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Seminary presidents reaffirm BFM, declare CRT incompatible SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENMISSIONS & MINISTRY T

>> by George Schroeder

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR CONVENTION

NEWS WITH THE SBC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP)—In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BFM), the Council of Seminary Presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has reaffirmed “with eagerness” the BFM’s status “as the doctrinal statement that unites and defines Southern Baptist cooperation and establishes the confessional unity of our Convention.”

In a statement adopted in the council’s annual session, the seminary presidents assert that as “confessional institutions,” the SBC’s six seminaries stand “together in this classic statement of biblical truth.” Additionally, the statement declares that while condemning “racism in any form,” the semioklahomabaptists.org/ oklahomabaptists.org/yec COVID-19 bringing Christmas

naries agree that “affirmation of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality and any version of Critical Theory is incompatible with the Baptist Faith & Message.”

Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Seminary and current chairman of the Council of Seminary Presidents, said those specific issues were addressed in light of concerns raised by Southern Baptists, including resolutions on the topic adopted by several state conventions at their annual meetings this fall.

“We felt that because our brothers and sisters in various state conventions have concern about this issue, they would also want to know what their seminaries actually think, and what we are teaching and not teaching,” Akin said. NEW ONLINE WEB-EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

The statement noted that SBC seminary professors “must agree to teach in accordance with and not contrary to the Baptist Faith & Message,” adding: “This is our sacred commitment and privilege, and every individual faculty member and trustee of our institutions shares this commitment. We are thankful for the theological commitments of the South-PUBLICATION INFO

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ern Baptist Convention, standing against the tide of theological compromise and in the face of an inVOICES creasingly hostile secular culture.”

In separate comments, the presidents of the other SBC seminaries endorsed the statement. Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Seminary, said it “reflects Southwestern Seminary’s confessional commitments and our unfaltering cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention of churches.”

R. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, said the statement was addressed “to the entire Southern Baptist Convention.”

“We have great confidence in the Southern Baptist Convention, as a movement of churches, to work together as we seek to be ever more faithful to Christ with every passing year,” Mohler said.

Akin noted: “This is not a statement for fringe groups. This is for the regular, faithful Southern Baptists who love us and make it possible for us to do what we do.”

SBC President J.D. Greear affirmed the statement as well. Greear, pastor of Raleigh-Durham, N.C., The Summit, decried “outlandish claims, out-of-context sermons or teaching clips, along with outright lies, (which) have been used to attack people and undermine the Great Commission work of our Convention, its entities, state conventions and churches.

“As this statement demonstrates, our convention leaders affirm without reservation not only our historic Baptist theological confessions, but also a biblical view of justice, which I also affirm and applaud,” Greear said. “While we lament the painful legacy that racism and discrimination have left in our country and remain committed to fighting it in every form, we also declare that ideological framewith the BFM. The Gospel gives a better answer.” Visit baptistmessenger.com/bfm-reaffirmed to read the full statement, as well as comments from the seminary presidents. NEW ONLINE WEB-EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

EVENTS

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DEC 25 Christmas Day

JAN 1 New Year’s Day

JAN 7 Singing ChurchWomenWest Concert Info: 7-8:30 p.m., Clinton, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 10

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert Info: 6-7:30 p.m., Fort Gibson Field House oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 14

Singing Churchmen Concert Info: 7-8:30 p.m., OKC, Southern Hills worship-music

JAN 17-18 Youth Evangelism Conference Info: Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center

JAN 18-20 Transitional Pastor Training Info: $75, Baptist Building For more information contact knix@oklahomabaptists.org

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

Southern Baptists praise Court ruling against Planned Parenthood Medicaid funds TOM STRODE | NOV 30 Southern Baptist leaders praised a federal appeals court decision that PUBLICATION INFO enables states to prohibit abortion giant Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled Nov. 23 the states of Texas and Louisiana have the right to find that Planned Parenthood affiliates are unqualified to participate EVENTS in their Medicaid programs.

works like Critical Race Theory are incompatible

changes to many Americans AARON EARLS | DEC 2 Almost all Americans celebrate Christmas, but most say COVID-19 will cause some changes to their usual holiday habits. A new study from LifeWay Research found 93 percent of American adults say they celebrate Christmas. That number is essentially unchanged from a decade ago when 91 percent said the same in a 2010 LifeWay Research survey.

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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 EVENTS Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,821. 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. December 10, 2020 • Volume 109, Number 23.

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Encourage: The importance of a manger

Hance Dilbeck

Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

Luke tells us that he did careful research before writing his Gospel. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he worked to piece together important details about Jesus—His resurrection and ascension, His teachings and miracles, His disciples and detractors, His death on the cross, and His birth in Bethlehem. Luke claims to have consulted “eyewitnesses.” I like to think that Luke is sighting an eyewitness source when he tells us that Mary “treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” The first two chapters of Luke might just be based on Mary’s memory.

There is a rather unusual detail recalled and repeated in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. Not once, not twice, but three times the text declares Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

Whether you brought out the Christmas lights and put out the tree too early for some people, or did it right on time for others, Christmas season is in full bloom now.

One of the ways we know is the parade of Christmas movies being broadcast on television or streaming services. What is your personal favorite?

A recent poll showed the following movies among the annual holiday household favorites: • It’s a Wonderful Life • A Christmas Story • Home Alone • How the Grinch Stole Christmas • Elf • Miracle on 34th Street • A Charlie Brown Christmas

I would add a few others to this list, including that Jesus was laid in a manger, a manger, a manger. What does the manger mean?

Obscurity. Jesus was born away and alone. When He was born, almost no one noticed. Caesar didn’t notice; Quirinius was clueless. There were not even any family or friends. Do you recall who wrapped the newborn baby Jesus and laid Him in the manger? No grandmother, no midwife, no kindly old aunt; Mary wrapped the baby. I imagine Joseph’s rough calloused carpenter’s hands trying to tightly wrap the baby. Finally Mary musters her strength and does it herself. Jesus was in a manger because they were alone and away. This brings comfort to everyone who finds themselves away and alone on Christmas.

Humility. Jesus, the King of Glory, was born in a barn. His family was poor, working class at best. Luke confirms this when he tells us that Joseph and Mary could only offer the poor man’s offering when they brought the child to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (2:24). They could not afford a lamb, so they offered a pair of turtledoves. He emptied Himself; He humbled Himself, and by doing so, He knocks the shine off all our foolish pride. Indeed, Ernest Saves Christmas and Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer. It may surprise you to hear I may also add The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, which was adapted from the C.S. Lewis classic.

Yes, I recognize that Narnia is not truly a Christmas movie by strict definition. But in one powerful scene in the book and the movie, “Father Christmas” (i.e. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus) makes an appearance in the fictional land of Narnia, which had long been under an ice-age-like curse of the White Witch, who makes it “always winter and never Christmas.” When Father Christmas appears, because “Aslan (the Christ figure) is on the move,” it signals light and joy have come and that curse is being broken.

In so many ways, our world is acting like we are in a never-ending season of “always winter, never Christmas.” You can see it in social media malcontent. You can hear it in bickering families and even perhaps church families. We seem to have forgotten that Christmas came when Christ came.

Whenever my heart forgets, I go back to the beautiful Nativity story of Jesus, the sinless Son of God, born to a virgin in the most humble of circumstancblessed are the poor. “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5)

Rejection. Most of all, the mention of the manger sets the stage for the rejection of Jesus. More than 700 years before this birth in Bethlehem, Isaiah wrote, “The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know, My people do not understand… They have abandoned the LORD, they have despised the Holy One of Israel” (Isa. 1:3-4). This is why most manger scenes include an ox and a donkey. Do you know your Master’s manger? In case we miss this allusion to Isaiah, Luke spells it out, “…and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room.”

“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12).

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my

Sword & trowel: Always Christmas

heart for Thee. es. I ponder that “God is with us,” that He truly “became flesh and dwelt among us” (Matt. 1:23; John 1:14).

This Christmas, as much time as you spend shopping online or on social media, pause to reflect on the great promises of “God with us,” of Jesus.

While Christmas lights, candy canes and movies are all great, we do not want to be the generation that let people lose the real meaning of the season.

This year, as you and your family (and church family) celebrate Advent (the First Coming of Jesus), and anticipate the Second Coming, let your heart be found ready for Christmas. Always ready for Christmas.

Rite of passage: ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’

MISSIONS & MINISTRY President Emeritus of Awe Star Ministries Email | walker@awestar.org @WalkerDeanMoore Walker Moore tens of thousands. You might be surprised to know that yes, I do sing. However, people say I sing with feeling, and they can’t imagine anyone feeling that bad. So as my boys sang, danced and acted night after night for many years, I was usually relegated to wearing a crazy costume during a comedy skit while SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT what they were talking about as they exited the auditorium. Not everyone caught onto what happened that night, though. You see, it was Ralph Blane who, along with Hugh Martin, wrote the words and music for the song that became known as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” This beautiful song reC Both of my sons grew up attending Tulsa, First. I could have not asked for a better place for them HURCH TOOLBOX the choir sang, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” One year, at the end of the final performance, our pastor decided he would call one of the church members up from the audience to close out that PEOPLE & CHURCH NEWS mains one of the all-time most-played melodies of the Christmas season. That night, those in attendance got to hear the author and creator sing his own creation. Everyone to have been loved and taught the Bible. It was a year’s living Christmas tree in prayer. But he for- enjoyed it, but those who knew Ralph Blane enchurch that supported our family as we walked out got to forewarn the man of his intentions. So as our joyed it even more. our faith. pastor stood there with the spotlight blazing down I think Christmas is much like that night at the One of the things Tulsa, First was well-known for on him, he said, “I would like to ask Ralph Blane to close of the living Christmas tree. Everyone enwas its annual production of the living Christmas tree. Under the guidance of Jim Davis, Lujean Howard and Nancy Post, each night was magical. The CLASSIFIEDS come end our night in prayer.” Ralph was getting up in years and wasn’t used to praying in public. He trudged up on the platform NEWS & CULTURE joys it. Many who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ are out buying Christmas presents, saying “Merry Christmas” and looking forward to the presentation included comedy, opera, dancers, la- to stand beside our pastor and asked everyone to Christmas season. They would probably tell you ser lights, costumes, animals and a full orchestra. bow their head. Silence came over the crowd, and they love this time of year.

But amidst all the entertainment, the central story Ralph began to sing softly: “Have yourself a merry But those of us who have a relationship with Jeof the One born in Bethlehem was never ignored. little Christmas/ Let your heart be light/ From now on sus Christ have a bonus: We get to celebrate with

One night, two elderly ladies who thought the our troubles will be out of sight.” the One who is the Author and the Creator of this dancing was inappropriate approached our pastor and whispered, in tones that reflected their disgust, “Did you see those ladies up there dancing?” VOICES I couldn’t believe it. Chills were running down my back. As Ralph continued, his voice grew stronger: “Here we are as in olden days/ Happy golden days of season. The greatest gift ever given was described this way: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke

Our wise pastor didn’t miss a beat. He leaned down yore/ Faithful friends who are dear to us/ Gather near 2:11) and “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who and whispered back, “They were recently saved.” to us once more.” believed in his name, he gave the right to become chil-

“Ohhhhhh!” the two responded, as if that ex- The crowd was swept away in the moment as dren of God” (John 1:12). plained it all. he sang the final part of the song: “So hang a shin- If you don’t know Jesus, I invite you this very mo-

The living Christmas tree was a church-wide event. ing star upon the highest bough/ And have yourself a ment to make him the Lord and Savior of your life.

There was not one ministry area in the church that merry little Christmas now.” And then you can “hang a shining star upon the didn’t participate. Both of my boys and I performed The people responded with applause as the lights highest bough/ And have yourself a merry little in the production for more than 10 years in front of came on, and they were dismissed. You can imagine Christmas now” in a way you never have before.

Bible Q&A: Good News for all people

Bobby Kelly

Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion at OBU

Ask any parent or grandparent about the birth of a new baby and they will describe the event in great detail. I could fill this article with stories from the birth of our two sons, stories of false labor pains, rear-ending a friend’s car in our driveway in a panic to get to the hospital, and nearly fainting when asked to cut the umbilical cord, just to name a few. But beyond the humorous details, the stories always return to the joy of that precious child in your arms and knowing life will never be the same. No birth story, however, is as powerful as the one Luke reports in Luke 2:1-20.

The census launched by the Roman emper-

or (2:1-5). Luke begins his narrative by reminding his readers of the hopelessness that permeated the world at the time when Jesus was born. The specter of Roman rule is the first word in the story: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered” (Luke 2:1). The first Roman Emperor, Octavian Caesar Augustus initiated a census. For Rome, a census was not merely a demographic study, rather it was a means to gain an accurate count of individuals so that the Empire would be assured that its coffers were full. The taking of a census was the first and most crucial step in taxation. Roman taxes were profoundly oppressive, particularly on Jews who lived daily on the edge of economic collapse. The census was a symbol of Roman domination. It was in these dark days of Roman rule that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, the city of David’s birth to register.

The birth of the world’s Redeemer (2:6-7).

Luke narrates the birth of Jesus simply and briefly. There is no account of a search for a better place for the birth; there is no speculation about a harsh innkeeper who turned them away, nor is there a state-

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ment that this was the last place in town. Mary’s due date arrived, and so she bears the child in a stable, wraps Him up with strips of cloth (to ensure the newborn’s limbs would remain straight) and places Him in a manger—that is, an empty feed trough. It is a very humble beginning for the Messianic King, the Lord of all creation. In a sense, Jesus was born homeless, a wandering traveler away from His true home. It was the last place on earth anyone would be looking for the birth of a king greater than Caesar. What a contrast with the regal bed Caesar Augustus slept in that night.

The announcement to the world’s irrelevant

(2:8-20). The most striking part of the story is that the glory, the visible manifestation of God’s presence, did not appear in the temple, and involved no one of importance or influence. Rather, the glory appeared in an open field to lowly shepherds faithfully keeping watch over their flock. The angelic host invited them to come and witness the birth of the Savior of the world, the Messiah, the Lord. This unique and momentous event would be witnessed by shepherds.

You need to know something about shepherds. In first century courts of law, a simple shepherd could not by himself establish testimony. Shepherds were viewed as one of the lower classes of people in ancient Israel. The rabbis warned Jews against entering six professions; one was becoming a shepherd. Why? Because they were perpetually unclean and thus rarely allowed to go the temple. The Willie Nelsons of that day would have sung: “Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be shepherds.” They were part of the rejected and forgotten in society. And yet here they are, though incapable of rendering testimony in court, they are the first to bear witness to the birth of Messiah. A Messiah in a manger, a feeding trough for animals, was a perfect setting for shepherds to come and see. I mean, shepherds couldn’t go up to suite 407 at the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, not with sheep in tow.

God was making quite a statement to invite shepherds to be the first witnesses of the in-fleshing of God, the incarnation. Shepherds were ordinary and largely irrelevant. In many ways, they typified the least, the last and the lost of any culture. And they were the first to witness the glory. If this Good News is for lowly shepherds, then it must be for all people.

In the face of all the chaos, conflict, confusion and COVID-19 that dominates our world at this moment in time, may our message be one of great joy. God has given the true and ultimate gift, the antidote for our greatest need, and it is available for all people, the least, the last, and the lost!

OBU celebrates the Winter Class of 2020 during Nov. 21 Ceremonies CHURCH TOOLBOX PEOPLE & CHURCH NEWS

>> by Kenny Day

OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) conferred degrees upon 80 undergraduates and 44 graduate students during the University’s Winter Commencement ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 21. In order to facilitate physical distancing, commencement was held in three separate ceremonies. The Campers on Mission:

ceremonies took place in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

The first ceremony began at 9 a.m. and honored graduates from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The second ceremony began at 11 a.m. and featured graduates from the Hurley College of Science and Mathematics, the Dickinson College of Business, the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry, and the Angell College of Fine Arts. The third ceremony began at 2 p.m. and celebrated graduate students earning master’s degrees.

Keeping with tradition, graduates took their ceremonial final walk across campus as OBU students before filing together into Raley Chapel. The graduating students, dressed in academic regalia, passed by a row of OBU faculty members and administrators before reaching the east steps of Raley Chapel.

Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board (IMB), delivered the commencement address

CLASSIFIEDS NEWS & CULTURE

>> PHOTOS: HEATHER HAMILTON 1) Graduates took their ceremonial final during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. ceremonies. Chitwood has served as president of IMB since 2018. VOICES walk across campus as OBU students before filing together into Raley Chapel; 2) Abby Black, a communications studies graduate from Ardmore, receives her diploma from OBU President Heath Thomas.

Chitwood built the theme of his address around the central question, “Why are you here?” “There is a desperate need for people who choose

“You’re obviously here to cross the finish line,” he to live intentionally, because the world needs hope, said. “You did the work, you paid your dues, you re- and because of that, the world needs you,” Mellor fused to quit, you checked every box, and you made it told the graduates. “Choose to make a difference.” to graduation. Congratulations. But why are you here?” OBU President Heath A. Thomas delivered the

Chitwood challenged the graduates to consid- charge to the graduating class during each of the er the broader context. He asked them to not sim- three commencement ceremonies. ply reflect upon why they are here, sitting in a com- “We need your influence,” Thomas said. “We mencement ceremony on the OBU campus. Rather, need your voice. We desperately need your voice. he challenged them to consider why they are here From Bison Hill, I charge you—go into our world. on this planet, why God created them, and what Don’t sit on the sidelines. Make a difference. Be a purpose the Lord has for their lives ahead of them. positive agent of change in the communities that

Graduates in the 2 p.m. ceremony heard from Na- God takes you. Go and serve your community. Go than Mellor, CEO, author and executive coach. Mel- and serve our Lord. You have been equipped.” lor is the CEO of the Oklahoma City-based Strata For more information about OBU, visit okbu.edu. Leadership, LLC.

VOLUNTEER MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

OKLAHOMA

On-going opportunities for volunteers: DaySpring Villa, a faith-based shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence or human sexual trafficking and their children, Sand Springs—

Susan Cox, 918/245-4075 Hospitality House of Tulsa provides family centered lodging, emotional and spiritual support for family members of patients traveling to Tulsa for medical care—918/694-8888 Hospitality House of Oklahoma provides for the physical, spiritual needs of families with loved ones incarcerated in McAlester. Lodging available—918/429-0142 OK Jail & Prison Ministry needs volunteers to go into the jails and share the Gospel each week—

DISASTER RELIEF

405/917-2242 or ojpm@ojpm.org

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 mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org.

Pray for International Missionaries:

Chad Reynolds

Chad serves the IMB in Mexico and the Caribbean with his wife Crystal and two sons.

Roger Rose

Roger and his wife Linda serve in Leipzig, Germany as church planters.

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

Julie serves with her husband Matthew and daughter Jasmine in Madagascar.

>> by Caroline Anderson

IMB WRITER

RICHMOND, Va.—On Nov. 18, the International Mission Board (IMB) celebrated the appointment of 79 new missionaries in a virtual Sending Celebration streamed on Facebook and through the IMB: Advance the Kingdom app. The missionaries were previously approved by IMB trustees. The missionaries come from 21 states and will serve in eight of IMB’s nine affinities.

The Sending Celebration was scheduled to be in Alabama at the annual Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions meeting. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the celebration was observed virtually.

The Alabama Singing Men and Women and the choir from Birmingham, Ala., Shades Mountain, provided the pre-service music through a pre-recorded conference call. The Alabama Singing Men and Women performed “No More Night,” and Shades Mountain performed “Total Praise.”

IMB President Paul Chitwood expressed his thankfulness for Southern Baptists’ support for the IMB.

“We are excited that 79 new missionaries are being sent tonight,” Chitwood said. “Thanks to your generosity through praying and giving, we are able to send and sustain these missionaries.”

Rick Lance, executive director for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, prayed for the missionaries.

“The Great Commission is not on pause and is certainly not in quarantine,” Lance said. “Our prayer is they will be encouraged by Your Holy Spirit’s presence and empowering them in their lives.”

Due to time constraints, 30 missionary testimonies were included in the Sending Celebration. Videos of all 79 missionaries, grouped by affinity of service, are available for viewing at imb.org/send.

As the missionaries move to their respective countries, they will join teams working to provide people the opportunity to hear the Good News. Every day, 154,937 people die without knowing Christ.

This staggering reality helped lead Robert and Elizabeth Bourne* to respond to the call to serve overseas. Robert traveled on a short-term trip where he met people who had never heard the name of Jesus.

“You hear that preached all the time, ‘people have never heard the name of Jesus,’ but to have my husband tell me that he is walking with people, talking with people, who have never heard the name of Jesus, it really shook us,” Elizabeth said. >> by Luke Holmes, Anthony Jordan & Bob Nigh

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Well-known missionary to Native Americans, Victor Kaneubbe, and Oklahoma Baptist statesman and educator William Tanner, who led Oklahoma Baptists through some of its most perilous times, have been inducted into the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame.

Also, former state pastor and retired Oklahoma Baptist Historical Secretary Eli Sheldon received the Distinguished Service Award.

Those actions were taken recently by members of the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission (OBHC) during their Fall meeting at the Baptist Building in

Oklahoma City.

Victor Murat Kaneubbe

sembly in its annual meeting shall be to foster and promote Christian training, inspiration, fellowship, evangelism and missionary zeal among the Indians in their Baptist church life.” Those simple words are in the founding documents of a summer camp and assembly founded by, run by and for Native Americans at Falls Creek Baptist Conference

The Bournes, who are from Norman, will serve in Thailand on a team focused on medical missions. Robert, a pharmacist, will use his profession to offer physical healing and share the Name of Jesus.

Josh and Rebekah Storey will also be using healthcare to reach the nations. The Storeys are moving to Sub-Saharan Africa with their children to serve on a team that utilizes healthcare strategies.

“Moving to Africa with five boys—you have to be crazy or called,” Josh said.

“Or both,” Rebekah said, smiling. “We can’t wait to get started.”

“For our whole lives, He has been preparing us to respond to His calling. We are called by the Father, compelled by the Gospel, commissioned by the Son and empowered by the Spirit,” Josh said.

The Storeys are being sent by Omaha, Neb., Emmaus, to serve in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Jessica Baniewicz knew she was called to serve but struggled with contentment and wanted to be married.

“God has shown me the community of the church and that He is enough. God’s call in my life is more important than being married or having a family,” Baniewicz said. “I thought that going to the mission field would look a certain way; that I would be married or have some grand instance that would tell me to go. I know I am supposed to go, but I was just waiting for it on my terms.”

Baniewicz first served as a journeyman with the IMB in London. When she went through the interview process for career service with the IMB, she wasn’t sure where the Lord was leading her to serve next.

She prayed, “God, I don’t know where You want me to go, but I am open.”

After talking with an IMB team serving in Barcelona, Spain, she was blown away by how the Lord responded, how God confirmed where He wanted her to serve and how He gave her a team that affirmed her calling to serve as a single.

“I had prayed for specific things in a team and job, and they touched on every single one of them,” Baniewicz said. “I prayed for a team I could work with that would go out and share the Gospel with Center. Victor Kaneubbe wrote these words, sharing how God was working among Native Americans.

More than 50 tribal nations from across North America and more than 250 churches have been represented each year at Indian Falls Creek for encouragement and training. Beginning in 1947 with an attendance of 333, the camp’s average registration is now more than 3,000.

Born in 1921 in Okmulgee, Kaneubbe was the son of full-blood Choctaw Hampton Kaneubbe and one-quarter Choctaw Sue Kaneubbe.

Kaneubbe attended Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) to prepare for ministry and soon began ministry in churches around the area. He began at his home church, Okmulgee, Tabernacle (currently Okmulgee, Second) before ministering at Bowlegs, First and Shawnee, Calvary.

In 1945, Kaneubbe was appointed by the Home Mission Board (HMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) as director of the Indian Center in Oklahoma City, where he served for 18 months before starting the Indian Center in Shawnee.

In the early years of his ministry, Victor and his wife, Eileen, did ministry across the state before moving to be Home Mission Board (HMB) missionaries to the Choctaw Indians in Mississippi.

In his retirement, Kaneubbe continued mission work, starting new ministries, serving as a chaplain,

>> PHOTO: SCREENSHOT Robert and Elizabeth Bourne*, missionaries from Oklahoma, have family devotions. To watch their video, visit baptistmessenger.com/bourne.

me, that would encourage me and help me, for a team that would be looking for a single female, a team that had the same theology as me when it comes to church planting, and builds relationships with the locals around them.”

Barcelona’s evangelical population is less than 2 percent, and Baniewicz said the number of committed Christians is even lower.

“After praying, I knew God was calling me to this place where they may have the Gospel in their language, but no one has made it real in their life,” Baniewicz said.

Baniewicz is being sent by Louisville, Ky., Clifton to serve in Barcelona.

In addition to the missionary testimonies, the Sending Celebration highlighted available job positions in each affinity. The positions include a role as a media specialist in the Americas affinity, a sports and business evangelism role in Central Asia, and a women’s ministry strategist in South Asia.

Chitwood encouraged those watching to visit imb.org/send to learn more about opportunities to serve overseas. Chitwood invited those watching to support the missionaries’ ministry financially.

“One hundred percent of your gifts transforms lives with the Gospel,” Chitwood said.

The Sending Celebration concluded with video messages from friends, pastors, small groups and churches telling IMB missionaries they are praying for them.

As a celebration of the IMB’s 175-year history this year, the 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® goal is $175 million. Vist imb.org/lmco for more information.

Kaneubbe, Tanner join Baptist Hall of Fame; Sheldon receives Distinguished Service Award

“The objective of this as-

*Names have been changed for security. and speaking at camps and retreats. He often dressed in native regalia and shared stories about his ministry to make campers aware of the need for native ministry.

After 37 years, Kaneubbe retired from the HMB, but his ministry was not finished. He was elected as the first chairman of the National Native American Southern Baptist Fellowship. The fellowship worked to get 400 full-time Native pastors, 1,200 bivocational pastors and 4,000 trained lay leaders. He became the first American Indian elected to convention-wide office in the SBC as second vice president in 1987 and worked to bring awareness of native issues to the convention.

Kaneubbe passed away on Oct. 8, 2004.

William Graydon Tanner

William Graydon Tanner was born in Tulsa on March 10, 1930. He was led to Christ by his mother when he was 8 and made his public profession of faith and was baptized at Bryan, Texas, First. Tanner had a dream to become a career naval officer, but God had a different appointment for Tanner. While attending a Baptist camp the summer before his high school senior year, he heard the call of God. Tanner enrolled in Baylor University to begin preparation for ministry.

>> by Chris Forbes

STAFF WRITER

SEND Oklahoma Network, the church planting network formed in partnership with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and Oklahoma Baptists, recently assessed the first two church planting couples since the network was launched in August. Rickey and Brittany Thomas and Cayo and Larissa Cavalcante received approval from the network’s church planting assessors to launch new works in the Oklahoma City metro area.

The Thomases will plant a new church in northeast Oklahoma City called Freedom City, while the Cavalcantes will launch a Portuguese-speaking church in the Edmond area called Deepen Movement Church.

SEND Oklahoma Network leaders say the need for church planting in the state is great, and they expect more planters to be assessed before the end of the year.

“Our state, cities, towns and neighborhoods are in a continual season of change,” said Doug Melton, SEND Oklahoma Network director and pastor of Oklahoma City, Southern Hills. “It is not unusual these days for us to talk about what was an empty field just a few years ago is now a neighborhood or how the demographics of a long-established neighborhood have changed.

“What a wonderful opportunity that affords us to tell people about our God who never changes and, yet, can bring about life change in us! Church plants and replants have proven to be highly effective in reaching the lost.”

Rusty Gunn, pastor of Sand Springs, Church that Matters, is the church planting catalysts for the Tulsa or northern Oklahoma region of the SEND Okla-

While at Baylor, Tanner served as president of the freshman class and of the Baptist Student Union. His greatest achievement was to discover the love of his life, Ellen Yates, the daughter of Kyle Yates, former pastor of Houston, Texas, Second, who had been instrumental in Tanner’s call to ministry. He graduated from Baylor in May 1951, and in December while a first-year student at Southwestern Seminary, married Ellen at Houston, Second.

Tanner served as pastor of four churches, beginning at 22, as he was called to Houston, Texas, West End, after one year in seminary. He pastored other churches in Texas and in Mississippi.

Tanner eventually held 10 degrees, including two earned doctorates and five honorary degrees. Among them were the bachelor of divinity and doctor of theology from Southwestern Seminary. From 1971-76, Tanner served as the 11th president of Oklahoma Baptist University.

In July 1976, Tanner was elected to lead the SBC HMB. He was a strategic leader of mission work in the U.S. and was a prime leader in the Bold Mission Thrust emphasis.

In 1985, Tanner became executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. He dealt with several crises during his tenure that could have destroyed the unity and integrity of the convention. When he retired, the convention was healthy and moving forward. Beyond the crises, Tanner led in establishing independent yet connected boards for state Baptists’ childcare and eldercare ministries. Now, Oklahoma Baptist

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>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED 1) Brittany and Rickey Thomas are planting Freedom homa Network. Gunn said Oklahoma City in northeast Oklahoma City: 2) Cayo and Larissa are planting Deep en Movement Church in Edmond. Baptists can expect more planters from the upcoming assessment in December.

“We have hit the ground running with SEND Okla- him come to assessment with a practical context homa,” Gunn said. “In the Tulsa area alone we will for starting and developing a new church, Freedom have three church planting candidates participat- City, in Oklahoma City.” ing in a December assessment. We have three others Strauss reported the Thomases were given the currently in the pipeline for spring with others be- strongest designation possible, which he said is ginning to express interest. Church That Matters is “ready to plant now.” He also gave a confirming already prepared to send an endorsed planter out to report on the Cavalcantes who are native Brazilplant a church in West Tulsa in 2021. Things are mov- ians and can easily minister to those who speak ing quickly as we become acclimated to NAMB and Portuguese. the SEND Network’s systems.” “Anyone who has a chance to get to know Cayo

Ray Strauss is SEND Oklahoma church planting will immediately notice a deep love and commitcatalyst for Oklahoma City and southern Oklahoma ment to Jesus Christ,” Strauss said. “He and Larissa areas and recruited the two church planter couples live and model a life of total surrender to the Lord. who were approved in the October assessment. He It’s no wonder why God uses them in so many reexplained there are more planters to come from his markable ways. It is easy to see that when you are networking as well. part of what Cayo is doing, you know you are part

“Currently, we have several couples in our pipe- of something God is accomplishing.” line with more coming regularly,” Strauss said. “As The church planting network plans to continually Oklahoma pastors become more familiar with our assess, train, coach and support new church plantnew SEND Oklahoma strategy and team, both ers with multiple assessments throughout the year. sending churches and potential planters are reach- A recent virtual assessment happend Dec. 3-4. ing out and asking how they can get involved.” For more information about the SEND Oklahoma

After the pandemic limited travel and in-person Network, visit oklahomabaptists.org/SEND-network. gatherings, NAMB developed a virtual church planting For those interested in church planting in Oklaassessment and assessed the Oklahoma planters us- homa City or southern Oklahoma areas, contact ing online video conferencing in late October. Strauss Ray Strauss at ray@eastedmond.org; for the Tulsa said the assessment went well for the two couples. or northern Oklahoma region, contact Rusty Gunn

“Both Rickey and Brittany came to SEND Oklaho- at rusty@churchthatmatters.com; and for exploring ma with rich ministry and real world experience,” Hispanic church planting, contact Julio Crespo at Strauss said. “Brittany is an attorney who spends jcrespo@ibcentral.org. much of her time working for non-profits that often For pastors looking at ways to involve their feed into the church planting ministry Rickey leads. church in church planting, contact Doug Melton at

“Rickey’s extensive ministry experience has pro- dougm@myshbc.com.

vided a foundation of understanding that helped Homes for Children and Baptist Village Communities stand strong as two of the four Oklahoma Baptist entities. He also laid the foundation of a new structure for the convention staff through a Strategic Planning Committee, whose recommendations were affirmed by the convention in 1996.

Tanner retired in 1996, remaining in Oklahoma. He spent his time writing, teaching and preaching. As health challenges arose, he and his beloved Ellen moved to be near one of their sons in Belton, Texas. He passed away on June 10, 2007 at the age of 77.

Sheldon receives Distinguished Service Award

Eli Howard Sheldon was born and raised in Monroe, Mich., and after serving in the United States Army for nine years, felt called to the Gospel ministry. Sheldon has twice received awards for his writing. He has had articles printed in denominational-related publications and secular newspapers, including an article published in the Baptist Messenger on July 17, 1975 that provided tips to church personnel for keeping good church records. He also has appeared on talk radio and local television.

Sheldon wrote several theological papers during his 25 years as adjunct professor for Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) at their Oklahoma City-based Ministry Training Institute at the Capital Association office. Among the courses he taught were Baptist History & Theology and World Religions.

He received his master’s degree (May 1973) and his doctor of ministry degree (December 1976) from Southwestern Seminary. He pastored churches in Texas and Oklahoma for more than 30 years before accepting the position of historical secretary for Oklahoma Baptists.

Serving as Historical Secretary for eight years, Sheldon’s duties included writing articles and booklets related to church history and serving as editor of the Oklahoma Baptist Chronicle. Sheldon has been included in several editions of Who’s Who, including three editions of Who’s Who in Religion.

Sheldon wrote several articles to help church staff and historians collect and preserve their histories. They include “How to Write a Church History,” “How to Plan a Church Anniversary” and “What to do with Historical Church Materials.” He also wrote and illustrated a children’s coloring book—“Oklahoma Baptists’ Colorful History”—in 2012 that provides information and facts about Oklahoma Baptist history.

Sheldon and his wife Freida currently live in Oklahoma City. Freida also had recently completed 14 years of service with Oklahoma Baptists with her final position being Eli’s ministry assistant.

A longtime Oklahoma pastor, Sheldon’s last pastorate was at Oklahoma City, Crown Heights, where he served 28 years. He also pastored at Marietta, Eastside and at Roosevelt, First.