2021/January/28

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • JANUARY 28, 2021

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends 2021 Rose Day moved to an online only/virtual event Feb. 3 >> STAFF

Encourage: A firm hand on the back >> HANCE DILBECK

CarePortal links Oklahoma Baptist churches to foster care needs

Russell, longtime CFO for Oklahoma Baptists, announces forthcoming retirement

“We encourage one another to advance the Gospel.”

As Oklahoma Baptists, this is the mission that guides our work.

We want every person in Oklahoma to hear the Good News of Jesus, turn from their sins and call upon His Name to be saved. We want every church to be committed to participating in advancing the Gospel to every tribe and tongue and nation. We know that we need encouragement from one another to stay focused on our great task.

>> CHRIS FORBES

>> BRIAN HOBBS

A State Mission Offering grant program is helping Oklahoma Baptists connect with families in their communities who are in need of resources to help them care for foster children.

A web-based application called CarePortal allows churches to meet urgent needs of families who have been vetted by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).

Kerry Russell loves serving the Lord and serving Oklahoma Baptists. Russell, who has served the last 15 years as chief financial officer (CFO) for Oklahoma Baptists state convention staff, recently announced his forthcoming retirement.

A convention staff member since March 1983, Russell will officially retire at the conclusion of the year.

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To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Great expectations >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Teachers’ lounge >> WALKER MOORE

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Jesus knows the way home >> TODD FISHER

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry From the ‘field’: Born in darkness, live in light >> IMB.ORG

Page 10 | Church Toolbox 4 groups pastors need >> MARK DANCE

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& 2021 Rose Day moved only/ PORTS & M I S S I O N S to an online S MENT M I N I S T RY E N T E R TA I N virtual event Feb. 3 /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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VOICES >> by Staff Leaders with the Rose Day Pro-Life Rally, the largest annual pro-life event in Oklahoma, recently announced the 2021 rally will take place as a virtual event on Feb. 3, instead of taking place at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

The online event will present a video livestream E ONLIN beginning at 11:30 a.m. which will N EatWroseday.life, T N ENTinfeature remarks from various pro-life leaders, IVE CO XCLUS EB-E W cluding Abby Johnson, whose life story is depicted in the movie, “Unplanned.” Johnson is a former Planned Parenthood clinic director who had a complete change of heart and is now a leading pro-life activist.

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1) Pro-life leader Abby Johnson will be featured in the online Rose Day event; 2) Rose Day supporters can participate in the virtual event at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 3 by visiting roseday.life.

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

The virtual Rose Day event will provide resources designed to help pro-life Oklahomans make an impact on public policy. Online particpants also can take part in ministry and prayer efforts and more.

“For nearly 30 years, Rose Day has brought many people of faith and pro-life citizens together annually to address the tragedy of legalized abortion in Oklahoma and across this land,” said Brian Hobbs, Baptist Messenger editor who serves as Rose Day Committee chairman.

Pro-life Oklahomans have gathered at the Capitol at the Rose Day rally each February at the outset of the legislative session. With roses in hand, representing a pro-life message of protecting the

unborn and helping to end abortion in Oklahoma, attendees have heard from notable speakers including Alveda King, Ronnie Floyd, Gianna Jensen, Fr. Frank Pavone and Lila Rose.

Oklahoma Baptists have a leading role on the Rose Day Committee, which includes other prolife and faith-based organizations.

“While this gathering will not be able to happen in person in 2021,” Hobbs said, “we believe the virtual and online event will be used by the Lord to make a huge difference in protecting unborn children.”

Find out more information about participating in the virtual Rose Day 2021 online at roseday.life.

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EVENTS Oklahoma Baptists’ leaders continue to monitor information about the continued impact of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. After careful consideration, the decision has been made to cancel, and in some cases move to a virtual event format, all Oklahoma Baptists sponsored events of 50 people or more in the months of January and February 2021.

The following February events are cancelled: • Feb. 4—Singing Churchmen Concert • Feb. 7—Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert • Feb. 11—Singing ChurchWomen (West) • Feb. 14—Night of Worship event • Feb. 14—Oklahoma Student Worship Choir Concert • Feb. 18—Singing ChurchWomen Concert (East) • Feb. 19-20—VBS State Training • Feb. 26-28—MVP Pastors and Wives Retreat • Feb. 27—Worship Audio/Video Event

February event moved to virtual/online only: • Feb. 3—Rose Day Pro-Life Rally • Feb. 25—Community 94

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

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2021 March for Life moves to virtual event DIANA CHANDLER | JAN 19

The March for Life originally scheduled Jan. 29 in Washington has been redesigned as a virtual event only, March for Life President Jeanne Mancini announced Friday, Jan. 15.“In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different,” Mancini said. “The annual rally will take place virtually, and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the march virtually.”

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Senators call for ban on PPP loans for Planned Parenthood TOM STRODER | JAN 19

Nearly one-third of the U.S. Senate has urged a federal agency to prevent the country’s largest abortion provider from receiving for a second time loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,795.

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 14, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 2.

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/ Branding & Marketing cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Encourage: A firm hand on the back Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

“We encourage one another to advance the Gospel.”

As Oklahoma Baptists, this is the mission that guides our work. We want every person in Oklahoma to hear the Good News of Jesus, turn from their sins and call upon His Name to be saved. We want every church to be committed to participating in advancing the Gospel to every tribe and tongue and nation. We know that we need encouragement from one another to stay focused on our great task.

Remember that “encourage” is a New Testament word that set the perfect balance of support and challenge. Sometimes the New Testament uses a word like “sympathy” or “comfort” to translate; other times we read “exhort.”

Encouragement is an arm around the shoulder, when we are disappointed, and a firm hand on the back when we lose focus or when we are tempted to quit.

Today, I want to put my hand on your back, Oklahoma Baptists. We should not allow this crazy COVID year to become an excuse for neglecting our mission.

When schools aren’t meeting, when church programs are restricted, when we are afraid or frustrated or weary—we can still find ways to advance the Gospel. Now more than ever, the people around us have ears to hear.

Let’s stop making excuses. Let’s not give into distractions. Instead, together let’s get busy in 2021

telling our family, our friends and our neighbors the Good News of Jesus Christ.

When I read the Great Commission, I realize that our Lord anticipated our excuses. He knew we would plead unusual challenges and insufficient power. So He set our marching orders between two of His most remarkable, broad claims—I have all authority and I am with you always! Everything we need is contained in those two promises.

Jesus has authority over COVID, over politics and over the economy. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, AND, He is with us in our work. Wow! Let this sink in…

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Let’s advance the Gospel together—under His authority, and in His power, “Go!”

Sword & trowel: Great expectations Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

“What is that book you’re reading,” said one movie character to another.

“Great Expectations,” the other character replied.

“Is it any good?”

“Well, it’s not all I had hoped for.”

Here we are—one month into 2021—and people’s expectations are sky high for the year. Great expectations for elected officials, for church leaders, entertainers, athletes and others. Great expectations, it seems, for everyone but the one person over whom we have control—ourselves.

There is a tendency in human nature to judge other people more harshly than we do ourselves— to hold others to a higher standard. Jesus challenges that way of thinking, when He taught about removing the plank in our own eye before turning

attention to others (Matt. 7:3-5).

These days, we as a society have given full vent to attitudes that are exceedingly harsh on others.

We criticize decisions related to the Coronavirus.

With great ease, we boo our local, state, national and world leaders. We even have taken to a daily routine of criticizing anything and everything on social media.

Hance Dilbeck summed it up in these words.

“There’s a word you don’t hear every day. Censoriousness—‘adjective; a person inclined to judge too severely; carping, critical, faultfinding.’ We might not hear that word often, but we find ourselves living in a world of censoriousness.”

What are the results of this trend toward censoriousness? It has created divisions in the Body of Christ. It has led toward discouragement. It has made people who might otherwise step into servant leader roles want to shy away from public service or even the ministry.

Added to this, it has done harm to the person who has made a habit of criticism. C.S. Lewis said, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are look-

ing down, you cannot see something that is above you.” I myself find it easy to have a Pharisee attitude, to pass judgment in a self-righteous, censoriousness manner.

Thankfully, our Lord and Master provided the way out in the form of repentance and renewal.

Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:1-5).

Today, when you feel that hypocritical, hyper-critical attitude welling up in your heart or mouth, step back from it and look up to Jesus.

If we can improve, day by day, person by person, we will be amazed at what God can accomplish through us. It will exceed even our greatest expectations.

Voices | January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: lounge RTS & S P OTeachers’ T N AINME

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY Walker Moore

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

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I grew up in the era where about every church had some type of evangelistic meeting. Most of these meetings would run for about a week, and if God were moving, it could be protracted for several more.

DS S S I FofI E L Ahighlight CThe these meetings was a traveling evangelist who came from at least two counties over. The perception in those days was that the farther these preachers traveled, the better they were.

I spent most of my childhood sitting in a hot church with no air conditioning, legs dangling off an old wooden country pew, listening to the evangelist stir upV theOcongregation.

ICES Any evangelist worth his salt would have a special night when he preached on the reality of hell. This was the one sermon he would announce ahead of time. You could miss any night of the week, but you dared not miss this one; it ranked right up there with a Halloween haunted house.

Your heart would race in anticipation as the evangelist began to weave his words. He would start out slow, and by the end, sweat would be pouring forth from his forehead. His voice would get gravelly, imitating what Satan might sound like as he took you to the edge of the abyss and let you peek into the pits of hell. By the end of his sermon, you would swear you smelled the sulfur and smoke.

As a child, the only thing I knew on this side of heaven that reminded me what hell was like was the teachers’ lounge at my school. I am not sure if they even have teachers’ lounges anymore, but

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our little rural school had only one hallway.

On one side was classroom, classroom, cafeteria/gym, classE& P Lthe room, classroom, P EandO on other side was classroom,H classNEWS URC C Hoffice, room, principal’s teachers’ lounge, classroom. Whenever you moved from your classroom to other activities, you had to pass the teachers’ lounge.

I was never sure about the true purpose of a teachers’ lounge.

LT U R E U C & S W E All I knew was that a teacher N would walk down the hallway, quickly open the lounge door, slither in and close it behind them as if they were on a secret mission. From there, I could only guess as to its primary function. The lounge had a wooden door with a frosted glass window where you could barely make out the distorted images of people moving around inside.

Only twice, maybe three times, did I ever get a glimpse into the teachers’ lounge. Those were the days I was picked to take the daily attendance record down to the principal’s office. Once, as I came even with the teachers’ lounge, the door opened, and what I saw could only be accurately described by a traveling evangelist.

Inside was swirling smoke with red embers that suddenly appeared, glowing brightly and then darkening as more smoke filled the room. I could make out Mr. Clark; he was staring down at the floor with a jet stream of smoke billowing forth from each nostril, and I could smell the sulfur of a match that had been recently lit.

Just as quickly as the door opened, it closed, but it was enough to put the fear of God in this elementary boy. To this day, I have never visited a teachers’ lounge, nor do I want to go there.

We don’t hear much about hell these days. Maybe that’s because most churches have stopped inviting traveling evangelists to come. But you can’t read but a few pages in the Bible without concluding that there are two groups of people: Those who follow God and those who don’t. Each group has a destiny; those who follow God will be with Him forever, and those who don’t, won’t.

I believe in the reality of hell; I believe it is a place of torment; I believe it’s worse than the Bible or any traveling evangelist could ever describe. But Jesus didn’t come and die on a cross just so I could get a get “out of hell” free card. Jesus told us His purpose for coming to live among us: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

I don’t follow Jesus to avoid hell or the teachers’ lounge, even though both are side benefits. I follow Jesus because “He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Today, ask Jesus to become the Lord of your life; follow Him and experience the fulfilling life.

I just wish one of those evangelists had preached, “Yea, though I walk through the hallways of school, I will fear no teachers’ lounge, for Thou art with me.” Amen and Amen.

Jesus knows the way home Todd Fisher President of Oklahoma Baptists Senior Pastor, Shawnee, Immanuel @etoddfisher

These are certainly challenging—or some might even say chaotic—times in which we live. As I talk with members of our church, the most common questions they ask are, “How do I navigate all of the craziness of this world right now?” and “How do I know what to believe about ________?”

Every day we face the pressure of issues related to COVID-19, political upheaval and a nation deeply divided over what seem to be intractable problems. We watch the news and scroll through our social media feeds, and many times we don’t know what is true and what is false. We are bombarded with truth claims and worldviews that can create confusion and anxiety.

In times of uncertainty and difficulty, it is always good to be reminded that Jesus and His Word must be our anchor point that rise far above anything or any problem we might face.

The author of the letter to Hebrews encouraged his audience in similar times of anxiety and upheaval to remember that no person, no thing and no ideology is greater than Jesus. Jesus is the greatest!

We are tempted today to see things other than Jesus as the greatest. Who or what you deem to be the greatest is critically important because it

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shapes your worldview, determines how you view truth and serves as the basis of your hope. For many today, the “greatest” is our country, or political ideology, or job, or a relationship. These things may well be great, and we are not wrong to be involved in them, but none of these are the greatest.

I love my country and greatly want what is best for it, but my country cannot save me. I love my job as a pastor, but I must draw my identity and worth from Jesus, not my vocation. I love my wife indescribably, but she is not my Savior. It’s good to have great things in your life, but it’s not good to anchor your view of truth and hope in any of these. If we follow anything other than Jesus as the greatest, we will eventually be deeply disappointed.

So, in a world that seems to be falling apart, anchor your life in the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Follow Jesus who is far greater than anything that troubles or confuses us.

How do we navigate the craziness of our times?

Be intentional in prayer. Take the time and effort to study God’s Word and then live out what it says.

Stay engaged with your church through worship and small groups. Give and serve as you are able.

Pray and think before you speak or type or post.

Share the Gospel. Encourage others. Faith and focus on Jesus is the only sure way to find your way through these challenging times.

On a mission trip overseas, some years ago, we worked in a remote village in desert-like terrain surrounded by mountains. At the top of the mountain nearest the village, looking out over

January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

the vast panorama dotted with herds of sheep, we asked the village leader if anyone ever got lost in this wilderness.

The leader said, “Yes, you can get lost,” but then confidently added, “but you can always find your way home.” “How is that?” we replied to the leader. “You simply stop and listen for the sheep.

When you hear the sheep, walk toward them.

When you find them, you will find the shepherd.

The shepherd knows this land better than anyone. He knows where every well and every village is located.” And then he added, “When you find the shepherd, you can find your way home.”

What a lesson for us! Listening to the village leader reminded me of when God spoke through another unbeliever by Gamaliel in Acts 5. In the craziness of our world right now, it’s easy to lose our way. There are so many worldviews, truth claims, and things that try to tell us they are the “greatest.”

How desperately we need to stop and listen closely, so that we can find and follow the Shepherd. Jesus said in John 10:3-4,11, “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice… I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

There is no other whom we should follow with our lives and devotion than the Good Shepherd.

Jesus is the greatest! He knows where to find provision and wisdom for our needs, and He always knows the way home to the Father, even in the most tumultuous of times.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

From the ‘field’: Born in darkness, live in Light PLE & O E X P O B L O C H TO WS R

>> from IMB.org

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a testimony of a Hindu-background believer who came to know Christ through an International Mission Board missionary.

I was born into darkness. The interesting thing is that I did not really know it was dark. I don’t think you can comprehend the difference between darkness and light until you have truly seen light. Thankfully, my life story does not end in darkness, but it did start there.

I was born a Hindu in India, which means I grew up in fear of evil spirits. In my home, there were always idols that my family would constantly bow before and plead with for protection, wealth and help.

We gave these statues baths, placed flowers around their necks and laid food and drinks before them. We lit the oil lamps and incense and did everything we were told to do to please these gods.

I watched my mother go through all the ceremonial motions of worship on behalf of our family.

Then my marriage was arranged, and I had to learn how to do all the necessary pujas (Hindu worship) for my future family.

I married and settled into my duties as wife and then as mother. I was a good Hindu but felt so little security and hope in my life. The statues before me never ate the food or took the flowers. I looked to them for help, and they were silent.

Then one day, a woman came and told me about a God who loves me and wants to have a relation-

CH ship with me.UShe said that He has made a way for us to be free from the burden of our sins. No more fear? That seemed amazing. She taught me that He is a jealous God, and I could not ASSIFIEDS C Lworship these idols and this One True God at the same time. I was tired of a life serving these statues, so I prayed for God to come into my life.

Then it was there.

VOICES Light. Bright, beautiful and glorious light.

I told my husband. He beat me. I was no longer a good wife because I refused to complete all the prayers to these worthless idols. The more he beat me, the more I prayed.

I told others about this God, and they too wanted to see the Light. Others followed. People began meeting together to pray to this wonderful God who heard our prayers and filled our hearts with love.

One day my husband said, “If you are going to pray—then pray for us to have some money.” So, we all prayed, and within a few days he found money on the ground. Another time he said, “If you are praying, then pray for me to get a job.” We again joined together in prayer for my husband’s request.

God answered us with a good job. Still my husband

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would beat me and try to burn me and even electrocute me for my faith. Every time, I came back to God and asked for His help and mercy.

Our little group of God followers then began to pray that my husband would stop drinking. He was a mean drunk, and this added to my misery. Soon, every time he took a drink he would vomit. This shook him, and he decided to come to church.

Now, my husband also follows the One True God. We have seen many others turn away from idols to worship God. So, you see, I can tell you the difference between light and dark. It is the difference between life and death.

I chose life.

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

OPPORTUN

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OKLAHOMA

Ongoing opportunities for volunteers: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, OKC and Community Food Bank of Eastern OK, Tulsa—both locations, call 405/972-1111 (Many Oklahoma Baptist churches receive food from them for local food pantries) Arms Around Broken Arrow—food pantry, clothes closet—918/258-7714 or bryan@armsaroundba.org Lake Texoma Baptist Resort Ministry—Monty and Tammy Wood, directors, 2034 Max Rd, Mead 73449, 580/916-2181 or thehelm2034@gmail.com Cherokee Baptist Assembly, Cherokee—918/506-5482 or cba_tahlequah@yahoo.com

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

March 6-Elk City-Location TBD April 10-Duncan-Location TBD Visit okdisasterhelp.org for updated information

Chaplaincy: Chaplain training dates have not yet been determined.

Visit oklahomabaptists.org/ chaplaincy for updated information.

Campers on mission: Email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org for information on this fellowship.

WORSHIP

Leadership Summit BETTER SUNDAYS BEGIN ON MONDAY

SPECIAL GUEST Pray for international missionaries Kris and Shelley Riggs Kris leads the IMB teams in Niger and in the training of national partners. Shelley helps in community outreach. Pray for protection, boldness and more ministry partners.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary Doug Melton Doug, senior pastor of OKC, Southern Hills, also serves as the director of the SEND Oklahoma Network that leads church planting efforts in Oklahoma. Pray for new churches to be planted in the state.

Dr. David Manner

MARCH 25 MOORE, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OklahomaBaptists.org/worship-summit

FREE BOOK (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST) Better Sundays Begin on Monday

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

Missions & ministry | January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Ministering to medics: Barnett leading OU health sciences BCM for 40 years /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Chris Doyle

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MANAGING EDITOR

Oklahoma Baptists are familiar with Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), previously known as Baptist Student Union. They were involved during their college years, or they have heard stories of college students having life-changing experiences through BCM at the many colleges across the state.

Life-changing experiences even happen among medical students at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) in downtown Oklahoma City. At a time when people are on high alert regarding health conditions, Oklahoma Baptists can appreciate the influence BCM has on those preparing to go into the medical field.

A mainstay with the BCM at OUHSC is Mike Barnett who was recently recognized for serving as BCM director of OUHSC for more than 40 years. Barnett’s story is worth sharing, as is a report of the impact BCM continues to have at OUHSC. ‘More than 90 years’ of ministry impact Barnett said he heard reports of BCM being at OUHSC as early as the 1930s. Many among the administration over the years have told him they used to attend BCM lunch gatherings and Bible studies.

“A lot of the department heads came to BCM as students,” Barnett said. “And even those who were not here for training, when they found out there is a Christian organization on campus, they just jumped right in. We have such a rooted group of believers among the leadership, and they are supportive of BCM.” BCM has brought the Gospel to medical students and helped them grow in their faith, especially in a field that is not as open to Christianity. Over the years, Christian doctors have come to speak at BCM gatherings at OUHSC and have encouraged medical students to advance the Gospel.

“To be able to capture people during that time (of medical training) and let them hear from doctors and professionals who can say ‘Here’s how I live out my faith,’ this influence is huge,” said Cris Lowery, Oklahoma Baptists state collegiate ministries director. “It is important for (medical students) to realize it’s not one or the other. They can be both scientific and a spiritual person.”

Medical mission opportunities abound Barnett’s ministry starts with offering free lunches to med students. From there, he connects with the students through the noontime interactions.

“I begin to learn the needs of medical students and dental students as they are going through their training and find ways to encourage them in their spiritual life,” Barnett said. “As they find their identity in Christ, we offer them mission opportunities, ways they could be involved in ministering to their classmates and doing missions locally or internationally.”

Locally, Barnett takes medical students to serve in a free weekly clinic. Internationally, OUHSC students have been on more than 30 medical mission trips through BCM, usually during Spring Break.

“We’ve gone to Mexico many times,” Barnett said. “We went to Peru, Panama, Guatemala and other places where we could find missionaries who needed medical missions. We always heard from missionaries that if you come with the Gospel and medical or dental services then people were a lot more apt to come and be involved.”

Missionaries build rapport in their communities through medical mission work. This is the impact

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1) Mike Barnett shares with children the importance of medical missions during the 2020 Mission Ignition event; 2 & 4) Barnett serves lunches to medical students outside the OUHSC library; 3) Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Hance Dilbeck, left, offers Barnett his 40-year service award, as Cris Lowery shares about Barnett’s ministry through the BCM at OUHSC. >> PHOTO: 1, 3) BRIAN HOBBS; 2, 4) CHRIS DOYLE

medical students have by going on trips offered through the BCM at OUHSC. BCM during the pandemic Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, Barnett has been limited in connecting with students. OUHSC had to limit access on campus, so free lunch offerings were not allowed in the buildings.

Barnett had to be creative. Since last spring, he has set up tables outside the campus library every Tuesday at noon. Sometimes weather is not cooperative, but the library has an extended covering that allows students to be out of the elements.

They can grab pizza or a sandwich on the go, and then meet other students somewhere on campus to eat. If they are close by, Barnett may have opportunities to connect with the students.

Recently, Barnett had leftover pizza from a lunch offering. As he was taking the food back to his car, he asked somebody nearby if they would like some pizza. The man responded, “Mike! Is that you?”

Because the man was wearing a mask, Barnett did not recognize him. The man pulled his mask down to reveal he was a dental student back in 2008 whom Barnett remembered. He told Barnett he is now a faculty member.

“I’ve been here since June and was wondering if the BCM is still going on,” the man told Barnett. “I’m so glad I saw you, and I want to get back involved and pour into these students.”

Though the pandemic may have limited ministry opportunities, God is still using BCM to have an impact.

How Barnett started in BCM work In 1978, Barnett started serving in BCM at the colleges in the Oklahoma City area. In 1980, he became the BCM director at OUHSC, as well as at Oklahoma City Community College and Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU OKC).

“I was about the same age as most of the students I was ministering to,” he said. “I just jumped in there and started getting to know people.”

Barnett connected with students, faculty members and administration. God has blessed what Barnett started to the point where he continues to have strong relationships with faculty and administration at OUHSC. But he also has impacted many other BCM directors.

“When I think about Mike, he has inadvertently trained a pretty good number of BCM directors,” Lowery said. “He supervises the OKC metro right

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January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

now and has done that off and on for years. Guys like John Wilkerson, who is at OSU, would credit most of what he has learned to Mike Barnett. That is one of the quiet, silent ways that he has impacted every BCM around the state, just by the people who have gone through his ministry.”

His ‘medical training’ When asked if he had any medical training, Barnett responded, “Yes, I married a nurse.” His wife Rhonda has had many stops in her career, including 20 years at OU Medical Center. He appreciates how God brought them together and how they share a professional connection of ministry and the medical field. And Barnett knows the medical field can be a powerful avenue for advancing the Gospel.

“One of the things that is documented evidence is when a physician comes to meet with a patient,” Barnett said, “if (the doctor) will address spiritual matters, especially to patients who are in great medical need, about 45 percent of patients will have a greater outcome than if (doctors) did not address their spiritual life along with their physical needs.”

Barnett’s impact on students The number of students Barnett has encouraged over the years is countless. Both current students and alumni could talk about his influence.

“His impact is obvious as soon as I met him,” said Devin Morales, a dental student who is a BCM officer. “He offers free lunches; he is an extra person to talk to or to counsel with. He’s always made himself available to us.”

As far as former students, Barnett shared a story of a past student at OSU OKC who asked Barnett to officiate his wedding. About 20 years later, Barnett connected with a college student who told him he knows her parents—the same couple of whom Barnett performed their wedding.

A few years later, Barnett saw the same young lady as she became a dental student at OUHSC. The student went on a medical mission trip, met a young man on the trip, and eventually Barnett officiated their wedding.

Barnett has even more stories to share, as do the many other BCM directors across the state.

Thanks to Oklahoma Baptist churches that give through the Cooperative Program, ministries like BCM are having an impact on people and are advancing the Gospel.

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CarePortal links Oklahoma Baptist churches to foster care needs /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

A State Mission Offering grant program is helping Oklahoma Baptists connect with families in their communities who are in need of resources to help them care for foster children.

A web-based application called CarePortal allows churches to meet urgent needs of families who have been vetted by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Through the giving of Oklahoma Baptists to the Edna McMillan State Missions Offering, grants are provided to Oklahoma Baptist churches as a reimbursement for fulfilled CarePortal needs.

“Often we find families that are in crisis through partners who are not associated with the church,” said Chris Campbell, executive director of 111 Project who coordinates the CarePortal with churches. “CarePortal allows us to connect partners who don’t do a good job of engaging the church and give the partners a chance to say, ‘Hey we have this need, if the church would be open to helping, we would love for them to engage.’”

According to the CarePortal website, the portal can connect churches with foster families “through a geographically-based communication system.

Opportunities on CarePortal include supporting children and families in crisis, foster care support, reunification efforts, adoption finalization and assisting youth who are aging out.”

Oklahoma Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives Justin Brown said the positive effect churches can make by participating in the CarePortal is difficult to estimate.

“It’s hard to imagine the impact we could make if every church got involved in CarePortal,” Brown said. “It would be other-worldly for the number of churches that exist to step up and raise their hand and say, ‘We’re going to help in this way’ would truly change the state of Oklahoma.”

The CarePortal program is not available in every county. Currently the portal is working in nearly 23 of the 77 counties of the state.

Amy Cordova, Oklahoma Baptists’ missions and woman’s ministry partner, explained how the grant program is helping expand the reach of the CarePortal among Oklahoma Baptists.

“We are working with CarePortal to make it available in every community,” she said. “Requests continually come through OKDHS for families who have needs, and when they do, they need churches to meet those needs. The CarePortal can’t open a county until enough churches are signed up. For a small county, that could be two or three churches; for a larger one, it’s like 100.

“To encourage churches to sign up,” Cordova continued, “we have made funds available through a grant made possible by the State Mission Offering. Oklahoma Baptists are in the best position to help Oklahoma’s children in need because we are everywhere.”

Shawn Nichols, pastor of Oklahoma City, Wilmont Place, said that the grant program made participation in the CarePortal an easy decision for his church.

“The grant has reinvigorated our commitment to CarePortal,” Nichols said. “On one hand, we have the state asking for church involvement; on the other hand, we have our state partnership supplying funds as long as we get involved. So, I mean,

Oklahoma City, Wilmont Place has a permanent display in its foyer, promoting ways to help foster families care for children through the CarePortal ministry >> PHOTO: CHRIS FORBES

how do we not? All we need is people who are willing. How much more of an answer from heaven can we get?”

Since becoming involved with the CarePortal, Wilmont Place has given the project a prominent place in the church by dedicating a permanent display in their foyer to raise awareness of the ministry to church members and people in the community. The church continues to reach families in need, “and we are able to share the Gospel with each family we serve,” Nichols said.

For more information about the CarePortal and the Foster Care Grants in Oklahoma, check out oklahomabaptists.org/fostercaregrant. For more information about foster care and adoption, visit obhc.org, the website of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.

Russell, longtime CFO for Oklahoma Baptists, announces forthcoming retirement /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Brian Hobbs EDITOR

Kerry Russell loves serving the Lord and serving Oklahoma Baptists. Russell, who has served the last 15 years as chief financial officer (CFO) for Oklahoma Baptists state convention staff, recently announced his forthcoming retirement.

A convention staff member since March 1983, Russell will officially retire at the conclusion of the year. Starting March 1, he will make the transition to a new role as special advisor to Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer Hance Dilbeck.

“Kerry Russell is a godly man—a man of integrity— who has excelled at his work. Kerry is faithful in all aspects of his work and is a friend to so many Oklahoma Baptists, including me,” Dilbeck said. “We congratulate Kerry on this upcoming ministry milestone and express our greatest gratitude for his service.”

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

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the Lord by serving Oklahoma Baptists,” said Russell, who upon retiring will have served with Oklahoma Baptists for more than 38 years.

Retired Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director Treasurer Anthony Jordan, who promoted Russell to CFO, said, “Kerry is one of the finest Christian gentlemen I have ever known. Unquestioned integrity marks his life and ministry. Competent and wise, he has led the Finance Team with excellence. Love this man!”

Throughout his tenure, Russell helped enence to bear on a few special projects sure financial stability for the state conincluding the construction of new vention, a time span which includes BCM buildings at Southeastern ups and down in the Oklahoma Oklahoma State University and economy. Whenever supervisOklahoma State University. ing Cooperative Program dolHe will also be available to lars given by Oklahoma Bapensure a strong transition tist churches, funds donated to in the Finance Office for Falls Creek or Baptist Disaster the next CFO. Relief or managing accounts, “Kerry has served the Russell brought attention to Lord with distinction and detail and a vision for the mina faithfulness to Jesus. You istry mission. Among his many could look across the entire accomplishments, Russell recentSBC—or really any minisly led the convention to enable try—and not find a per>> PHOTO: OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS Kerry Russell churches to remit their Cooperative has served with Oklahoma Baptists for son more committed to the Program giving electronically, allow- more than 38 years. mission of Gospel work,” ing funds to be put into the mission Dilbeck said. field even more quickly.

Russell is as involved with “I have always wanted to serve in a way that his local church – Oklahoma City, Southern Hills – as helps our churches be even stronger in Gospel he is with Oklahoma Baptists. As a member of more work. When we each work to strengthen the Body than 20 years, Russell serves as a deacon, teachof Christ, God uses us to accomplish more for His es Sunday School and is part of the church prayer Kingdom,” Russell said. ministry. He also has experience serving in overRussell, a certified public accountant who holds seas short-term missions opportunities in Southa bachelor of science degree in accounting from east Asia and Spain. the University of Central Oklahoma, has garnered He and his wife Mary have four grown children respect across the Southern Baptist Convention. In and two grandchildren. his tenure with Oklahoma Baptists, other roles Rus“We believe the Lord will continue to bless Kersell held included staff accountant, manager of ac- ry and his wife Mary during this time of transition counting and controller. toward retirement, and we know God will conAccording to Dilbeck, as special advisor to the tinue to work through their lives into the future,” executive director, Russell will bring his experi- Dilbeck said.

Features | January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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TURE E WS & CUL N Neuschaefer honored

Stacy Neuschaefer was recognized Jan. 5 by the National WMU organization for serving as president of Oklahoma WMU from Nov. 2016-Nov. 2020. Baptist Women across Oklahoma expressed their appreciation and presented Neuschaefer the Jefferson Cup on behalf of National WMU.

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

Tulsa, Woodland Acres celebrates 60 years, Reichman named ‘Pastor Emeritus’

On Nov. 22, 2020, Tulsa, Woodland Acres celebrated its 60th anniversary. The church recognized its heritage, originating as a church plant from Tulsa, Brookside in the 1950s. Brookside also started another plant, Tulsa, Riverside at the same time, and both churches merged Feb. 4, 2018. The celebration also recognized Jonathan Reichman, center, as the church’s pastor emeritus. Pastor Kriss Haymes, left, honored Reichman and his wife Cheryl. Reichman is also available for supply preaching.

>> PHOTO: TERESA ROBERTS

Lindsey ordained at Wanette, First

Clyde Lindsey was ordained to the Gospel ministry on Oct. 25, 2020. James Wilder, director of missions in Pottawatomie-Lincoln Association, officiated the ordination service. Deacons participating were Benny Mulder, Carl Sturgill, Frank Sturgill and Cliff Bass. Wilder’s message was from Luke 24, and the charge to Lindsey was from Matt. 10:41. Lindsey has been pastor of Wanette, First since April 2019 after serving as interim. Pictured, from left, are Wilder, Lindsey and Lindsey’s wife Lynna.

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

Sterling, First hosts free community meal

Sterling, First has been doing a community-wide free meal once a month at the Sterling Ladies Town & Country Building on Main Street for more than four years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the church continues the free service but changed to offer take-out only. Approximately 120-150 meals are offered each month.

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>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

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OBU to host To Tell the Story DS LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE WS & CU conference Feb. 16-17 >> by Kenny Day OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Oklahoma Baptist UniversiI C EM.S Angell College of Fine V OWarren ty’s (OBU) Arts will host the second annual “To Tell the Story� conference Feb. 16-17. The conference aims to equip local congregations to share the story of the Gospel in the context of weekly worship services.

OBU faculty, guests and students will offer their skills, knowledge and creativity, providing resources and enthusiasm that can be applied to the local church context.

The focus of this year’s conference will be the parables of Jesus. “The College of Fine Arts is excited to be able to once again interact with local church leaders to imagine together how the arts can assist us in proclaiming the truths of Scripture,� Dean Chris Matthews said.

Bobby Kelly, professor of religion, will offer the keynote address. Breakout session presenters include Hephzibah Dutt, assistant professor of theater and director of theater, leading, “Performing Parables in Sunday Service: A Readers Theater Workshop� and Christi McGahan, instructor of journalism and mass media, leading “Audio/Visual Possibilities of the Parables.�

Scot Loyd, assistant professor of communication studies and director of forensics and debate, will lead “Three Parables of

>> GRAPHIC: COREY FULLER

Christ� and Patty Nelson, associate professor of music education, will lead “Involving Children in Retelling the Parables.� “Contemporary Musical Settings of the Parables� will be led by Justin Pierce, assistant professor of instrumental music. A session titled “Seeing the Story: Visual Art and the Parables� will be led by Corey Fuller, associate professor of graphic design and chair of the Division of Art and Design, along with Joshua Brunet, assistant professor of art.

Kelly will guide the attendees how to more beautifully and meaningfully involve the parables of Jesus into corporate worship and discipleship. The conference will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 5:30 p.m. and conclude Wednesday, Feb. 17, at noon.

Registration for the conference is $30 per person, including dinner on Tuesday evening. Attendees may bring a spouse for an additional $10. Registration deadline is Feb. 5. To register or for more information, visit okbu.edu/fine-arts/to-tell-the-story.

STORE CLOSING - RETIREMENT SALE

EWS CHURCH N PEOPLE IN THE NEWS KISHKETON DEATH. Manuel Kishketon, 59, died Jan. 9. Funeral serA O H vices were Jan. 16 M at Cromwell, First.

A L K O E H T He served in pastoral ministry for 30 IVE H C R A T S I T B A Pyears, pastoring at Talihina, Green Hills; Ardmore, Indian; Ardmore, Many Nations; Lone Grove, Cheek; and for the last 13 years, he was pastor of Cromwell, First. He had a great love for music and taught many young people to play the guitar. His greatest love was preaching and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is surved by his children Mandy Black, Kaci Schmitz, Jessica Cronley, Jasmine Parker, Dakota Kishketon, Eric Copeland, Manuel Kishketon, Jr. and 16 grandchildren.

KING RETIRES. Fred King, pastor of Tuttle, First for the last 17 years, has announced his forthcoming retirement from the pastorate on Feb. 28. He will serve at Hind’s Feet Ministries and can be contacted at poimanfbct@gmail. com. King previously pastored Crescent, First; Kingfisher, First; and Cheyenne, First.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES CHAD MCMATH is pastor of Sallisaw, Immanuel.

BOB PITTMAN resigned as pastor of Sallisaw, Hanson First.

NICK STARR is pastor of Sallisaw, Hanson First.

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People & Church News | January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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4 groups pastors needI F I E D S CLASS

com about mentoring based on the conviction that every pastor needs a Barnabas, a Paul, and a Timothy in their life.

Barnabas was a mentor, then peer to Paul, On Jan. 24, 2016, British explorer Henry who was a mentor to Timothy.

Worsley died attempting to be the first per“What you have heard from me in the presence E Swho son to cross the Antarctic unaided. of many witnesses, commit to O I Cmen Vfaithful The 55-year-old former British army offi- will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). cer trekked 913 miles alone in 71 days across 3. Deacons. When the disciples were the South Pole. overwhelmed with their first ministry sucSuffering from exhaustion and severe de- cess at Pentecost, God sent this special ops hydration, he radioed for help just 30 miles unit to help avert a widow war in Jerusalem. short of his goal. After being airlifted to Deacons have been part of God’s plan for Chile, he died of organ failure. the church since it started. We see in Acts 6 When I read this story, I felt a strange sense that deacons are part of God’s growth stratof sadness for an explorer who worked so egy for the pastor and the church. hard but fell just short of his goal.

Pastors, deacons are your friends, not My second thought was how empty the your foes. Sure, there may be rogue deagoal was in the first place: To cross the Ant- cons in your church, but that’s nothing new. arctic unaided.

Don’t let that discourage you from investPastors who attempt to do ministry alone ing in this group. You can’t afford to marginwill fail every single time. alize those whom God has called to minister My 30-year ministry journey would have alongside you. ended a long time ago had it not been for Whether your church uses elders or deathose who have held up my arms when I’ve cons or some variation of the two, know grown weary, as Aaron and Hur did for Moses. that God has already set up a pastoral care Four relationship groups have become department in your church to help you stay guardrails for me against isolation, loneli- devoted to prayer and the ministry of the ness and spiritual drift.

Word (Acts 6:4).

1. Friends. Can pastors have friendships 4. Bosses. Many pastors believe they don’t in the churches they serve in? Old school have an earthly boss. That’s ridiculous. We all ministers believed that a pastor should not answer to somebody. The key is to embrace be friends with church members. those whom God has sent into your ministry Do not confuse friendship with favoritism, to represent you to the church and visa versa. or you will fall prey to this isolation trap.

Whatever you call this group, understand “I give you a new command: Love one an- the benefit of this group exceeds its inconother. Just as I have loved you, you must also veniences. Guardrails are for our benefit, as love one another. By this all people will know well as those around us. that you are My disciples, if you have love for This group needs to be the kind of people one another” (John 13:34-35). who will the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

H E speak O M TWorsley’s F Rlife, If you don’t have a close friend in your last living statement sent from OG E R S B Lsaid: maybe you should look first in your church.

S L I N GAntarctica D R O W But also look beyond the church into the “The 71 days alone on the Antarctic with community where you live. If not, you are over 900 statute miles covered and a gradual missing out, or maybe worse—burning out. grinding down of my physical endurance final2. Mentors. Pastors who have mentors ly took its toll today, and it is with sadness that I demonstrate a rare humility. It doesn’t mat- report its journey’s end—so close to my goal.” ter if you call it mentoring, coaching, or disLife and ministry are way too hard to do cipling, you must never stop learningA from alone.

AYIfSyou want to finish ministry strong S E V D those who have been where you want to go. someday, invite these precious people into I wrote a series of posts for LifeWayPastors. your life. >> by Mark Dance

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS DIRECTOR OF PASTOR DEVELOPMENT

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

S T U D E N T E VAN G E LI S M RESOURCES OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

Find resources designed to help reach students in your community with the Gospel, through prayer, personal evangelism and more. skopos.org

CO O PE R AT I V E PR O G R A M RESOURCES Because your church gives through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. Collectively we are advancing the Gospel together. oklahomabaptists.org/cp

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

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January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N F RO M T H E G E R S B LO G WO R D S L I N WS &

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I’ve been thinking a great dealA about Y S Lot and his flight S E V A D from Sodom lately. I’ve read Genesis 19 before, but I gained a new perspective when I read the story again recently.

Previous encounters with the passage left me furious with Lot on one occasion for offering his daughters to the wicked townsmen and praising him on another as the only example of righteousness in the whole S city. This past T I S Tfor righteousP A B A M week, however, I saw a sinful man striving O H OKLA L I GHI Tfound a man ness in a deeply broken and IG Hworld.

Hsinful E C R U O S E with whom R I could relate.

The story opens with Lot welcoming two angels into his home as they visited Sodom. The tale takes a nasty turn as the men of Sodom surround Lot’s home and demand access to these visitors in order to do deplorable things to them.

To his credit, Lot pleads with the men to “not act so wickedly” (Gen. 19:7). The angels rescue him and strike the townsmen with blindness before informing Lot that he needed to gather up his family and hit the road because the Lord was preparing to destroy the city.

In the past, I have criticized Lot for not leaving immediately. I forget his investment in this community. This was his home. These people were his friends and his neighbors. His daughters were set to marry two of the men.

To read the rest of Carissa’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-a-lot-to-consider

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 LET KIDS MAKE MISTAKES (AND LEARN FROM THEM) Dear Dave, BA PT ISTS A M We just started teaching our seven-yearO H A L OK GHheT old about money. He’s very eager H L Iand E HtoIGlearn, C R U O S E R seems to be grasping the basic ideas quickly. He’s young, though, and of course he makes mistakes from time to time. Should we step in and fix things when a mistake he made means he can’t do something he wanted to do? —Ethan Dear Ethan, It’s always hard on parents when they see their children suffer because of a choice the child made. But sometimes it’s best to love them so much that you’ll let them make mistakes, and make sure they learn from them, while they’re still under your protection. Reality can be a great teacher when it comes to learning how the world works, and sometimes one sting from a bad decision when you’re young is all it takes to teach a kid a lesson that will last a lifetime.

As a parent, you’re always looking for teachable moments. First, make sure you’re giving him a chance to earn some money. That means work, no allowances. We’re talking about kid-sized, age-appropriate tasks. There’s a ton of value and self-esteem that go handin-hand with being paid for a job well done. Once you pay him for the work he does, then you have chances for more teachable moments about saving, spending, and giving—and the importance of each.

If I were you, I wouldn’t run in and fix things. By this, I mean I wouldn’t just hand him money he didn’t earn so he can still get or do what he had in mind. But don’t fuss at him or brush it off, either. Gently explain why things didn’t work out the way he hoped.

Then, talk through what he might have done differently to help make the situation better next time.

Kids are smarter and often have more understanding and comprehension skills than we give them credit for. My guess, Ethan, is you won’t need to have this kind of conversation more than once or twice! —Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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Rate: $1.00 per word, $25.00 per issue, minimum • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: First Baptist Church of Verden, OK is prayerfully seeking P/T Worship Leader.

If you are interested, please send resume or questions to: fbcverden@tds.net

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>> PASTOR: Lakeview Baptist, a loving church in Salina, OK prayerfully seeking & ready to follow loving, Godly Pastor providing spiritual instruction & strategic leadership. Send resume to: pastor@sstelco.com or P.O. Box 308, Salina, OK 74365.

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EMPLOYM ENT .>> P/T YOUTH DIRECTOR: FBC Amber is prayerfully accepting resumes for the position of P/T Youth Director. Please submit resumes to: Pastor, P.O. Box 35, Amber, OK or email: jmorris@fbcamber.org. >> F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Alva is looking for a F/T Worship Pastor. Please submit your resume to: cruwaldt@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church, Pawhuska, OK is accepting resumes for BI/VO Pastor. Please submit resumes to: ATTN: Pastor Search Team, Calvary Baptist Church, 620 E 15th Street, Pawhuska, OK 74056 or email: pawhuskacalvary@sbcglobal.net.

>> PIANIST: Pleasant Home Baptist Church (Prague, Oklahoma) is prayerfully seeking a pianist to serve during our Sunday morning, Sunday evening & Wednesday night services. Please send questions or resume to: phbchurch.ok@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP & ADMINISTRATION: First Baptist McAlester is prayerfully accepting resumes for our new Pastor of Discipleship & Administration. Please visit: https://firstbaptist. info/jobopening for a job description & to submit your resume. >> MIDDLE SCHOOL/RECREATION PASTOR: FBC Madill is searching for someone who is called & gifted by God to minister to Middle School students & to use sports (basketball, flag football, etc.) to share the Gospel. Send resumes to: staff@fbcmadill.org.

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC Forgan, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s man. Send resume to: P.O. Box 9 Forgan, OK 73938. More info see: forganfbc.com or call (580) 4610857.

>> PASTOR: FBC Medford, OK prayerfully searching for Pastor. Newly remodeled parsonage furnished.

Please mail to: FBC Medford, Search Committee, 124 W. Comanche Medford OK 73759 or email to: fbcmedfordok@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Lawton, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: personnel@calvarybaptistlawton.org or mail to: Calvary Baptist Church, 715 H Ave, Lawton, OK 7350.

>> 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 WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Cushing is prayerfully seeking a F/T Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: Michael@fbccushing.org also include links of you leading worship if possible.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Bunker Hill Baptist Church, a small rural church located between Vinita & Nowata Ok on US Hwy, is accepting resumes for BI/VO Pastor to lead Church body. Send resume to: 826 W. Clyde or email to BunkerHillBaptist@gmail.com

>> F/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: To oversee ministry from Birth-6th grade. First Baptist Church, Weatherford. Send resumes to: justearl@fbcweatherford.com. >> PASTOR: Whitesboro Baptist Church in Southeast OK, is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Please send resume to: P.O. Box 125, Whitesboro, OK 74577 or email: whitesborofbc@yahoo.com. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Lone Grove is prayerfully seeking a spiritually mature, F/T Youth Pastor.

Must have a heart for community & connecting with others. Please send resume to: fbclonegrove@ yahoo.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Sharon First Baptist Church in Sharon, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s choice for F/T Pastor. Please email resumes to: fbc.sharon@yahoo. com or mail your resume to: Sharon First Baptist Church, 24008 State Highway 34, Sharon, OK 73857.

>> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Hilltop Baptist, Shawnee is seeking P/T Worship Leader for blended service.

Send resumes to: hilltopshawnee@gmail.com. >> PASTOR: Beaver Street Baptist Church is desiring God to lead His Pastor & the Search Committee together & follow the Holy Spirit’s leadership to love all people into His Kingdom. Send resume to: Search Committee, BSBC, P.O. Box 929, Jenks, OK 74037. >> SENIOR PASTOR: Union Hill Baptist Church (www.ubhcpurcell.com) west of Purcell, is accepting applications for Senior Pastor. Please email application materials to: unionhillpurcell@aol.com. >> F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Aurora, MO, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Senior Pastor who agrees with BFM 2000 & loves discipling. Please submit resumes to: fbcpastorsearchaurora@gamil.com or Pator Search Committee, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 326, Aurora, MO 65605.

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church 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. >> P/T FACILITY MANAGER: The Facility Manager is responsible for the oversight of the NWBC campus, bulding, grounds, & parking. The focus is on welcoming the community & all who come to worship. Please send resumes to: ministry@nwbc. church. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Denton Baptist Church, Marlow, OK Is searching for a Pastor to lead a rural church. Please send resume to: Denton Baptist Church, 272910 W. Ballpark Rd, Marlow, OK 73055.

Sunday Aug 45-70+. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Wyandotte First Baptist, Wyandotte, OK is accepting resumes for BI/VO Pastor.

Parsonage is available. Please submit resumes to: wyandottefbc@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Parkview Baptist, Duncan, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor w/ vision, passion, enthusiasm & energy to boldly lead our congregation forward in spiritual & numerical growth in all ministries & age groups. Send resume to Ron at: mulsix@ hotmail.com >> F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Emmaus Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, is seeking a F/T Student Minister. Please submit resume using the information at: www.emmausokc.org/search. >> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: First Baptist Church Gower is searching for an Associate Pastor of Youth, Children & Family Ministries. This is a F/T position.

For full description, email: fbgowerpastorsearch@ gmail.com. >> BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church, Lindsay, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Youth Pastor. Please send a resume to: cbclindsay@gmail. com. >> PASTOR: Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Bartlesville, OK is seeking a Pastor who teaches God’s word, loves people & agrees with BFM. Send resume to: pastorsearchehbc@gmail.com or by mail: Pastor Search, 1331 Swan Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74006.

17 Created with 19 Across 18 Attorney General (abbr.)

19 First created thing (Gen. 1:1) 21 CA city (abbr.)

22 Opposite of cold 25 Falls, border China, Vietnam 29 “Eyes of them ___ were opened” (Gen. 3:7) 31 Alcoholics Anonymous (abbr.)

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Morris Memorial Baptist Church in Ada is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who is passionate about reaching youth & families with the Gospel. Send resumes to: 16121 County Road 3540, Ada, OK 74820 or email to: david@mmbcada. org. >> PIANO PLAYER: FBC Wheatland is searching for a Piano Player for our traditional Sunday morning service. Contact Pastor Richard Boyanton at: (405) 3155387. >> F/T CAMPUS PASTOR: Connection Church in Duncan, OK is seeking a F/T Campus Pastor. Connection Church Duncan is a campus of First Baptist Marlow, a multi-campus church (www.fbcmarlow. org). Resumes should be emailed to: ccduncanpastor@gmail.com. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Lone Grove is prayerfully seeking a spiritually mature, F/T Youth Pastor.

Must have a heart for community & connecting with others. Please send resume to: fbclonegrove@ yahoo.com. >> BI/VO OR F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Ochelata, OK is seeking a BI/VO or F/T Pastor. Please submit resumes to: Pulpit Committee, FBC of Ochelata, 290 North Ochelata St., Ochelata, OK 74051 or email to: fbcochelata@gmail.com. >> ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FBC of St. Joseph, MO is prayerfully seeking an Associate Pastor for Students & Worship to join our Ministry Team. Salary, tuition-assistance & additional amenities available.

Submit resume & cover letter by 3/31/21 to: jointheteam@stjoefbc.com. >> BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Salina OK is asking God for someone who loves seeing youth become strong followers of Jesus. If you’d like to help us with that, please send a resume to: pastor.steve@salinafbc.com. Compensation includes a house with utilities. >> CHURCH STAFF: Small church in Sapulpa, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor, a Music Director & a Pianist. Please send resume to: Forest Hills Baptist, Attention: Pulpit Committee, 702 S. Adams, Sapulpa, OK 74066.

>> F/T PASTOR: New Hope Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please email resume along w/current sermon video or

CROSSWO

ACROSS 1 First man God created 5 Likeness, as of God (Gen. 1:27) 9 God put one on Cain (Gen. 4:15) 13 When God created (Gen. 1:1) 15 Venture 16 Beginning of Hebrew day (Gen. 1:5)

link to sermons to: newhopesecretary@gmail.com or mail to: 37497 New Hope Road, Tecumseh, OK 74873.

RD

32 Layered vegetable (Num. 11:5) 33 God’s beautiful garden 35 Arithmetic 37 Creator 38 First gender God created 39 Adam to his sons 42 The Appalachian Trail (abbr.)

43 Builder of ark 46 Land of Abram’s birth (Gen. 11:31) 47 Wrath 49 First word of each Creation command 51 Ever-living (1 Tim. 1:17) 53 Iowa (abbr.)

54 Sacrifice animal (Gen. 22:13) 56 First word of Bible 57 It lasted for 40 days and 40 nights (Gen. 7:4) (pl.)

58 Highest authority (1 Pet. 2:13) 59 Son of Noah (Gen. 5:32) 60 Pasta sauce 61 Designated 65 Phone co.

66 God called the light this (Gen. 1:5) 69 Hebrew name for God 70 Eve’s first son 72 Biblical “your” (Gen. 3:10) 73 The land Pison flows through (Gen. 2:11) 74 Close to DOWN 1 Honest president’s nickname 2 Satan, aka the serpent (Gen. 3:1) 3 God said Abram would live to old ___ (Gen.

15:15) 4 Ancient coin 5 Lodging place (Gen. 43:21) 6 Jacob called Reuben his ___ (Gen. 49:3) 7 Article before a vowel 8 Abbreviation for text messager’s concluding remark 9 When the angels hastened Lot (Gen. 19:15) 10 The Lord called, “Where ___ thou?” (Gen. 3:9) 11 A cheer 12 Kentucky (abbr.)

14 What God called darkness 15 Italian city 17 First woman 20 Lamech’s first wife (Gen. 4:19) 22 Cain killed him 24 Electrical unit 26 Garlic mayonnaise 27 Land east of Eden (Gen. 4:16) 28 Opposite of 38 Across 30 Number of ribs God took (Gen. 2:21) 31 Near 34 Palm fruit 36 Grandson of 59 Across (Gen. 10:13) 39 “And I will ___enmity between thee and the woman” (Gen. 3:15) 40 Ark’s landing place (Gen. 8:4) 41 What God called waters (Gen. 1:10) 43 Mighty hunter (Gen. 10:9) 44 Russian river 45 Sharpens

48 Pharaoh took one from his hand (Gen. 41:42) 50 God removes the speech of them (Job 12:20) 52 Descendant of Cain (Gen. 4:18) 55 Able, as in war (2 Kings 24:16) 58 Third son of first parents (Gen. 4:25) 59 Corridor 60 Gentle tap 62 Hawaiian necklace 63 District Attorney (abbr.)

64 Some 67 Exclamation (Isa. 1:4) 68 Teen category (abbr.)

71 Type of explosive (abbr.)

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Classifieds | January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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OBU to Host ‘Generation Why?’ Student Apologetics Conference March 6

>> by Kenny Day OBU MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

SHAWNEE—Students, youth groups, college ministry groups and others around the state and region are invited to attend the “Generation Why?” youth apologetics conference March 6. The event will take place on the Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) campus in Shawnee. The conference centers around the theme “Reasonable Faith in a Post-Christian Age” and is a one-day-only conference. The conference is designed to equip students to know their faith more deeply and to be prepared >> PHOTO: HEATHER HAMILTON and effective in defending the faith.

Tawa Anderson, associate professor of philosophy and organizer of the GeneraRegistration is now open at okbu.edu/genwhy.

Cost is $10 per person, $60 total for a group of 6 to The conference tion Why conference, speaks during the 14 people, or $70 total for a group of 15 or more at- will kick-off with conference in March 2020. tendees. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. worship led by Tawa Anderson, OBU associate professor of phi- 519 Collective, OBU’s premiere Gospel and CCM losophy, is the organizer of the Generation Why music group. The first plenary session will be led by conference.

Mark Lanier, titled “Christianity on Trial: Faith Takes “Our second annual Generation Why? apologetics the Witness Stand.” Lanier is an attorney, organizconference will bring a world-class group er of the Christian Trial Lawyers Association, Bible of diverse scholars and speakers to Biteacher and author. His books include “Chrisson Hill,” Anderson said. “’GenWhy’ tianity on Trial,” “Psalms for Living: Daily will strengthen the confidence of Prayers, Wisdom, and Guidance,” and “Toyoung Christians in the truth of rah for Living.” He is the founder of the their faith and equip students to Lanier Theological Library, one of the defend their faith persuasively nation’s largest collections for serious and winsomely. theological research and study.

“As society continues to The first breakout session includes become more secular and five options. Mario Melendez, OBU assispost-Christian,” Anderson contintant professor of Old Testament and bibliued, “it is even more essential for cal studies, will lead a session on “What Do all believers to know why they believe We Do When Archaeology Seems to Contrawhat they believe, and to ‘always be prepared dict the Bible?” Chris Jones, dean of the OBU Hurley to give an answer to anyone who asks them the rea- College of Science and Mathematics, will lead “The son for the hope that they have’ (1 Peter 3:15).”

Christian Faith of the Gas Law Guru, Robert Boyle.”

S In addition to far-reaching plenary sessions, GenC H N E W Michael McAfee, president and co-founder of InCHUR eration Why will feature breakout sessions tackling spire Experiences and teaching pastor at Bethany, questions of race and sexuality, science and faith, Council Road, will lead the session “Bible Problems: beauty and imagination, contemporary concerns Answering Questions of the Reliability and Releand objections to Christianity. vance of Scripture.”

Lindsey Panxhi, director of OBU’s Honors Program and assistant professor of English, will lead “C. S. Lewis and the Christian Imagination: An Argument from Desire.” Lisa Fields, founder and president of the Christian apologetics organization the Jude 3 Project, will lead the session on “Christian Apologetics, Race and Sexuality.”

Fields will also lead the second plenary session, “A Faith that Can Be Tested” (or “A Faith that Can’t Be Tested Can’t Be Trusted”). She is one of the world’s most sought-after Christian apologists. Through the Jude 3 Project, she has a calling to help black Christians know what they believe and why. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida with a bachelor of science degree in communications and religious studies, and Liberty University with a master of divinity degree with a focus in theology.

The second breakout session includes five more sessions. Lanier will lead a session titled “Objection! Can That God Really Exist?” Michael Strauss, professor of physics at the University of Oklahoma, will lead the session “A Scientist Examines Modern Science, Apologetics and Christian Witness.” Abdu Murray, senior vice president of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and the author of four books, will lead the session “They All Can’t Be True: Christ’s Uniqueness in a World of Spiritual Options.”

Paige Lehrmann, an OBU graduate with a double major in mathematics and philosophy with an apologetics emphasis, will lead the session, “A Beautiful Mind? A Probabilistic Argument for God from Beauty.” Robert Stewart, professor of philosophy and theology, Greer-Heard Chair of Faith and Culture, and chair of the Institute of Christian Apologetics at New Orleans Seminary, will lead the session “What the Bible Says about Gay Marriage.”

OBU’s vocal ensemble True Voice will then lead the conference attendees in worship before the final plenary session of the day. Murray will lead this session, titled “The Cross and the Cancel Culture.”

To register, view full speaker bios, or for more information, visit okbu.edu/genwhy.

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

RE TIRING CFO SERVES WITH HEAD, HEART & HANDS

Kerry Russell, longtime chief financial officer (CFO) for Oklahoma Baptists state convention staff, recently announced his forthcoming retirement at the end of 2021 (see story on page 7).

Russell, who has served on convention staff since March 1983— the last 15 of which was as CFO— oversees all aspects of finance for the state convention.

The March 12, 1998 edition of the Baptist Messenger carried news that Russell joined the ranks of certified public accountants. Russell, though, has served in more ways than just accounting.

While Russell has served the Lord by serving Oklahoma Baptists, he has done so with his head, heart and his hands fully engaged in ministry service. On behalf of Oklahoma Baptists, today we say thank you to Kerry for his faithful service!

Rose Day

Pro-Life Rally Virtual Event Wednesday, February 3, 2021

ONLINE ONLY

This event will start at 11:30am.

View the livestream at: www.roseday.life.

Online Program will include an interview with:

ABBY JOHNSON

Do you have Oklahoma Baptist history such as Falls Creek testimonies, historical church stories, or photos of a past Baptist event? Send them to baptistmessenger@okbaptist.net!

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January 28, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

Pro-Life Advocate whose life inspired the movie, ‘Unplanned’