2021/June/10

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • JUNE 10, 2021

Dilbeck going to GuideStone SBC entity elects Dilbeck next president, Oklahoma Baptists board appoints search committee

/// SEE PAGE 6

CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends First person: The present state of the SBC >> RONNIE FLOYD

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Imitate their faith

Encourage: Be mindful of the ‘Main Thing’

Prayers, ministry amid Middle East conflict

>> HANCE DILBECK

>> LESLIE PEACOCK CALDWELL

This is my penultimate Baptist Messenger article—that is, next to the last. On June 25, I will bring my service as Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer to an end with a final word of blessing. For now, I want to challenge Oklahoma Baptists to always be mindful of the Main Thing: Advancing the Gospel.

Our Lord gave us clear marching orders, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

ALL is a mighty big word!

ALL includes our family, our friends and our neighbors. /// SEE PAGE 3

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.

“We don’t have to choose sides,” said Ben Martin*, a worker in Israel. “This is really about people who need Jesus.

“When people are killed, unless Jesus has changed their hearts, they die and will spend eternity apart from Him.” /// SEE PAGE 5

ACC begins summer outreach opportunities for Oklahoma Baptists >> CHRIS DOYLE

DAVIS—What started 41 years ago with a few state associations partnering together to have camp for children has grown to become a mainstay kickoff event for summer camps at Falls Creek Conference Centers.

Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) returned to Falls Creek, May 31-June 5. The camp featured two sessions with Session 1 meeting Sunday, May 31 through Wednesday, June 2 and Session 2 meeting Wednesday, June 2 through Saturday, June 5. /// SEE PAGE 7

>> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Summer memories >> WALKER MOORE

Page 7 | Features Oklahoma Baptist pastor receives congressional recognition >> CHRIS FORBES

Page 10 | Church Toolbox How to engage & reengage your small group this summer >> CHRIS SURRAT T

Page 12 | News & Culture Recommendations sought for Oklahoma Baptists’ boards, committees >> STAFF

Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media!

To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

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First person: The present state of the SBC & SPORTS & MISSIONS >> by Ronnie Floyd

PRESIDENT & CEO SBC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Before we come together for our 2021 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in Nashville, I want to share a few thoughts on the present state of the SBC. This is not an easy task and time Serving our churches across the nation and world daily, I do all I can to lead us as a Convention with consistent biblical leadership focused on advancing the Gospel and fulfilling our Great Commission work together.

For more than 32 years, I pastored one of our Southern Baptist churches that was a loving, unified fellowship of believers, committed to reaching their region, our nation, and the world. When God called me here two years ago, I knew I faced an enormous challenge; but in all reality, I find that this task is difficult each day.

I remain astounded by what others perceive us to be and the direction some believe we are going. Please know that I will not fabricate a narrative, but I will be honest. As we come to Nashville for the first time in two years for an annual convention, we need to come with great expectation that God will meet with us, that God will lead us to face our challenges with objectivity and hope, and God will empower us to rally around our shared mission in a Christ-honoring manner.

Therefore, I would like to share with you four matters: 1. Our Convention is facing unprecedented challenges. We are a large and diverse network of churches located across the entire United States.

Coming out of a global pandemic, our personal lives and churches have been affected in every conceivable manner. All of this is converging with an ongoE operI Nand N Llives ing godless culture that saturates W Oour NE T E CON ENT ates in a way that conflicts with IVbiblically-based, LUSour EB-EXC W Christ-centered worldview as Southern Baptists.

The global pandemic has openly revealed that local environments and mindsets are different depending on where you are located geographically.

Therefore, an unhealthy collision is occurring.

When a diverse national organization like ours is INFOare saturated with this godlessIC culture, theN challenges TIO A L B U P immense. Some even appear to be overwhelming.

In this unhealthy culture, we are called on by our Y S TtoRadvance I N Iand Lord to love oneM another His Good News to the whole world. The question this generation of Southern Baptists must answer is: Will we do this?

2. Our Convention is struggling through this season. With these unprecedented challenges piled upon us during this season, our Convention is struggling. Some predict we will decline our O Xinto irrelO L Bway O destroy T H evance, while others say we will one another.

C R U H C Some of our churches question their trust in us because of statements made or persuasions shared in news accounts, articles or conduct occurring on social media. Some of these things may be true, but we must also recognize some is rhetoric, and perhaps some of it misrepresents the situation. Regardless, we need to operate alwaysF S level of D highest Ethe Iskill S I with L AtheShighest integrity andC with possible.

Associations, state conventions and national entities are accountable to the churches. These Baptist bodies should be representing our churches.

The Southern Baptist Convention is much better when pastors and laypersons are involved in every segment of Convention life. We need to work diligently and continually S relationships.

C Etrusting V OtoIbuild I pray our pastors and laypersons will clearly understand that our Baptist Faith and Message is still our confessional statement. Nothing has changed. This is who we are and what we stand upon as we move forward in our cooperative efforts. Additionally, we are still very committed to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations.

3. Our Convention is doing many great things together. Even in this pandemic year, our churches working cooperatively, still: • Sent 422 missionaries through our International Mission Board, planted 18,000 new congregations, and had no less than 144,000 professions of faith in Jesus Christ from people outside of the United States.

• Planted 588 congregations across North America.

• Equipped more than 24,000 God-called servants through our six seminaries • Baptized more than 123,000 people when our churches were shut down for months beginning March 2020.

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS JUNE 11-14

CrossTimbers Davis Session 3

SIV WEB-EXCLU JUNE 16-19

CrossTimbers Davis Session 4

Info: Speaker: Joe Ligon crosstimbers.org

Info: Speaker: Rick Cordova crosstimbers.org

JUNE 12

JUNE 20

DR-Equipment and CPR Training

Info: $20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Okarche Training Facility okdisasterhelp.org

JUNE 14-18

Falls Creek Week 2

Info: Speaker: Randy Kendrix; Worship Band: Robertson fallscreek.org

JUNE 15-16

Father’s Day JUNE 21-25

Falls Creek Week 3

Info: Speaker: Shane Pruitt; Worship Band: Logan Walter fallscreek.org

JUNE 21-24

CrossTimbers Davis Session 5

Info: Speaker: Jacob Steward crosstimbers.org

SBC Annual Meeting Info: Nashville, Tenn. sbcannualmeeting.net

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

Moore announces departure from ERLC helm GEORGE SCHROEDER | MAY 19

Russell Moore, who has served as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission since June 2013, announced Tuesday, May 18, he will begin a role this summer as a public theologian for Christianity Today. This opportunity for Moore is described as “a new Public Theology Project.”

PUBLICATIO

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Noteworthy evangelical E N T Safter SBC E Vscheduled conferences Annual Meeting TIMOTHY COCKES | JUNE 1

In the days following the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting in June, two additional evangelical conferences featuring a number of Southern Baptists will convene in Nashville.

The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention will host its first national conference June 17. The National Conference on Preaching will take place June 16-18. Both groups intentionally scheduled their events after the SBC Annual Meeting to make it convenient and practical for Southern Baptists to attend.

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

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Once things began to open, ministry was limited due to T MEN TA I Nevents COVID-19 protocols—there for E Rlittle-to-no N Twere E children, teenagers and others which can be great experiences of harvest evangelism. This baptism figure comes from only 69 percent of our churches reporting.

• Gave $683 million through our Cooperative Program, our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for InterP L E &Easter national Missions, and our Annie P E OArmstrong Offering for North American Missions.

NEWS H C R U H C • People gave more than $11.5 billion for their church’s work regionally, statewide, nationally and globally.

Imagine what else God has done!

While we are facing unprecedented challenges, and at times struggle through this season of Convention life, God is still doing great things through our churches and the work we do together.

TURE L U C & S W E 4. Our ConventionN is pressing forward with a unified Great Commission vision. At the time of this article’s release, we have 12,542 pre-registered messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting on June 15-16 in Nashville. Since the year 2000, we have only had four conventions with at least 10,000 messengers. This year appears to be above all of these, if indeed the people come. This could be one of our largest gatherings since 1995 in Atlanta, when we had 20,654 messengers.

On Tuesday afternoon, June 15, at 2:30 p.m., we will unveil our unified Great Commission vision that will carry us through the year 2025. We believe deeply this vision is what our churches care about and will greatly represent their heart. We will request the Southern Baptist family support this vision in every way. We will also begin a major initiative in prayer across our entire Convention inside our nation and beyond.

When we get our eyes back on sending missionaries, planting churches, mobilizing people and reaching the next generation, we will not have time nor the desire to chase after every whim or debate one another over every detail before a world that needs Jesus.

Southern Baptists, please hear me clearly: Nothing is more important than reaching every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every E state I N every N Lcity, and every nation. N E W O NT T SIVE CON E LUlives.

XCour To this vision, give EB-E Wwe

June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,673. 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. June 10, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 11.

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EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF

>> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com >> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com >> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org >> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

VOICES

Encourage: Be mindful of the ‘Main Thing’ Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

This is my penultimate Baptist Messenger article—that is, next to the last. On June 25, I will bring my service as Oklahoma Baptists’ executive director-treasurer to an end with a final word of blessing. For now, I want to challenge Oklahoma Baptists to always be mindful of the Main Thing: Advancing the Gospel.

Our Lord gave us clear marching orders, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” ALL is a mighty big word! ALL includes our family, our friends and our neighbors. ALL includes people who are like us and not like us; people who like us and people who dislike us; people near to us and people far, far away; people from every tribe, tongue and nation. We are called to evangelism that results

in new disciples of Jesus Christ who will join us to praise His Name forever.

From our beginning, Oklahoma Baptists have been committed to getting the Gospel to people in our territory and every territory on the planet. This global mandate is the primary reason why we work together. Sending and supporting missionaries is not easy or cheap. The great majority of our churches could never do it alone. But, working together, we can fulfill the Great Commission. This brings us to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

Southern Baptists will gather in Nashville next week for our annual convention. We are anticipating a large group—more than 13,000! We will fellowship, worship, debate and, in some cases, even divide over important and controversial issues. You will probably see some headlines that focus on “hot button” topics. You will probably not see much coverage of the Main Thing—the primary purpose for our cooperative work. So, before we even get started, let me remind you of our One Sacred purpose.

Southern Baptists met for the first time in 1845. In that meeting, the convention voted to form the For-

eign Mission Board. In fact, the preamble of the original constitution of the Southern Baptist Convention states the purpose of the SBC as “eliciting, combining and directing the energies of the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation of the Gospel.” This One Sacred Effort must always be primary for Southern Baptists. Primary means “earliest in time and of chief importance.” Our sacred cooperative effort to advance the Gospel to the nations is both—first in time and first in importance.

So, before our Southern Baptist Convention gathers next week, allow me to suggest what the headlines ought to read. “Southern Baptists Commission 68 New Fully Funded Missionaries.” On June 14, we will do just that! Some of these new missionaries are Oklahoma Baptists. These 68 will join our global missionary force working to fulfill our Lord’s marching orders.

No one does a better job of sending and supporting missionaries than the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. This is the One Sacred Effort that brings us together.

Sword & trowel: Imitate their faith Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

In a classic Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown visits Lucy at her make-shift psychiatrist booth, where he’s trying to get a nickel’s worth of advice.

Charlie Brown: Do you think I can ever become a mature and well-adjusted person?

Lucy: For a question like that, I have to be paid in advance.

Charlie Brown: In advance?! Why? Lucy: Because I don’t think you’re going to like the answer!

If you spend much time on social media today, it can seem hard to find a mature, well-adjusted person. In fact, that quality seems increasingly rare in society as a whole.

As Oklahoma Baptists, we have been uniquely blessed to have many godly, mature pastors and

leaders through the decades. Today, I am specifically giving thanks to the Lord for one such man: Hance Dilbeck.

While my heart is sad to see the Lord lead him from Oklahoma Baptists toward GuideStone, I trust he will be serving Southern Baptists well in his new role. Brother Hance and his wonderful wife Julie have been a personal blessing to me, my family and to so many others I know.

The Dilbecks exhibit many virtues we see in the Lord Jesus Himself. Wisdom, gentleness, godliness, prayerfulness, faithfulness, joy. These are hallmarks of a life spent daily in the presence of Christ.

Is there someone God has placed in your life who has been an uplifting influence to you? In moments like these, it is good and right to express thanks to the Lord for that person and express admiration to the person.

It is also fitting to take stock of their virtues that you can emulate. In our social media crazed world, we are often driven to envy one another about good things. Instead, we should not envy but emulate those around us who are following Christ.

The Bible says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7).

In Protestant and Evangelical circles, we don’t really have Saints (with a capital ‘S’) to imitate, per se. But that doesn’t mean we cannot uphold great examples of the faith and imitate them.

It could be a pastor or Sunday School teacher.

It could be a missionary or Christian author. Find someone in history or present day whom you can look to and draw strength and inspiration.

We truly are surrounded by a great cloud of witness, even amid these dark days. In a world full of bad examples; in a day when our hearts are drawn away from the Lord, let’s look to Jesus and His close followers for hope and help.

Corrie Ten Boom said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

So today I say, “Thank You, Lord, for Your servants Hance and Julie Dilbeck.” Above all, thank You Lord, for being the great redeeming Lord whom they serve and follow.

Voices | June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

Rite of passage:S PSummer memories ORTS & T N AINME

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

ENTERT

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

O O L B OX T H C R U H C

While I was growing up, there were three great days in the life of young Walker. Christmas topped the list; my birthday came second (I think there was a theme going on here), and then the first day of summer vacation.

Do you want to know what day made the bottom of my list? Valentine’s Day. No 9-year-old boy should have been E D Sto sign his name on those Iforced S S I Fwith CLA cards decorated little hearts and give them to the girls in our third-grade class.

Summer vacation was never about how I was going to spend it but more how was I going to cram it all in. Summer meant barbecues, baseball, running through the woods, spending two weeks at our grandparents’ farm, catching hundreds of lighting bugs in IaC Mason E S jar, riding my bicycle, workVO ing in the garden, the neighborhood kids coming over to play Annie-Annie-Over or Red Rover, playing in the rain, a drive-in movie, church camp, Vacation Bible School, mowing the yard, going to the library, camping trips, fishing in the pond, shooting BB guns, swimming, climbing hay bales in the barn, spending a night or two in a tent, the smell of freshcut grass, running around with nothing on but a pair of shorts, catching a snake or two, riding in the back of the pickup, playing with my dog, tent revivals, driving tractors, playing in a stream, listening to the Kansas City A’s baseball game on my transistor radio, and did I mention barbecues?

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N Of course, summer also meant crawling into bed each night, exhausted. There wasn’t enough daylight to get everything in.

My second least favorite day was the last day of summer We had to get newUclothes R Ego to bed Uand C LforTschool. & ready W S be early, so N weEwould All good things must come to an end.

As a parent, I didn’t realize how much summer meant to children until it was too late. One of the things I regret with my boys is not having enough family activities during the summer. As a youth pastor. 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 of their summers tagging along with their dad. I didn’t recognize the importance of this season. Eccl.

3:1 (ESV) says it best: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

The folly of being a young parent is not recognizing that each season has a purpose. My family were farmers, and the seasons dictated what we did. Spring is the time of the year when the soils are tilled, fertilizer is put down and seeds are planted.

During the summer we watered, weeded and monitored our crops. Rain was the most important ingredient of the summer; we needed just the

right amount to have a great harvest. Fall was my favorite as the harvest was upon us. The combines churned as they plowed through the fields to gather the crops. Winter was the season of rest, a time to repair and replace equipment. After that, the cycle 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 the great responsibilities of having other lives in your care. During this season, you create memories and lay your foundation as a couple.

Summer is when have your children and experience 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 for the needs of your children.

In the fall, you see the rewards of raising your children according to the Word of God, and they start the process of leaving and cleaving with their life mates. They are becoming capable, responsible 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 grandkids, and the seasons start all over again.

Summer is upon us, and I desire that you fathers and mothers use this time to do something simple with your children. Many of my fondest memories are not about what we did but that we did it together.

We see in the Bible that, in every season, Jesus spent quality time with those closest to Him. Whether he was traveling with His disciples, going out on the lake or eating a meal with them, they must have cherished the time and love He shared. And did I mention that at least some of those meals, especially in the summertime, 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

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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. Vers-

es 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!”

Good News Whole World

June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

FOR THE

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 the Cooperative Program, your church funds and sends missionaries around the world, trains pastors and ministry leaders, plants churches, and changes lives for eternity.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

Prayers, ministry amid Middle East conflict X PEOPLE & O OLB /// U PREVIEWED ON COVER R C H TO CH

EWS CHURCH N

>> 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.

CLASSIFIE

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

“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

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

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

OPPORTUN

I

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

Missions & ministry | June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Dilbeck going to GuideStone: SBC entity elects Dilbeck next president, Oklahoma Baptists board appoints search committee /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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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. >> PHOTOS: BRIAN HOBBS

>> 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 re-

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

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mind 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. 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

June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

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

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.

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.

ACC begins summer outreach opportunities for Oklahoma Baptists /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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>> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE 1) Camp pastor Steve Winger juggled and used balloon images to present the

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

DAVIS—What started 41 years ago with a few state associations partnering together to have camp for children has grown to become a mainstay kickoff event for summer camps at Falls Creek Conference Centers.

Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) returned to Falls Creek, May 31-June 5. The camp featured two sessions with Session One meeting Sunday, May 31 through Wednesday, June 2 and Session Two meeting Wednesday, June 2 through Saturday, June 5.

ACC is now comprised of 15 associations’ directors of missions participating in the leadership of the camp, and this year’s leaders are thrilled ACC is back after the pandemic prevented the camp from meeting in 2020.

“We are overwhelmingly excited that parents are willing to let their children come and participate,” said James Wilder, director of missions (DOM) in Pottawatomie-Lincoln Association. “This is a blessing.”

Wilder has experienced ACC in different capacities—as a pastor who sent children to ACC, as well as a camp pastor and now in camp leadership among DOMs. He appreciates how ACC has impacted many children over the years.

“For 15 associations to work together for all these years,” Wilder said, “it’s beautiful to see, especially how God has blessed ACC every summer we have had camp.”

Preston Collins, director of missions in Union Asso-

‘I AM’ statements of Jesus; 2) Kingfisher, First praise band and the camp choir led worship through singing during the evening services ; 3) ACC campers enjoy getting Icees, a Falls Creek tradition.

ciation, served as ACC program director and emphasized how God has used ACC to make an impact on children over the years through the camp’s emphasis on the Gospel.

“We believe every kid should have the opportunity to hear the Gospel in a way they can understand it,” he said. “We believe in the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit and that salvation comes by His work. He knows when the timing is right in a child’s life. When the Holy Spirit is working on their hearts, and they have heard the Gospel, they can be ready (to make a profession of faith).”

Steve Winger was the camp pastor for both sessions this year. Known as the “Juggler for Jesus,” Winger has a calling, Collins said, for communicating the Gospel. Winger shared messages involving the “I Am” statements of Jesus Christ through his juggling performances and using balloon animals and other images.

Others involved in ACC programming included Zack Potts who is an illusionist who presents the Gospel through his illusions. Shadrack Black who serves with Baptist Global Response in Africa served as the camp’s missionary and spoke during the morning sessions. The praise band from Kingfisher, First, led times of worship through music throughout the services at ACC. ACC also featured an afternoon session called Missionfest, which allowed campers to meet missionaries and ministry workers in a variety of capacities.

The campers visited the Mathena Family Event Center, where International Mission Board missionaries, North American Mission Board missionaries, Disaster Relief volunteers and other ministry entities had displays spread throughout the event center.

Another feature at ACC is a children’s choir, led by Ken Bartholomew, as campers filled the choir loft during the evening services.

“The best for me is listening as the children participate in worship and singing corporately,” Wilder said. “It doesn’t get more beautiful than that.”

Wilder also said he appreciates the work of Andy Harrison, director of Oklahoma Baptist Conference Centers, and those who are serving at Falls Creek this summer.

“Getting to work with the Falls Creek staff, I think you see Oklahoma Baptists at their best,” Wilder said.

Collins said ACC will continue to be an outreach opportunity for Oklahoma Baptist churches to reach the children in their communities.

“What (ACC) does at the beginning of the summer is it lets the kids and adult sponsors (of Oklahoma Baptist churches) connect with one another and form relationships,” Collins said. “They can go on through the entire summer, as they are back home and in the church. Whether they do VBS, mission activities or block parties, these kids and these adults have connected. We believe we have strengthened the church by this outreach opportunity.”

For more information on ACC, visit accok.org.

Oklahoma Baptist pastor receives congressional recognition 1

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>> PHOTO: PROVIDED 1) Jermaine Vaughn receives the Congressional Badge of Bravery from

Director of U.S. Marshalls Service Donald Washington; 2) Congressman Tom Cole congratulates

>> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

MOORE—The new pastor of Moore, Elevate Jermaine Vaughn was recently awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery for his service with the United States Marshall Service. Vaughn, who has been serving as the bi-vocational pastor of Elevate since March 2020, has been a U.S. Marshall Deputy for 14 years.

On April 7 at the William J. Holloway, Jr. United States Court House in Oklahoma City, Vaughn, along with two other marshals and a postal inspector, were presented with the Congressional Badge of Bravery by the Director of the U.S. Marshalls Service Donald Washington and Oklahoma U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale.

In May 2018, the Oklahoma Metro Fugitive Task Force comprised of U.S. Marshalls, Postal Inspectors and area law enforcement personnel were involved in an operation to apprehend a dangerous fugitive

Vaughn; 3) Vaughn, his wife Evelyn and their children pose with Washington at the ceremony. who was a suspect in a counterfeit currency operation. Vaughn, who was “I can’t let anything go further without thankamong these officers, was involved in a felony traffic ing members of the task force that were there that stop wherein the suspect fired multiple rounds at task day,” Vaughn said at the ceremony. “Without a force members using a semi-automatic rifle. Vaughn, doubt, without your actions we probably wouldn’t along with other task force members, engaged the have made it home that day. suspect, returning gunfire and successfully neutraliz“Most of all, I want to thank God for bringing us ing the suspect. As a trained medic, Vaughn rendered home to our wives and to our children. And then to initial aid to those injured in the exchange. the tremendous amount of support that came af“Day in and day out in communities throughout ter that, in this traumatic event of getting stuck in our nation, members of the United States Marshal a fight-for-your-life scenario, for months at a time.”

Service perform a job that I think we can all concede Speaking at the award ceremony were Oklahoma is exceedingly dangerous,” Honorable U.S. Marshal Congressmen Tom Cole and Congresswoman StephJohnny L. Kuhlman said during the ceremony. anie Bice. Bryson Panas, state director for Senator “U.S. Marshalls, U.S. Deputies and Inspectors Jim Inhofe, and Steve Carson, southwest field repreput their lives on the line,” Kuhlman continued, sentative for Senator James Lankford also brought “to keep our communities safe and to ensure the greetings and congratulations at the event. rule of law is upheld every day. Today we are here Vaughn attributes his strength in this traumatic to officially badge members of your task force event to his faith in Jesus Christ. He became pastor of who were involved in the operation that brings Elevate when founding pastor Steven Earp stepped us here today.” down to pursue a calling to missions work.

Features | June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Oklahoma Baptists remember Tulsa Race Massacre S

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Lawton, First East honors state Sword Drill participants

LT U R E NE WS & CU

Lawton, First East had five children participate in the state Sword Drill, which has the children find the books of the Bible in a timed process.

The participating children include, from left, Rich Gulick, Jocelyn Bowling, Ryan Adriano and Lynlee Dipprey. Not pictured is Isaiah Kaspar.

>> PHOTO: KEVIN SLOUGH

VOICES

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

Tiller Watson, center, pastor of Tulsa, St. Paul, joined Earl Krumsiek, left, and Mike Lehew, both of Sapulpa, Church Inside Out, at the Unity Day worship service May 30 at Tulsa, First North.

Watson participated in the service reading Scripture. Other Oklahoma Baptist pastors and church leaders were in attendance and took part in many weekend events that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

The executive board of the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) of the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a resolution expressing solidarity with and prayers for those reflecting on this centennial event.

“It is our sincere hope and prayer that God will use this occasion to move mightily upon His people—Black, White, Native American, Asian and Hispanics across the great State of Oklahoma, to demonstrate—by their actions, the power of God to produce genuine repentance, forgiveness and brotherly love in the body of Christ (John 13:35)” wrote Dennis Mitchell, NAAF executive director.

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>> PHOTO: RANDY LIND

OSWC completes first year of ministry & music

The Oklahoma Student Worship Choir (OSWC) finished its inaugural season with a trip to Guymon, May 22-23, offering a Saturday evening worship concert at Guymon, Grace Southern.

On Sunday morning, OSWC joined with adult and student Sunday School classes for Bible study, before leading worship in the morning service.

Featured above are the graduating seniors of OSWC, including, from left, Heath Buster, Danni Weidman, Alex Matsayko, Ruth Nickles, Jacob Williams and Garrett Cook.

OSWC is making plans for another season. The group is for students 8th through 12th grade. Auditions are open for tech, band and singers. For more information visit oklahomabaptists.org/student-worship or email Randy Lind at rlind@oklahomabaptists.org.

June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

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Red Oak, First hosts pinewood derby car race DS CLASSIFIE 1

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS DENNIS DEATH. Debbie Dennis, 53, died May 21 after a hard-fought batO M ADisease). FuH tleO ofK ALS (Lou Gehrig’s A L E H T neral service was H May I V26Eat Checotah, C R A T S I T B A PFirst. She served alongside her husband Steve who is pastor of Checotah, First. She learned to play the piano at the age of four and began playing at Muskogee, Calvary at 10 years old. Debbie was the pianist at Muskogee High School where she was awarded the top-rated Okahoma All-State pianist. She attended Northeastern State University where she was heavily involved in the NSU music department. She taught in elementary schools, served as principal of Irving Elementary and ended her career teaching in professional development. She loved serving in women’s ministry and playing piano at Checotah, First. She is preceded in death by her sons Holden and Harrison Dennis. She is survived by her husband Steve; her children Hayden, Hillary, Hannah and Hunter; and five grandchildren.

VOICES >> PHOTOS: LINDA MORGAN

1) The track is set and ready for racing at Red Oak, First; 2) Race Night winners were, from left, 1st place Keilan Ray; 2nd place Cy Montgomery; and 3rd place Gatlin Gooch.

>> by Linda Morgan MEMBER, RED OAK, FIRST

RED OAK—Red Oak, First hosted its annual pinewood derby car race. Third through sixth grade kids crafted their Grand Prix cars and were anxious to test their performance.

The “stands” were full of excited spectators, ready to cheer on their favorite racer.

The brackets were completed, and the event began with opening heats to determine who would advance to the next race.

As names for each race were called to the stage, cheers were offered for each participant. As the countdown to the race began, each competitor anticipated victory; yet only one took the checkered flag.

As the competition neared its end, three competitors remained. The final checkered flag belonged to winner Keilan Ray. Cy Montgomery placed second, and Gatlin Gooch placed third.

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“All these competitors were winners tonight,” said Pastor Johnny Montgomery.

“They worked hard to design and create their cars. There were even kids who let someone who had not built a car use their car to race. Lots of sportsmanship there!”

Red Oak First hosts illumin8 ROFBC Kids each Wednesday night at 7 pm. “It’s a great program,” Montgomery said. “The Children’s Ministry team create a fun learning environment that brings in 40 or more children each Wednesday.

“The kids sing, learn Bible verses, study about Jesus, and have a great time! It’s a ministry that reaches beyond our expectations. God is blessing our community through this ministry. Illumin8 will take a break for the summer, but special activities for children will continue be available.”

ORDINATION. Roger Snow was ordained to the Gospel ministry on May 23 at Walters, Calvary.

ORDINATION. Brad Spurlock was ordained to the Gospel ministry at Temple, First. He is currently serving as pastor at Randlett, First.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES TONY COOK is interim pastor at Lawton, Northside.

V. LYNN MCCABE, JR. is pastor of Oklahoma City, Crown Heights.

COLIN STALLCUP is pastor of Fort Cobb, First.

MICHAEL WILLIAMSON resigned as pastor of Lawton, Northside.

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People & Church News | June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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How to engage & reengage DS CLASSIFIE your small group this summer pantries, youth centers, and other missional organizations in almost every community. Pick out a Saturday in July or August to serve as a group. If it’s a great experience After a year and a half of days and months with an organization making a real differICES seemingly blurring together during the ence, commit to an ongoing relationship.

VO pandemic, a lot of us are starting to see the As lockdowns around the world are easlight at the end of the lockdown tunnel— ing, churches are also starting to plan and just in time for summer. short-term missions trips again this sumSummer (hopefully) means more fun time mer. The trip, however, does not have to spent with family and friends. Kids are home be international—there are massive needs from school, and family vacations are on the in communities all around us. Partner with horizon. We also tend to have a bit more mar- an organization that is already making a gin than we do during the other seasons. As difference and take your group on a day small group leaders, that extra budgeted time mission trip. spent with family should also include time 3. Continue to study together with our group members, especially after this Just because we may not be meeting last season of isolation and social distancing. weekly does not mean we have to stop Your small group should be looked at as studying the Bible together. Lifeway offers a family, not a function. With a function, we several flexible options to help keep your Bican take breaks and come back to it when ble study going throughout the summer. we feel like it. With family, there is no such You can jump into a free online Bible study thing as extended breaks. (onlinestudy.lifeway.com) with thousands of That doesn’t mean we can’t take a break people from across the nation and world to from hosting weekly in-person or online watch teaching videos, follow along in Bible group meetings. Preparing and leading a Bi- study books, and engage in discussion. ble study every week (or even bi-weekly) can Or you can choose a study on smallgroup. be grueling, so you deserve to take a breath- com. But instead of meeting together every er for a couple of months. There are many week for the discussion, set up a Facebook ways, however, to stay connected to our page to go through it online, at your own “family” during the summer months without pace. Your group members can watch the gathering as consistently for a study. video on their own and then post comments Here are four activities to put on the sum- on the page. A great study to try this summer mer agenda at your next group meeting. would be “Making Space” by Jeff Vanderstelt.

1. Have fun together 4. Pray consistently together Cities across America are starting to open Although prayer is listed last here, it really events and group activities back up again. should be the first and last thing we always This would be a great time to go to a ball- do together. Keeping up with prayer needs game with your group, or celebrate the in the group is critical during this time.

T H Ecould be done through email, text, Fourth of July together with a picnicF R inO a MThat G E R S B LorOanywhere backyard or at a park. your group naturalD S L I N GGroupMe, R O W Schedule an evening around a fire pit ly and digitally connects. Make sure to also making s’mores and sharing stories of how use those channels to celebrate when God God has been faithful to you during this sea- answers those needs! son. It feels like this past year has sucked a By getting creative and thinking outside lot of the fun out of group life, and summer of the box, your group family can still stay is a great time to put it back in. engaged in community and grow in disci2. Serve somewhere togetherA V E pleship S AY Sthis summer. Let’s gather and reD be- gather Nothing bonds a group better than our groups with purpose! ing on mission together. There are food >> by Chris Surratt

LIFEWAY DISCIPLESHIP AND SMALL GROUPS SPECIALIST

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

FALL S C R E E K LI V E S T R E A M

FO R ALL YO U R V BS N E E DS

View the evening services at Falls Creek live every week this summer.

Lifeway Christian Resources has what you need for your church’s Vacation Bible School

live.oklahomabaptists.org

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AS SABBATH REST >> CHRIS FORBES

V E S AY S A D “Why haven’t I heard this before? Is this some new doctrine

you have created?” That’s the reaction I got from a friend the other day while talking about Hebrews chapter four.

As we were reading the chapterNtogether, L I G E R SI made the asOR sertion that the weD liveS as Christians is marked by restWlife S ing from working to earn God’sBfavor in the I S Ttrusting P Tand A theAcross H O Mon completed work toHfulfil God’s reO K LofAChrist G T I L H IG H E C quirements R forEsalvation.

S O UR I said that Christ’s work of gaining salvation for us though His death, and resurrection is the fulfillment of what God intended from the foundation of the world (Heb. 4:3). The SabbathYday S of rest in the Old A S E V A D Testament was a foreshadowing of Christ’s completed work on our behalf. Christ said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) on the cross, after all. Thus the entire Christian life can be considered as a Sabbath rest.

“Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered His rest has restedSfrom his own TIST B A P4:9-10).

A works, just as God did from His” (Heb. M O H A L K O T LIGH My friend wasn’t accusing me of H heresy.

Instead, he was IG H E C R U O S E R wanting to be careful to not give into something that wasn’t entirely biblical, because he found the concept of the life of the Christian as Sabbath so appealing and liberating. And he’s right.

To read the rest of Chris’ blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/sabbath-rest GIVING

SMART

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DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS Among the myriad of giving solutions, endowment is unique due to its perpetual nature and ability to multiply your gift many times over, far exceeding the gift’s initial value. It is a giving pathway for individuals with a strategic vision for the future—donors who want their gift to impact not only this generation but also generations to come.

Endowment works by investing your gift. Each year, a percentage of the endowment’s value is distributed to the ministry you’ve selected while the remainder is allowed to grow to meet future needs. This cycle of distribution and growth creates a perpetual stream of income, providing the ministry you love with financial stability that’s designed to endure.

Creating an endowment is a simple process. First, decide on the asset and the amount you’d like to give; the best ways to fund endowment include cash, stocks and real estate. Next, choose the ministry you want to support and decide on a name for your endowment. A WatersEdge giving expert then drafts your endowment agreement based on your decisions. Once you’ve signed the agreement, your gift is invested, and the cycle of distribution and growth begins.

Giving through endowment includes additional benefits. Here are few to consider: • Endowed gifts qualify as an immediate charitable tax deduction.

• Funding an endowment with appreciated assets like stocks and real estate can help you avoid capital gains taxes.

• An endowment can be created and named in honor of a beloved family member or friend, to be remembered by the ministry in perpetuity.

vbs.lifeway.com

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June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

Make your giving smarter! Learn more at WatersEdgeServices.org/endowment.

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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

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

>> YOUTH/MUSIC: P/T Youth Minister & P/T Music Director or BI/VO Youth/Music combo: FBC Apache is prayerfully seeking to fill these positions in our church. For questions you can call (580) 5882369 or submit resume to: fbcapache@pldi.net.

>> BI/VO or F/T PASTOR: FBC Soper, OK is seeking a BI/VO or F/T Southern Baptist Pastor. Parsonage is available. Health insurance benefit provided.

Send resume to: Soper Baptist Church, ATT: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 68, Soper, OK 74759.

>> F/T EXECUTIVE PASTOR: HPBC of Bartlesville, OK seeks an Executive Pastor. He will coordinate various ministries & oversee administrative operations of the church. Visit highlandparkbaptist.net“Connect”for more details & to apply.

>> 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.

>> F/T FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR: Quail Springs Baptist Church, OKC. More than simply bookkeeping. Performs the finance & accounting functions. Administers payroll & employee benefits. Email resume to: mstephens@qsbc.org.

>>BI/VO OR P/T YOUTH PASTOR: Clebit FBC, Clebit OK is looking for a BI/VO or P/TYouth Pastor with a heart for 6th grade to 12th grade students. Please send resume or inquiries to: CLEBITFBC@gmail.com.

>> BI/VO or F/T PASTOR: FBC 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.

>> F/T STUDENT/COLLEGE MINISTER: Parkway Baptist Church, Creve Coeur, MO, is seeking a F/T Student/College Minister with a competitive compensation package including benefit options.

Send a letter of interest, resume & statement of faith to: studentsearch@parkwaybaptist.net.

VOICES

JO B L ISTIN G V EH IC L E M ISC.

EMPLOYM ENT >>F/T FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Experience preferred; double-entry bookkeeping knowledge helpful. Duties include general accounting, payroll & other office tasks.

Apply in person at Bethel Baptist Church, 1717 W Lindsey, Norman (Mon-Thu 8:30-4:30). >>F/T WORSHIP/MINISTER: F/T Worship Music & Educational Discipleship Minister – FBC Purcell, OK. Accepting Resumes. Please include resume, job history & references. Submit your information to: FBCPurcellMinApp@gmail.com. >>WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Josephine is seeking a Worship Pastor that will lead worship services that help lead our congregation toward fruitful relationships with Jesus Christ. This opportunity is in Josephine, TX. Reach out to: worshippastor@fbcjosephine.org for details. >>SENIOR PASTOR: Marietta FBC is accepting resumes for Senior Pastor. Mail to: Pastor Search Team, c/o Shane Wolfe, P.O. Box 302, Marietta, OK 73448. >>F/T or BI/VO SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Barnsdall is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Senior Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: First Baptist Church Barnsdall, Attn: Pastoral Search Committee, P.O. Box 939, Barnsdall, OK 74002 or via email at: fbcbarnsdall@windstream.net. >>PASTOR: Emmanuel Baptist Church in Purcell, OK is searching for a Pastor who will be in adherence to the Bible in overseeing the church. The Pastor shall lead the body of members in fulfilling the Great Commission through discipleship & evangelism. >> F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: F/T Worship Pastor needed. First Southern Baptist Church, Pratt, KS. A Christ-centered, Bible-based congregation of 300400 worshippers in south central KS. Worship style - energetic & contemporary, genuine & Biblical. >> PASTOR: Bluejacket Baptist Church of Bluejacket, OK, a small town Church with a heart for God & community, is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Parsonage is included. Interested applicants should send a cover letter & resume to: tharris6222@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Morris Memorial Baptist Church Ada, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Mail or email cover letter, resume & a current sermon video to: 16121 CR 3540 Ada, OK 74820 or email: sreeves@nationallivestock.com ATTN: Pastor Search Committee.

>> P/T STUDENT PASTOR: Grace Place Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK is prayerfully seeking a P/T Student Pastor who loves students & their families & is passionate about reaching & discipling them.

Send resume to: robbyroberson24@gmail.com. >> F/T WORSHIP/STUDENT PASTOR: Pleasant View Baptist Church is seeking a F/T Worship & Student Pastor who is passionate about reaching the community, discipling students & leading in worship. Please send resumes to: pastorandy@pvbcpryor.com or mail to: P.O. Box 111 Pryor, OK 74362.

>> P/T YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY LEADER: Seeking a leader with the courage for the challenges & maturity to reach NE Oklahoma County for Christ. Send Resume to: First Southern Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007 or fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com. >> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Mammoth Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Music Minister. Please send resume to: Personnel Committee at mammothchurch@gmail.com or P.O. Box 642, Meeker, OK 74855.

>> BI/VO ASSOCIATE PASTOR/YOUTH MINISTER: Rural Norman Church seeking called candidates for BI-VO Associate Pastor/Minister to Youth.

May send resume to: brandonsburris@gmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: Cardin Baptist Church, Miami, OK, is accepting resumes for F/T pastor.

Please send resumes to: 9525 S. HWY 137, Miami, OK 74354 or cbcsearch@hotmail.com.

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC Washington, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates may send their resumes to: P.O. Box 86 Washington, OK 73093 or email us at: office@fbcwashington.com.

>> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Erin Springs Baptist Church is seeking a BI/VO Minister of Music. We are a multi-aged church looking for someone to lead in blended music services.

Please send your resume’ or contact information to: pastorclay@erinspringsbaptist.com.

>> F/T MINISTER OF WORSHIP/COLLEGE: at Emmanuel BC Weatherford, OK. Find job description at: www.ebcweatherford.com. Send resumes & worship video links to: pastor@ebcweatherford.com. >>WEEKDAY CHILDCARE DIRECTOR: FBC Enid, OK is prayerfully seeking a Director for the church’s weekday childcare ministry (6 weeks - 4 yrs. old). Email: fbcenid1@gmail.com to apply. >> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC of Spavinaw, OK is accepting applications for BI/VO Pastor. Send to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 235, Spavinaw, OK 74366. Phone (918) 782-8083. Email is fbcspavinaw@gmail.com. >> P/T or BI/VO STUDENT PASTOR: Faith Baptist Church, Harrah is prayerfully seeking someone to lead & direct our youth ministry. Send resume & references to: fbcbrodan@gmail.com. >> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR / YOUTH & FAMILY: FBC Lexington, MO - F/T Associate Pastor/ Youth & Family Ministry. Youth focus Fbcapsearch2021@gmail.com or FBCLexMo.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030. >> SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Beaver, in the Oklahoma Panhandle, is accepting resumes for Senior Pastor. Position will become available with the retirement of their current Pastor at the end of July. Please send resumes to the church office at: P.O Box 6, Beaver, OK 73932.

>> P/T or BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Tishomingo, OK is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor to shepherd students, involve families & reach out to the community. Strong group needs passionate leader willing to grow & learn. For more info or to apply contact: luke@fbctish.org. >> BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: We are prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Music Minister to lead blended services & seasonal choirs. Send resumes to: Sharon Baptist Church, 2414 State Highway, Chickasha, OK 73018 or office.sharonbaptist@gmail.com. >> P/T or BI/VO STUDENT MINISTER: Soldier Creek Baptist in Midwest City is seeking God’s person to be their next Student Minister. Please submit your resume to: soldiercreek@soldiercreek.org. >> PASTOR: FBC Ryan, OK is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Parsonage is available. Please send resumes to: FBC Ryan, Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 159, Ryan, OK 73565 or fbcryan1@gmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Ringling, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail their resume to: Pulpit Committee, FBC Ringling, P.O. Box 530, Ringling, OK 73456 or email: FBCRingling@ATT.Net. >> F/T ASSOCIATE MINISTER: F/T Associate Minister of University & Discipleship. FBC in Weatherford, OK is seeking to fill the position of Associate Minister of University & Discipleship. Please send resumes to: justearl@fbcweatherford.com.

MIS CEL L A NEO US

>> F/T PASTOR: FBC, Cheyenne, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, P.O. Box 56, Cheyenne, OK 73628 or email: fbcchey@gmail.com.

>>CABIN FOR SALE: Falls Creek cabin for sale. Great location close to the tabernacle, sleeps 85+, commercial kitchen, pastors & cooks quarters both with full baths, large outside deck. $325,000. If interested contact Wallace Ave Baptist Church info@wallaceave.com.

>> P/T YOUTH PASTOR/DIRECTOR: Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church is accepting resumes for P/T Youth Pastor/Director. Resumes can be sent to: blackburnchapel@aol.com or call Pastor Mark Compton at (918) 693-4856.

>>VAN WANTED: Seeking a used, 15 passenger Church Van. Stonebluff Baptist Church in Eastern Oklahoma, is in great need of a church van for our Youth Ministry. Please contact Tammy Flickinger at (918) 361-8190, if you know of any available.

CROSSWO

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39 Facial twitch 73 Truant (abbr.)

22 Tables of sacrifice (Deut. 7:5) 43 “The oath which he ___ sworn” (Deut. 7:8) 74 Walk in water 24 Painter’s stand 12 13 14 15 44 Bovine 75 Kilometers per hour (abbr.)

26 Telegraphic signal 47 The people were to do this before God (Deut.

76 Jesus’ mother 27 Show indifference 16 17 18 12:18) 30 Part of a minute (abbr.)

50 Father of Hebrew nation DOWN 32 Bangladesh capital 19 20 21 22 23 52 Electromagnetic unit 1 Jacob to Esau (Gen. 25:24) 36 Hype 54 Phantom 24 25 26 2 Consumes food (Deut. 32:13) 38 “___ to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2) 57 God will bless the fruit of this (Deut. 7:13) 3 Naval Reserve (abbr.)

40 Balaam’s father (Deut. 23:4) 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 59S Uncertain 4 Talked aloud (2 wds.)

41 “If ___ man take a wife” MOG A B L E S T U B RAGS ONC 60 L O B sport W Philippines’ A V E G national GHAN A E T U I VO L 5 Broad ones covered altar (Num. 16:39) (Deut.

22:13) 36 37 38 39 40 N Lhorses U T EandRasses O R (2 Kings E Men C O found I G___ HA I R E VE 61 6 “God delivered ___ unto us” (Deut. 2:36) 42 Son of Joseph (Deut. 33:17) AH I E Z ER RY AN OL D BROG 7:10) R I D E AT OPE NED 7 Severe inflammation of mouth 45 Boxing great BE E VE S 41 42 43 44 45 62 Cranny I BM CAKE AV E AT E R 8 An area near Red Sea (Deut. 1:1) 46 “___ the Lord thy God” P A L L U L O V E S H I N GAT HERE 64A Hawkeye State 46 47 48 49 50 9 Scent (Deut. 6:2) BE L Z EROS ABC S S US I AG 65R God’s N Dwritten U E word A Awas W Won R its I Tposts E (Deut.

E L EC T GA 10 These waters had abundance (Deut. 33:19) 48 “When he saw them, he ____ AP T L AE L ASK BROS B I D 51 52 53 54 55 11 This could be plucked by hand (Deut. 23:25) 11:20) to meet them” (Gen. 18:2) ACS NE S S I E HON T ED 66 Binding oath S C A B HEB Y M I E E D D E R E T 13 Wine is like their venom (Deut. 32:33) 49 Olive trees would grow here (Deut. 28:40) 56 57 58 59 68A God (Deut.

ARNON DE H I sent R AMoses A RtoAthe D ___ I GofAPisgah L 14 “The fallow deer, and the ____ goat” 51 10th U.S. president PONDO AM S I R E N WO V E C E L L 3:27) SWE E T MA L E E R ARE S S P ED (Deut. 14:5) 53 This brought manna (Ex. 16:13–15) 60 61 62 63 64 65 70 “Fowl that may ___ above the earth” (Gen. Puzzle 7: Numbers Puzzle 8: 21 Unclean bird (Deut. 14:12) 55 Very fat 1:20) 66 67 68 69 70 23 Little bit 56 A Hebrew GA L ADMAH I CE T EN S PA 25 God gave Isaiah the tongue of what? (Isa. 58 Less wet OR E O BR A K E PRE Y WAR P A L L 71 72 73 50:4) 60 Horizontal above-ground stem DE V I HENCE RODE I T O S AL S A I L BOAT DRONE S NS KE P T 27 “The candlestick was of beaten gold, unto 63 Moses told the people not to 74 75 76 EAS E L ARM S I X the ____” (Num. 8:4) be this (Deut. 1:17) SC AD SAD EY RAR S HRUG SE S CARE D V I I E L I HOOP L A A 28 Promised land flowed with milk and this 66 Number of bullocks offered www.CrosswordWeaver.com ROCK I C I ER E V I L ANY E PHR (Lev. 20:24) on 6th day (Num. 29:29) 15 Thought ACROSS A UT D I M S L E E V E F E AR RAN 29 Of the king (Rom. num.)

S T I F F AS K E L L E T Y L ER DE 16 “I have caused thee to see ___” (Deut.

34:4) 128Smallest group under captains (Deut.

1:15) Promised land flowed with milk 54 Phantom EOS AHA J EW D 31 Accountant (abbr.)

67 Design 17 Wild meat dish 5 Some off erings were cooked in one (Lev. 6:21) and this (Lev. 20:24) 57 God will bless the fruit of this DE P ART ADUL T E RY S T OL ON 33 “The poor shall never ___” (Deut. 15:11) 69 “The swine, because it divideth the ____” 18 City near Dead Sea (Deut.

34:3) 829Medicine amount V I I I MO T E DAS RAV E N OL EO Of the king (Deut. 7:13) E D I T ARE S T E S AU OP EC BOO 34 Camels’ offspring (Gen. 32:15) (Deut. 14:8) 19 Its cap. is Halifax 12 Woof’s partner in(abbr.) weaving 31 Accountant 59 Uncertain A K P R A N W I S H E R R W D E 35 “The Lord said unto me, ‘___’ ” (Deut. 10:11) 71 Middle Eastern oil conglomerate (abbr.)

20 They “___ thy national covenant” sport 13 “Ye ___poor the deeds your fathers” 33 “The shallofnever ___” (Luke 60 Philippines’ Puzzle 9: Deuteronomy Puzzle 10: D MAY 27 ANSWERS 37 Rainy month (abbr.)

72 Plunder in war (Deut.

33:9) 11:48)(Deut. 15:11) 61 Men found horses and asses ___ 34 Camels’ offspring (Gen. 32:15) (2 Kings 7:10) A D A R L A S S O F A S T S O C B O A R K I N E E A S E L E C H O A B B A I R O 35 “The Lord said unto me, ‘___’ ” 62 Cranny A S I A N E B N T R E A D T H O U E D G (Deut. 10:11) 64 Hawkeye State K Y O T O M O R E S O C O U R A G E 37 Rainy month (abbr.)

65 God’s word was written on its P L A N E T S S T N E A T H O T H E R E O S S T A Y D A N A G E 39 Facial twitch posts (Deut. 11:20) Classifieds | June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com S T E P F O R G E S P L A Y C W E D 43 “The oath which he ___ sworn” 66 Binding oath P A V E D L A T I N T E A R D O U D A B (Deut. 7:8) 68 God sent Moses to the ___ of A B I D E Y A K T H E Y R A N M A N N S O T U R S L O T S I N S A R K 44 Bovine Pisgah (Deut. 3:27) 1

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Recommendations sought for Oklahoma Baptists’ boards, committees

>> by Staff

The Nominating Committee of the convention of Oklahoma Baptists invites Oklahoma Baptists from across the state to recommend persons to serve on the various boards and committees. The committee’s nominations will be presented to messengers at the Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists to be held Nov. 15-16, at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills.

It is important that consistent information be available for all recommendations. The recommendation form printed with this article may be copied. Accurate completion of the form is requested for each name submitted. Those sending names for consideration may contact any member of the committee; however, recommendation forms must be received by the Nominating Committee no later than August 2. The electronic form can be completed online at www.oklahomabaptists.org, or the printed form may be mailed to the Nominating Committee, Baptist Building, 3800 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506, or faxed to 405-942-1339.

Committee members are Ray Griffin, chairman; Yanet Arauz, Priscilla Arneecher, Jacob Bice, Curtis Erwin, Manita Forney, Bryan Gilbert, Misael Gonzalez, Chris Hagar, Nathan Howard, Courtney Ingram, Lauren McAfee, Leah Peters, Nathan Presley and Craig Towery.

Potential directors and trustees should have a personal history of effort and experience in Christian causes and an interest in promoting the objectives of the organizations to which they are recommended. Knowledge and ability in business are beneficial characteristics for nominees for each board. All board positions are for 3-year terms ex-

cept as otherwise noted. Following are the vacancies to be filled: Board of Directors of Oklahoma Baptists will have 20 positions on the 60-member board to be filled from 13 associations; all three-year terms. Seven three-year At-large positions will be filled. Three new directors must be laypeople; two must be men and one must be a woman. One position is open in each of the following associational areas: Banner, Capital, Cherokee, Frisco, Great Plains, Johnston-Marshall, North Canadian, Northeastern, Panhandle, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie-Lincoln, Salt Fork, and Washington-Osage. To comply with convention bylaws, the number of directors elected from specific associational areas will vary as the resident membership fluctuates, and the number of At-large members will change accordingly from year to year.

The constitution specifies that there are to be no fewer than 16 persons who are not ordained ministers of the Gospel serving on the board, including at least eight women and at least eight men.

Board of Directors for Baptist Village Communities of Oklahoma will have seven positions open for recommendation on the 21-member board; all 3-year terms. BVC bylaws stipulate that the board shall be geographically representative of the state.

Board of Trustees for Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children will have openings for eight members on the 24-member board; all 3-year terms. To conform to OBHC bylaws, six new directors must be laypersons and two must be an ordained minister or minister’s spouse. There are no geographical requirements, but a geographical balance is desirable.

Board of Trustees for Oklahoma Baptist University will have 10 vacancies on the 30 member board; all three-year terms. Five of the ten new trustees must be laypersons and five must be selected from among the professional clergy (pastors, church staff, directors of missions, etc.) or their spouses. The committee seeks to maintain a balance of members from all areas of the state; however, there are no requirements regarding geographical locations.

Board of Directors for WatersEdge (formerly The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma) will have six vacancies on the 18-member board; all 3-year terms. To fulfill bylaw specifications, six of the new directors must be laypersons, of which one shall be a woman. There are no geographical requirements, but a geographical balance is desirable.

Convention Committees: Nominees from all areas of the state are eligible to serve on Convention committees. The Audit Committee will have three vacancies; all three-year terms. Two new members must have senior corporate management experience. To comply with the committee’s charter, members must meet the following criteria: 1) member of the clergy who is a recent past officer of the Convention; or 2) certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, who are experienced in finance, accounting, and/or knowledgeable of tax and regulatory requirements; or 3) must have senior corporate management experience including finance or accounting, or other comparable experience or background. The following positions will also be open: three three-year terms on the Ethics & Religious Liberty Committee; and three 3-year terms on the Historical Commission.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS Any member of an Oklahoma Baptist church is invited to use this form to submit recommendations. The electronic form can be filled out online at www.oklahomabaptists.org, or the printed form may be mailed to the Nominating Committee, Baptist Building, 3800 North May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506, or faxed to 405/942-1339.

Recommendations must be received by Aug. 2 Believing this person to be personally committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to the missionary endeavors of Oklahoma Baptists, I recommend:

1. Title: Dr. Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss

2. Name:

3. Address:

City: Zip:

4. Home/Cell Phone:

Work Phone:

5. Approximate age: Male: Female:

6. Occupation:

7. Ordained Minister: Yes No

8. Church membership:

9. City/town where church is located:

10. Association:

11. Involvement in local church:

(1) Frequency of attendance

(2) Major activity in church

(3) Supportive of Cooperative Program

In church:

In convention:

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12. Involvement and work within association:

13. Prior service on state boards and committees:

Check the board, commission, committee or office on which you believe this person could best serve: Board of Directors, Oklahoma Baptists

Board of Directors, Baptist Village Communities

Board of Directors, The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma

Board of Trustees, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children

Board of Trustees, Oklahoma Baptist University

Audit Committee

Ethics & Religious Liberty Committee

Historical Commission Please understand that your recommendation does not assure the person you are suggesting will be presented by the Nominating Committee to the state convention. However, your recommendation will be given serious consideration.

Name:

(Person making recommendation)

Mailing address:

Daytime telephone: Date:

June 10, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture