for continuing to give, even as you are navigating these unexpected challenges. Your commitment is making a difference.”

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

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by Egender, middle, are ready to hand out ice cream treats to children at Harvest Hills Park.

Both Sherry and Egender are preschool ministry associates at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs and serve with Mark Jones, children’s pastor, and Erick Lind, associate children’s minister.

Quail Springs’ children’s ministry team visited four area parks, connecting with families and offering free ice cream on hot July afternoons.

VOICES

>> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE

Lawton, Friendship donates box fans

Lawton, Friendship donated 100 box fans to the Salvation Army for senior citizens in the Lawton area. Pastored by Walter Wilson, Lawton, Friendship found a way to advance the Gospel and care for those in need during the hottest time of the year in Oklahoma.

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

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

BVC resident & WWII veteran receives birthday parade

>> PHOTO: FOX 23

Winifred Dudley, Baptist Village of Owasso resident and World War II veteran, enjoyed a parade 30 cars strong in honor of her birthday. Baptist Village was honored to have Amanda Hari of Tulsa’s FOX23 News cover the special occasion. The event was organized by Dudley’s granddaughters and a fellow veteran, William Robinson, who wanted to do something extraordinary for the 98-year-old Dudley.

Winifred still proudly salutes veterans and the flag, even 75 years after serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Her granddaughters hope to make Winifred’s 99th birthday celebration even bigger next year.

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Petersen hired as OBU dean S D LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE WS & CU of students and VP of Campus Life

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS VANCE DEATH. Jack Vance, 80, died June 30. Funeral was July 3 at Wilson O MinAWilson ComH School Gymnasium A L K O E H T munity. He recentlyHserved I V E as pastor at R C the T I S T AWilson, church where B A PHenryetta, he surrendered to the call to preach and was ordained to the Gospel ministry. His first pastorate was at Okemah, Skyview, and then served at Hoffman, First. He served many years as pastor of Dewar, First, leading the church to grow and move to a larger building, that added many facilities during his pastorate. After retiring from Dewar, First he served as interim pastor at Lamar, First before returning to Henryetta, Wilson as pastor in June 2019. In the year he was pastor, Wilson baptized nine people and added 42 members by statement or letter. He is survived by his wife Donna; four children, Lori Mullinkis, Lynn Sparks, Brian Vance and Billy Jack Vance; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

>> by Kenny Day OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Brandon Petersen, OklahoI C E S (OBU) alumnus and V O University ma Baptist director of consulting at JM2 Capital in Oklahoma City, has been hired as the dean of students and vice president of campus life at OBU. He began his duties on Bison Hill July 20.

In his role, Petersen is responsible for developing, cultivating and overseeing the transformational student experience on Bison Hill through leadership of campus life.

He leads in the ongoing creation and execution of a challenging and supportive co-curricular program in alignment with institutional objectives and student learning outcomes. As such, he coordinates and oversees numerous areas impacting campus life, such as student housing, campus dining, student clubs and activities, the Recreation and Wellness Center, spiritual life, Welcome Week, university counseling and more.

Petersen earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from OBU in 1995 and a master of arts degree in Christian education from Southwestern Seminary in 1999. He previously served at OBU as an advancement officer from 1995 to 1996 before entering church ministry. He served on staff at Euless, Texas, First from 1997 to 2002 as single adult minister. He then joined the staff at Broken Arrow, First from 2002 to 2005 as the associate pastor of education.

He was then called to serve at Columbia, S.C., Shandon as executive pastor and education pastor, where he remained until 2018.

At that time, he and his family returned to Oklahoma. He has worked at JM2 Capital in Oklahoma City since 2018 as director of consulting. Petersen’s wife, Amy, also an OBU

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Brandon Petersen, OBU alumnus and director of consulting at JM2 Capital in Oklahoma City, has been hired as the dean of students and vice president of campus life at OBU.

graduate, works for Oklahoma Baptists as ministry wives regional ministry partner.

Heath A. Thomas, OBU president, is pleased to welcome Petersen back to Bison Hill.

“I am thrilled to confirm that Brandon Petersen will be assuming the role of dean of students and vice president of campus life at Oklahoma Baptist University,” Thomas said. “Mr. Petersen’s roots are here in Oklahoma, and he has a deep and abiding love for Christ, the church and Bison Hill. He embraces the mission of OBU…we transform lives by equipping students. In fact, he and his spouse, Amy, are alumni of our great university, so he knows our mission on a personal level. He brings extensive leadership, church and business experience to OBU that will elevate student and campus life to the next level. I believe, without question, that God has brought Mr. Petersen to Bison Hill for such a time as this.”

For more information about OBU, visit okbu.edu.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS NEW CONGREGATION Coweta, Community is a new affiliate of Oklahoma Baptists. Adam Mask is pastor.

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

Coming Event AUG 24-25. The North American Mission Board is hosting the 2020 National Replant Summit at Greenwood, Mo., Fellowship.

Worship through music will be led by nationally-known Christian group Selah. Seasoned church replanters will share the heartaches and joys as well as replanting best practices to equip anyone considering replanting or working to revitalize their church.

To learn more about the National Replant Summit and to register, visit replantsummit.com.

OKU

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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.

Africa Apartment Barriers Carter Chambers

Community Conversation Cultural Doors Foster

Guymon Haun Immigrants Karr Language

Nations Oklahoma Overseas Panhandle Pastor

Reaching Refugee Relationships Stories Traditions

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

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Does your pastor need a support team? C L A S S I F I E D S in whom he entrusts his well-being, or else you will have to wait even longer for his guard to go down.

They made a clear commitment to confidentiality. Pastors have very few safe While everyone wants a healthy pastor who spaces, so make sure this grace zone is a E Swill lives and serves with integrity, some church safe zone. This sacred circle V OofI Ctrust leaders are in a better strategic position to eventually be where tough conversations help their pastor stay above reproach. My last happen about your pastor’s life and minischurch created a pastoral support team to try. My support team assured me in our first help me lead my life, family and ministry well. meeting that they were not going to report Does your pastor need a support team? anything back to the deacon body unless it Consider these four important distinctions of was absolutely necessary. a pastoral support team before you decide.

“Pay close attention to your life and your Their stated purpose was to protect, teaching; persevere in these things, for in donot police me. In our very first meeting, ing this you will save both yourself and your these five leaders made it crystal clear that hearers” (1 Tim. 4:15-16). their intentions were not punitive. They My pastor support team spent time praycame to protect me, not hurt me. The men ing for my family, ministry and for me, perI chose were deacons, all of whom were ea- sonally. Each man followed up between ger to embrace their call to guard the health meetings with encouraging notes, texts of their church and pastor. or calls. This team not only made me feel A Barna report titled “State of the Pastors” loved, but they made me feel safe. said nearly one of every four pastors (24 perThey primarily focused on my life and cent) has experienced a period during their family. The Gospel your pastor preaches ministry when they significantly doubted must also be applied to every area of his life: their faith. marriage, parenting, ministry, etc. Deacons We met quarterly to talk about how I was or other leaders can minister to their minisdoing, not how my ministry was doing. Re- ters before they blow up their families and gardless of what your leadership structure ministries. Prevention is much less painful looks like, it only takes a few leaders to help and expensive than cure. support your pastor on this level.

LifeWay Research survey responses from They encouraged me to pick the team. pastor’s wives gives us cause for pause: Our deacons asked me to choose five lead• 44 percent of spouses believe the church ers who could help me stay healthy in every expects the needs of their family to be secsense of the word. Pastors can be good pos- ondary to the church. ers, insomuch as we are able to hide our pain • 35 percent of spouses often resent the and/or sin even from those closest to us. demands of ministry on their family.

The antidote to this temptation is gen• 37 percent do not get the attention they uine friendships with other men who not need from their spouse because the church only have our backs but also will not hes- needs RS GsoEmuch.

N I L S D R O itate to confront us if they have W concerns. • One of every three spouses say their kids This level of support and accountabili- resent the demands of ministry. ty takes time for all people but especially Your pastor’s ministry will never be stronmen in the ministry. ger than his family, so what can you do as a You may not personally be the one to church leader to help strengthen both? By be on your pastor’s support team, but per- providing a listening ear and safe place for haps you can help prepare the runway for your pastor to share his dreams, as well as YS this pastor support team. In doing so, A I sugyou may be pivotal in helpS Anightmares, E his V D gest that your pastor have a strong voice ing him avoid the latter. >> by Mark Dance

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ REGIONAL MINISTRY PARTNER & DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT

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

O N LI N E CO O PE R AT I V E PR O G R A M G I V I N G

SU B M I T T I N G A R E S O LU T I O N

Empower your church to give online through the Cooperative Program, which funds Southern Baptists’ missions and ministries.

Resolutions for consideration during the 2020 Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting may be submitted online through August 27 via the form below:

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

oklahomabaptists.org/give/cp

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

SLOWING DOWN >> AMY SPEAR

When it comes to time in God’s Word, Y S slowing down is A S E V A D definitely a must. Yet it is one of the hardest things to do!

I could blame my lack of concentration on this fastpaced world we live in, or the million things on my list for the day, or the rushing before the kids wake up. But honestly, it’s just my uncomfortable soul with silence, waiting, being patient.

S APTIST A Bmeditate M and When I force on God’s Word, Osit L A Hto O Kmyself I GH Tand I have to H Lways, He speaks—in small ways and in big H IG E C R U O S E R requires obedience, because when the listen. Listening God of the Universe speaks, I better be willing to obey what He says!

So the question becomes, “Am I ready to be still enough to hear God speak and brave enough to obey what He says?”

Don’t get me wrong, sitting still comes with its own set of problems. I legitimately have a problem quieting my heart and mind before the Lord. But the more desperate I am to hear from Him, the harder I try to lean into what He has to say.

Have you noticed when you are facing a hard situation in life you run to the Bible, and you don’t have a hard time focusing? You long to hear from God. You search for Him in every little verse. You pray and pray and pray.

Why is that? Because we are desperate for answers.

To read the rest of Amy’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-slowing-down

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

D AV E S AY S COMBINE FINANCES? Dear Dave, AP T IS TS Bsomeone A M Is it okay to combine fi nances with O H A L OK HT LIG and start working on a budget before marry IG Hyou EH C R U O S E R them? I just got engaged, and we’ve been talking about the idea of getting a head start on our finances together —Autumn Dear Autumn, First, congratulations! I hope you two will have long and happy lives together. Now comes the hard part. But you asked for my opinion, so here goes.

No, it’s not a good idea to combine finances with anyone you’re not married to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you two are thinking about your finances and your future—and I’d never wish anything bad for you—but all kinds of things can happen before you become husband and wife. What if you spend time paying off his debt, or vice versa, then the relationship doesn’t work out?

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t begin working together on budgets for the future, and planning and dreaming about the goals you have together. The thing to keep in mind is you’ll both need to be operating in full transparency mode to make it happen. He should know all about your income and debts, and you should know all about his. Along the way, you two need to have serious, regular discussions about saving, spending and debt to ensure you’re completely on the same page with your finances before the big day.

There you go. My advice is both of you should pay only your own bills until after you’re married. And remember, once that happens there’s no yours and his anymore—it all becomes ours.

—Dave

oklahomabaptists.org/business

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

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

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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V O I C>>EPTSOR BI/VO PASTOR: Panola Baptist Church is

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

>> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Easton Height Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK is seeking P/T or BI/VO Pastor. Must be available for Sunday AM & PM services & Wednesday PM services. Please mail resume to: 2901 W. Easton St., Tulsa OK 74127.

J OB L ISTIN G V EH IC L E M ISC.

EMPLOYM ENT >> DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: LeFlore Baptist Association is prayerfully seeking a new Director of Missions. If interested, we are accepting resumes until Sept. 30th. Please send ATTN: DOM Search to: rmarrow@lefloreassociation.org, or 106 Flanagan St., STE A, Poteau, OK 74953. >> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Gum Springs Baptist Church, Siloam Springs, AR is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Pastor. Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee, Gum Springs Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1472, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. Resumes should arrive before September 1, 2020. >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church Hobart, Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: First Baptist Church Hobart, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, fbchobart@att.net or P.O. 721 Hobart, OK 73651. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Golden Baptist Church in southeastern Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. If interested, please mail resume to: Golden Baptist Church, Attn: Pulpit Committee, P.O. Box 126, Golden, OK 74734 or email: office@friscobaptist.com. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Medford is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume to: FBC Medford, 124 W. Comanche, Medford, OK 73759 or email: fbcmedfordok@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Zaneis Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please send your resumes to: Zaneis Baptist Church 29925 US HWY 70 Wilson, OK 73463 or email at: zaneisbaptistchurch@yahoo.com. >> 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. >> BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: FBC Soper, OK is seeing a BI/VO or F/T Southern Baptist Pastor. Parsonage is available. Health insurance benefit provided. Please send resume to: office@FriscoBaptist.com or to: ATTEN: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 68, Soper, OK 74759.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Kent Baptist Church in SE Oklahoma is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is available.

Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee, 262 N. 4160 Rd. Soper, OK 74759. >> BI/VO PASTOR: First Baptist Wyandotte is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: PO Box 216, Wyandotte, OK 74370 or email resume to: wyandottefbc@gmail.com. >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Quapaw FBC is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. If you feel your calling is more to an Associate Pastor at this time, please consider seeking information as well. Send resumes to the current Pastor at: mrobertson@wyandotte.k12.ok.us. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Purcell, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor. Responsibilities include preaching & teaching, counseling, visitation & other pastoral duties. Include a cover letter, resume with references & a sermon link to: fbcpurcelltj@gmail.com.

seeking P/T or Bi/VO Pastor. Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee at P.O. Box 120, Panola, OK 74559.

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church Apache, Oklahoma is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: First Baptist Church Apache, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, fbcapache@pldi.net or P.O. Box 327, Apache, OK 73006.

T: 580-588-2369. >> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Eastland Hills Church in Choctaw, OK is seeking a P/T Youth Minister to lead our youth ministry. You may contact Pastor Kenny at: (405) 361-0656 or email resumes to: kenny@eastlandhills.org. >> 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: 11275 N. 441 Rd. Big Cabin, OK 74332 or email: utopiasbc@gmail.com. >> F/T CHILDREN’S PASTOR: Eastwood Baptist Tulsa is

1 Paul’s missionary focus 5 Former Russian ruler 9 Opaque gem 13 Twin Cities state (Abbr.)

14 Rant’s partner 15 Where Paul left Titus

>> F/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Canton, TX searching for a spiritually mature F/T Worship Leader.

Must have a heart for worship & for connecting with a strong, growing church. Please send resumes along with a video or link of you leading worship to: libby@firstcanton.com. >>BI/VOPASTOR:LibertyBaptistChapelinLiberty,OKis prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please email resume to: libertybaptistchapel@gmail.com or mail to: 2621 East 201st Street South, Mounds, OK 74047. >> F/T PASTOR: Accepting resumes for F/T Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Send resumes to: IBCLeah@gmail.com. >> 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.

>> P/T OR BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: Clearview Baptist is accepting resumes for a Worship Minister for blended service. Responsibilities: choir, instrumentalists & media. cbcbamusic@gmail.com Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. >> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: First Baptist Church of Ninnekah is seeking a F/T Youth Minister, musical skills a plus, not required. Submit resume & cover letter by email or US mail at the following addresses: ninnekahbaptistchurch@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 277 Ninnekah, OK 73067 . >> F/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: (OK) Minco, FBC is a Spirit-led, Bible-believing church. We are seeking a F/T Minister for our Children’s Ministry. If interested, email resume to: mike@mincofbc.com. >> P/T DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & WORSHIP: University Heights Baptist Church, Stillwater is seeking a P/T Worship Leader to lead music and worship for a blended worship service for a multigenerational, college town congregation. Send resumes to: jobs@uheights.org. >> F/T PASTOR: F/T pastor needed for the First Baptist Church, Mannsville, Oklahoma. We do have a parsonage onsite. Send resume to: Charles Shockley, 12414

CROSSWO

ACROSS

seeking a F/T Children’s Pastor who is gifted & motivated to reach children from birth - 5th grade. Conversant in Spanish is a plus is our culturally diverse area of Tulsa.

Please send resume to: jeremy@eastwoodtulsa.org.

16 I “am not __ to be called an apostle” (1 Cor. 15:9) 17 Madrid cheers 18 Cut down 19 King who invited Paul to speak (Acts 26) 21 Edible root 23 Peter would cast it into the sea 24 Paul’s son in faith, for short

RD

25 Ananias had one concerning Paul 29 Computer choice 30 “Spirit of truth...__ out from the Father” (John 15:26 niv) 32 Caleb, for one 33 Some Southeast Asians 36 Speak suddenly 37 Retention problem (Abbr.)

38 Paul taught “in the lecture __ of Tyrannus” (Acts 19:9 niv) 39 I “am less than the __ of all saints” (Eph. 3:8) 40 Funny saying 41 Card game 42 I am “the __ of sinners” (1 Tim. 1:16 niv) 43 Bloodsucker 44 French possessive 45 Has 46 Seafood choice 47 Peter, in France 49 Corp. department (Abbr.)

50 Recipe measure (Abbr.)

53 Vegetable 55 Lasagna spice 57 “I have made myself a __ to everyone” (1 Cor. 9:19 niv) 60 Stylish 62 Black 63 With cupbearer in Joseph’s prison 64 Garden chore 65 Paul on the road: “Who art thou, __?”

(Acts 9:5)

66 Pre-K lessons 67 Eye infection 68 Those Jesus invited to come to Him DOWN 1 Jordan capital 2 Blockade 3 Static 4 Against 5 __ of Capricorn 6 Arabic peace (var.)

7 “__ Maria” 8 “Power of Christ may __ upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9) 9 Black and white snack 10 Church chair 11 Jesus __ with sinners 12 “As many as are __ by the Spirit of God” are His (Rom. 8:14) 15 Paul, a servant of Jesus __ 20 School-year groups (Abbr.)

22 Prevent 26 Problem, in modern parlance 27 Concerning an eye 28 Forest dweller of myth 29 Unit of length (Abbr.)

30 “ We see through a __, darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12) 31 Kick out 33 Wallop 34 Vietnamese capital 35 “Man shall not live by bread __” (Matt. 4:4)

36 Swiss capital 39 “Thou madest him a little __ than the angels” (Heb. 2:7) 40 It is proven (Abbr.)

42 Philemon, Paul’s dear friend and fellow __ 43 “Who shall separate us from the __ of Christ?” (Rom. 8:35) 46 “ He sits enthroned above the __ of the earth” (Isa. 40:22 niv) 48 Wanders 49 Crocheted table topper 50 No-no 51 Swine sound 52 Frogs’ homes 54 Book written by Luke 56 Money (Ger.) 57 Govt. agency (Abbr.)

58 Popular dog, for short 59 58 Down registry (Abbr.)

61 Smack

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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

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Property sale funds $2 million endowment S E VOIC to grow future ministry at OKC, Village >> by Anna Dellinger

CONTENT CREATOR, THE BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF OKLAHOMA

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It was an offer Oklahoma City, Village couldn’t refuse: $2 million to purchase the congregation’s McMurrain Center, or MAC Center for short. The church bought the property years ago for their youth and also used it for a myriad of other ministry opportunities, ranging from Hispanic missions to women’s events and conferences.

A neighboring business initially offered $1 million for the facility, which sits on prime real estate along the city’s busy May Avenue, but Oklahoma City, Village leadership refused because they knew the property was worth much more. Eager to expand, the business eventually doubled the offer to $2 million. Church leaders sought advice before ap>> PHOTO: 1) MIKE SCHUELER; 2) ANNA DELLINGER proaching the congregation about a sale.

1) Wearing a mask and gloves due to COVID-19 precautions, Gordon “Contacting knowledgeable Baptist business leadHenderson, OKC, Village co-treasurer, signs the agreement to create a $2 million endowment with The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma on July 2; ers who could help us make an informed decision with a permanent asset, so it made a lot of 2) OKC, Village, background, sold the McMurrain Center, foreground, to a about selling this property made a difficult decision sense to us.” neighboring business and used the proceeds to create the endowment.

After months of patient work with a little easier,” said Randy Ice, church treasurer.

But even though the price was right, the sale pre- church leadership, the city and the years to pay this building off, and we were using it sented Oklahoma City, Village with a problem— Foundation, seven members of a spewhat to do with the $2 million? During a church cial committee from Village came together July 2 to for ministry, so we wanted that money to continue to go to ministry.” business meeting in January, the congregation vot- sign the $2 million endowment.

“It’s not just the financial security of the endowIce added that the Foundation’s biblical values, ed to approve the sale and place the money in a permanent endowment with The Baptist Founda- ment I’m pleased with,” Senior Pastor Ryan Redwine commitment to Baptist ministries and nearly 75 explained. “The primary benefit is in the ministry and years of endowment expertise helped cement Viltion of Oklahoma.

An endowment is a financial tool designed to the motivation that the endowment will provide for lage’s decision.

“The church specifically chose to place the enmultiply an asset far beyond its original amount our membership to do outreach in our community through investment. It creates a perpetual stream and other missional partnerships. Those are things dowment with the Foundation because the money will be invested in a way that matches the values of income by annually distributing a portion of the that really excite me as a pastor.”

Each year, Village’s congregation will vote on the our church supports, while returning a good ingrowth of invested funds while simultaneously preministries that will be supported with the funds dis- come stream that can be used for ministry,” Ice said. serving the principal.

S “It’s hard for some people to understandHtheN imporfrom the endowment.

“Overall, this was a very popular decision among our W E R Cmoney aside tributed CH tance of endowment in terms of U putting “We didn’t want to spend all the money in a year membership. I think it was a prudent financial decitoday so you can do other things in the future,” Ice said. and have nothing to show for this long-term invest- sion going forward that will also allow us to maintain “But in this case, we were replacing a permanent asset ment that we had made,” Ice said. “We’ve taken that ministry focus, which is the whole point.”

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

IN THESE ‘ TENDER YEARS’ “Vacation Bible School (VBS) is Mighty Movement,” read the headline of James L. Sullivan’s column in the May 14, 1959 edition of the Baptist Messenger. Certainly VBS and other children’s summer ministries have a Kingdom impact even now. The summer of 2020 has thrown some challenging obstacles at Oklahoma Baptist children’s ministry leaders.

Yet, as one Church, we can appreciate and press into the words Sullivan penned more than 60 years ago.

“Could there be a better training

in missionary giving of Bible stewardship than in these Vacation Bible Schools? Impressions and lessons in these tender years help set the direction and course of a lifetime.”

Children’s ministry directors and ministers across the state know the Kingdom work they are engaged in and have taken this challenging year to become more creative and innovative.

Visit oklahomabaptists.org/childhood to learn more about Oklahoma Baptists’ children’s ministry.

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!

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

Resolutions requested All resolutions for consideration during the 2020 Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting, other than those generated by the committee itself, must be received by Resolutions Committee Chairman Matt Brown no later than Aug. 27. Brown is the pastor of Norman, Bethel.

Those submitting resolutions are asked to provide a copy to the Oklahoma Baptists Executive Office. Resolutions may be mailed to Resolutions Committee, c/o Pastor Matt Brown, Bethel Baptist Church, 1717 W Lindsey St, Norman, OK 73069, with copies addressed to Resolutions Committee, Oklahoma Baptists, 3800 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Resolutions sent by e-mail should indicate Resolutions Committee in the subject line and be addressed to matt@bbcnorman.com and lwarren@oklahomabaptists.org. Resolutions may also be submitted online through Aug. 27 at oklahomabaptists.org/business.