2021/November/25

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • NOVEMBER 25, 2021

TOGETHER AS

115TH ANNUAL MEETING OF OKLAHOMA

BAPTISTS AFFIRMS FISHER, DISPLAYS UNITY

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CO N T E N T S : Page 2 | News & Trends Lifeway Research: Most churches find financial stability in 2021 >> AARON EARLS

Pastors’ Conference emphasizes worship and preaching the Word

Celebration and documentary mark Del City, First Southern’s 70th Anniversary

>> CHRIS DOYLE

>> CHRIS FORBES

Oklahoma Baptists Pastors’ Conference President Nick Atyia found a fitting way to emphasize the event’s theme. At the end of the morning session, on Nov. 15, he led all attendees in singing the Doxology.

The theme for the Pastors’ Conference was “From Whom All Blessings Flow,” a passage found in Psalm 150 and also a key lyric in the Doxology, a well-known benediction for worship services.

DEL CITY—Del City, First Southern celebrated a milestone 70th anniversary Nov. 5 in an evening celebration hosted in the church’s worship center. The well-attended event featured times of praise and worship, a documentary movie detailing the history of the congregation and testimonies from pastors and leaders, past and present.

A 70-minute documentary was shown, portraying a detailed history of the church.

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Page 3 | Voices Just Joe: Life lessons of frogs and snakes >> JOE LIGON

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Farmer and cowman >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: State patrol gloves >> WALKER MOORE

Page 9 | People & Church News Wilson recieves Distinguished Service Award, Church History & Hall of Fame honors also recognized >> CHRIS DOYLE

Page 10 | Church Toolbox Keeping your church focused on Christ during Advent >> RYAN SMITH

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I N I S T RY GOSPEL M

ENDS NEWS & TR

Lifeway Research: Most churches find financial stability in 2021 >> by Aaron Earls

LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES WRITER

NASHVILLE (BP)—Emerging from the pandemic, most churches don’t seem to be underwater financially, but many are treading water.

Around half of U.S. Protestant pastors say the current economy isn’t really having an impact on their congregation, according to a Lifeway Research study. The 49 percent who say the economy is having no impact on their church marks the highest percentage since Lifeway Research began surveying pastors on this issue in 2009.

Almost 2 in 5 pastors (37 percent) say the economy is negatively impacting their congregation, while 12 percent say the economy is having a positive impact.

Both positive and negative numbers are down from September 2020, when 48 percent said the economy was hurting their congregation and 15 percent said it was helping. The last time fewer pastors than this year said the economy is playing a positive role for their church was May 2012.

The two years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2018 and 2019, mark the only two times in the survey’s more than 12-year history that more pastors said the economy was having a positive impact than a negative one.

“Most churches are taking a deep breath financially following the uncertainty of the height of the pandemic,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While the official recession ended quickly in April 2020, economic growth has been uneven, and few churches are feeling actual E I Npoint.”

O NatLthis positive impacts from economy EW Nthe T N ENT Giving CLUSIVE CO EB-EXrebound W After many churches faced budget shortfalls and decreased giving in 2020, 2021 saw most churches meet their budget and stop the decline in giving.

Seven in 10 pastors say offering levels at least met the budget this year. Almost half of churches (48 percent) say the giving at their church has been INFO about what they budgeted, while 22N percent say it TIO A PUBLIC is higher than budgeted.

Around a quarter of pas-

IONS & S S I M tors (27 percent) say they didn’t make budget I N I S T RY with their givingM levels.

Similarly, most churches say their 2021 offering so far matched or exceeded what they received during 2020. More than 2 in 5 pastors (42 percent) say it’s the same as last year. Three in 10 (31 percent) say the offering in 2021 is above 2020’s. Fewer than 1 in 4 L (22Bpercent) OX O O T H C say they’re behind last year’s giving levels.

HUR C “We see great improvement in the number of churches with a downward trend in giving,” McConnell said. “A year ago, more than a third of churches had seen giving decline, and 13 percentage points fewer say so today. Some of those churches may still be working to get back to 2019 levels, but the number D Sdeclining I F I Ewith ASS C Laround income is back the historic norm.”

When asked about the specific percentage change from last year to this, 3 in 4 pastors (74 percent) say it is at or above 2020’s offering, including 47 percent who say it is the same, 9 percent who say it is up from 1 percent to 9 percent, 15 percent who say giving is up from 10 percent to 24 E Sthe offering at their percent, and 3 percent I C say Owho V church has gone up by 25 percent or more.

Still, other pastors note a further decline in giving since 2020. For 3 percent, offering dropped by less than 10 percent. Another 11 percent say it fell 10 percent to 24 percent. Around 1 in 14 churches (7 percent) say giving decreased by 25 percent or more since 2020.

“Churches where the financial news is bad, it tends to be really bad,” McConnell said. “Among churches with offerings below 2020, the declines are typically steep, double-digit declines in yearover-year giving. These churches are having to radically rethink their ministry.”

Trouble areas While most pastors saw giving bounce back after 2020, others in some demographics continued to struggle with the economic fallout of the pandemic.

In recent years, African American pastors have been more likely to say the economy was having

Week of Prayer: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering imb.org/lmco

JAN 13

Singing Churchmen Concert 7-8:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

JAN 16

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

oklahomabaptists.org/erlc/life

JAN 16-17

Youth Evangelism Conference

Falls Creek Conference Center oklahomabaptists.org/yec

SIV WEB-EXCLU JAN 16

First person: I’m asking for it

6-7:30 p.m.

Lawton, Cameron oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

International Mission Board president Paul Chitwood offers his thoughts on the current status of IMB and makes an appeal to readers for more Southern Baptist churches to support this year’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert

JAN 20

Oklahoma Baptists Youth Ministry Network Meeting 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Stillwater, Eagle Heights skopos.org/okymmeetings

JAN 20

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

Enid, Emmanuel oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

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

PAUL CHITWOOD | NOV 15

PUBLICATIO

N INFO

Tennessee governor helps dedicate Psalm 139 ultrasound machineT S

EVEN

TOM STRODE | NOV 18

For Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, partnering with the Psalm 139 Project in the placement of ultrasound machines at pregnancy resource centers in the state is one manifestation of what he describes as a long-standing desire. Speaking Friday, Nov. 12, in Jackson, Lee told an audience gathered at the Birth Choice center for the dedication of an ultrasound machine, “One of the most important pieces of my job is to protect the lives of individuals in Tennessee... But there’s no one in our state that’s more vulnerable than the unborn.”

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

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PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

LT U R E NE WS & CU a negative impact on their congregation. In 2021, they were less likely than their white counterparts to say the economy was a neutral force for their church (39 percent to 51 percent).

N N UA L A African American pastors are also more likely than O G INF E E TinI N white pastors to say their 2021 was lower Mgiving than budgeted (43 percent to 25 percent). Specifically, they are 3.5 times more likely than white pastors to say their offering was down by 25 percent or more (21 percent to 6 percent).

Mainline Protestant churches are faring worse financially than evangelical ones. Mainline pastors are more likely than evangelical pastors to say their 2021 giving has been lower than budgeted (32 percent to 24 percent). Pastors at mainline churches are also more likely than those at evangelical congregations to say their giving is below 2020’s levels (26 percent to 20 percent).

“Mainline and African American churches were slower to resume in-person worship services amid the pandemic,” McConnell said. “This reduced faceto-face contact appears to have impacted in N L I N Egiving these churches.” N E W O T N E T SIVE CON LUlifewayresearch.com.

For more information WEB-EXCvisit

NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

EVENTS NOV 28-DEC 5

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

November 25, 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: 40,221. 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. November 25, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 21.

Member, Baptist Press News, Christian Newspaper Association, Evangelical Press Association, Oklahoma Press Association.

EVENTS

MESSENGER STAFF

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

VOICES

A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

Just Joe: Life lessons with frogs and snakes Joe Ligon Oklahoma Baptists’ Senior Associate Executive Director @marlowpreacher

I grew up hunting and fishing. My best friends were also the outdoor type. As a result, we were always shooting something, catching something, traipsing around in the woods or trapping something. We were convinced if civilization came to an abrupt end, we would survive without any problem. After all, country boys will survive.

One summer night, between our junior and senior year in high school, we went to a flood control lake that was just chock full of bullfrogs. The temptation of having a mess of frog legs was just too great. For the uninitiated among you, frog legs are an incredible delicacy. Chicken only wishes it could taste like frog legs.

My two buddies, Brad and Wayne, and I procured a johnboat, an electric trolling motor, a couple of frog gigs, and a spotlight that was made from the headlight of an old Chevrolet pickup. We also had a couple of burlap bags to put the frogs in.

The plan was ingenious. The guy in the front of the boat ran the gig, and the guy in the middle of the boat would spotlight the frogs. When you spotlight a frog, he freezes and that allows you to get close enough to gig him. The guy in the back of the boat ran the trolling motor to maneuver the boat to the bullfrog, so the man in the front of the boat could deploy the gig and harvest said frog.

It wasn’t long before we had a sack full of frogs.

We were actually talking about going home, but

Wayne, who was running the light, spotted a big old bullfrog sitting on the bank underneath a willow tree. I began to expertly drive the boat toward the frog. Brad, who was in the front of the boat, readied his gig. About the time the nose of the boat touched the bank and Brad gigged the frog, we all heard it.

No one said anything about what we heard, but we all heard it—the rustling of willow leaves. It was the unusual movement of willow branches. It immediately set off something deep within me. It was a primal response to a known but unseen threat.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. My nostrils flared. My eyes widen. My feet were screaming, “Run!” This was a threat as old as humanity, and Brad, Wayne and I immediately and simultaneously knew we were in grave danger.

Unbeknownst to us, a snake was in that willow tree. When we pulled in to take the frog, the snake unwound his evil self from the branches and fell into the boat. Brad stepped out onto the shore, while Wayne and I both jumped out of the boat. We were suddenly standing in chest deep water.

I have always had a healthy fear of snakes. Okay, I have always had an unhealthy fear of snakes. They scare the bejibbers out of me. If I had been in the Garden of Eden, I would have either run off and left Eve with that snake, or I would have found a club, a gun, a jousting pole that was at least 10 feet long, or a nuclear weapon of some sort and obliterated that talking snake. Either way, Satan would have had to have shown up as something other than a snake if I were going to fall to his temptation.

And now there was this stupid snake. Without much effort, he was the sole owner of a johnboat, an electric trolling motor, a spotlight made from the

headlight of an old Chevrolet pickup, a frog gig, and a sack full of frogs. Although I wasn’t certain, I was pretty sure it was a coppermouthrattlemocassin.

The question was what we were going to do. We could swim back to the truck, drive home, and try to convince our parents that Sasquatch had thrown us out of the boat and stolen all of our stuff. We could shoot the snake. (Yes, we had a couple of guns with us. Don’t you?) Of course, that could have left some undesirable holes in the bottom of the boat, which is not the part of the boat that you want undesirable holes in. We could try to beat the snake with boat paddles until we could throw his limp, lifeless body out of the boat. Of course, that could have irritated the snake, and if we didn’t kill him with the first hit, he could have flown out of the boat and bit me on the face.

The worst thing was, while we were trying to decide how to regain ownership of our boat and frog gigging enterprise, that stupid snake just lay there in the bottom of the boat next to that sack of our frogs sticking his tongue out at us. Stupid snake.

We decided on the “beat him to death with boat paddles.” And we did. And then we beat him some more because you never know when one of those things might spring back to life, fly through the air and bite you on the face or something. So, we showed him.

Here are a couple of life lessons for you. One, be careful where you drive your boat or your car or your truck. Your location always has an impact on your temptation. Two, be careful who you let in your boat or your car or your truck. I’m talking about the stupid snake here, not Wayne and Brad.

Your proximity to evil is connected to the potential of upheaval. Three, don’t shoot holes in the bottom of your boat.

Sword & trowel: Farmer and cowman Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

“Oh, the farmer and the cowman should be friends, Oh, the farmer and the cowman should be friends. One man likes to push a plough, The other likes to chase a cow, But that’s no reason why they cain’t be friends.”

These catchy song lyrics from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, “Oklahoma!” still resonate with us today, even as America is seeing an ever-increasing trend of warring factions and groups who cannot seem to get along.

Evidence of this increasing division can be seen in serious matters like racial division, to everyday matters like politics, to less-serious matters like sports teams. Sadly, this noticeable and growing division has found its way into the church today. From Sunday School classes to worship services, we find ourselves continually divided.

Unity is vital for any organization to thrive. Quoting the Bible, Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided cannot stand.” Truly a divided house will fall, and that is partly why we see crumbling among evangelical Christians today. Perhaps Southern Baptists are the chief.

Fortunately, Jesus anticipated this kind of division, which was seen even in the early days of the church. Consider how Jesus prayed for His disciples and also us. He prayed “that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21).

The supernatural move of God is what most brings people together in Jesus Christ, people who would never otherwise be united. We also see that Christians who are serving together and worshipping together tend to fight less and be more united.

One preacher said, “When the fishermen aren’t fishing, they are fussing.” Perhaps the reason we see so many unhappy divisions today is that we are not busy enough.

Oh sure, Facebook and other social media give us the impression we are busy. But if you stop to consider how much time people spend on screens and

behind keyboards today, it’s staggering when compared to how much time people spend praying, in the Word and serving.

The kind of unity the church needs today was on full display at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists. In a powerful worship service on Nov. 15, we saw Oklahoma Baptists from various ethnic and language backgrounds lead in a powerful time of worship. As Oklahoma Baptists came together in unity to unanimously approved Todd Fisher as the new executive director-treasurer, unity was on display. And as we heard reports of missions and ministry work going on across the state and world, unity was shown by our mission.

We, of course, don’t desire unity merely for unity’s sake. We desire it for the glory of God, and, to quote Jesus, “that the world may believe.”

A lot is a stake in this matter of unity and getting along. So, in a day and age that rewards agitators and malcontented people, be a unifier. Be a person of peace, one action, one day at a time.

If the farmer and cowman can be friends here in Oklahoma, surely God’s people can come together in a shared message and on mission. Surely we can, by God’s grace, come together as one.

Voices | November 25, 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 PState patrol gloves ORTS & T N TA I N M E

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY Walker Moore

Author & Messenger columnist Email | moorewalker51@gmail.com @WalkerDeanMoore

O O L B OX CHURCH T I am the oldest of four boys. The next to the oldest of these four boys is my brother Gary.

Gary has spent most of his life in law enforcement and recently retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He has had many positions, but the one I getI the E D Sjoy out of hearing about I most F S S A L C was the 13 years he served as head of the security detail for the governor. His job was to organize and plan security not only for the governor but also for his family.

Gary was about as serious as a pit bull when it came to his job. I was in Amsterdam when Gov. Mel Carnahan of Missouri died in a plane accident, and I E S weren’t sure if my brother was got a call saying I C they O V with him or not. I had to wait until I landed back in the U.S. to get the word that he went in advance to St. Louis to set up security for the presidential debate and was all right.

As serious as he was about his job, when he was off duty, you might have found him performing comedy at a banquet or party. He recently sent my grandsons an envelope full of cockleburs. He told them they were rare porcupine eggs, and they should take them to school for show-and-tell.

ENTER

When Gary was in uniform, people often complimented him on his gloves. He would talk about how wonderful these gloves were: the quality, strength of stitching and comfort were off the charts. He would let those who asked about the & gloves try themPon, theEreaction was always E OandP L S nice these the same: They couldn’t believe how NEW H C R U H C gloves were.

He would tell them these were his Missouri State Highway Patrol gloves, and they would ask how they might obtain such a pair. He told them gloves like these could go as high as $65, which they thought was a bargain, often asking if he could get them a pair.

LT U R E U C & S W E N The word got around about these incredible gloves, and more requests came in. My brother is very generous, almost to a fault, and he would always say he could get them a pair. When he delivered the gloves and the recipient tried to pay for them, he told them no, the gloves were a gift from him.

You can imagine how U A Lreacted to getting N Npeople A such a wonderful pair of gloves FaOgift from my I Nasend G one E T I Nfrom brother. HeM hasEfriends of the state to the other.

Even though he is retired, people still ask him if he can obtain those special Missouri State Highway Patrol gloves. He shakes his head sadly, letting them know he has retired and is no longer with the state of Missouri. Each one is disappointed to learn he no longer has a connection with his former job.

At this point, he tells them, “You need to know something about these gloves. You will be happy to

know that you can get them yourself. I have bought all these gloves from the local dollar store.”

Yes, he told them they were his State Highway Patrol gloves. He had another pair for lawn work and another pair for working on the car. But he never told them they were issued by the state of Missouri.

These were just the gloves he set aside to wear when he was on duty.

That is what the enemy does. He takes something cheap and hawks it as the best. “Just try them; see how they feel. They look so good on you. You will …” and then the enemy adds to his lies.

The bait and switch scheme started in the garden when the evil one approached Eve. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5), the serpent told her.

She took a bite, Adam took a bite, and everyone since then has been born in sin and need a savior.

Oh, it looks good; that is the ploy of Satan: oversell and underdeliver. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14).

Jesus will never deceive you. He will never oversell. When He offers you peace, it is the peace that passes all understanding. When He offers hope, it is true hope. Every one of Jesus’ promises comes with a 100 percent guarantee, and no one has filed a claim that He has deceived them. Trust Him, and you will never be disappointed.

I hear there is a supply shortage coming our way this year. If you’re looking for a nice pair of gloves for someone, I might know where you can get them.

Shine: The ‘ONE’ emphasis Alan Quigley Oklahoma Baptists’ Associate Executive Director Church Resources Group @AlanQuigley1

On Nov. 15, Oklahoma Baptists gathered to do something historic. We confirmed Todd Fisher as the 10th executive director-treasurer of our convention.

That night, he walked us through Eph. 4:1-6 and called us to be one in Christ. It was an exceptional call to unify around Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.

While I’m certain every person in the room readily accepted the challenge, I’m just as certain that most went back to churches which were divided by a multitude of issues that were keeping them from being “one.” It’s not that the members weren’t willing to accept the challenge; they just hadn’t heard the call. The harsh reality is that many things give opportunity for divisions in the local church. A clear call for unity is needed today.

Most churches are not intentionally walking away from Christ or His call to make disciples; they have just allowed things to jar them out of focus. You and I can easily allow our lives to lose focus, just as a whole congregation can lose focus. We lose focus when peripheral things become larger than the main thing.

Have you ever tried to take a picture with an auto focus camera and gotten a distorted image because the camera focused on something other than the item that you really were trying to photograph? This usually happens because something was closer to the camera than the item you were trying to photograph.

COVID, vaccines, masks and mandates have demanded space in our church discussions, and often they have become so divisive that they take all the energy of the church away from advancing the

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Gospel because we are trying to find unity amid the immediate crisis.

Unity seldom comes when we focus on peripheral issues.

Unity only comes when we focus on Christ and His mission.

Pastors from across Oklahoma have expressed a need for their churches to unify. Therefore, Oklahoma Baptists have designed a five-week emphasis called “ONE” that pastors can use to call their church to unify around Christ and to make disciples. The emphasis is intentionally undated, so a church can use it at any time that best fits their schedule.

Just as the messengers at our annual meeting were called to unify, each pastor can use this emphasis to call his church to unify in Christ to make disciples using the Eph. 4:1-6 passage that was used

by Dr. Fisher when he challenged the messengers. The emphasis will bring your church together for the purpose of re-focusing on Christ and our mission. This begins by prayerfully walking your church through five focal themes: Repentance (1 John 1:9), Harmony (Phil. 2:14), Partnership (Rom. 12:1-8), Rejoicing (Rom. 12:12) and Reliance (Prov. 3:5-7).

Pastors, you will be given a five-week sermon series from Philippians 4 in an outline format with presentation slides and a worship set list. You will be given five small group lessons from Ephesians 3-4. These lesson plans will be age specific for children through adults.

Each lesson will have discussion questions as well. Plus, you will receive 25 daily devotions for your families to use at home. The outcome will be a church renewed around Christ and our mission.

The materials will be available during the Advance Conference at Moore, First on Jan. 24-25. There will be a breakout on Tuesday the 25th to outline the material and how it could be used in your church. The material will also be available online at the Oklahoma Baptists web page after the Advance Conference.

Let’s all pray together that God will remove the peripheral issues and re-focus His church on Christ and the mission!

Good News Neighborhoods

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

FOR OUR

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

2021 Annual Meeting features special events and fellowships 1

PEOPLE & EWS Tuesday meals (below) CHURCH N

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

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1) Comanche-Cotton Association director of missions Troy Taylor, left, is the incoming Oklahoma Association of Directors of Missions president and receives the gavel from outbound OKADOM president Charlie Cruce of Tulsa MetroD The ceremony was a part of the Director of MissionsU lunRE S I E Association.

U LaTreport S & Cgives 2) Don Williams, Oklahoma state Disaster Relief C L A S S I Fcheon; E Wdirector, N during the Chaplain luncheon; 3) Oklahoma Baptist youth ministers enjoy a meal and fellowship; 4) Adam Greenway, president of Southwestern Seminary, speaks to alumni and guests during a luncheon hosted by the seminary.

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A N N UA L NFO MEETING I

VOICES

Monday meals (above) 3

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1) Todd Fisher, new executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists, speaks during the African American Pastors Luncheon; 2) Chris Wall, pastor of Owasso, First, gives a report during the Missions Dinner. Wall is a board member of the International Mission Board; 3) Students and guests enjoy attending the Robert Haskins School of Christian Ministry dinner; 4) Oklahoma Baptist University alumni and guests connect during the OBU Reception.

MISSIONS VOLUNTEER TIES

O

Sam’s Best Buys variety store

PPORTUNI

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—405/691-7781 Edmond—405/341-3606 Madill—580/564-2218 Owasso—918/272-2233

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Feb. 5—Disaster Relief Orientation, Altus, Martha Road March 10-12—Chaplain Manual & OSFA Training, Baptist Building Visit okdisasterhelp.org for the most recent information and to register.

Winter Wear for Family and Workers

Winter Clothes & Gear for workers

Ski gear & Head Gear available 2409 S. AGNEW AVE. 73108 OKC, ok OPEN tues. - SAT. 9AM to 5:30 PM Closed SUN. & Mon. (405) 636-1486

Campers on Mission: Campers on Mission is a fellowship of Christian campers who work on projects in Oklahoma and across the U.S. Email pjones@oklahomabaptists. org for more information.

What’s the latest from Carpenter Bus?

8 Year UNLIMITED Mileage Coverage!

Pray for Oklahoma Missionaries:

Danny Toombs Pray for Danny Toombs, Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at Cameron University in Lawton.

Drake Bendabout

Kevin Russell

Pray for Drake Bendabout, Pray for Kevin Russell, Baptist Collegiate Ministry director of missions in East director at Murray State Central Association.

College in Tishomingo.

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

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Missions & ministry | November 25, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Together as ‘ONE’: 115th Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists affirms Fisher, display unity /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

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1) Todd Fisher delivers his inaugural address as executive director-treasurer; 2) Fisher leads a Call to Prayer during the Tuesday afternoon session. >> PHOTOS: TONY DILLARD

>> by Staff More than 700 Oklahoma Baptist messengers gathered Nov. 15-16 at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills for the 115th Annual Meeting, which was of historic importance. On Monday evening, messengers unanimously voted to approve Todd Fisher as the new executive director-treasurer and held a special installation service.

Under the Annual Meeting theme of “ONE,” Oklahoma Baptists came together in unity through times of preaching, prayer, ministry reports and other convention business. Oklahoma Baptists from across the state attended the annual meeting, with 727 registered messengers from more than 300 churches, in addition to others in attendance.

Todd Fisher affirmed as executive director-treasurer Fisher was presented to messengers during the opening session by executive director search committee chairman, Michael Staton, who pastors Mustang, First. With his approval by messengers, Fisher, who has served as pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel since 2003, becomes the 10th executive director-treasurer in state convention history.

As part of the installation service, a charge was delivered by Nick Johnson, pastor of Lindsay, First.

Johnson said, “Another chapter will be completed in the history of Oklahoma Baptists. There will never be another 10th executive director-treasurer.”

He charged Fisher to pay attention to his conduct, his calling and his personal integrity.

In identifying Fisher’s role with Oklahoma Baptists, Johnson said Fisher “is not a pope. He is not a bishop. He is not a boss of Oklahoma Baptists. However, he is the individual God has called to lead us in our cooperative efforts.”

Johnson said Fisher is to conduct himself not in isolation but one who is with the people, available to Oklahoma Baptists, especially pastors.

Johnson gave Oklahoma Baptists a similar charge to pay attention to conduct, calling and integrity. “We must be people of humility, not people of pride,” he said.

“May our integrity also be grounded in our unity,” Johnson continued. “Our convention cannot and will not stand if we start fighting one another instead of fighting sin. Our convention cannot stand if we make it about denominational politics instead of advancing the Gospel.”

“I have never been more proud than to be an Oklahoma Baptist.”

Following the charge, messengers spent time in prayer, laying hands on Fisher and his wife Jamy in prayer.

Fisher points to unity around message, mission In his inaugural address as executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, Fisher preached from Eph. 4:1-6, which the Annual Meeting’s theme

>> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE The

2022 Oklahoma Baptists officers include, from left, Chris Wall, president; Andy Finch, first vice president; and Trey Graham, second vice president.

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“One” referenced, and shared what will be his commitments to Oklahoma Baptists.

“Look at our culture today,” Fisher said. “We are so confused about so many things. This is why we need the truth of the Scripture to give us what is God’s truth about the sanctity of human life, the sanctity of marriage, gender sexuality and the evil of racism.

“Pastor, if you are a shepherd in this room, feed your people this Book (holding up his Bible).

“With unity, we show a lost world the power of the Gospel.” Fisher said he heard from Oklahoma Baptists, encouraging him in his new role to “help keep our state unified. Keep us out of the weeds, and keep us out of the ditches. And help us keep our focus on the main thing.”

He said the focus of Oklahoma Baptists needs to be missions, the Great Commission, the spreading of the Gospel, the reaching of communities in every corner of the state. He also emphasized church planting, church revitalization and discipleship practiced in churches.

“Our calling is to engage the culture with the Gospel of Jesus,” Fisher emphasized.

Also during his executive director’s address, Fisher said one of his first actions as executive director would be to work with the new officers and the board of directors to form as Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force, which would focus on creating best practices in preventing sexual abuse in Oklahoma Baptist churches and ministry contexts, as well as how to care for abuse survivors.

With this action, Oklahoma Baptists becomes one of numerous state conventions to form a task force of special committee to addressing the pressing issue of sexual abuse.

‘One’ Choir, sermons uplift The theme of the 2021 Annual Meeting of ‘ONE’ focused on the unity believers have in Jesus Christ. Prior to Fisher’s executive director’s address Monday evening, a special time of worship featuring multi-ethnic, multi-lingual choirs were on display. Choirs from Asian, Native American, African American and Hispanic affinity groups each had vocal groups leading in worship. The worship time culminated in a mass choir of all groups coming together for a newly commission song, led by Randy Lind, worship and music ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists.

The two other featured preachers were Michael Butler, pastor of Chickasha, First, who had been serving as convention president and presided over the annual meeting and Moore, First Pastor Charlie Blount.

In his president’s address on Tuesday morning, Butler spoke about how Christians can persevere in trials and suffering. Preaching out of Phil. 1:27-30, he said, “May we stand firm, strive together and suffer well knowing that fruit grows in the valley.”

Blount delivered the Annual Meeting Sermon on Tuesday afternoon, speaking toward the power of

>> PHOTO: CHRIS DOYLE Native Praise, led by Augusta Smith,

sang Amazing Grace in Cherokee and then invited Oklahoma Baptists to join them in singing the hymn in English.

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

the Gospel to reconcile people and to reach people for Christ. Preaching out of John 13-17, Blount called attention to Jesus’ actions of praying for the unity of believers and for serving.

“If we want to be how God truly wants us to be, we need to learn to be servants,” Blount said. “Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. Here Jesus is showing us how truly important service is.”

Videos of the Annual Meeting sermons will be available in coming days online at oklahomabaptists.org/annualmeeting.

Officer elections, convention business, reports & more Messengers to the 2021 Annual Meeting elected three officers during the Tuesday morning session.

Chris Wall, pastor of Owasso, First, was elected to a term as state convention president. Andy Finch, pastor of Choctaw, First, was elected first vice president; and Trey Graham, pastor of Midwest City, First, was elected second vice president. All three ran unopposed and were approved by acclamation.

During the Annual Meeting, messengers approved reports from the Nominating Committee, the Finance Committee, in addition to hearing various ministry reports from the state convention.

The Board of Directors report also was approved, which summarizes key state convention business, including “that the 2022 Cooperative Program allocation be distributed 43 percent Southern Baptist Convention, 42 percent Oklahoma Baptists and 15 percent Affiliates,” which is the current distribution formula. The 2022 Cooperative Program objective is set at $24 million.

The annual meeting also featured reports the four affiliate presidents—Oklahoma Baptist University President Heath Thomas; Baptist Village Communities President Bill Pierce; Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children President Greg McNeece; and Robert Kellogg, CEO and President of WatersEdge Ministry Services (formerly the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma). WatersEdge was recognized for its 75th anniversary and key ministry accomplishments.

On Tuesday afternoon, the 2021 Resolutions Committee presented a report, featuring eight resolutions. Presenters included Committee Chair Owen Nease, who is pastor of Oklahoma City, Emmaus. Resolution topics included: “On Praying for the Executive Director-Treasurer”; “On Recognition of 75 years of Ministry by WatersEdge”; “On Biblical Unity”; “Praying for and Ministering to Persecuted Believers and Churches”; and “On Abortion and the Sanctity of Human Life.”

An amendment to the resolution on abortion was approved by messengers, calling for the abolition of abortion. Other topics included: “On Responding to Sexual Abuse and Caring for Victims”; “For Advancing the Gospel Amid Challenges.”

The 2022 Annual Meeting is set for Nov. 14-15, 2022, at Mustang, First.

Nick Johnson delivers the charge to Todd Fisher and messengers during Fisher’s installation as executive director-treasurer. >> PHOTO: TORI HAMILTON

Pastors’ Conference emphasizes worship and preaching the Word >> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

Oklahoma Baptists Pastors’ Conference President Nick Atyia found a fitting way to emphasize the event’s theme. At the end of the morning session, on Nov. 15, he led all attendees in singing the Doxology.

The theme for the Pastors’ Conference was “From Whom All Blessings Flow,” a passage found in Psalm 150 and also a key lyric in the Doxology, a well-known benediction for worship services.

With two sessions at Oklahoma City, Southern Hills, the Pastors’ Conference featured, as speakers, Andy Finch, pastor of Choctaw, First; Brett Selby, regional ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists; and Kelvin Moseley, missions and staff care pastor at Asheville, N.C., Biltmore in the morning session.

H.B. Charles, Jr., pastor of Jacksonville, Fla., Shiloh Metropolitan, and Michael Staton, pastor of Mustang, First, spoke in the afternoon session.

Andy Finch Finch opened the Pastors’ Conference with his message expanding on the meaning of worship, which he said can be more than the music portion of a church service.

“While it is obviously true Andy Finch that we can and should worship God in song, worship is so much more than just music,” Finch said. “As I understand, worship is anything we do that engages all of who we are to recognize, revere and revel in and praise God for all He’s worth.”

Emphasizing Rom. 12:1-2, Finch elaborated on how people should consider worshipping God in their lives.

“Everything that we are, all that we do and everything we say at all times, in all places should worship God,” he said. “Our whole lives are a spiritual act of worship, and that especially includes the preaching of God’s Word.”

Brett Selby Selby addressed the importance of spiritual renewal in churches. Basically, he said “spiritual renewal is our Brett Selby greatest need.”

Quoting Mack Roark, former OBU professor and pastor, Selby said, “You outgrow some of your sins. You just get too old for them. But you never outgrow your sin.”

He then emphasized how churches find spiritual renewal. He said it comes with loving God supremely.

“Either we love God supremely,” he said, “or we love an idol. To sum up the idols that people love today, there’s probably four.” Selby stated the four idols were approval, comfort, control and power.

Kelvin Moseley Moseley delivered a message that emphasized finding rest that Jesus gives, according to Matt.

11:28-30. He challenged pastors and conference attendees to learn how to get “real rest,” Kelvin Moseley and he pointed out that “being with Jesus is more important than serving Jesus.”

On the command of taking the yoke that Jesus offers, Moseley said this is a call to discipleship, which he said means to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus.

“Any yoke other than the yoke of Jesus leads to bondage,” he said.

Moseley concluded with offering his testimony of recovering from addictions that caused him to step away from serving in full-time ministry. But thankfully, God allowed him to return to serve in ministry, and he said, “God has given me a message. It’s a message of hope.”

H.B. Charles, Jr. Preaching from 2 Tim. 3-4, Charles challenged pastors to be committed to preaching the Word of God. “Every pastor of every church will find himself at H.B. Charles a fork in the road,” he said.

“You have to make the decision to follow the truth or follow the times.”

Charles pointed out how Paul’s instructions to Timothy are relevant to today, especially as listeners “turn away from hearing the truth,” as emphasized in 2 Tim. 4:4. He said, “Faithful ministry requires steadfast confidence in God’s Word.”

Charles elaborated on the importance for preachers to preach the Word of God, regardless of circumstances at their churches.

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE The 2022 Pastors’ Conference offi-

cers, from left, Tiller Watson, president; Brad Graves, first vice-president; and Joe Sanders, second vice president.

“Preach the Word!” he exclaimed. “Be ready in season, out of season; if they shout or if they sleep; if they say ‘Amen’ or doze off; if they give you a raise or put you out. Preach the Word!”

Michael Staton Staton was the final preacher at the Pastors’ Conference, speaking on a passage in Habakkuk 3.

He said pastors and church leaders today could relate to Habakkuk who had “a weary Michael Staton heart and a crushed spirit.”

He encouraged attendees to follow the model of surrender that Habakkuk observed. He said believers should still enjoy salvation and the strength that Christian believers possess.

“My dear weary pastor,” Staton said, “do your people know of you that you have something that no pandemic can steal? Do your people know that you have something burning deep within your soul that cannot be put on a resume? Some of you pastor churches, and people don’t know who you are, and you feel like you’re obscure, and you wonder sometimes, ‘Does anybody know that I’m here?’

The only One Who counts knows where you are!”

New officers The Pastors’ Conference concluded with electing new officers. Tiller Watson, pastor of Tulsa, St. Paul, will serve as president of the 2022 Pastors’ Conference. Brad Graves, pastor of Ada, First, was elected first vice-president and will also be president-elect for the 2023 Pastors’ Conference. Joe Sanders, pastor of Hydro, First, was elected second vice president.

Celebration and documentary mark Del City, First Southern’s 70th Anniversary >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

DEL CITY—Del City, First Southern celebrated a milestone 70th anniversary Nov. 5 in an evening celebration hosted in the church’s worship center.

The well-attended event featured times of praise and worship, a documentary movie detailing the history of the congregation and testimonies from pastors and leaders, past and present.

A 70-minute documentary was shown, portraying a detailed history of the church. The film, which was produced by the church, featured interviews of First Southern members who recalled favorite memories and told stories about church leaders. The documentary was narrated by current executive and teaching pastor, Steve Russell, who is also known for his military service and time in elected office.

Through historic photos, video clips period music and interviews, the film described how the church was planted in 1951 as a mission of Oklahoma City, First and produced a number of noteworthy leaders over the years.

The film recounted how John Bisagno (1934 -2018) was a Dixieland jazz trumpeter, when he became a follower of Christ in 1952. He accepted a call to ministry and served as a music evangelist until serving as pastor of the church from 1965-1970.

“By 1969 the church had grown more in four years than the previous 14 years,” the documentary narrative said. Bisagno was called to Houston, Texas, First, where he served from 1970 to 2000.

The film featured James Draper who served as pastor from 1970-1973. “During Draper’s first year, more than 1,000 people would be added to the church,” the film reports. “He served as president of the SBC’s Pastor Conference, was elected as pres-

ident of the Southern Baptist Convention in years 1982 and 1983 and served as president of Lifeway Christian Resources from 1991-2006.”

“Without a doubt this is the greatest church I ever served,” Draper said speaking of the church in an interview. “That’s no credit to me. It was that way when I got here. It has always been a strong, great fellowship with loving people.”

Bailey Smith (1939-2019) was also featured in the film. “(Smith) was called as pastor to First Southern on November 11, 1973,” the film announced.

“An evangelist at heart, Smith was the second First Southern pastor to become both president of the SBC’s Pastor’s Conference and president of the SBC (1980, 1981). Smith would serve First Southern until September 29, 1985.”

Tom Elliff was pastor of the church from 1985-2005.

“Elliff and his family served two years as missionaries in Zimbabwe, Africa, from 1981-1983,” the film reported. “He had a heart for missions and so does First Southern. Elliff was the third First Southern pastor to become both president of the SBC’s Pastor’s Conference and president of the SBC (1996, 1997). He would faithfully serve our church for nearly 20 years, until October 23, 2005. He is now our pastor emeritus.”

Speaking in person at the event, Elliff commented about the fact that the church produced many national leaders. “I will have to tell you that it is a church that prays for its leadership,” Elliff said.

The film featured the tenure of Shane Hall (19712018). “Hall would come to us with a quick wit and a love for Jesus,” the film narrator said. ”He would oversee a complete renovation of our auditorium when a broken water pipe flooded the entire facility.”

“Our beloved Pastor Hall was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2014; he had been with us less than a year. We walked with Shane through

Former Del City, First Southern pastors Tom Elliff, left, and James Draper, center, fellowship at the church’s celebration. >> PHOTO: CHRIS FORBES

his next 3 1⁄2 years as he battled this awful disease.

He never lost his sense of humor or his desire for the lost to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.”

Keith Burkhart, current pastor of the church has a long history with the church and shared his appreciation for the church body and its influence on him.

“I came to First Southern in 1976 as a junior in high school,” Burkhart explained. “I have been a part of the great landmark memories from Bailey Smith baptizing me to Tom Elliff helping me grow in Christ as a disciple. We have the rich heritage, but we are now having what I would call a rebirth. I am excited about the next generation. They are the most passionate and on fire group of people. It reminds me of our early days.”

The celebration event featured music ministers who served at First Southern over the years. James Bradford, Gary Mathena, Mitch Rayborn, Jason Henson and Colton Seamans led times of worship through music along with an anniversary choir.

Testimonies were offered by former pastors, including Tony Lambert, who pastored First Southern from 2007-13, as well as Bailey Smith’s son, Scott Smith.

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

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

A night of worship and celebration of Christmas happened at Moore, First on Nov. 4. 1) The Singing Churchmen and Singing Churchwomen performed songs from the recording of “The Majesty of Christmas” featuring more than 400 voices and instruments; 2) They were joined by the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Chorus, featured, as well as the Oklahoma Student Worship Choir; 3) Randy Lind, Oklahoma Baptists’ worship and music ministry partner, directed the evening program; 4) The audience was treated to a surprise appearance from the Oklahoma Baptist University Bison Brigade drum corps.

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS CHAFFIN DEATH. Don Chaffin, 86, died Oct. 31. Memorial service was in O M3.AOver his nearH Lubbock, Texas Nov. A L K O E H T ly 42 years in pastoral ministry, E he paIV H C R A T S I T B A Pstored churches in Oklahoma and Texas, including Rush Springs, Vimy Ridge; twice at Alex, Southern; Lawton, Immanuel; Snyder, First; Seymour, Texas, First; Guymon, First; and Gore, First. He had a heart for both local and international missions and received a special certificate of recognition from the International Mission Board for his work in far eastern countries. From 1983-2000, he served as director of Sooner Alcohol Narcotics Education (SANE) and was a guest speaker for 10 consecutive years at Falls Creek children’s camp and for nine consecutive years during the youth weeks at Falls Creek. His educational work was frequently coupled with evangelistic ministry, conducting crusades in churches all over Oklahoma and north Texas. He served on the executive board of Oklahoma Baptists and was elected first vice president of Oklahoma Baptists in 1980. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Oleta; his son, Lon; his daughter, Donna; his son, Eric; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

RYAN DEATH. David Ryan, 74, died Nov. 5. Funeral service was Nov. 9 at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. He served 12 years at the Baptist Building as a lobby greeter. He was ordained to the deacon ministry at Sapulpa, First. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Ernestine. He is survied by his wife, Diana; his sons, Kelly and Jeff; and three grandchildren.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGE JAKEB WILLOUGHBY is youth and music minister at Apache, First.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS REVIVAL REPORT. Commerce, Southeast, Nov. 7-10; two additions by baptism, four professions of faith, one rededication, one surrendering for special service or ministry. Kim Schmidt was the evangelist; Mills Family provided music; Paul Case is pastor.

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>> PHOTOS: 1) GRANT BIVENS; 2) CHRIS DOYLE 1) 1) Walter Wilson, left, receives the Distinguished Service Award

from Andy Latta; 2) Hall of Fame honors and Church History Award were celebrated at a recent luncheon during the Oklahoma Baptists Annual Meeting. Front row from left, Danny Reed, Ella Hammons, Linda Hinnen and Judi Reed Smith. Back row from left, Bob Nigh, Bill Rowland and Andy Latta.

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

Walter Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship and African American ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, received the Distinguished Service Award during the Nov. 16 afternoon session of Oklahoma Baptists’ Annual Meeting.

“I have received lots of certificates and awards, but thank you, Oklahoma Baptists for this Distinguished Service Award,” Wilson said. “It is an honor I will always cherish.”

The award was announced by Bob Nigh, Oklahoma Baptists historical secretary. Wilson received the award from Andy Latta, music minister and finance administration at Tahlequah, First, who is chairman of the Oklahoma Baptists Historical Commission.

The Historical Commission also presented two Hall of Fame induction honors posthumously and the church history award

during a luncheon on Nov. 16. Robert Hammons and Lester Reed were the new inductees into the Oklahoma Baptist Hall of Fame.

Hammons served 44 years as an Oklahoma Baptist pastor, retiring at Seminole, First in 1993. He also pastored at Checotah, Onapa; Clinton, First; and Lawton, Trinity. Hammons died in 2012. His wife, Ella Hammons, accepted his honor at the luncheon.

Reed was an evangelistic comedian known as “Les the Mess.” It was reported he averaged 120 speaking engagements a year, speaking in 40 states. Reed died in 2007. Family members, Linda Hinnen, Danny Reed and Judi Reed Smith accepted Reed’s honor at the luncheon.

Okmulgee, Calvary received the church history award. Bill Rowland, director of mission in North Canadian Association and member of Okmulgee, Calvary, accepted the award for his church.

Muskogee Association honors Haley’s 25 years of service

Wanda Haley, right, received a plaque from moderator Jeff Ward, pastor of Muskogee, Mountain View during Muskogee Association’s annual meeting. Haley has served as administrative assistant at Muskogee Association’s office for 25 years.

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

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More than 200 registered messengers attended the Great Plains Association Annual Meeting, Nov. 7, at Altus, Martha Road. Messengers participated in reports from Disaster Relief, Chaplaincy, Southwest Baptist Assembly, Falls Creek cabin, Hispanic ministry, missions, rodeo and BCM Reports for Western Oklahoma College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Sayre.

Kevin Baker, pastor at Martha Road, right, prayed for Mark Clifton from the Revitalization Team of the North American Mission Board.

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

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O O L B OX CHURCH T

Keeping your church focused ASSIFIEDS L C on Christ during Advent Let Trans-Siberian Orchestra be Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and you be the local church.

Sing the simple song of Emmanuel, God with us. There is nothing else like the message ‘Tis the season again for pastoral plan- and truth we have in Christ. Keep it simple.

VOICES ning of Christmas services, Christmas Eve Embrace tradition services, Thanksgiving services, Advent Events may be memorable, but traditions services, special holiday events, church make memories. get-togethers, not to mention the usuSome of the strongest Christmas and Advent al rhythm of Sundays that always occupy memories I have are from the traditions our loweekly pastoral planning. cal church maintained each season. From the Let’s be honest. While we love this time of simple glow of shared candle light and special year, it can be exhausting. moments for the kids, to the simple no-frills Even more than the weight of planning with version of ‘O Holy Night’ we heard sung each this season comes the deep pastoral burden year, those traditions told me that the Advent of knowing our church members are being season was special. It was marked. It was rebombarded with cacophonous calls to ma- peated because it was to be remembered. terialism, concerns about money, family tenStill today, every year, I think about going sions and all of the other temptations and bur- back to my formative home church to particidens that come with the holiday season. pate in those simple traditions which they still Despite all of the logistical concerns hold. After all, your church family traditions about your church and the Advent season, may be the only family traditions some memyou likely simply want one thing: you want bers of your church ever get to experience. your church to focus on Jesus.

Do something. It doesn’t have to be big, Here are a few ideas to consider that just consistent. Traditions can be hard to may help: break, but the right ones are easy to keep.

Keep it simple Remember sin The church down the street is shooting While it may seem uncouth to focus on elves out of laser cannons, and last year you the cross while that little baby coos so innoreally extended yourself to provide that one- cently in the manger, the Advent season is of-a-kind holiday event. So how do you top it? one of remembering the reason for the gift.

Allow me to give you a word of encour- Gifts come to us on specific occasions— agement: Don’t. Don’t try to be the biggest birthdays, anniversaries and certain accomdraw or continue to outdo yourself with big- plishments. Gifts always have context. ger and brighter. To be honest, during the Jesus came not just as a gift, but as the next month or so, everything is going to be life-saving gift without whom we would have bigger, brighter, LOUDER and on SALE!!!! If died in eternal separation from God. Our truth be told, our church members can easi- world was broken and lost in darkness. It still ly get glitz and glamour fatigue. In fact, with is. ButEChrist came to free us from sin through T Hcross. There is no cross without a manger, R O Mthe everything else going on, some of ourFbest OG S BisLno E Rthere and brightest efforts may not even register manger without a cross.

S L I N Gbut D R O W with our church members.

We celebrate Jesus because He did for us The last thing any of us need is more what we could not. Remember to share the noise. And while we certainly want more full Gospel during this season. Jesus came— people to join us as we celebrate the Ad- yes. But Jesus came to save us from our sin. vent season, as Jared Wilson notes, “What Hopefully, some of these ideas are beneficial you win them with is what you win them to you. I pray that you and your church family Y Sa joyful Thanksgiving, a meaningful to.” If you’re trying to win people with S Ahave V E will Abig, loud and bright, you’ll just have toD go big- Advent season and a reflective Christmas toger, louder and brighter to keep them. gether celebrating Jesus our Lord. >> by Ryan Smith

ASSOCIATE PASTOR, STILLWATER, EAGLE HEIGHTS

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

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

SAN C T I T Y O F H U M AN LI FE SU N DAY 2022

2021 AN N UAL M E E 2021 TING NOVEMBER 15-16, OKLAHOMA CITY, SOUTHERN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH SERMONS

Sunday, Jan. 16 marks the annual Sanctity of Human Life Sunday emphasis for churches. For videos, resources and more, visit:

Sermons from the 115th Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists will be online in coming days. Visit:

oklahomabaptists.org/life

oklahomabaptists.org/annual-meeting

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

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November 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 URE WO R D S L I N E W S & C U LT

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COMING HOME >> CARISSA JONES

Last year at this time, I was anxiously to A hear L if Y SAwaiting U A N S N E V A D my offer on a house had been accepted. I’d been search- O INF ing for more than a year at that point.

E T I N GwhethM EI questioned er I was too picky or just too impatient, and balancing optimism with realistic expectations proved challenging.

After such a long search, my optimism began slipping. I found myself making concessions. Worse than Sthat, I found I S THis P Tfulfill A B A M myself doubting God’s willingness to promises. I O H OKLA T H G I L H knew He could, but it sure didn’t seem like He would.

The RC E H IG U O S E R whole process was beginning to wear me down.

I looked at a house one night that seemed pretty decent.

Sure, it was over-priced, but what house wasn’t in that crazy market? And, yes, the neighborhood looked sketchy, but maybe I was just being judgmental. And, ok, I didn’t have a lot of peace, but that was probably just nerves.

I asked my dad if he would look at it with me. He’s a rockstar at pretty much everything, and I knew he could give me a good idea of the home’s structural soundness. He agreed. As I opened the website to show him the house, I saw a brand new listing. It looked amazing! I quickly contacted my realtor and updated my dad on the change of plans. The next day I was making an offer, and I moved in the next month.

To read the rest of Carissa’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-coming-home

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 FRIEND WANTS TO BE A TENANT Dear Dave, I own a duplex that has an opening for a ISTS B AtoP T A M tenant, and an old college buddy wants rent O H A L OK LIGH the apartment. He has always been good butT Hfriend, E Ha IG C R U O S E R I’m a little worried about the possible effects on our friendship if business is brought into the picture. Do you have any advice? —Justin Dear Justin, You can make this work, but you’ll both need to be careful. It’s going to take a lot of honesty and maturity from you both.

Doing business with friends always comes with the risk of running into a situation that can damage the relationship. Am I saying never do business with friends? Of course, not. I do a lot of business with friends. I just make sure all the specific requirements and expectations of the business relationship are laid out in clear detail, in writing, and fully understood by both parties before a deal is struck.

Sometimes friends have unrealistic expectations when it comes to doing business together. The friend who’s renting may think the friend who is the landlord will give him a pass if the rent is late, and on a dozen other things. The friend who is the landlord may think the renter will be a perfect tenant, because they’re friends, and find out the hard way his buddy’s a slob who doesn’t respect and take care of the property. All these things should be ironed out ahead of time and before the agreement is signed.

You might want to make sure, too, he understands the need to come talk to you if a situation arises where he may be late with a payment, or not be able to pay the rent one month. Most issues like this can be worked out, but he needs to understand — and it’s your job to tell him ahead of time, in a kind-but-firm manner — you’re not running a charity.

Just be friendly, straightforward and businesslike. If you have to enforce the rules, do it consistently and with fairness. Likewise, if a situation pops up where a little grace and understanding are appropriate, provide those as well. —Dave The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist Messenger and do not constitute legal financial advice.

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Rate: $1.00 per word, $25.00 per issue, minimum • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form pleted college degree & some ministry experience.

Email: jonathan@firstbaptistcarrizo.org.

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

mail resume to: 208 NE B Street, Antlers, OK 74523.

VOICES

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

>>F/T PASTOR: Ringling FBC is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email their resume to: RFBC, P.O. BOX 530, Ringling, OK 73456 or fbcringling@att.net.

EMPLOYM ENT

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC St. Louis, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Solid financial standing established in 1928. Send request for application packet toFirst Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, P.O. Box 147, St. Louis, OK 74866.

>>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.

>> MIDDLE SCHOOL/MEDIA PASTOR: FBC Madill is in search of a God-called & gifted person who enjoys MS students & understands the significance of media in the 21st Century Church. Great place to serve/ learn! Great team! Resume: staff@fbcmadill.org.

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

>>CHILDREN/RECREATION PASTOR: FBC Madill is looking for someone who is gifted by God & has a heart for children & their families & would enjoy incorporating sports/recreation into the ministry as a tool to impact children & their eternity. Resume: staff@fbcmadill.org.

>>F/T PASTOR: Southside Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Mail cover letter, resume & current sermon video to: 1223 S. Perkins Rd. Stillwater, OK, 74074 or email: southsidestillwater@gmail.com with the subject as ATTN: Pastor Search Committee.

>>DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR: First Moore is prayerfully seeking God’s man to join our team. They will be entrusted with oversight & leadership in our adult discipleship strategy.

Please send resumes to: info@firstmoore.com.

>>F/T WORSHIP PASTOR: FBC Duncan is prayerfully seeking a F/T Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: music@fbcduncan.com.

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Bethel Baptist Church, Anadarko is seeking a P/T Music Minister to lead our Sunday worship band. See the full job description on our website https://www.anadarkobethel.com/.

Email resume to: duncan@anadarkobethel.com.

>>F/T LEAD TEACHING PASTOR: Heritage Church, Shawnee, OK, is seeking a F/T Lead Teaching Pastor to minister to the members & congregation in the Shawnee area. Please submit resumes to Dr. James Wilder at: heritagechurch.office@gmail.com.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Idabel is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Parsonage & benefit package available. Send resume including personal testimony, education, experience, references & video link of sermons to: fbcidabel@sbcglobal.net.

>> BI/VO PASTOR: Hazel Dell Baptist Church, Minco, OK is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Resumes may be sent to: Hazel Dell Baptist Church, Attn: Pastoral Search Committee, P.O. Box 585, Minco, OK 73059 or via email at: jeffhacker81@yahoo.com.

>>P/T STUDENT MINISTER INTERN: Woodland Acres Baptist Church, Tulsa is seeking a Student Minister Intern to assist Pastors in leading youth & college age student ministries. Submit resumes to: office@wabc.org.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Send resume to: First Southern Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, Arcadia, OK 73007 or fsbcarcadia@yahoo.com. >>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Lead blended worship service. Adaptable skill set & leadership ability to enable worship ministry growth. Job description at: www.twelvecornersbaptistchurch.org.

Send resume & interest letter to: talodes@ou.edu. >>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Sobol, OK. Sobol Baptist Church is a small rural church seeking a Pastor with a heart for God & families as we seek to grow our church for the next generation.

Contact: debbanwhite@gmail.com.

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC Cole seeking P/T Music Minister. Send resumes to: Search Committee, FBC Cole, P.O. Box 829, Blanchard, OK 73010. Or email to: jlwfbcole@pldi.net. >> PIANIST: Highland Park Baptist Church, Edmond, seeks qualified pianist to play for worship on Sundays with our Praise Team. Commitment is 9:15am to 12:15pm. Small stipend. Contact Josh, Music Pastor at (405) 343-3836 or Joe, Pastor at (405) 414-7282. >>P/T YOUTH PASTOR: FBC Hydro is prayerfully searching for a P/T Youth Pastor. Please send resumes to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Western Avenue Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor.

Send resumes to: Search Committee, Western Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 20822, OKC, OK 73156. http://www.westernavenuebc.com/ (405) 749-0499 or email to: cherylrm@sbcglobal.net. >>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Elk City is seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates submit resumes with references to: FBCEC Pastor Search Committee, 1600 W. Country Club, Elk City, OK 73644 or fbcecpastorsearch@gmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Rural church looking for Pastor. Galey Baptist Church, 6025 St Hwy 3W, Galey OK 74820. Please send resume to: Pastor Search Committee or email to: dmount.quiver@gmail.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: BI/VO Pastor needed. Great opportunity. Parsonage provided. Beautiful facility. Growing community near Tulsa. Conservative. Committed. Soul Winner. Send Resume’ to: Search Committee, 2450 King Rd., Claremore, OK 74019 or email: tsiemens@atlasok.com. >>BI/VO OR P/T MUSIC LEADER: Western Heights Baptist Church Duncan, OK. Services are Sunday mornings & evenings, Wednesday evenings.

Please send resume to: whbcduncan@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

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

>>F/T YOUTH/WORSHIP MINISTER: FBC Carrizo Springs, TX is searching for a F/T Minister of Youth & Worship. Package is salary + house & utilities. We hope our candidates have a com-

>>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: FBC Heavener is seeking a F/T Student Pastor. Please send a resume to: hardinbrock@yahoo.com.

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

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(Isa. 28:21) 37 Executive director (abbr.)

39 Tricky 41 “Shall ___ as lions’ whelps” (Jer. 51:38) 43 Growling 46 Israel lost thirty thousand in battle (1 Sam. 4:10) 48 Test, as God did for Gideon

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1 Chinese seasoning 31 ___ 4 Dry“The stream bedsis a doctrine of vanities” (Jer.the10:8) 9 “___ them upon table of thine heart” 32 (Prov.Bush 3:3) where Hagar set her son (Gen. 21:15) 14 Terminal abbr.

33 Sibling’s daughter 15 Home 34 Harvest (Ruth 2:15) 16 Rough valley is neither ___ nor sown 35 “Bring to pass his ___”

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5117Communications Workers of of Rested, as Eli did upon seat by post America (abbr.) temple (1 Sam. 1:9) 5318Dinosaur One spoil of war (1 Sam. 14:32) 5619Chances Making a of knotwinning 57 “What aileth the people that they 20 Stone where Israelites “set down the ark” (1 ___?” (1 Sam. 11:5) 6:18) 58Sam. Columbus’s ship 22 Spoke 60 “To hearken than the fat of ___” (1 Sam. 15:22) 61 “Eli sat upon a ___” (1 Sam. 4:13) 62 Opera solo 64 “They ___ up in the morning early” (1 Sam. 1:19) 65 Region 66 Hannah brought Samuel a coat every ___ (1 Sam. 2:19) 68 Compass point (abbr.)

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

>>F/T PASTOR: Big Creek Baptist in Heavener, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested applicants should mail a cover letter & resume to: 13186 Black Fork Rd., Heavener, OK 74937 or bigcreekbaptistok@gmail.com.

Contact (918) 658-5384 & leave message. >>F/T OR P/T YOUTH MINISTER/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: FBC Calvin in Calvin, OK is seeking a called Minister of Youth/Associate Pastor. Please send resumes to: calvinbaptist1st@yahoo.com. ATTN: Search Committee. >>F/T WORSHIP LEADER/CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR: FBC Hobart is seeking a F/T combination Worship Leader & Children’s Director. Send resumes to: fbchobart@att.net. >>BI/VO WORSHIP LEADER: The Church at Norman is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Worship Leader for our Sunday morning services. Send resume to: P.O. Box 818, Norman, OK 73070 or email to: thechurchatnorman@yahoo.com. >>BI/VO PASTOR: Rural church looking for Pastor. Great opportunity & recently updated 3 bed, 2 bath parsonage provided. 11012 N. Hwy 30, Sweetwater, OK 73666. Send resume to: fbcsw2312@ gmail.com. Phone: (580) 729-6583 for inquiries. >>F/T MINISTER OF STUDENTS/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Calvary Baptist Church in Durant, OK is seeking a F/T hard-working & energetic Minister of Students/Associate Pastor. Resumes can be sent to: P.O. Box 1028, Durant, OK 74702 or can be emailed to: search@calvarydurant.org.

MIS CEL L A NEO US >>BOOK & BIBLE REPAIR & BINDING: Custom, quality craftsmanship since 1936. Hand sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 West Benedict, Shawnee, OK 74801. www. mcspaddenbookbindery.com (405) 275-7788. >>CABIN TO SHARE: Friendly church looking to share cabin at Falls Creek. We have FBC Perry under contract for week one (June 6 - 10).

The cabin is larger, newer & close to tabernacle. Please call (918) 825-3232 if interested. >>FOR SALE: 1996 Ford E350 power stroke diesel people mover. 20 passenger, tires fair, runs, automatic transmission, air needs work. $3000 or best offer. Blackgum FBC, Vian, OK. (918) 773-5431 or pritter@windstream.net.

RD

24 Pigpen 25 Proud ___ from God’s commandments (Ps. 119:21) 27 Help, as men of Shechem did for Abimelech (Judg. 9:24) 29 Godly leaders (1 Sam. 15:30) 32 Hannah did not take ___ drink (1 Sam. 1:15) 35 Lager 36 “Let us ___ the ark” (1 Sam. 4:3) 38 Lily neither ___ nor spins (Luke 12:27) 40 God “smote the men of the ___” (1 Sam. 5:9) 42 “But be ye ___ of the word” (James 1:22) 44 “Earth shall ___” (Isa. 24:20) 45 “Ashamed when he is found” (Jer. 2:26) 47 “___ not. . .a daughter of Belial” (1 Sam. 1:16) 49 Coral reef 50 Use a key 52 Fruitless, like Hannah 54 Lord “bringeth ___, and lifteth up” (1 Sam. 2:7) 55 Seed bread 56 “A man after his ___ heart” (1 Sam. 13:14) 59 Relating to the ankle bone 63 Doctor’s picture 67 Rationalism 69 Eagle’s nest 71 Unrefined metal 72 Compact 73 Pine Tree State 74 “Sand which is on the ___ shore” (1 Sam. 13:5)

75 Produce eggs 76 Canned chili brand 77 A king “will set them to DOWN 1 Plateau 2 Prod 3 Fence opening where Saul met Samuel (1 Sam. 9:18) 4 Hannah “___ in bitterness of soul” (1 Sam. 1:10) 5 Hated (1 Sam. 2:17) 6 “LORD shall reward the ___ of evil” (2 Sam. 3:39) 7 Belief 8 Fall month (abbr.)

9 Mud (2 wds.)

10 Shaft of light 11 Part of eye 12 Where Israelites fled (1 Sam. 4:10) 13 Jittery 21 “Thou hast ___ captivity captive” (Ps. 68:18) 23 Hannah wept and did not ___ (1 Sam. 1:7) 26 Game official (abbr.)

28 Entryway where women assembled (1 Sam. 2:22) 29 Tohu’s son (1 Sam. 1:1) 30 Induct (2 wds.)

31 “The ___ is a doctrine of vanities” (Jer. 10:8) 32 Bush where Hagar set her son (Gen. 21:15) 33 Sibling’s daughter 34 Harvest (Ruth 2:15) 35 “Bring to pass his ___” (Isa. 28:21)

37 Executive director (abbr.)

39 Tricky 41 “Shall ___ as lions’ whelps” (Jer. 51:38) 43 Growling 46 Israel lost thirty thousand in battle (1 Sam. 4:10) 48 Test, as God did for Gideon (Judg. 7:4) 51 Communications Workers of America (abbr.)

53 Dinosaur 56 Chances of winning 57L “What aileth the people that they ___?” (1 A G A P E A B L E N O T A N Sam. B E T E L C R OW D O N 11:5) E B E E A B Rship E A D T OW E R B R 58S Columbus’s I S E R A E A S T 60SE “To hearken than the fat of H___” (1 Sam. A D D E N O H O M A R X 15:22) S A L T R I N S E D E W E R T A aL___” Y (1 Sam. A D 4:13) O R E S U 61 “Eli satI upon S H R I N K C E D A R S P L 62S Opera solo H E E P S I H O N Y E 64T “They A morning F O B ___ SupHinEthe C Aearly” V E (1 Sam. A U T O M E E T E V I L E S 1:19) D S S H 65 RegionA D T R I GA DI D EN OL NA G R E B E T A 66A Hannah A R O brought L ESamuel N T Oa coat N G every E T ___E V E X C E L T A 2:19) R S E T H R E (1S Sam. 13: Judges 68 CompassPuzzle point (abbr.)

70 Brain wave detector (abbr.)

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FOR THE 10TH TIME IN OKL AHOMA BAPTIST HISTORY

On Nov. 15, Oklahoma Baptists affirmed and observed an installation service for Todd Fisher, making him the 10th executive director-treasurer in state convention’s history.

This Messenger archive looks back at another executive director-treasurer installation service, that of Anthony Jordan. The service took place in connection at the 91st Annual Meeting on Nov. 11, 1996, meeting at the Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

Those speaking at the installation service included Keith Russell, David Willets, Tom Elliff and Nick Garland.

In the Nov. 7, 1996 edition of the Baptist Messenger, Assistant Editor Dana Williamson wrote a story about Jordan, “Hometown Boy from Skiatook to be Installed as BGCO’s Eighth Executive Director-Treasurer.”

Jordan went on to serve 22 years before his retirement from the role.

He was followed by Hance Dilbeck, who recently stepped down to serve as president-elect of the SBC Entity, GuideStone.

On Nov. 15 of this year, prayers were lifted for Fisher, as they were for the men who preceded him in this servant-leader role.

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

Sunday, December 5 at 7 PM CANTERBURY VOICES

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405-232-7464

| Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall

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