2022/January/13

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • JANUARY 13, 2022

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS SET TO ‘A DVA N C E ’ T H E G O S P E L

/// SEE PAGE 6

NEWSWORTHY STORIES OF 2021 PRAYING FOR TULSA:

CO N T E N T S :

TULSA, TULSA, FIRST FIRST

PRAYER ROOM ROOM PRAYER

Page 2 | News & Trends First person: Disagree like Jesus

AIMS FOR FOR HEALING HEALING AIMS AMID TULSA TULSA RACE RACE AMID MASSACRE MASSACRE CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL

>> RYAN SMITH

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Banner year for the unborn?

Connect: Committed to Oklahoma Baptists >> TODD FISHER

What an honor it is for me to write my first article for the Baptist Messenger as the executive director-treasurer! The last few months have been a whirlwind for me and my family, but we are so grateful for the way the Lord has worked and revealed His will to bring us to this point.

I am excited to start working to serve our state convention, churches and pastors. /// SEE PAGE 3

YEC trains students to reach communities, Jan. 16-17

Oklahoma Baptists newsworthy stories from 2021

>> CHRIS DOYLE

>> CHRIS DOYLE

On Jan. 16-17, the Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) will have its sixth meeting at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center since 2016. YEC did not meet in 2021, but Brian Baldwin is expecting to have many people in attendance this year.

“We’re just happy to have a conference,” said Baldwin who serves as youth missions and evangelism ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists.

The year 2021 was met with challenges and opportunities, many of which appeared in headlines and news stories. The following are noteworthy and newsworthy stories, selected by the Baptist Messenger’s editorial team. /// SEE PAGE 7

>> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Love one another >> WALKER MOORE

Page 7 | Features Pew: Third of U.S. adults ID as ‘nones’ as Protestants decrease >> DIANA CHANDLER

Page 10 | Church Toolbox 10 markers when church is really good >> CHUCK LAWLESS

Page 12 | News & Culture GuideStone Protection benefits provide unexpected blessing in midst of pain

/// SEE PAGE 5

>> ROY HAYHURST

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I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

First person: Disagree like Jesus & S ORTS & SSION

ASSOCIATE PASTOR, STILLWATER, EAGLE HEIGHTS MEMBER OF OKLAHOMA ERLC COMMITTEE

Conflict. It’s a word we would rather avoid and something we spend much time wringing our hands over. Conflict in our workplace, conflict in our families, conflict in our circles of influence— each of these threaten us with relational fractures and emotional anxiety.

Of course, we may be just the opposite. We may love conflict. We may seek out the Twitter threads and Facebook posts diving deep into comments with boxing gloves, just waiting for a target to lambast with our wit.

We know as those living amidst the kingdoms of this world, yet living for a greater Kingdom, there will inevitably be times we have to dig in our heals and stand for truth—come what may. We also know that in our flesh, we can often want to be right. The desires to justify ourselves, see our preferences win the day, or slap back at a social media post can be difficult to subdue.

In today’s volatile emotional climate, it seems virtually impossible to maintain unity despite diversity. Tribalism, identity politics and the ability to easily erect echo chambers around ourselves have all fed a cultural epoch in which we view people as relationally binary—either for us or against us.

When it comes to relating to those within the church, however, questions over conflict and disagreement take on entirely new hues. If we are brothers and sisters in Christ, united as a faith family, is it ok to have conflict with one another? Can we L I N E soliON disagree over some N issues maintaining E Wwhile NT darity over others? B-EXCLUSIVE CONTE E W If we are Jesus’ disciples, we must seek to follow in His footsteps. But in times of disagreement, how do we know if we should follow Jesus to turn over tables or quiet waves? Here are a few ideas that may help us disagree well.

Know whom you represent INFa O You are not your own. You price.

ION with ATbought ICwere

PU B L

O O L B OX CHURCH T We must remember that our old lives were crucified with Christ and we now walk in resurrected life. Therefore, in any encounter, we must remember that we do not participate as those seeking to build our own kingdom, but God’s.

IEDS F I S S A L C Jesus was never a pushover, but He also rebuked the disciples when they wanted to call down lightning on those who did not receive them. Our Savior made demons cower in fear at His power, yet even the weakest child was safe in His arms. Why? Because it was clear who Jesus represented. Jesus came to do the will of the Father who is awesome in power, yet great in mercy.

S offered compasTo the wayward and I C EJesus Obroken, V sion, mercy, and grace. To the haughty religious elite who took the name of God upon themselves, yet did not represent Him to the world around, Jesus had stinging rebukes and steel-like resolve. But He died for people in both camps. That’s the Savior we are to follow into disagreement—the one who stood firm for the truth, yet died for those stuck in the lie.

Know your battles Not every hill is worth dying on and not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes the best way to put out a fire is to let it burn itself out. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must have been for Jesus to walk among simple people like myself who continually say the wrong thing in the wrong way and need constant correcting. I can’t picture how difficult it was for Jesus to grow up and live in an age of foreign Roman occupation in which those in power wielded paper swords against Him.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

oklahomabaptists.org/erlc/life

JAN 16-17

Youth Evangelism Conference

Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/yec

JAN 16

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

Lawton, Cameron oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 20

Singing ChurchWomen West Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Enid, Emmanuel oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

SIV WEB-EXCLU JAN 21-22

ESL Workshop

$35, Sapulpa, First Contact Cheryl Wilkinson literacy@oklahomabaptists.org 405/613-1513

JAN 23

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

Pawhuska, Calvary oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

Church music landscape rearranged as big publishers close LAURA ERLANSON | JAN 4

When it announced last month it was shutting down, Brentwood Benson became the latest in a line of major church music publishers closing their doors. Last year saw the bankruptcy of Lorenz Corp., which had purchased choral giant Word Music in 2017. Then a few months ago, Lifeway released its last box of new choral offerings for churches.

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

EVENTS

ERLC: 5 globally significant events to watch in 2022 ERLC STAFF | JAN 5

JAN 24-25

Advance Conference

Moore, First oklahomabaptists.org/advance

JAN 27

Singing ChurchWomen East Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Midwest City, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

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

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The main reason I can’t adequately picture E NorT NM A Ifew E R Tso imagine these things is T because of these EN encounters exist in the Scripture. I can imagine how Jesus would treat a sexually broken person from a rival enemy of my tribe. The woman at the well tells me that. I can imagine how Jesus would converse with a religious man who was wrong P L E &for the on so many levels, yet stillP held E Oa curiosity S Wme truth. Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus tells NE H C R U H C that. But I don’t know how Jesus would wade into weeds and make ad hominem attacks. He didn’t fight those battles.

If you’re simply a hammer looking for a nail, you won’t be a carpenter in the manner of Jesus. Know what you’re building. Pick your battles.

Know your enemyC U LT U R E & against flesh and E W Sis not Nstruggle Paul reminds us, “Our blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).

What angers us in spirit and causes us to enter into disagreement must not be people, but powers.

L for a When Jesus rebuked PeterAinN Matthew N U A16 seemingly innocent and well-intentioned FO I NstateNG E T IHe E Peter ment of support, it wasM not rebuked, but the source of the idea he spoke. Jesus didn’t fight the man, he fought what held the man captive.

If we are going to disagree like Jesus, we must remember what we oppose. We are against any kingdom that would set itself against our King’s Kingdom. Yet we are also seeking to set free the captives who live in their domain.

Of course, the most important thing to remember in discerning how to disagree like Jesus is to remember one important detail: you’re not Jesus.

You might actually be wrong. Have the humility to listen first and self-examine before you cross-examine. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).

May we all as brothers and sisters N Etogether O N L Idwell N EweWdisagree. in unity—even when NTENT

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS JAN 16

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MI M I N I S T RY

>> by Ryan Smith

Between a new president taking office and COVID-19 variants causing a resurgence in the pandemic, 2021 was a year of challenges and changes. Whether 2022 will be as tumultuous remains to be seen. But there are already numerous events that are expected to have significant effects on the world in the coming year. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission reports five events to watch in 2022.

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

January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

WEB-EXCLU

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PUBLICATIO

N INFO

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: 40,010. 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. January 13, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 1.

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

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

Connect: Committed to Oklahoma Baptists /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Todd Fisher Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @eToddFisher

What an honor it is for me to write my first article for the Baptist Messenger as Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer! The last few months have been a whirlwind for me and my family, but we are so grateful for the way the Lord has worked and revealed His will to bring us to this point.

I am excited to start working to serve our state convention, churches and pastors. Words fail in attempting to express my gratitude to so many for your affirmation of me at the Annual Meeting in November and for the countless messages and expressions of encouragement and prayer support. I am truly humbled to be chosen by you to lead our wonderful state convention.

As the new executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, I want to share my heart and some commitments I make to you in taking on this new role: I commit to lead our state convention as a servant-leader. I do not presume to step into this role in my own strength or wisdom, but will daily seek to rely on the Lord and the collective wisdom and experience among Oklahoma Baptists and the ex-

ceptional employees of our state convention. I want to listen, be accessible and be an encouraging servant to pastors and churches of every size in every location in Oklahoma.

I commit to lead with integrity, transparency and to be above reproach in my personal and professional life. I commit to lead with faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. I will be faithful to adhere to the Baptist Faith and Message framed from the inerrant and sufficient Word of God, and the mission to which Christ has called us—to engage our culture with the Gospel.

I commit to serve with dedication our Oklahoma Baptist churches, pastors and associations—to come alongside them to equip and partner with them in advancing the Gospel and making disciples to reach their communities and the world. I firmly believe the strength and health of our state convention is directly connected to the strength and health of our churches. It is vital that Oklahoma Baptists remain focused on Kingdom work through the ministry of the local church.

I commit to be dedicated to Baptist polity and the important understanding that the Southern Baptist Convention and our state convention are bottom-up, not top-down, organizations where the seat of power rests with autonomous churches operating under the lordship of Christ. I will be dedicated to one of our greatest Baptist distinctives, commit to value and

champion its importance, promotion and growth: the Cooperative Program.

I commit to work hard at building relationships within and outside of our state to put us in strong position to accomplish our Kingdom-minded goals. I will work in partnership with our Oklahoma affiliate presidents and boards to discover how our state can come alongside them to better help them accomplish their Kingdom-minded goals.

I commit to do my best not to speak or act, in public or private, in ways that would cause our state to be divided, distracted or the object of scorn. I commit to lead in a way that builds consensus and unity around our message and mission while at the same time having the conviction and courage to never capitulate biblical doctrine or our Baptist distinctives. I commit to do my best, through the guidance and grace of our Lord, to continue to lead our state in a way that unites us around what is most important.

I have entitled my space in the Baptist Messenger “Connect” in hopes that these articles will keep you connected with my thoughts on all kinds of things related to our Kingdom work as a state convention. I covet your prayers for me and my family as we make the transition into this new role.

My prayer is that Oklahoma Baptists can be a model for other state conventions in how to come together united around one message, one mission, advancing the Kingdom and glory of the one true God. Let’s get to work!

Sword & trowel: Banner year for the unborn?

Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

As Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Jan. 16, arrives in a matter of days, the year 2022 holds great promise for saving unborn lives and seeing legalized abortion finally come to an end. In so many ways, these are the best of times and worst of times for unborn children.

These are the best of times in that Christians have increasingly united in the great cause to protect unborn children. We have done this through establishing pregnancy-help ministries, leading legislative policy efforts, prayer initiatives, public debate and demonstrations, passionate sermons in the pulpit and more.

These are the best of times in that there are two major pending United States Supreme Court rulings (the Dobbs case and the Texas Heartbeat law) which, if the justices do the right thing, could break up the evil legal stalemate that has led to millions of lives lost since Roe v. Wade.

Lastly, these are the best of times in that various elements of the pro-life, anti-abortion movement—from pastors, to people in the pews, to lawmakers, to ac-

tivists—have persuaded a new generation of young Americans who recognize that life truly does begin at conception and every life is worthy of protection (Psalm 139). God truly has been at work.

At the same time, these are the worst of times for the unborn. Legalized abortion continues day after day, including right here in Oklahoma. We are seeing a growing wave of chemical abortion and mail-in order abortion taking even more root. Recent statistics show that a majority of recorded abortions were chemically induced. The disastrous and unjust policy of President Biden’s Food and Drug Administration, allows for mail-order abortion pills exposes, not only more unborn children, but more abortion-vulnerable mothers, to deadly and dangerous effects.

Let’s stop and think about what this sharp rise in chemical abortion means. One writer compared the rise of chemical abortion to that of Internet pornography. Just as we saw pornography shops close in this country in decades past (and rightly celebrated that development), at the same time we saw the advent of Internet pornography, making it widely available and anonymous. The same effect is happening with abortion, as we see abortion centers closing (praise God!) but chemical, pill prescription, virtual appointments and mail-orderdrug abortions happening.

Wise voices, speaking against these dangerous trends in the culture of death, have spoken up. If we allow abortion in a surgery center, or abortion in a pill bottle, the net effect is the same. One life lost, and one life shattered.

Oklahoma Baptists have together taken our stand, calling on our policy makers to address these urgent issues. As Sanctity of Human Life Sunday nears, I implore every pastor and Christian to pause and think about what we can do together. At the website OklahomaBaptists.org/life, there are action points, preaching guides, powerful videos, prayer points and more, to equip you to compassionately, and passionately, stand for life.

It’s going to take all Christians working together to see the end of legalized abortion come about, and to see every abortion-vulnerable mother get the help she needs (along with fathers too).

Moreover, there are ways we can add even more credence to the logic of our pro-life position. We must do better in supporting foster care and adoption. We must stand up for the disabled and the elderly and marginalized. Jesus would have us do all we can for life and life abundantly (John 10:10). We must also, in all of this, be marked by a Christlike graciousness that had compassion, not condemnation, toward people.

As 2022—what could be a banner year for the unborn—is here, the question becomes: what are you going to do about it? How are you going to help?

Voices | January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

Rite of passage:S P OTLove one another RTS & T N AINME

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

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

B OX R C H TO O L CHU “What do you do for a living?” I hear that question

over and over as I travel. I could say I’m a professional meeting-er. I’ve spent my life attending meetings. I could write my autobiography and name each chapter after a meeting.

Chapter 1: Youth Pastor Search Committee MeetS ing. Chapter 2:I F Finance Meeting. ChapI E DCommittee S S A L C ter 3: Youth Committee Meeting. Chapter 4: Another Finance Committee Meeting. Chapter 5: House and Grounds Committee Meeting. Chapter 6: Bus Committee Meeting. Chapter 7: Still Another Finance Committee Meeting. Chapter 8: Personnel Committee Meeting. Chapter 9: Youth Pastor Search Committee Meeting (a different church this time). ChapS ter 10: V YetO Another Committee Meeting.

I C E Finance Yes, I still find myself going from meeting to meeting.

Once when I was an associate pastor, I was on 21 committees at the same time. We even had a Committee on Committees. Yes, we Baptists love our committee meetings. Wasn’t it John the Baptist who invented them?

A Baptist church with only two members would have at least three committees. Non-believers go to hockey games as much for the fights as for the competition. After you become a believer, you attend church meetings and expect the same kind of action. Why can’t we just get along?

A Navy ship was doing maneuvers in the middle of the Pacific Ocean when the officers came upon

a deserted, T E R island. Puzzled, they decidE Nuncharted ed to explore. As they arrived on the beach, they were greeted by a lone man, extremely excited to see them. He told them he had been stranded there for 30 years and had survived by fishing and gathering coconuts. & built three huts.

L E had The officer noticed P E OthePman Sexplain how They asked him to giveCthem a tour and EW N H R U H C he used these small buildings. He took them to the first one and said, “This is my home.” Next, he showed them the second and said, “This is my church.”

They all stood around for a while when an officer asked, “And what about the third hut?”

“That’s where I used to go church.”

“Ahh, you must be a Baptist!” the U R Econcluded.

LTofficers U C & S W E N We can’t even get along with ourselves. But Jesus told us the greatest hallmark of His followers was that we love one another: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

We have committees to monitor the money, the mission endeavors, the thermostat U A L and even those NN A that check on other committees.

Oif love was N G I NweFButhave E T Ishouldn’t so important one that MtoEJesus, monitors how much we truly love one another?

If we did, we should call it the One Another Committee because the Bible has so much to say about one another: “Be devoted to one another in love” (Rom. 12:10); “Serve one another humbly in love” (Gal. 5:13); “Bear each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2); “Encourage one another” (1 Thess. 4:18); “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:32); “Instruct one another” (Rom. 15:14); “Encourage one another” (1 Thess. 5:11) and a host of others. The One Another Committee would do more than just hold meetings. It would change the world.

In the end, it’s not the volume of the organ or the color of the carpet that brings people to Jesus. He told us how the world will know we belong to Him: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Could it be that we don’t love one another because we’re too busy clinging to our rights? Jesus gave up his rights as God to live and walk among us. He was subject to the same temptations as we are, but he didn’t earn His place on the cross; not one single sin was His. Instead, He gave up His rights to have a relationship with us. And relationship should be the biggest desire for those who follow Him—the kind of relationship that says, “Your needs matter more than mine.”

When we start loving one another as Jesus loved us, watch out, world! That love will spill over into the highways and byways of life. I don’t know why, but while I am writing this, one song keeps running through my mind: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.

It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” The Holy Spirit sure sounds a lot like Dionne Warwick today.

Since our church doesn’t have a One Another Committee, I guess I’ll appoint myself as a committee of one to monitor how I’m doing. I know I’m a little late, but it’s never too late to say, “You matter to God and you matter to me.” Happy Love One Another Day! P.S. Friends, you might have noticed the byline on my articles recently changed. I am now with Back 40 Ministries Inc., a network of gifted, godly and talented people. We have writers, editors, artists, graphic artists, speakers, prayer partners, podcasters, apologists, translators, counselors, worship leaders and encouragers who are providing help, resources and conferences in many different areas.

I want to encourage you to find out more about Back 40 at back40.org. Thank you!

Shine: Train, equip, deploy Alan Quigley Oklahoma Baptists’ Associate Executive Director for Church Resources @AlanQuigley1

Growing up I had the privilege of moving from the farm to the city. My dad went to work at Tinker Air Force Base, and he also ran cattle at the farm.

Dad was a hard-working man and was determined to instill that work ethic in each of his children.

Whether we were on the farm or in town, we had chores to do, and he expected them to be done with excellence. No half-hearted effort would be accepted.

I learned a lot of things from my father, but the one thing that I learned that has transcended every task I have done is the pattern by which my dad operated.

You see, my dad never asked me to do anything that he hadn’t taken the time to train me on how to do it. That often meant hours of working at his side and attempting the task with him overseeing my effort. Once I had accomplished the task under his supervision, he would then make sure I had all the tools needed to do the job, then he would send me out on my own to do the work. In other words, Dad would train, equip and deploy me for the work.

The idea of training, equipping and deploying has become a pattern for all I’ve attempted to accomplish. This was especially true for the work I did as a pastor. Occasionally, pastors and/or staff tell their congregations all that they need to be doing but don’t take the time to train and equip before trying to deploy them. I know we think that many of the disciplines of our faith should be intuitive, but even Jesus trained and equipped his disciples before he deployed them.

This pattern takes time and requires effort on the part of the leader and the learner. It is often slow, and the product isn’t always as good in the beginning

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as it would have been if the leader just did the task themselves. However, over time, training, equipping and deploying is a much more productive pattern.

Oklahoma Baptists has a whole group of Ministry Leaders who are ready to come along side you in the local church to help train and equip you before you deploy. There are large group events like the Youth Evangelism Conference (Jan. 16-17 at Falls Creek) where more than 2,500 students and student leaders will be trained and equipped to be deployed in your church field with personal evangelism tools. At the Advance Conference (Jan. 2425 at Moore, First), ministry and lay leaders will be trained and equipped to deploy in their church fields with the Gospel.

However, Oklahoma Baptists not only have large training events, but we also have Ministry Leaders who can come to your church and train and equip any size group you gather to be deployed in your community. Some of what is available would be like Doug Matlock leading Sunday School/ small group leaders to effectively reach the lost and care for the saved; Prophet Bailey coming to help develop leaders to reach young adults.

Amy Cordova can train and equip women to do effective women’s ministry; Sarah Wooten can train and equip your church on how to start a successful girls ministry; Rickey Thomas can do a training to help you to develop effective community ministry evangelism strategies; Brian Baldwin or Todd Sanders can train and equip your church to have a fruitful student min-

January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

istry; Charlie Gatton can train you on how to minister to children and their families; Randy Lind can train and equip your worship team on how to effectively lead others to worship; Don Williams can train and equip lay leaders to care for your community through Disaster Relief; and I can come train you on how to have an effective revival.

These are just a few of the ways we can come to you at your church to train and equip, so you are ready to deploy with the Gospel. In fact, I can promise that if you have a specific task that you would like the Oklahoma Baptists Resource Group to help you with, we will be there for you!

In 2022, let’s not just talk about what we are supposed to do. Let’s do the work by training, equipping and deploying with the Gospel.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

YEC trains students to reach communities, Jan. 16-17 PLE & O E X P O B L O O T R C H ON COVER ///U PREVIEWED CH

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

On Jan. 16-17, the Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC) will have its sixth meeting at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center since 2016. YEC did not meet in 2021, but Brian Baldwin is expecting to have many people in attendance this year.

“We’re just happy to have a conference,” said Baldwin who serves as youth missions and evangelism ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists.

YEC, as Baldwin described, is a training event for young people. For two days, students will meet with the intention of being trained to advance the Gospel in communities throughout the state.

“The U.S. is at a 70-year low of reaching teens for Christ,” Baldwin said. “The last major movement among students was 60 years ago with the Jesus Movement, and 42 percent of students currently identify with a faith other than Christianity. If ever we need to arise, it’s now.”

Baldwin referred to the theme of this year’s YEC which is “Arise.” The dictionary definition of “arise” is “awaken, to move, spring up,” and Baldwin wants YEC to eventually lead to “a rise” in professions of faith in Christ among students.

“The best way to reach teenagers is with teenagers,” Baldwin said. “We want the students to be the outreach and not consider YEC as the outreach. It’s not an ‘addition event’; it’s a ‘multiplication event.’”

YEC will feature general sessions with D.A. Horton as the key speaker. Horton, Baldwin said, is “one of the top speakers” in the country. Craig Ri-

gney will be leading worship app can help anybody make through music in the generthe Gospel be a part of regual sessions. “Craig has a heart lar conversations with people. for missions,” Baldwin said.

It’s not just for students but Christian artist Dillon Chase for adults, too. We hope U it will RE S D T E L I U F I C S & S S will be performing spoken word go nationwide after being preCLA EW N and doing a late-night concert miered at YEC and Advance.” at YEC. The Skit Guys are “hilarNear the end of YEC, church ious,” Baldwin said, and will be groups will meet together to featured during the general sesdevelop strategic action plans >> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE The ‘hilarous’ Skit Guys sions, offering examples of havthat will help them accomwill be at YEC, offering examples of having Gospel conversations. ing Gospel conversations. plish “Gospel-advancing A Lgoals” N UWith N A YEC will feature 23I C breakthroughout the year. help of O EcanS FO N I G N out options that V students a student pastor or church leaders, ETI E M choose to attend. New breakout topics include student can plan specific ways to reach friends, class“Called to Ministry,” led by Matthew Kearns director mates and neighbors with the Gospel. of student ministry at Oklahoma Baptist Universi“When you involve students in the planning, you ty, and “Witnessing Controversy,” led by Oklahoma don’t have a hard time convincing them to invest in U.S. Senator James Lankford who will share how to the plan,” Baldwin said. “The action plan provides tannavigate a Gospel conversation through the vast gible elements for youth groups as well as the church.” number of social and political controversies.

Baldwin also offered a prayer list for YEC. NAMB social media specialist Lacey Villasenor “Pray that YEC will inspire teens to understand will lead a breakout titled “Digital Outreach,” help- why it’s important to share the Gospel,” he said. ing attendees to learn how to effectively use tech- “Pray it will give them the information they need to nology like social media, apps, texting and more to have clarity of what the Gospel actually is. Pray YEC share the Gospel. will equip students to skillfully engage in Gospel YEC participants also will learn about the Good- conversations. Pray that students will be activated NewsCoach app. Baldwin said this new app will also and mobilized to obey and do what God reveals to be presented at the Advance Conference. them at YEC. Pray for youth leaders to be inspired “The GoodNewsCoach app trains and encourages and equipped to lead their ministries to be Gospel people to share the Gospel,” Baldwin said. “It helps advancing like never before!” them be encouraged by a coach, which could be a Visit oklahomabaptists.org/yec for more informapastor, Sunday School teacher or a church leader. The tion on YEC.

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

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OKLAHOMA

On-going opportunities for volunteers:

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

The Spring, 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. 918/794-0088 or hhtulsa.org.

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 share the Gospel—405-917-2242 or ojpm@ojpm.org.

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Feb. 5—Disaster Relief Orientation & Credentialing—9 a.m.–Noon Altus, Martha Road Feb. 19—First Aid/CPR Class— 9 a.m.-3 p.m.—$20 DR Team Center, 7180 NW Expressway, Okarche To register, please email Darrell Knapp, dknapp711@gmail.com Feb. 28-March 4—Sphere Training—8:30a.m.-5 p.m.— $35 Baptist Building, To register, please email pjones@oklahomabaptists.org

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What’s the latest from Carpenter Bus?

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Todd Fisher Todd Fisher begins his role as the 10th Executive DirectorTreasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. Pray for wisdom to serve Oklahoma Baptists well. Pray for his family as they begin a new life chapter.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Alan Quigley Alan Quigley serves as associate executive director for Oklahoma Baptists, leading the Church Resources Group. Pray for him as he leads the upcoming Advance Conference, Jan. 24-25.

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

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Missions & ministry | January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Oklahoma Baptists Set to ‘Advance’ the Gospel /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Staff Advance – verb (ad·vance) “to accelerate the growth or progress of” The Advance Conference, previously known as the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference (SEC), is designed to propel the Gospel forward in Oklahoma and beyond. The event, which is free to attend, is set for Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 24-25 at Moore, First.

At the conference, Oklahoma Baptists will be equipped and encouraged to share their faith and advance the Gospel. The 2022 Advance Conference will emphasize the theme “Gather” and features three preaching sessions on Monday and programming on Tuesday that includes two morning breakout sessions and a closing preaching session in the afternoon.

“Our hope is that we will challenge the church to gather people together to advance the Gospel,” said Alan Quigley, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director for church resources.

Oklahoma Baptist pastors and others are highly anticipating the annual event. Heath Tucker, pastor of Edmond, Waterloo Road, said the Advance Conference is a strategic time for pastors and church members to be energized to share their faith. “(The) Advance Conference/SEC is my favorite event of the year,” Tucker said. “Pastors feel a constant pressure to shift from a missional mindset. This conference is a reminder to make the Gospel central in all we say and do. I love being challenged by the incredible preaching and always leave with new ideas for gospel advancement for my church and community.”

Advance Conference speakers The preaching sessions during the Advance Conference will feature pastors from around the state, as well as Oklahoma Baptists ministry partners. In addition, Bill Britt, an evangelist with Compel Outreach International, is scheduled to speak.

Oklahoma Baptist pastors speaking at the Advance Conference include Matt Brooks, senior pas-

tor of Broken Arrow, First; Jeremy Freeman, lead pastor of Newcastle, First; Rusty Gunn, senior pastor of Sand Springs, Church That Matters; Brock Hardin, senior pastor of Heavener, First; Rusty McMullen, lead pastor of McAlester, First; and Brian Mills, senior pastor of Yukon, Trinity.

Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, will be speaking, as will Oklahoma Baptists ministry partners Prophet Bailey, young adult discipleship; Todd Sanders, Falls Creek programming and youth ministry; and Rickey Thomas, community ministry evangelism.

Bailey and Thomas are new to serving as Oklahoma Baptists ministry partners, and Quigley said the Advance Conference will be an introduction of them to Oklahoma Baptist churches.

The Advance Conference will feature testimonies from Adam Mask, pastor of Coweta, Community, who will share how he went from being in prison to now preaching in the pulpit, and Laura Perry, a former transgender person whose testimony is reaching LGBTQ people for Christ.

Advance Conference schedule The 2022 Advance Conference schedule is as follows: Monday, Jan. 24 Morning session speakers—9 a.m.-Noon Todd Sanders Rusty McMullen Brock Hardin Afternoon session speakers—1:15-4:30 p.m.

Rickey Thomas Todd Fisher Testimony by Laura Perry Testimony by Adam Mask Evening session speakers—6-8:30 p.m.

Rusty Gunn Jeremy Freeman Afterglow fellowship & movie premier showing about Caleb Freeman

Tuesday, Jan. 25 Tuesday morning breakout sessions Breakout session one – 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Breakout session two – 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Tuesday afternoon session—1:15-5 p.m.

Bartholomew “Prophet” Bailey Bill Brett Brian Mills Matt Brooks Worship through music will occur throughout the Conference, with music led by Geron Davis and Kindred Souls.

Themes of the conference The Advance Conference will introduce the ONE emphasis, which Quigley said will encourage churches to focus on being unified in Christ and making disciples.

“The ONE emphasis will be previewed during the breakouts on Tuesday,” Quigley said. “Churches were surviving through COVID, and now we are trying to help them refocus on our mission and purpose, bringing everybody together on one page.

The ONE emphasis is an undated opportunity for pastors to take their church through five weeks of refocusing to accomplish that purpose.”

The Advance Conference also will display how the theme “Gather” and the ONE emphasis correspond with each other. “’Gather’ and the ONE emphasis are the same thing,” Quigley said. “We’re coming back together and encouraging churches to spend five weeks on what it means to be back together. It means more than all of us being in the same room on a Sunday morning. It means we are all back together in our mission and our vision. This gives the church an opportunity to become likeminded.”

For more information visit oklahomabaptists.org/ advance.

A DVA N C E C O N F E R E N C E

SPEAKERS:

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Todd Sanders

Rusty McMullen

Brock Hardin

Todd Fisher

Rusty Gunn

Jeremy Freeman

Prophet Bailey

Bill Britt

Brian Mills

January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

Rickey Thomas

Matt Brooks

Oklahoma Baptists newsworthy stories from 2021

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER NEWSWORTHY STORIES OF 2021

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

PRAYING FOR TULSA: TULSA, TULSA, FIRST FIRST

PRAYER ROOM ROOM PRAYER

The year 2021 was met with challenges and opportunities, many of which appeared in headlines and news stories. The following are noteworthy and newsworthy stories, selected by the Baptist Messenger’s editorial team.

Dilbeck goes to GuideStone In May, it was announced that Hance Dilbeck was selected as the next president of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dilbeck, who had served as Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer since 2018, officially stepped down from his role effective June 25, and a search committee had been formed to find his successor. Dilbeck, a native of Pawhuska, had pastored in Oklahoma for more than 25 years and served in a wide number of ministry leadership roles. He was the ninth man to serve as executive director-treasurer.

Disaster Relief serves in Arkansas and Louisiana Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) answered the call after Hurricane Ida struck the southeast including Louisiana. Beginning in early September, DR team members worked diligently in affected areas, specifically in Houma, La. More than 85,530 meals were prepared and more than 154 requests for assistance were completed. The team members engaged in Gospel conversations with 764 people, resulting in 22 people making professions of faith in Christ. DR also helped rebuild Houma, Emmanuel, a church that had its building erected in 1988 by Oklahoma Baptist Builders. After the Dec. 10 tornadoes, DR served in Trumann, Ark., where more than 200 homes were damaged or destroyed.

Falls Creek sees record number of professions of faith Falls Creek witnessed 2,645 campers make professions of faith in Christ, the most recorded during a summer at the campground in the Arbuckle Mountains. More than 5,600 total spiritual decisions were reported, including 617 campers who surrendered to the call to ministry. The outpouring from the Lord came amid reduced attendance and numerous challenges.

Fisher called, installed as executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists Todd Fisher was approved to serve as Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer in a special-called board meeting Oct. 5. As pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel, Fisher was serving as president of Oklahoma Baptists when he was elected to be the 10th executive director-treasurer in the state con-

AIMS FOR FOR HEALING HEALING AIMS AMID TULSA TULSA RACE RACE AMID MASSACRE MASSACRE CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL

vention’s history. He was commissioned by Oklahoma Baptist messengers during the annual meeting of Oklahoma Baptists on Nov. 15.

Pandemic continues to affect churches, ministries From ministry events to summer camp to church services, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to interrupt, challenge and wreak havoc. Amid the COVID challenges, leaders found creative ways to minister and reach people for Christ. Even as many fell ill and tragically lives were lost across the country, the Gospel was shared with countless people in Oklahoma and beyond. Oklahoma Baptists developed the ReGather emphasis to help churches overcome the setbacks that resulted from the pandemic (oklahomabaptists.org/regather).

SBC addressing sexual abuse crisis Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Nashville, Tenn., in June, approved a motion to establish an independent Sexual Abuse Task Force. Guidepost was unanimously voted to be retained as the third-party firm to investigate and review practices of the SBC Executive Committee, and a full report will be given leading into the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting.

SBC Executive Committee leader Ronnie Floyd resigns Citing fiduciary responsibilities as president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Ronnie Floyd announced his resignation Oct. 14 in a letter to Southern Baptists released by email. Floyd’s resignation followed SBC executive committee trustee meetings involving the formation of a Sexual Abuse Task Force and consultation of a third-party investigative firm, Guidestone, which recommended to the trustees to waive attorney client privilege related to the independent investigation of the possible mishandling of sexual abuse cases.

Thomas inaugurated as OBU’s 16th president Heath A. Thomas took office as president of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) Jan. 1, 2020, but inaugural activities were delayed until March 26, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An outdoor ceremony on the south lawn of Raley Chapel drew hundreds of students, faculty, staff members, administrators, alumni, delegates and guests.

Oklahoma Baptists commemorate Tulsa Race Massacre centennial Oklahoma Baptists were among many who observed the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The observances promoted healing and a spirit of unity. Tulsa, First provided a prayer room from February through June 1, offering space for 121 days of intensive prayer. The prayer room was described as “museum quality,” featuring historical accounts and images, newspaper reports, written prayers and prayer points and a joint anti-racism statement signed by Tulsa pastors. OBU recognized its first recipient of the 1921 Memorial Scholarship on Sept. 27.

Johnie’Lee Berry said he was grateful for being the first student selected for the scholarship, which is funded by OBU in conjunction with the support of Oklahoma Baptists African American Fellowship.

Unborn lives at stake as SCOTUS debates abortion The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) met for nearly two hours on Dec. 1, hearing arguments regarding Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks’ gestation. The hearing prompted hope for pro-life advocates, not only for upholding Mississippi’s abortion ban but also reversing the high court’s precedent of nearly 50 years, specifically the 1973 case Roe v. Wade, as well as the Planned Parenthood v. Casey ruling of 1992. The Roe decision legalized abortion throughout the country, while Casey affirmed Roe but permitted some state regulation of the procedure. SCOTUS should render its ruling midyear of 2022.

Pew: Third of U.S. adults ID as ‘nones’ as Protestants decrease >> by Diana Chandler

BAPTIST PRESS SENIOR WRITER

WASHINGTON (BP)—Nearly 30 percent of U.S. adults are religiously unaffiliated, 10 percentage points higher than a decade ago, Pew Research Center said in its latest survey.

Protestants suffered the greatest decrease in affiliation, as Catholics held steady.

“The secularizing shifts evident in American society so far in the 21st century show no signs of slowing,” Pew said in releasing the findings Dec. 14.

“The recent declines within Christianity are concentrated among Protestants.”

Specifically, 29 percent of U.S. adults identify as religiously unaffiliated, or “nones,” including atheists, agnostics or those who consider themselves “nothing in particular” religiously. Nones are up 6 points from five years ago.

Fewer Americans consider themselves Christian—whether Protestant, Catholic, Church of Latter-day Saints or Orthodox Christian—accounting for 63 percent of the population this year, down from 75 percent as recently as a decade ago. Christians outpace nones at a ratio just over two-to-one, a substantial decrease from the five-to-one ratio in 2007 when Pew began surveying religious identity.

In 2007, 78 percent of U.S. adults identified as Christians, compared to 16 percent who identified as nones.

Protestants comprise 40 percent of U.S. adults, down 4 percentage points from five years ago, and 10 points lower than a decade ago, Pew said. Nondenominational Christians, Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians and many other denominations are categorized as Protestant.

Catholics, who decreased between 2007 and 2014, have held steady the past seven years. Catholics comprise 21 percent of U.S. adults today, identical to the share in 2014.

In a closer look at Protestants, Pew found that 24 percent of U.S. adults described themselves as bornagain or evangelical, down 6 percentage points from

2007. Concurrently, the share of U.S. adults who identify as Protestant “but not born-again or evangelical” decreased from 22 percent to 16 percent.

In other survey findings, Pew said: • Americans are praying less. Fewer than half of U.S. adults, 45 percent, said they pray daily, compared to 58 percent who said they prayed daily in 2007.

• Nearly a third of U.S. adults, 32 percent, said they seldom or never pray, up from 18 percent in 2007.

• Four in 10 U.S. adults, 41 percent, consider religion very important in their lives, compared to 56 percent in 2007. The percent of adults who consider religion very important to them has decreased 4 percentage points since the 2020 survey.

• Church attendance has not changed substantially over the past year. This year, 31 percent of U.S. adults said they attend religious services (aside from weddings and funerals) monthly or more frequently, compared to 33 percent in 2020. A quarter, 25 percent, attend service at least weekly, compared to 26 percent last year.

• More than half, 51 percent, of Protestants attend church services at least monthly or more, compared to 35 percent of Catholics.

Pew conducted its National Public Opinion Reference Survey May 29-Aug. 25 online and by mail, including a cross-section of the population.

Features | January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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>> PHOTO: 1) BRIAN HOBBS; 2-3) SHELLEY URTON

1) From left, Leslie Osborn, current Oklahoma Baptists chief financial officer, and Russell talk with former Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer Anthony Jordan at the reception; 2) Kerry and Mary Russell at Kerry’s retirement reception on Dec. 16; 3) Oklahoma Baptists Finance Group, from left, Osborn, Sandy Delsigne, Megan Willman, Carol Lewis, Russell, Kerry Urton, Kent Gamble.

>> by Brian Hobbs EDITOR

Kerry Russell, who served on Oklahoma Baptists staff for more than 38 years, retired at the conclusion of 2021. Russell, who had announced his retirement earlier in the year, had served as state convention Chief Financial Officer for the last 15 years.

As Oklahoma Baptists’ CFO, Russell oversaw Cooperative Program giving, all aspects of the budget and finances, as well as gave leadership to the convention Finance Group.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the Lord by serving Oklahoma Baptists,” Russell said during a Dec. 16 retirement reception at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City.

Throughout his tenure, Russell helped ensure fi-

nancial stability for the state convention, a time span which includes ups and down in the Oklahoma economy. Whenever supervising Cooperative Program dollars given by Oklahoma Baptist churches, funds donated to Falls Creek or Baptist Disaster Relief, or managing accounts, Russell brought attention to detail and a vision for the ministry mission.

Among his many accomplishments, Russell recently led the convention to enable churches to remit their Cooperative Program giving electronically, allowing funds to be put into the mission field even more quickly.

Among those speaking at the reception were Baptist Village Communities President Bill Pierce;

retired Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Anthony Jordan; and retired Senior Associate Executive Director of Oklahoma Baptists Ron Fannin.

Pierce, Jordan and Fannin praised Russell for his faithful and loyal service and his ministry heart.

“Kerry always served with complete integrity, and he served in a way that helped our churches be even stronger in Gospel work,” Jordan said.

Many past and present work colleagues attended the reception, as did members of Russell’s family and also members of the Sunday School class Russell teaches at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, where he serves as a deacon. He and his wife Mary have four grown children and two grandchildren.

Rose Day Pro-Life Rally in the Oklahoma Capitol

February 16, 2022

Rose Distribution: Indoor Rally Begins:

9:30AM 11:30AM

Keynote Speaker:

Kay C. James

For more info, visit www.roseday.life .

SPEAKERS:

Todd Sanders

Rusty McMullen

Brock Hardin

Todd Fisher

Rusty Gunn

Jeremy Freeman

Prophet Bailey

Bill Britt

Brian Mills

OKLAHOMABAPTISTS.ORG/ADVANCE

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January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

Rickey Thomas

Matt Brooks

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O L B OX O T H C R U CH

Campers on Mission DS LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE WS & CU served churches in 2021 >> Staff

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The Oklahoma Chapter of A N N UA L Campers on Mission (COM) S E C I V O many projects experienced ING INFO T E E M in 2021. They were involved in a renovation of a retail space for a church in Oklahoma City, as well as a project for a church in Alex.

The largest project COM completed in 2021 involved the celebration of moving >> PHOTO: PROVIDED Shawnee, Wallace from their 1) Paul Day and Dennis Vanderburg working on the previous church building into Welcome Center at Sand Springs, Angus; 2) Doris Drennan, a larger retail location that Chigger Gibson, Joe Drennan and Rea Sparks working on now serves a fast growing congregaframing at Shawnee, Wallace Avenue. tion. The campers were recognized at the dedication for the more than seven weeks of labor consisting of 423 man days by At the fall rally in Shawnee, 27 campers gath17 members. ered to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Pastor Blake Martin honored the group for the Oklahoma Chapter of Campers on Mission. savings of more than $500 thousand toward the The group was entertained by Gary and Karen remodel budget, making it possible to launch Brantley of Voices of Faith. this new location in November. The work hours Don Williams, director of Oklahoma Bapcontributed involved demolition, steel framing, tist Disaster Relief, opened with welcoming reinsulation, drywall, taping, muddying and grid marks and expressed thanks to the campers for placement for suspended ceiling. their years of service. President Paul Day along In October, COM traveled to Sand Springs, with Marvin and Ann Smith gave a brief history Angus to convert an existing entry way and of this group from 1976 until current day. remodeling it into a welcome center. Bethany, A time of fellowship and worship was shared.

Macedonia celebrated as campers showed up Remembering these past opportunities of serto replace siding on the gables on this church, vice reminded campers of our commitment to and Wister, Bethel received new flooring and help people through compassion by addressdrywall after the campers efforts. ing and fulfilling their most basic needs.

Many of the ladies met to sew during these The Oklahoma Campers on Mission is a events and worked on projects for the VA hos- national fellowship of Christian campers pital and quilts for Logan County DHS foster who volunteer to share their faith and the care program. Baptist Hospital accepted a gift love of Jesus while camping and/or particof 100 receiving blankets also made by many of ipating in mission activities. They work on our members. In early fall, walker bags, remote projects for Oklahoma churches and projcontrol/cell phone holders, and quilts were do- ects across the country. nated to Called to Care ministry by the women To request a Campers on Mission membercampers at Oklahoma Campers on Mission. ship application, call 405/942-3800 ext. 4336.

EWS CHURCH N PEOPLE IN THE NEWS BEDDOW DEATH. Tom Beddow, 79, died Dec. 18. Funeral services A He served MFirst. were Dec. 22H atO Ada, A L K O E H T as coordinator forHOilIPatch V E Chaplains, C R A T S I T B A Pa ministry of Oklahoma Baptists. He also was director of counseling and family ministry at McAlester, First. He is survived by his wife Tommie of 57 years; his son, Kenneth Beddow; his daugther, Kellie Beddow Barrowman; and five grandchildren.

ROWAN DEATH. Glen Rowan, 70, died Nov. 15. Funeral services were Nov. 19 at Hulbert, First. He retired as pastor of Hulbert, First in 2019 after serving nearly 48 years in ministry in Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife Gwen; his sons, Matt Rowan and Jeremy Rowan; and four grandchildren.

ORDINATION. Quinton Murr was ordained to the deacon ministry at Lawton, First West on Nov. 7.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES XAVIER ABRAHAM is minister of music at Lawton, First.

JASON MCCAULLOUGH is interim pastor at Hydro, Swan Lake.

HUSTON VEAL has retired as pastor of Hydro, Swan Lake.

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

Coming event JAN. 22. Oklahoma March for Life will take place beginning 10:30 a.m. at the Oklahoma State Capitol Building. Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, will be among K U The optional two-mile march will happen the featured speakers.

SUDO from the the Capitol to midtown to show support for life. For more information email Joe Vandervort at jvandervort@archokc.org.

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

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>> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS

Jordan Retirement

On Dec. 9 at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, a special retirement reception was held for Lynn and Keith Jordan, who both served many years with Capital Association. Mark Walters, incoming director of missions in Capital Association, spoke at the reception, among others.

Mark Jones, children’s pastor at Quail Springs said, “I’m so grateful to Lynn Jordan and Keith Jordan for all their 20 years of faithful work at Capital Baptist Association. As they retire, they each leave fingerprints on our churches and lives that have lasting and eternal blessings. I love you both!” Above, from left, Jones offers the Jordans a gift at the retirement reception.

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People & Church News | January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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10 markers when church is DS F CLASSI IE especially good

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MONKEY-SEE, MONKEY-TIK TOK? >> BRIAN HOBBS

VOICES

It’s almost as if they can’t help it. Their excitement leads them to talk.

6. They greet small group and worship attenders they don’t know. That’s EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was because they really are excited at seeing previously featured on chucklawless.com. new faces, and they really do want to get to know others.

I wish it happened even more often, but 7. They can’t wait to hear the Word of I’ve been in churches where the congrega- God. Sometimes this is the first sign I see of tion is clearly a God-centered, “one anoth- a church that’s on the brink of significant, er-loving” church. In fact, I’m writing this positive growth—they want (and expect) while thinking about the church where I just their pastor to teach them nothing less than finished an interim pastorate. Here are some the Word of God. of the markers I’ve seen in these churches: 8. They know they can trust one anoth1. They love to be together. They just er to pray for each other. Their prayer list do—and it’s obvious. They genuinely see is not just a list. The words, “I’ll be praying one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. for you” aren’t just words. The members are 2. Their pastoral staff is relational with family, so they really do pray for each other. each other and with the congregation.

9. Their small groups are as much lifeThat is, they serve together—and they ac- on-life as they are content-sharing. They tually enjoy it! see each other beyond their weekly meet3. When they sing together, their joy is ev- ing asEa group, and they talk with each othH phone or text) regularly. Their small F R O MerT(via ident. They sing not because they’re supposed G LO ERS B to, but because they want to. Even those are characterized by accountability L I N Ggroups D Swho R O W can’t sing well join them in the chorus. and encouragement.

4. They prayerfully work together for 10. They look forward to the future. resolution when potential conflict be- They’re not stuck in the past, nor are they comes apparent. It’s not that they don’t entrenched in the present. They do honor face internal turmoil; it’s that they strive to the past. They are enjoying the present. But, deal with the spark before it becomes a fire. they believe the best is yet to come.

S is that you might see at least Unity really matters to them.

AYprayer E SMy V A D 5. They naturally invite non-believers one of these markers in your church. and the unchurched to join them at church. >> by Chuck Lawless

SOUTHEASTERN SEMINARY DEAN OF DOCTORAL STUDIES, CHUCKLAWLESS.COM

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

2022 M I SS I O N ARY PR AY E R G U I D E

SEND NETWORK OKLAHOMA CHURCH PLANTING

The Cooperative Program Missionary Prayer Guide is available to help you pray weekly for Oklahoma Baptists who are serving in the United States and abroad.

Thinking of planting a church in Oklahoma? To find more information about beginning the process, visit the following website:

oklahomabaptists.org/cp/resources

oklahomabaptists.org/send-network

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

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January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

Did you recall the 2021 social media milk L SA N“the Acrate Ytrend, U A N S E V A D challenge”? For those not familiar, the summer of 2021 saw O NF G Iand T I Nstyle people stack milk crates in an obstacle M E Ecourse video themselves walking on their precarious set up.

The Internet abounded of videos showing people falling and nearly breaking their necks just to get views. This phenomenon apparently came about on TikTok, the soS T I S Tmore P A B A M cial media entertainment app that boasts than one O H OKLA T H G I L H billion users.

RC E H IG RESOU TikTok reportedly stopped carrying the videos but has been associated with other controversies, including reports of cybersecurity issues and local school safety concerns. I will refer you to others to discuss all the problems connected to this social media app and instead focus on one particular aspect that relates to multiple social media.

Namely, the trend toward imitation.

Why do people mimic whatever they see online, even when it’s a dangerous or a corrupt practice? We know that people—especially young people—are impressionable.

But all of us are prone toward the “monkey-see, monkey-do” phenomenon. One theologian said, “We become what we behold.” Whatever we are focused upon, we will become like that.

To read the rest of Brian’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-monkey-seemonkey-tiktok

F RO M T H E E R S B LO G G N I L S D R O To read W more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

D AV E S AY S BUDGETING FOR CAR REPAIR COSTS Dear Dave, B A P Tbe-I S T S M I am followingKyour plan, andArecently O H A L O HT came debt-free, but I have a question. doing HLIG E H IGWhen C R U O S E R a monthly budget, should I figure in a specific category for car repairs and maintenance, or just use my emergency fund?

—Ashleigh Dear Ashleigh, Congratulations on becoming debt-free! You know, new cars, old cars and in-between cars all have one thing in common — they’ll need repairs at some point. Fixing your car is just a basic part of car ownership, and something every car owner should be prepared for.

When life happens, to your vehicle or anything else, an emergency fund acts like an airbag. Only instead of keeping your face from hitting the dashboard, it keeps your finances from getting smashed up.

When it comes to car repair costs, I advise creating a sinking fund in your budget. A sinking fund is a special place in your budget where you save up money for specific, big ticket items—like car repairs.

I know, stuffing money into a sinking fund each month sounds about as enjoyable as waiting in line at the DMV. But look at it this way, if you had a car loan like most people, you’d be putting hundreds toward that debt each month. Instead, you’re one of the smart ones who doesn’t have any debt and can easily create a repair fund for your car by setting aside less than the average car payment each month. Even “reliable” cars need repairs and maintenance, and a sinking fund within your budget for this sort of thing means you’re ready to handle virtually any auto issues that pop up.

You know you’ll need to pay for repairs and maintenance. It’s a thing with all cars. And when you know something’s coming, that’s not an emergency fund situation. Great question, Ashleigh!

—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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>>F/T PASTOR: Denton Baptist of Marlow, OK is in search of a F/T Pastor. Initium Pastors are welcome. Please send resumes to: dentonbaptistchurch21@gmail.com or mail to: 272910 W. Ballpark Rd., Marlow, OK. 73055.

>>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.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Fitzhugh is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please send resumes to: fitzhughpastorsearch@gmail.com.

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>>BI/VO PASTOR: Enterprise Baptist Church, in rural Norman, is prayerfully seeking a Bible believing BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: randkvance217@sbcglobal.net or call (405) 397-7884.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: College Heights Baptist of Chickasha, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: College Heights Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Chickasha, OK 73023 or by email to: chbcsearchcmte@gmail.com

>>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 message.

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Minco, OK is seeking a F/T Student Pastor with a heart for small town ministry in an actively growing church. Please send your resume to our Pastor at: mike@mincofbc.com.

>>F/T OR P/T YOUTH MINISTER/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FBC Calvin in Calvin, OK is seeking a called Minister of Youth/Associate Pastor. Please send resumes to: calvinbaptist1st@yahoo.com. ATTN: Search Committee.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Duke FBC is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister who is passionate about God & serving youth. Please send resume or inquiries to: fbcduke@swoi.net.

>>F/T WORSHIP LEADER/CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: FBC Hobart is seeking a F/T combination Worship Leader & Children’s Director. Send resumes to: fbchobart@att.net.

>>WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Antlers, OK, is seeking a Worship Leader to lead our blended worship service as well as our choir. Email resume to: Search Committee, fbcantlers@hotmail.com or mail resume to: 208 NE B Street, Antlers, OK 74523.

>>BI/VO WORSHIP LEADER: The Church at Norman is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Worship Leader for our Sunday morning services. Send resume to: P.O. Box 818, Norman, OK 73070 or email to: thechurchatnorman@yahoo.com.

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Heavener is seeking a F/T Student Pastor. Please send a resume to: hardinbrock@yahoo.com. >>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC Cole seeking P/T Music Minister. Send resumes to: Search Committee, FBC Cole, P.O. Box 829, Blanchard, OK 73010. Or email to: jlwfbcole@pldi.net.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Rural church looking for Pastor. Great opportunity & recently updated 3 bed, 2 bath parsonage provided. 11012 N. Hwy 30, Sweetwater, OK 73666. Send resume to: fbcsw2312@ gmail.com. Phone: (580) 729-6583 for inquiries.

>>P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Hydro is prayerfully searching for a P/T Youth Pastor. Please send resumes to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com.

>>F/T MINISTER OF STUDENTS/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church in Durant, OK is seeking a F/T hard-working & energetic Minister of Students/Associate Pastor. Resumes can be sent to: P.O. Box 1028, Durant, OK 74702 or can be emailed to: search@calvarydurant.org.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Elk City is seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates submit resumes with references to: FBCEC Pastor Search Committee, 1600 W. Country Club, Elk City, OK 73644 or fbcecpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>> PASTOR: Small country church seeking a largein-the-Lord Pastor/Partner. Must be willing to seek with purpose, push with love & be brave like David.

Salary is not grand but we will work beside you & give you our best. FBC, P.O. Box 160, Custer City, OK 73639.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Porum is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Housing is available. Please submit resumes with a cover letter to: porumfirstbaptist@gmail.com or P.O. Box 396, Porum, OK 74455.

>> F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Highland Park Baptist Duncan, is seeking a Pastor to lead our church & inspire our youth. Please come grow our church with a loving spirit. Please send resumes to: hpbc73533@ gmail.com or 1002 S. 10th St, Duncan, OK 73533. >>BI/VO CHILDREN’S MINISTER: FBC of Anadarko is seeking a Godly man or woman to lead & coordinate children’s programs & activities.

Email resumes to: fbcanadarko@sbcglobal.net. >>P/T PASTORAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS: Chisholm Heights Baptist Church in Mustang, OK, has two openings for P/T Pastoral Administrative Assistants. 28 hours a week. Microsoft Office & general computer skills a plus. If interested submit resume to: office@chbcmustang.org. >>BI/VO or P/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: FBC Elmore City is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate to be our P/T or BI/VO Children’s Minister. Please submit resume to: fbceckids@gmail.com or mail to: FBC Elmore City, P.O. Box 247, Elmore City, OK 73433. >>F/T PASTOR: Our Pastor is retiring. New Life BC in eastern Oklahoma County is searching for the man God is calling to be our next leader. If prompted by the Holy Spirit, please send resume’ & cover letter to: newlifebaptist@mcloudteleco.com. >>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Looking for P/T Youth Minister to disciple & lead our youth.

Please send resume with letter of recommendation to: Main Street Baptist Church, C/O Youth Search Committee, P.O. Box 668, Stigler, OK 74462. Or email to: jeffkberger@gmail.com. >>F/T LEAD PASTOR: Beech Street FBC, located in Texarkana, AR, is prayerfully seeking a man called by God to serve as our F/T Lead Pastor. If you feel called, please send us your resume to: rposey89@yahoo.com. >>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Pawhuska’s FBC is a growing & enthusiastic church seeking a F/T Student Pastor to join our ministry team & lead our growing & diverse student ministry. Send inquiries and/or resumes to: church@pawhuskafbc.org. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Rosedale, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Resumes can be sent to: 37740 Arkansas Ave., Byars, OK 74831.

Email: tracy100@windstream.net.

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Jonathan was Saul’s ACROSS 28 “Mercy shall not depart ___ 4419Extremely swift jet (abbr.)

“He had made(abbr.) an ___ of speaking” (2 Sam. 1 Musical fromrepeat him” (2 Sam. 7:15) 4520State leader 5 Stadium 29 Used to bind breastplate to rings 4613:36) Stage of ephod (Ex. 39:21) 4721Cords Israelites brought to city Cast metal of harrows and axes 10 Friend 30 Iron tools (2 Sam. 12:31) Sam. 17:13) (2 (2 Sam. 12:31) 13 Musical production 31 Herb chocolate 4823Sugar-free brand “The meek will he ___ in judgment” (Ps. 15 Imitation 34 Zeruiah’s 4925:9) Children playing in streets 16 Wide sash son (2 Sam. 14:1) 35 “My cryofdid enterwere ___sentenced his ears”to this 25(Zech.

8:5) Tub spread 17 Two lines Moabites (2 Sam. 22:7) 51 Dues 26 “I will ___ him with the rod” (2 Sam. 8:2) 36 Tableland 52 Realm Sam. 7:14) 18 India language 38 People of this place became 53(2Swing David’s servants (2 Sam. 8:14) 54 Antes 39 Where Joab spoke with Abner 57 Abner’s father (2 Sam. 3:37) (2 Sam. 3:27) 58 Years Absalom lived in Jerusalem 40 “Watchman cried, and ___ the (2 Sam. 14:28) king” (2 Sam. 18:25) 60 Poor man’s sole possession 42 Comic (2 Sam. 12:3) 43 Land where Israel and Absalom pitched (2 Sam. 17:26)

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Please submit resume to: Calvary Baptist Church, 715 SW H Avenue, Lawton, OK 73501 or email to: personnel@calvarybaptistlawton.org. >>SENIOR PASTOR: Senior Pastor needed, retiring pastor of 30 years. Experience required, adherence to BFM 2000. Send resumes, recommendations to Pastor Search Committee, First Baptist Church, 125 S Delos, Haysville, KS 67060 or pastorsearch@fbchaysville.org. >>F/T ASSOCIATE & YOUTH MINISTER: Calvary Baptist Church Inola, OK is seeking a F/T Associate Pastor & Youth Minister. Interested candidates may submit resumes with references to: calvaryinola@gmail.com. >>BI/VO WORSHIP MINISTER: FBC of Elmore City is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate for a BI/VO Worship Minister to lead us in a blended service.

Please submit your resume to: fbc@fbcelmorecity. com or mail to: P.O.Box 247, Elmore City, OK 73433. >>CHILDREN’S PASTOR: Marlow FBC is looking for a Children’s Pastor to shepherd our kids nursery through 5th grade. Submit resumes to: office@marlowfirst.org. >>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Sobol, OK. Sobol Baptist Church is a small rural church seeking a Pastor with a heart for God & families as we seek to grow our church for the next generation.

Contact: debbanwhite@gmail.com.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >>DO YOU NEED A CHURCH PIANIST? Try piano accompaniment CDs from Worship Service Resources. Hymns, Gospel, Praise, Seasonal, DVDs, Flash Drive - Hundreds of Songs.

Get a FREE DEMO & try before you buy! Call 1-877-977-6800 or visit www.wsrpianocds.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030.

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>>F/T or P/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Tuttle is prayerfully searching for our next student pastor. Position is F/T or P/T for right candidate. Resumes may be mailed to: FBC Tuttle, P.O. Box 300, Tuttle, OK 73089 or email to: fbctuttlestudentpastorsearch@gmail.com.

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28 Noisy situation (arch.)

31 Thailand citizens 32 “Saul ___ weaker” (2 Sam. 3:1) 33 Knoll, of Ammah (2 Sam. 2:24) 34 Mountain man Bridger 37 Pros 38 African country God brought Israel out of (2 Sam. 7:6) 40 Firm up muscles 41 “___ verily, their sound went into all the earth” (Rom. 10:18) 42 Eve’s husband 43 Sheep-like animals (1 Sam. 25:2) 44 Killed, as David did Philistines (2 Sam. 8:1) 45 David cursed the mountains of this place (2 Sam. 1:21) 46 Presuppose, as prophet did (Deut. 18:20) 49 Type of ornaments (2 Sam. 1:24) 50 “LORD God of ___ was with him” (2 Sam. 5:10) 51 Mephibosheth’s age when he fled (2 Sam. 4:4) 52 Loose gown worn at mass 55 26,000 men were ___ to war and battle (1 Chron. 7:40) 56 Entomb 59 Lofty habitation 61 “Now therefore let me ___ the king’s face” (2 Sam. 14:32) 62 Stairway post 63 Lived, as Mephibosheth did in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 9:13) 64 Vane direction 65 Condition of people’s heart (Acts 28:27)

66 Dines DOWN 1 Regulation 2 They camped in ___ fields (2 Sam. 11:11) 3 Deceased, as David wanted Uriah to be (2 Sam. 11:21) 4 “Thou ___ great, O LORD” (2 Sam. 7:22) 5 Sneeze 6 “Neither let there be ___” (2 Sam. 1:21) 7 Gray sea eagle 8 City east of Eden (Gen. 4:16) 9 Nabal’s wife (2 Sam. 2:2) 10 Suggest 11 Dwelt, as David did two days in Ziklag (2 Sam. 1:1) 12 Ephod’s fabric (2 Sam. 6:14) 14 Jehoshaphat’s father (2 Sam. 8:16) 22 Deep, dreaming sleep (abbr.)

24 Ship initials 25 Minerals 26 Snack food 27 Type of person 28 “Mercy shall not depart ___ from him” (2 Sam. 7:15) 29 Used to bind breastplate to rings of ephod (Ex. 39:21) 30 Iron tools (2 Sam. 12:31) 31 Herb 34 Zeruiah’s son (2 Sam. 14:1) 35 “My cry did enter ___ his ears” (2 Sam. 22:7) 36 Tableland 38 People of this place became David’s servants

A G A P E A B L E N L O T A B E T E L C R OW D O N E B S E A B R E A D T OW E R B (2 Sam. 8:14) S I S E R A E A S T A 39 with E Where D E N Joab spoke M A R X Abner H O H O N S A L T R I S E D E W E (2 Sam. 3:27) I T A L Y A D O R E S 40 “Watchman cried, and ___ the king” (2 S H R I N K C E D A R S P S H 18:25) E E P S I H O N Sam. Y S H E A F T O B C A V E 42 Comic A U T O M E E T E V I L E 43 Land Awhere andGAbsalom pitched (2S S D D Israel I D E O N G R 17:26) E B E T R I A D N L A Sam. T A A R O N L E N T O E 44 Extremely swift jet (abbr.) GE ET HT E X C E L S T A R S R

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Puzzle 1 46 Stage Puzzle 13: Judges 47 Cords Israelites brought to city (2 Sam. M S G W A D A G O S A K E S S E V E N 17:13) E T A A B O L A D B L E A T C R I M E S A T S H E 48 Sugar-free O A S I S T W O E Mbrand P T Y A B E L O R O Children K R A playing I T SinEstreets L F A R T 49 E R R B I G A F C (Zech.

8:5) E L D E R S M A R T H A D W E L L S A L E F E T 51 P Dues E Z S T R A W D E A L T C I T Y D O O Realm N T O F U E L Y O K E S 52 T H I E F C I D E A L D E C S A L T S 53 Swing U N L O C K S C H E M E T R U E S T L O W A P T 54 AntesU S A OW N T A R T O P O A N3:37) R P(2HSam. C A M E 57 Abner’s father D E I S M A A L L O T T O N G S B O N 58 Absalom M L Years E A C H S lived H E inE Jerusalem P B A (2 D Sam.D E N S E S P A W N S L O T T O D OW R Y A B S 14:28) 60 Poor man’s sole15: possession Puzzle Ruth Puzzle 16 (2 Sam. 12:3) T G R Y O I E T A S A D F I B I N B O R N A T E S H F E B O S O R A T T L O T H M O L E A D E N

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Classifieds | January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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GuideStone Protection benefits provide unexpected blessing in midst of pain CES >> by O IHayhurst VRoy

GUIDESTONE DIRECTOR OF DENOMINATIONAL AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Brandon and Amanda Leslie were high school sweethearts.

“We learned to drive together, we went to high school together, we went to college and were each other’s biggest supporter throughout life,” Amanda Leslie recalled. “We married in 2000 when I was 19, and he was 20.”

Twenty-one years later, one would expect the Leslies to be busy keeping up with their sons— ages 17 and 13—planning on being empty-nesters in the next few years or even dreaming of retirement.

The Lord had other plans. Brandon, 41, a bivocational pastor in Oklahoma, died unexpectedly last summer.

Looking back on Brandon’s ministry, Amanda said it was easy to see how the Lord used both his love of teaching and his heart for the Gospel.

“We had a friend who was a pastor, and he asked Brandon to take on his youth ministry bi-vocationally,” she said. “It was a wonderful fit.”

Most recently, Brandon had served six years as the bivocational pastor of St. Louis, First, located about an hour’s drive southeast of Oklahoma City between Ada and Shawnee. Amanda said the church had been an incredible blessing to the family. He loved the people, and the church family loved the Leslies.

“Everyone felt like Brandon was their best friend,” she recalled. “His primary goal was to be God’s hands and feet.”

Soon, Amanda would find someone else being the hands and feet in return.

Losing a husband and father is a terrible blow; not only is the family dealing with the emotional loss,

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A N N UA L but there are also financial implicaINFO G N I T E E M tions that have to be faced sooner

the GuideStone benefits were an unexpected blessing. rather than later—and that can “The care is a little different,” she feel overwhelming. said. “The people that work at GuideBut St. Louis, First had cared Stone are people of faith and just for the Leslies in a way that understand things differently.” was about to make a big fiWhile working through the loss nancial difference. of her husband and best friend, she Mark Dance, director of passaid she is comforted by the outtoral development for Oklapouring of love she has received homa Baptists, reached out from the church, from Oklahoto Amanda in the days followma Baptists and GuideStone. >> PHOTO: PROVIDED ing her husband’s death to walk Hance Dilbeck, president-elect Brandon and Amanda Leslie and their two alongside the family in their of GuideStone and the immediate boys. GuideStone provided an unexpected blessing to Amanda after Brandon’s passing. hour of need. One of the pieces past executive director-treasurer of news he delivered was, thanks of Oklahoma Baptists, said stories to the church’s decision to conlike the Leslies are all too common. tribute regularly to a retirement plan for Brandon “Last year, GuideStone paid out $2.6 million to surLeslie, a survivor protection benefit made available viving spouses and children through the survivor probetween Oklahoma Baptists and GuideStone would tection benefits in the Church Retirement Plan,” he be available. said. “Every pastor needs to stop and consider how he Eligible church staff members who participate in would provide for his wife and children should somethe Church Retirement Plan—GuideStone’s retire- thing happen to him, regardless of age or health. While ment plan for Southern Baptist churches—are eligi- the protection benefits are no substitute for other ble for this survivor protection benefit. The benefit planning, they can be a significant help during a time is a joint effort between Southern Baptist state con- of shock at the loss of a beloved husband and father.” ventions and GuideStone.

Amanda Leslie said that she hopes that other minisThat benefit meant the world to Amanda. ters—especially bivocational pastors like Brandon — “It is wonderful to see God’s provision for us,” she will heed the wisdom of the St. Louis, First family and said. “It has allowed me to pay off my house and set some of their income aside through GuideStone. pay the taxes in full for the next six years, which is “They need to understand the resources availwhen my youngest will graduate from high school. able for the family’s benefit,” she said. “The people We’ll be able to stay here until then. It provides a at GuideStone have been such a resource that’s peace of mind and stability for us as we adjust to been invaluable.” our new reality.”

For more information on the Church Retirement Brandon Leslie had a secular job as well that Plan for Southern Baptist churches, visit GuideStone. provided some benefits, Amanda Leslie said, but org/Updates/SBC-Church-Benefits.

January 13, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture