2022/April/28

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • APRIL 28, 2022

T IM E FOR A N A H E IM SBC TO MEET JUNE 14-15 FOR ANNUAL MEETING /// SEE PAGE 6

CO N T E N T S : Page 3 | Voices Sword & trowel: Non-toxic masculinity? >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of passage: The GOAT

First person: Falls Creek needs ‘more’

Connect: Loneliness and pastors

Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills and OAAF ‘excited’ to acquire Falls Creek cabin

>> TODD SANDERS

>> TODD FISHER

Falls Creek Youth Camp is committed to reaching students with the Gospel and helping students grow spiritually. Many activities exist in order to provide an environment through which that connection and growth can happen.

Worship services, breakouts, in-cabin teaching moments, relationship, practical training in faith and ministry, one-on-one and small group discipleship, prayer opportunities, evangelism and mission awareness and mobilization all serve to move students and leaders forward in deepening their life in Christ.

For almost four months now, I have had the privilege of traveling around our state, preaching in churches and talking to groups of pastors in various associations.

I’ve met and talked with easily more than 250 pastors. In each of these settings, I give out my cell number and tell the pastors to never hesitate to call me if I can ever be of help to them.

To my delight, a good number have called me. Some ask questions about the state convention or Southern Baptist Convention. Some ask for advice about a pastoral situation, and some have theological questions.

DAVIS—Walter Wilson sat on the porch area and shared how excited he was. The porch area was part of a Falls Creek Conference Center cabin that is now owned by Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills on behalf of the Oklahoma African American Fellowship (OAAF).

“This is an awesome thing,” said Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship who serves as African American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists and a consultant for OAAF.

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>> CHRIS DOYLE

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>> WALKER MOORE

Page 7 | Features Leaders gather to strengthen Oklahoma Baptist church planting >> CHRIS FORBES

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Special 2022 Mother’s Day Offering Insert

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First person: Falls needs ‘more’ SIONS & SPORTS & T M I SCreek I S T RY TA I N M E N /// PREVIEWED M I N ON COVER

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Todd Sanders Falls Creek Program Director Oklahoma Baptists’ Youth Ministry Partner @toddasanders

Falls Creek Youth Camp is committed to reaching students with the Gospel and helping students grow spiritually. Many activities exist in order to provide an environment through which that connection and growth can happen.

Worship services, breakouts, in-cabin teaching moments, relationship, practical training in faith and ministry, one-on-one and small group discipleship, prayer opportunities, evangelism and mission awareness and mobilization all serve to move students and leaders forward in deepening their life in Christ. This year at Falls Creek youth camp, we will study spiritual discipline in the life of a believer from Col. 2:6-7.

Paul writes to believers in the Church at Colossae, in the face of false teaching that threatens to infiltrate the church and undermine the foundation of the Good News of Jesus, to remain faithful to the truth of who Christ is and what He has done for us.

Students are living out their faith in an increasingly difficult cultural landscape. The culture, and the emerging generation, is not only more biblically illiterate than ever, they are also spiritually EilliterN L I Nfollowing ate. The challenge toNcontinue E W Ofaithfully NT Jesus in this rapidly-changing SIVE CONisTaE mesEB-EXCLUlandscape W sage that is timely and needed.

In an effort to focus students on continuing daily, disciplined pursuit of the Lord, each week will explore how, that in Christ we are: Saved—that we must trust and take hold of Jesus Set apart—that we should come away form the O world and walk in obedience ICATION INF

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Men’s Rewired

Falls Creek oklahomabaptists.org/rewired

APRIL 30

Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus Concert

11 a.m., Scissortail Park oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

MAY 1

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

Fort Gibson, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

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Solid—that we must seek to be like Christ Surrendered—that we should give our lives to God out of gratitude for what He has done for us, and that we must daily CHOOSE to continue in Him. As summer approaches I am impressed with the idea that—we need more.

We need more unity in the church.

We need to see the Lord to change more lives through salvation.

We need more to follow through in believers be baptism.

We need more believers to respond to a call to ministry and serve the church.

We need more authentic excitement and enthusiasm about the things of God. We need more continuing obedience from leaders & students to follow through on decisions beyond camp.

SIV WEB-EXCLU MAY 7

Hispanic Pastors Evangelism and Church Planting Conference

Baptist Building eborunda@oklahomabaptists.org

MAY 7

2022 State Bible Drill 10:30-11:30 a.m.

OKC, Quail Springs lynn@cbaokc.net

MAY 8

Mother’s Day MAY 24

Oklahoma Baptists Board of Directors Meeting Baptist Building

MAY 5

National Day of Prayer FOR MORE INFO ON OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ EVENTS, VISIT WWW.OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/EVENTS

Pastors report struggling with time management, over-commitment AARON EARLS | APRIL 13

N INFO

As pastors think about their greatest needs, some of those go beyond their ministries and are instead connected to their personal lives.

Many pastors worry about their time management skills and how they can balance all the responsibilities they have at church and at home.

In their personal lives, half of U.S. Protestant pastors say they need to focus on time management, and more than half say avoiding overcommitment is a challenge for them, according to the latest release in the Greatest Needs of Pastors study from Lifeway Research.

“Pastors carry heavy burdens that include expectations of others as well as self-imposed demands,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, “There is a correlation between trusting in God—as explored in a previous release of the Greatest Needs of Pastors study—and ability to find work-life balance.”

PUBLICATIO

EVENTS

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

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A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

>> PHOTO: FALLS CREEK ARCHIVES Falls Creek Youth Camp will cover eight weeks this summer, with Week One meeting June 6-10.

We need real life change to continue to be evident following camp.

We need a Gospel explosion in and through the lives of our believing students & in the Church.

We need to walk more holy lives and need more protection from the enemy’s plans.

We need more students to become connected in Christian community by attending & engaging in their local churches.

We need the Lord to move in ways only HE can.

We need an unmistakable move of the Holy Spirit.

We need more.

Only God can do more.

Will you pray?

Want to pray more? Please visit oklahomabaptists.

LINE O Nresources.

E Wprayer org/youthcamp forN more ONTENT

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PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

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April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) 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: 39,782. Individual subscriptions are available upon request. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. April 28, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 8.

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 >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

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Connect: Loneliness and pastors /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @eToddFisher

For almost four months now, I have had the privilege of traveling around our state, preaching in churches and talking to groups of pastors in various associations. I’ve met and talked with easily more than 250 pastors. In each of these settings, I give out my cell number and tell the pastors to never hesitate to call me if I can ever be of help to them.

To my delight, a good number have called me.

Some ask questions about the state convention or Southern Baptist Convention. Some ask for advice about a pastoral situation, and some have theological questions. But many just call to talk.

They tell me about their families and about their hopes and dreams for the church, as well as their fears and discouragements. They tell me about health issues they are facing. We talk about favorite sports teams.

I’ve always known this about pastors, but these last four months have reminded me anew that a good many pastors are lonely. A pastor certainly confides in his wife, but he may not tell her about every complaint and angry church member that calls him because of the stress and worry that puts on her.

Many pastors have difficulty making good friends within the church because of the dynamic of the pastor-parishioner relationship. Every pastor knows what it’s like to walk into a room where everyone begins to act differently or hear, “Watch what you say, the pastor just walked in!”

Many pastors are the only staff member at their church, and thus they work alone. They do not have co-workers they can confide in and with whom they can go to lunch. They are often physically and relationally isolated from others.

Even pastors who are adored by their congregation can be lonely. I’ve known a number of pastors who have essentially said to me that they have many fans, but few good friends.

Add to such isolation the fact that the pressure of pastoring a church is often overwhelming. Are attendance, baptisms and giving good? Why did that family stop coming to church? How do I make this

decision regarding a complex, difficult, no-win situation? How do I respond to the church member who just said something really hurtful, unfair or not true? Take all of this into consideration, and pastors need friends. They need to talk.

I do not want to paint a negative picture of being a pastor. It is a high calling that is rewarding. But at the same time, it’s not easy being a pastor. The negative things pastors endure have a cumulative effect that builds over time and wears them down.

Pastor, you need friends, and oftentimes the best friends are fellow pastors who can relate to the struggle.

Pastors are a band of brothers. None of them are your enemy or competition. Be intentional to make these friendships. And be intentional in your relationship with Christ. No one can serve as an undershepherd who is not vitally connected to the Good Shepherd.

Church member, be mindful that your pastor may be lonely. Even if you are not that person who will become a close friend, be considerate of the pressure and isolation your pastor most likely feels. Pray for and encourage him. Be sensitive to the difficulties and pressures he faces. Loneliness is a hard thing. Let’s work toward having good friends, being good friends and knowing that we can do more to advance the Gospel together than alone.

Sword & trowel: Non-toxic masculinity?

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

Some time back, Gillette razors debuted a TV commercial during the Super Bowl that caused a stir. The commercial introduced the phrase “Toxic masculinity” into the average American’s vocabulary. A close examination of this term shows that the phrase “toxic masculinity” has its origins in the academic world from decades before.

Before we discuss this idea, we must stop and be thankful that Americans increasingly oppose any attitude that would enable or excuse any toxic or sinful behavior from men toward women. Men behaving badly is a continual struggle in every generation.

In these cultural conversations, we must think about what type of men our society as a whole is producing. To do this, go back with me to the 1980s.

Do you recall the sitcom “Murphy Brown,” starring Candice Bergen? She was “a successful news commentator who, after an unsuccessful relationship

with a man (who) left her alone and pregnant, bore a son out of wedlock.”

One article about this said, “The event, popular enough in its own right, became the center of political controversy when then-Vice President Dan Quayle… lamented that the show was ‘mocking the importance of a father.’ Suddenly the nation polarized over this question of ‘family values.’”

Here we are decades later, still having debates about the role of men and about family values. The article I mention was written by Terrence O. Moore and was titled, “Wimps and Barbarians: The Sons of Murphy Brown.” Moore, who was a Marine and then a college professor, gave a full-length discussion about Murphy Brown’s fictional son, “Avery,” and explored how a son like him might turn out in life.

Moore used this TV moment as a springboard to warn against the two dangers for young men in America. Both then and now, society pushes men toward opposite ways: one toward becoming wimpy, one toward becoming barbaric.

The “wimpy” men here are those who are overly feminine. They might reject distinct roles of men or shy away from traditionally masculine associations, such as fighting for one’s country or toting guns. The “barbarians,” meanwhile, would be out-of-control men who misuse their strength.

The Bible, however, calls for godly behavior from men. It upholds a golden mean where men are willing to be strong and take responsibly, but they must have their strength under control. We see in the Bible that Jesus was both tough and gentle, both masculine but also tender toward people. Jesus is the ultimate example of balanced masculinity, if you will.

Beyond the sinless Son of God, we thankfully have many examples of godly, virtuous men throughout history, literature and even in our own lives, who were the right balance of tough and kind. They are, to put it succinctly, non-toxic masculine.

C.S. Lewis said that the devil sends temptation in pairs. As society rants and raves about the roles of men and women, we see this dual temptation play out. He’s tempting men to become either wimpy or barbaric, to be anything besides a Christian gentleman.

In a day and time that the idea of “toxic masculinity” is talked about, let’s not settle for men acting like wimps or barbarians. Let’s call for a “non-toxic masculinity;” or better so, a Christlike way for men.

P.S. On a personal note, I would like to pay tribute to Charlie Atkins, retired Baptist Messenger advertising manager, who recently passed away (see obituary on pg. 9). Charlie is the epitome of a Christian gentleman that I am describing, and we pray for God’s grace and peace on his family.

Voices | April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: GOAT S P O R T S & The T N TA I N M E

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY Walker Moore

Author & Messenger Columnist Email | walker@back40.org @WalkerDeanMoore

O O L B OX CHURCH T I am usually the greatest grandpa who ever walked this earth—or at least I like to think of myself in those terms. But sometimes even the GOAT (in this case, the Grandpa Of All Time) has an off day.

S to spend the weekTitus the Honorable I E Dcame F I S S A L C end with us. I picked him up on Friday night after his soccer game, and we had some hot chocolate, heard about school, and then it was time for bed.

Saturday morning, Grammy made us her famous chocolate chip waffles, and then we went bicycle riding. As we were riding around, Titus asked if we could take a different route than our normal one.

S park with a three-mile path We live I CaElarge Onear V around it. As we rode up some hills, Titus was struggling to make it to the top. He leaned into the handlebars with all his might, pushing down on the pedals to make the crest of the hill right just in time to have a meltdown.

Right before us stood a park bench. As we sat down, it wobbled. Next thing I knew, Titus was inspecting it. A bolt was loose, and I tightened it by hand to make it more secure. Then Titus had a great idea.

“Poppy, why don’t we go back home and get our tools? We can fix all the benches in this park!”

That would have been a great project if something else hadn’t happened. He began rubbing his legs and telling me they were hurting because his growing pains had kicked in. Do you know how

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hard it is to pedal a bicycle food and no ice skating; it when you have growing was just his dad’s curling pains? We struggled back team practice. Titus was home just in time to help now near meltdown, so I Grammy in the garden. told him I would take him PLE & I had promised across the street to Sam’s P E OTitus S W that I would take him to for a hotdog.

E N H URC Hafternoon. the circus C that We went in, and I orAs we are leaving, I picked dered a slice of pizza for up a box of Mike and myself and a hotdog for Ike candy to take along.

Titus. But when our order Grammy warned us that came up, I learned they Titus’ dad said all our canwere out of hotdogs. So, E R dy was stale, but that was there we sat at a white U T L U C S& Wme; N Efor great news I like plastic table, me eating stale candy. I had also told a big slice of meat lovers’ Titus he could have $10 to pizza (which he does not >> PHOTO: PROVIDED Titus and spend any way he liked. like), and Titus crying bePoppy at the circus.

He could buy a souvenir cause he has no food. at the circus, which would cost a lot of money, “Just sit there a minute, A L store. He chose and Poppy will find you something to eat,” I told or we could stop A at the UBelow N NFive Five Below. him. I started off to look for something inside the O N Fmind, N GupIhis E T Imake For a kid M whoEcan’t spending store, keeping an eye on him as I went. $10 takes an eternity. We barely made it out in time I hadn’t been gone more than 10 seconds when to reach the circus. We had just started munching in walked Titus’ dad, only to find his son sitting our candy when he spat out the first piece, declar- alone in Sam’s with no food, crying. His dad took ing that Grammy and his dad were right. But be- him home and gave him some chicken nuggets. cause he took so long in the store, we had no time He also sent Grammy and me a picture. Not only to eat, and he was “starving.” was Titus suffering from growing pains, hyped up Poppy broke down and asked what he wanted on refined sugar without having eaten any proto eat. For an hour, Titus worked to consume the tein, and left alone in a store, but he had also gotMount Everest of cotton candy. I now sat next to a ten sunburned on his arms and shoulders while he child who had just eaten a year’s worth of refined was with us. I guess I can forget about winning the sugar and was still hungry. grandad of the year award. Sometimes, the GOAT is After the circus, I was to drop him off at an really just the goat. ice-skating rink where we thought his brother was I am thankful that Titus, like my heavenly Father, having a birthday party, and he could eat and skate. loves me anyway. “Above all, love each other deeply, When we got there, there was no birthday party, no because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8).

Shine: How to avoid doubt and fear Alan Quigley Oklahoma Baptists’ Associate Executive Director for Church Resources @AlanQuigley1

Doubt and fear plague many believers from time to time on their journey of faith. Both things work to slow, if not stop their spiritual progress. In fact, prolonged, they can cripple the believer to the point of emotional despair.

Instead of running the risk of oversimplifying the cause of spiritual fear and doubt, I would like to rather give some encouragement on how to avoid them all together. “The Preacher” who wrote the book of Hebrews addresses this in Hebrews 2:1 when he says, “For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.”

I can almost hear him delivering this message by snapping his fingers and saying “now hear this,” or by him saying, “now if you don’t hear anything else I say, hear this.” Of course, he wants you to hear more, and he wants you to pay attention to all he is saying, but clearly this point is important.

From the beginning of Christianity there has been a need to remind believers to remain proactive in their faith walk. It is the natural tendency of mankind to gradually lose interest in things that become routine and familiar. The interest we have in new things slowly wanes away, like when we buy a new car, and soon it is just a car. Our attention turns to having a desire for something newer.

Our faith can do the same. We get saved, and we want to tell everyone. We want the church to have

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services more often. We want to talk about what we have discovered in God’s Word. Then after a while, there is a settling into a pattern of attending small group, worship and maybe even finding a regular place of service in the church.

Week after week, these Christians do the same things in their faith journey, and they “drift” into complacency and/or apathy. Soon to follow in this pattern is doubt. They begin doubting their church, doubting their preacher and/or doubting their own faith.

Now when a life crisis hits, that doubt begins to give way to “fear.” The fear becomes a fear that they are not “really” saved. When this happens, they become crippled in their journey because they are paralyzed by doubt and fear. Now they are reduced to feeding their faith from the crumbs of others. They simply become hearers of what others are experiencing in their faith walk, and those stories begin to feel out of reach for the paralyzed believer.

So, what is one to do?

Make sure to keep your faith new and fresh every day, by reading God’s Word, praying and serving Christ by sharing with others what Christ has done for you and can do for them. Do not rely solely on others for your spiritual nourishment.

Of course, do the routine, but do not get in a rut. Go to church, but then go home

and study the passage the preacher preached or your small group studied that day. Make it a part of your daily Bible study for the week. Find a place of service, but keep it fresh by seeking ways to be more effective in the task. Remember routine does not have to lead to a rut, especially if we are striving daily to make it new and exciting.

Keep your faith alive in the days ahead. Strive to find new ways to interact with the Word of God and ways to fellowship with other believers. Don’t forget to tell a non-believer what God is showing you from His Word. Watch the joy return to your faith journey and watch the doubt and fear vanish away!

Good News Whole World

April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

FOR THE

The Cooperative Program is the everyday, everywhere, every-church plan for comprehensive missions support.

Learn more at OklahomaBaptists.org/CP

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

First person: How two Ukrainian boys personalized the war >> by Caroline Anderson

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IMB WRITER

Den and Dimi are the same ages as two of my nephews—2 and 4. They also look and act like my nephews–blonde hair, blue eyes, with a childlike joy and the desire to capture the attention of adults.

What made these four boys so similar made their differences much harder for my heart to handle.

Den and Dimi are Ukrainian refugees, displaced by the war. They are living in a church along the border of Romania and Ukraine with hundreds of other refugees. All around them was chaos, yet here we sat on the carpeted floor of the church basement, working on a puzzle.

“Oh, this is a Frozen puzzle!” I exclaimed, referring to a popular animated movie. Den nodded eagerly.

“Olaf, Anna and Elsa,” I mused as I searched for the pieces for Anna’s hair, and Den distractedly accepted or rejected the corner pieces his mom found for him.

A few minutes later, I sat cross-legged in front of Dimi, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over mechanized helicopter blades.

I voiced the same “oohs” and “ahs” that morning to my nephew through a video chat app. My nephew sent a video to show me his new suitcase.

My nephew wanted me to say “ooohhh” when he showed it to me.

Den and Dimi also had suitcases—though not for a family vacation. The boys and their parents, Alexander and Victoria, fled Ukraine with a few bags.

Their village was pummeled. I’m glad the boys’ childlike innocence, still seemed intact. That is something no child should ever have taken from them.

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>> PHOTOS: IMB PHOTOS 1) Dimi plays with a helicopter in the basement of a church in Romania; 2) Den and his mother, Victoria, work on completing a puzzle.

When I looked at Den and Dimi, I pictured my nephews; my nephews could have been the ones fleeing a scarred My nephews E Swith I Cnation.

V Oescaped could have very nearly their lives. My nephews could be playing with puzzles and helicopters in a church basement without knowing where they might spend the remainder of their childhood.

Den and Dimi personalized the war in Ukraine for me.

This Ukrainian family stopped at an aid station organized by Romanian Baptists at the border of Moldova and Romania. At this station, Romanian Baptist David Vasiliu directed the family to Casa de Rugacuine, a Romanian Baptist church in the city of Iasi. David’s father, Florian, pastors Adora Christi, a church heavily involved in helping Ukrainian refugees.

On our visit to the church, Florian gave Alexander and Victoria a children’s Bible and a book about dealing with grief.

“I’m sorry for what is happening in Ukraine” Florian told Alexander and Victoria. “We don’t know why it is happening. We would like to offer our love to you because Jesus loves you.”

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

OPPORTUN

Ongoing 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—405/691-7781 Edmond—405/341-3606 Madill—580/564-2218 Owasso—918/272-2233

A N N UA L O I N Fand Gcame We formed a circle and Den ETIN M Eprayed.

stood in the middle of the circle, looking up at all the adults with their eyes closed—trying to catch one of us peeking. I had my eyes half-closed, and I winked at him and smiled.

To my knowledge, Alexander and Victoria are not Christians. They hope to move to Australia. I pray they get connected to a church. These connections are a crucial part of the assistance Romanian Baptists provide. Refugees pass through Romania to travel to other countries, and Florian, David and other Romanian Baptists are connecting them to Baptist churches throughout Europe and beyond, so they can continue to be shown the love of Jesus and cared for by the body of Christ.

I’d like to challenge us all to think of the two and four-year-olds in our lives when we hear updates on the war in Ukraine. Think of their faces. I promise it will change everything.

You're Invited

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OKLAHOMA

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

K-Love Crisis Response Care— June 7-10—Baptist Building Registration is now open—To Register visit crisisresponse.org.

JOIN THE HERD as we gather for a time of fellowship during the SBC in Anaheim, CA! Our reception will include heavy hors d'oeuvres and a chance to reconnect with fellow Bison, all while enjoying beautiful views of Disneyland and the surrounding area.

Reservations are required for entry into the event.

Campers on Mission: Campers on Mission is a fellowship of Christian campers who share their faith while camping or doing mission activities. They work on projects in Oklahoma and across the U.S. For more information email pjones@ oklahomabaptists.org.

View from The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant

June 14 | 7PM PST The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant TUES

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Charlie Cruce Charlie Cruce is director of missions of Tulsa Metro Baptist Network, an association of 161 Southern Baptist churches. Pray for legacy churches, pastors and church plants in this association.

atop the Grand Legacy Hotel

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Matt Holland Matt serves as a campus missionary at the University of Oklahoma. He trains and invests in students, two of whom have graduated and joined the staff as Oklahoma Baptist campus missionaries.

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

1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802

Follow QR code to RSVP by June 3.

For more information, contact the OBU Alumni Association at alumni@okbu.edu. okbu.cc /reception

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Missions & ministry | April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Time for Anaheim: SBC to meet June 14-15 for annual meeting /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Staff, from BP reports and The Baptist Paper ANAHEIM, Calif. (BP)—Plans for the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, meeting June 14-15, have been announced. The following includes a preview of the SBC annual meeting, the SBC Pastors’ Conference and more.

Annual Meeting will center on Jesus The 2022 SBC Annual Meeting will convene at the Anaheim Convention Center Tuesday, June 14, at 8 a.m. and adjourn at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, according to the official schedule for the meeting released March 22.

The theme for this year’s meeting is “Jesus, the center of it all.”

“Our committee (the Committee on Order of Business) worked to bring into focus this year’s theme—‘Jesus, the center of it all’—by kicking off the first session with presentations from both North American Mission Board (NAMB) and International Mission Board (IMB) to highlight what Southern Baptists are about at our core,” said Steve Bates, chair of the Committee on Order of Business and member of Winnfield, La., First.

As of April 18, three individuals have announced their intentions to be nominated for the office of SBC president. Tom Ascol, a Florida pastor and president of Founders Ministries; Former International Missionary Board missionary Robin Hadaway; and Bart Barber, pastor of Farmersville, Texas, First. For additional coverage of SBC annual meeting and SBC pastors’ conference candidate news, visit baptistmessenger.com.

The Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention consists of representatives, or “messengers,” as they are called, from cooperating churches, who gather to confer and determine the programs, policies and budget of the SBC. For information about messenger pre-registration, lodging, auxiliary events, SBC exhibitors, childcare and more, visit sbcannualmeeting.net.

Pastors’ Conference meets June 12-13, ‘proclaims’ Jesus The 2022 Pastors’ Conference will include 12 sermons and a time of prayer and worship before the meeting, President Matt Henslee announced.

“Interspersed among the 12 expositional sermons (on) Colossians will be six timely messages from some faithful men of God,” he said. “While exegetically faithful and a little shorter, these will cover topics vital to our work as Southern Baptist pastors. You will hear from Adam Greenway, Paul Chitwood, Hance Dilbeck, Bryant Wright, Kevin Ezell and a dynamic evangelist named Daniel Ritchie.”

The prayer time will take place in the main hall at the Anaheim Convention Center from 4-6 p.m. on June 12. “We Proclaim Him” is the theme of the 2022 Pastors’ Conference, which gathers in conjunction with the SBC annual meeting each year.

“I should not need to tell you why prayer is so critically important for us as we descend upon Anaheim, but I would like to remind you of what the late E.M. Bounds said, ‘Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed,” Henslee noted.

Speakers for the Pastors’ Conference include Julio Arriola, NAMB church planting coordinator; Matt Carter, Houston, Texas, Sagemont; Mark Clifton, NAMB senior director of church replanting and rural strategy; Marcus Hayes, The Woodlands, Texas, Crossroads; Al Jackson, retired pastor, previously at Auburn, Ala., Lakeview; Omar Johnson, Temple Hills, Md., Temple Hills; Daryl Jones, Pembroke Pines, Fla., Rock Fellowship; Hanley Liu, Walnut, Calif., First Chinese; Mathew Mueller of Peoria, Ariz., Valley Life; Clay Smith, Marietta, Ga., Johnson Ferry; P.J. Tibayan, Bellflower, Calif., Bethany; Israel Villalobos, Irving, Texas, Plymouth Park.

“All are faithful men of God who love their families well, lead their churches well and handle the inerrant, infallible, sufficient Word well,” he said.

“It has been a joy to get to know them, and I look forward to hearing them preach in Anaheim. You should, too.”

SBC Annual Meeting Schedule Highlights Tuesday, June 14

Morning • Celebrating Freedom Observance – Ed Litton, SBC president; Chaplain Maj. Gen. Doug Carver, U.S. Army retired, executive director of chaplaincy, NAMB • GuideStone Financial Resources Report – D. Hance Dilbeck Jr., president and CEO, GuideStone • North American Mission Board Crossover Report & Presentation – Kevin Ezell, NAMB president; Johnny Hunt, NAMB senior vice president for evangelism and leadership • IMB Sending Celebration – Paul Chitwood, IMB president • President’s Address—Ed Litton • Resolutions Committee Report (Part 1)—Bart Barber, chair; pastor, Farmersville, Texas Afternoon • Sexual Abuse Task Force Report – Bruce Frank, chair; lead pastor, Arden, N.C., Biltmore • Election of Officers • Executive Committee Report – Willie D. McLaurin, interim president and CEO, SBC Executive Committee • Jesus, the Center of Church Planting: Reaching North America with the Gospel • North American Mission Board Report – Kevin Ezell • Woman’s Missionary Union Report – Sandra Wisdom-Martin, executive directortreasurer, WMU • International Mission Board Report – Paul Chitwood

Wednesday, June 15

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Crossover, Serve Tour provide opportunity for Gospel impact in Anaheim The North American Mission Board, in cooperation with California Baptists, will provide avenues for Southern Baptists to share the Gospel in Anaheim ahead of the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in June through a Crossover Serve Tour event.

“Southern Baptists have an opportunity to do what we do best in Anaheim by serving people and introducing them to the Savior,” said Johnny Hunt, NAMB’s senior vice president for evangelism and leadership. “I pray that many will get involved and that we will see a harvest of new Christ-followers as a result of our efforts together.”

Send Relief and NAMB are working with California Baptist leaders and local churches to host one-day, outreach-oriented sports camps for their communities.

NAMB is also working with Southern Baptist seminaries to host students who will spend the week learning from evangelism professors and putting those lessons into practice the week before Southern Baptists gather in Anaheim. To learn more and pre-register, visit namb.net/crossover.

For more information about the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting, visit sbcannualmeeting.net.

Morning Convention Sermon – Juan Sanchez, senior pastor, Austin, Texas, High Point Executive Committee Recommendations – Willie D. McLaurin Jesus, the Center of Racial Reconciliation: Adopting a Kingdom Race Mindset Joint Seminary Reports Afternoon Election of 2023 Convention Preacher, Alternate Preacher, and Music Director Jesus, the Center of Life: On the Road to Roe50 The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Report – Brent Leatherwood, ERLC acting president Lifeway Christian Resources Report – Ben Mandrell, president and CEO, Lifeway Presentation of Officers – Willie D. McLaurin

April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

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Sunday, May 8 okmdo.org The Oklahoma Baptists Offering for Children and Senior Adult Ministries

a Ministry of Impact The mission of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) is to demonstrate God’s love by providing hope through empowering children and their families to follow Christ. OBHC has three residential campuses that provide child-focused care for children in need of a home and two residential campuses that provide family-focused care. Through the ministry of Hope Pregnancy Center, OBHC provides support and resources to young women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Zachary lives at one of the campuses with child-focused care.

When he first arrived at the campus a year or so ago, Zachary was nervous and unsure of what to expect.

“I had never been to a place like this before,” he said. “I did not know what it would be like and what I was going to do here.”

For child-focused care, children eligible for placement include ages ranging from 6-18, and those with disciplinary problems, abandonment, unsafe living conditions or parents or guardians unable to care for them.

Up to eight boys or eight girls are placed in a cottage-style home, under the supervision of a husband and wife serving as houseparents. Children enjoy day-to-day life together, from meals, to activities, chores and homework.

Now, Zachary has settled into life on campus. When asked about what his day-to-day routine looks like, Zachary detailed a day full of school, Bible studies, chores and programs. He especially enjoys the horse program on campus. In the program, the children on campus learn about horses and how to take care of them from a certified teacher.

“I’ve learned how to be around horses in a safe way,” said Zachary. “My favorite part about working with the horses is riding them and then getting to groom them.”

Zachary also enjoys the daily on-campus Bible studies. His cottage is currently reading through the book of Matthew. “It is kind of confusing how Jesus lived his life,” said Zachary. “His lifestyle is so different than what I’m used to.”

During his time at the campus, Zachary has grown in how he treats his houseparents, the other children on campus and his family back at home. Zachary noted that he wants to be more respectful to those around him, and he makes a diligent effort to live his life in a way that honors Jesus.

Zachary has found comfort and security in the love and encouragement of his houseparents, and he says he knows they care for all the children in his cottage. Much like his own parents, Zachary knows his houseparents want what’s best for him.

One of Zachary’s favorite things to do with his campus is to help with the “petting zoos” they host at different events or churches.

They bring animals from the campus and let people interact with the animals. He loves telling people about the animals, specifically, the miniature horses, and seeing their expressions when they see the animals for the first time.

“I love getting to interact with people who have never seen a horse in person,” said Zachary. “At one church, a lady started crying because she was so happy to see a horse for the first time.

It made me feel really special to know I was able to share that with her.”

Zachary is excited for his future. He is excited to reunite with his family and take what he’s learned from OBHC and his houseparents and apply these life lessons in the way he interacts with others. OBHC provides opportunities for growth, a safe space to wrestle with challenges and hope through the love of Christ.

Your participation in the Mother’s Day Offering impacts children like Zachary and makes this ministry possible. Thank you!

Serving Senior Adults to Live Joyful and Fulfilling Lives If you’ve spent your adult life working, retirement may seem like it cannot come soon enough. To most, the idea of spending several decades in retirement sounds like a dream. However, running out of money during retirement is a real possibility for many people.

was fully independent and thought everything was going to be just fine, but it wasn’t long before Pauline began having accidents and falls sending her to the emergency room.

This is exactly what happened to Pauline Leathers, resident at Baptist Village of Oklahoma City (BVC). Pauline says, “God obviously had plans for me to live much longer than I planned.”

During her last hospital visit following a fall, the doctor told Pauline he could not release her to return home unless she had someone that could provide the necessary Pauline spent her career as a teacher. She help she needed. Hiring fulltaught in many different schools across many states. Pauline’s husband, Jimmy Lee time, live-in assistance was not financially feasible for her, as she lovingly refers to him, was in the United States Navy, so they moved around nor was moving in with her the country, as many military families often children. Both children still had their own kids living at do. home, and Pauline knew she They lived a modest, middle-class lifestyle did not want to add more to their plate by with two children, a son and a daughter. moving in…plus, neither of her children Pauline says, “It wasn’t always easy, but we had and extra bedroom. made it work.”

Pauline’s son and daughter knew they had When Jimmy Lee was 54, he suffered his to find somewhere for their mom to live first heart attack making him unable to that could offer her the independence she return to the Navy. Pauline’s salary became wanted yet provide the help she needed. the primary income for the household, and for eleven years, they lived on her teacher Working together, they made a list of senior adult communities to visit, and salary and his small military retirement.

BVC was first on the list…it became the Following his third heart attack, Jimmy Lee only place they visited. One visit to Baptist passed away at the age of 65.

Village of Oklahoma City and Pauline knew Pauline thought they had planned well she had found her new home. for the future. After her husband passed, Pauline moved in the week following she did not receive his social security Thanksgiving in 2015. She said, “from the or military retirement. The necessary first time I went to dinner in the dining paperwork had not been properly room, I felt welcomed.” completed prior to his death.

Fast forward five years, and Pauline Pauline later sold their family home and was facing a tough financial decision. moved into a two-bedroom condo. She Her savings had run out, and she was struggling to afford her monthly living expenses. Pauline would have to move, or her children would carry the financial burden of her monthly living costs. She was confident no other place would feel like home as much as BVC did.

The team at Baptist Village of Oklahoma City knew just how to help and went to work submitting Pauline’s application for the Larry

and Edwine Adams Assistance Fund (The Adams Assistance Fund). The Adams Assistance Fund is a special fund available to provide monthly financial help to BVC residents facing financial hardships just like Pauline.

Pauline was thrilled to learn she would be getting assistance, “I am so thankful for the Adams Assistance Fund. It allowed me to stay in my home at Baptist Village.”

“God obviously had plans for me to live much longer than I planned.”

Living on a retirement income can sometimes be stressful. Senior adults deserve to enjoy life during their golden years without worrying about how they will pay their housing expenses each month, and sometimes a little extra support is needed to make ends meet.

When you donate to the Mother’s Day Offering, you are contributing to The Adams Assistance Fund. Baptist Village Communities uses 100% of their portion of the offering to assist residents in need of financial help. Will you consider donating this year?

Baptist Village Communities

“Pure and undefiled religion before God is this, to care for orphans and widows in their troubles...”

James 1:27

Who We Serve!

For 52 years, Oklahoma Baptists have celebrated Mother’s Day in an extraordinary way through the Mother’s Day Offering. Together, we put our arms around children and seniors, stirring hope and demonstrating God’s love. Your participation in the Mother’s Day Offering makes this possible.

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) and Baptist Village Communities (BVC) ministries have touched the lives of thousands of senior adults and children in the name of Christ, providing help in ways that could be difficult for an individual church.

If you believe OBHC and BVC are ministries that represent you and your heart, will you consider participating in the offering this year?

OBHC

BVC

OBHC’s mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love by providing hope through empowering children and their families to follow Christ. OBHC cares for children affected by abuse, abandonment, neglect or poverty by providing safe and healthy homes.

OBHC also helps children through its single-mother family program, Hope Pregnancy Center, One Such Child foster care program and LifeWize curriculum for middle and high school students.

BVC provides financial assistance to residents through the Larry and Edwine Adams Assistance Fund. This fund helps ensure seniors have a roof over their head, a safe place to call home, and a living environment where they are encouraged to serve God and one another.

BVC is shaping the future of aging services with our mission of serving God, serving you, and serving together. As Oklahoma’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior adult housing and services since 1958, BVC serves senior adult residents age 55 and better at 12 Oklahoma locations, three home health care offices, and by offering durable medical equipment.

Choose the best way to support the 2022 Mother’s Day Offering!

At church

Let’s Connect!

Email: mdo@obhc.org Email Phone: (405) 942-3000 x 4628 Phone Online: www.okmdo.org Online Mail: Mail

Mother’s Day Offering 3800 N. May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73112

By check

Online okmdo.org

Enclosed is my check for the 2022 Mother’s Day Offering Name: Phone: ( Email:

heart giving THE

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Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills and OAAF ‘excited’ to acquire Falls Creek cabin /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

DAVIS—Walter Wilson sat on the porch area and shared how excited he was. The porch area was part of a Falls Creek Conference Center cabin that is now owned by Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills on behalf of the Oklahoma African American Fellowship (OAAF).

“This is an awesome thing,” said Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship who serves as African American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists and a consultant for OAAF. “The grand idea of having a cabin is so we would have a footprint at Falls Creek because I think this is one of the best Baptist encampments that I have ever seen. And I’ve been a Southern Baptist since ’84.”

Last year, Wilson was at Falls Creek riding in a golf cart with Alan Quigley, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director for church relations. He and Quigley discussed how it could be possible for OAAF to have a presence at Falls Creek.

Cabin ownership at Falls Creek is only offered to Oklahoma Baptist churches and associations. After that initial conversation with Quigley, Wilson began discussing with Andy Harrison, director of Oklahoma Baptist conference centers, on how OAAF, through Gilcrease Hills’ cabin ownership, could have a regular involvement at Falls Creek.

Since November 2021, Gilcrease Hills has been down at Falls Creek putting their touches on the cabin located in the southeast side of the encampment, about a block south of the entry pool swimming area of the creek.

“It’s a beautiful partnership, and it’s going to be ministry-minded,” Wilson said describing what it means for an African American church to own a cabin at Falls Creek. He said several churches will plan to have leadership conferences at the cabin.

“Falls Creek is a really good place to get away and

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1)Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills cabin is located in the southeast side of the encampment at Falls Creek; 2) Walter Wilson checks out the updated kitchen in the cabin that allows OAAF to have a presence at Falls Creek.

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE

spend time with leaders, so it will be offered to the fellowship.”

The cabin was in use for the Youth Evangelism Conference in March and the Women’s Retreat on April 22-23. For the summer youth weeks at Falls Creek, Wilson said the cabin is already reserved for weeks six and seven, but it will be offered to churches for the other weeks.

LeRon West, pastor of Gilcrease Hills, and many church members have spruced up the cabin, repairing bunk beds, reorganizing the kitchen and painting the interior.

“Having a cabin (at Falls Creek) has been a long time answer to prayer,” West said. “My first time to Falls Creek was in 1990. I remember I went as an assistant pastor and youth minister, and I got ‘baptized’ real quick on experiencing Falls Creek.

So many young people need to experience Falls Creek. It creates a great environment of ministry among many churches and providing opportunities for people to know Christ, surrender to ministry work and grow as believers in Christ.”

David Hooks, pastor of Oklahoma City, Bryant Avenue and OAAF president, also is excited about this Falls Creek cabin opportunity.

“It’s a great blessing for African American churches,” Hooks said. “This is a big step. It demonstrates Oklahoma Baptist leadership wants African Amer-

ican churches to be involved. It’s a sign that we belong, and it speaks volumes. God is working through this opportunity.”

Wilson said many African American Southern Baptist leaders are aware of this cabin purchase.

Recently, members of the search committee for the next president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee spent time in prayer at Falls Creek.

Illinois pastor Adron Robinson is chairman of the search committee and is also Wilson’s cousin. He went to see Gilcrease Hills’ cabin while he was at Falls Creek.

“By having this cabin, it speaks throughout the Southern Baptist Convention,” Wilson said. “No other African American church owns a cabin at a Southern Baptist encampment. It is an awesome thing.”

Wilson along with West and Hooks believe more African American churches will want to be more involved at Falls Creek through this cabin. All three see this as a work of the Lord.

“You never know how God can impact people,” West said. “There’s no place on earth where you can pour into people’s lives the way you can at Falls Creek.”

“There’s no substitute for experience, and this can be a life-changing experience,” Hooks said.

Leaders gather to strengthen Oklahoma Baptist church planting >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

Oklahoma Baptist pastors and other ministry leaders met recently in two events sponsored by the Send Oklahoma Network that were designed to plan and prepare ways to strengthen church planting in the state.

Oklahoma City, Emmaus hosted the Send Oklahoma Network Coaching Map Training, March 21, which trained more than 20 leaders in coaching methodology to equip coaches to help church planters.

“We are launching coaching training in support of church planting in the state of Oklahoma,” said Joey Dean, pastor of Oklahoma City, South Lakes who co-led the coach training event with Adam Pursel, a church planter from Columbus, Ohio. “This was the first round of training in the coaching map method. Our goal is to raise up coaches who will invest in church planters across the state.”

Send Oklahoma Network is organized through a partnership with Oklahoma Baptists and the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

“This is the beginning of a pipeline of trained leaders who can strengthen our church planting efforts,” Dean said. “Church planting is growing in Oklahoma, and we are in need of 20-30 coaches who can be paired with church planters whose church plants are two years or younger and already established across the state. We will have a continual need for more leaders who are willing to become equipped as coaches as church planting expands in the state.”

Zach Folley, missions pastor at Lawton, First East, said the training will help him as he communicates with church planters affiliated with his church.

“We are in the process of developing church planters and future pastors,” Folley said. “The coaching training helps me understand better ways to communicate with missionaries and planters. This is helping us build upon what we already had and gives us a little more as we move forward and to reproduce it as well.”

The other church planting event was the Send Oklahoma Network Summit, which met March 30 at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City. The summit helped cast the vision for greater church planting in the state

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>> PHOTOS: 1) BRIAN HOBBS; 2) CHRIS FORBES 1)Rusty Gunn leads a session during the Send Oklahoma Network Summit; 2) Adam Pursel talks about ‘The Growing Coach’ during the Send Oklahoma Network Coaching Map Training.

and drew 24 attendees, including state convention leaders, pastors and directors of mission from across the state.

“Since 2015 the NAMB Send Network has put together three components that have solidified the strength and success of Southern Baptist church planting, “ said Rusty Gunn, Send Oklahoma Network catalyst, who assisted in organizing both events. “First is the assessment process. Second, the training that is available, and third is the ongoing coaching of planters. These three components together have taken us from a 50 percent success rate to an 85 percent success rate.”

Gunn, along with NAMB Send Network leaders George Ross, South Regional director, and Charles Campbell, regional equipper, met with leaders from a broad spectrum of ministry leadership positions in a church planting summit gathering.

“These leaders helped us strategize church planting in the state,” Gunn explained. “Ultimately, church planting is based on evangelism and discipleship, and we looked at a number of tools that are offered through the Send Network for churches and associations to use that will help facilitate discipleship within the churches with the goal of sparking people to recognize their calling into ministry, then help equip them and send them out as pastors, missionaries and church planters.”

In the meeting, leaders also identified key locations around the state that are in particular need of church planting.

“We laid out a map and put some dots on the map where church plants are needed,” Gunn reported.

“Those leaders in the room also took ownership to say they are going to engaged in helping get churches planted in those areas.”

Gunn, who is pastor of Sand Springs, Church That Matters, explained that the needs in a few locations stood out to the group. “Durant is one area where metro areas in Texas are sprawling out and people from there are crossing over into Oklahoma,” he said.

Shawnee, El Reno, Stillwater, Kingfisher, Lawton, Yukon, Mustang and Norman were among the areas also discussed as locations where more church planting is desired.

Gunn said that these are not the only areas in the state with church planting needs.

“Church planting is needed wherever there are people,” Gunn said. “In our state, I think the last statistics showed 80 percent of the people in Oklahoma are unchurched. In my city alone, if we could reach all the people in Sand Springs, we would need 355 average-sized (around 100 members) new churches to reach all of the people in just my city.

“If we had churches the size of the top 10 percent of churches in North America, with 200 people or more members, then we would need 106 new churches in my city. We don’t have enough churches to reach all the people. Therefore, wherever there are people, we need new churches,” Gunn concluded.

To learn more about the Send Oklahoma Network visit oklahomabaptists.org/sendnetwork.

Features | April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Edmond, Community hosts land dedication

More than 65 people gathered April 16 for Edmond, Community’s land dedication celebration.

The three-year-old church plant is making an impact in the Edmond community. Pastor Ray Strauss, left, speaks to those attending the land dedication.

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

VOICES >> PHOTO: ERIC VAUGHAN

>> PHOTO: CHRIS FORBES

On April 19, at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, a special event for Oklahoma Baptists was presented by Southwestern Seminary (SWBTS). The event, for alumni and prospective seminary students and pastors, is part of a series of events SWBTS is offering in various states to strengthen connections with pastors and others. Speakers at the Oklahoma “Southern Nights” dinner event included SWBTS’ President Adam Greenway and Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher. On a panel, the two discussed the close connection SWBTS shares with Oklahoma Baptists and about future opportunities. For more information visit SWBTS.edu.

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April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

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McNeill delivers OBU chapel message ASSIFIEDS C>>Lby Kenny Day

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS ATKINS DEATH. Charlie Atkins, 78, died April 7 in Oklahoma M ACity. His meL A HwasOApril O Kservice 12 at Bethany, T H Emorial E V I H C First.

HeTworked as the advertising manR A S I T P A B ager of the Baptist Messenger and served as a team member of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief ministry. He was an active member and deacon at Bethany, First and a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eileen; his son, Kevin; his daughter, Kimberly Beard; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

FORD DEATH. Richard Ford, 85, died April 13. Funeral service was April 16 at Eufaula, Lenna. He pastored Onapa in Muskogee Association for 52 years until retiring in 2021. He pastored Muskogee, Community for years before coming to Onapa in 1969. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Billie; his son, Richard; his daughter Dona Lovette; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

WALKER DEATH. Jerry Walker, 92, died April 14. Funeral service was April 23 in Bethany. In his 32 years of vocational ministry, he served at two churches as minister of eduction. He served at Norman, Trinity from 195970 and at Oklahoma City, Baptist Temple from 1970-91. He served a term as president of the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Society and was a member of the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission. He is survived by his wife of nearly 36 years, LaReta; his son, Ron; his daughter, Susan Bridges; his son, Mark; his son, Gordon; and 15 grandchildren.

WEAVER DEATH. Lucille Weaver, 101, died March 24. Funeral service was March 31 in Okmulgee. She was a longtime member of Eram in North Canadian Association. She served as the women’s Sunday School teacher.

She helped with church dinners, VBS and sewed aprons and chef’s hats for the men who helped in the kitchen. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Gehle; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren.

OKU

OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Garry McNeill, senior pastor of Durant, First, delivered the Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) chapel message April 6. He taught on the Parable C E S The O ISamaritan. of the V Good service took place in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium.

McNeill has served as senior pastor of Durant, First since 2019. He previously served for four years as pastor of Cherokee, First.

Prior to becoming a senior pastor, he served in youth ministry for 18 years. He graduated from Garber High School and then earned a degree in mass communications from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. He later earned a graduate degree from Southwestern Seminary.

He and his wife Heather married in 2002 after meeting at Northwestern and serving together in various leadership positions at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. They have four children—Haley, Reeselyn, Brynlee and Garrison.

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I >> PHOTO: CLINTON SINCLAIR

Garry McNeill, senior pastor of Durant, First, delivered the OBU chapel message April 6.

McNeill has a strong desire to walk beside people through the struggles of life and encourage them along the way. He looks forward to the preparation and preaching of God’s Word each week, and he also enjoys playing and watching sports, leading worship and spending time with his family.

To view McNeill’s message or other OBU chapel messages, visit okbu.edu/student-life/ spiritual-life/chapel-messages.

Baptist couple’s surprise baby delivery amid SCM 60th anniversary concert

On April 7, hundreds gathered at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU for a special Singing Churchmen 60th anniversary concert. According to Pastor Terry Wofford of Kansas, First, his music leader Justin Jones and his wife, Susan, were heading to the concert where Justin would also sing.

“Before the concert, (Susan) started having laboring pains, and more than 24 hours of labor later, she gave birth to their 9 pound son at a Hospital in Shawnee,” Wofford said. “Thankfully, mother and baby Justin are doing well! We praise God for this precious baby, who showed up during a memorable moment in Oklahoma Baptist life!”

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

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Guide Pastor CooperativeScripture Convention Culture Keahbone Podcast Search Faith Fisher Guide Keahbone Lawton Polity Seminaries Missionaries Polity Message Pastor Prayer Podcast Southern Scripture Search ProgramSeminariesStructure Southern Missionaries Committee

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People & Church News | April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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O O L B OX CHURCH T

Does what we sing really matter? Selecting and finding songs for worship S LASSIFIED C

Is the song in a “singable” range for your church (and for you)? Picture me standing on a soap box right now. Most songs that the artist sings in are too high for the average It happens every week, all around the church member to sing. Trust me, people may world. As a church gathers to worship God, love the song, but they will not sing if it’s out C EforSthe V Oa Isong a worship pastor and a team are given the of their range. Also, remember, opportunity to lead in worshipping the God church should be in their range, not the range of the Ages, the Alpha and the Omega, the of the worship leader or worship team/choir. one who is, who always was, and who is still Finding music for worship is a primary to come—the Almighty One. task, and it’s important that your team has How do we approach this task and be the resources it needs to play and sing the ready each week to point people to Christ? songs well. Most songs will have multiple So many times it just seems that we start arrangements, and there are great options with a blank piece of paper and pray that literally at your fingertips. Here are a few reGod would miraculously show us the songs sources for congregational worship that are to sing and other elements to include in easy to use and easy to find: worship. That may be one way to do it, and 1. Lifeway Worship–lifewayworship.com believe me, I’ve done it that way, but per- (note, this is different from Lifeway.com) haps it’s not the best way.

Lifeway Worship provides both a huge seIn this day of being able to pull music from lection of modern and traditional songs. the internet, line it out by ear, or even sing 2. Praisecharts—praisecharts.com. Like your own music or music from your friends, Lifeway Worship, Praisecharts offers a lot of the role of the worship pastor is even more great resources and they especially have arimportant when considering song selec- rangements that are very similar to the arttion. We are now the curators of the song- ists’ version of a song. book that our church uses, and with that 3. The hymnal—depending on what task comes a great responsibility. Consider hymnal you have, there are modern songs this checklist for the music you select: along with songs that have connected with Is it Biblical? Do the words and ideas of Christians for many years. the song line up with Scripture? If it doesn’t, 4. Celebrating Grace—celebrating-grace. don’t use it—period. com. This a resource for more traditional worWhat does the song really say? Does ship expression, but great arrangements for it say what you would want to say in a way piano and organ and church orchestra. that you would want to say it? This is also a The opportunity to plan worship is both a “cross check” for any confusing or mislead- blessing and a great responsibility. Planning ing language that might be misunderstood worship comes from the heart of the worship by the singer or listener. pastor that is tuned to God and is sensitive Is the song God honoring? In the con- to how God is working in and through the text of a worship service every song must church group you are leading.

E orplan Hyou F R O M TAs serve the purpose of honoring and bringworship, let our prayer first be LO G “tune my heart to sing Thy Bwould S R E ing glory to God and the messageRof ScripG that God N I L S D WO clear ture. We must “make the message and grace.” A heart that is “tuned” will resonate a plain” in selecting texts that glorify God. song of the praise that glorifies God and adIs the song well written so that it com- vances the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

JOIN US FOR THE WORSHIP LEADERSHIP municates in an engaging way? If a song is popular or well known, there will be many SUMMIT for “Scripture Guided Worship,” May arrangements of the song. Take time to find 9 at Oklahoma City, Village or Tulsa, First. Visit to register an arrangement that works for people inE oklahomabaptists.org/worship-music S AY S V A D and for more details. your context. >> by Randy Lind

WORSHIP-MUSIC MINISTRY PARTER FOR OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

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

O K L AH O M A BAP T I S T D I SA S T E R R E LI E F

YO U T H M I N I S T RY RESOURCES

Find information about volunteering and training with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief or to donate visit the following website:

God is raising up a generation to complete the task of sharing Christ with a lost world. Find out more about Falls Creek, Go Students, YEC and more at this link

okdisasterhelp.org

oklahomabaptists.org/youth

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

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April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N F RO M T H E G E R S B LO G URE WO R D S L I N E W S & C U LT

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THE HEART OF THE MAT TER >> LUKE STILLS

In 2013, North Dakota became theSfirst stateUtoApass Y A N haveLan S E A N not V A D a heartbeat law. This meant that one could FO abortion if there was evidence of bill E T I N GThisI N MaEheartbeat. would usher in a new era in the struggle for the sanctity of human life.

Unfortunately, that bill would later be blocked by the Supreme Court. This did not stop other states S from trying S Tpassed.

P T Ibill A B A M to get their O own form of a heartbeat TwenO H KLA T H G I L H ty-one of the 50 states,Rincluding Oklahoma, have at least U C E H IG O S E R proposed one of these kinds of bills.

Oklahoma Baptists are well-known for our commitment to the unborn, for our commitment to the Sanctity of Human Life and to seeing the end of legalized abortion. Because of this, there is major work to be done in protecting unborn life.

To read the rest of Luke’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/ blog-the-heart-of-the-matter

F RO M T H E B LOinGmind, E R SJesus To read more blogs Gwith N I L S D R O W visit baptistmessenger.com/blog

D AV E S AY S DATE NIGHT CAN BE INEXPENSIVE AND FUN

BA PT ISTS A M O H A L OK GHT Dear Dave, S O U R C E H IG H L I RE

We’re trying to get control of our finances by living on a budget. We also have about $18,000 in debt we are trying to pay off. My husband brings home $3,400 a month, and I am currently taking care of our eight-month-old baby. We would like to have a date night once a month, and he thinks we should set aside $200 for this. Under the current circumstances, I feel like this is too much.

What do you think?

—Carolyne Dear Carolyne, If you’d told me you guys make $150,000 a year, I’d say go have a great time. But with your income, and a lot of debt on top, I’d put the brakes on that amount. It sounds like he’s looking for an outlet to unwind and have a little fun, without giving a lot of thought to the big picture. The good thing, though, is you’re working together and beginning to take this personal finance thing seriously.

My advice would be to lower the date night amount to about $50 right now. That’s plenty for a reasonable dinner and a babysitter for a couple of hours. You might not have to figure babysitting expenses into the equation at all if you have family or friends nearby.

Going out on a date doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Years ago, when my wife and I were broke, we did tons of stuff that didn’t cost a dime. Things like hiking and picnics are great ways to spend quality time together, while keeping your pocketbook in your pocket. Just be creative, talk about it together and make sure you find ways to have a little us time on a regular basis.

I think you’re right on this one, Carolyne!

—Dave

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

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Rate: $25.00 flat rate per ad • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form >>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Lead blended worship service. Adaptable skill set & leadership ability to enable worship ministry growth. Job description at: www.twelvecornersbaptistchurch.org.

Send resume & interest letter to: talodes@ou.edu.

Hastings, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resume to: Hastings Baptist Church P.O. Box 205, Hastings, OK 73548.

>>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.

>>BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Paradise Valley Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/ VO Youth Minister. Parsonage is provided.

Please send resumes to: Paradise Valley Baptist Church, 4974 NW Meers Porter Hill Rd., Lawton, OK 73507 or email to: PVBCLawton@gmail.com.

sionate about God & serving youth. Please send resume or inquiries to: fbcduke@swoi.net.

>>F/T CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: FBC Sapulpa, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Children’s Director. Resumes & request for job description accepted via email only: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com.

>>BI/VO SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Ft. Towson is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Senior Pastor. Parsonage available. Please submit resume & cover letter to: office@friscobaptist.com.

>>P/T or F/T CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: FBC Piedmont is seeking a Church Administrator. Schedule of 28 hours+ during a M-F work week. Please submit resumes to: personnel@fbcpiedmont.org.

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC Beaver, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage is provided. Please send resume to: FBC Attn: Pastoral Search Committee, P.O. Box 6, Beaver, OK 73932 or email to: fbcbeavr@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR YOUTH/WORSHIP: Oak Grove Church of Cushing, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor of Youth & Worship. To discover more info & to submit a resume, please visit: og.church/careers. For any other questions contact the church office at: (918) 352-3174.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Sayre, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email a cover letter & resume to: FBC, ATTN: Pastor Search Committee, 504 N. 4th St., Sayre, OK 73662 or pastor@fbcsayre.org.

>>F/T PASTOR: Faith Baptist Church of Claremore is prayerfully considering a F/T Pastor. Parsonage is available. Please send resumes with a cover letter to: faith@claremorefaith.com.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Associate Pastor of Worship & Discipleship. Highland Park Baptist Church, Bartlesville OK. F/T Staff Position. For full job description & to apply: http://highlandparkbaptist.net/connect/associate-pastor-application.

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

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

E SYOUTH MINISTER: Duke FBC is prayerV O I C>>P/T fully seeking a P/T Youth Minister who is pas-

>>FT or BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Ryan is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is available.

Please send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 519, Ryan, OK 73565 or to: fbcryan1@gmail.com. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: FBC of Fitzhugh is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: P.O. Box 177, Fitzhugh, OK 74843 or emailed to: secretary@fitzhughfbc.com. >>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Chisholm Heights Baptist Church Mustang is looking for a F/T Student Minister.

If interested, please send resumes to: Student Ministry Search Committee, 2243 W. State Highway 152, Mustang, OK. 73064 or email: dbryan@chbcmustang.org. >>F/T CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTER: First Baptist McAlester is seeking a F/T Children & Family Minister.

To view the full job description & submit an application, please visit: https://firstbaptist.info/were-hiring. >> BI/VO WORSHIP PASTOR: Portland Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Worship Pastor to help coordinate our worship ministry. Interested applicants can apply at: https:// www.portlandavenue.org/worship-ministry.html. >>F/T MINISTER OF YOUTH: North Pointe BC, located in the heart of the Deer Creek School District, is actively interviewing candidates to lead our small group driven student ministry. Applicants can send resume & cover letter to: searchteam@northpointe.tv. >>F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church in Skiatook, OK is seeking a F/T Pastor to follow our retiring pastor of 33 yrs. Applicants should mail resume with references to: IBC, 625 S. Broadway St, Skiatook, OK 74070 or email to: immanuelskiatook@yahoo.com.

>>SUMMER INTERN POSITION: Student Ministry. Berryhill Baptist Church, Tulsa is looking for a young man who feels called to Student Ministry. If interested, call: (918) 445-0923 for interview or send a resume to: BBC, 6035 W. 40th, Tulsa, OK 74107. >>F/T OR P/T YOUTH PASTOR: Mount Hermon Church of Jay is prayerfully searching for our next Youth Pastor. Position is F/T or P/T for the right candidate. Resumes can be sent to: pastorjake@mhcjay.com. >>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Blanchard FBC is seeking a F/T Student Pastor. We are a growing church in a thriving community. If interested in the position, please send your resume to: travis@ fbcblanchard.org or Blanchard FBC, P.O. Box 370, Blanchard, OK 73010 www.blanchardfirst.com. >>BI/VO MUSIC WORSHIP LEADER: Highland Park Edmond seeks a spiritually motivated & energetic personality to lead our praise team & congregation. Resume: Music Search Team, HPBC, 400 N. Blackwelder, Edmond, OK 73034 or as attachment to: hpbcpastor@att.net. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Lone Star Baptist Church, a small rural church near Miami, OK is seeking a BI/ VO Pastor to lead their multigenerational congregation. Send resume to the church at: P.O. Box 561, Afton, OK 74331 or email: jasonggibson@gmail.com. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: New Hope Baptist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403 is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister to lead & disciple youth 6th - 12th grades. Send resumes to above address or email to: NHBC2022YouthMinister@gmail.com.

2 Chronicles Sarah Lagerquist Simmons

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ACROSS 26 Education beyond high school 1 Brand of dog food scrutinized (Brit.)

5 French painter Edgar 27 “The noise was heard 10 “My ___ did enter into his___ ears”off” (2 Sam. 22:7)(Ezra 3:13) 28 “For wecity___ not___ make ourselves 13 Monaco Monte of the 15 ___ acidnumber” (2 Cor. 10:12) 29 Stork-like birdused in tabernacle 16 Purple was ___ 30 Church should work in ___ 17 Chirp (Eph. 4:3) 31 Chicken 34 Japanese cedar 35 Elkanah was ___ the king (2 Chron. 28:7) (dial.)

36 “That they may fear ___, to walk in thy ways” (2 Chron. 6:31)

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18 Plastic 4319“They pluck Southern U.S. the statefatherless (abbr.) from ___” (Jobtotal 24:9) 20the Nation’s goods’ value 4421Prodigal worked here Isaac wasson Abraham’s ___ 4523Group of commanded modern-day “Hezekiah to Matthews ___ the burnt 46offStates ofChron. unconsciousness ering” (2 29:27) 4725Queen taken ___Gentile by Jesus didwas ___ Jew and Solomon’s wisdom 26 The blacksmith “fashioneth it with ___” 48 Gutsy (Isa. 44:12) 49 Samson had more than one 51 Consumer 52 Pop 53 High school party 54 ___ of Green Gables 57 Grain 58 North American country

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Great potential & opportunity if up to the challenge. A loving church with vision & desire to reach youth & families. Send resume: fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com or First Southern Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007. >> F/T PASTOR: Chandler Southern Baptist is seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send a cover letter & resume to: Search Committee, P.O. Box 442, Chandler, OK 74834. >>F/T PASTOR: Big Creek Baptist in Heavener, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested applicants should mail a cover letter & resume to: 13186 Black Fork Rd., Heavener, OK 74937 or bigcreekbaptistok@ gmail.com. Contact (918) 658-5384 leave a message. >>F/T PASTOR: Blackgum, FBC Vian, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: BlackgumBaptistresume@gmail.com. >>P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR: Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK is currently looking for a P/T Children’s Ministry Director. See a full job description & information on how to apply on our website: tbcshawnee.com. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Calvin FBC in Calvin, OK is seeking a minister called to work with youth. Must have a calling to work with youth in a small community. Housing provided send resumes to: calvinbaptist1st@yahoo.com. >>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: Martha Road Baptist Church, Altus OK, is prayerfully seeking its next F/T Youth Pastor. Please send resumes to: kevin@martharoad.org. >>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: New Hope Baptist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403. Prayerfully seeking P/T Music Minister. Send resume to above addressoremailto:NHBC2022MusicMinister@gmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Hopewell Baptist Church, a small rural church in the Bethel Acres/Shawnee, OK area is seeking God’s man to serve as our new Pastor. Send resume to the church at: 33500 Hardesty Road, Shawnee, OK 74801 or email to: bill.berglan@yahoo.com. >>P/T MINISTER OF MUSIC: FBC Cache, OK is seeking a P/T Minister of Music to lead a biblical, blended & balanced Sunday morning worship service & special services as needed. To submit a resume please email: office@fbccache.org. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Canaan Baptist Church Minco, OK is a small rural church prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please submit all resumes to: Canaan Baptist Church, 17092 CS 2730, Minco, OK or email to: Eisenmangd@gmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Del View Baptist Church, Del City, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume including bio summary & video sermon link to: rlangan.dvbc@gmail.com ATTN: Pastoral Search

CROSSWO

Committee. You could be who we’ve been praying for!

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

>>F/T YOUTH/STUDENT PASTOR: Spiro FBC in Spiro, OK is seeking a F/T Youth/Student Pastor. Competitive salary package with 3 bed 2 bath home. Send resume to: jamestsmith@live.com. >>SUMMER CHILDREN’S MINISTER: Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City, OK is searching for someone to lead our Children’s Ministry for the summer. This is a F/T temporary position. Please call (405) 737-7684 or email: jay@meadowoodbaptist.org. >>F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Mary Niblack Road Baptist Church, Ardmore, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: maryniblackroad@gmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Denton Baptist Marlow is prayerfully searching for a BI/VO Pastor. Please send resumes to: saltechllcorp@gmail.com or mail to: 272910 W. Ballpark Rd., Marlow, OK 73055. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Jay FBC is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who has a call & passion for ministering to youth. Please email to: fbcjay@yahoo.com or mail to: P.O. Box 304, Jay, OK 74346. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cameron, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate for a BI/VO Pastor. Housing is available. Please submit resumes to Danny Rogers by email at: RogersDanny1959@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Rosedale is prayerfully seeking God’s Man. Please send resume to: 37740 Arkansas Ave., Rosedale, OK 74831 or email: tracy100@windstream.net. >>F/T PASTOR: Davidson FBC is prayerfully searching for a F/T Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: P.O. Box 187, Davidson, OK 73530. >>F/T or P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FSBC Guthrie is prayerfully searching for our next Youth Pastor. Position is F/T or P/T for the right candidate. Resumes can be mailed to: 202 E. Noble Ave., Guthrie, OK 73044 or emailed to: fsbc.youthpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC of St. Louis, OK seeking BI/ VO Pastor. To receive a candidate packet, please send your request to: First Baptist Church Attn: Search Committee P.O. Box 147, St. Louis, OK 74866. >>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FBC Frederick is prayerfully searching for a F/T Associate Pastor of Worship & Family Discipleship.

Please send resumes to: fbcfrederick@pldi.net. >> F/T STUDENT MINISTRY/REC PASTOR: Parkside Baptist Church, Denison, TX is seeking a F/T Pastor of Student Ministry & Recreation.

Apply at: resume@thepark.org. >>CABIN FOR SALE: Falls Creek cabin for sale. One side holds 14 beds, 2 showers, 2 sinks & 2 toilets.

The other side holds 11 beds, 2 showers, 2 sinks & 2 toilets. Has a large covered deck on 5K route. For more information text Mark Smith (405) 756-0966. >>CABIN FOR SALE: Falls Creek cabin for sale. Drumright FBC. 58 beds. 3 blocks from tabernacle. $120,000 (OBO). For information email: philnix1@gmail.com.

RD

28 Deprive of weapons 31 Becloud 32 Bottomless pit 33 Present day Babylonian neighbor 34 “worshiped God that ___ on the throne” (Rev. 19:4) 37 Skating ___ 38 Product of Lebanon (2 Chron. 2:8) 40 Male name 41 Joseph could not ___ slavery (abbr.)

42 “The ___ spake to Manasseh” (2 Chron. 33:10) 43 Stroke over par (var.)

44 Sodom was a ___ city 45 California city 46 Choral composition 49 “He sacrificed. . .under every green ___” (2 Chron. 28:4) 50 God wants person who ___ Him 51 Constellation 52 Accountant 55 “They ___ my path” (Job 30:13) 56 “Then all the people went to the ___ of Baal” (2 Chron. 23:17) 59 “They laughed them to ___” (2 Chron. 30:10) 61 What it’s worth 62 Jesus ___ our burdens (Matt 11:30) 63 Claw 64 “Hast thou with him spread out the ___” (Job 37:18) 65 “The ___ in their courses fought against Sisera” (Judg. 5:20) 66 Athaliah was Ahaziah’s mother’s ___ (2 Chron. 22:2)

DOWN 1 David ___ insane (1 Sam 21:13) (abbr.)

2 Yard 3 Mary went to ____ Jesus’ body 4 Bravo! (Sp.) 5 “As ___ thy father walked” (2 Chron. 7:17) 6 Turkish official 7 “For a ___ and for a snare” (Isa. 8:14) 8 “Neither chose I ___ man to be a ruler over my people Israel” (2 Chron. 6:5) 9 ___ requested wisdom from God (2 Chron.

1:11) 10 Abrade 11 “There shall not fail thee a man to be ___ in Israel” (2 Chron. 7:18) 12 Joash became king at seven ___ (2 Chron.

24:1) 14 “Lest thou give thine honour unto ___” (Prov. 5:9) 22 Tree 24 Overseas money group 25 Moses used a kind of ___ (2 Cor. 3:13) 26 Education beyond high school scrutinized (Brit.)

27 “The noise was heard ___ off ” (Ezra 3:13) 28 “For we ___ not make ourselves of the number” (2 Cor. 10:12) 29 Stork-like bird 30 Church should work in ___ (Eph. 4:3) 31 Chicken 34 Japanese cedar 35 Elkanah was ___ the king (2 Chron. 28:7) (dial.)

Classifieds | April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger |

36 “That they may fear ___, to walk in thy ways” (2 Chron. 6:31) 38 Joseph’s many-colored garment 39 Female name 40 Threw (var.)

42 Straps 43 “They pluck the fatherless from the ___” (Job 24:9) 44 Prodigal son worked here 45 Group of modern-day Matthews 46 States of unconsciousness 47 Queen was taken ___ by Solomon’s wisdom 48 Gutsy 49 Samson had more than one 51 Consumer 52 Pop 53 High school party 54 ___ of Green Gables 57 Grain 58 North American country 60 “Thy servants ___ skill to cut timber” (2 1 Chronicles Chron. 2:8) Sarah Lagerquist Simmons F E T A P L A N C Y S T

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SBC Matters: A Q&A with Mike Keahbone and Todd Fisher L

A N N UA S E C I The Baptist First, G I N F O V O Messenger recently interviewed Mike Keahbone, pastor of Lawton, I N Mike Keahbone, left, speaks during an T E E M and Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, about the Southern >> PHOTO: SCREEN SHOT

Baptist Convention (SBC). The following transcript is edited for length and clarity. The full interview can be viewed at baptistmessenger.com/podcast.

Baptist Messenger: We want to talk about some key issues in the Southern Baptist Convention. Pastor Mike, can you share about your experience serving with the SBC Executive Committee and also its presidential search committee?

Mike Keahbone: This has been an education process for me. I really didn’t know what all the SBC Executive Committee did. The Executive Committee (EC), along with the SBC EC president, handles everything Cooperative Program, which is the collection of all those funds from all of the different places and distributes them to all of the right places. So Southern Baptists reach people all over the world through the Cooperative Program, starting right here at home. Managing all of that and getting into the depths of all of that is what the EC does, and the president is the one who guides all of that.

I’ve been on a campaign to try to educate Southern Baptists on the importance of understanding how all of this works and about this executive search process. The man we are looking for—and God already knows who he is— must be a man of God that is able to lead well in all kinds of situations because of the certain climate that we are in right now. For me it’s been a process of learning exactly what that looks like, every phase of it. It’s been a wonderful process to be part of; great in a lot of ways, and it’s been hard in a lot of ways.

Messenger: Can you talk about how you prioritized prayer at the heart of what you’re doing?

Keahbone: Yes… as a search team, we were looking at all these previous documents. There were timelines, processes, there’s all these different things, a job description... I kept looking through it to find a place where prayer was an emphasis. I knew in my heart that the search teams before that were in this situation prayed. I knew the Executive Committee had been praying through it, but what I was looking for was where we called on ALL Southern Baptists to pray. The Executive Committee is made up of representation from Southern Baptists from every state that has a Baptist Convention. Oklahoma has a good contingency there. I wondered, ‘Where’s the spot on the timeline where we called all Southern Baptists to pray for such an important position?’ It’s such an important time, and it was not there.

We talked about it and determined that we’ve not really invited Southern Baptists to be a part of this process. We got really excited about that. We began to strategize on what that would look like. We realized that we have a (Task Force) report that’s going to be coming out here in a few weeks before Convention, so it is a natural time to call our people to pray. We put together a strategy to pray. It’s a 21-day prayer guide that we really prayerfully and thoughtfully put together. We’re praying for each other, praying for our families, praying for our churches, praying for the places that we represent and then asking God to help us see with His eyes what He wants us to see and whoever this next SBC EC president should be.

Messenger: Dr. Fisher, why is it important that the ordinary Southern Baptist—the person at the local church—understand polity, and what are some things that you would want to emphasize?

Todd Fisher: It’s not only lay people, but those of us who have been involved in church leadership, who may not fully understand what Baptist beliefs, Baptist polity and the Cooperative Program are. In these months that I’ve been travelling all over the state, I have seen that we need some sort of reemphasis on key tenants of what make us Southern Baptists.

The first one that you mentioned is Baptist polity. Southern Baptists have a polity that is not Episcopalian polity. It’s not Presbyterian polity; it is congregational polity. Congregational polity essentially means that we view the Scripture as teaching there is no authority over the local church except Jesus Christ.

So, there is no kind of ecclesial structure that has any kind of authority over the local church. That means that the Southern Baptist Convention is not a topdown organization, it’s a bottom-up organization.

I’ve had people say to me in the past few months, ‘Hey Todd you’ve become the boss of all of the Baptists in Oklahoma,’ and I say, ‘No, no. I went from being a pastor for 30 years where I was kind of a boss, if you will, to having over 1,700 bosses.’ I think we need to have a little bit of a resurgence, a reminder that, if we want to use the phrase ‘Seat of Power’ or authority, it is not in a national convention or in a state convention; it is in the local church. I think in terms of our biblical understanding, and in terms of Baptist polity, it really doesn’t need to look like the state convention is out in front; but rather it needs to look like the local church is out in front.

The convention needs to be behind the church and supporting and serving the church, not steering and leading. The role of the state convention is to come alongside our churches and say, ‘You know your community much better than we do.’

Rather than us trying to impose a strategy, we would say, ‘What is your strategy? How can we encourage? How can we equip? How can we help resource? What can we do to help you?’ We should partner together in that sense. That’s the goal we’re going for, and I believe very much that God is doing that work through the local church.

I’ve also said state conventions don’t call and send out pastors and missionaries, nor do seminaries. Local churches send out pastors and missionaries. The reality is a big part of who is serving right now on church staff and as missionaries— they were mentored in your average Oklahoma Baptist church which is a small church. We’re not just coming up here behind the big church, but we are coming behind all of our churches. All churches matter, and that’s also another part of Baptist polity, especially in terms of cooperation. We have over 1,700 Baptist churches in this state. About 1,400 of those average less than 100 in worship on Sunday morning in attendance, and those numbers are similar across the board

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episode of Messenger Insight, as Todd Fisher listens.

nationally. We’re a convention of small churches.

Some lay people in (smaller) churches say to me, ‘Well, what difference does our little church make? We don’t give a lot in terms of a dollar amount.’ I say, ‘The size of your church, the location of your church, the dollar amount that your church gives does not matter. What matters is that we’re all cooperating together.’ Because I’ve said, ‘If you take a small dollar amount to the CP from a small, rural church—yes, in and of itself, that may not be a very large amount. But, when you combine it with all of these other churches, 1,400 other churches that are similar in size, that begins to amount to something very significant in terms of funding missionaries and funding ministries.’ We must get the local church out front, in the spotlight, with the state convention behind and serving.

Next, something important is Baptist doctrine or beliefs. We live in a very challenging time culturally, but if you read the Baptist Faith and Message, it has some very important things to say to our culture that help us. The Baptist Faith and Message has things to say about gender and sexuality and family and so many of the issues that we are facing today, where our culture is moving away from what the Word of God teaches. I think we need a reclamation of a little bit of good ole’ Baptist Faith and Message. I think the Baptist Faith and Message is a right interpretation to the understanding of what the Scripture teaches.

Lastly, I would emphasize the Cooperative Program. If you attend a church that is a Southern Baptist church that’s giving to the Southern Baptist program, when you give to that church, a part of your gift is going to fund all of these things, the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, six seminaries, Falls Creek, disaster relief, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, etc. There’s no other religious organization or denomination on the globe that has that kind of structure, where we can cooperate together and fund all of these different missions and ministries. The Cooperative Program really is an ingenious way to fund these things, and it is strongest when we are all cooperating together.

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April 28, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

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