2021/April/15

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • APRIL 15, 2021

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends Oklahoma pastors unite in preparation for Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial >>CHRIS FORBES

Encourage: Reconciliation—the saving work of Jesus Christ >> HANCE DILBECK

Earnest Hemingway wrote a short story titled, “The Capital of the World.” A boy named Paco defies his father and runs away to Madrid because he wants to be a famous bull fighter. Father and son are estranged for years, and when the father finally seeks his son, he cannot find him in the large city. Paco is a very common name in Spain. /// SEE PAGE 3

ACC to kick off camp season >> BRIAN HOBBS

DAVIS—The 2021 summer camps season will commence with Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) starting at the end of May, marking the first time Christian summer camps have been able to meet at Falls Creek Conference Center since 2019.

ACC is a unique camp designed for children who’ve completed 3rd-6th grade that meets at Falls Creek in Davis.

The 2021 ACC will be the last week of May into the first week of June, prior to the beginning of 2021 Falls Creek’ youth camps. Session 1 of ACC is May 30-June 2; Session 2 is June 2-5. /// SEE PAGE 5

Baptist Children’s Home unveils new and improved Heritage Room >> HEATHER CLARK

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) celebrated the grand opening of the Heritage Room at Baptist Children’s Home in Oklahoma City, 16301 S. Western, from March 24-26.

OBHC President Greg McNeece shared, “I am excited we get to showcase the history of the Baptist Children’s Home, Oklahoma City campus. Since 1903 and continuing today, the work and ministry to children has been unwavering.” /// SEE PAGE 7

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: An Easter to remember >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Brain fog >> WALKER MOORE

Page 7 | Features ‘The Black church’: Past, present and future >> WALTER WILSON

Page 9 | People & Church News Historical Commission welcomes new members >> STAFF

Page 10 | Church Toolbox 4 COVID takeaways for pastors >> MARK DANCE

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S &Tulsa Race Massacre anniversary Oklahoma pastors unite in preparation SPORTS & M I S S I O Nfor 1

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1) Approximately 100 pastors and ministry leaders shared a time of fellowship at the Tulsa Unity Luncheon.; 2) Chris Wall, pastor of Owasso, First, left, visits with Deron Spoo, pastor of Tulsa, First, at the gathering; 3) Phil Armstrong, project director of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission describes the features of the Greenwood Rising Museum. >> PHOTO: CHRIS FORBES

>> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

TULSA—An interdenominational group of pastors and other ministry leaders gathered March 29 at Tulsa, First for a luncheon to engage in conversations about how their churches can participate in Unity Faith Day on May 30, the Sunday of the centennial weekend of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Approximately 100 Tulsa-area pastors gathered to hear how pastors can coalesce around the theme of racial reconciliation during the centennial weekend.

“On that Sunday, pastors are encouraged to lead their churches to pray for racial healing and commemorate the race massacre in their church’s worship services,” said Mark Dance, Oklahoma Baptists east central regional ministry partner who helped coordinate the luncheon.

“This idea was started by a community grassroots N EStandL I Still ON initiative from northN Tulsa called ‘Faith EW T ENthe E CONTby ing,’ highlighting the impacted XCLUSIV EB-Echurches W horrific events of 1921,” Dance continued. “Most still stand today as a testimony to the power of God and the resolve of these black churches. “ Oklahoma Baptist churches interested in participating will be provided a worship guide from Dance that can be incorporated into worship serO vices on May 30.

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Donna Jackson and Stephen E D Swho represent I F I atWiley, S Sspoke C L Aalso Faith Still Standing, the event, encouraging pastors to join the Unity Faith Day to “celebrate and praise God for the resilience of the churches.”

Faith Still Standing will publish a commemorative book and provide other resources to be available to churches. “There were 23 churches before the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre,” Wiley said, “and now there are 13 that survived, five E Sstill located in GreenI C are VofOwhich wood (the district where the massacre occurred).”

Dance welcomed the gathered pastors and ministry leaders, giving an overview of the program. Also participating in the program were, Deron Spoo, pastor of Tulsa, First, who led the group in prayer and invited them to experience the Tulsa Race Massacre Prayer Room, an exhibit that Tulsa, First is hosting until June 1.

Phil Armstrong, project director of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission gave an overview of the events of the massacre which took place on May 31-June 1, 1921 when one of the nation’s most prosperous African American cities was destroyed.

“The Centennial Commission gathered to say what can we do to commemorate,” Armstrong said, “what can we do to acknowledge this, what can we do to bring the world, the city, the state and the nation to heal from this; so we can move forward and not continue to be divided and separated.”

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS

SIV WEB-EXCLU

APRIL 17

APRIL 25

DR-Equipment and CPR Training

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir

Info: $20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Okarche Training Facility okdisasterhelp.org

Info: 6-8 p.m., Ada, Galey oklahomabaptists.org/ student-worship

APRIL 17

MAY 1

Women’s Retreat

Info: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Virtual or in-person at Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/women

APRIL 24

Men’s Rewired

Info: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Virtual or in-person at Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/rewired

State Bible Drill Info: 9 a.m.-noon, OKC, Portland Avenue oklahomabaptists.org/ childhood

MAY 6

National Day of Prayer MAY 9

Mother’s Day

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

Excitement of returning to onsite Easter worship like ‘opening gifts on Christmas’ DIANA CHANDLER | APRIL 6

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The excitement was like “anticipating or opening gifts on Christmas Day,” Fred Luter said of New Orleans, La., Franklin Avenue’s onsite Easter worship service.

“It was exciting. It was electric,” Luter said of the in-person service, a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced Easter services to a virtual format.

“We had so many people requesting to attend that we had to do two services this Easter Sunday, so that went extremely well.”

EVENTS

A little girl’s big prayer: Missionary faithful to commitment she made at age 10 JANICE BACKER | JUNE 7

“If you want me to go to Africa, I will go,” vowed the 10-year-old girl as she put down the Girls in Action study book. Thirty-five years later, Vivian Carter* fulfilled her promise to God. * Name changed for security FIND ALL THESE STORIES AND MORE ONLINE AT WWW.BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM

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Armstrong encouraged ministry leaders to URE Tcome L U C & S W E to the Greenwood district N on Memorial Day weekend to participate in events commemorating the Tulsa Race Massacre. He also revealed that the Greenwood Rising Museum will be opening May 31. The museum is a state-of-the-art history center located 10 N Greenwood Ave Suite 2021 in Tulsa, honoring the legacy of Black Wall Street before and after the Tulsa Race Massacre.

“Tulsa is ‘ground zero” for race relations in America,” Armstrong said. “What we do here for the next several days and for the years after is going to permeate through this country. I believe five, 10, 15 years from now, people are going to look back and say, ‘Something began to change in America as it relates to race relations. People started embracing that there was a serious problem here, and we needed to do something about it.’”

Pastor Robert Turner of Vernon African Methodist Episcopal spoke of a prayer walk that will be on Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m. in the historic district.

Hance Dilbeck, Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, greeted the ministry leaders who were gathered at the event and led the closing prayer.

For more information about Greenwood Rising visit tulsa2021.org.

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April 15, 2021 | 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 731126506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,761.

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EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF

>> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Encourage: Reconciliation—the saving work of Jesus Christ Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

Earnest Hemingway wrote a short story titled, “The Capital of the World.” A boy named Paco defies his father and runs away to Madrid because he wants to be a famous bull fighter. Father and son are estranged for years, and when the father finally seeks his son, he cannot find him in the large city. Paco is a very common name in Spain.

In desperation, the father takes out an ad in the newspaper. “Paco, meet me at Hotel Montana at noon of Tuesday. All is forgiven, Papa.”

When father arrives at the hotel, the police have erected barricades to control the crowd. It seems

that more than 800 young men named Paco have come to find reconciliation with their Papa!

Reconciliation is one of Paul’s favorite ways to describe the saving work of Jesus Christ. We were alienated from our Father by sin, but now we have been reconciled through the blood of Jesus on the cross.

In Colossians chapter one, Paul writes that the Gospel he serves, the Gospel that is proclaimed in all creation, is the Good News of Reconciliation through the blood of Jesus.

“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were

formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach” (Col. 1:19-22).

Hallelujah! This is the Gospel that we heard, the Gospel we believe, the Gospel we serve.

As Oklahoma Baptists, we encourage one another to advance the Gospel. It is easy for us to be distracted by other good causes, other needs or passions or problems or agendas.

Ours is a Gospel agenda. Our Lord has already declared our mission. We have good news of reconciliation. Let’s share the Good News with our neighbors and the nations!

Sword & trowel: An Easter to remember Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

From every indication, Easter 2021 was one to remember. Across Oklahoma, reports were seen of churches having the highest attendance in months, of many baptisms taking place and of renewed evangelism efforts.

In one Yukon congregation, the pastor reported 21 baptisms on Easter Sunday alone. In one of Oklahoma Baptists’ Hispanic congregations, eight people were baptized, and in one Mannford church, three followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.

In addition to Easter Sunday itself, Oklahoma Baptist churches offered robust activities and services leading into the holiday. On Good Friday, for example, Owasso, First offered a special Lord’s Supper event called the “Upper Room,” at which members took part in an interactive time of worship around the Lord’s Table, styled after the meal Jesus shared with His disciples.

Compared to the virtual Easter happenings of 2020, this year’s Easter holiday was reinvigorated. You could just see and feel the palpable excitement—and relief— as churches regathered for worship and evangelism.

At the same time, not everyone had a picture perfect Easter 2021. Perhaps you wanted to attend worship service in person but were prevented from it for specific health reasons. Or perhaps your dinner table was missing a person this year because of someone who recently passed away. Or maybe you are part of a church that, while you had high hopes and big plans, not as many people showed up.

In any case—whether you had a highlight Easter Sunday or a let-down—one fact remains: Jesus is alive!

Hallelujah! We believers each can live in that reality, whether we are in seasons of highlight or let-down.

In some ways, the holidays are often a set up for disappointment. It is at the holidays we have a “Hallmark,” idealized view of how life should be, over and against the reality of how it actually is.

You see on Facebook the photo of the happy family in their Easter best and wonder, “Why isn’t my family like that?” You hear about the church across town that baptized a whole flock of folks and think, “Why isn’t our church like that?”

It’s human nature to fall into disappointment.

And to some extent, that’s OK. As one pastor pointed out, even the disciples and earliest eyewitnesses of Christ’s resurrection experienced a full range of emotions that first Resurrection Sunday. From bewilderment even to fear, we see Christ’s followers experiencing other emotions in addition to joy.

Yet there is one character quality the early Church possessed that we must emulate—faithfulness.

From the moment the Lord resurrected to when He ascended to heaven, we see that He called people to faithfulness to Him and His mission.

The disciples were wondering about the goings on and plans in the world. One of the disciples— Peter—was busy wondering about the future of another disciple. Instead of answering their questions and probing, Christ simply called His disciples to follow Him to be faithful to the work.

The Bible says, “Then they gathered around Him and asked Him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set

by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:6-8).

You see, God doesn’t promise to tell us what all He is doing in the world. He does not want us concerned with matters too great for our knowledge. He doesn’t even necessarily want us to know if our life circumstances will change or improve.

Instead, Jesus tells us to be His faithful witnesses. So whether your Easter 2021 was great or a disappointment, remember, Jesus is alive, and He has a mission for you. That makes it an Easter to remember for us all.

Voices | April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: Brain fog & SPORTS

& MISSIONS Walker Moore M I N I S T RY

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

OX O L Bthe O T H Recently, I was watching morning news when C R U H C a doctor came on, reporting that one of the down

sides of isolation from friends and family during this pandemic has been a condition called “brain fog.”

I have noticed some subtle difference in certain friends of mine during this pandemic, and I thought I needed to learn a little more about this condition. If I understood the brain fog is identiS I E Dcorrectly, S I Fdoctor CLA fiable

by S a dulled memory and lack of focus.

This knowledge didn’t help me, since that describes almost everyone in my age group. More than half of our conversations begin with “Do you remember what’shis-name? You know, the kid who rode his bicycle to school every day? The one who had two older sisters?”

“OH! I know the one you’re talking about; the kid who lived E Sto the grocery store.”

I Cdoor V Onext We are all nodding our heads. We know the kid being described; his name is on the tip of our tongues, but after about a half-dozen head nods and a couple of “hhhmms,” none of us have enough brain cells connecting to come up with a name. The conversation quickly switches to another important topic: “Where would you like to eat?”

“Oh, I would love to go to that place with the great senior adult luncheon special. You know the one I am talking about, the one down on Main Street. What is it called?”

“Bob.” TA I N M E N T “No, it’sEnot called E RBob.” NT “Bob is the kid who rode his bicycle to school.”

And everyone suddenly remembers.

“Yeah, yeah; that’s it!”

Just an average day of conversation with my peers.

The doctor went on to say that this brain fog will & unable to think P L E and have you feelingPunlike E Oyourself clearly. I am not a hypochondriac, N E WbutS as soon as H C R U H C they were describing these symptoms, I knew I had brain fog. I thought it was just being a senior adult, the byproduct of getting older. I am sure glad that we have identified the culprit that causes my dulling memory, lack of concentration and feeling unlike myself. As I try to figure out how long I have had this condition, the more I think about T U Rit,Ethe more I L U C & S W E realize: I had N it before the pandemic.

This condition began when my wife and I started having children, and the more children we had, the more pronounced the brain fog. You can see it in every parent’s life: the digression when brain fog takes over.

First Child: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and sterilize it.

Second Child: When the pacifier falls on the floor, your squirt if off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.

Third Child: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

First Child: When the child swallows a coin, you rush them to the hospital and demand x-rays.

Second Child: When the child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.

Third Child: When the child swallows a coin, you deduct it from their allowance.

First Child: You take to your child to Mommy and Me play time, Gymboree Play and Music classes and Baby Story Hour.

Second Child: You take to your child to Mommy and Me Play Time, Gymboree Play and Music.

Third Child: You take your child to the supermarket and the dry cleaners.

First Child: Parents start reading and studying my book, “Rite of Passage Parenting,” learning how to raise capable, responsible, self-reliant adults.

Second Child: Parents finish reading my book, “Rite of Passage Parenting.”

Third Child: What book?

Sooner or later the brain fog will creep up on you.

It could be children; it could be the loss of a job, a death or just getting older. The fog will come.

No one can see into the future; we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, let alone the next minute. In the blink of an eye, your whole world can change, and without guidance, these changes can leave you with brain fog. But Jesus knew these times would come into all our lives. That is why He came, so we can have light. He gave His Word as a lamp to guide us. Here are three verses to help you.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:103, NASB).

“I am the light of the world: he who follow me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12).

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

(John 12:46).

Got fog? Take Jesus and His Word, and you will have light.

Local mission stations help advance the Gospel Ever Borunda Oklahoma Baptists Hispanic Ministries Ministry Partner

Baptists have been known for their evangelistic zeal and for their willingness to go to the uttermost parts of the world to take the message of Jesus Christ to lost people. Historically, Baptists have been willing to take the Gospel to the big cities, and also to the smallest of towns. One of the things that made Baptist the largest evangelical denomination in North America was the willingness of faithful men who served as church planters, and pastors, while working as farmers, store owners, teachers, bankers, etc.

In the early 1900s, Oklahoma Baptists were blessed to have among them such a faithful man. His name was R.C. Howard, who served most of his ministry as a bivocational pastor. As the pastor of Oklahoma City, Kelham Avenue, Howard was a man of vision, but also a man of action. He understood the need for the local church to engage in what can be considered the two arms of discipleship in the local church: Gospel outreach and the equipping of leaders.

In his book “How to Establish and Conduct Local Mission Stations,” Howard gives a brief history of how God led Kelham Avenue to start 23 local mission stations in 22 years throughout Oklahoma City. He did not create an elaborate plan to mobilize vast amounts of people and resources to take the Gospel to a new community. He was focused on how the Spirit of God was leading him, but he also paid attention to the needs that church members brought before Him. He wrote how sometimes he would see an empty building in an area of the city where there was no church and would take the opportunity before his congregation, so they could begin a new work in that area. Other times, church members would ask him to start a Sunday School class in their homes

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where they could invite their neighbors and reach the kids on their street with the Gospel. He would visit the new community and would find a handful of people who would help teach the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. It was that simple.

I am amazed every time I read Howard’s story.

Members of Kelham Avenue were ordinary Christians doing the work of evangelism and discipleship in new communities, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to win souls. It is similar to what the New Testament church experienced. As people became believers, they went to their communities, told others about Jesus, were baptized, and then they told people what Jesus had done for them.

That is exactly how the church grew and how the Gospel eventually reached us.

As a denominational leader, I am afraid that many times I tend to complicate things. I feel that if I am not keeping up with the latest trends in church planting or preaching or ministry in general, that I cannot be effective. The reality is that we do not need superstar pastors and keynote-worthy church planters to advance the Gospel in Oklahoma. All we need are faithful pastors who can lead their churches to look beyond their immediate surroundings and realize that the church can extend its reach far and wide through the use of local mission stations.

It does not require lots of money to begin a new work in a new community. It does not take seminary trained men to go into these new communities to share the Gospel and to teach new Christians the

April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

basic doctrines of the faith. It doesn’t even take more time out of the church member’s busy week to be able to help in the new work. We just need to be willing to adjust the weekly meeting times and events of the church.

I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet. I am not even Facebook friends with a prophet, but I can confidently say that, unless churches adopt a simple model similar to what Pastor Howard and Kelham Avenue did in the 1900s, we will not see the Gospel advance in our state in the way we so desire.

If one church was able to start 23 new works in 22 years, imagine what Oklahoma Baptist could accomplish if every Baptist church in the state decided to start one local mission station per year.

As my friend and brother in Christ, Terry Rials told me once, “Do we want to see God move in a mighty way? Let’s put up the sails and wait for the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow through our land.”

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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ACC to kick off camp season

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V O I Baptists camp season May 30-June 5 at Falls Creek; 2) ACC’s theme is ‘I AM’ based on the seven they can understand, by folks who love ‘I am’ statements of Jesus; 3) MissionFest at ACC allows campers to connect with missionaries. working with kids,” Spann said. “Every year we see several hundred ACC offers the popular afternoon recreation acchildren trust Christ for salvation; plus many make tivities, such as swimming, volleyball and more. other kinds of spiritual decisions.”

According to Spann, ACC also will feature a MisFifteen Oklahoma Baptist associations coordi- sionFest event, “where boys and girls will meet nate ACC, which is available to churches from any with missionaries and ministry representatives, association. ACC consists of daily morning and and children can take their ‘passports’ to get evening worship sessions, worship through music, stamped as they visit and learn about missions.” camp activities and more. Campers do not have to The 2021 ACC theme is “I AM,” based on Jesus’ be members of a church to attend, but must come seven “I am” statements in the Gospel of John. with a church group.

While summer camps across the country were For 2021, the ACC camp speaker is Steve Wing- not able to meet in 2020 due to the pandemic, er, who has been called “A Juggler for Jesus.” In there is growing excitement in Oklahoma and beaddition, program elements include special fea- yond about the 2021 camp season and what God tures by Zack Potts, a camp missionary, musical will do through this ministry. worship with the Kingfisher, First Worship Band For a complete schedule and more information and Ken Bartholomew serving as ACC children’s about ACC 2021, visit accok.org. choir director. >> PHOTOS: 1-2) ACC.ORG; 3) CHRIS DOYLE

>> by Brian Hobbs EDITOR

DAVIS—The 2021 summer camps season in Oklahoma will commence with Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) starting at the end of May, marking the first time summer camps have been able to meet at Falls Creek Conference Center since 2019.

ACC is a unique camp designed for children who’ve completed 3rd-6th grade that meets at Falls Creek in Davis. The 2021 ACC will be the last week of May into the first week of June, prior to the beginning of 2021 Falls Creek’ youth camps. Session 1 of ACC is May 30-June 2; Session 2 is June 2-5.

Matt Spann, mission strategist for Cherokee Strip Association, said he sees 2021 ACC as a promising occasion for Gospel advance.

“ACC is a great opportunity for elementary children to hear the Gospel communicated in a way

Sam’s Best Buys variety store

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

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On-going mission opportunities:

Training:

Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/3386259 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

1) Associational Children’s Camp will begin Oklahoma

• May 15-Muskogee, Southeast, 2511 East Hancock, 74403 Pre-registration required!

• Upcoming Equipment-CPR/ First Aid Training Dates: May 20, June 12 • Visit okdisasterhelp.org to preregister or for most recent updates

After 76 years retirement.. store closing new department items most at or below cost new selection of big & tall summer clothes to 8xl skiwear deals, outdoor gear-stay tuned for tools & gi gear

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Chaplaincy: June 12-Refresher training for endorsed chaplains, $15, Baptist Building; May 28 deadline; to register, email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org.

HAVE HAVE YOU YOU VISITED VISITED BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM LATELY? LATELY? Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Shane Kammerer Shane serves as the BCM director at the University of Oklahoma, where he disciples and oversees students and staff, “as we mobilize and train quality disciples for evangelism, discipleship and missions.” Shane and his wife Kathleen have four kids.

Pray for North American Missionary Ben Mangrum Ben Mangrum from Tahlequah, Crescent Valley is now church planting pastor of Hamilton, Ohio, Inspiring Hope. His ministry includes preaching, teaching, leadership training and vision casting.

He and his wife Brittany have four kids.

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

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Missions & ministry | April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Banner day on Bison Hill: Thomas inaugurated as OBU’s 16th president /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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>> PHOTOS: HEATHER HAMILTON 1) Faculty, staff, students, alumni, delegates and other guests watched the ceremony from physically

>> by Kenny Day

distanced chairs on the south lawn of Raley Chapel; 2) David S. Dockery, a renowned Christian higher education leader, delivered the call to service; 3) Sam Garlow, chair of the OBU Board of Trustees, invested Thomas with the OBU presidential medallion.

OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) inaugurated Heath A. Thomas as the University’s 16th president during a special inauguration ceremony Friday, March 26, at 2 p.m. The event took place outdoors on the south lawn of Raley Chapel.

Thomas took office as OBU president Jan. 1, 2020, but inaugural activities were delayed until this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff members, administrators, alumni, delegates and guests attended the physically distanced ceremony. Face coverings were worn by those in attendance, and special precautions were taken for the health and safety of all in attendance.

The OBU Symphonic Winds Brass Ensemble delighted guests by performing for the processional and recessional as well as playing two hymns during the service, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” They were joined by Chris Mathews, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, to lead the singing of the hymns. The ensemble consisted of eight OBU students, including Mary Katherine Krempl, Micah Hinson and Parker Snider on trumpet; Thomas Peercy on horn; David Carey, Colton McCall and Garrett Lincoln on trombone; and Riley Davenport on tuba.

The inaugural procession was led by multiple faculty members. Craig Walker, Wheeler Professor of Economics, served as marshal for the delegates from colleges and universities. Bobby Kelly, Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion and Faculty Council chair, served as marshal for the OBU faculty. Jeanne Akin, Mary A. White Professor of Education, served as marshal for the presidential party. Karen Longest, professor of psychology, served as marshal for the platform party. Bret Roark, chair of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Ralph and Marie Barby Professor of Psychology, served as marshal for the president.

Susan DeWoody, provost and chief academic officer, offered the greeting and opening remarks. Major L. Jemison, senior pastor of Oklahoma City, St. John Missionary, led the invocation.

Greg Rogers, first vice president of the Oklahoma African American Fellowship, delivered the service prayer. DeWoody then introduced the inaugural guest speaker, David S. Dockery, who issued the call to service.

Dockery is the founding president of the International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE) and a renowned Christian higher education leader. In addition to serving as president at IACE, he also serves at Southwestern Seminary as distinguished professor of theology, editor of the “Southwestern Journal of Theology,” special consultant to the president and theologian-in-residence. He previously served as president of Union University for nearly two decades and served for more than five years as the 15th president of Trinity International University/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Dockery spoke of OBU’s long heritage of leadership and excellence in Christian higher education.

“It’s a high honor to be part of such a wonderful heritage, Mr. President,” Dockery said. “I am confident that you will provide the kind of faithful, strategic and wise leadership that will be needed during these incredibly challenging times in Christian higher education. OBU is blessed with a treasured heritage, and I believe OBU’s influence in this

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region, in Baptist life, and throughout the country will only be expanded and extended under President Thomas’ leadership.”

Dockery offered several key points of advice to Thomas. He encouraged him to celebrate this special week and take in all of the encouragement and support he receives. Dockery also challenged him to take the encouragement received today and give it away to others across 3 the OBU community. He then suggested that Thomas embrace the multifaceted expectations, challenges and demands that will come his way as president, build a strong leadership team, and listen to others across this campus, even his critics.

Christian singer-songwriter Matt Papa led special music, and Scott Neighbors, secretary of the presidential search committee, offered the inaugural prayer. Ben Stewart, chair of the presidential search committee, introduced Thomas.

Before Thomas delivered his inaugural address, Sam Garlow, chair of the OBU Board of Trustees, gave the investiture and charge, investing Thomas with the medallion of the OBU president.

“As we present the seal of the University to you today, I charge you on behalf of the many constituents of this great institution to be steadfast in the exercise of your responsibilities; to be loyal to the heritage and tradition of OBU; and to be motivated by a vision of excellence in all your endeavors,” Garlow said. “Furthermore, I charge you to keep OBU grounded in its mission to provide outstanding and distinctive Christian higher education, to keep OBU faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the Word of God, and to continue the important work of preparing students to be agents of transformation in their disciplines and in their service to God.” Thomas then delivered his inaugural address.

“Despite what’s been said, we come not today to inaugurate a president. We come to celebrate a sustained promise made long ago,” Thomas said. “It is the great hope and promise of Christian higher education. Friends, I have hope today. I have hope for higher education. Higher education is, after all, a public good for the public square. Our communities need individuals who are equipped to add great value, depth of character and service in our world. That, at the root, is the promise of higher education.

Thomas discussed OBU’s founding in 1910 and the forward-thinking vision of those who established The Baptist University of Oklahoma 111 years ago.

“These future-shapers were forward-thinking prophets,” he said. “They recognized the uncompromising necessity for Christian education that would raise up next generations…next generations of leaders for the glory of God; indeed, for the good of the world. OBU’s voice in the chorus of higher education indeed will ring out, but it will ring out with the organizing principle of Jesus Christ and the promise of Christian higher education for the glory of Christ and the good of our world.”

Thomas concluded with a message of encouragement and hope for the bright future ahead for OBU, its students and alumni, and those who

April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

will walk its halls in the future, seeking the eternal, life-changing truths of OBU’s distinctively Christian liberal arts higher education.

“My friends, we have hope today. I ask you to join with me in embracing the promise and the hope of Christian higher education at OBU. Our hope is in the center, who is Jesus Christ.

Our hope as a university lay centered in the philosophy of the cross. In the love that Christ calls us to. In the hope that Christ calls us to and the peace that we provide in our communities and around the world.”

Thomas was selected as the University’s 16th president by the OBU Board of Trustees in November 2019.

Prior to assuming his duties as president, he served as dean of the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and associate vice president for church relations, as well as the Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership and professor of Old Testament. He joined the OBU faculty in 2015 after serving as director of Ph.D. studies and associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. A 1998 OBU graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with a religion minor. He then earned a Master of Arts in theology from Southwestern Seminary and a Ph.D. in Old Testament from the University of Gloucestershire (UK). He earned a certificate for leadership in higher education from Baylor University in 2016. He has served on staff at churches in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina and in the United Kingdom. He preaches and teaches regularly and has served as interim pastor for several Oklahoma churches during his time at OBU. Numerous dignitaries from local, state and national entities brought greetings to the University and to the president. Those offering greetings included Ed Bolt, mayor of Shawnee; Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, by video; James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, by video; Bob R. Agee, OBU President Emeritus; Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Seminary; Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists president; and Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists.

Additional dignitaries offering greetings included Robert Kellogg, CEO of WatersEdge; Greg McNeece, president of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children; Bill Pierce, president of Baptist Village Communities; Erin Guleserian, chair of the OBU Staff Council; Michael Williams, president of the OBU Alumni Association; and Gavin Yoesting, president of the OBU Student Government Association.

Chris Mathews, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, led the singing of “The Hymn to the Alma Mater” before Jay Strack, president of Student Leadership University, concluded the ceremony with the benediction.

Watch the inauguration ceremony at okbu.edu or on the OBU YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/ OBUnews.

Baptist Children’s Home unveils new and improved Heritage Room /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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>> PHOTOS: 1-3) HEATHER CLARK; 4) TJ VAN DYKE PHOTOGRAPHY 1) OBHC staff toured the new Heritage Room before it opened to the public; 2) Many

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keepsakes and artifacts were preserved dating back to OBHC’s founding in 1903; 3) Former OBHC President Tony Kennedy and current Vice President of Development Michael Williams reminisce while viewing old Birthday Banks used by churches for fundraising throughout the years; 4) Amy Van Dyke devoted herself to months of research and design to create OBHC’s new Heritage Room.

OBHC COMMUNIC ATIONS STRATEGIST

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) celebrated the grand opening of the Heritage Room at Baptist Children’s Home in Oklahoma City, 16301 S. Western, from March 24-26.

OBHC President Greg McNeece shared, “I am excited we get to showcase the history of the Baptist Children’s Home, Oklahoma City campus. Since 1903 and continuing today, the work and ministry to children has been unwavering. Oklahoma Baptists have no idea of the impact they have made into thousands of children’s lives over these years.

Through the generous donations of people, OBHC continues today as the largest not-for-profit provider to children in the state.”

The new and improved Heritage Room provides the history of OBHC through the lens of the Oklahoma City campus. Amy Van Dyke, lead curator of Art and Exhibitions for the Museum of the Bible, was hired to lead this project. The former Heritage Room located in the gymnasium at the Oklahoma City campus was crammed full of memorabilia, making it difficult to engage and accurately tell the story of OBHC. Van Dyke worked for months researching and creating a beautiful and professional display.

“I decided to create a display that was inspired by many history museums I’ve visited,” Van Dyke said.

“(The Heritage Room) creates a scene and showcases groups of things that may not necessarily be interesting on their own, 4 but together they tell a story. The planks and underlying structure are from old set pieces we used in exhibitions that toured the U.S., the Vatican, Germany and Cuba.”

Van Dyke enlisted the help of Stephen Maddox, who does carpentry work, Impressions Graphics and Denton’s Frame Shop, whose founder was a former resident at OBHC in the late 30s-early 40s.

“I wrote the story for the room using the knowledge I had gained in my research,” she said. “I wanted to craft the story around the artifacts I found but highlight the children and the people who made OBHC so special.”

Upon entering the Heritage Room, visitors are greeted with a historical timeline of events from OBHC’s founding to present day, including visu-

al elements such as artifacts, furniture, mementos, toys, Birthday Banks and so much more. These are a blast from the past for all former residents, churches, donors and supporters of the ministry.

The display is complemented by video components sharing the impact of the ministry of Baptist Children’s Home, OKC throughout the years.

Van Dyke added, “Adding a moving element helps make the space feel more alive and fresh and is engaging for the visitor.”

“This Heritage Room tells the story of the early years to present and is open to everyone,” McNeece said. “We welcome anyone to call and schedule a time to come see this wonderful display of ministry and life impact.”

To schedule a tour of the Heritage Room, contact Baptist Children’s Home in Oklahoma City at 405/691-7781.

‘The Black church’: Past, present and future >> by Walter Wilson

AFRIC AN AMERIC AN MINISTRY PARTNER, OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

EDITOR’S NOTE: In 2021, a television documentary series called “The Black Church” debuted. The series created conversations about what has been called “Black churches,” which are defined as Christian churches in the United States that minister predominantly to African Americans.

See page 12 of this edition of Baptist Messenger to read part one of a Q&A series featuring Walter Wilson discussing “The Black Church” with other pastors.

While praying at my normal time, a burden was deposited in my spirit to offer a look at the Black church. The look would include its past, its present and its projected future.

So I was moved to ask several pastors to offer their experience with all three areas.

Hopefully in the midst of all that is going on in our church and culture today, this will in some way bring closer understanding of one another.

I’m an avid music lover, and the urgency of this literary adventure was reignited while listening to a song by Ray Charles. The song said, “Understanding is the best thing in the world”.

Growing up in a Black church, it was a place where Black Christians could be respected. People were addressed as “brothers and sisters,” no matter what you were called our how you were treated outside the church. Inside the church you were respected as somebody.

The Black community was formed around the Black church at its center, because in its past it really adopted the idea that everyone had all things in common. They exemplified the early Church that we read about in the Book of Acts.

It was the place you could release and relax afThe distinctiveness of the Black church is being ter being under pressure and somewhat challenged from the inside because the churchmuted all week long. The pastor and community has undergone such a dramatdeacons lived in the communiic change. The traditional Black church ty of the church they served. is still a foundation for the church toEven your school teacher day, but it is in the midst of a diffilived in the community and cult period of rediscovering and attended your church. redefining itself.

As I look back at my Presently, the Black church is Black church experience, splintered into many denomiI can say without resernations, conventions and assovation it was a family that ciations. And yet, I do believe the shared and cared. It was immain thing remains: serving the portant to be in church at Lord and His people and advancing Sunday School, Sunday mornthe Gospel. ing and evening services, BapIn order to look at the future, we Walter Wilson tist Training Union, as well as have to consider the direction of Wednesday night prayer and the world around it. As in the past, Bible study. The Black church society will have an effect on the was the place just about everyone wanted to be. role the Black church will play.

Fast forward to today, and the Black church The attitudes, the thoughts and the mind sets seems to be struggling to keep its identity. There of future communities will figure in the place and are churches on every corner, but the attendees prominence the Black church will play in the future. mostly drive in from outside. There are very few so I truly believe we are headed to a time when designated, exclusively Black communities now, so there will be no more of God’s churches labeled betherefore the Black church may only be labeled so cause of its ethnicity. One of the main differences because it has a Black pastor. in all churches is the different forms of worship, but The old school church did not major in poli- looking to the future reveals a blended worship extics. It rarely even mentioned world events. To- perience that is inclusive of all people God sends day, the Black church is expected to be the tip of into the church. the political spear.

The Black church has deep social roots, but with As I look at the Black church now, it’s my personal the advent of the millennial population it will grow observation the Black church preacher is often ex- into the more vast idea of the universal church. pected to preach merely sermon-helps, mixed with As the churched generations continue to grow and just a little portion of “Jesus heals.” To satisfy, not evolve so, too, will the Black church evolve to serve to sanctify. To make the congregants comfortable, all people? I pray it is so. Lord Jesus, help us all! not challenged.

Features | April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Lessons learned from COVID-19

Brett Selby, regional ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, recently led a roundtable meeting with pastors at the University of Oklahoma Baptist Collegiate Ministries building. This meeting was one of many throughout the state of regional ministry partners and pastors discussing what different churches experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and what pastors and church leaders can do to prepare for post-COVID-19 conditions.

A special BVC reunion

>> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS

On April 2, Edmond, Henderson Hills, presented its annual ‘Good Friday Experience’ event, an interactive walk-through designed for participants to experience the events of Easter week. With a guide for children and adults, participants walk through the Biblical narrative in various stations. From a ceremonial hand washing, calling to mind the foot washing of the disciples; to a prayer stop in an area looking like the Garden of Gethsemane; to a station offering small slips of paper on which participants would write sins in their life and nail them to a wooden cross, those who attended had their minds and hearts pointed to Jesus and His sacrifice and saving work.

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April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

Retired Baptist Village Communities (BVC) team members and friends reunite for a great cause—preparation for the 2021 Mother’s Day Offering. Shown with BVC president Bill Pierce, standing right, are Curtis and Martha Hale, left, and Kay Hadley, sitting right. ‘What a wonderful blessing to serve together, even after several years of retirement.

Friendship never grows old!’ >> PHOTO: JASON DAVIS

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The Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission (OBHC) welcomed new members, made committee assignments and reflected on happenings during the past year when they convened at the Baptist BuildE SMarch 4.

V O I C City, ing in Oklahoma >> PHOTO: BOB NIGH Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission member Don Baxter, right, opens the Commission’s March 4 meeting with Returning Commission memScripture and prayer. Other Commission members shown, from left, bers Terry Brooks, Lindsay, First (Chair); Andy Latta, Tahlequah, First are Leona Marion, Lee Herring, Mary Ellen Keeton and Bill Rowland.

(Vice-chair) Leona Marion, Oklahoma City, Trinity (Recording SecSeptember. During that meeting, Commisretary); Don Baxter, Oklahoma City, Quail sion members approved the induction of Springs; Bill Haggard, Oklahoma City, Putnam Victor Kaneubbe and William Tanner into City; and Mary Ellen Keeton, Willis, welcomed the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame; prenew members Mark Hamm, Moore, First; Lee sentation of the 2020 Distinguished Service Herring, Sand Springs, Broadway and Bill Row- Award to Eli Sheldon; and presentation of land, Okmulgee, Calvary to their first semi-an- the Gaskin Church History awards (2019) to nual meeting.

Noble, Etowah and Midwest City, First.

Chairman Brooks announced committee The Historical Secretary mailed letters assignments for the coming year: Oklahoma and response cards to 54 Oklahoma SouthBaptist Hall of Fame, Brooks (Chair), Keeton ern Baptist churches celebrating milestone and Herring; Distinguished Service Award, anniversaries during 2021. Thus far, reLatta (Chair), Brooks and Hamm; Gaskin Bap- sponse cards indicating dates of observanctist Archives, Marion (Chair), Baxter and Row- es have been received from Ardmore, Emland; and Gaskin Church History Award, Bax- manuel (100th); Bartlesville, New Harmony ter (Chair), Keeton and Haggard.

(100th) and Shawnee, University (100th).

During his report to the Commission, The Historical Secretary has completOklahoma Baptists’ Historical Secretary Bob ed production the autumn 2020 issue of Nigh said activities by state churches were the Oklahoma Baptist Chronicle, which has severely curtailed during 2020 because of been posted to the Oklahoma Baptists’ the Covid-19 pandemic. Only two church- web site. He also is in mid-production of the es—Poteau, Double Branch and Okmulgee, spring 2021 issue.

Calvary—conducted celebrations for their The Commission’s next meeting will be anniversaries (100th) during the year. held at 1 p.m., Sept. 16 at Oklahoma Baptist The Commission held its second semi-an- University in Shawnee. nual meeting at the Baptist Building in late

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS BURNETT DEATH. Samuel Burnett, 76, died June 6, 2020. FunerM A11 at Tulsa, OJune H al O services were A L K E H T Garnett Road. HeHpastored I V E churchC R A T S I T B A Pes in Texas, Michigan and Oklahoma, most recently at Tulsa, Garnett Road where he served for 14 years.

He served as a missionary with the International Mission Board in Southeast Asia. After retirement he was an interim, transitional pastor as well as a church planter. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna; his three children, Suzann Burnett, Docia Gayle Garrett and Aaron Burnett; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

TURNER DEATH. Donald Turner, Jr., 88, died Feb. 24. He was manager for Lifeway Christian Resource Bookstore for more than 30 years.

He was an ordained minister with a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Seminary. He is survived by his wife Joyce, six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

ROGERS DEATH. Jolene Rogers, 77, died March 15. Funeral services were March 19 at Hennessey, First. Her husband Don is retired director of missions in Cherokee Strip Association and currently pastor of Billings, First. She earned a master’s degree at Southwestern Seminary. She is survived by her husband Don; her children, Dulcie Summers, Joel Rogers and Justin Rogers; and six grandchildren.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS NEW CONGREGATION. Shawnee, Central City is now meeting. Nathan Elliott is pastor.

NEW AFFILIATE. Corn, Calvary is now affliated with Oklahoma Baptists. Ron Henderson is pastor.

DISBANDMENT. Anadarko, Saddle Mountain Indian has disbanded.

OBHC honors Clayton, First

Clayton, First was present the Hope and Homes Award from Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children(OBHC). From left, Greg Duncan, OBHC development representative; Pastor James Easley of Clayton, First; and Stephen Wiese, administrator for Baptist Homes for Girls in Madill.

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

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

RCH WORD SEA 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.

>> PHOTO: HEATHER HAMILTON

Fullbright appointed to serve as OBU director of admissions

Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has appointed Kalyn Fullbright to serve as director of admissions, effective April 1. She previously served as assistant director of admissions for prospective student experience.

Fullbright graduated from OBU with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies with a minor in marketing. She then earned a Master of Arts in higher education from John Brown University.

“I am excited to serve in this role where I can continue encouraging students and families as they make their college decision. I love the OBU community deeply, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to see the Lord work on Bison Hill.”

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People & Church News | April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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4 COVID takeaways for pastors

Pastors need to CELEBRATE SIFIEDS S A L C OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS DIRECTOR Pastors and churches need to celebrate OF PASTOR DEVELOPMENT whatever wins they had from the last 12 months. Here are a few examples: Everybody is understandably eager to • Giving may be the only reliable scorelook ahead to the post-COVID world we card for 2020, and the core of the church has have all been longing for. Oklahoma Bap- risen to the occasion. tists’ regional ministry partners met with • Member engagement was up this small groups of pastors at about 10 loca- year, even though overallVattendance O I C E Swas tions around the state to hear how they are obviously down. Authentic connections doing, as well as what they have learned in were made between members, neighbors these last 12 months of pastoring through and family which is something pastors can a pandemic. and should build on through new groups, Here are the top four takeaways from widow-care, evangelism, etc. those conversations: • Online worship and giving are here to Pastors need to GRIEVE stay! I recently spoke with a bivocational, Like most people, pastors have felt the senior adult pastor who established online pain of losing friends, family and church services just as the Coronavirus hit. He has members to COVID-19. Additionally, they been connecting online with both sheep have experienced deep grief over some un- and goats for 12 months and has no intencomfortable church departures. tion of cutting them off when the COVID I am not talking about the fringe members coast is clear. who seem to spend their entire lives migrat• Streamlined decision making has reing from church to church. I am talking about sulted in leaders revisiting their policies and those with whom we have invested our procedures. hearts and lives. This past year has either exPastors need to REST pedited these exits or made them even more Some may not yet realize that they just paspainful than usual because of the vulnerabil- tored through the hardest year of their minisity of our pastors and churches. try. With the recent Easter season behind and Pastoral ministry leaders, like myself, are an inevitable increase in attendance ahead, safe havens for pastors to express their I am concerned that you will try to power pain, which is a healthy emotional exercise. through the summer and have nothing left The unhealthy alternative is to internalize in the fall. In an attempt to make up for lost our grief, which only temporarily masks time, you should be careful not to overexthe pain. tend yourself or your ministries this summer.

My encouragement to each pastor and My advice to pastors this spring is to plan church leader is to find someone you can now for an extended time of vacation to resafely “kick tires” with. Someone who un- fresh before fall. We make mistakes when derstands the unique challenges you have we are tired. Fears and frustrations are exgone through this past year. Grieve, growl, aggerated when we are exhausted. forgive—then move on before anger or I am not suggesting that we coast through grief gets a foothold in your life. the summer.

There will be plenty of opporT H E for summer camps, VBS, outdoor F R O Mtunities Pastors need to REFOCUS G B LOtraining E R S and The pandemic has forced pastors for new teachers and L I N Gevents D Sand R O W churches to take stock of what is really im- ministry teams. You may even plan a simportant, as well as what is not. When we ple deacon or staff retreat (or combo) and asked them to share what ministry or pro- dream together about this next season of gram COVID culled from their church, the ministry. If you can, work in a couple of days most prevalent answer in each group was of sermon planning at a borrowed cabin.

“Sunday night worship service.”

Just pace yourself, pastor, because the S of ministry may just be your Dream again. Innovate, take risksAand next season AY S E V D have fun starting new ministries and stop- best one ever. Everyone in your life and ping the inefficient ones. ministry will benefit when you are refreshed and refocused. >> by Mark Dance

BA PT ISTS OKLAHOMA H IG H L I GH T E C R U O S E R

SBC ANNUAL MEETING The 2021 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting will be in Nashville, Tenn., June 13-16. For complete information and to register, visit sbcannualmeeting.net

BE THE CP CHAMPION FOR YOUR CHURCH! Download the Oklahoma Baptists CP Ambassador’s Guide. You will find ideas and resources to help you raise awareness about the Cooperative Program.

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SIX THINGS BCM STUDENTS WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES E S AY S V FORBES D >>A CHRIS

I am wrapping up my research project which involves Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) at 10 schools in Oklahoma. It S with scores has been a personal privilege joyG to E sit R down LIN Sand D R O W of BCM students across the state, discussing their experiencTIST es with BCM. I look forward to A applying weShave learned B A Pwhat AHOM L K O from them in ways that I hope H will I GH T about this H Lawareness IGraise E C R U O S E R of Oklahoma Baptists to future generations. essential ministry In my conversations with students, I asked them what they would like Oklahoma Baptists to know about them.

I have trimmed down V their S AY S to six that were E responses A D shared in almost all of the groups.

BCM is not just another campus organization to them—it’s their community Students universally shared with me that what they experience through being involved with BCM is unlike any other experience they haveAhad. it’s the S S Tmany B P T IFor A M O H A L K first time they realized what Christian fellowship can and O HT G I L H IG H E C should be. BCM O UR tell me they are involved in BCM R E Sstudents because they want to be. Nobody is there because they are pushed to be involved. They find value in the community they experience, and they relish the opportunity to grow deeper in Christ along with others of similar age.

To read the rest of Chris’ blog visit, ING baptistmessenger.com/bcm-six-things MART GIV

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To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

SIMPLIFY YOUR GIVING WITH A DONOR ADVISED FUND When it comes to charitable giving, writing a check is status quo for most of us. But there’s a smarter way that saves time, multi- HOLLY BLAKEY, WATERSEDGE DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS plies your donations and makes giving easier. It’s a financial tool known as a donor advised fund, or DAF for short.

Think of a donor advised fund like a charitable savings account.

Here’s how it works. Instead of sending multiple checks to the ministries you want to support, you send the funds to your DAF and receive an immediate tax deduction. The money is invested and grows over time. When you’re ready to make a gift to a charitable cause (we call this a “grant”), all it takes is a quick phone call or a few clicks online. WatersEdge transfers the funds and handles all the paperwork for you; there are no checks to sign and no envelopes to mail.

You can use your donor advised fund to tithe to your church or support local, state, national and international Baptist ministries, from Falls Creek to IMB. The only limitation is that the cause you support must be a church or a tax-exempt nonprofit, also known as a 501(c)3.

You can verify an organization’s tax-exempt status at GuideStar.org.

A donor advised fund may be a good fit if you: • Want flexibility and convenience in giving • Need an immediate tax deduction • Want your contributions to grow over time • Want to contribute appreciated assets and avoid capital gains taxes • Want a trusted advisor to track your gifts for tax purposes • Want to manage all charitable giving through a single account Unlike other financial services organizations, WatersEdge offers donor advised funds with low or no fees, and no minimum balance requirement.

oklahomabaptists.org/cp/ambassadors Check back with the highlight every issue to learn more about the resources available to every SBC church!

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April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Make your giving smarter! at WatersEdgeServices.org/SmartGiving.

Messenger andLearn do notmore constitute legal financial advice.

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Rate: $25.00 per ad • For more information or to place an ad: visit baptistmessenger.com/classifieds-form

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

JO B L ISTIN G V EH IC L E M ISC.

you may apply for either one or both. Send resume to: Pastor Adam Lamle at: adamlamle@att.net.

ed candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: Searchteam@fbcSiloam.com.

>> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Soldier Creek Baptist in MWC is looking for a dynamic Youth Minister with a discipleship mindset & a willingness to engage students. The position is open to both men & women.

Email your resume to: soldiercreek@soldiercreek.org.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is fully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested dates should mail a cover letter and to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK

>>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: Dewar First Baptist is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Pastor.

Please send resumes by email to: dewarfbc@ yahoo.com. For more information or questions contact the church at: (918) 652-4282 or by email: dewarfbc@suddenlinkmail.com.

>>F/T FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Experience preferred; double-entry bookkeeping knowledge helpful. Duties include general accounting, payroll & other office tasks.

Apply in person at Bethel Baptist Church, 1717 W Lindsey, Norman (Mon-Thu 8:30-4:30).

>>ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONARY: Northwest Baptist Association is accepting resumes thru April 30th for the Associational Missionary.

Please send resumes to: PO Box 2120, Bentonville, AR 72712 or amresume@nwbaptist.net.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER/MINISTER: P/T Contemporary Worship Leader & Youth/College Minister at FBC Poteau. We are looking for someone who can start & grow this new ministry area in a church with great facilities & a love for people. Send resumes to: PastorTroyFBCPoteau@gmail.com.

VOICES

EMPLOYM ENT >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Forgan, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s man. Send resume to: P.O. Box 9 Forgan, OK 73938.

More info see: forganfbc.com or call (580) 461-0857. >>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Worship Minister. Please submit resume & cover letter to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. >>PASTOR: Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Bartlesville, OK is seeking a Pastor who teaches God’s word, loves people & agrees with BFM. Send resume to: pastorsearchehbc@gmail.com or by mail: Pastor Search, 1331 Swan Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74006.

>>F/T MAINTENANCE/CUSTODIAL: Experience with HVAC, plumbing & electrical is a plus. Capable of lifting 50 pounds unassisted. Includes some weekend responsibilities. Apply in person at Bethel Baptist Church 1717 W Lindsey, Norman (Mon-Thu 8:30-4:30)

>> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: One Church Elk City is prayerfully seeking someone with prior experience to lead & direct an established youth ministry. Send resume & references to: onechurchelkcity@gmail.com.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Southwest Baptist Church Ardmore, OK is seeking a Worship Leader for services on Sunday Morning & Sunday Night. Send resume or questions to: swbapchurch@sbcglobal. net or call (580) 223-3609. Parsonage is available.

>> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Associate Pastor of Family Ministries with a focus on Children’s Ministry. The full job description along with how to apply is on our website: www.tbcshawnee.org.

>>P/T STUDENT MINISTER: Parkway Baptist Church, Creve Coeur, MO, is accepting resumes for a P/T Student Minister with a competitive compensation package including benefit options.

Send a letter of interest, resume & statement of faith to: studentsearch@parkwaybaptist.net.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Associate Pastor of Youth & Worship or Media. Pawhuska’s FBC is looking for someone to join our pastor’s ministry team & help advance Kingdom work in our town. Submit resumes to: associatepastorsearch@pawhuskafbc.org.

>>WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR: Emmaus Baptist Church, OKC is prayerfully seeking a Director for the church’s weekday “Compass Preschool” (2 yrs. old through Kindergarten). Email: amy@emmausokc.org to apply.

>>F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church, Perkins, OK. Please send resume to: PO Box 10, Perkins, OK, 74059 or email: sec.ibcperkins@sbcglobal.net.

>>P/T TARY: Britton

>>MUSIC LEADER: Trinity Baptist Church, Vinita is seeking someone that wants to serve God in leading the Sunday morning music. Send resume to: jesseltdteam@Ymail.com or phone (918) 418-9562.

FINANCIAL/CHURCH SECREWork Monday thru Wednesday.

Baptist Church.

(405) 842-3511

>>F/T PASTOR: Paradise Valley Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: Paradise Valley Baptist Church, ATTN: Pastor Search Committee, 4974 NW Meers Porter Hill Rd., Lawton, OK. 73507 or EMAIL: PVBCLawton@gmail.com.

>>PASTOR: Mount Hermon Church in Jay, OK, located in the Northeast corner of the state, is prayerfully searching for a Pastor. Please send resume or any questions you may have to: Cole Wheeler at colewheeler36@gmail.com.

>>P/T ASSOCIATE WORSHIP LEADER: Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City is looking for a paid P/T Associate Worship Leader for Sunday morning contemporary service & Youth Wednesday Worship. Please call: (405) 732-2201 or send resume to: cebc.infoline@gmail.com.

>>P/T OR BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: NewPoint Church Ponca City, looking for a P/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor with a heart to reach & disciple 6th - 12th grade students. For full description or to apply, send resume to: kyle@newpoint.church. >>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Warner First Baptist Church, Warner, OK is seeking a F/T Student Minister. Please email resume to: justin@warnerfbc.org. >>P/T MINISTER OF FAMILY LIFE: : A church wanting to try new things to reach students & families. First Southern Baptist, Arcadia, OK P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007 fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com. >>P/T YOUTH & WORSHIP LEADER: True Oak Fellowship of Tuttle, is seeking a P/T Youth Director & Worship Leader. Does not have to be combined;

>>P/T WORSHIP/MINISTER: F/T Worship Music & Educational Discipleship Minister – FBC Purcell, OK. Accepting Resumes. Please include resume, job history & references. Submit your information to: FBCPurcellMinApp@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Sharon FBC in Sharon, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s man for F/T Pastor. Please email resume to: fbc.sharon@yahoo.com or mail your resume to: Sharon FBC, 24008 State Hwy. 34, Sharon, OK 73857. >> F/T PASTOR: FBC of Wayne is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor who is Bible based with community commitment & enjoys fellowship of all ages. Please submit resumes to: FBCWaynePSC@gmail.com. >>BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Tishomingo, OK is seeking a BI/VO Youth Pastor to shepherd students, involve families & reach out to the community. For more information or to submit resumes contact: luke@fbctish. org or P.O. Box 158, Tishomingo, OK 73460. >>WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Josephine is seeking a Worship Pastor that will lead worship services that help lead our congregation toward fruitful relationships with Jesus Christ. This opportunity is in Josephine, TX. Reach out to: worshippastor@fbcjosephine.org for details.

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>>F/T ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: FBC Piedmont, OK is seeking a F/T Administrative Assistant with strong communication skills & proficient in MS Office, working in a collaborative environment with our staff. Send resumes to: personnel@fbcpiedmont.org.

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ACROSS 124Drench “I ___ the Lord your God” 5 Foul(Lev. up 11:44) place in issight 925 “TheTopriest ___ anointed” (Lev. 4:5) 26___ Aaron didGardner this to the sacrifice 13 Stanley (Lev. 9:8) instrument 14 Accompanist’s 27“Lest Proofreader’s mark 15 he ___ theeinsertion to the judge” (Luke 28 Pointed corners of altar 12:58) 29 Ring-tailed animal 30 Best musical, Tony award 1980 31 “Poor, and fallen in ___” (Lev. 25:35) 34 Ornamental feather

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16 For fear that (used 3 times in Lev. 10) 17 Wading to eat ___ bear 46 “Thoubird, shaltunclean not avenge, (Lev.any 11:19) grudge” (Lev. 19:18) 48 Compass 22.50 degrees 18 Humor writerpoint, Bombeck 50 “Theear, land is ___” (Lev. 25:23) 19 Right hand, and this anointed (Lev. 51 “It went ___ with Moses” 14:14) (Ps.of106:32) 20 Type man to be honored 52 Jael drove one into Sisera (Judg.

21 Plays 4:21) 53 Type of flour used with offering (Lev. 2:1) 54 Presentation 55 Unclean animal (Lev. 11:30) 56 Union (abbr.)

>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Denton Baptist Church in Marlow, OK, 9 miles West of Marlow.

Seeking God’s candidate to teach God’s Word & loves people. Parsonage included. Accepting resumes at: dentonbaptistmarlow@g.mail.com. Sets on 5 acres. >>F/T PASTOR: Cardin Baptist Church, Miami, OK is accepting resumes for a F/T Pastor. Please send resumes to: Cardin Baptist Church, 9525 S. Hwy 137 Miami, OK 74354 or CBCsearch@hotmail.com. >>PASTOR: FBC Medford, OK prayerfully searching for Pastor. Newly remodeled parsonage furnished. Please mail to: FBC Medford, Search Committee, 124 W. Comanche, Medford, OK 73759 or email to: fbcmedfordok@gmail.com. >>MUSIC LEADER: FBC, Elk City is seeking someone that wants to serve God in leading the Sunday morning music. Interested candidates email: Matt@fbcelk.city. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Olivet Baptist Church in Lawton, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. We have a number of services & activities throughout the week that the Pastor would need to lead and/or attend. Please email us at: olivet2529@sbcglobal.net with your resume.

MIS CEL L A NEO US

>>FREE CHURCH PEWS: Free padded church pews to whomever can pick them up & take them away. Contact Soldier Creek Baptist Church in MWC at: (405)732-3235 for more information.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC of Festus/ Crystal City, MO is accepting resume’s for a F/T Senior Pastor. Applicants or referrals may be sent to: fbcfestus@gmail.com.

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>>BI/VO PASTOR: Criner Baptist Church Lindsay, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. We are a small country church located in the Lindsay, Criner, Dibble area.

Please send resumes to: Criner Baptist Church, C/O Debra Beam, 12654 170th St., Lindsay, OK 73052.

>>PASTOR: Knob Hill Baptist Church in OKC, OK is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Please email resume along with current sermon video or link to sermons to: knobhillbaptistchurch@gmail. com or mail to: 2700 SW 59th, OKC, OK 73119. >> BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: FBC Soper, seeking a BI/VO or F/T Southern Baptist Parsonage is available. Health insurance fit provided. Soper Baptist Church, ATT: Search Committee, P.O. Box 68, Soper, OK

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>>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Lone Grove is prayerfully seeking a spiritually mature, F/T Youth Pastor. Must have a heart for community & connecting with others. Please send resume to: fbclonegrove@yahoo.com.

>>ATTENTION CHAPLAINS: What shall we do with the time we have left? Christian Resort Ministries would like to invite retired pastors & laymen to serve as a chaplain at an R/V & Resort Park in South Texas. Go to our website at: www.crmintl. org or call: (210) 549-9066 for more information.

>>F/T CHILDREN’S PASTOR: FBC of Marion, AR is seeking a F/T Pastor of birth through sixth grade children that is sent to welcome & disciple all people to faith in Christ. Send resume to: Kidspastorsearch@firstmarion.org.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC, Siloam Springs, AR is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Interest-

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Boswell in Southeastern Oklahoma is seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage is available & benefits are provided. Please send resumes to: fbcboswell@gmail.com.

>>F/T ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Village Baptist Church in OKC is seeking a F/T Admin Assistant to work M-TH. This service oriented individual will have excellent computer skills & experience in office & graphics software. Send resume or request an application: sdamlo@vbcokc.org.

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prayercandiresume Search 73030.

>>SENIOR PASTOR: Marietta FBC is accepting resumes for Senior Pastor. Mail to: Pastor Search Team, c/o Shane Wolfe, P.O. Box 302, Marietta, OK 73448.

OK is Pastor. benePastor 74759.

>>FREE CHURCH PEWS: Padded Pews (burgundy) available for free. Must pick up. Contact FBC Ninnekah at: (405) 224-0324. (20- 12 Foot) (5- 10 Foot) (34- 8 Foot) First come, first served. >>CABIN RENTAL: The FBC Lone Grove has a 120 bed cabin for rent for week 5. The cabin was new in 2016 & is completely modern. Go to Falls Creek website (SKPOPS.org) or our church website to see pictures & location. Rental is $6500.

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23 This was to have a Sabbath rest (Lev. 25) 25 Plant fungus 26 Connive 29 Made happier 32 Part of the Thai language family 33 Twelve of gold listed in Num. 7 35 “Be unclean until the ___” (Lev. 15:27) 37 People did this in their hearts (Ps. 95:10) 38 Ten Commandments 39 God casts this like morsels (Ps. 147:17) 40 “There ___ out fire from the Lord” (Lev. 10:2) 42 Bowels 44 Parent-teacher groups 45 Wave caused by earthquake 47 Set-in wood strips 49 If beasts did this, the meat was unclean (Lev. 17:15) 50 Restaurant food list 51 “Do according to all that they ___ thee” (Deut. 17:10) 54 Problems 58 Animal den 59 To correct 61 Model 62 A scarlet one saved Rahab (Josh. 2:21) 63 God’s ____ was not to be profaned (Lev. 18:21) 64 “I am the Lord, and there is none ___” (Isa. 45:5) 65 “God ___ the people” (Ex. 13:18)

66 Temporary Restraining Order (abbr.)

67 The high priest was not to do DOWN 1 God swore by his own ___ (Ex. 32:13) 2 Chocolate sandwich cookie 3 “I ___ will do this” (Lev. 26:16) 4 “He struck it into the pan, or _____” (1 Sam. 2:14) 5 Mixed seed was not to be sown there (Lev. 19:19) 6 Pork fat 7 Card game 8 Hebrews were not to make brothers become any (Lev. 25:42) 9 Performance venue (Brit.)

10 Offenders were to make amends for this (Lev. 5:16) 11 _____ mater 12 Oolong and orange pekoe 14 Communication devices 22 “Ye tithe mint and ___” (Luke 11:42) 24 “I ___ the Lord your God” (Lev. 11:44) 25 To place in sight 26 Aaron did this to the sacrifice (Lev. 9:8) 27 Proofreader’s insertion mark 28 Pointed corners of altar 29 Ring-tailed animal 30 Best musical, Tony award 1980 31 “Poor, and fallen in ___” (Lev. 25:35)

A D AM I MAGE MARK BE G I NN I NG F ORAY E V E N I NG E AR T H I AG HE AV E N 34 Ornamental feather L A HOT DE T I AN 36F Mythological B O T H Irish A Aprincess ON I ON E D E N M A T H GOD 41 Taught one-on-one MA L E N P A L S 42 woolen A May T be N O A Hor linen U R (Lev. I 13:47) RE E T of the I Mland M O(Lev. R T 26:4) AL I A 43L Fruit E R AM I N RA I NS 44 Chubbier S U P REME H AM G E S Tshalt O notSavenge, L A T ___ E D bear A any 46P “Thou AT T DAY E L CA I N grudge” T H Y (Lev.H19:18) AV I L AH BY

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48 Compass point, 22.50 degrees Puzzle 1: Genesis Puzzle 2: Genesis 50 “The land is ___” (Lev. 25:23) 51 “It went ___ with Moses” S AME MP H P AZ P A D R ADO T I T HE (Ps. 106:32) TE O L L AMA V ADE E R A I L I A M I X AS HE R 52 O Jael P I drove U M one N into A D Sisera A B (Judg.

D A N4:21) O N E P S ALM RAD O D of A L withUoff I N (Lev. P Type WO Sering G 2:1)K I N G ARMA D A L 53 fl our used A L AR U N L OC K ARC I NW 54 S Presentation I S T E R BR A UN B UDDHA MAHA L C Unclean R O O KanimalE(Lev. S P 11:30) P S I N URN T AS T E AS I D 55 A A R P L I RA S DE E D RAT E RHE S A HA 56 N Union N E (abbr.)

B OD Y RUR A L I C I NG E P HOD RO N E shall R E of U barley E L ___ S T L T R Y S T 57 “A homer beEvalued” E L D E R S L AS ORDA BOU T S RA Y O (Lev. A B 27:16) ODE HE RB HAM L AD S P E E CH UR S Men A P NtoEdoAthisEtoRthe S E I R weren’t A corners 60 of A D M A H A D I E L O D S HE V I A L S NURS E MOT T O ROAS T A L their O U beards R E GY P T T E NT B O S OM SMO T E RE (Lev. 19:27) Puzzle 3: Exodus

S T OR K I OD I N C ODG E K O L S H U T P OOR A L L F S OY B E R E S H O A T E A R S L I N S E E R A D C D T G T OE E

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M A S T C I T Y S R I R B L E AU L N S T B B E D E AN E A T L D A S O L E F I D T A O S

AC T T E E T N T M I S H OR E S E R R E E S OWN P I A T E L L U N T E N GE R N N E R OU L S

Puzzle 4: Exodus

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MAR. 25 ANSWERS Puzzle 5: Leviticus

Classifieds | April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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E V I P T N L A NU E MM P O E L RE

Puzzle 6: Leviticus

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Q&A: Pastor perspectives on ‘The Black Church’—Part 1 VOICES

ment, slaves who were relegated to worshipping in secret could now openly display their faith. ThereEDITOR’S NOTE: In this two-part Baptist Messenger fore, 1863 was a pivotal moment when the organiseries, Walter Wilson, Oklahoma Baptists’ African Amer- zation of Black churches accelerated. ican ministry partner, offers a Christian perspective on As I mentioned, two principal factors led ultithe past, present and future of predominantly African mately to the Exodus of my ancestors from the maAmerican churches. Wilson then interviews various Afri- jority church. One was the segregation and discrimcan American pastors in Oklahoma on the topic. inatory policies of most churches. The other may be expressed as a new theological awakening among Walter Wilson: Anthony Scott, you Black preachers. Both factors were pregnant with are a recognized ministry leader, broad implications. Under slavery, Black preachers and you serve as pastor of the his- were able to preach, albeit sometimes hindered, toric First Baptist Church of North the result being a Black contribution to the cause Tulsa. Can you talk, at some length, and advancement of the Kingdom of God. about the history and hope of the Springing forth from this providential awakening Black church? would be Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Episcopal expressions Anthony Scott: Yes, thank you. In of Black faith to name just a few. From the embryo his sermons and addresses, Dr. Elias of plantation missions would evolve organized and Camp Morris, the first President of thriving church institutions. the National Baptist Convention Being a Christian by God’s sovereign election, U.S.A. Incorporated made the point and a Baptist by choice, I will take the liberty to that anyone who wrote the history highlight a few historical facts related to my own of a race would be the one to deter- unique expression. In 1834, the Providence Baptist mine how people in the future would Association was organized at the Providence Bapview that race. tist Church in Berlin Cross Roads, Ohio and became With that in mind, I will attempt to share a few the first association organized by Black Baptists in reflective thoughts on the history and hope of the America.

Black church. My reflections on the history of the Against the background of the associational Black church will lay both the framework and foun- movement, Black Baptist leaders sought even widdation for casting my future hope. Born out of the er cooperative movements. The need for unified belief that the character of a tree is known to deter- programs among various associations led the formine the character of the fruit it bears. mation of state conventions—the first being the As compared to the history of the church in General Baptist State Convention of North Caroligeneral, the Black church in America, which dates na organized in 1866. As early as 1840, Black Bapback to our arrival in 1619, is still in its infancy. The tists sought to develop cooperative movements church rested upon the arm of God, gathering its beyond state lines for the advancement of the race strength from Him, while the angry waves of adver- and the spread of God’s Kingdom, leading to the sity rushed about her. But in the fullness of time, formation of National Conventions. she came forth like the morning taking her place in The National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorpothe history of the universal church. rated, traces its origin to November 22, 1880 when Its beginning was small, like that of the mustard persons from 11 states met in Montgomery, S151 W E N H C R seed, yet it has become a great tree.

While it existed Ala. and organized the Baptist Foreign Mission CHU in private, owing its existence to certain social con- Convention. Reverend W.H. McAlpine of Alabama ditions—most notably slavery—the Black church was the first president. Six years later in 1886, 600 became more public after the signing of the Eman- delegates from 17 states gathered at the First Bapcipation Proclamation. Prior to this liberating docu- tist Church of St. Louis, Mo. and formed the National Baptist Convention of America. Then, sevMA O H A L K O E en years later in 1893, TH E V I H C the National Baptist BAPTIST AR Education Convention was formed.

None of the three conventions thrived separately, so in 1895, the three bodies effected a merger at Renowned Oklahoma Baptist pia- Oklahoma Baptist University, where the Friendship Bapnist Richard Huggins, 72, was recent- he was a member of the Bison Glee tist Church in Atlanta, ly featured in an inspirational story in Club and played for countless OklaGeorgia. The Reverend The Oklahoman. Although suffering homa Baptist event, Huggins served E.C. Morris was selectfrom Parkinson’s disaease, Huggins, with the Billy Graham Crusades and ed to be the first Preswho is a resident at Baptist Villlage then a minister of music at churches, ident. The current and of Oklahoma City, was able to use his including formerly Oklahoma City, eighteenth President is musical talents to bless and comfort Nichols Hills (now Quail Springs).

Dr. Jerry Young of Jackother residents during the pandemic.

“I have played for lots of things in son, Mississippi.

Huggins’ story also was told last my life, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed year in the Sept. 10 edition of the all of them. I’ve been blessed.”

Baptist Messenger. Jason Davis, director of communications for Baptist Village Communities, wrote the article, sharing how Huggins pursued his interest in music when he was 5.

At 16, Huggins played for wellknown worship leader and Falls Creek favorite Gene Bartlett during the first week of camp and continued for five years. After graduating from >> by Staff

HUGGINS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE OKL AHOMAN

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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April 15, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

Walter Wilson: Thank you for sharing that. Can you please talk about its history in Oklahoma?

Anthony Scott: The Oklahoma Baptist State Convention is the oldest and largest of the four Black Baptist conventions in Oklahoma. Its roots extend back to 1895 in the formation of the Oklahoma Missionary Baptist State Convention of Oklahoma Territory. The first to serve as president was Dr. E.E. Ware of Oklahoma City. I currently serve as the 18th President in our rich and proud history.

The Creek District Association was formed as the Creek Freedman’s Association, meeting at the Old Creek Agency (now Muskogee), November 22, 1877. It is the oldest Black Baptist association in Oklahoma. Eventually the name was changed from Creek Freedmen’s to Creek District. Also affiliated within the Creek District Baptist Association is the oldest Black Baptist church in the state of Oklahoma, Fountain Baptist Church which was constituted September 9, 1832 four miles north of Muskogee.

Having shared some historical moments and events in the history of the Black church in America, I must point out that historical reflection without prospective hope amounts to nothing but an exercise in nostalgia. While the gift of memory enables us to look back, we cannot go back. In biblical history, God is always progressing His people forward.

It is therefore incumbent that I once again refer to Dr. E.C. Morris, and his annual address shared with the delegates of the National Baptist Convention in Kansas City, Mo., 1898. His topic on that occasion was the The Infallible Proofs of the Perpetuity of Baptist Principles. Utilizing and building upon his thoughts, I see tremendous hope and promise for the Black church in America.

Considering Christ will return for a bride without spot or wrinkle, and He has not yet appeared, how then can the church be better in the future? How can the Body of Christ grow up more unto Him? Like any great team, halftime adjustments are always advantageous. I foresee the church being better by making shifts in the following areas. Shifting from a mindset of ‘serve us’ to one of service, from impressing from a distance to impacting up close, from suppressing the generations to supporting the generations, and from watching the service to worshipping Jesus Christ, our Savior.

As our nation grapples with racial disparities, social injustice and the rectifying of inequities, I see no institution better positioned to lead than that of the Black church. As it has lent its voice to be the one crying out in the wilderness before, it must still be that same voice moving forward. Our faithfulness to God must constantly yield our fidelity to this declaration about God, He was Our Help in Ages Past and will be Our Hope for Years to Come.

Walter Wilson: Thank you for this great perspective, Pastor Scott, and for your ministry leadership. Part two of this series will feature other pastoral perspectives, including from Tiller S. Watson III and Teron Gaddis, and will be published in a future edition of the Messenger.

To view this online, visit baptistmessenger.com.