Gospel Ministry

right amount to have a great harvest. Fall was my favorite as the harvest was upon us. The combines Rite of passage: Summer memoriesSPORTS & ENTERTAINMENTMISSIONS & MINISTRY Walker Moore President Emeritus churned as they plowed through the fields to gathof Awe Star Ministries er the crops. Winter was the season of rest, a time to Email | walker@awestar.org repair and replace equipment. After that, the cycle CH While I was growing up, there were three great days URCH TOOLBOX @WalkerDeanMoore C PEOPLE & HURCH NEWS started all over again. The same is true with a family. The spring is when, as a young couple, you get to know and grow together. It is a time of fun and spontaneity before in the life of young Walker. Christmas topped the list; my the great responsibilities of having other lives in birthday came second (I think there was a theme going Of course, summer also meant crawling into bed your care. During this season, you create memories on here), and then the first day of summer vacation. each night, exhausted. There wasn’t enough day- and lay your foundation as a couple. Do you want to know what day made the bot- light to get everything in. Summer is when have your children and experitom of my list? Valentine’s Day. No 9-year-old boy should have been forced to sign his name on those cards decorated with little hearts and give them to CLASSIFIEDS My second least favorite day was the last day of summer We had to get new clothes and go to bed early, so we would be ready for school. All good NEWS & CULTURE ence the joy of being their guide. In this season, you will discover your strengths and weaknesses in your “miniature me.” You will also sacrifice your wants the girls in our third-grade class. things must come to an end. for the needs of your children. Summer vacation was never about how I was go- As a parent, I didn’t realize how much summer In the fall, you see the rewards of raising your chiling to spend it but more how was I going to cram meant to children until it was too late. One of the dren according to the Word of God, and they start it all in. Summer meant barbecues, baseball, run- things I regret with my boys is not having enough the process of leaving and cleaving with their life ning through the woods, spending two weeks at family activities during the summer. As a youth pas- mates. They are becoming capable, responsible our grandparents’ farm, catching hundreds of lighting bugs in a Mason jar, riding my bicycle, working in the garden, the neighborhood kids coming VOICES tor. my summers were taken up with youth camps, mission trips, Sunday School parties and more. Oh, we did a few special things, but the boys spent most and self-reliant. A sense of wellness becomes yours. Winter is a time for rest, renewal, reflection and re-enjoying your spouse. Then along comes the over to play Annie-Annie-Over or Red Rover, play- of their summers tagging along with their dad. I grandkids, and the seasons start all over again. ing in the rain, a drive-in movie, church camp, Va- didn’t recognize the importance of this season. Eccl. Summer is upon us, and I desire that you fathers cation Bible School, mowing the yard, going to the 3:1 (ESV) says it best: “For everything there is a season, and mothers use this time to do something simple library, camping trips, fishing in the pond, shooting and a time for every matter under heaven.” with your children. Many of my fondest memories are

BB guns, swimming, climbing hay bales in the barn, The folly of being a young parent is not recog- not about what we did but that we did it together. spending a night or two in a tent, the smell of fresh- nizing that each season has a purpose. My family We see in the Bible that, in every season, Jesus spent cut grass, running around with nothing on but a were farmers, and the seasons dictated what we quality time with those closest to Him. Whether he pair of shorts, catching a snake or two, riding in the did. Spring is the time of the year when the soils are was traveling with His disciples, going out on the lake back of the pickup, playing with my dog, tent reviv- tilled, fertilizer is put down and seeds are planted. or eating a meal with them, they must have cherished als, driving tractors, playing in a stream, listening to During the summer we watered, weeded and the time and love He shared. And did I mention that at the Kansas City A’s baseball game on my transistor monitored our crops. Rain was the most import- least some of those meals, especially in the summerradio, and did I mention barbecues? ant ingredient of the summer; we needed just the time, must have included barbecue?

Shine: Hearing problems

Alan Quigley

Oklahoma Baptists’ Associate Executive Director Church Resources Group @AlanQuigley1

I have had a hearing issue most of my life. It all started when I had a hunting accident with my Dad at the age of 11 or 12. The older I got the more difficult it became to hear what was being said.

I really didn’t know that I had a real hearing problem until I got married. My wife Cindy would come from another room in the house and asked me if I were ignoring her. I would explain that I simply didn’t hear her calling for me.

The best marriage counseling I ever received was at a mall in Texas. We were at a Sears store, and they had a sign that said, “Free hearing test.” Cindy said, “Come on, you’re going to take that test.” I had never prayed to fail a test before, but for the sake of our marriage I prayed, “Dear God, if I haven’t lost some hearing, please take it now in order to save my marriage.”

Well, clearly I had lost a lot of my ability to hear. I would often only hear part of the sentence or not understand what was being said at all. I covered the issue up the best I could by adjusting my head in order to put my better ear toward the speaker or by attempting to read lips.

Pure and simple, vanity and pride kept me from getting hearing aids for years. However, this all changed several weeks ago. I had my hearing tested, so that I could get some hearing aids. When the doctor asked me why I had waited so long to get the devices, I said, “Vanity and pride.”

He immediately asked, “So you don’t have these things in your life anymore?” My response surprised me. I said, “Yes I’m still more vain and prideful than I should be, but now there is a voice that I want to hear that is greater than anything else. That voice is the voice of my two year old granddaughter. When she would talk everyone said, ‘Oh did you hear that?’ I would say ‘No, what did she say?’ This happened over and over again, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t understand anything she was saying.”

When there is a voice that we want to hear more than anything else, we will put aside everything that would prevent us from hearing that voice and put on everything that would help us to hear it better. Of course there is no voice that we as believers long to hear more than the voice of God.

Paul writing to the Colossians in chapter three gives us a list of thing we must put away if we are going to hear God’s voice unhindered by the sin barriers where we all are prone to wade. When we have unconfessed sin in our life, the background noise of the world will muffle or even drown out the clear small voice of God that is trying to communicate with us. Therefore we must, as verses 5-10 says, put away whatever is worldly and sinful in our lives, so that God’s voice can be heard.

Not only must we put away worldliness and sin, but we must also put on the some new things. Verses 12-14 give us a list of things to put on: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, accepting everyone, forgiving everyone, and above all put on love. These things connect us to God in Christ Jesus as He demonstrated all of these characteristics to us while He walked on the earth. Since God is Love, then when we have these qualities, we have a clear connection with God that is unhindered by the noise that would normally drown out His voice in our lives. Today, I love to clearly hear my granddaughter when she says, “Papa, I love you,” and nothing I need more in my life than to clearly hear the voice of God when He says, “Alan, I love you!”

The Cooperative Program allows churches everywhere to work together through generosity, so that every church can support local missions while also having a global reach. Through

Good News Whole World FOR THE the Cooperative Program, your church funds and sends missionaries around the world, trains pastors and ministry leaders, plants churches, and

changes lives for eternity.

Prayers, ministry amid Middle East conflict /// PREVIEWED ON COVERCHURCH TOOLBOX PEOPLE & CHURCH NEWS

>> by Leslie Peacock Caldwell

IMB MANAGING EDITOR

In the silence since the May 20 ceasefire between Israel and Gaza ended 11 days of violence, Baptist workers among Israeli and Palestinians urge churches to look past the politics and see people in need of Jesus.

“This is really about people who need Jesus,” said Ben Martin*, a worker in Israel. “When people are killed, unless Jesus has changed their hearts, they die and will spend eternity apart from Him.”

While Baptist workers in the region are safe, many have felt the effects and fear that resulted from the 11 days of targeted attacks—another chapter in a long history of conflict between the nations—and they grieve with their friends and neighbors.

Martin says he hopes that churches can take a spiritual posture that is consistent with the Gospel—love for all people. He says that if Christians don’t guard themselves, “we can begin to hate, and hate is not of God.”

The need for believers to align their hearts with that of God is true for people on both sides of the Gaza strip, echoes Andrew Weir*, who serves among Palestinians.

Weir explains that it’s hard to not show bias toward the people groups among whom God has called them to serve. As Baptist workers, focused on reaching a specific people group, they develop a deep love and concern for their countries of service. But he says they work to keep the mind of Christ and focus on all people in need of the Gospel.

“This is a struggle that those who work in the Middle East must constantly face,” Weir said. “It’s a fight against our own hearts to not bow to politics but let the heart of Jesus transform our minds, so we can see the world around us as He does.”

Weir, who is not currently in Gaza, said he has not been able to make contact with his friends in country due to the destruction of communication lines. He is left to wonder and pray, especially for the Gazan Church—believers who “yearn for freedom and autonomy but have little hope.” He says his heart breaks for the Church inside Gaza, but also for the vast destruction and loss of life.

“Christians across Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are fighting a war against darkness,” Weir explained, speaking to the spiritual oppression in the region. “Yes, there are rockets and fighter planes, soldiers, death, missiles and political rhetoric. But that noise

CLASSIFIEDS NEWS & CULTURE

VOICES

>> PHOTOS: IMB.ORG Night falls over Jerusalem. A full-color downloadable prayer guide titled ‘Crisis in the Middle East’ and presentation slides are available at imb.org.

is so loud it often drowns out the real fight against the darkness.”

Martin said that when Israeli believers pray for themselves, “we do not forget to pray for those in Gaza.” Weir said that the Church in Gaza remembers this too, and it’s a message the Baptist workers want to emphasize.

“We want to represent the people groups involved as real people, created in the image of God, and not as the political puppets that the world uses to paint the picture of the Palestine-Israel conflict,” Weir added. “We want the Church in the U.S. to pray against the darkness and lostness. That is our hearts’ desire.”

A full-color downloadable prayer guide titled “Crisis in the Middle East” and presentation slides are available at imb.org. *Names changed for security

VOLUNTEER MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

OKLAHOMA

Ongoing opportunities for volunteers:

Camp Gibson, Hardesty—Tom Freeman, 580/338-3452 or pbaok221@gmail.com

Families Feeding Families Meal Center

Durant—580/230-9142 or familiesfeedingfamilies.org

Hope Pregnancy Centers—South OKC, 405/688-8700;

North OKC, 405/755-5433; Edmond, 405/330-0200;

Ardmore, 580/223-7232; Tulsa, 918/622-3325

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children Campuses

Oklahoma City—Peggy Duncan, 405/691-7781

Edmond—Brent Thackerson, 405/341-3606

Madill—Stephen Wiese, 580/564-2218

Owasso—Kate Eacret, 918/272-2233

DISASTER RELIEF

Chaplaincy:

Sept. 9-12 Chaplain Manual and

OSFA-Instructor: Dr. Naomi

Paget; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; 3800 N. May Ave., OKC 73112.

Cost is $50.00. These classes are for those interested in becoming chaplains. To register email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org

Registration deadline: Aug. 26. Campers on Mission:

For more information or upcoming events, email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary

Brandon Brister

As Baptist Collegiate Ministries director at the University of Tulsa and Tulsa Metro BCM Coordinator, Brandon’s ministry focus includes engaging new students with the Gospel, teaching students how to follow Jesus and mobilizing students on mission. Pray for Oklahoma Missionary

Walter Wilson

Walter serves as African American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists as well as pastor of Lawton, Friendship. He helps build and strengthen the cooperation of more than 60 Black churches in the state convention.

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

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER

2 3

>> by Staff

A May 20 announcement reported Hance Dilbeck has been chosen as the next president of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dilbeck, Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer since 2018, officially resigned today, May 25, during a meeting of Oklahoma Baptists board of directors at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City. His resignation becomes effective June 25.

Dilbeck’s work at the Dallas-based GuideStone will commence July 1. According to the state convention’s constitution, Oklahoma Baptists’ senior associate executive director—a role held by Joe Ligon—will serve as the interim executive director for the state convention, effective upon Dilbeck’s tenure concluding.

Amid an eventful board meeting, board members expressed gratitude to God for Dilbeck’s tenure, then prayerfully appointed a search committee.

Dilbeck expresses gratitude to God for Oklahoma Baptists

“It has been my distinct honor to serve you these past three years,” Dilbeck said to board members. “I have always sensed both the anointing of the Lord and the support of Oklahoma Baptists to do this work… both are a true blessing. I want to express my gratitude to this board for giving me the opportunity to serve our churches.

“I love this team,” he continued. “The staff who serve Oklahoma Baptists are a committed, gifted, godly group of Christian servants. I am grateful for their flexibility, consistency and commitment to our mission. Let me say a special thank you to Lori Warren.

“I have complete confidence in Dr. Joe Ligon and our leadership team. This group of men and women love each other; they love the Lord Jesus; they love our churches and pastors. They are deeply committed to the cooperative work of Oklahoma Baptists. Board, you can take your time and find the next Executive Director because this group will have no problem continuing to pursue our mission and execute our strategies effectively.

“Speaking of our mission and strategies. They are not mine; they are ours. You as a board have walked through the process of aligning our budget and our staff to our mission and strategies. In fact, Oklahoma Baptists have voted in the annual meeting to affirm our mission and strategy.

“We encourage one another to advance the Gospel. We are church-centered; pastor-connected; associational-partnered.

“I would like to close by thinking about Philippians 1:3-12,” Dilbeck added. “These verses remind us that our fellowship is a Gospel fellowship. They remind us that our mission is to advance the Gospel, even in the face of opposition, disappointment and adversity. My heart is grateful to God for Oklahoma Baptists today.”

Board members express gratitude for Dilbeck

Many Oklahoma Baptists’ board members shared their appreciation for Dilbeck’s leadership during his tenure as executive director-treasurer.

“This is bittersweet for Oklahoma Baptists,” said Todd Fisher, Oklahoma Baptists president and pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel. “We are excited for this new opportunity for Hance and know he will do an excellent job leading GuideStone. We are proud that one of our fellow Oklahomans will be at the helm of a national entity in the SBC. At the same time, Hance’s departure leaves a big void for us. His leadership these last three years has been stellar and visionary in keeping our state convention focused and well situated to advance the Gospel together in unity. He will be sorely missed, but we are confident of great days ahead for GuideStone and Oklahoma Baptists.”

Board member Rusty McMullen, pastor of McAlester, First, said, “Brother Hance is truly a great friend and mentor to me. While this is a sad day for Oklahoma Baptists, we know it’s a great day for Southern Baptists. GuideStone made a wise selection, and we are excited for the Dilbecks in this new opportunity. Our prayers go with them.”

Michael Staton, pastor of Mustang, First said, “Though Hance Dilbeck’s tenure as executive director is coming to a close, his impact and ministry legacy will continue strong into the future.”

Search committee selected

Oklahoma Baptists’ board spent time during the meeting praying extensively about the search for Dilbeck’s successor.

Following state convention bylaws, the board voted by secret ballot to select board members who will serve on an executive director search committee. The top seven were chosen to serve on the committee, and the person receiving the most votes will serve as chairperson.

Board members selected the following people to serve on the search committee: Michael Staton; Rusty McMullen; Michael Butler, pastor of Chickasha, First; Russell Duck, retired pastor of Elk City, First; Jeremy Freeman, pastor of Newcastle, First; Heath Tucker, pastor of Edmond, Waterloo Road; and LeRon West, pastor of Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills.

As the leading vote recipient, the committee chairman will be Michael Staton, who is 47. President Todd Fisher will serve as an ex-officio member on the search committee.

In other business, board members set a 2022 Cooperative Program financial goal of $24 million. All four Oklahoma Baptist affiliate presidents addressed the board, including Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Oklahoma Baptist University, Baptist Village Communities and WatersEdge (formerly the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma).

The next meeting of the Oklahoma Baptists board is set for Sept. 14 at Falls Creek Conference Center, near Davis.

>> PHOTOS: BRIAN HOBBS 1) Members of the Oklahoma Baptists board pray over Hance Dilbeck; 2) Dilbeck and Oklahoma Baptists President Todd Fisher preside over the May 25 board meeting; 3) Michael Staton was selected to chair the executive director search committee.

What Oklahoma Baptists are saying about Hance Dilbeck

As it was announced that Oklahoma Baptists Executive-Director Treasurer Hance Dilbeck would be stepping down from his role to become the president of GuideStone Financial Resources, Oklahoma Baptists took to social media to show their support and appreciation for Dilbeck. The following is a selection of reactions from online: “I love Hance Dilbeck. He has been a mentor and friend to me. We will miss him terribly, but are so excited about his next chapter and also excited about carrying on the vision as Oklahoma Baptists.” —Pastor Jeremy Freeman “Hance Dilbeck will be a blessing to all Southern Baptists as he leads GuideStone. He will be missed in Oklahoma.” —Retired Pastor & Author Ted Kersh “While we will abosolutely miss Hance Dilbeck here in Oklahoma, it is exciting to know that GuideStone will be in more than capable hands.” —Pastor Cameron Whaley “I’m incredibly thankful for O.S. Hawkins. He’s a ministry hero to me. And I’m so glad that my friend Hance Dilbeck will be providing continued stellar leadership for GuideStone. But I’ll sure miss him as a church member (here) at Quail Springs Baptist Church.” —Pastor Stephen Rummage “Thank you Hance Dilbeck for all you have done for Oklahoma Baptists and for OBU. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you lead GuideStone.” —Matthew Emerson, Dean of the OBU Hobbs College

More about GuideStone & Dilbeck

DALLAS, Texas—GuideStone Financial Resources is one of the historic entities of the Southern Baptist Convention. Based in Dallas, Texas, Guidestone was founded more than 100 years ago to meet the financial needs of retired pastors, their families and, in many cases, their widows.

GuideStone currently serves more than 50,000 churches and ministries and 250,000 individuals, including pastors, ministers, church workers, missionaries, hospital employees, university and seminary staff and countless others serving in ministry organizations around the world.

As Guidestone’s president-elect, Hance Dilbeck will serve alongside current president O.S. Hawkins beginning this summer. Trustees and GuideStone anticipate a period of transition between Hawkins and Dilbeck starting this summer and culminating in Hawkins becoming president emeritus and Dilbeck becoming president and chief executive officer in the first quarter of 2022.

Hawkins expressed his confidence to trustees in selecting Dilbeck as his successor.

“Hance Dilbeck is one of the most respected men in Southern Baptist life,” Hawkins said. “He has pastored all sizes of Southern Baptist churches, has a heart for serving pastors from small, medium and large churches; he understands the dynamics and complexity of GuideStone’s ministry, and he is a quick learner. And he is among the humblest men I’ve ever known, so he’ll be one who has a learner’s heart as he embarks on this new calling from the Lord. Susie and I are holding Hance and Julie in our hearts and prayers, and we invite Southern Baptists to join us in lifting them up.”

Dilbeck has served in Oklahoma churches as pastor for more than 30 years. He served as pastor of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs for 15 years before being called to lead Oklahoma Baptists in 2018. During that time, the church tripled in size even as it took part in planting 32 churches.

He has been an active participant in denominational life, having served as chairman of the board of trustees at Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwestern Seminary, and the International Mission Board through the years.