2021/March/25

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • MARCH 25, 2021

Onward & Upward Oklahoma Baptists’ board celebrates gospel advance

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happy

EASTER FROM YOUR BAPTIST MESSENGER FAMILY

Encourage: He is risen indeed! >> HANCE DILBECK

This is the fourth Easter since I began serving Oklahoma Baptists as executive director-treasurer. This is also the fourth time you will read this same article. I think holiday traditions have value.

Times are changing in ways that make our heads spin. This unsettled season brings fear or frustration to many of us. The resurrection of Jesus is an unchanging reality. Let’s rejoice and share the Good News of our Risen Lord Jesus!

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed! /// SEE PAGE 3

Rewired returns: Football coach Mark Richt among key speakers April 24

Mayfield leaves legacy of serving Oklahoma Baptists small groups ministry

>> CHRIS DOYLE

>> BRIAN HOBBS

The Rewired Men’s Conference is returning this year to Falls Creek Conference Center on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Like many events last year, Rewired was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference this year will take place as a one-day event, and Bubba Burcham believes Rewired will have an impact on men.

On March 4, Bob Mayfield, 65, longtime ministry leader who has served with Oklahoma Baptists state convention staff, died after a protracted battle with cancer. His funeral service was March 12 at Edmond, First.

Mayfield, prior to joining Oklahoma Baptists’ staff in 2005, served in a similar position at the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention.

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he is not here

HE IS risen MATTHEW 28:6

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

First person: MHope I S S I O N S & amid trialsS P O R T S & T I S T RY AINMEN

Heath Thomas

Oklahoma Baptist University President

SHAWNEE—Since 1910, Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has delivered a distinctively Christian liberal arts education taught by world-class faculty.

Regardless of their fields of study, the knowledge gained and values instilled in our students equip them to shape the future: all of life, all for Jesus.

We face trials that loom before us in the era of pandemic, but even in the face of trials, OBU’s strength runs deep. Our strength derives from our deep and abiding commitment to Christ and to our mission. Our strength derives from our close partnership with Oklahoma Baptists, providing a firm foundation that goes back 111 years. And, thanks to our alumni, friends and supporters, our strength derives from a robust endowment of more than $150 million that helps provide funds for many of our student scholarships and other needs. From this strength, we confront real trials together.

Reflecting upon my first 15 months serving as OBU president, my thoughts turn to God’s blessings in the face of testing, to the ever-present challenges in a year like no other, but mostly to the manifest presence of God on Bison Hill. Less than three months into my presidency, the COVID-19 N E with L Ialong pandemic changed N everything.

OBU, EW ON NT CONTEquickE nation, colleges and universities the CLUSIV EB-EXaround W ly shifted to a distance learning model to finish out the spring 2020 semester as we all worked together to slow the spread of COVID-19. This new territory opened new and unexpected challenges for us all.

But God’s steady hand continues to guide us.

Our work over the spring and summer of 2020 INFOfor enabled us to bring students back N campus IOon T A IC L B U P the Fall 2020 term. We believe in our incarnation-

al, face-to-face education, M I N and we celebrated 87 percent of our classes in person, face-to-face with professors. In November, we held in-person winter commencement, so families could celebrate together with students. And this spring, we continue with in-person classes while keeping our students and employees safe with advanced B COVID-19 O X proLprovide O O T H tocols. God goes before us as we our disC R U H C tinctively OBU Christian liberal arts education.

Still, we face real trials even as we celebrate success. The broader higher education realities resulting from the pandemic have led to lower enrollments for almost every university across the country, including OBU. Last fall, we experienced lower enrollment, and unfortunately, with many prospective Sstudents and I E Dtheir A S StoI Fsolidify Lwaiting their familiesC still future plans due to the pandemic, we are preparing for lower enrollment for fall 2021, as well.

As enrollment decreases, subsequent budget reductions must occur. As a result, last fall, we announced the reduction of OBU’s NCAA Division II athletic programs by seven, effective for the 202122 academic year.

Complementing the athletic ICES VO program assessment and reduction, a previously launched academic assessment and reorganization study found that approximately 90 percent of our students are enrolled in half of our 88 programs of study. The remaining 10 percent are enrolled in the other half of our programs, leaving many of these programs with low-to-zero enrollments, which is financially unsustainable.

As a result, 21 low enrollment academic programs were evaluated by a joint committee of faculty, deans, division chairs and the provost. Of those 21 programs, 13 were approved for discontinuation.

Similar degrees to those discontinued remain available for new students while students currently enrolled in these programs are able to graduate with these particular degrees, even though these programs will not be accepting new students.

Enrollment realities and the resulting financial impact also necessitate changes in our academic

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS APRIL 4

Easter Sunday APRIL 5

New Pastor & Staff Orientation

Info: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Baptist Building; email knix@oklahomabaptist.org

APRIL 6-9

Campers on Mission Rally Info: Shawnee Expo Center; for more information email mvanzandt@oklahomabaptist.org or call 405/942-3000 ext. 4537

APRIL 6 & 8

Falls Creek Pre-Camp Worship Nights

Info: 6-8:30 p.m., Owasso, First (April 6) and Yukon, Trinity (April 8); oklahomabaptists.org/youth

SIV WEB-EXCLU APRIL 8

SEND Gathering Oklahoma

Info: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., OKC, Southern Hills; oklahomabaptist.org/ send-network

APRIL 9-11

BCM Spring Retreat

Info: Falls Creek; registration ends April 2; email cjones@ oklahomabaptists.org or call 405/942-3000 ext. 4519

APRIL 11

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert Info: 6-7:30 p.m., Inola, First oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

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

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organizational structure.

T E R T June 1, we will N Beginning E transition from six undergraduate colleges, each led by a dean, to 10 schools and divisions, each led by an academic chair. This is a common academic structure among universities like OBU and brings financial savings as well as broader representation LE & from our academic units to P academic E O P leadership.

S We have taken difficult but necessary E Wto Nsteps H C R U H C stand over our financial house, and we work to weather these storms under the care of Christ. We see great hope on the horizon, amid our trials. Let me share some of the stories: OBU and Oklahoma Baptists launched our Prison Divinity Program in Lexington, a 100 percent donor-funded bachelor’s degree program.

Through TURE L U C & S W E the Department of Corrections, we have 40 inmates N who have been approved for the program with 35 of them already on-site. We are excited to see lives changed through this new program.

Recently, we hosted 430 middle school and high school students for our second annual “Generation Why?” apologetics conference. These students want to make an impact on those around them for Christ, and we want to help equip them to do just that.

At our last Preview Day for prospective students, we welcomed students from Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and other states because they discovered the quality Christian liberal arts education we provide at OBU. Yes, there have been trials over the past year, but at OBU we remain passionate about equipping our students to become future shapers in the world around us.

But we need your prayers. We ask for your continued support as we seek to honor Christ by fulfilling the mission of OBU and preparing our students for the purpose God has for them. Whether they become doctors, lawyers, musicians, educators or nurses, we pray our students will be equipped to go into the world and make a difference for our Lord. All of life. All for Jesus.

N L I N E T to EW May God blessN you and O may God Ncontinue CO TEN bless OBU. WEB-EXCLUSIVE

Catt announces retirement as pastor SCOTT BARKLEY | MARCH 16

Citing a desire not to stay one day too long or leave one day too soon, Michael Catt announced his retirement on Sunday, March 14 to the Albany, Ga., Sherwood congregation he has led as senior pastor since 1989. Catt previously served as pastor of Ada, First, before going to serve at Sherwood and has been a camp speaker at Falls Creek summer youth weeks.

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

EVENTS

Despite church saturation, Gospel witness needed in Dallas suburb ERIN ROACH | MARCH 17

As in much of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, churches are easy to find in DeSoto. What is harder to find, though, is a consistent Gospel witness leading to changed lives. With that need in mind, Ed Johnson III led a group to plant DeSoto, Texas, Harvest Fellowship.

PUBLICATIO

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 0744-9518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 731126506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,811.

Individual subscriptions are available upon request. When writing for a change of address or a subscription renewal, please include a copy of your mailing label.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Baptist Messenger, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

While the Baptist Messenger attempts to provide advertisers of integrity who furnish quality products, it is recommended that buyers be cautious, do research and get references to any advertiser with which they are not familiar. Publication of an advertisement in the Baptist Messenger does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or businesses. January 14, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 1.

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EVENTS

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

March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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VOICES

Encourage: He is risen indeed! /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer @Hance_Dilbeck

This is the fourth Easter since I began serving Oklahoma Baptists as executive director-treasurer. This is also the fourth time you will read this same article. I think holiday traditions have value. Times are changing in ways that make our heads spin. This unsettled season brings fear or frustration to many of us. The resurrection of Jesus is an unchanging reality. Let’s rejoice and share the Good News of our Risen Lord Jesus!

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed!

Malcolm Muggeridge was a Marxist before he turned to Jesus. During the Cold War he traveled to Russia to write a story about the Communist party and the decline of religion under that atheistic regime. He was surprised by what he observed. After conducting a series of interviews with officials in the Kremlin who declared the decline of Christianity in Russia, he attended a Russian Orthodox Eas-

ter service. The church was packed. At the close of the service the priest announced, “Christ is risen,” and the people shouted back, “He is risen indeed!”

Muggeridge looked into their faces and instantly realized that they were right and that Stalin was wrong.

Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed!

Our confession of faith is simple: Jesus Is Lord—is, not was. Jesus is alive and at work in this world and in our lives. Jesus is the living Head of our churches, the chief Shepherd. The work we see Jesus begin in the gospels and the Book of Acts, He is continuing today. We rejoice in glad submission to our Risen Lord!

The book of Hebrews closes with a benediction that is a beautiful Easter blessing. This good word reminds us of how our blessings come from the resurrection power of Jesus. This is altogether appropriate. Jesus Himself declared a benediction on those who believe He is risen.

You probably remember the story. Thomas, doubting the reality of the resurrection, held out

for proof. When the risen Lord finally gave him the opportunity to see and even touch the scars left by crucifixion, Thomas fell on his knees and confessed his faith, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus responded to Thomas’ faith by pronouncing a benediction on all of us who believe, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (John 20:29) The benediction in Hebrews echoes and expands the resurrection blessing of Jesus. Since Jesus is alive, He is living and working in us.

Hallelujah! He is Risen. I would like to put this good word on you this year as you prepare to worship Easter Sunday.

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to who be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Heb. 13:20).

Sword & trowel: Why they believe Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

Hundreds of high school and middle school students recently gathered on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) for “Generation Why,” an apologetics conference that focused on some of the most pressing questions students have about the Christian faith today.

Speakers addressed topics like biblical sexuality and the culture; why we should believe the Bible; and reasons to believe Jesus is the Son of God and risen from the dead.

As OBU associate professor of philosophy Tawa Anderson said, the event was designed to “strengthen the confidence of young Christians in the truth of their faith and equip students to defend their faith persuasively and winsomely. As society continues to become more secular and post-Christian, it is even more essential for all believers to know why they believe what they believe, and to ‘always be prepared to

give an answer to anyone who asks them the reason for the hope that they have’ (1 Pet. 3:15).”

This important event reminds me of the days following that first Easter/Resurrection Sunday on which our Lord rose from the dead. One of His disciples Thomas, who earned the name “Doubting Thomas,” said he would not believe Jesus is alive until he could see the nail-scarred hands and feet. As we see, from the very beginning to today, skepticism is real and present.

Yet when people have sincere doubts, we should take our cues from Jesus as to how to handle it. He did not condemn or humiliate Thomas. He said, “’Peace be with you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe’” (John 20:26-27).

Like Thomas, students—or anyone—who has doubts should know there are strong answers to their questions. That’s why events like what OBU just hosted are important. And that is why it is important for every pastor, student ministry and church to equip students with reasons we believe.

It is crucial, though, that we are not only intellectual Christians. We are commanded to be Christ’s followers in “word and in deed,” not just give lip service. A recent LifeWay Research poll underscored the importance of this authentic faith that is lived out,

especially in the eyes of this new generation.

According to an article by LifeWay’s Aaron Earls, “When teenagers see church members as insincere, they are more likely to drop out. Relatively few young adults say the church they attended as a teenager was insincere, but dropouts say this more often. Among those who stayed in church, 17 percent saw church members in their teenage church as insincere. That jumps to 24 percent of those who left. Similarly, when describing the church they attended as a young adult, 21 percent of those who stayed in church saw members as insincere, compared to 37 percent of those who dropped out.”

Earls concluded, “How can your church develop a reputation of sincerity in the congregation and the community? Cultivate genuineness and honesty within your church. Value truth.”

To his enduring credit, Thomas responded to the truth with belief. Likewise, many students are responding well, amid increasing challenges to the faith, with belief.

When Thomas saw the risen Lord, his response was to exclaim, “My Lord and My God!” (John 20:28). Let’s pray this coming generation will respond in the same way.

And to Thomas’ words, we say “Amen. Hallelujah!

He is risen indeed!”

Voices | March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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ENDS NEWS & TR

I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

Rite of passage: Unexpected love note SPORTS & T N AINME

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

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

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

Every morning, my son Caleb’s house is either a haven of harmony or a riot. With three boys, two of whom are in school, getting up, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, washing faces, packing lunches, gathering books and a last-minute wrestling match before heading out to the car can be quite a challenge.

Some morning E D Sgo as planned, and then Ithings S I F“other CLA there areSthose days” when a sock can’t be found, a cereal bowl crashes to the floor and books are lost along with the shoe that loves to play hide and seek. If you have children, you can add about a hundred of other things that cause such delays.

Not long ago, their family had one of those days when everything that could have gone wrong did.

Adrian,VCaleb’s E Swas looking forward to Caleb O I Cwife, taking Titus the Honorable and Cohen the Goodhearted to school. As they pulled out of the driveway, a quietness settled over the home. She began the daily task of straightening out a house that has been rearranged by three Tasmanian devils. As she gathered the clothes, she thought, “How can a 7-, 5- and 2- plus a 41-year-old go through so many clothes in just one day?”

The laundry room is the place where Adrian feels overworked and less appreciated. It is a never-ending cycle with a small family. It is the place where

ENTERT

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N she takes dirty, muddy and usually stinky clothes and transforms them into respectable wear.

As she was carrying her first load to the laundry room, she noticed something unusual: R E A small U LTthe U C & S W E green sticky note pressed against white enamel N of the washer. As she leaned forward and squinted, she recognized it as the scratching of a first-grader: “I LOVE YOU MOM, from TiTus.” This was Titus the Honorable’s first love note to his mom. He has told his mom many times that he loved her, but this was the first time he secretly wrote her a note on his own initiative. Suddenly, the laundry room was no longer a place of drudgery. That little note transformed it into a love palace.

Dear Titus, Way to go, my little friend! I am so proud of you. In your thoughtfulness, you have done something that will bless your mom for years to come. She has saved the note and is going to put it in a frame and hang it up — guess where? You got it: the laundry room.

You have transformed a room of hard work into a place where she will go when she is worn out and feeling unappreciated just to look at your note. It won’t be

read just once; my guess is that she will read it a thousand times before you get out of high school.

You’re a smart kid; you knew exactly where to put that note that would be the most effective. You have seen your mom laboring, carrying huge loads each day to that machine. What you did reminds me that there is a parallel in the Scriptures.

First, we all have “dirty laundry;” the Bible calls it sin. Rom. 3:23 tell us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin separates us from God. And that is why Jesus had to die on the cross, so our sins/ dirty laundry can be washed away. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

God had a love note for us, and He put it on a cross in the form of His Son Jesus Christ. The cross is where all the dirty laundry/sins of the world have come together, so that Jesus could take on our sin and we could have a relationship with a holy God. Ever since that day, whoever wants to be cleansed of their sins can come to Him. It’s as if God put His love note in the laundry room of life. And not only that, but God reminds us that love can also allow us to love even those who still have dirty laundry in their hearts.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8).

Love lets you focus on the person, not the dirt.

Titus, you have joined your dad in blessing your mom. You have seen him preforming so many acts of kindness for her, and you have a good role model in him. Now, if you could just show your younger brothers a little more of that love, maybe you could get out of the front door for school with a little less hassle.

Love, Poppy.

Bible Q&A: Easter Meals: Nourishment for hungry souls Bobby Kelly Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion at OBU

Numerous Easter traditions fill the memories of my youth in southeastern Kentucky. I vividly recall Easter sunrise services, Easter baskets with plastic eggs and chocolate, Easter egg hunts and a packed church sanctuary singing “Because He lives I can face tomorrow” and “Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes.”

The grand finale, however, was not the Hallelujah Chorus, but a smaller gathering of my mother, my grandmother and myself around the table with an abundance of delicious food, including deviled eggs, pecan pie and my favorite, chicken and dumplings. Hungry souls were fed in the sanctuary of the local Baptist Church as we celebrated with word and song, but hungry bellies were fed around the table at my grandmother’s house.

In Luke’s telling of the Easter story, the meals point to the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection. This should not surprise us since Luke typically narrates the story around meals. In fact, beginning with the banquet at Levi’s house in Luke 5:27-39, Luke mentions 10 meals Jesus shared with either tax collectors and sinners, Pharisees and Scribes, or his disciples.

It is no wonder Robert Karris notes that “In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal or coming from a meal” (Eating Your Way Through Luke’s Gospel (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2006), 97).

But all of the meals in Luke’s Gospel culminate when Jesus sat down with the two distraught disciples in the village named Emmaus after a few miles journey from Jerusalem on that first Easter Sunday (Luke 24:13-35). It had been a sad couple of days since Jesus’ crucifixion on Friday, and the situation did not appear to be improving as Cleopas

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and his companion, returned home with no hope.

And even though the risen Jesus joined them on the journey, they did not recognize Him because God had not yet opened their eyes (24:16).

It was only at the end of the journey, as Jesus sat down with them at the table, and “He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him” (24:30-32). It was only in the “breaking of the bread,” an Easter meal for sure, that the resurrected Christ was made known to them.

The “breaking of the bread” recalls an earlier meal Jesus shared with his 12 disciples, often called the Last Supper, on Thursday evening before his arrest. There, much like at the “Hotel Emmaus,” Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and then He said, “This is my body which is given for you” (22:19).

Even earlier in Jesus’ ministry, He fed the 5,000 by taking the loaves and looking up to heaven. In similar fashion, He took the bread, gave thanks, broke the bread, and gave the bread to the disciples (9:16). This miraculous feeding of the multitude resulted in the opening of Peter’s eyes to the reality that Jesus was the Christ (9:20).

And if we go back even further in Luke’s story, to the very beginning, there is the newborn Jesus in a feeding trough for animals (2:7).

The message is unmistakable: Jesus alone is the broken bread, tortured and executed, now raised from the dead. He alone, in the power of His resurrection, is able to nourish the hungry soul.

Though we are familiar enough with the image of Jesus as the bread of life that nourishes our dead, darkened and displaced souls, we may

March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

forget that it was a meal in a garden in Genesis 3 that set us on our course of death and depravity. Rather than Jesus sharing the bread with Cleopas and his companion, it was the serpent sharing the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil with Eve and Adam. If they would eat, their “eyes would be opened” (Gen 3:5). And of course, they did, and thus began our long, dark exile from the presence of God and eternal death.

When the resurrected Lord opened the eyes of Cleopas and his friend in the breaking of the bread, Jesus signaled that the long exile was over. The new creation has dawned. Let us celebrate that in Jesus’ incarnation, His miraculous deeds, His body broken for sinners, and most gloriously in His resurrection, God has provided the healing nourishment all creation longs for.

Imagine the speed with which Cleopas and his companion raced back to Jerusalem to declare, “The Lord has risen, He has risen indeed!” May we with similar urgency declare this Good News today!

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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

Oklahoma Baptists learn ‘Who’s their one’ 1

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

CLASSIFIE >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Oklahoma Baptists had the opportunity to hear a personal challenge toward evangelism and then build on the challenge in follow-up training.

The North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Who’s Your One Tour made a stop at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. More than 300 attended the opening rally on Sunday, March 7, and approximately 150 returned to Quail Springs for the evangelism workshop.

Johnny Hunt spoke at the Who’s Your One rally and explained how important it can be for every Southern Baptist to just reach one person for Christ.

“Every Southern Baptist congregation was averaging 5.3 million people in 47,000 churches before the pandemic,” said Hunt who is NAMB senior vice president of leadership and evangelism. “If just 10 percent of the congregations would get serious about personal evangelism, if just 10 percent of our people would lead someone to Jesus over the next 12 months, we would baptize more converts than we have ever baptized in any given year since we became a denomination.”

Hunt preached from John 1:35-51 about Andrew bringing his brother Simon Peter to Christ. He focused

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

Renfro, NAMB evangelism director; Willy Rice, pastor of Clearwater, Fla., Calvary; and Jordan Easly, pastor of Cleveland, Tenn., First.

Rummage shared three priorities that were established for the Gospel in 1 Cor. 15:1-11. They are the priority of proclaiming the Gospel, the priority of receiving the Gospel and the priority of embracing the Gospel.

“Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again,” Rummage said, “and He saves everyone who calls on Him. That’s the Gospel.”

Renfro discussed how to have practical Gospel conversations and shared her experiences of sharing with people in her life. One point she gave was for Christians to see people the way Jesus sees them “What if every person that we encounter we were to think, ‘That person is going to spend an eternity in heaven or they are going to spend an eternity in hell’?” Renfro said. “If we care about people’s eternity the way Jesus does, it will change every interaction we have with people.”

More information on the Who’s Your One campaign can be found at whosyourone.com.

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on how Andrew’s simple act is the example for all Christians to bring even one person to Christ.

“Andrew was used by God to touch one,” Hunt said. “But the one he touched, touched thousands.

You never know what God may do with one person that you touch. You never E S how significant C know they may becomeV to O theIKingdom of God.” Personal evangelism was the emphasis throughout Hunt’s sermon, who shared how God saved him from a sinful lifestyle as a young man in North Carolina. Soon after he made his profession of faith in Christ, Hunt went to share Christ with his father.

“When you want to see people get saved,” he said, “you’re not into whether you know a lot or not; you just want to tell what you do know. I’d rather have it be said of me that I didn’t know much but I told what I knew than the fact that I’ve been in church for years and I knew a lot and never told anyone.”

The Who’s Your One workshop featured four speakers who covered topics such as cultivating your heart for evangelism; practical ways to start Gospel conversations; creating a culture of evangelism in your church.

The four speakers were Stephen Rummage, senior pastor of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs; Catherine

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Onward & Upward: Oklahoma Baptists’ board celebrates Gospel advance /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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Several Oklahoma Baptist leaders addressed board members at the recent March meeting. 1) Ever Borunda, Hispanic ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists; 2) OBU President Heath Thomas; and 3) OU BMC director Shane Kammerer. >> PHOTOS: BRIAN HOBBS

>> by Brian Hobbs EDITOR

Members of Oklahoma Baptists’ board of directors met on Tuesday, March 9, at the Baptist Building in Oklahoma City to consider key business and approve recommendations.

Immediately after the board met exactly one year ago, the global pandemic was declared, creating unprecedented challenges for churches and ministries across the state. In the face of such challenges from that time to this meeting, though, Oklahoma Baptist leaders spoke of God’s faithfulness and provision.

Included in the March 9 meeting were ministry reports, committee meetings, times of song and prayer, as well as the approval of key action items, including the authorization to invest dollars into the Baptist College Ministry (BCM) building project at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU), a strategic point of Gospel advance in the state.

Key progress for BCM at SOSU in Durant Oklahoma Baptists President Todd Fisher, senior pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel, led the March 9 meetings. He called on convention leaders for various reports, including an action item related to the SOSU BCM building project.

Cris Lowery, BCM state director, spoke to the board about the Gospel work happening on campuses across Oklahoma. Lowery shared a report from the University of Oklahoma (OU) BCM, that its new building, which has been in use for two years, is drawing students “beyond what we could have even hoped or imagined.”

“On any given day,” Lowery said, “students at OU are coming to the building, just to hang out, study and have Gospel conversations.” At least 35 students connected to the OU BCM have made professions of faith in Christ since August 2020 alone.

Lowery talked about the strategic need for a new BCM building at SOSU in Durant, a ministry that has been operating without a building for some four years.

“BCM is just like every other ministry now,” Lowery said. “It’s full of frustration but incredibly fruitful. That’s been true even in this building process.

We started this fundraising process a while back, but it did not work. So we stopped and readjusted.

God helped us rearrange some things, and great people like (board member) Gary McNeill helped.

People are responding,” Joe Ligon, senior associate executive director for Oklahoma Baptists, reported that the aggressive fundraising effort is underway to fund the building project. The board was able to view an architectural rendering of the building as well as floorplans.

Then board members authorized to give $250,000 from unspent convention reserves to the BCM building project at Southeastern.

“Sometimes people may wonder, ‘should we invest this much in buildings?’” Lowery added. “Yet what we saw at OU confirmed the importance of having a building and having a place of ministry; it exceeded our expectations.

“We have lost some ministry opportunities at Southeastern, such as noonday events that also give churches in the area a chance to plug into campus ministry,” Lowery continued. “We don’t have a place to call home or a place for students. This effort will accomplish that. This building is located on a great part of campus, where students are.”

For more information about the campaign, contact Lowery at clowery@oklahomabaptists.org.

Dilbeck draws inspiration, challenge from Scripture During his executive director’s remarks in the

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ward the cooperative missions work, and at the conclusion of 2020, had given $22,323,494.

“The 2020 challenges demanded flexibility, creativity, effort and endurance from all Oklahoma Baptists,” Dilbeck said. “Because of the generosity of Oklahoma Baptists and wise actions taken by our board, we were able to maintain financial stability in 2020. God faithfully provided through His people.”

Dilbeck added, “Even while difficult budget adjustments had to be made in 2020 and 2021, the Gospel advance was unhindered. The impactful ministry that God is doing among Oklahoma Baptists continued across the state, and the mission of ‘we encourage one another to advance the Gospel’ stayed in focus.”

During the plenary session, board members approved that the 2022 Cooperative Program allocation be distributed 43 percent to the Southern Baptist Convention; 42 percent to Oklahoma Baptists; 15 percent to Convention Affiliates, which is in keeping with the current distribution.

Affiliate, ministry reports and more Three of the four Oklahoma Baptists’ Affiliates delivered reports to the board: Bill Pierce, president of Baptist Village Communities; Robert Kellogg, CEO of WatersEdge (formerly The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma); and Heath Thomas, president of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). Greg McNeece, president of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, was unable to attend due to illness.

During the morning, board members gathered in smaller groups to discuss regional ministry opportunities across Oklahoma. Board members met according to respective state regions—East, East Central, Northwest and Southwest. James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate executive director for church relations, and various ministry leaders connected with board members.

In addition, board members met with their various committees. These included: Church Resources, Communications/Cooperative Program (CP), Finance Committee and Support Services Committee. The board’s Executive Committee had convened the day prior for key business.

During the plenary sessions, reports were heard from Church Resources Committee Chair LeRon West; Communications/CP Chair Jeanetta Bagwell; Finance Committee Chair Russell Duck; and Support Services Chair Michael Staton.

Board members also approved other recommendations, including the following: —That Chris Ruwaldt, pastor of Alva, First, be elected to complete the three-year unexpired term of Shawn Caldwell on the Oklahoma Baptists’ Board of Directors; —That the 2021 Edna McMillan State Missions Offering goal totaling $1,200,000 be approved.

The next scheduled meeting of the board is May 25 at the Baptist Building.

board’s plenary session, Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer Hance Dilbeck shared a word from 1 Corinthians 16, discussing how the Gospel advanced during the early church days.

“It is easy for us to imagine that we are living in unprecedented times,” Dilbeck said. “However, in some ways, we are entering a world that is more, not less, similar to the Apostolic period.”

Dilbeck underscored from the Scriptures three abiding elements of Gospel advance: relationships, giving and grit.

“The Gospel business is a relationship business,” he said. “At the end of the day, we must recognize that our institutions, our denomination, is no stronger than our relationships.

“We also learn from Paul that Gospel ministry involves money,” Dilbeck continued. “When we spend time reporting on Cooperative Program revenue and administrative processes, we have a tendency to imagine that we have somehow distorted or diminished Apostolic Christianity. Yet Paul was always raising money and talking about money. It is a key part of our fellowship. When we give faithfully amid economic challenge, it is an opportunity to glorify God in our giving.

“Finally, this concept of grit is essential for Gospel advance. Grit means ‘firmness of character and spirit in face of opposition.’ Paul said that they had adversaries. We sometimes act surprised that, in our day, we face opposition. But this is nothing new.

Many of us seem to be too afraid. Indeed some of our divisiveness is born of anxiousness. But the church was born in this climate; and the church has tended to thrive in this climate.”

Quoting A.W. Tozer, Dilbeck said, “A scared world needs a fearless church.”

Financials recap shows ‘God’s faithfulness’ Leslie Osborn, the new Chief Financial Officer for Oklahoma Baptists, gave a financial update, which included reviewing finances from 2020. Osborn and Dilbeck discussed that when the challenges of 2020 became apparent, Oklahoma Baptist leaders took decisive action in ensuring financially wise decisions were made.

At the conclusion of the first financial quarter in 2020, Cooperative Program (CP) giving was below budget by 15 percent. This, combined with the loss of Falls Creek Conference Center activity in 2020, had cut 2020 revenue by more than 30 percent, or more than $8 million.

The Board Finance Committee’s previous action of adopting an adjusted Financial Plan “for the last half of 2020 helped manage our way through 2020 as responsible stewards,” Dilbeck said.

The adjusted Financial Plan included severe spending cuts, which were initiated in March 2020, and, as a last resort, personnel reductions. The adjusted Financial Plan included the elimination of 17 full-time jobs, which represents 13 percent of convention staff. The staff reduction plans were previously approved by the Board’s Executive Committee, and action was taken in early June 2020.

The Convention’s original CP objective of $26.1 million was adjusted to $22,185,000 (or 15 percent). Oklahoma Baptists continued to give faithfully amid >> PHOTO: BRIAN HOBBS Oklahoma Baptists challenging times topresident Todd Fisher addresses the board.

March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

Rewired returns: Football coach Mark Richt among key speakers April 24 /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

The Rewired Men’s Conference is returning this year to Falls Creek Conference Center on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Like many events last year, Rewired was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference this year will take place as a one-day event, and Bubba Burcham believes Rewired will have an impact on men.

“I just love what happens at Rewired,” said Burcham who serves as Oklahoma Baptists’ men’s ministries consultant and Rewired program director. “Men do business with what God puts upon their hearts. We believe we have a strong conference built to where we can get the message that God wants to get out there.”

This year’s Rewired offers different options for churches and individuals. Men can attend the conference in person at Falls Creek and have the full day experience for $65, or $50 for students. Rewired also offers digital passes, allowing men to gather with other men and watch Rewired online. More information on digital passes can be found at oklahomabaptists.org/rewired. Deadline to register is April 5.

“We are seeing a lot of excitement of men getting together at Falls Creek,” Burcham said. “There will still be fishing and outdoor fun and the opportunity to be on the grounds at Falls Creek.

“We are also seeing churches using this as an opportunity for men to gather through the digital passes,” he continued. “This could be five men in a living room or 50 men at a church, but it’s a time to gather with brothers in Christ who you do life with.”

This year’s theme for Rewired is “The Three,” focusing on the importance of having a strong bond among a small group of other Christian men.

“Prov. 17:17 says ‘A friend loves at all times; a brother is born for adversity.’ David had his inner circle of ‘the three.’ That’s where it comes from,” Burcham said. “It’s based on the concept that you need friends who will love you when you are unlovable and tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.”

Burcham said Rewired had 3 WAYS TO “The One” as its theme a few ATTEND: years ago. “Before we focus FALLS CREEK on ‘the three’ we wanted CONFERENCE to focus on ‘The One,’ who CENTER is Jesus,” he said, describing the theme process at ReDELUXE wired and placing the priDIGITAL PASS ority of putting Jesus first April 24, 2021 before emphasizing the imDIGITAL PASS portance of having a small group of men for support and accountability.

“We need those friends around us and those brothers who will be there for us,” he said.

Rewired will feature four key speakers this year. Mark Mark mike cody jonathan Richt was the head football Richt keahbone bobay evans coach at the University of Georgia for 15 years and at oklahomabaptists.org/rewired the University of Miami, his alma mater, for five years.

Author and former NFL player Jonathan Evans “I’m a college football nut, so I’m excited that also will speak at Rewired. He is the son of wellCoach Richt is coming,” Burcham said. “I’ve heard known Bible speaker and pastor, Tony Evans. his story how he came to know Jesus through Bob“The apple did not fall far from the tree,” Burcham

by Bowden (retired coach at Florida State Universi- said about Evans. “I’m excited to hear the challengty) who we had (at Rewired) a couple of years ago. ing message that God has given Jonathan. He alThis is a legacy of a Gospel-loving coach influenc- ways has strong, biblical messages that will encouring many young athletes through the years.” age men.”

Mike Keahbone is a Falls Creek favorite speaker. He Rewired is expected to have many offerings as currently is in his first year as lead pastor of Lawton, First. the conference has in past years, despite a short“Mike is well-known among Oklahoma Baptists ened meeting format. Burcham encourages church and for sharing the Gospel at many student events,” leaders to encourage men at their churches to atBurcham said. “The challenging word he will have tend and experience similar results from previous for men is from his story. It’s an amazing story, and I Rewired events. love hearing how God worked in his life.”

“Men’s Rewired is always a powerful time,” Burcham Many Rewired regulars are familiar with Cody Bo- said. “God has called people to the ministry (while atbay and the ministry he founded, SoulCon. Bobay is tending Rewired). We’ve seen marriages restored and currently living in Utah and is CEO of Gibborim Stu- men coming to know Jesus at Rewired.” dios, making biblically-based movies.

Enid church opens door to culture of foster care and adoption >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

ENID—When church planters Kevin and Meagan Hisey opened their home to become foster parents, they didn’t know how wide the door would open to influence others. Many members of Enid, Open Door are now involved with adoption and foster care.

“I had another family come up to me after church and say that they feel God is leading them to adopt,” Kevin said. “They asked, ‘Where do we start?’ God is good. We have eight families with kids either adopted or fostering right now. We have several more families that are in the process that have open homes right now and are waiting to be called. And we have multiple families helping our foster families in various ways while other families are praying about opening their homes.”

It began about two years ago when the Hiseys decided to go through the process to become foster parents.

“A friend of mine was doing a Facebook Live event talking about the need and sharing her own journey about foster care,” Meagan explained. “We are an adoptive family, but we had never done foster care before. We just knew, after hearing that conversation and praying that that was what God was leading us to do. We were certified as foster parents soon after.”

In October 2018 a DHS worker delivered a 13-dayold baby girl to their home.

“It’s definitely an interesting experience for a complete stranger to come into your house with this little carrier holding this brand new, vulnerable baby and they entrust you to care for her,” Meagan said. “We sat there for a second and had to catch our breath thinking, ‘Wow God, you called us to do this.’”

Over the course of time, the Hiseys believed Grant and Kalli Mason are another couple who God was calling them to adopt the child. Almost were inspired by the Hiseys. Kalli said she was ena year later, the birth mother signed papers to re- couraged after she had a conversation with Mealinquish her parental rights, which opened the gan at church about a year ago. door in the summer of 2020 for the Hi“I have always also known that I seys to adopt the girl, named Kora, wanted to adopt,” Kalli said. “I as their daughter. The adoption had been praying, wanting to was finalized last January. Kora become a mom for about a is now 2 and a half years old. year at that point. So when The Hiseys have continMeagan (was talking to ued to foster and encourme), I just started cryage others to do so. They ing. She said, ‘You fostered another baby want to have a baby during the pandemic don’t you?’ And I said lockdown, a 10-month‘Yes,’ but I have always old boy who stayed known I was going to with the family for six adopt, and I am open months. Meagan shared to it.” The Masons are how God moved anothnow fostering er couple, who were pray“It’s really neat that ing for a baby, to now care God brought other for this child. families who have ad>> PHOTO:JUSTIN ROMAINE The Hiseys cele“It took a few months,” she opted into our church,” brate the adoption of Kora. The Hiseys said, “but (the couple) were cerMeagan said “We have also have inspired other members of tified, and we were able to transition a family that has adEnid, Open Door to foster and adopt. the baby over to them. Now we still see opted 11 children from him; he’s still in our church. And our whole China. Another that church has rallied around this little boy.” has adopted two chilMore church members have been inspired by the dren domestically. We have a family that has two Hiseys’ adoption journey to explore foster care and biological children, and one adopted through DHS. adoption.

These are just within the first 200 people that have “People started praying and becoming more come to our church.” available to help us, and since then, many families To learn more about foster care and adoption vishave started fostering,” Kevin said. “Our example to it oklahomabaptists.org/foster-care. To watch a full go first gave others the courage to foster. And we podcast interview with the Hiseys, visit baptistmesget to see that ripple effect.” senger.com/podcast.

Features | March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Mayfield leaves legacy of serving Oklahoma Baptists small groups ministry >> by Brian Hobbs

DS CLASSIFIE EDITOR

On March 4, Bob Mayfield, 65, longtime ministry leader who has served with Oklahoma Baptists state convention staff, died after a protracted battle with cancer. His funeral service was March 12 at Edmond, First.

S ICE V Oprior Mayfield, to joining Oklahoma Baptists’ staff in 2005, served in a similar position at the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention. He also served as minister of education at churches in Texas and Arizona, and as an interim minister of education at churches in Arizona and Oklahoma.

He held a degree from Texas Tech University and a master of arts degree in religious education from Southwestern Seminary. Mayfield was a frequent speaker at LifeWay Sunday School events, and managed a wide array of online training websites. He was author of two books—Missional Pivot Points and The 5 C’s of a Missional Group.

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER Among his many ministry accomplishR E God ments C U LTinUOklahoma, & serving Swhile W NE used Mayfield to lead a multi-year initiative in Oklahoma and beyond called ReConnect Sunday School, which enabled churches across Oklahoma to revitalize Sunday School and small group ministry in the local church.

Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, said, “Bob was a faithful servant. His leadership and passion for the Lord showed in many areas of life and ministry, including Sunday School, small groups ministry and evangelism. His ministry through the years has reached countless people, and because of his ministry, many people have come to know the Lord.

Please be in prayer for his wife, Tracy, and their two grown children, Mary Kathryn and Zachary.”

At the news of Mayfield’s death, an outpouring of support, love and admiration was seen from Oklahoma Baptists over social media.

“Today (March 4) I lost a great friend as did Okla-

Coming events

Bethany, Council Road hosts Easter Family Fun Day April 3

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

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Bethany, Council Road will be hosting an Easter Family Fun Day April 3 from 10 a.m.- 12 noon outside at The Cube, 7903 N.W. 30th in Bethany.

Along with crafts, games, snow cones, a family photo booth and a Food Truck, Easter Family Fun Day will feature multiple egg hunts designed for different age groups and ability levels.

For more information, visit councilroad. church/easter.

homa Baptists and (the) SBC,” said Anthony Jordan, retired Oklahoma Baptists executive director-treasurer. “Bob Mayfield went home to His Savior. He was one of best Sunday School and small group leaders in the SBC.” Bob Pittenger, a minister with Tulsa, BattleCreek said, “(I) loved serving with Bob Mayfield. In April 2019, he worked with Tulsa Metro Group leaders to organize the Tulsa Group Summit at Jenks, First. He arranged for several top tier Group Experts to come in and train our Group Leadership. Bob’s heart was to connect people together to ensure they advance in their journey of becoming disciples! He will be greatly missed, but thanks to his faithful service, there are many who are better equipped to see that the GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST continues to be shared!”

Heath Tucker, pastor of Edmond, Waterloo Road added, “What a great man. The Lord used Bob to grow me in small groups ministry,” and Kevin Baker, pastor of Altus, Martha Road said, “Bob we will miss your passion for making disciples through Sunday School.”

Tulsa Christian Ministers Alliance announced two events in April, both at Oklahoma Baptist churches. On April 11, Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills will host a “night to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr,” at 6 p.m. Pastor LeRon West of Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills will be the keynote speaker.

On April 25, Glenpool, First will host a Spring “Tulsa Together” Event, beginning at 5 p.m. Jason Yarbrough is pastor of Glenpool, First.

For more information on these events, contact W.R. Casey, Jr. at 918/951-7407.

March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

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Historical Commission seeks nominations D S of fame, service awards LT U R E I F I Ehall C L A S Sfor NE WS & CU >> by Staff Members of the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission are seeking nominations of deserving Oklahoma Southern Baptists to be considered for inclusion in the OklaE Sof Fame (HOF) and as O I CHall homa V Baptists’ recipients of the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) for 2021.

The purpose of the Hall of Fame—created in 1991—is to honor distinguished persons who have by their calling, dedication, and sacrifice, given Oklahoma Baptists their cherished heritage and have made significant contributions to denominational work of Oklahoma Baptists. It is designed to give proper recognition to the service of honorees, and to stimulate and encourage the study of Oklahoma Baptist history.

To let history prove the worth of the honorees, and to prevent any sense of selfish glorification, the honorees shall have been deceased for at least seven (7) years. The prospective honorees shall be nominated annually by the Historical Commission’s Hall of Fame Committee and approved by the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission at large. Each year, the names of the honorees inducted for that year shall be

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listed in the Historical Secretary’s report of the Historical Commission to the Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting in November.

Monographs of the inductees for each year also shall be published in the autumn issue of the Oklahoma Baptist Chronicle.

Since its beginning, 146 persons have been inducted into the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame.

In 1986, the Historical Commission established the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to Baptist History. The first certificate of award was presented to Oklahoma Baptist Historian and statesman J.M. Gaskin in 1987. An additional 41 persons have received the award since its creation. The award is designed to honor persons who have shown consistently faithful service through the years to their Baptist association or church. Those nominating someone to receive the award should include supporting documentation with their submission.

The deadline for submitting names for inclusion in the HOF and as recipients of the DSA is July 1. Please send nominations to Bob Nigh, Oklahoma Baptists’ Historical Secretary, 3800 N. May Ave., Okla. City, OK, 73112-6506.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS HULET DEATH. Clayton Hulet, 85, died March 6. Funeral services were A MOklahoma O H Tuesday, March 9 at City, A L K O E H T South Lindsay. He was a missionIVE A RforC H TIS in T Brazil 15 years. He plantB A Pary ed many churches while serving the Lord in Brazil. He served as associate pastor at Oklahoma City, South Lindsay from 1988-97 and at Del City, Sunnylane from 19992006. He also served as pastor of Arcadia, First and El Reno, Southern Heights. He is survived by his wife, Jerri; his children, Elizabeth Maynard, Sarah McCoy, Christina Johnson and James Hulet; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

LOVE DEATH. Bill Love, 89, died March 2. Funeral services were Monday, March 8 at Lindsay, Erin Springs.

He and his wife Thelma were appointed as international missionaries in 1966 and served in Malaysia and Singapore from 1967-82. During his time on the mission field, he started churches and oversaw the construction of multiple church buildings, trained and mentored individuals to become pastors and leaders in ministry. He also served Vietnamese refugees in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, teaching them English through Bible studies and helping them find sponsors for a better life. Love served as pastor of Lindsay, Erin Springs from 1985-96 and of Rush Springs, Cox City from 1997-2006. He is survived by his wife, Thelma; his children, Deborah Bradshaw, Mark Love and Sara Bratcher; and four grandchildren.

ORDINATION. David Brewer, Greg Gilstad, Paul Guenther, Russ Keith and Jason Parker were ordained to the deacon ministry at Altus, Martha Road.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES JEFFERY BLAKEY is youth director at Stratford, First.

FRED STEPHENS is music director at Stratford, First.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS NEW CONGREGATION. Yukon, Frontline is now meeting. Chad Puckett is pastor.

Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights hosts apologetics conference April 9-10

Apologetics speakers Sean McDowell and Hillary Morgan Ferrer are coming to Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights for The Advance Conference, beginning Friday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. with sessions on Saturday, April 10, concluding at 1:30 p.m.

Cost for adults is $40. Students can attend for $20. According to the event’s Facebook promotion, The Advance Conference “seeks to equip Christians to understand and pass to the next generation a robust Biblical worldview.”

To register, visit arrowheights.org/adcon21.

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

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

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Oklahoma Baptist DR surprises Don Williams with 60th birthday party

On Saturday, March 13, when Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) offered an equipment and CPR training at the DR Training Facility in Okarche, Don Williams, state DR director, received a surprise birthday celebration for his 60th birthday. Many family members and DR volunteers attended.

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People & Church News | March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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After Easter, now what?I F I E D S

>> by Stephen Rummage

S L A Shave C likely baptism. You will also people in

attendance on Easter who need to follow Christ and be baptized. God can use seeing The pastor proclaims, “He is risen!” The the baptisms of others to prompt them in congregation responds, “He is risen in- taking this important step of discipleship. deed!” We retell the wonderful biblical sto- Plan for a major baptism emphasis two or ry of Christ’s cross and empty tomb. With three weeks after Easter, announce the date ES heart and hands and voices, we give thanks on Easter Sunday, and giveV people O I Copportuand celebrate the gift of eternal life Jesus nity to schedule their baptisms. I have disgives to everyone who believes. covered that conversations about schedulEaster Sunday is the highest point of the ing baptism almost always lead to deeper church’s year, as God’s people proclaim our conversations about a person’s salvation.

Lord’s resurrection. But after Easter, the 4. Schedule and publicize a compelquestion always arises: Now what? ling sermon series. Use the high attenIf you have been a pastor or church lead- dance on Easter Sunday as an opportunity er for any time at all, you know both the ela- to invite people to an upcoming sermon setion of Easter Sunday and the deflation of ries at your church. I recommend preaching the Sunday after Easter. Immediately after a shorter sermon series, perhaps four to six Easter, the crowd may become much small- weeks. You might choose to begin a series er, and your spirits, along with those in your that brings biblical answers to real quescongregation, may feel slightly dampened. tions or problems people are facing, or you So, how can you maximize Easter Sun- might delve deeper into who Jesus is. I have day in order to keep your church’s momen- one friend who regularly preaches for four tum going? I would suggest five “after-Eas- weeks after Easter on the basics of Christiter” strategies for pastors and other leaders anity. He announces the series at the beginto consider. ning of his Easter message, and then says, 1. Connect with Easter attenders im- “This may be your first time with us. Give mediately and help them take their next us the next four weeks, and we’ll show you spiritual steps. For some, Easter is a cultur- from the Bible what following Jesus Christ is al holiday that comes and goes. Even so, you all about.” should assume that many people who come 5. Keep the message of the resurrecto your church on Easter Sunday care deep- tion in front of your people. While we celly about their spiritual lives. Your church can ebrate the resurrection in a concerted way help people grow spiritually by connecting on Easter, believers live in Christ’s resurrecwith them immediately after Easter Sunday tion every day. The ancient church took the is over. You may want to send an email, use 50 days from Easter through Pentecost Sunsocial media or provide a text link to offer day as a time to proclaim and remember the practical steps for following Jesus each day presence of the risen Christ and to celebrate of the week following Easter. the sending of the Holy Spirit. It’s important 2. Evaluate what just happened. The best for us to show our congregations that Eastime to plan for next Easter is right after this ter is more than one Sunday, and even more T H aEseason. The resurrection of Jesus is a F RO Easter. While the experience is still fresh in Mthan G B LO E R S that your memory, as well as on the minds of informs and transforms all that S L I N Greality Dthose R O W who serve and lead with you, take time to we are, every day. evaluate your church’s Easter experience, inRemember: you have to plan for what cluding service times, order of worship, park- happens after Easter before Easter. So, in ing, guest reception, response to the message the days ahead, think about what simple and follow-up. Decide now what you want to but effective steps you will take to honkeep, add or change for next year. or the risen Christ by strengthening His 3. Plan for a major baptism day in the in the weeks following Easter SunS AY S D AVit-E church weeks right after Easter. Easter Sunday day. He is risen indeed! self is a prime time to celebrate believer’s SENIOR PASTOR, OKC, QUAIL SPRINGS

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

W H O ’S YO U R O N E E VAN G E LI S M S T R AT E G Y

HASKINS SCHOOL O F C H R I S T I AN M I N I S T RY

Who’s Your One focuses on making evangelism personable. Find out how you and your church can reach people for Christ by reaching one person.

Has God called you to ministry? A calling to serve is also a calling to prepare. The Haskins School of Christian Ministry equips ministry leaders through online classes.

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

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March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

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

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THE DANGEROUS INEQUALIT Y OF THE EQUALIT Y ACT >> RYAN SMITH

V E S AY S A D “Visible before our eyes is the…end of authentic reli-

gious liberty in America.”

This foreboding line echoes from a recent article by Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Seminary. The focus of the article, and the object of Mohler’s warning, is a piece of legislation known innocently T SEquality Act. A B A P TasI Sthe OM A Hof K Lidea How couldOthe equality bring about GH T the end of I L H IG H E C religious liberty?

URhyperbole, fear-mongering or simR E SIsOthis ply Christians getting bent out of shape about losing another bridge to a bygone era of control?

The Equality Act was first passed by the House of Representatives in 2019 and again this past February. Currently the bill sits in the Senate among much optimism regarding its passage while awaiting debate.

The target of the bill’s aim is redefinition of the word “sex” specifically as listed in the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act was established to further equality by ensuring that African Americans had equal access to housing, products and services. The Civil Rights Act was a monumental and necessary victory for equality in America.

To read the rest of Ryan’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/dangerous-act

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

D AV E S AY S LIMIT THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE Dear Dave, T ISTS A PcomBnew A M My husband started working at a O H A L OK HT I Gthey pany about a year ago. As part H Lon, IGsign E ofHhis C R U O S E R gave him $5,000 in company stock. The stock has nearly doubled in value since then, and we were wondering if we should buy more, considering how well it has done. —Cathi Dear Cathi, I totally get why you two might be excited over a stock that doubled in value over the course of a year. But what you’re talking about doing right now is a very risky proposition. The truth is any stock that doubles in value over the course of just one year is highly volatile. It’s unusual for stocks to do things like that, and it also means it could go down just as fast—or even faster.

I don’t know where you and your husband are in your overall financial situation, but I recommend people become debt-free except for their homes, and have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses saved up before investing. Once you reach that point, I strongly advise to begin putting 15 percent of your income toward retirement before you start any outside investing.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a little selective and educated dabbling here and there once the basics are taken care of first.

However, I’d never recommend putting more than 10 percent of your nest egg into a single stock. The reason? If the single stock tanks and you lose it all, then your loss is only a blip on your financial radar.

Of course, it would be fantastic if this single stock went through the roof and you two made a ton of money. Just make sure you limit the potential for damage in this kind of scenario by limiting your exposure. —Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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Rate: $25.00 per ad • For more information or to place an ad: visit baptistmessenger.com/classifieds-form Small rural church with a heart for God. Parsonage included. Accepting resumes until filled. Contact: jjerryspeck15@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

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

E SPASTOR: V O I C>>F/T

>> P/T OR F/T WORSHIP LEADER -YOUTH PASTOR: P/T or F/T Worship Leader/Youth Pastor Combined Ministry; Calvary Baptist Church, Okmulgee Oklahoma 74447. Please send resume to: Search Committee of Calvary Baptist Church rgm7677@yahoo.com.

EMPLOYM ENT >> F/T PASTOR: FBC Forgan, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s man. Send resume to: P.O. Box 9 Forgan, OK 73938.

More info see: forganfbc.com or call (580) 461-0857.

>>F/T OR BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: Emmanuel Baptist Church of Altus, is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Attention: Pastor, 921 East “A” Street, Altus, OK 73521

>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Worship Minister. Please submit resume & cover letter to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. >>PASTOR: Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Bartlesville, OK is seeking a Pastor who teaches God’s word, loves people & agrees with BFM. Send resume to: pastorsearchehbc@gmail.com or by mail: Pastor Search, 1331 Swan Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74006. >> F/T PASTOR: New Hope Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please email resume along w/current sermon video or link to sermons to: newhopesecretary@gmail.com or mail to: 37497 New Hope Road, Tecumseh, OK 74873.

>>F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church, Perkins, OK. Please send resume to: PO Box 10, Perkins, OK, 74059 or email: sec.ibcperkins@sbcglobal.net.

>> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Soldier Creek Baptist in MWC is looking for a dynamic Youth Minister with a discipleship mindset & a willingness to engage students. The position is open to both men & women.

Email your resume to: soldiercreek@soldiercreek.org.

>>F/T PRESCHOOL/CHILDREN’S MINISTER: First Baptist Church Tahlequah, OK is seeking a F/T Preschool & Children’s Minister.

Please submit resumé to: mike@fbctah.org. >>PIANO PLAYER: FBC Wheatland is searching for a Piano Player for our traditional Sunday morning service. Contact Pastor Richard Boyanton at: (405) 315-5387 or email: rlboyanton@gmail.com.

Church Minisresume Baptist 74701.

>>BI/VO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR: First Baptist West of Lawton is seeking an individual to serve as our BI/VO Children’s Ministry Director. If you, or anyone you know, is interested send resumes to: harold.gaches@sbcglobal. net or call the church office at: (580) 536-4227.

>> F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Associate Pastor of Family Ministries with a focus on Children’s Ministry. The full job description along with how to apply is on our website: www.tbcshawnee.org.

>>P/T OR BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: NewPoint Church Ponca City, looking for a P/T or BI/VO Youth Pastor with a heart to reach & disciple 6th - 12th grade students. For full description or to apply, send resume to: kyle@newpoint.church.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Associate Pastor of Youth & Worship or Media. Pawhuska’s FBC is looking for someone to join our pastor’s ministry team & help advance Kingdom work in our town. Submit resumes to: associatepastorsearch@pawhuskafbc.org.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Parkview Baptist, Duncan, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor with vision, passion, enthusiasm & energy to boldly lead our congregation forward in spiritual & numerical growth in all ministries & age groups. Send resume to: mulsix@hotmail.com.

>>MUSICIAN: Bible Baptist Ada, is looking for keyboard/piano/organ musician. Starting new music program. So, come get in on the ground floor of what God is doing here. Email Pastor Newport at: BiblebaptistAda@gmail.com.

>>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Warner First Baptist Church, Warner, OK is seeking a F/T Student Minister. Please email resume to: justin@warnerfbc.org.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Sobol Baptist Church in beautiful Pushmataha County, OK is seeking God’s next servant (F/T or BI/VO).

>>P/T MINISTER OF FAMILY LIFE: : A church wanting to try new things to reach students & families. First Southern Baptist, Arcadia, OK P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007 fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com. >>P/T YOUTH & WORSHIP LEADER: True Oak Fellowship of Tuttle, is seeking a P/T Youth Director & Worship Leader. Does not have to be combined; you may apply for either one or both. Send resume to: Pastor Adam Lamle at: adamlamle@att.net.

>>PASTOR: Mount Hermon Church in Jay, OK, located in the Northeast corner of the state, is prayerfully searching for a Pastor. Please send resume or any questions you may have to: Cole Wheeler at colewheeler36@gmail.com.

>> F/T STUDENT PASTOR: One Church Elk City is prayerfully seeking someone with prior experience to lead & direct an established youth ministry. Send resume & references to: onechurchelkcity@gmail.com

First Baptist Church, McLoud, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter and resume to: First Baptist Church, 109 S. 8th Street, McLoud, OK. 74851, Attn: Pastor Search Committee.

>> F/T PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Tishomingo, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested applicants should email a cover letter & resume to: cbctishomingo@gmail.com or mail to: Calvary Baptist Church, 9700 S. Hwy 377, Tishomingo, OK 73460.

>>MUSIC LEADER: Trinity Baptist Church, Vinita is seeking someone that wants to serve God in leading the Sunday morning music. Send resume to: jesseltdteam@Ymail.com or phone (918) 418-9562.

>> F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Morris Memorial Baptist Church in Ada is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who is passionate about reaching youth & families with the Gospel. Send resumes to: 16121 County Road 3540, Ada, OK 74820 or email to: david@mmbcada.org.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Silo Baptist is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth ter. Interested applicants can send a to: silopastor@yahoo.com or Silo Church, 1379 Church Rd., Durant, OK

>> F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Church of Ringling, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Please submit resume to: Pulpit Committee, FBC Ringling, P.O. Box 530, Ringling, OK 73456 or email:FBCRingling@ATT.Net.

>>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: Dewar First Baptist is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Pastor.

Please send resumes by email to: dewarfbc@ yahoo.com. For more information or questions contact the church at: (918) 652-4282 or by email: dewarfbc@suddenlinkmail.com. >> PASTOR: Wright City FBC is accepting resumes for a Pastor. Parsonage available. We are open to both F/T & BI/VO. Please send resumes to: office@friscobaptist.com & specify “FBC Wright City” in subject line. >>ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONARY: Northwest Baptist Association is accepting resumes thru April 30th for the Associational Missionary.

Please send resumes to: PO Box 2120, Bentonville, AR 72712 or amresume@nwbaptist.net. >>F/T MAINTENANCE/CUSTODIAL: Experience with HVAC, plumbing & electrical is a plus. Capable of lifting 50 pounds unassisted. Includes some weekend responsibilities. Apply in person at Bethel Baptist Church 1717 W Lindsey, Norman (Mon-Thu 8:30-4:30) >>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Southwest Baptist Church Ardmore, OK is seeking a Worship Leader for services on Sunday Morning & Sunday Night. Send resume or questions to: swbapchurch@sbcglobal. net or call (580) 223-3609. Parsonage is available. >>P/T STUDENT MINISTER: Parkway Baptist Church, Creve Coeur, MO, is accepting resumes for a P/T Student Minister with a competitive compensation package including benefit options.

Send a letter of interest, resume & statement of faith to: studentsearch@parkwaybaptist.net. >>WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR: Emmaus Baptist Church, OKC is prayerfully seeking a Director for the church’s weekday “Compass Preschool” (2 yrs. old through Kinder-

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ACROSS 1 Unclean bird (Lev. 11:19) Ballet 629Ship’s spar step (Isa. 33:23) 30“Bring “Neither he go in to any 10 to passshall his ___” ____ body” (Lev. 21:11) (Isa. 28:21) 32Antiseptic Of the solution kidney 13 34 Those with more than four of 15 Some dwell in a walled one these were unclean (Lev. 25:29) 35 Brother of 2nd degree (1 Chron.

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17 Old fellow 18 Strategic Research Investment Reserve 46 Coiffure (abbr.)

47 Fancy 19 High explosive 48 Capital of Spain 20 Margarine 49 Italian city not have one 22 Sacrifi ce could 51 Men were not to mar its corners 24 Suspected leprosy was ___ up (Lev. 19:27) 7 days (Lev. 13:4) 52 False name 26 Membrane (Lev.with 3:4) this part of 54 Israel smote sword (Num. 21:24) 56 “How ___ did they provoke him in the wilderness” (Ps. 78:40) 59 Tokyo’s original name 61 Large African antelope

garten). Email: amy@emmausokc.org to apply. >>P/T TARY: Britton

FINANCIAL/CHURCH SECREWork Monday thru Wednesday.

Baptist Church.

(405) 842-3511

>>F/T PASTOR: Paradise Valley Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Send resume & cover letter to: Paradise Valley Baptist Church, ATTN: Pastor Search Committee, 4974 NW Meers Porter Hill Rd., Lawton, OK. 73507 or EMAIL: PVBCLawton@gmail.com. >>P/T ASSOCIATE WORSHIP LEADER: Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City is looking for a paid P/T Associate Worship Leader for Sunday morning contemporary service & Youth Wednesday Worship. Please call: (405) 732-2201 or send resume to: cebc.infoline@gmail.com. >> P/T SECRETARY AND P/T CHILDREN’S WORKERS: Crestview Baptist of OKC is prayerfully seeking both a P/T Secretary & P/T Children’s Workers. If you are interested, please send resume or questions to: office@crestviewokc.org or call 405-732-3786. >>F/T CHILDREN’S PASTOR: FBC of Marion, AR is seeking a F/T Pastor of birth through sixth grade children that is sent to welcome & disciple all people to faith in Christ. Send resume to: Kidspastorsearch@firstmarion.org. >>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC of Festus/ Crystal City, MO is accepting resume’s for a F/T Senior Pastor. Applicants or referrals may be sent to: fbcfestus@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC, Siloam Springs, AR is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & resume to: Searchteam@fbcSiloam.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is fully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested dates should mail a cover letter and to: First Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK

prayercandiresume Search 73030.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >>ATTENTION CHAPLAINS: What shall we do with the time we have left? Christian Resort Ministries would like to invite retired pastors & laymen to serve as a chaplain at an R/V & Resort Park in South Texas. Go to our website at: www.crmintl. org or call: (210) 549-9066 for more information. >>FREE CHURCH PEWS: Free padded church pews to whomever can pick them up & take them away. Contact Soldier Creek Baptist Church in MWC at: (405)732-3235 for more information. >>FREE CHURCH PEWS: Padded Pews (burgundy) available for free. Must pick up. Contact FBC Ninnekah at: (405) 224-0324. (20- 12 Foot) (5- 10 Foot) (34- 8 Foot) First come, first served.

RD

28 Metal 29 Corner crops were left for them (Lev. 23:22) 30 Beasts’ homes (Job 37:8) 31 Support Equipment Requirements Review (abbr.)

33 Everyone (Lev. 24:14) 34 Accomplishment 35 “His offering __ a burnt sacrifice” (Lev. 1:3) 36 Legume 38 “Fall upon any sowing seed which is to __ ____” (Lev. 11:37) (2 wds.)

41 Color rams’ skins were dyed (Ex. 35:7) 42 College administrative officer 44 East Indian herb 45 Piglet 48 Type of offering (Lev. 2) 49 “Come and ___ the priest” (Lev. 14:35) 50 Firstfruits’ corn was green (Lev. 2:14) 51 Hairless (Lev. 13:40) 52 Father’s brother’s wife (Lev. 18:14) 53 Flax oil 55 “The ___ of thy foot have rest” (Deut.

28:65) 57 Epoch 58 Challenge (1 Cor. 6:1) 60 Priest dipped this into offering’s blood (Lev. 4:6) 64 Cent. Daylight Time 65 Framework of bars 66 Simon’s occupation (Acts 10) 67 Priest’s digit anointed with blood (Lev. 14:14)

38 Unclean animal (Lev. 11:19) 39 “Let the living bird loose into the ___ field” (Lev. 14:7) 40 “If thou ___ offer a burnt offering” (Judg.

DOWN 13:16) DOWN 42 Its cap. is Dover 1 Ill (Lev. 15:33) 43 European Aerospace Co. 2 “Is any thing ___ hard for the Lord?” (Gen. 45 Choose 18:14) 46 Coiffure 3 Number to be redeemed (Num. 3:48) 4 God’s people were not to rule each other with 47 Fancy 48 Capital of Spain this (Lev. 25:46) AM I MAGE MARK B Acity BE L S A L T 49 Italian 5 Camels ABdidDEthis by a well (Gen. 24:11) (past G I NN I NG F ORAY E T E H BE 51OJ Men were notI toS marDits corners (Lev. 19:27) E AR T H UR E UP HRAT E S M tense) E V E N I N G 52 I AG HE AV E N K False E name R S EI MOM S A 6 Master of Ceremonies (pl.)

L A HOT DE T I AN S Israel I D Dsmote I M with BO A part T of sword M 54 this (Num. 7 Commuter F plane BOT H AA ON I ON HO A I RA S H I NAR 21:24) E DE N MAT H GOD AN N I L HOC S E AT 8 “If it appear ___ in the garment” (Lev. 13:57) MA L E N P A L S R ___Cdid they W provoke U S Ahim C in the 56N “How 9 King Hiram’s A T city (1 N Kings O A H5:1)U R I RE RE P HA I T E S A R AM wilderness” 78:40) L E T I MMOR T A L I A M H E (Ps. HO E D BC H 10 ClothesE (Jer.R2:32) AM I N RA I NS T O P original S UR 59A Tokyo’s name A H A A 11 It held burning (Lev. S U P coals REM E 16:12) H AM G M I BS AM ARP HAX AD 61R Large P E S Tletter O S L AT E D A O African L E Aantelope H I R RM 12 Ninth Hebrew AT T DAY E L CA I N AT E RE RE MBA 62E Moray 14 “How long T H will Y it be H___ A V they I L believe?”

AH BY S H EME BE R I S CAH 63 Locomotive tracks (abbr.)

(Num. 14:11) Puzzle 1: Genesis Puzzle 2: Genesis 21 Large body of water 23 LeaderSofAIsrael MP H ME T OP AZ P A D RE ADO T I T HE 24 Fly alone L L AMA E V ADE E R A I L I AL M I X AS HE R O P U I M N A D A B D A N R O N E P S A L M AD I I 25 Place where priests ate (Lev. 7:6) POD AWO L US I NG K I NG ARMA D A LM 27 Industrious insect (Prov.

6:6) A L AR U N L OC K ARC I NW R A S I S T E R B U N B D U D H A M A H A L I 29 Ballet Cstep ROOK P S I E S P N URN T AS T E AS I DE 30 “Neither shall in to any ____ body” A A R Phe go I A S L R DE E D RAT E RHE S A HA I R NN E B OD Y RUR A L I C I NG E P HOD ROE (Lev. 21:11) N E S T L E RE UE L E L DE RS T R Y S T 32 Of the Lkidney AS ORDA BOU T S RA Y O BO D Ethan four H EofRthese B were HAM L AD S P E E CH UR I M 34 Those Awith more ADMAH AD I E L ODE unclean SS HI RE AV PI NA EL AS NE RU AR SS EE MOT T O ROAS T A L L R degree E G Y (1 P Chron.

T T E NT B O S OM SMO T E RE D 35 BrotherO ofU 2nd 15:18) 37 God would makePuzzle the earth like this (Lev. 3: Exodus Puzzle 4: Exodus MAR. 11 ANSWERS 26:19) 68 Root of the taro (arch.)

69 “Afflict your ___” (Lev. 16:31)

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U.S. Churchgoers say they will return post-COVID ES VOIC

>> by Aaron Earls LIFEWAY WRITER

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Churchgoers aren’t attending yet at pre-pandemic levels, but most say they value gathering with their congregation and are anxious to do so when the threat of COVID-19 ends.

A study of 1,000 Protestant churchgoers in the U.S. from Lifeway Research found, when COVID-19 is no longer an active threat to people’s health, 91 percent plan to attend in-person worship services at least as often as they did before the coronavirus pandemic.

That includes almost a quarter (23 percent) who plan to attend more than they did previously.

Few regular churchgoers say they will attend less than before (6 percent), rarely attend (2 percent) or stop attending in-person services completely (1 percent).

Almost all churchgoers (94 percent) say they greatly value the times they can attend worship services in person with others from their church. Few (4 percent) disagree.

“Two-thirds of pastors whose churches were open for in-person worship in January saw attendance of less than 70 percent of their January 2020 attendance,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “Many of these pastors are wondering if those who haven’t returned ever will. Nine in 10 churchgoers plan to when it is safe to do so.”

Young adult churchgoers, those 18 to 29, are the most likely to say they will attend church more often after COVID-19 than they did before (43 percent).

Evangelicals by belief are more likely than those without evangelical beliefs to say they will attend more after the pandemic (28 percent to 19 percent).

Church involvement Almost 9 in 10 churchgoers (87 percent) stuck with the same church throughout the pandemic. Few say they switched to another church in the same area (5 percent), switched churches because of a move (3 percent), or no longer have a church they consider their own (5 percent).

Among this group of Protestant churchgoers who attended at least once a month in 2019 and who still have a church, 56 percent say they attended worship services four times or more in January 2020 prior to the spread of COVID-19. Another 30 percent attended two or three times, while 7 percent say they attended once.

In January 2021, however, 51 percent didn’t attend any in-person services –22 percent said it was because none were offered by their church, and 30 percent chose not to attend their church’s in-person services.

Around 1 in 5 (21 percent) say they attended in person four times or more. Slightly fewer (18 percent) attend-

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ed two to three times and 7 percent attended once.

More than 4 in 5 churchgoers (83 percent) say they watched a livestream of a church service instead of attending in person at least once in 2020. Far more watched via livestream last year than said the same when asked before the pandemic.

In a September 2019 Lifeway Research study, 4 percent of churchgoers said they had watched a live video stream of a church service instead of attending in person 18 times or more in the last year, compared to 32 percent now. Two years ago, almost half of churchgoers (47 percent) said they hadn’t replaced an in-person service with a livestreamed one, while only 14 percent say the same today.

“Churches livestreaming services during COVID-19 has made this experience commonplace among churchgoers,” McConnell said. “Despite the increased exposure to this concept, however, relatively few have made this a weekly habit.”

Spiritual status Among churchgoers surveyed, 7 in 10 (71 percent) consider themselves to be a “devout Christian with a strong faith.” Around a quarter (23 percent) say they consider themselves a Christian, but not particularly devout. Fewer say they are a Christian but are not currently practicing the faith (5 percent).

Most churchgoers (54 percent) say the events of 2020 caused them to grow closer to God, including 27 percent who say they became much closer. Another 39 percent say they stayed about the same.

Far fewer (7 percent) say they grew more distant.

Currently, 11 percent of churchgoers say they are questioning their faith, while 87 percent disagree.

“The faith of most churchgoers remains resilient despite a year filled with much uncertainty and fewer options for meeting in person with others from church,” McConnell said. “During these trying times, churchgoers were almost eight times more likely to relate to God more than less.”

Younger churchgoers (18 to 29) are the most likely to say they became much closer to God (37 percent), but also the most likely to say they are currently questioning their Christian faith (24 percent).

Personal impact Thinking back on January 2021, few churchgoers say they lived life close to normal. Around 1 in 10 (9 percent) say they had a normal number of contacts with few precautions. Slightly more say they had a normal number of contacts with people outside their home but with precautions (13 percent). Another 1 in 10 (10 percent) say had limited contact with others but took few precautions.

A plurality of churchgoers (36 percent) say they had a limited number of contacts with precautions.

Around a quarter (26 percent) say they only had very brief contacts such as essential shopping. For 7 percent of churchgoers, they had no contact with anyone in January.

For most churchgoers, the yearlong pandemic has brought some tangi-

March 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

ble challenges, including 8 percent who say they have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

More than 2 in 5 (42 percent) say someone in their church has been diagnosed with the disease and 18 percent say a fellow church member died from it.

A previous Lifeway Research study, found 88 percent of Protestant pastors say a church attendee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 29 percent say a member died from COVID-19.

Around 1 in 7 churchgoers (15 percent) say they have lost income because of reduced hours at work, while 6 percent say they lost their job.

On a more positive note, many churchgoers have helped each other and reached out beyond their church. Around 2 in 5 (41 percent) say they have checked on others in their church, while a similar number 38 percent say people in their church have checked on them. One in 10 say others in their church have helped them with tangible needs. For 15 percent, the pandemic period has provided an opportunity to share the gospel with someone.

“Like other Americans, churchgoers have seen the effects of COVID-19 first-hand,” McConnell said.

“Many churchgoers have also felt the benefits of being part of a church as members checked on them or provided assistance.”

Methodology The online survey of 1,000 American Protestant churchgoers was conducted Feb. 5-18, 2021 using a national, pre-recruited panel. Respondents were screened to include those who identified as Protestant/ non-denominational and attended religious services at least once a month in 2019. Quotas and slight weights were used to balance gender, age, region, ethnicity and education to more accurately reflect the population.

Evangelical beliefs are defined using the NAE Lifeway Research evangelical beliefs research definition based on respondent beliefs. Respondents are asked their level of agreement with four separate statements using a four-point, forced choice scale (strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, strongly disagree).

Those who strongly agree with all four statements are categorized as having evangelical beliefs.

• The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.

• It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.

• Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin • Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.