2022/September/15 by The Baptist Messenger

>> CHRIS DOYLE

SMALL CHURCH, BIG HEART,Big Grow WALTERS, CALVARY REACHING COMMUNITY FOR CHRIST CONTENTS: Page 2 | News & Trends IMB’s ‘Together for the Nations’ event comes to Oklahoma >> STAFF Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: Is Oklahoma going to pot? >> BRIAN HOBBS Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: A good day >> WALKER MOORE Page 5 | Missions & Ministry VBS ‘sparked’ great results at Oklahoma Baptist churches >> LORI COATS Page 6 | Features Messenger ad gets churches on the same page to sharing space, ministry >> CHRIS FORBES Page 10 | Church Toolbox 8 lessons to avoid pastoral burnout >> TIM WILSON ONWARD ONWARD THE CALL CONFERENCE THE MISSION CONTINUES Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media! To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com The Call Conference focuses on >>‘Onward’movingCHRISDOYLE

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DR overcomes accident, serves St. Louis in flood recovery

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The caravan of 17 DR team members approached a con struction zone in northeast Oklahoma, started slowing down and was rear-ended by two semi-trucks.

Connect: Investing in others

SHAWNEE—“Onward” was this year’s theme of The Call Conference, which met Aug. 27 at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), and 477 attendees rep resenting 79 different church es were encouraged to move onward in the calling God has made in their lives.

>> TODD FISHER

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“God is going to continue to move His church onward,” said Brian Baldwin, who serves as student evangelism and mis sions partner for Oklahoma Bap tists.

EDMOND—Many people in the world think the greatest problem facing humani ty is natural disasters, humanitarian crises or politicalAccordingproblems.toPaul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention, “The greatest single problem in the world today is lostness.”

Oklahoma Student Worship Choir Concert

Operational Stress First Aid & Chaplain Training

E VE NTS PUBLICATION INFO N E W O N L I N E WEB EXCLUSIVE CONTENT E

>> by Staff

TOM STRODE | SEPT 1

PUBLICATION INFO N E W O N L I N E WEB-EXCLUSIVE CONTENTE

Baptist Building oklahomabaptists.org/childhood

IMB’s ‘Together for the Nations’ event comes to Oklahoma

SingingRetreatChurchmen

>> Chris Doyle | Managing Editor cdoyle@baptistmessenger.com

1-5 p.m.

MESSENGER STAFF

Oklahoma Baptist University oklahomabaptists.org/worship

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., $50

SEPT 30-OCT 1

• Leave with practical next steps and connections.

>> Chris Forbes | Staff Writer cforbes@oklahomabaptists.org

Community 94

• Network with other missions leaders from Okla homa churches; and

“The Lord brought almost 200 cadets to our meeting, and this was specifically for freshmen,” he shared.

• Discover ways to deepen their church’s involve ment in international missions;

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

SEPT 22

Ministry Wives Weekend Starts 6 p.m., $50

Attendees will also walk away from the event with specific ways for their church congregation to part ner in Great Commission work among the nations. Visit oklahomabaptists.org/together-for-nations to register. Registration deadline is Sept. 26.

As Oklahoma Baptists rally ‘together,’ the Gospel will be advanced and the greatest problem of lost ness will be addressed with Gospel efforts, all to the glory of God.

8:30 Wynnewood,a.m.-NoonFirst okdisasterhelp.org

>> Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@baptistmessenger.com

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission expressed its objections to a new policy by the website Yelp that the Southern Baptist entity said casts doubt on the medical qualifications of pregnancy resource centers. Yelp, a platform that enables consumers to find and review local businesses, announced Aug. 23 it would add a “consumer notice” for pro-life pregnancy resource centers to differentiate them from abortion clinics. VE NTS VE NTS PUBLICATION INFO

Former OU BCM leader makes an impact with The Citadel BCM SCOTT BARKLEY | AUG 26 Bronson Baker prayed for a big start to his second year of leading the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at The Citadel. The result may have been a surprise, but thanks to a dedicated group it’s not overwhelming.

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

SEPT 25

N E W O N L I N E WEB EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

President Chris Wall, who serves as pastor of Owasso, First, urged all Oklaho ma Baptist pastors and leaders to attend.

M IS S I ON S & M I N I S T RY

>> Tori Hamilton | Art Director thamilton@baptistmessenger.com

Event attendees will:

The event, which is being promoted in part nership with Oklahoma Baptists, is hosted by Ed mond, Henderson Hills, 1200 East I-35 Frontage Rd. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

6-7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/worship

SEPT 28

Oklahoma City, Southern Hills oklahomabaptists.org/ministry-wives

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

>> Lori Coats | Subscriptions/Assistant lcoats@baptistmessenger.com

Baptist Building pjones@oklahomabaptists.org

See You At The Pole oklahomabaptists.org/syatp

Oklahoma City, Capitol Hill oklahomabaptists.org/worship

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. September 15, 2022 • Volume 111, Number 16.

SEPT 19

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

“This event will help any church of any size discov er the many pathways Southern Baptists can go on missions, from short-term to long-term missions,” Wall said. “Jesus gave to us the Great Command ment, and together we can reach the nations for

• Connect with IMB missionaries and leaders;

The IMB leader highlights the solution to that greatest problem with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, saying “With 157,690 people dying lost every day, it’s our job to run to this problem. The best way we can do that? Together.”

SEPT 17

and the cost is $15 and includes all event materi als and Oklahomalunch.Baptists’

2 September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the International Mis sion Board will hold a unique one-day event called “Together for the Nations.” At the event, pastors and church leaders can learn more about “how you and your church can begin or grow your partnership with the In ternational Mission Board in solving the world’s greatest problem.”

Oklahoma Baptist Symphony Concert 6-7:30 p.m.

Disaster Relief Orientation & Credentialing

SEPT 22-24

N E W S & T R E N D S G O SP E L M I N IS T RY S P O RTS & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

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: 39,579. 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.

SEPT 18

Yelp’s disclaimer concerning pregnancy support centers questioned

him. Oklahoma Baptists are a key part of this story.”

good end results, however, often end up furthering social harm and societal breakdown.

I am mindful of Prov. 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another,” as well as 1 John 3:18, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” In our churches, homes, schools and places of business there is great need to invest in the lives of others as we point them to faithful ness in Christ.

In 2018, voters approved a state question pre sented to the public as mere medical marijuana. Yet the resulting effects of it have been rather more than that, with the number of marijuana dispen saries in Oklahoma now exceeding the number of Baptist churches. The amount of farmland convert ed in recent years to marijuana growing operations is staggering. And no city or town is without a busi ness sign boasting a green marijuana leaf.

Yet all this is a warm-up act to what will happen next if voters approve a recreational marijuana state ballot question heading to a voting place near you. To be specific, State Question 820 has been ap proved for a vote of the people and could appear as soon as 2022.

I didn’t fully realize it then, but my uncle was inten tionally filling in on some things I was missing from not having my father at home. He was a generous and caring man to me his whole life. I had dress clothes to wear on Sundays when I first became a pastor be cause of the hand-me-downs my uncle would give me. He and my aunt always gave great gifts and were present at my wedding and graduations.

This measure would fully legalize the recreational use of marijuana for Oklahomans 21 years and old er. Proponents of the state question have used no ble sounding phrases to advance their drug’s cause, phrases like “sensible laws,” “the tax revenue will help education.” Socially liberal votes that promise

would see a thriving church, a locally-owned bank, a diner and a nice school. Today, you see a marijua na dispensary and perhaps a casino.

If this ballot measure is approved, Oklahoma would become one of only a few states to have legalized this habit-creating drug, even putting us at odds with cur rent Federal laws against controlled substances. Le galized marijuana poses health and safety risks to the families and communities of Oklahoma, all while bringing profound moral consequences.

As followers of Christ, we live for what is eternal. We want to invest our lives in eternal things. We are not merely living for what we can see, taste, touch or spend. An important way we accomplish that is to invest in others. I hope you will pause and con sider the people you can invest in today. Who can you encourage, disciple, mentor, spend time with, or help in tangible and non-tangible ways?

It’s a joy to serve.

What my uncle did for me, he did for my oth er cousins as well. We all told stories at our fami ly gathering before his funeral of the investment he made in each of our lives. My uncle was a very successful businessman, but the lesson of his life is clear. Material things last only so long, but what you invest in others can carry on long after your time on earth is done.

Connect: Investing in others

The fact of the matter is, to approve recreational marijuana means removing important legal barriers between the people of this state and the trafficking of these addictive, mind-altering drugs. Oklahoma Baptists approved a resolution in 2018 against rec reational marijuana, saying the drugs leave “neigh borhoods and schools vulnerable for exploitation.”

Sword & trowel: Is Oklahoma going to pot?

What I do remember is how he invested in me. On those Saturdays, as lunch time came along, he would give me a $20 dollar bill and tell me to go to this hamburger place near their house and buy two double-meat cheeseburgers and two large fries. I’d bring them back and we would sit in the garage and talk. He would impart to me his wis dom and experience from everything to handling finances well, being responsible, family, politics, you name it.

One of the difficult things pastors are sometimes called on to do is officiate the funeral of a family member. These are not easy to do, especially if the pastor was close to the family member. Recently, my uncle passed away, and I had the honor of officiating his funeral. In my high school years, I spent many Saturdays working for him at his house doing landscaping and odds and ends jobs. The joke in our family was that he could be de manding and very particular about certain things. It was not uncommon at all for me to plant a tree or shrub at his house only to have to dig it up and move it a few inches or turn it a quarter turn. We joke about that, but honestly I don’t remember the particular trees I planted or all the other things he had me do around the house.

For evidence of this, look no further than the rap id advance of legalized marijuana in Oklahoma over the last four years. Drive around your average city block and what do you see? Decades ago, you

Oklahoma voters will have the power to say “Enough” when it comes to the advance of mari juana our state. It is time for Oklahoma Baptists to urge caution against this unwise, unnecessary bal lotOklahomaquestion. voters can “just say no” to making our state a place of vice, a modern-day Pottersville. Let’s not let Oklahoma continue to go to pot.

As I thought through what to say at my uncle’s funeral, what struck me most was his investment in my life and how that investment would bear fruit long after his passing away. I can think of many things he taught me that I try to live out in my life and have imparted to my own children.

Voices | September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 3

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V O I C E S A N N UA L M E E T I N G I N F O Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive BrianEditorTodd@eToddFisherDirector-TreasurerFisheroftheBaptistMessenger@BrianGHobbsHobbs FEEDING &LEADING A PODCAST FEATURING TODD FISHER & ANDY TAYLOR 07: Conﬂict with the Pastor Hear Todd Fisher and Andy Taylor discuss how pastors can wisely navigate situations in which conﬂict arises between a pastor and church members. Listen at www.oklahomabaptists.com/podcast or on...

Do you recall that scene from “It’s A Wonderful Life,” when George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stew art) is given a glimpse of what life would be like in his lovely town, had he never lived?

To his horror, George finds himself not in his quaint town of Bedford Falls, but in Pottersville, a city marked by vice. He sees streets rampant with estab lishments thriving on addiction, lust and greed.

For some Oklahomans who have lived in the Sooner State for decades, it seems like we too have awakened to find ourselves in a place like Potters ville in just a short matter of years.

“This was the first time I have shared the Gospel with someone!” —Zoye Gossen

Everyone did an amazing job again this year. Sev eral made professions of faith, and the students’ lives were impacted. The missionaries and church plant ers have expressed to us how thankful and helpful the teams were to their ministry areas! Here’s what some of the participants said about this summer:

“We had one student lead another of our youth group to the Lord on the first night!” —Josh Lewis

must be about the same as finding a golden ticket in a Wonka bar.

CH U RC H TOOL BOX P O RTS & E N T E RTA I N M E N TI ON S & RY

Now I’m sitting here writing to my friends and ex tended family. In some ways, writing to you is like writing a love letter, except I don’t have to pay post age. It really is a good day.

M IS S

Until today, I thought the good shopping cart was a cultural myth. I usually test two or three carts before I enter the store. No matter how careful I am, about 10 feet inside the door, one of the wheels freezes up, and I spend the rest of my shopping time pushing three and dragging one up and down the aisles.

My three grandsons also came by to see their Poppy today. We swam and enjoyed splashing each other with water. While wrapped in our towels, dry ing off, we licked on popsicles and talked about ev erything under the sun.

V O I C E S NEWS & CULTURE

A N N UA L M E E T I N G I N F O

I love the changing of the seasons. I have many friends who live near the equator, and the only change they experience is that the weather goes from hot and dry to hot and wet. But I love living in a place where the summers are hot, the winters are cold and the rest of the year, we live somewhere between the two ends of the thermometer.

GoStudents is all about raising up a generation to complete the task of sharing Christ with a lost world. It’s a tool churches can use to help their students em brace an “on-mission” lifestyle. Every student should experience at least one, if not many, mission trips in their key developmental years. These projects pro vide opportunities for them to share their faith with different people and in new ways.

“It felt incredible to get back to somewhat of a normal summer mission program,” a GoStudents participant said. However, several of the previous ly-scheduled projects (Portland, Edmonton, Cal gary, Latvia, Cambodia and Africa) were canceled because of COVID-related issues.

This summer GoStudents is not only tracking back to the pre-COVID number of participants but has ac tually reached 400 participants, which is the highest number of engagement yet! There were 14 projects in the following locations: Tulsa, OKC, Lawton, Seat tle (twice), Utah (three times), New York City (twice), Belize, Peru, Portugal and Spain. The total number of participants over the past eight years is as follows:

“I feel like God showed me that I do more than I think I do.” —Trinity Clark

“I got to show the Gospel by spending the day with an autistic student.” —Jack Glover

This has been a good day. I woke up to the smell of bacon cooking. Yes, I’m one of those bacon fa natics. Having grandparents and later parents who owned a hog farm, there was never a shortage of bacon in our house. As a young child, I was con vinced it was one of the four basic food groups. After eating breakfast, I went outside to my car and noticed the beautiful weather. The slight crispness in the air tickled my nose as I inhaled. The fall col ors were beginning to crawl their way through the green, and I knew more changes were on the way.

“We shared the gospel with more than 500 peo ple in a single day!” —Mo Skelton

“One of my anxious students took a bold step and got to use his Spanish to help lead two men to Christ!” —Logan Easom

“I felt as if the Holy Spirit took control of my words and I led two kids to Christ!” —Riley White

N E W S & T R E N D S G O SP E L M I N IS T

“We got to see 21 people pray to receive Christ at our village.” —Brooke Brumley

The three Oklahoma proj ects allowed middle school students to participate and gave those who couldn’t afford the bigger trips an opportuni ty to serve with GoStudents. Most of the Oklahoma partic ipants had never been on a mission trip, which gave them a great start in their mission ex perience. It helped them un derstand that missions can be done in our own state.

GoStudents is planning to return to the same locations next year and adding Bro ken Bow and Miami. By filling these new projects, and the ones we had to cancel due

to COVID, we expect our participation to be around 500 next year. This is a big deal and is only made pos sible because of the faithful gifts of Oklahoma Bap tists to the Cooperative Program, as well as through the support of the Missions Offering at Falls Creek.

We’re so thankful to the Lord for all the lives that were impacted in and through GoStudents this summer. For many, it was a milestone that will shape their worldview and priorities for the rest of their lives. It’s our prayer that GoStudents will con tinue to send more students to engage the lost in our own state and around the world!

Next, my wife and I went out for dinner and had a delightful time visiting, laughing and talking. Our conversation was all over the place, from our grand sons to planning our upcoming trip with our fami

The young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow ” (Jer. 31:13).

4 September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

Oklahoma Baptists’ Youth Missions & Evangelism Ministry Partner

Brian@BrianBaldwin2Baldwin

GoStudents: Students engage the lost around the world

Rite of passage: A good day RY

Visit oklahomabaptists.org/gostudents/projects to learn more.

Then, I went to Walmart and won the lottery. No, not the lottery where you win money. Instead, I won the lottery for the cart: the only one that doesn’t wobble and has no stuck wheels. Do you know the odds of pulling the only good one out of the sea of shopping carts? I’m no mathematician, but they

After that, we had to go to the mall for a few min utes. I don’t know how it got started, but we always hold hands when we walk together. Maybe when we were younger, she thought if I wandered off by myself, I would spend too much money. She may hold it now because she thinks I’m becoming a lit tle senile and can’t find my way back to the parking lot on my own.

My 3-year-old grandson, River the Peacemaker, has become a world class Super Mario Brothers vid eo game player and wanted to play a game with his Poppy. His eye-hand coordination is much better than Poppy’s; he laughs when he beats me every time. We ate pizza together, and before the boys got cranky, their parents took them home.

“

2015: 79 | 2016: 118 | 2017: 138 | 2018: 283 | 2019: 322 | 2020: 0 | 2021: 250 | 2022: 400

Things went well at work today too. I was able to get a lot done without many interruptions. Peo ple are signing up to help me work with Vine and Branches ministries in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Most days I end up further behind than when I started. That is frustrating when you have deadlines to meet, but then there are days like today when you accomplish more than you planned.

“On the trip, God confirmed in my heart that I am to be a missionary, and we celebrated multiple sal vations!” —Lydia Hall

“I made the best godly friendships I’ve ever had. On this trip I really felt God calling me into mis sions.” —Caitlyn Huggins

“I was able to help lead four kids to Christ!” — Gabriella Dover

This summer’s offering totaled $97,940 over the eight weeks of camp which was up nearly $12,000 from last year, and 100 percent of this money goes to missions. It offsets next year’s GoStudents trip costs and helped provide two new ultrasound ma chines for Hope Pregnancy Centers in Oklahoma.

Do you want to have a good day? Let God have it, and you will.

But there’s another kind of good day. It happens when God meets you at the lowest point of your life. You didn’t even realize He cared about what was go ing on. Then, as only God can, He reaches into your depression, your grief, your tiredness and lifts you above the fray of the temporal. He brings you peace and joy that surpass any worldly situation.

P EO P L E & C H U RC H N E WS L A S S I F I E D S

The Bible tells us about two kinds of days: the good days and the good days. There is the good day like the one I’m experiencing. The sun is shining, ev eryone is doing well, the bills are paid and you dis covered the one good shopping cart at Walmart.

ly to Padre Island. When you can make each other laugh, it’s always a good night.

Author & Messenger Columnist Email | walker@back40.org Walker@WalkerDeanMooreMoore

“I got to pray over a Peruvian my same age, and we stayed connected after the trip.” —Alyssa Hughey

Pray for Oklahoma Missionaries:

“This summer, kids were encouraged to ‘spark’ their imaginations with Lifeway’s VBS Spark Studios,” she said. “Based on Eph. 2:10, kids learned they are created, designed and empowered by God in their everyday lives. Each day (of VBS) included worship, crafts, Bible study, recreation, snacks and missions education that focused on how each of us are cre ated in Christ and designed for God’s Purpose. Kids learned that God is our marvelous Creator and that He uniquely designed them for His purpose.

“VBS also focused on how Jesus is God’s prom ised One and how He fulfilled God’s plan to save us,” Welch continued. “The week ended with kids learning that the Holy Spirit gives them the power to follow God’s plan through using their different spiritual gifts. Each church had fun offering chal lenges to demonstrate how everyone can help sup port missions around the world.”

N REO>> PHOTOS: PROVIDED 1) Children at Blair, First helped lead the singing during VBS assembly; 2) Little ones at Piedmont, First enjoy story time at VBS; 3) Children at Broken Arrow, First observe a lesson on Palm Sunday during VBS. 1 2

VOLUNTEER MISSIONS

“Our time was amazing,” said David Skinner of Jenks, First. “God moved in the hearts and lives of kids. We had several asking questions about making Jesus the Boss of their lives. But what blew me away was the money they raised for our mission offering. Our goal was $6,000 and they raised $12,000.”

Shannon Cross

On-going opportunities for volunteers: Tulakogee Conference Center, Wagoner— 918/462-3212— info@tulakogee.com

kids learned the impor tance of Creation, that they were designed for a purpose and that when they surrender their lives to Jesus, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good works for Him. A huge highlight for me was being able to watch our kids learn, grow and discover what it means to make Jesus the boss of their life. We had six make that life changing decision at VBS!”

RELIEF

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He is Baptist Collegiate Ministries director at Rogers State University

Nicole Welch, who serves Oklahoma Baptists as childhood ministry assistant, talked about the South ern Baptist VBS theme being “SPARK” this year.

Training: Sept. 22-24 —Chaplaincy Training, 3800 N. May Avenue, OKC; To register email: pjones@ oklahomabaptists.org

Several children’s pastors, leaders and volun teers were blessed by those who participated in VBS this year.

“What a blessing it was to be able to teach the truth of the Gospel through the theme of Spark Stu dios!” Abby Campbell from El Reno, First said. “Our

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

“We had nine salvations, four of those are in our church, and we have celebrated three baptisms since then,” Anders continued. “Our VBS missions offering is going to our five local neighborhood schools to help them purchase school supplies. Each grade level created a SPARK bag for each school that we will fill with teacher snacks when we drop off the monetary donation. We are excited how God continues to use VBS as we press on our mission of reaching southwest Norman!”

Sept. 24— CPR/First Aid Training, 7180 N.W. Expressway, Okarche; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $20. Email Dknapp711@gmail.com

Hospitality House of Oklahoma provides for the physical, spiritual needs of families with loved ones incarcerated in McAlester—918/429-0142

>> by Lori Coats MESSENGER MINISTRY ASSISTANT

CH U RC H TOOL

A new school year has begun, and as families set tle into routines, many are reflecting on the special vacations and memories they have shared this year.

BOX S P O RTS & E N T E RTA I N M E N TM IS S I ON S & M I N I S T RY P L E & S

C L A S S I F I E D S

“VBS 2022 was amaz ing!” Kim Anders of Nor man, Bethel said. “We had a record attendance this year! Something new that our church did this year was we prayer walked the neighborhoods around our church and left VBS door hangers at each house on three different weeks leading up to VBS. We have had a couple of families who came to VBS and have not missed a Sunday since!

Missions & ministry | September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 5 VBS

Randy Hurt

O P P O RT U N I T I E DISASTERS

David Coffey

He is director of missions in Atoka-Coal Association

Sept. 24— Fork Lift/Skid Steer Training, 7180 N.W. Expressway, Okarche; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. No cost. Class is limited. Email rdeatherageaaa@gmail.com

Oklahoma Baptist churches are happy to have been a part of the summer fun with great Vacation Bible School (VBS) experiences.

V O I C E S

Visit vbs.lifeway.com to begin preparing now for a successful 2023 Vacation Bible School ministry. ‘sparked’ great results at Oklahoma Baptist churches

He is Baptist Collegiate Ministries director at PanhandleUniversityState

The Spring, a faith-based shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence or human sexual trafficking and their children, Sand Springs—Leslie Clingenpeel, 918/245-4075 Leslie.c@thespringok.org

Vacation Bible School was a huge success this year, and next summer promises to be as well. The up coming theme will be “Twists & Turns—Following Jesus Changes the Game” with the focal scripture being Psalm 25:4, “Make your ways known to me, Lord; Teach me Your paths.” Kids will learn that Jesus is holy, trustworthy, forgiving and worth following even when they face twists and turns in their own lives.

For other upcoming training, visit okdisasterhelp.org.

Hospitality House of Tulsa provides family centered lodging, emotional and spiritual support for family members of patients traveling to Tulsa for medical care—918/794-0088 hhtulsa.org

OKLAHOMA

“We had been meeting in one of our church member’s homes,” Rogers explained. “I spoke to the Baptist Messenger about placing a classified ad because we were looking for a building to meet in, a place our church could settle and grow into.”

Blackford has been attending for nearly two years, and he helps on a weekly basis with the church facilities, having done improvements to the church building’s exterior and interior, including painting, remodeling and other repairs. Blackford called it “the friendliest church you could imagine.”

>> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER 6 September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

ing our building. I be lieve that if God gives you a facility, you must take care of it and use it for Lighthouseministry.”made a

“We had backpacksvidedsionAmericansaid.Gideon,”eventback-to-schoolahereatRogers“TheNorthMisBoardprouswithfilled

“I love Pastor Greg,” Henderson beamed. “He and his wife Sharron are doing a tremendous job in ministry. God had a plan long ago for us to be to gether, it looks like.”

Just a few years ago, Walters, Calvary averaged about a half dozen people in attendance on Sun day, according to a report. Fast forward to today, and the congregation is seeing near four times that number in average Sunday attendance.

Hayes, who serves as a deacon and who also led in music, was part of the committee who called Snow to be pastor. A retired judge, Hayes said, “The

Hayes sees the Wednesday evening Bible Study and prayer times as key to the life of the church.

“We used to have only a few of us gathered to pray, and that number has grown significantly. This is a church family that prays together,” he said.

“The Lord called me to be a deacon in my 40s. He called me to preach my 50s,” Snow said. “It was not until my 60s that I sensed a call from the Lord to the pastorate.”YetRoger Snow would not attribute the growth and vitality of this small church to himself.

Among the handful of churches located in Wal ters is a small church with a big heart—one that has been reaching out to its community and, lately, has seen big growth.

The church members were energized to do out reach, such as going out on Saturday mornings to pass out flyers. Snow also got involved in various aspects of community life, including the ministerial alliance, with the help of his friend and fellow pas tor, Jack Jacob of Walters, First.

Small church, big heart, big growth: Walters, Calvary reaching community for Christ

“We have had times of fellowship; we celebrat ed an Easter breakfast together this year,” Rogers reported. “We had another time where we got to gether to get to know one another and share the Word. If we have something, we invite them. If they have something, they invite us.”

In 2022, the church held revival events in April, seeing four people make spiritual decisions.

Snow expresses appreciation for Taylor. “He has been my crutch to lean on, and he supported me and this church since day one,” Snow said about Tay lor. “He is not only my friend. He is someone whom I rely on a lot. His door is always open to any of the pastors in our association. Not just me, but all.”

“We committed to pray for them, and while pray ing, I felt led to talk to him about our churches shar

Pastor Roger Snow, a multi-vocational pastor who came to the church in 2018, attributes it all to the“GodLord.is moving in our midst,” he said. “We start ed out very slow after I came. But in November of 2019, I baptized our first youth, and from that point on, we were off and running.”

“I saw Pastor Greg at one of the Capital Associa tion meetings, and he mentioned he was placing an ad and looking for a place to meet,” said Hen derson, who has been with Lighthouse for 17 years.

The two churches got together because of a newspaper ad, but now they are on the same page, working together to publish the Good News.

>> by Brian Hobbs EDITOR

Other several faithful members including Mark Blackford, Nancy Coleman and Gerald Hayes each feel blessed to see the church strengthen.

PHOTOS: 1) PROVIDED; 2,3)

Snow is newer to the pastorate. Having served a full career, including in the military, Snow came into the ministry later in life.

Attendance at Calvary increased in 2020, even amid COVID. “By 2020, we were up to around 17 or 18,” Snow said. “There were 11 weeks the church was closed in the pandemic, but we did not miss a service. I preached every Sunday on home via Face book. After we opened back up, we continued our online presence, and the Lord helped us grow again.”

Preaching the Word, being outwardly focused on the community and upwardly focused on prayer, with a mission mindset. These are just a few of the positive elements at Calvary that Troy Taylor, director of missions in Comanche/Cotton Association, sees.

“This is not about Roger Snow at all,” he said. “I just preach the Word of God. The Lord has done all of this.”

Coleman has helped initiate efforts to reach peo ple connected to the public school in Walters. The church currently feeds the Walters High School football team on Fridays as an outreach. Two of the team’s players attend Calvary, and Pastor Snow be lieves these young people are vital to the church.

WALTERS—The town of Walters, Okla., accord ing to recent census data, has a population of 2,701. The city, situated in southwest Oklahoma in Cotton County, has the motto “small town, big heart.”

MIDWEST CITY—A discussion about advertising in the Baptist Messenger led two pastors to get on the same page about sharing a meeting place for their congregations. One congregation’s member ship is predominantly Anglo, while the other is pri marily African American. Now they share the same location and are increasingly working together to reach their community.

1 2

The next time you are in Walters, look for this small, but growing church. A church with a big heart that is reaching people for the big God we serve.

In July, the church marked its 70th anniversary and had 49 people in attendance at the “birthday celebration.” Snow’s wife Sue helps in various ways around the church, including with hospitality and meals and outreach.

Messenger ad gets churches on the same page to sharing space, ministry

few renovations to their building in what was formerly a Sunday School space, creating an area for the Gideon congregation to lease as a worship center.

1 2 3 >>

Coleman also remarked that the church is “com mitted to the Gospel of Jesus and to missions,” as the congregation designated 10 percent of its budget to Cooperative Program giving and three percent to asso ciational missions. Calvary also participates in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Of fering and Edna McMillan State Missions Offering.

“I love the fact that our people (in both churches) can enjoy fellowship together,” Rogers said. “Broth er Dave is an awesome guy.”

“We set up an office (for Rogers),” Henderson ex plained. “The Gideon Church also has its access to the building. They even have their own sign on the other end of the building. It is two churches in one building. It is set up pretty sweet.”

Gideon has begun reaching out to families in the community by adopting a nearby elementary school, sharing backpacks with school supplies at the beginning of the school year, and helping chil dren with food insecurities with essential food items.

church family is unified and on mission. We are blessed to have Brother Roger as our pastor, and I’m thankful the Lord led him here.”

with school supplies, which we gave out. Lighthouse members came over and helped with theThedistribution.”twocongregations see that the potential to reach their community is enhanced when they work together. The pastors are currently working on planning how to establish a children’s ministry that both churches can share.

“We averaged 28 each night of our revival,” Snow said. “This year, I baptized two, and we have had four come forward for membership.”

>> BRIAN HOBBS Walters, Calvary Pastor Roger Snow baptizes a youth who recently made a profession of faith. The small church has seen explosive growth since 2018. 2) Snow, right, connects with Comanche-Cotton DOM Troy Taylor, from left, and church leaders Gerald Hayes and Mark Blackford. 3) Snow gives ‘all glory to God’ for the church’s growth. PHOTOS: 1) BAPTIST MESSENGER; 2) PROVIDED The Messenger ad, earlier this year, that brought OKC, Gideon and MWC, Light house together; 2) Gideon provided back packs with school supplies for families.

“We are overjoyed to be part of this work, and we also support the Baptist (Girls) Homes for Children in Madill,” she added.

In the meantime, Rogers mentioned to Dave Henderson, a friend who is pastor of Midwest City, Lighthouse, that he was placing a classified ad seeking a place for his church. Henderson suggest ed Rogers consider meeting in a less-used part of his church’s building on Northeast 10th Street.

Though the congregations are independent and autonomous from one another, they have found occasions for shared ministry.

Henderson said he is grateful that the two pas tors can help one another when ministry calls for it. “(Rogers) has preached two or three times for our congregation when I have had to travel,” he said.

“This is a church doing the right things the right way,” Taylor said. “This is exactly how a biblical church should function, and it’s a joy to see.”

It all started when Greg Rogers, pastor of Oklaho ma City, Gideon, started looking for a place for his church plant to meet because they lost their meet ing place during the COVID lockdowns.

Of the seven who were injured four went back home, but three determined to continue on to Mis souri and did mudout work. Thankfully, the rough start to the trip resulted in Gospel-honoring work.

“I didn’t have The Call Conference to help me wrestle through some of those things to help me understand there really is a cost to this,” he said.

1 2 3 >> PHOTOS: FACEBOOK.COM 1) One of the Ford Transits that was damaged in the Aug. 7 accident, as DR team members were traveling to St. Louis, Mo.; 2) DR team members pose for a picture after helping a St. Louis resident recover from the recent flood; 3) Nearly 50 DR team members helped with mud out in 127 homes; 4) They also helped with dry wall treatment and home repair. 1 2 3 4

Whether they answered God’s call at the summer youth weeks at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Cen ter or at another summer camp, or they are need ing confirmation or direction for this calling in their lives, students were able to find fulfillment at The Call Conference. Baldwin knows The Call Confer ence also is helpful for local church leaders who are encouraging and discipling these students.

Students receive ‘arrows’

Other topics included Children’s Ministry, Church Planting, Evangelism, God’s Call in God’s Word, Mis sions, Pastoral, Small Town Ministry, Women and Ministry, Worship Ministry and Youth Ministry.

For more information on The Call Conference, vis it oklahomabaptists.org/thecall

SHAWNEE—“Onward” was this year’s theme of The Call Conference, which met Aug. 27 at Okla homa Baptist University (OBU), and 477 attendees representing 79 different churches were encour aged to move onward in the calling God has made in their lives.

The team members completed 127 homes of mud out. They passed out several Bi bles, and a highlight of the experience was meet ing Carolyn whom DR helped in flood recovery. A follower of Christ, Carolyn prayed with the team, of fered a thank-you card and sang to the DR team.

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS DOYLE 1) Rusty Gunn, pastor of Sand Springs, Church That Matters, spoke on how to discern between what all Christians are called to do and God calling those to vocational ministry; 2) Michael Davis, Falls Creek multimedia coordinator, led a breakout on Media Ministry; 3) Elbert Smith, director of OBU’s Tom Elliff Center for Missions, helped students understand a call to missions during his breakout.

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

Gunn shared his testimony of how he struggled for three years after God called him to full-time ministry.

Gunn clarified the difference between what all Christians are called to do, which he said are “com mon contributions” and those God calls to a life committed to vocational ministry.

Team members of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Re lief (DR) left Aug. 7 to do flood recovery in St. Louis, Mo., after a major storm struck the area at the end of July. It was the same storms that flooded Kentucky. The caravan of 17 DR team members approached a construction zone in northeast Oklahoma, start ed slowing down and was rear-ended by two semitrucks. Seven team members received medical attention at a Miami hospital, and all seven were re leased that evening.

Breakouts focused on various areas of ministry

The Call Conference offered 13 different breakout sessions that cover a wide array of ministry possi bilities. “Called to Obedience” was a breakout spe cifically for new believers in Christ and was led by Matthew Emerson, OBU dean of theology, art and humanities and professor of religion.

moving ‘Onward’ /// PREVIEWED ON COVER DR

OBU student Tristen Russell said he found bene fits in attending previous Call Conferences. A mem ber of Edmond, Waterloo Road, Russell helped with technical support of The Call Conference.

A new breakout focused on media ministry and was led by Michael Davis, multimedia coordinator at Falls Creek. Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director and youth ministry partner for Oklahoma Baptists, led a breakout for parents and youth lead ers titled “Leading Those Called.”

Rusty Gunn, pastor of Sand Springs, Church That Matters, was the keynote speaker in the opening session of The Call Conference. His sermon helped encourage students to know what all Christians are called to do and what those whom God called to a life of ministry or mission work.

For more on Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief and to donate, visit okdisasterhelp.org focuses on overcomes accident, serves St. Louis in flood recovery

/// PREVIEWED ON COVER

Features | September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 7

“God is going to continue to move His church on ward,” said Brian Baldwin, who serves as student evangelism and missions partner for Oklahoma Bap tists. “We should know that He is going to do that, but also, we should press on toward the goal, ac cording to Phil. 3:14. This is a journey that we are pressing toward. Students come and try to discover that calling or deepen that calling. Many are just try ing to sort out what this even means in their life. The Call Conference helps students understand what it means to be called to the ministry and to missions.”

“It’s a great place to come and learn,” Russell said about The Call Conference. “I am called to wor ship ministry. The Lord has opened doors to con firm that call. There are a lot of students who don’t know how to discern the Lord’s calling on their lives, and The Call Conference is a great place to find that discernment and learning the next steps to take toward the calling God has for them.”

Those who participated in past GoStudents mis sion projects or were interested in GoStudents had the opportunity to meet for a special luncheon during The Call Conference.

>> by Chris Doyle MANAGING EDITOR

Gunn explains difference between ‘common contributions’ & consuming calling’

DR officials said it was a relief to watch all sev en team members walk out of the hospital and “God had protected them.”

“Every Christ follower is called to ministry,” Gunn said. “Some are called to what we call THE ministry. Some are called to be teachers and firefighters and businessmen, and in all these possibilities we should glorify God. For some, they are called to vocational ministry. That’s your occupation. That’s your life’s work.”

“These arrow are to encourage these students to keep pressing ‘Onward’ toward the call that God has on their lives,” Baldwin said. “We encouraged the students to place the arrows somewhere as a reminder of the event and, more importantly, the call God has on their lives.”

“On the local church level there is a burden for the next generation of leaders,” Baldwin said. “It is the local church’s job to multiply and raise peo ple up. The Call Conference provides churches an event for them to bring people to who have been called to vocational ministry. They will know how to move forward, but also leaders learn how to help and guide these students who are called to minis try and missions.”

At the end of The Call Conference, church lead ers presented to participating students wooden ar rows that featured a prayer and Phil. 3:14.

DR sent a total of four teams that served from Aug. 8 until Sept. 3. Nearly 50 team members were among the four groups, representing 40 Oklahoma Baptist churches and four associations, including San Bois, Cimarron, Great Plains and Capital.

Two DR team members were recently honored for going the “extra mile.” Carolyn Boyd and Jan Arbuckle of El Durado, First were two of the team members who decided to continue going to Mis souri after the accident.

“Every follower of Jesus is called to make some common contributions,” Gunn said. “Being a part of a local church, tithing, sharing the Gospel, serv ing on ministry teams within the church, offering our talents for the ministry of the church—these are examples of common contributions that every believer should be making in the Body. But God has decided that some will not only make common contributions but they will have a consuming call.”

Other keynote speakers at this year’s Call Confer ence were Mario Melendez, OBU professor of Old Testament and biblical studies, and Tom Elliff, long time pastor who now serves and mentor and facil itator of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions at OBU.

Two DR Ford Transits and a luggage trailer were damaged in the accident. Insurance totaled all three vehicles.

The Call Conference

8 September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

Oklahoma Baptists ready to serve in Literacy Missions

Johnson certified as Literacy Missions leader

OCT. 1-31. For the entire month of October, a ministry called Bible Rescue will be host ing a “Love Packages” Bible drive. New/used Bibles and New Testaments; Christian devo tional/study books; church curriculum; children’s Bibles and Christian books; as well as CDs and DVDs will be accepted. Love Packages collects and sends used Christian literature and Bibles to more than 154 countries. For a map of drop-off locations across Oklahoma visit rescuebibles.com. For more information, contact Nick and Lynn Klapp at 918/732-9077 or rescuebibles@gmail.com. Or visit lovepackages.org

Avery Johnson, back row far left, has received her certification as a Literacy Missions workshop leader for English as a Second Language. Johnson complet ed training through the National Literacy Missions Partnership, NAMB Send Relief, which culminated in a three-day training in July at Shocco Springs Baptist Confer ence Center in Talladega, Ala. Johnson is now part of Oklahoma Baptists work shop leaders who train church volun teers to organize and teach in English as a Second Language ministries.

The word clues for the Word

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

JEFF DEGIACOMO is senior pastor of Shawnee, Im manuel. He previously served as associate executive pas tor at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES

OCT. 2-5. Del City, Sunnylane, 4500 SE 31st Street, is hosting “Faith Comes By Hearing” Bible Conference. The conference begins Sunday, Oct. 2, at 10:30 a.m. with an evening service at 6 p.m. The remaining sessions will be gin at 6:30 p.m. each night. Speakers include Bill Britt, Ricky Capps, Blake Gideon, Marty Brock and Chadd Pen dergraft. Music will be led by Master’s Voice. For more in formation call 405/677-0591 or visit thelane.tv

NEW CONGREGATION. Tulsa, Harbor of Grace is now meeting. Rob Lewis is pastor.

RYAN SMITH is senior pastor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights. He previously served as associate pastor at Still water, Eagle Heights.

C H U R C H N E W S PTIST ARCHIVEHE OKLAHOMA

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY. Hastings in Mullins Associ ation will celebrate 120 years, Oct. 9. A celebration ser vice will be at 10:30 a.m. with special music and guest speakers A luncheon will follow the celebration service. For more information call 580/963-2071.

PHIL TALLMAN is pastor of Hastings in Mullins Associ ation. He previously served at Daisy, McGee Valley.

COMING EVENT

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Note: Search by

Owasso, First hosted an English as a Second Language workshop, Aug. 11-13. Workshop leaders were Betsy Stamper and Avery Johnson. Eleven participants were in attendance from Stroud, First; Tulsa, The Mission; and Tulsa, South Tulsa. Pictured above are, back row from left, Avery Johnson, Grant Beirute, Tommy Reid, Caleb Holzrichter, James Bond, Deb orah Horton, Betsy Stamper; front row from left, Grace Cosby, Christie Snow, Shelly Dunn, Charla Owens. Not pictured: Mason McCormick and Kevin Turner.

BRISTOW DEATH. Wayne Bristow, 86, died July 18. Funeral services were Aug. 20 in Edmond. He was a long time Southern Baptist leader in evan gelism and missions. He served from 1982-1986 with the International Mis sion Board overseeing evangelism and church growth. From 1986-1993, he served as state evangelism director for Oklahoma Bap tists. He then traveled the world, a total of four continents and more than 40 countries, as a full-time evangelist. Thousands were led to the Lord through his ministry. He is preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Rob bie. He is survived by his son, Robert, and two grandsons.

are chosen

the Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at random. ColemanCensusCalvaryBlackfordAttendance FacebookDeaconCountyCottonCommunity MembersJacobHayesGrowthFaithful OutreachOklahomaMissionsMinistryMilitary WaltersTaylorSundaySnowPastor S U D O K U W O R D S E A R C H CH U RC H TOOL BOX P EO P L E & C H U RC H N E WS C L A S S I F I E D S NEWS & CULTUREFO People & Church News | September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 9

Roland Behnke celebrates 90 years

Longtime pastor Roland Behnke celebrated his 90th birthday in August. He last served as pastor of Fred erick, Bethel before retiring. Behnke also served with North American Mission Board in Colorado and started a church in the Ivory Coast in Africa.

Bible literature drive

>>F/T MUSIC MINISTER: South Tulsa Baptist Church is searching for a F/T Music Minister who can lead contemporary & traditional music for all genera tions. For the job posting & more information, email: pwhite@southtulsa.org.

This makes his great learning in original lan guages extraordinary. At 21, a pastor who had been trained by a Jewish man recommend ed he read Hebrew writings. On the pastor’s death, Gill purchased his books and made a lifelong habit of reading Jewish material.

>>F/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Sapulpa is looking for the right individ ual to lead our worship ministry & corporate worship. For a detailed de scription of the position visit: https://fbcsapulpa.com/ministry-openings.

John Gill was a prolific Baptist writer and author in 18th century London. He wrote:

CH U RC H TOOL BOX

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Roosevelt is searching for a BI/VO Pastor. We have a va cancy for a minister who will challenge & inspire us. Please send resume to: roos eveltfbc@swoi.net or mail to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 218, Roosevelt, OK 73564.

Later, with his writing and pastoral ministry, this was too much. He ended the lectures be cause “I find my natural strength will not admit me to preach so frequently”. He also desired to finish the Exposition of the Old Testament

C L A S S I F I E D S V O I C E S

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

Yet, as a Baptist, he could not pursue theo logical education. Indeed, his father didn’t feel able to send him to grammar school because the schoolmaster took his pupils to weekly Anglican prayer.

To read the rest of Lori’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-soup-and-jesus

• The first Baptist systematic theology (2 vols.)

This enabled him to finish the Exposition of the Old Testament and later the Body of Doctri nal and Practical Divinity. He knew his limits.

Gill saw his primary calling as being a pas tor. These sermons were for his congrega tion. It was a bonus they helped the wider church, but not the goal.

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER/YOUTH MINISTER: Union Valley Bap tist in Cookietown, OK is seeking a P/T Music Minister & a Youth Min ster. If you feel God calling you to serve as either the Music Minister or Youth Minister, or both, please send resume to: cboydston547@gmail.com.

P EO P L E & C H U RC H N E WS C L A S S I F I E D S V O I C E S NEWS & CULTURE A N N UA L M E E T I N G I N F O WORDSLINGERS

“Had the indefatigable man studied and preached two or three sermons weekly, as he did, and made these no part of his Commen tary, he never could have prepared half the work for the public eye;” Rippon wrote, “but the sub stance, or at least the heads, of almost every ser mon he preached being inserted in their prop er place, the very week they were delivered, the mighty mass increased with his months.”

EMPLOYMENT

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Rosedale is prayerfully seeking God’s will. Please send re sumes to: 37740 Arkansas Ave, Rosedale, OK 74831 or tracy100@windstream.net.

3. Pursue friendships. Gill made time each week for fellowship with local min isters. He would sometimes meet once a week at a coffee house. A weekly meeting is a significant amount of time, but it helped him support other pastors and himself too.

>>F/T PASTOR: Is needed for Galey Baptist Church. Galey is a friend ly, country church. Please send resume to: DMount.quiver@gmail.com.

• The first English single author whole Bi ble commentary (9 vols.)

1. Preach first. Gill didn’t neglect his con gregation to write books. Rather he preached through books of the Bible and kept notes. His first extended commentary, An Exposition of the Book of Solomon’s Song, was from 120 sermons. He continued the habit of preaching through books and using this to publish. This continued with his systematic theolo gy, Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity

To read more blogs with Jesus in mind, visit www.baptistmessenger.com/blog

N E W S & T R E N D S

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: North Pointe BC, in Edmond (Deer Creek School Dis trict), is actively interviewing candidates to lead our small group driven student min istry. Applicants can send a resume & cover letter to: searchteam@northpointe.tv.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC of Canton, a small rural church in northwest Oklahoma, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage, utilities & competitive compen sation package provided. Email resume: cantonfbcpastorsearch@gmail.com.

>> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Ryan is seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Par sonage is provided. Please send cover letter & resume to fbcryan1@ gmail.com or to Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 519, Ryan, OK 73565.

BLOGFROM THE DAV E SAYS RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTOKLAHOMA BAPTISTS WORDSLINGERS BLOGFROM THE DAV E SAYS RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT

8. Chocolate for breakfast. Finally, when discussing his daily schedule, Rippon re ports, “He breakfasted constantly in his study and always on chocolate.”

5. Avoid unnecessary controversy. Gill often got sucked into controversy, perhaps too much. Sometimes this was by choice. At other times, he was asked as a respect ed voice to respond to “unanswerable” ar guments. But he knew when to stop.

>>BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Eastland Hills Church in Choctaw is seeking God’s person to lead in our youth ministry. You may contact Pastor Ken ny Lindsey at (405) 361-0656 or email resumes to: kenny@eastlandhills.org.

10 September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

When awarded an honorary doctorate, he told his elders, “I neither thought it nor bought it nor sought it.”

>>F/T PASTOR: Bethel Baptist Church of Anadarko, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Candidates should email a resume to: scot.gpglass@att.net or mail to: Bethel Baptist Church, Attn. Pastor Search Committee, 501 W. Florida, Anadarko OK 73005.

FOSTER CARE

For example, he was often called upon in debates on baptism. In the introduction to a sermon that his friends urged him to publish, we read that he “was unwilling to renew the controversy about baptism unnecessarily, and having determined to write (on this subject) only in self-defense, when attacked, or when the controversy is renewed by others.”

I expected his life to involve sacrifice. Perhaps early hours, a poor marriage or neglecting his congregation. But John Rippon’s A Brief Memoir surprised me. Gill didn’t work an insane sched ule. He pastored from age 21 to 74 and never burnt out. Here’s what I learned from his life:

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Jay is accepting resumes for a F/T Se nior Pastor. Please email resumes to: fbcjay@yahoo.com or mail to: P.O. Box 304 Jay, OK 74346. Attn: Pastor Research Committee.

I’m sure we can all agree, that is the secret to a happy ministry.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC, Noble prayerfully seeking Sunday morn ing Worship Leader. Interested applicants email resume to: stbrasier@aol.com.

He decided at a certain point not to write on the issue any more. Surely this is wisdom!

4. Make time to study. Gill was an in credible talent. He was proficient in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew before he was 18.

SMALL GROUP STUDY HELPS

In the food world, nothing is simpler than soup. And in the soup world, nothing fussy is required. Judith Mar tin, better known by her pen name “Miss Manners” once said, “Do you have a kinder, more adaptable friend in the food world than soup? Who soothes you when you are ill? Who refuses to leave you when you are impoverished and stretches its resources to give a hearty sustenance and cheer? Who warms you in the winter and cools you in the summer? Yet, who also is capable of doing honor to your richest table and impressing your most demanding guests? Soup does its loyal best, no matter what undigni fied conditions are imposed upon it.”

SOUP AND JESUS >> LORI COATS

Learn how Oklahoma Baptists are in volved in supporting foster care through churches and associations. Information can be found at: oklahomabaptists.org/foster-care

In this complicated and difficult world, I love it when something is simple. Don’t you?

He made time in his schedule to learn. This meant he could teach well.

>>F/T YOUTH/COLLEGE MINISTER: FBC in Grove, OK. This is a F/T posi tion with paid health insurance. Grove is located in NE Oklahoma on Grand Lake. Applicants can email a cover letter & resume to: grovefbc@gmail.com.

2. Have a manageable schedule. We’ve heard of men who woke at 3 a.m. to pray. Yet Gill wasn’t an early riser or a night owl. In deed, the older he got, the longer he rested. He didn’t think this was a weakness. Rath er, when asked by John Ryland how he had achieved such vast labors, he answered (Rippon reports), “It was not done by very early rising, nor sitting up late—the latter he was confident, must be injurious to any student, and not helpful. The truth is, ‘he rose as soon as it was light in the winter, and usually before six in the summer.’”

lessons to avoid pastoral burnout

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

He didn’t have a chip on his shoulder for lacking theological education. Being a pas tor was enough for him.

6. Know your limits. Gill’s friends ar ranged a midweek meeting in London. This meant Christians from other churches could listen to him. These continued for 27 years.

>>F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Mary Niblack Road Baptist Church, Ardmore, OK is prayerful ly seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Please send resume to: maryniblackroad@gmail.com.

Did you know there are videos that of fer an overview each week of popular Lifeway Bible Study courses? Check out the videos at: oklahomabaptists.org/sunday-school

>>CHILDREN’S/FAMILY PASTOR:FBC Crescent is prayerfully seeking a Children’s & Family Pastor to love & serve the Crescent community. Parsonage is provided. Please send resumes to: P.O. Box 196, Crescent, OK 73028 or email to: FBCCrescent@aol.com.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: FBC Prague, OK is searching for a F/T Youth Min ister. Please send resumes to: fbcpyouthsearchcommittee@gmail.com or ATTN: Youth Search Committee, 1500 Bluebell Rd., Prague, OK 74864.

7. Don’t pursue fame. Gill usually pub lished not for self-promotion but at request. Nor was he eager for recognition.

CH U RC H TOOL BOX

Visit https://www.baptistmessenger.com/classifieds-form/toadvertisewithus!

>> by Tim Wilson CENTERFORBAPTISTRENEWAL.COM

• Various other tracts, treatises, and tech nical Hebrew works.

How does a productive pastor not burn out? I didn’t expect to find the answer from John Gill.

M IS S I ON S & M I N I S T RY

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cameron, OK is prayerfully seeking God’s candidate for a BI/VO Pastor. Housing is avail able. Please submit resumes to: Danny Rog ers by email at: RogersDanny1959@gmail.com.

>>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: Mount Zion Baptist Church, Edgerton, MO is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Our church is located on the northern edge of the

>>F/T FAMILY PASTOR: FBC Maysville is in search of a F/T Family Pastor. Please email a cover letter & resume to: fbc.maysville@yahoo.com or mail to: FBC Maysville, Attn: Family Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 745, Maysville, OK 73057.

>>F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Cheek Baptist Church, Lone Grove, OK is prayerfully seeking a Pastor for our rural country church. Please send resume to: Cheekbaptist@gmail.com or P.O. Box 551, Lone Grove, OK 73443-6166.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Faxon is seeking a BI/ VO Pastor. We are a friendly, small, country church seeking a family Pastor to love & serve the Faxon community. A newly updated par sonage is provided. Please send resume to: FBC Faxon, 215 SW 7th St., Faxon, OK 73540.

>>SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Granite, OK is prayer fully searching for the man God is calling to fill the Sr. Pastor position. If you feel called, please email a resume to: fbcgraniteresumes@gmail.com.

>>F/T PASTOR: Mill Creek Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Parson age is provided. Candidates should sub mit resume to: dtcobb1955@gmail.com.

>>P/T OR BI/VO YOUTH/STUDENTS MINISTER: FBC Pauls Valley, OK. Applicants must affirm the 2000 BF&M & be able to pass a criminal background check. Current college students are encouraged to apply. Send resume to: fbcpvpastor@gmail.com.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Southeast Baptist, Muskogee is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who has a call & passion for ministering to youth. Please email to: danielm.sebc@gmail.com or mail to: 2511 E. Hancock, Muskogee, OK 74403.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Etowah Baptist seek ing God’s man to preach, teach & guide our congregation. Mail cover letter & resume to Etowah Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 571, Noble, OK 73068.

>>BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Southmoore Baptist Church in Moore OK is seeking a BI/VO Music Min ister. Please send resume to: office@southmoore bc.org or mail resume to: 3801 South Broadway, Moore, OK 73160 ATTN: Music Search Committee.

>>P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: New Beginnings Church is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Pastor. What we believe: https://www.nbcshawnee.com/ about-3. 1203 East 42nd St., Shawnee, OK. Con tact: 2700 N. Kickapoo, #273, Shawnee, OK newbeginningschurchshawnee@gmail.com.74804.

>>BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: CrossPoint Baptist Church of Coweta, OK is seeking an individual who has a calling to serve as our Youth Pastor. For more in formation regarding this BI/VO position, please email our office at: crosspointcoweta.office@gmail.com.

>>WORSHIP/YOUTH PASTOR: Emmanuel Bap tist in Purcell, OK is looking for a Worship & Youth Pastor. We have a blended worship style & a good core of students. This is currently a P/T position with potential to go F/T. Contact: mike@ebcpurcell.org.

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. In terested candidates should mail a cover let ter & resume to: FBC, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030.

>>BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Northeast Baptist Church, located in Norman, is seeking a BI/VO Youth Minister. Please send resume to: esasnett@ nebaptist.com or mail it to: Northeast Baptist Church, 905 E. Rock Creek Rd, Norman, OK 73071.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR/YOUTH MINISTER: Midway Baptist Church Big Spring TX, is accept ing resumes for a F/T Associate Pastor/Youth Min ister. We are in search of someone to develop, lead & promote youth ministry as well as working as our Associate Pastor alongside Senior Pastor.

>> F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church in Skia took, OK is prayerfully seeking a Pastor. Interested ap plicants send a resume with references to: IBC, 625 S. Broadway St, Skiatook, OK 74070 or email to: imman uelskiatook@yahoo.com. Contact (918) 781-2719.

>>P/T OR BI/VO MUSIC MINISTER: Western Heights Baptist Church of Duncan, OK is seeking a P/T or BI/VO Music Minister for Sunday am & pm service & as needed. Send resume to: whbc duncan@gmail.com or mail to: Western Heights Baptist Church, 2305 W. Beech, Duncan, OK 73533.

>>F/T PASTOR: Eastside Baptist Church in Elk City, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. A parsonage is provided. Candidates should sub mit a cover letter & resume to: eastsidesec@ outlook.com Attn: Pastor Search Committee.

>>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: FBC Ninnekah, OK is prayerfully seeking for the right individual to lead our worship services. Hourly wages plus milage. Send resume to: ninnekahbaptistchurch@hotmail.com.

>>F/T WORSHIP/COMMUNICATIONS PASTOR: FBC Enid is seeking a F/T Pastor of Worship & Com munications. For more info on the job description & next steps visit: www.fbcenid.com/careers or contact the church office at (580) 234-1133. Thanks!

Kansas City, MO metro area. Please visit www.mzlife. org to apply. Candidates must support the BFM 2000.

>>BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Banner Baptist Church in Lindsay, OK is prayerfully seeking some

>>F/T PASTOR: Blackgum, FBC Vian, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should email a cover letter & re sume to: BlackgumBaptistresume@gmail.com.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Spring River Indian Bap tist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pas tor. Mail cover letter & resume to: Spring River Indian Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, 5600 S. 630 Rd., Quapaw, OK 74363-1997 or email: sribc1939@gmail.com.

one to lead & grow our youth ministry. Please email resume to: bannerbaptist2022@gmail.com.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Hydro FBC in Hy dro, OK is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Min ister to disciple/lead our youth. Inquire or send resumes to: jbsanders59@hotmail.com.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR WORSHIP/MIS SIONS: First Baptist West, Lawton, is accept ing resumes for this F/T position. Please send resumes to: worship@firstbaptistwest.com.

>>DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES: Oklaho ma Baptist University is seeking a Director of Hu man Resources. This role will provide leadership & administration of the comprehensive human resources programs & services that support OBU’s mission & strategic goals. To apply, include appli cation administrative.pdf (okbu.edu) & email with your documents to: hr@okbu.edu. (405) 585-5130.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Hollis is prayerful ly seeking a F/T Pastor. Parsonage is provid ed. Please send resumes to: FBC, P.O. Box 589, Hollis, OK 73550 or fbchollis@pldi.net.

>>BOOK/CONSULTING: Building a practical church safety organization? Intentional Church Safety by Bev an Collins, 2022 now available from Amazon.com. www. intentionalchurchsafety.com. The author is available for free presentations (NE OK) & additional consulting.

Classifieds | September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com 11 C L A S S I F I E D S V O I C E S NEWS & CULTURE A N N UA L M E E T I N G I N F O Rate: $25.00 flat rate per ad • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form ACROSS 1 Mrs. 6 “King. . .is come out to seek a ___” (1 Sam. 1026:20)“Held my peace, even ___ good” (Ps. 39:2) 14 Lithe 15 “Blessed be the ___” (Ps. 68:19) 16 Jacob’s son 17 He married Saul’s daughter 18 American state 19 “I will make Jerusalem. . . __ ___ of dragons” (Jer. 9:11) (2 wds.) 20 “But ___ the messenger came” (2 Kings 6:32) 21 Eye color 23 Slight 25 Wall support 26 Fen 27 “Then mayest thou for me ___ the counsel” (2 Sam. 15:34) 30 “Whose trust shall be a ___ web” (Job 348:14)Tiny island 35 “He ___ on the ground” (John 9:6) 36 Month (abbr.) 38 Tabernacle tent post 39 “___ doth God know?” (Ps. 73:11) 40 “I ___ my couch with my tears” (Ps. 6:6) 42 “Even as a ___ gathereth” (Matt. 23:37) 43 “My ___ is also sore” (Ps. 6:3) 44 Jesus did ___ for our sins 45 Omelet cooker 48 Lamb was Last Supper’s ___ 49 “I do wait all the ___” (Ps. 25:5) 50 Comedian Gri th 51 Scattered, as the bones (Ps. 53:5) 54 “___ me under the shadow of thy wings” (Ps. 17:8) 55 Memory 58 Horse command 59 “Let thine ___ behold the things” (Ps. 17:2) 61 Indian currency 63 “There went over a ferry ___” (2 Sam. 19:18) 64 “Sealed them with his ___” (1 Kings 21:8) 65 Heron 66 “All his commandments are ___” (Ps. 111:7) 67 “Price of his ___ shall be” (Lev. 25:50) 68 Poetry in Psalms does not ___ DOWN 1 “Those that have ___ a covenant” (Ps. 50:5) 2 Seaweed substance 3 Plunge into water 4 Arab caliph 5 “I will ___ also of all thy work” (Ps. 77:12) 6 ___ did ow from Jesus’ side 7 “And cast ___ upon my vesture” (Ps. 22:18) 8 Time 9 A x 10 Rim 11 Remake 12 “That they may not pass ___” (Ps. 104:9) 13 “I was a reproach among all ___ enemies” (Ps. 31:11) 22 Furrow 24 “The fool hath said. . .There is no ___” (Ps. 2514:1)“___ out his wickedness” (Ps. 10:15) 27 “She brought forth butter in a lordly ___” (Judg. 5:25) 28 Painter Richard 29 Side 30 Jabber 31 Stop 32 What a helicopter needs 33 Stage set 35 “Thy ___ is not waxen old” (Deut. 29:5) 37 “He shall be like a ___” (Ps. 1:3) 40 Abraham was a ___ (Gen. 20:13) 41 Lawyer (abbr.) 43 Guile 46 Imagine 47 “Grant me thy ___ graciously” (Ps. 119:29) 48 “Their words to the ___ of the world” (Ps. 5019:4)Store passageway 51 Direction 52 “But ___ has saved us” (Ps. 44:7) 53 “Let the sea ___” (Ps. 98:7) 54 “Lord, ___ me” (Ps. 6:2) 55 Active 56 Swarm 57 “They did ___ it with an omer” (Ex. 16:18) 60 “___, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon” (Ps. 29:5) 62 Expression of disgust 28 Painter Richard 29 Side 30 Jabber 31 Stop 32 What a helicopter needs 33 Stage set 35 “Thy ___ is not waxen old” (Deut. 29:5) 37 “He shall be like a ___” (Ps. 1:3) 40 Abraham was a ___ (Gen. 20:13) 41 Lawyer (abbr.) 43 Guile 46 Imagine 47 “Grant me thy ___ graciously” 48 “Their words to the ___ of the world” (Ps. 19:4) 50 Store passageway 51 Direction 52 “But ___ has saved us” (Ps. 44:7) 53 “Let the sea ___” (Ps. 98:7) 54 “Lord, ___ me” (Ps. 6:2) 55 Active 56 Swarm 57 “They did ___ it with an omer” (Ex. 16:18) 60 “___, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon” (Ps. 29:5) 62 Expression of disgust Psalms Sarah Lagerquist Simmons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 www.CrosswordWeaver.com AUGUST 25 ANSWERSPuzzle 31: Job Puzzle 32: Psalms S U F F E R C A R E S S S I N D I G O R O A D A M I B O R R O W A L T O T I N E S S A Y E M B A R K E S T C O R I N K S S H O D H E L I V E S T I R A N A A P E W M S G E S T H E R L E G A T O S H E A S E A D R O N E D A T H E I S T D E A L S L E D G M T S L Y C O R O N A L Y S O L A G O A C H E E L A P S E R O D P T O S N E W T O N S S E E S T S D O N A T E Psalms Sarah Lagerquist Simmons L O L L L A S H D E L L S A H O Y I D E A A R Y A N M I R E V E E R V E R S A B O D H I P P S I E S P S A N T A A D D T W A N G I C Y A L L V I R U S P R I S M L I E A N I L E O F T E P I C S N E T L O W L Y E L V I S E S E A D O S K E E T C H E W T E A W A D O U R D I R Y A K O P E R A I C O N K E R I L I L A C N E S T G A I N F A I T H G O E S B R A G Psalms Sarah Lagerquist Simmons M A D A M F L E A F R O M A G I L E L O R D L E V I D A V I D U T A H A D E N E R E I R I S I G N O R E S T U D B O G D E F E A T S P I D E R S I S L E T S P A T O C T S T A K E H O W W A T E R H E N S O U L A T O N E Psalms Sarah Lagerquist Simmons P E P M A L P S T O R A L B A L I K H A K I P A T I O R E F I O N I C S H O U T S E M B O S S N N W A I D A P E C O R R E C T A R C G R A C E O I L Z O R I L L O R D G O V F I V E O B E S E U T E A T S E A C R O S S W O R D

ship Minister. Please submit resume & cover letter to: cbcbamusic@gmail.com or Clearview Baptist Church, P.O. Box 140892, Broken Arrow, OK 74014.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC Konawa, a small rural church is prayerfully seeking the right man of God to serve as Pastor. Parsonage is included. Submit resume to: FBC Konawa, P.O. Box 308, Kona wa, OK 74849 or fbckonawa129@gmail.com.

>>SENIOR PASTOR: Lake Center BC seeks a Senior Pastor to love, lead & grow us in the di rection God leads. We are a loving multigener ational, elder-led church on Grand Lake. Great schools. Submit your resume & cover letter by 9/30 to: searchteam@lakecenter.church.

>>SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Jones seeking a Senior Pastor. Send resumes to: fbcjpsc@gmail.com or by mail to: FBC Jones, 320 SW 3rd St., Jones, OK, 73049.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Main Street Baptist Church in Stigler, OK is looking for a P/T Youth Min ister to disciple/lead grades 6-12. Inquire or apply by sending a resume to: jeffkberger@gmail.com.

>>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: WHBC is seeking a F/T Youth Minister who loves young people & desires to see them grow in their relationship with Christ. Send resumes to: mail@whbcok.org or Woodland Hills Baptist Church, 313 S. Hwy 76 Newcastle, OK 73065.

>>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: FBC New Bos ton, TX, is seeking a F/T Student Minister Please send your resume, references & testimony (personal statement of faith) to: FBCNBYouth Search@gmail.com Compensation Package: $62,000 in salary & benefits. Salary negotiable.

>>VEHICLE FOR SALE: 15 passenger 1998 Ford Club Wagon,V-8. 124,800 Miles. $3,500. Call (918) 244-8212.

>>BI/VO PASTOR: Possibly leading to F/T. We are small in number but anxious to grow & willing to work. Parsonage can be provid ed with all bills paid. Send resume to: High Hill Baptist, 33 Church Rd, McAlester, OK 74501.

>>F/T PASTOR: FBC of Mangum, OK is prayer fully seeking a F/T Pastor. Updated parsonage will be provided. Candidates should email a re sume to: mangumfirstbaptist@gmail.com or mail to: FBC Mangum, Attn. Pastor Search Com mittee, 228 N. Oklahoma, Mangum, OK 73554.

>>PASTOR: South Lindsay, OKC is look ing for God’s man to lead our congrega tion. Send resume to: SLBC, 3300 S. Lind say, OKC 73129 or email@southlindsay.org.

>>P/T YOUTH MINISTER: New Hope Bap tist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403 is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister to lead & disciple youth 6th - 12th grades. Send resumes to above address or email to: NHBCYouthMInister@gmail.com .

>>YOUTH MINISTER: Ochelata FBC is seek ing a Youth Minister who has a call & pas sion for ministering to youth. Please send resume to: fbcochelata@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

COLOR KEY: PASTORYOUTHMUSIC JOB MISC.VEHICLELISTING

MISCELLANEOUS

>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Lakeview Baptist Church is searching for a blended service worship minister. Please send resumes to: lsbc93@ gmail.com or 5265 W. Rogers Blvd, Ste A # 202, Skiatook, OK, 74070, Attn: Search Committee.

>>F/T MUSIC/YOUTH MINISTER: FBC Idabel, OK seeking a F/T Music/Youth Minister to join us in beautiful SE OK. Committed to blended worship & creating a discipling culture in our teens. Com petitive salary with parsonage. Send resume & worship leading links to: fbcidabel@sbcglobal.net.

>>BI/VO OR P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking God’s candidate for our next blended service Wor

>>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: New Hope Bap tist, an elder lead church, in Jay, OK is seek ing a F/T or BI/VO, Spirit-called Pastor. Please email resumes to: nhbcjayok@gmail.com.

>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: New Hope Bap tist Church, 1501 N. 43rd St. E., Muskogee, OK 74403 is prayerfully seeking P/T Music Min ister. Send resume to above address or email to: NHBC2022MusicMinister@gmail.com.

Following the July House vote, 83 groups signed a letter authored by ADF and sent it to Senate Minori ty Leader Mitch McConnell asking him to oppose the bill. Ahead of the anticipated Senate vote, ADF is ask ing concerned ministry leaders to let legislators know where they stand on the definition of marriage.

>> by Alabama Baptist staff

Bill to enshrine federal definition of ‘marriage’ awaits Senate vote

The move to pass a federal marriage law comes 25 years after DOMA’s passage and just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the power to regulate abortion back to the states.

12 September 15, 2022 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture C L A S S I F I E D S V O I C E S NEWS & CULTURE

If the court were to overturn Obergefell, the pow er to define and regulate marriage would be re turned to the states under DOMA. The Respect for Marriage Act would use the legislative process to replace DOMA and preclude a review of Obergefell.

A bill intended to codify same-sex “marriage” at the federal level could get a Senate vote in September, and opponents of the bill are work ing to raise awareness ahead of its consideration.

Editor’s note: The following article was origi nally published by the Alabama Baptist.

In part, the attempt to pass a new federal law de fining marriage is in response to written comments

by Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thom as, who in a concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization seemed to suggest that Obergefell, like Roe should be reconsidered.

That language was part of the Defense of Mar riage Act (DOMA), which was signed into law Sept. 21, 1996. DOMA also allowed states to refuse to rec ognize same-sex “marriages” granted under the laws of other states. The Supreme Court’s 2015 de cision in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized samesex “marriage” nationwide invalidated DOMA.

“The deceptively named bill enshrines same-sex ‘marriage’ into federal law and jeopardizes the religious freedom of millions of Americans who follow the biblical definition of marriage as being between one man and one wom an,” said a statement issued by the Alliance Defend ing Freedom Church Alliance (ADF).

For more information or to read the ADF letter, visit adfchurchalliance.org/respect-for-marriage-act.

House Resolution 8404, known as the “Re spect for Marriage Act,” passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 19 with 267 voting in favor and 157 opposing passage. The bill would shift the power to define marriage to the federal government and require all states to recognize same-sex “marriages.” The bill also would replace previously adopted lan guage that for purposes of federal law defines mar riage as “between a man and a woman” and spouse as “a person of the opposite sex.”

Advocates of a biblical view of marriage are concerned by the language of the Re spect for Marriage Act on many levels. First is the provision establishing a federal defi nition of marriage that includes same-sex spouses. Second is the empowerment of ac tivist groups or individuals to sue individu als and organizations that believe marriage is only between one man and one woman. Third is the uncertainty of what such a law would mean for the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations that disagree with the bill’s definition of marriage.

Legislative effort

A N N UA L M E E T I N G I N F O

To contact your congressional member and share feedback, use the “Give Feedback” link locat ed to the right of the bill overview at congress.gov/ bill/117th-congress/house-bill/8404

The Respect for Marriage Act also allows the De partment of Justice to act in cases of violations of the law and establishes a “private right of action,” allowing individuals who feel their rights under the law have been violated to sue rather than wait for a federal or state government entity to take action.

2022/September/15

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