2021/September/16

Informing and Inspiring Oklahoma Baptists Since 1912

BAPTISTMESSENGER.COM • SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

CALLED APPOINTED

EQUIPPED SENT THE CALL CONFERENCE REACHES 400-PLUS OKLAHOMA STUDENTS /// SEE PAGE 6

CO N T E N T S : Page 3 | Voices Just Joe: Cobweb confusion >> JOE LIGON

Oklahoma Baptist DR serves Hurricane Ida victims >> CHRIS DOYLE

BAYOU VISTA, La.—Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) is serving Hurricane Ida victims one of the hardest-hit areas from the hurricane. DR volunteers started journeying to Louisiana on Monday, Aug. 30, with other volunteers following later that week.

DR’s Incident Command team is set up at Bayou Vista Baptist Church. More than 40 trained volunteers will be serving through DR’s feeding units and recovery teams.

Oklahoma pastor retires after SBCrecord long pastoral tenure >> STAFF

COOKIETOWN—Arbuary Ritter, who has been the pastor of the same church in southwest Oklahoma for 60 years, announced his retirement this in August.

Ritter, pastor of Randlett, Union Valley near Cookietown, is reported to hold the longest recorded pastoral tenure among Oklahoma Baptists and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). /// SEE PAGE 7

Moran makes impact, teaching 55 years at Muskogee, First >> CHRIS DOYLE

MUSKOGEE—In 2015, Joanne Moran was featured in the Muskogee Phoenix in the paper’s “Okie from Muskogee” section.

The paper highlighted how Moran taught kindergarten Sunday School for 47 years.

Currently in her 55th year, Moran remains a favorite Sunday School teacher at Muskogee, First who is now teaching grandchildren of her former students. /// SEE PAGE 7

/// SEE PAGE 2

Page 3 | Voices Sword & Trowel: People, pronouns & perspectives >> BRIAN HOBBS

Page 4 | Gospel Ministry Rite of Passage: Tupperware theology >> WALKER MOORE

Page 5 | Missions & Ministry Falls Creek Mission Offering impacts Afghan refugees >> BRIAN BALDWIN

Page 6 | Features Send Oklahoma Network encourages church planters and replanters >> CHRIS FORBES

Page 10 | Church Toolbox The importance of Small Town Jesus Conference >> JEFF NINE

Follow the Baptist Messenger on social media!

To comment on articles, visit www.baptistmessenger.com

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1) State DR Director Don Williams, right, prays for the DR volunteers who left Friday morning, Sept. 3, to serve hurricane victims in Louisiana; 2-3) DR volunteers set up their work stations at Bayou Vista Baptist Church in Louisiana; 4-5) DR volunteers help clean up areas affected by Hurricane Ida; 6) A DR volunteer offers a Bible to a hurricane victim. >> PHOTOS: 1) CHRIS DOYLE; 2-3) BRAD BIDDY; 4-6) CHRISTI CAPSHAW

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

BAYOU VISTA, La.—Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) is serving Hurricane Ida victims in one of the hardest-hit areas from the hurricane. DR volunteers started journeying to Louisiana on Monday, Aug. 30, with other volunteers following later that week.

DR’s Incident Command team is set up at Bayou Vista Baptist Church. More than 40 trained volunteers will be serving through DR’s feeding units and recovery teams. Don Williams, state DR director, reported the feeding units will be producing 10,000 meals a day for the community.

Many volunteers have been S I F I ELa.,D S C L AinSHouma, serving victims who suffered greatly from the hurricane. Williams said the whole city of Houma has been without power for nearly two weeks and may not regain power until the end of September or later.

“Oklahoma Baptists are ready to respond when disaster strikes, and these volunteers will be providing help, healing S to these comI C Ehope V Oand munities and individuals in Louisiana,” Williams said. “We know we are doing the Lord’s work. We are helping people physically, so we can talk to them spiritually.”

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TURE L U C & S W E The area where Oklahoma DR is serving also has N

a gas shortage. Williams said many residents are having to wait three hours in lines at gas stations.

Since they are without power in their homes, hurricane victims are relying on their cars to have air conditioning during the muggy weather.

Williams reported DR will be sending volunteers to Louisiana on a weekly basis, relieving crews working in the affected areas.

Visit okdisasterhelp.org for more information about Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief or to make a financial donation to relief efforts.

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NE N E W O NELCIONTENT

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EVENTS SEPT 20-21

Singing Churchmen Retreat

Oklahoma Baptist University oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

SEPT 22

See You At The Pole 7-8 a.m., skopos.org/syatp

SEPT 23-24

Chaplain Manual Training $35, Baptist Building Contact mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org

SEPT 24-25

Ministry Wives Weekend $50, OKC, Putnam City oklahomabaptists.org/ ministry-wives

SIV WEB-EXCLU SEPT 25

Disaster Relief Training $15, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Owasso, Central Contact mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org

SEPT 25

Group Summit

11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Moore, First oklahomabaptists.org/ group-summit

SEPT 26

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

Edmond, Oakdale oklahomabaptists.org/ worship-music

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

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WEB-EXCLU

Texas Heartbeat Ban takes effect, breaks barrier TOM STRODE | SEPT 2

A Texas law that prohibits abortion when a fetal heartbeat can be detected became effective Wednesday, Sept. 1, in a barrierbreaking development hailed by pro-life advocates and decried by abortion-rights defenders.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to block enforcement of the measure in response to a last-ditch request by abortion-rights organizations meant the law became the first heartbeat ban to take effect in the United States. The Texas Heartbeat Act’s prohibition on abortion when a fetal heartbeat can be detected can bar the procedure as early as five to six weeks into pregnancy.

The Supreme Court did not indicate its view of the constitutionality of the Texas law by declining to issue an order in the case. The justices have already agreed to rule in their next term on a Mississippi law that prohibits abortions of unborn children whose gestational age is more than 15 weeks.

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September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Trends

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The Baptist Messenger (ISSN 07449518) is published semi-monthly by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112-6506. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Circulation last issue: 41,625. 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. September 16, 2021 • Volume 110, Number 17.

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

Just Joe: Cobweb confusion cepted as perfectly good table manners. Regardless of whether you turn the cob around and around to gnaw the corn off of the cob or you go from one end Oklahoma Baptists’ Interim Executive Director-Treasurer to the other, there is something very satisfying about getting every last kernel of corn off of that cob. @marlowpreacher I know about Cobb salads. In fact, those may be my favorite salads. After all, Cobb salads have meat on them. Honestly, I am not a big fan of salads, but if you It seems to me that there were more of them when can put a lot salad dressing and lots of meat on one, I was growing up than there are now. But regardless including multiple slices of freshly fried bacon, I can of how many there were or how many there are, I eat it. In fact, if the meat to lettuce and vegetable rahave always had questions about cobwebs. I sus- tio is correct, I can almost enjoy eating a Cobb salad. pect you have had questions as well. But cobwebs Ok, honestly, I can enjoy eating the meat, but I are one of those topics that we just don’t talk about. might leave some of the lettuce and vegetables beFor example, if it is a cobweb, then my assump- hind. After all, it is never good to overeat, with gluttion would be that a cob made it. But for the life of tony being one of the big sins, you know. me, I don’t think I have ever seen a cob. Let me take I even know there was an old time baseball playthat back. I do have a little experience with cobs. er named Ty Cobb. I guess he must have been quite I know about corn cobs. Those are great inventions the athlete—he was famous for his hitting prowess, that actually allow you to eat corn with your hands his speed and for stealing bases. But I doubt that he and not worry about your mom or your wife slapping was or is responsible for cobwebs. you on the back of the head for bad table manners.

In fact, I am not sure who or what is responsible for You try to eat creamed corn with your hands and cobwebs. I have looked at them but not from too close expect someone with authority in your life to smack up. I didn’t want one of those cob things jumping on you, but gnawing the corn off of a cob seems to be ac- me and dragging me into his lair of a web. I mean, who

Joe Ligon

knows what kind of damage one of those things could do to a man? But from a safe distance, it is impossible to see cobs doing their devious work of building webs.

I have never seen a cob that I know of. I guess the truth is I may have seen a cob, but since I have no idea what a cob looks like I would never have known that I was looking at one.

But isn’t that the way life kind of goes? We are going along, minding our own business, thinking life isn’t too bad, and then something just shows up in one of the corners of our minds. We are not sure how it got there or why. But there it is, collecting dust and stuff, seemingly growing larger by the minute.

Although we might be tempted to stare at that thing for a while, wondering why and how it got there.

The best thing to do is get rid of it. Sweep it out of there. Staring at it only gives it chance to grow. Thinking about it only gives it a chance to get bigger and uglier. The best thing is simply to get it out of there.

So how do you get these cobwebs out of your life?

The answer is simply stay in the Word of God. Read it. Keep your eyes on it. Think about it. That, by the way, allows the Scripture to grow in your mind. And the more Scripture there is, the less room there is for those stupid cobwebs.

Sword & trowel: People, pronouns & perspectives Brian Hobbs Editor of the Baptist Messenger @BrianGHobbs

During the time of back to school, I heard of one class in which students were asked to share their favorite food, sports team and color. Those same students were also asked to share their preferred pronouns.

Go back just a few years, and a question like that would make no sense. Today, talk about pronouns is everywhere.

“He/him,” “She/her” and even “They/Theirs”— young people are now asked what their gender is.

The preferred-pronoun talk has gone far and wide in society. We see pronouns on employee name badges at stores, on social media bios; and yes, in students’ classrooms.

Much has been written and shared on this topic. Journalist and author Abigail Shrier addressed these issues in a speech titled “Gender Ideology Run Amok.”

Shrier said, “In 2007, America had one pediatric gender clinic; today there are hundreds. Testoster-

one is readily available to adolescents from places like Planned Parenthood and Kaiser, often on a first visit—without even a therapist’s note. How did we get to this point? How is it that we are all supposed to pretend that the only way you can know I’m a woman is if I tell you my pronouns? How did we get to an America in which a 13-year-old in the State of Washington can begin ‘gender affirming’ therapy without her parents’ consent? … How did we get (here) and what can we do about it?” Shrier, whose remarks are viewable at imprimis.hillsdale.edu, offers great analysis and some solutions.

In Oklahoma, many are familiar with Laura Perry’s testimony that was shared in the Baptist Messenger. Laura, who struggled with her sexual identity growing up, spent nearly 10 years living as a transgender male, before God changed her heart, and she embraced her God-given sexuality as a woman.

Learning from Laura’s story, Christians must find ways to deal with this increasingly pressing issue.

To do so, we must remember, it’s ultimately not about an issue; it’s about people.

Jesus shows us how to deal with people on a personal basis—with love and truth. For example, look how He encountered Zacchaeus, the notorious town tax collector who swindled people out of money (Luke 19). No one loved Zacchaeus—except Jesus.

Jesus, though, did not just talk about Zacchaeus. He spoke directly to him. “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:4). After that powerful moment with the Son of God, Zacchaeus repented, changed his life and made restitution to others.

In this example, as well as others (e.g. Nicodemus, the woman at the well), we learn from Jesus to love people and deal directly with them.

What’s interesting about this approach, if you are talking directly to someone, you don’t really use pronouns in the first place. You call them by name.

That element alone holds a key understanding of the gender confusion.

We need to look past the pronouns talk and see the person. Behind any gender confusion is a person who is almost certainly struggling, someone God loves and whom we also should love. It’s a person who needs the Gospel and biblical truth delivered, all in a compassionate and redemptive way.

The next time you hear someone talk about their preferred pronouns, take that as your cue to see a person in need, not just an issue to be dealt with.

Only when we see people like Jesus sees them will we be able to help a culture in crisis see its way back home—one person at a time.

Voices | September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Rite of passage: Tupperware theology SPORTS & T N AINME

& MISSIONS Y M I N I S T RWalker Moore

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

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My mom was an evangelist. Her first love was Jesus. She was always promoting Jesus, sharing Jesus, teaching others about Jesus and walking out Jesus’ life in front of others.

Next to Jesus, though, she loved Tupperware.

I am not sure what D Sattraction was, but if you S S I F I inEthe C L Ainterested weren’t Jesus, she would point out to you the benefits of owning Tupperware.

Mom hawked Tupperware at Tupperware parties, where every attendee was given a free Tupperware gift. According to the internet, even today, every 1.5 seconds somewhere across the globe, someone is throwing a Tupperware party.

Our family S of Tupperware tumblers, seaC E out V O Idrank soned our food with Tupperware salt and pepper shakers, licked on popsicles made in Tupperware molds, ate our cereal from Tupperware bowls, stored our cakes in Tupperware cake carriers, poured our tea from a Tupperware pitcher—this list could go on much longer than the word limit I have for this column.

My mom introduced you to either Jesus or Tupperware, and you never knew which one she was going to share with you. She was zealous about both.

I loved watching her make her pitch, and the highlight was when she demonstrated the Tupperware burp. To do this, you grab the corner of the lid and lift

it while E simultaneously N T E R T pressing your thumb into the center, expelling the remaining air. Of course, when Mom did this, she let everyone know that getting rid of the excess air would lock the freshness andPflavor E Oin.P L E & I grew up burping H TupNEWS C R U H C perware containers. If I have burped one, I have burped a thousand. The problem is that burping containers is so ingrained in me that no matter the brand name of the container, I am compelled to burp it.

To this day, my wife repeatedly tells me, “You don’t need to do that; it’s not Tupperware.”

R Eit’s a habit T U But L U C & S W E developed Nover a lifetime. And speaking of lifetime, Tupperware comes with a lifetime guarantee.

When my children were younger, I took our family to Disney World. While in Florida, I visited Kissimmee, the home of Tupperware. I took the tour of the museum and bought my mom some of the latest Tupperware products. I think those gifts anchored me in the “best son” category until she went home to be with the Lord.

If Tupperware had ever made caskets, my mom would have requested to be buried in one. And I can hear her reminding us to make sure we burped it first. Even though she passed away 34 years ago, I still have some of her Tupperware.

I often heard my mom make her case for people to buy Tupperware, and I found a lot of similarities between that and her plea for people to embrace Jesus: 1. Tupperware came with a lifetime guarantee, and so does Jesus. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b). In fact, the Bible is full of lifetime guarantees.

2. Tupperware teaches how to get the extra air out by burping so the freshness is retained. As Christians, our spiritual “burp” is called confession.

We are to confess our sins daily so we keep our relationship with God fresh and don’t pollute other areas of our lives. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). And that, my friend, brings a freshness to your life.

3. Tupperware proponents have parties to invite the uninformed to learn about the benefits of their products. My mom was involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship. She would gather children around the neighborhood and invite them to our house for a time of fun as she stood by a flannel board, sharing the benefits of knowing Jesus. Many boys and girls accepted Jesus at one of these “parties.”

My mom had a heart attack and died on aisle three of our local IGA grocery store at the age of 58. The last thing she did that morning before she stopped at the store was visit a daycare center, presenting the benefits of having a relationship with Jesus.

I didn’t pick up Mom’s zeal for Tupperware, but I did pick up her zeal for Jesus. My mom passed away on Oct. 9, and my birthday is Oct. 7. After we got home from her funeral, I was going through the mail and saw that between sharing Jesus and going home to Him, Mom had also stopped at the post office and sent me a birthday card. She didn’t write, “Happy Birthday,” but “I am proud of you, son. Keep on preaching Jesus! Love, Mom.” Thanks, Mom! I still have a question: When Jesus comes to get us, what should I do with all the Tupperware?

OBU: THE Baptist University for Oklahoma Heath Thomas President, Oklahoma Baptist University @h_a_thomas

September is always a wonderful time on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), and this fall is no exception. Students and faculty have settled back into the rhythms and routines of academic life on Bison Hill.

Fall sports are well underway, along with dozens of student clubs and organizations. Prospective students are journeying to Bison Hill for campus tours and visits, to experience how an OBU education can transform their hearts and minds while preparing them for their future vocations.

Indeed, it is a wonderful time to be at Oklahoma Baptist University. Amid the challenges created by the pandemic disruption, we still find God preserving and advancing our university. Founded in 1910 by a group of Oklahoma Baptists with a vision to plant a distinctively Baptist, co-educational, liberal arts institution of higher learning in central Oklahoma, OBU has been living its purpose for 111 years.

On Bison Hill, we educate and equip Future Shapers to go into the world and make an impact upon everyone they encounter—all of life, all for Jesus. Our campus is full of Future Shapers—students who will be world changers—and it is exciting to witness as they grow and develop into the men and women of Christian character God created them to be.

As we educate our students with the knowledge necessary to thrive and succeed in their future vocations, we likewise guide them to love and follow Christ. We do this through a dynamic Spiritual Life program with weekly chapel services, discipleship

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opportunities, Bible studies and more. We emphasize the importance of loving our God and loving our neighbor, teaching our students “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with our God (Micah 6:8).

As issues in our world rage regarding racism and racial violence, it is important that we as Christians hold fast to Christ’s command to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and to, “love your neighbor as yourself.” We not only teach these things at OBU, we put them into practice every day, showing the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters while building the close-knit community we enjoy on Bison Hill.

This fall, we are excited to host a new twist on our annual homecoming celebration. We are calling it The Weekend, and it is THE weekend to be on Bison Hill.

We invite you all, as Oklahoma Baptists, to join us.

Whether you’re an alumna or alumnus of OBU, friend of the University, supporter or you’ve never even set foot on campus before, we invite you to come. We will celebrate together as we enjoy many fun and exciting events, all taking place Oct. 21-23 on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Pastors, I have a special invitation for you. We are hosting a Pastors Conference Thursday evening, Oct. 21, in conjunction with the other events for The Weekend. I will be sharing, as will fellow OBU alumni Hance Dilbeck and

September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Gospel Ministry

Todd Fisher. You don’t want to miss this time of fellowship and study together on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

As Oklahoma Baptists, we cherish your support of OBU. We exist as the University founded by Oklahoma Baptists, made for Oklahoma Baptists and sustained by Oklahoma Baptists, just like you. Our Oklahoma Baptist heritage guides the manner by which we educate and equip our students so that they may be the leaders of the church, both locally and globally, for generations into the future.

Please join us in praying that OBU’s mission will endure for many generations to come, as we continue to fulfill our purpose by preparing future generations to impact our world for Christ. May God bless you as He continues to bless OBU.

& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY

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Falls Creek Mission OfferingTOimpacts Afghan refugees PEOPLE & O L B OX CHURCH

>> by Brian Baldwin

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STUDENT MISSIONS & EVANGELISM PARTNER FOR OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS

Falls Creek summer camps have placed a strong emphasis on missions over the years through praying, giving and going, in Jesus’ name. Every summer students give to a missions offering. A portion goes to sending students from Falls Creek onto the mission field through GoStudents, and a portion goes to various compassion ministry organizations.

The selected compassion ministry this year was Send Relief, which is a collaboration between the North American Mission Board and the International Mission Board.

Falls Creek partnered with Send Relief’s “Greatest Need” emphasis because it allowed Oklahoma Baptists to use the money to meet just the right need at just the right time. This meant that students gave without knowing exactly what compassion work their money was going toward. They only knew that it would go to what Send Relief saw as the greatest need at the end of summer.

After Falls Creek was over, Send Relief reported that the largest need is the Afghan crisis. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan at the end of the summer, storming the country and taking most of the country’s main cities in a few short days. As a result of the political upheaval, a massive migration is taking place in Afghanistan.

Thousands of Afghans are trying to flee the country. Women and girls, as well as religious and ethnic

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1) The Falls Creek Mission Offering that was collected during the summer youth weeks will support Afghan refugee families; 2) Brian Baldwin discusses Send Relief with Falls Creek campers . >> PHOTOS: PROVIDED

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O I most at risk minorities, are the V groups of Taliban brutality as they attempt to flee. This disaster will have an impact on communities all throughout the world—including ours.

The students from Falls Creek are helping Afghan refugees wherever they are placed, through the united resources of Southern Baptists. Send Relief is partnering with trustworthy ministry partners to help Afghan refugee families in a strategic way.

We are overjoyed to be able to use donations from the Falls Creek Mission Offering to support the Afghanistan Refugee Crisis Fund, which will help churches and refugee ministries in the United States and around the world care

for Afghan refugees who have been relocated.

As refugees from Afghanistan are coming to America, many Christians are looking for ways to minister to the families in need. Oklahoma Baptists have identified ways for local churches to serve these families in need. For details, visit oklahomabaptists.org/refugee.

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On-going opportunities for volunteers: Baptist Village Communities: Ada—Tracy Scheer, 580/332-6004 Broken Arrow—Monty Baggett, 918/355-0099 Cleveland—Wade Wilson, 918/358-2575 Cordell—Alicia Holt, 580/832-5831 Elk City—Cathy Henderson, 580/225-5555 Grove (Honey Creek)—Gary Mishler, 918/786-2223 Hugo—Alandra Needham, 580/326-8383 Madill (Lake Texoma)—Matthew Wood, 580/564-3776 Miami—Shane McGhee, 918/542-7124 OKC—Chris Finley, 405/721-2466 Ext. 2115 Okmulgee—Sherri Powell, 918/756-5377 Owasso—Steven Walkingstick, 918/272-2281 Ext. 102 Entrusted Hearts by Baptist Village (home health care)—Shannon Ryan, 405/942-3000 Ext. 4685

DISASTER RELIEF

Training:

Sept. 25—Owasso, Central, 9001 N. 145 E. Ave., 74055 Oct. 30—DR Facility, 7180 NW Expressway, Okarche 73762 Visit okdisasterhelp.org for information and to register.

Chaplaincy: Oct. 16—Refresher training for endorsed chaplains. $10.00 payable in advance; Baptist Building, 3800 N. May Ave., OKC; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To register, email: mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org Deadline: Sept. 30.

Pray for Oklahoma Missionary John Niyondiko John is church planting pastor of Oklahoma City, Unbound. Pray for God to raise more workers among the African Diaspora.

Pray for International Missionaries East Asia Pray for Oklahoma Baptists serving with the IMB throughout East Asia. Their names and even the number of them are withheld for security reasons.

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

Missions & ministry | September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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Called, Appointed, Equipped, Sent: The Call Conference reaches 400-plus Oklahoma students /// PREVIEWED ON COVER >> by Staff SHAWNEE—Moses, Gideon, Isaiah, Paul. The Bible is full of examples of people who were directly called to ministry leadership by God. On August 28, more than 400 young people who have sensed God’s call on their lives gathered for The Call Conference.

Meeting at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), The Call Conference is an annual conference hosted by Oklahoma Baptists that is designed for individuals who are exploring or pursuing a call from God to ministry leadership.

The theme of the 2021 conference was “Appointed,” based on Isaiah 42:6. (“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness. I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations.”)

Brian Baldwin, youth missions and evangelism ministry partner with Oklahoma Baptists, was encouraged by the way the Lord moved through the conference.

“We encouraged all middle school, high school, college students, and adults who feel that God may be calling them into ministry to attend. This year, we saw hundreds of young people from churches across Oklahoma take part, and we are so encouraged with the turnout,” Baldwin said.

“The conference offered students two largegroup sessions and breakout sessions geared toward helping them recognize and put into practice God’s call on their lives,” he noted.

The day-long event included keynote speakers, breakout sessions and more. Among those sharing a keynote address was Gateway Seminary President Jeff Iorg.

Iorg—who wrote the book “Is God Calling Me?”— shared biblical precepts with students about discerning their call to ministry. He explained that while all Christians are called to grow and serve, some are called by God to ministry leadership.

Offering a definition of a call to ministry leader-

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>> PHOTOS: TONY DILLARD 1)Jeff Iorg shares how Christians can discern their call to ministry;

2) More than 400 young people gathered at OBU to attend The Call Conference. ship, Iorg told students it is “a profound impression from God that established parameters for your life chance for our ministers to invest in them and start and can only be altered by a subsequent supersed- thinking about future ministry leadership.” ing impression from God.” The Call Conference was did not take place in 2020, Other keynote speakers included OBU President due to the pandemic. Attendance increased from 250 Heath Thomas, who talked about growing in their call- at the last time the event took place to 450 this year. ing; and Vedaste Ndamiye, a ministry speaker and lead“Each student went home with books and reer who spoke on how to follow a ministry call faithfully. sources to help them discover and deepen their The conference’s breakout sessions helped at- call even further after they get home,” Baldwin said. tendees recognize and put into practice God’s call “The majority of the attendees had never been to on their lives. Breakout topics included children’s The Call Conference before.” ministry, youth ministry, evangelism, understandNumerous Oklahoma Baptists who participated ing God’s call, missions, “pursuing a call that looks in the event were greatly encouraged by the day. different,” “women & ministry,” worship and more.

Matt Wolff, youth minister at Tulsa, South Tulsa, “We have many churches and missions organiza- said, “The Call Conference was powerful for my stutions that are having a hard time finding qualified dents who attended. Bennett, my son, came forward people to fill positions and roles that they need,” on Sunday morning to surrender his life to missions.”

Baldwin said. “The torch of missions and ministry “At the conclusion of the event, there was a special leadership must be passed well to the next genera- time of anointing, when each participant received a tiny tion of kingdom leaders. little oil bottle,” Baldwin said. “It was a reminder of the “The Call Conference is a crucial step toward es- experience and that they are anointed and appointed tablishing a ministry pipeline in our state. We had to serve our King and His cause. It was powerful.” another large group of students indicate a call to For those who took part in the 2021 The Call Conministry at Falls Creek (summer youth weeks). The ference, everything indicates this event will have a Call helps them take the next step forward and lasting impact—and on the Kingdom of God as fuequips them for the future. It also is a fantastic ture ministry leaders are called and sent.

Send Oklahoma Network encourages church planters and replanters >> by Chris Forbes STAFF WRITER

SAND SPRINGS—A cohort of four new Send Oklahoma Network planters gathered Aug. 28 at Sand Springs, Church that Matters to encourage one another and sharpen their church planting strategies.

The group was comprised of two church planters, two replanters and their wives.

The Send Oklahoma Network is a partnership between Oklahoma Baptists and the North American Mission Board to plant and replant churches in Oklahoma.

The planters and wives at the training event were Cayo and Larissa Cavalcante, who are planting Deepen Movement Church, an international church in Edmond; Scott and Melissa Bryan are serving together to plant Cognizant Church in west Tulsa; Stephen and Lisa Shaw who are replanting Broken Arrow, Sequoyah Creek; and Adam and Grace Mask who are relaunching Coweta, Community.

This group had been meeting since early spring through online and in-person meetings, and 1 they gathered for final meeting that was organized by Charles Campbell, director of development equipping for the North American Mission Board’s Send Network Planter Development Team, and Rusty Gunn, Send Oklahoma Network catalyst.

“I am excited to partner with Oklahoma Baptist and leaders like Rusty Gunn” Campbell said. ” I am a product of Oklahoma Baptists.

Back in the day, I had a youth pastor who walked alongside of me in high school. He gave me opportunities to grow and lead. I love seeing how Send Network Okla-

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homa continues to help train and coach planting couples to plant healthy, multiplying churches.”

At the meeting, each planter was given an opportunity to present a “Vision Frame” presentation and practice a presentation they developed for enlisting partners to join them in their ministry work.

“The Vision Frame is a tool built by Will Mancini in his book ‘Church Unique,’” Campbell explained. “We got permission to build it into the Send Network Training.

It has been a critical tool to help the planters articulate the mission of their church plants, the values of the new works, the strategy to engage their communities to make disciples and send them out.

“The training tool also helps participants identify the marks and measures of a healthy disciple,” Campbell continued. “It helps them communicate strategic vision, so thinking five years, three years, one-year focus and a 90-day rhythm of implementation to accomplish the five-year vision.”

Each planter was given 15 minutes to present their vision frame, and then the group took 10 minutes to debrief the experience and give feedback to help them improve. At the end of each presentation and debriefing, the group spent time of prayer over the planting couple led by one of the other planters.

Campbell said he sees potential for church planting in Oklahoma.

“I look forward to the days ahead where we will see more churches catch the vision for developing disciples who go out to unreached people and places of Oklahoma and bring the Good News of Jesus,” he said.

Gunn, who is also pastor of Sand Springs, Church That Matters, agreed, “Some things that stand out to me from the gathering are hearing about the clear call that each planter has on their life, the diligence they are showing to prepare for the task ahead, and the broth-

September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Features

2

>> PHOTOS: CHRIS FORBES 1)Cayo Cavalcante presents his

‘Vision Frame;’ 2)Send Oklahoma planters cohort include, from left back row, Charles Campbell, Stephen Shaw, Scott Bryan, Adam Mask, Cavalcante; from left front row, Lisa Shaw, Melissa Bryan, Grace Mask and Larissa Cavalcante.

erhood being formed through their journey together.

“I expect each of these planters to plant fruitful, multiplying churches,” Gunn continued. “They have the vision, have laid the groundwork, are working the plan, and are depending on God. Send Oklahoma is growing with sending churches, partnering churches, and new planters being discovered, developed and deployed at an increasing rate.”

At the conclusion of the cohort gathering, Gunn announced that there was a cookout fellowship planned and that the event host church, Church That Matters, was donating $1,000 to each planter present.

“Church That Matters is committed to being open handed toward church plants,” Gunn explained about the act of generosity. “We believe the seeds we are sowing into these four church plants will bear much fruit.

“I pray this gift and our continued support helps these planters, their wives and their churches know that they have another church who is standing with them, believes in their work and will do what we can to help them accomplish their vision. We instructed the planters to take half of this gift to meet a personal need for their family and the other half to apply to their church’s ministry.”

Oklahoma pastor retires after SBC-record pastoral tenure /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Staff COOKIETOWN—Arbuary Ritter, who has been the pastor of the same church in southwest Oklahoma for 60 years, recently announced his retirement.

Ritter, pastor of Randlett, Union Valley near Cookietown, is reported to hold the longest recorded pastoral tenure among Oklahoma Baptists and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

On Sunday, Aug. 22, a special retirement service and reception was held for Ritter. In attendance were Ritter’s family, as well as leaders from Comanche-Cotton Association, area churches and the state convention.

Walter Wilson, pastor of Lawton, Friendship, preached the service and later described the occasion as “a great evening with some great men for a great man.”

Troy Taylor, director of missions in Comanche-Cotton, said, “Today was Arbuary and Jane Ritter’s celebration at Union Valley Baptist Church. Arbuary has pastored here for 60 years. The longest serving pastor at one church in the entire SBC. The church did an outstanding job honoring their pastor and wife.

It was an awesome day. Thank you Jesus!”

James Swain, who serves Oklahoma Baptists as associate executive director of church relations, also was in attendance and offered his appreciation for Ritter.

“What an honor to be a part of the celebration of the longest tenured pastor in Oklahoma and Southern Baptist life,” Swain said. “His tenure is a testimony to him and his wife Jane’s faithfulness and the graciousness of the Union Valley church family. He demonstrated the shepherding leadership of 1 Peter 5:3 by not lording over the flock but being an example to them. He is definitely worthy of the honor received, and I am praying for God’s richest blessing on him in the days to come.”

Ritter reflects on God’s faithfulness In a story published by the Baptist Messenger in 2018, Ritter talked about God’s faithfulness during his ministry service. Both he and the church have stood the test of time.

“There is absolutely nothing in town but the church anymore,” Ritter said when asked about Cookietown.

Ritter grew up in Marlow, attending Marlow, Eastside as a young boy, and at 15, he made a profession of faith in Christ. Ritter said it wasn’t long before he felt the Lord calling him to preach, so he told the pastor at Eastside.

“He told me, ‘Okay you’re surrendering to preach, you get to preach next Sunday,’ and that’s when I started,” Ritter said with a laugh.

As a high school student, Ritter pastored his first

congregation at 2 Denton in Mullins 1 Association from 1955-57. He was ordained at that time, on March 29, 1956. One unique thing Ritter remembers of his time as a preacher in high school was preaching his own >> PHOTOS:PROVIDED 1)Arbuary Ritter, center, is joined by his wife and faithful members of Randlett, Union Valley. The members pictured were children when Ritter started his pastorate at Union Valley in 1958.; senior class’ Bacca2) Randlett, Union Valley, near Cookietown, faithfully serves its community and continues to thrive. laureate service.

“It was an honor to be asked to do The congregation at Union Valley is not made up that because it was proof that my classmates noticed, of only farmers or ranchers like one might assume since I gave my life to Christ, I had been living for the of a rural church. Ritter said there are teachers, enLord,” Ritter said. gineers, a pharmacist, government workers and Ritter then spent a few years preaching at Per- more who come from surrounding areas to Union nell in Arbuckle Association, and then served at a Valley to worship as a body of believers. church in Geronimo, preaching for the first time at “The Lord has just blessed us,” Ritter said when Union Valley, from 1958-60. asked what his secret is. “You follow the leadership of In this time Ritter got married, had children and the Lord and don’t run off on your own. I’m grateful graduated from the University of Oklahoma. Ritter to have had the opportunity to serve here full-time, has done many things vocationally in his life, while part-time and bi-vocationally through the years. I’ve he filled the pulpit. never felt the Lord calling me anywhere else.”

He was a teacher in Texas, and eventually a school When asked what piece of advice he would offer superintendent in Belleview, Texas. “It was 66 miles to a preacher just beginning their journey of servfrom Cookietown, and I drove it every day,” Ritter ing the Lord he said, “The biggest blessing comes recalled. He also served as a police chaplain for the from being at the church where God wants you (to Oklahoma Highway Patrol. serve). It doesn’t necessarily have to be the biggest After Ritter finished his master’s degree, he ac- church. I was going to be an evangelist, but instead cepted the position as superintendent of Big Pas- God permitted me to be a pastor, and a lot more reture Public Schools, and many Big Pasture students sponsibility comes with that.” attend church in Cookietown today. He has lived Ritter said he has done many things and learned and worked in that community for 60 years now. many things throughout his life as a preacher, po“The Lord has blessed us, and we have expand- lice chaplain, school superintendent among many ed and grown, even though almost no one lives in other vocations.

Cookietown anymore,” Ritter said.

But most of all, Ritter said being in ministry is not Just a few years back, Union Valley finished con- about you, or what you can accomplish on your own. struction on a new youth building and has future “Don’t aspire to greatness or think ‘I need to go to plans to build an additional basketball pavilion, all a bigger, better church,’” he said. “Just follow where signs that “the little church that could” continues to He leads, and He will make your path straight.” thrive. The church continues to attend Falls Creek Those driving south of Lawton, nearing the Oklayouth camp and other ministries. homa-Texas border on a Sunday or Wednesday are Ritter said the church serves a meal each Wednes- welcome to stop at Union Valley for a small taste of day night, when people gather and fellowship. what keeps this faithful body of believers coming The question many may have when hearing about back to Cookietown year after year. the life story of Ritter is, “How?” How does a pastor stay Ritter offered some advice to guest travelers, at a small-town church for 60 years, when such church- though. “Don’t blink or you might miss it!” es often seem to be a revolving door of pastors?

At this retirement milestone, it is evident that Ritter says, “It’s not just a preacher who has been God is at work in this corner of Oklahoma through at a church for (these) years. A lot of it has to do with one man’s years of faithful service, even as He is at a church that has kept a pastor for (these) years.” work across the globe.

Moran makes impact, teaching 55 years at Muskogee, First /// PREVIEWED ON COVER

>> by Chris Doyle

MANAGING EDITOR

MUSKOGEE—In 2015, Joanne Moran was featured in the Muskogee Phoenix in the paper’s “Okie from Muskogee” section. The paper highlighted how Moran taught kindergarten 1 Sunday School for 47 years.

Currently in her 55th year, Moran remains a favorite Sunday School teacher at Muskogee, First who is now teaching grandchildren of her former students.

“I didn’t know you could quit,” Moran said jokingly about faithfully teaching Bible lessons to kindergarteners. “I thought you taught until you died or Jesus came back, and neither of those things have happened yet.”

Moran wrote kindergarten literature for Lifeway Christian Resources for 15 years, and she was a regular conference leader, helping other teachers prepare for Sunday School.

“I love conference leading because I love to train teachers,” she said, and Moran is convinced the more training a teacher experiences the more likely the teacher will continue teaching Sunday School.

“Trained teachers stay,” she said. “If they are trained, they will stay because they see the im-

portance of teaching. I don’t want to will have two kids or 20 kids. One of the 2 just entertain children. It’s important, things that impressed me most is I would especially today, for them to learn go by her room and visit, and there the Bible. You only have one hour would be people coming by—children a week, but I believe you can and adults. Obviously she’s influenced make a difference in a pera lot of lives.” son’s life in one hour.”

Bill Pierce, president of Baptist Moran will spend sevVillage Communities, has known eral hours a week get- >> PHOTOS: PROVIDED 1) Joanne Moran Moran for the majority of his life, applies music in her Bible lessons; 2) ting ready to teach Moran introduces a former student to since Muskogee, First is his home her class. Her husband her great-grandson, Henry. church. Pierce claims Moran “is the would say to her, “I real deal.” wonder what it would “(She is) the best example of usbe like if all teachers did this,” and her ing your spiritual gifts in the church throughout response would be, “There would be a lot your life that I know,” Pierce said about Moran. “She of happy children if they did.” is totally committed to the call.”

For Moran, it’s all about the relationships she has Moran is willing to try new ways to communicate made with her students, as well as with the parents. with her students and their parents. A kindergarten James Swain, Oklahoma Baptists’ associate ex- student once showed Moran how to use the camecutive director-church relations group, recent- era on her phone. She now has a Facebook group ly served as transitional pastor at Muskogee, First, page where she posts pictures and sends messages and mentioned a young family recently started at- to families of her students. tending the church. He said Moran had a little girl “I really believe in outreach,” she said. “Parents from this family in her class. will respond quicker to Facebook than to any other “I think that connection (Moran) made was key, not way. I’ve been doing this a long time, but you still only to connecting with that family but helping them have to find new methods to try along the way.” recover from a difficult situation,” Swain said. “Joanne Moran is an Okie from Muskogee who is also a faithis faithful. Every Sunday she is prepared whether she ful servant, advancing the Gospel for 55 years.

Features | September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O O L B OX CHURCH T

Red Oak, First hosts Masterpiece Church anniversary E R S U D T E L I U F I S C L A Swomen & girls ministry N E W S & CSEPT. 26. Oklahoma City, Olivet will be celebrating its 111th anniversary. The Sun-

day morning service will be centered arond music, ministries and memories, beginning at 10:30 a.m. At 4 p.m., the church will have a concert presented by “Symphonix,” a new chamber orchestra directed by Karen Khanagov. His journey to America from Azerbeijan in 1991 was made possible by the faith community, with his sponsor being Del City, First Southern. Khanagov will be sharing his testimony during the concert.

During the concert, State Rep. Forrest Bennett will present a citation to Olivet, and a new carillon will be dedicated.

VOICES

Coming event >> PHOTO: LINDA MORGAN

>> by Linda Morgan MEMBER, RED OAK, FIRST

RED OAK—Red Oak, First Masterpiece Women & Girls ministry met recently for an evening of Bible study and craftiness.

The fun began with a catered Mexican buffet. As the ladies enjoyed their meals, Leigh Montgomery, wife of Pastor Johnny Montgomery, presented a Bible study.

Then, the artwork began. As the women and girls prepared their crafts, laughter, chatter and sheer joy was heard through the building. A good time was had by all.

As the evening ended, they displayed their treasured creations with pride. Additional activities are planned for ladies and girls. For more information visit redoakfirst.com.

OCT. 3. The 28th annual Tulsa Together event will be at Tulsa, Gilcrease Hills. The event is being organized by Rev. W.R. Casey, Jr., who said program elements will include Todd Fisher, pastor of Shawnee, Immanuel, as speaker, and music by the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma. A mass choir consisting of individuals from various churches and backgrounds is also being planned. Small group discussions will begin at 5 p.m., with the unity service beginning at 6 p.m. There is no charge to attend. Call information Rev. Casey at (918) 951-7407.

Bible literature drive OCT. 1-31. For the entire month of October, a ministry called Bible Rescue will be hosting a “Love Packages” Bible drive. New/used Bibles and New Testaments; Christian devotional/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 more information, contact Nick and Lynn Klapp at 918/732-9077 or rescuebibles@gmail. com. Or visit lovepackages.org.

SOUTHWESTERN SEMINARY

Fall Preview Day OCTOBER 22 | FORT WORTH, TX

Explore campus. Meet your professors. Experience Southwestern.

Get the answers you need to live your calling.

Learn more and get registered at SWBTS.EDU/PREVIEW

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September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | People & Church News

PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

O O L B OX CHURCH T

Ligon leads vow renewal DS LT U R E CLASSIFIE NE WS & CU at Golden Oaks Village senior community, has 10 couples as residents who are celebrating more than 600 years of marriage.

One couple is the longest married couple in Oklahoma at 79 years. Johns said it is possible the couple may be the longest mar-

VOICES

>> PHOTO: PROVIDED

Joe Ligon, right, performs a vow revewal ceremony at Golden Oaks Village with six couples participating.

ENID—Joe Ligon, interim executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists, participated in a unique ceremony on Aug. 22.

Golden Oaks Village, a property under consultation of Baptist Village Communities, hosted a vow renewal ceremony with six couples participating.

According to Elaine Johns, director of sales and marketing at Golden Oaks Village, the

ried couple in the country.

“At this renewal event, we had more than 1,700 years of marriage in attendance with 34 couples from our independent living side of our community,” Johns said. “Our hope is to inspire others by these couple’s love and commitment to each other through the sacrament of marriage of a one man/one woman union.”

EWS CHURCH N PEOPLE IN THE NEWS GRIGGS DEATH. Clayton Griggs, 56, died Aug. 21. Funeral service was O M ASoutheast. He H Aug. 28 L atA Muskogee, K O E H T recently served asHdirector I V E of missions C R A T S I T B A Pin Muskogee Association, which he considered his dream job. He spent most of his life in ministry, including serving as youth minister for several Oklahoma Baptist churches. He also served as pastor for several congregations in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas.

He was a strong man of faith who was committed to winning others to Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tammy and his daughter Haley Anderson.

WHALEY DEATH. Vernon Whaley, 79, died Aug. 18. Funeral service was Aug. 23 at Rush Springs, Vimy Ridge. He served as pastor at many Oklahoma Baptist churches including Cedar Valley in Caddo Association; Marshall, First; Boynton, First; and Canute, First. He also did mission work in Utah. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue; his son, Kevin Whaley; his two daughters, Nickie McCoy and Cara Harper; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

CHURCH STAFF CHANGES J.D. DUNSWORTH is youth minister at Lawton, Northside.

AURA SILKEY is children’s director at Lawton, First West.

HALEY WAYERSKI is communications and media minister at Ada, Trinity.

MICHAEL WEINSTEIN is pastor of Lawton, Olivet.

Northeastern State BCM celebrates 100 years of ministry

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

Northeastern State University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry (NSU-BCM) is celebrating 100 years of ministry with a Centennial Celebration during homecoming, Oct. 1-2. The celebration will include an impact service, homecoming parade watch party, Noonday and several other nods to NSU-BCM traditions. Former NSU BSU and BCM students are invited. Visit the NSU-BCM Alumni Facebook page—facebook.com/nsubcmalumni—for more information or email stafford.autumn@gmail.com or call 918/231-5649.

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

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Al and Shairon Dickey, chaplains with Christian Resort Ministries (CRM), recently took part in a retreat and training event. The Dickeys, who previously served in churches in Oklahoma, are trained chaplains who work in aspects of resort, RV and leisure ministry. CRM offers programs that include church services in RV parks, youth activities, children’s vacation Bible school and work projects. For more information about CRM, visit crmintl.org.

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People & Church News | September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com

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

The importance of Small Town Jesus Conference >> by Jeff Nine

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

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

NOVEMBER 15-16, 2021 OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS’ 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

SEND RELIEF: SERVE TOUR –TULSA

The 2021 Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists is Nov. 15-16, at OKC, Southern Hills. To pre-register and find other important information visit:

The Send Relief: Serve Tour will be in Tulsa, Oct. 15-16. Find out how you and your volunteer team can make a real, lasting difference in the most vulnerable lives.

oklahomabaptists.org/annual-meeting

oklahomabaptists.org/evangelism

OKLAHOMA CITY, SOUTHERN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH

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

IFIEDS S Stown, A our C L of er called to be the hero or to

a place of prominence, recognition or prestige. We have been called to share what we have received with the people God has put Small town ministry is both beautiful and in our lives. Let us stop looking longingly vital, yet during this last season, it has been over the fence at someone else’s calling. Inunusually challenging, exhausting and stead, let’s allow God’s calling of us lead to E Shas I CGod lonely. Smaller cities, small towns and rural a fresh vision for the placeV to O which places bring both incredible opportunities called us. for Gospel ministry and unique challenges.

Communion. There is a fascinating phrase This is why Shawnee, Frontline is hosting in 2 Timothy that I think is instructive for us the Small Town Jesus Conference, Oct. 8-9. as Gospel ministers in our current moment: I’d like to invite you to join me and a bunch “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of my friends who lead churches in often over- of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and looked places, as we consider together how was not ashamed of my chains, but when he the Gospel sustains, preserves and empow- arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly ers us through seasons of challenge, while we and found me...” (2 Tim 1:16-17). pray for renewal, refreshing and grace.

Paul was suffering alone in a Roman prisAll of us have been pressed under the on, with little idea of what lay ahead in minweight of pandemic responses, political divi- istry. Yet, we see here that Paul’s relationsions, cultural anxieties and relational fractur- al communion with Onesiphorus led Paul ing. We have seen people leave our churches into deeper communion with his Lord. Paul over decisions we have had to make, per- was facing intense challenges, but the grace formed funerals over zoom, counseled peo- and power of God showed up through the ple through rampant addiction and despair, presence, encouragement and affirmation fought for unity when it seemed in short of a faithful brother. Gospel resiliency often supply and felt the stinging loneliness that comes in deep dependence on the grace of comes from leading in times of crisis. And God through spiritual communion with othall of this has impacted pastors and ministry er faithful brothers and sisters. leaders in small towns in unique ways.

Counter-Formation. In this current culSimply put, many of us are weary. We tural moment, forces of deformation (conneed rest and renewal physically, emotion- sumerism, autonomy, disunity, loss of ally, relationally, and spiritually. We need to truth, malformed sexuality, etc.) seem to be reminded of how the Gospel sustains us be persuading many people in our churchin all things. es faster than we can disciple them in the We need Gospel Resiliency. ways of Jesus.

Gospel resiliency doesn’t come through This deformation must be met with intips, tricks or more data. We won’t be sus- tentional counter-formation, both for us as tained through dark and difficult days by leaders and for the churches we lead. We right strategic thinking, sound organiza- need a counter-formation that only the Gostional processes or even correct doctrine. pel can E bring, one that reminds us of truths TH F RO Instead, we need three things to grow in Mwe have neglected, hopes that have waned, G S B LOpractices E Rspiritual Gospel resiliency: calling, communion that bring us back to L I N Gand D Sand R O W counter-formation. the simple call to follow Jesus.

Calling. You are first called to Jesus, not You are invited to join us as we gather with initially to a place, church or vocation. Your other pastors and leaders, serving in smallprimary identity is not as a minister, pastor, er contexts to see with fresh eyes how the deacon or leader. Before anything else, you Gospel can empower us and cultivate resilare an adopted child of God, loved by the iency in us and in the churches we serve. one whose name is Love.

AY S today at smalltownjesusok.com, AV E SRegister It is only from this calling that weDcan in- and join us, Oct. 8-9, for the 2021 Small habit our calling to a place. We were nev- Town Jesus Conference.

CHURCH PLANTING & STRENGTHENING PASTOR, SHAWNEE, FRONTLINE

NE

C U LT U R E

AS THE SAVIOR SLEPT >> CARISSA JONES

The groans of creation that started Y Sin the garden with A S E V A D Adam and Eve seem to grow louder with every passing year. We are assaulted daily with a barrage of news stories, social media posts and personal experiences of the brokenness around us. Violence, disease and natural diR S of fear, Eonslaught sasters wreak havoc onD theSworld.

InG the N I L R O tragedy, lossW and anxiety, it often feels likeSthe Lord has T I S Tcare.

AP AB forgotten usOorKthat just doesn’t H O MHe L Amaybe T compaI GinHgood H Lare If you have ever feltRthis way, H IGyou E C U O S E R cried out, “Awake! Why are You sleeping, ny. The psalmist O Lord? Rouse Yourself! Do not reject us forever!” (Psalm 44:23). God’s silence in the midst of our suffering strikes a S cry out, desperheavy blow to our weary hearts.

E S AWeYtoo V A D ate for His attention and intervention in our circumstance.

As the storms of life rage and the waves come crashing in around us, deliverance often seems unattainable.

The disciples experienced this same feeling of dread as an actual storm came upon them and real waves poured into their boat. Panic and fear for T S consumed T I Slives Ptheir BA O MinAthe them as theOSavior slept stern. The Tsituation apKLAH LIGH HJesus, H IG E C peared hopeless.

As they called on their words beR U O S E R trayed their terror and sense of abandonment. “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).

To read the rest of Carissa’s blog visit, baptistmessenger.com/blog-as-the-savior-slept ING

SMART GIV

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

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS: SAY ‘YES’ TO GIVING AND ‘NO’ TO PROBATE AND TAXES For many of us, the greatest opportunity to leave a significant gift to a cause we are passionate about comes when we die. CHRISTA ROGERS, WATERSEDGE VICE Charitable beneficiary designations are PRESIDENT OF CLIENT ENGAGEMENT one of the smartest ways to support Kingdom work because they are easy to create, allow you to avoid probate and minimize taxes.

Put simply, charitable beneficiary designation facilitates the gifting of assets through the completion of a beneficiary designation form.

Our most substantial assets are often the best fit for charitable beneficiary designations, including retirement plans, life insurance policies, commercial annuities or bank and brokerage accounts. During your lifetime, you enjoy the full use and ownership of the assets. Beneficiary designation allows you to name who will receive the account at your passing — which often includes a family member or loved one — but can also include your church or other ministry you support.

Gifts made by beneficiary designation avoid probate (court administration of the account at your death). Depending on the asset, these gifts can reduce or eliminate income taxes for your heirs, as well as minimize estate taxes, if applicable. Naming a ministry as your beneficiary does not require an attorney and may not necessitate a change to your estate plan.

Simply designate “The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma dba WatersEdge Advisors” as the beneficiary of the asset (or portion of the asset) you are giving to ministry and return the signed form to your account administrator. Then, connect with WatersEdge to document the ministry or ministries you wish to support with your gift.

To learn more about charitable beneficiary designations, start a conversation with a WatersEdge giving solutions specialist at 800/949-9988 or give@WatersEdgeServices.org

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

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PEOPLE & EWS CHURCH N

September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | Church Toolbox

The views expressed by Dave Ramsey do not necessarily reflect those of the Baptist and do notmore constitute legal financial advice.

Make your Messenger giving smarter!

Learn at WatersEdgeServices.org/endowment.

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Rate: $1.00 per word, $25.00 per issue, minimum • Deadline: Two weeks prior to publication. Submit a classified ad at www.baptistmessenger.com/advertise on the Classifieds Form is prayerfully searching for a F/T Youth Pastor.

Please send resumes to: youth@fbcduncan.com.

CLASSIFIEDS COLOR KEY: PA S TOR YOUTH MUS I C

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

>> 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.

>>F/T ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES: Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Associate Pastor of Family Ministries with a focus on Children’s Ministry. The full job description along with how to apply is on our website: www. tbcshawnee.org. Resumes Due By 9/30/21.

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

Please send your resume’ or contact information to: pastorclay@erinspringsbaptist.com. >>WORSHIP LEADER: First Baptist Church 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 mail resume to: 208 NE B Street, Antlers, OK 74523. >>PASTOR: We’re seeking a God called Pastor to lead & disciple our congregation. We’re a small church in a rural town with opportunities to minister to members & the community. Send resume to: richardking6735@gmail. com or FBC, P.O. Box 67, Mannsville, OK 73447. >> P/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Smaller country church between Shawnee & Ada looking for Pastor. Galey Baptist Church, 6025 Galey Ada, OK 74820. Please send resume to: willnmcconnell@gmail and/or dmount.quiver@gmail.com for consideration. >> F/T PASTOR: We are now accepting resumes for F/T Pastor at Eastside Baptist Church, Sallisaw, OK. Please send resumes to: Eastside Baptist Church, 1120 E. Ida Ave, Sallisaw, OK 74955, Attention Pastor Search Committee. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Small country church 5 miles North of Chickasha seeks BI/VO Pastor. Send resume: Son Rise Baptist Church P.O. Box 2371, Chickasha, OK 73023 or: melvin@thetownsendfamily.org. >> F/T WORSHIP/MEDIA PASTOR: Arrow Heights Baptist Church/Broken Arrow seeks Pastor to worship in hymns, modern hymns & praise music with worship band. Facilitate choir & media presence. A Pastor. Send video to: ataylor@arrowheights.org. >> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Rock Creek Baptist, Shawnee, OK is searching for a P/T Youth Minister to shepherd students, involve families & reach out to the community. Potential to grow into a F/T position. There is housing available.

Send resume to: rockcreekbaptist@hotmail.com. >> F/T PASTOR: Immanuel Baptist Church, Perkins, OK. Please send resume to: P.O. Box 10, Perkins, OK 74059 or email: sec.ibcperkins@sbcglobal.net. >> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: Lake Center Baptist Church on Oklahoma’s beautiful Monkey Island is accepting resumes for a P/T Worship Leader. We have a newer worship facility with top-of-the-line A/V equipment. Please send resumes to: office@lakecenter.church. >> BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Wyandotte is seeking a BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is available.

Send resumes to: wyandottefbc@gmail.com. >> F/T YOUTH PASTOR: First Baptist Duncan

>> BI/VO YOUTH/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Enterprise Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Youth Pastor/Associate Pastor. We are excited to meet the man God calls to help our small Church. Please send your resume to: brandonsburris@gmail.com. >>P/T WORSHIP MINISTER: Seeking a leader with a heart for ministry who understands a blend of contemporary & traditional worship music styles, capable of reaching multiple generations. Send resumes to: southparkokcmusic@gmail.com. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Spring River Indian Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a BI/VO Pastor. 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. >>COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Chisholm Heights Baptist in Mustang, seeks a Communications Specialist skilled in graphic design, video production/editing, bulletin creation & social media presence. Email resume & portfolio to: jkimes@chbcmustang.org. >>F/T STUDENT/ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Harmony Baptist Church Atoka is in search of a F/T Students/Associate Pastor. If you are someone called to serve Christ, students & His church please submit your resume to: harmonybaptistatoka@hotmail.com. Contact (580) 889-2646 for more info. >>P/T YOUTH PASTOR/DIRECTOR: Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church is accepting resumes for a P/T Youth Pastor/Director. Resumes can be sent to: Blackburnchapel@aol.com or call Pastor Mark Compton at (405) 220-0324. >>P/T WORSHIP LEADER: True Oak Fellowship of Tuttle is seeking a P/T Worship Leader. We are in need of a lead vocalist/keyboard or guitar player. We have a bass player & drummer in place already. Email Pastor Adam at: adamlamle@att.net. >>F/T STUDENT MINISTER: Chisholm Heights Baptist Church Mustang is looking for a F/T Student Minister. If interested, please send resumes to: Student Ministry Search Committee, 2243 W. State Highway 152 Mustang, OK. 73064 or email: dbryan@chbcmustang.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 >>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.

>>F/T WORSHIP/YOUTH PASTOR: North Fork Baptist Church in Eufaula is seeking a minister to lead these ministries. We will consider P/T for both positions separated. Please submit resumes to: P.O. Box 506, Eufaula, OK 74432 or northforkeufaula@gmail.com. >>F/T FAMILY MINISTER: Crestview BC, OKC, is seeking a Family Minister to oversee the Youth/Children Ministry. Please email cover letter & resume to: office@crestviewokc.org. >>F/T OR P/T MUSIC MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK. Send resume to: Sharon Baptist Church, Music Search Committee, 19002 Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801 or email at: cdpreacher@gmail.com. Resumes due by 9/20/21 >>F/T PASTOR: Overbrook OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail or email a cover letter & resume to: Eastman Baptist Church, Attn: Search Committee, 5343 Eastman Rd., Overbrook, OK, 73453 or eastmanchurch@gmail.com. >>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 DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS: Salt Fork Baptist Association is currently accepting resumes for the Director of Missions position. Please send resumes to: saltforkbaptistassoc@gmail.com or mail to: Salt Fork Baptist Association, Box 34, Nash, OK 73761. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Davis, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: FBC, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 297, Davis, OK 73030. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Red Oak FBC is accepting applications for a F/T Youth Minister. Please submit résumé to: Pastor Johnny Montgomery at: redoakfbc@icloud.com. >>F/T CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER: FBC of Poteau is prayerfully seeking a Contemporary Worship Leader. This person will have young person/ family responsibilities & will work with the Senior Pastor to touch families & singles for Christ. If interested, please email: PastorTroyFBCPoteau@gmail.com. >>F/T CHILDREN’S MINISTER: The Church at Quail Creek in Amarillo, TX is searching for our next F/T Children’s Minister. For more information go to: http://tcqc.org/about/jobs.

Please submit resumes to: kclayton@tcqc.org. >>BI/VO PASTOR/YOUTH: Del View Baptist Church, Del City, OK is prayerfully searching & accepting resumes for a BI/VO Pastor/ Youth combined position. Please submit resumes with a cover letter & at least one link to

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23 Airport abbr.

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Paul ministered ACROSS 26 What Israelites were commanded 53 “Pharisees fast ___” (Matt. 9:14) 19 “Your foot shall ___ upon” 1 Wild beast (Ps. 80:13) to obey 54 Long scolding 1:3) 5 Judah’s “went up to ___” 28 “Godborder in heaven above, and(Josh. in 15:3) 56 (Josh.

Non-nuclear energy (abbr.)

Japaneseson city(Josh. 24:9) 9 Cowboy ___ rope beneath” (Josh. 2:11) 58 20 Zippor’s “Talkwho no ___ ___Shechem exceeding proudly” (1 14 “___, Father” (Mark 14:36) 29 Agricultural student 60 22 Man bought for Sam. (2 wds.)

15 Burnt ering (1 Sam. 6:14) 30 Smalloffamount 1002:3) pieces of silver (Josh. 24:32) Concord e.g.son (Josh. 14:13) 16 Painting 31 Hurriedprop from enemies 61 24 Jephunneh’s (Judg. 5:30) 62 25 What Joshua a copy of the Heavenly bodywrote idolatrous 17 Northeast by north (abbr.)

33 Football assoc. law on (Josh. 8:32) 35 Cramp 63 “Get you unto your ___” 36 Banned (Josh. 22:4) 37 Musical based on life of Eva 65 Manasseh’s children who inherited Perón land of Gilead (Josh. 17:6) 39 “Meditate therein ___ and night” 67 “A ___ of blue” (Ex. 39:21) (Josh. 1:8) 68 Center

a video message to: rlangan.dvbc@gmail.com. >>PASTOR/YOUTH LEADER/MUSIC LEADER: FBC Roosevelt is accepting application for the following positions: Pastor, Youth Leader & Music Leader. Qualified applicants can apply by email: rooseveltfbc@swoi.net or mailing address: P.O. Box 218, Roosevelt, OK 73564. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: Sharon Baptist Church, Tecumseh, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth Minister with the heart to love/shepherd/serve the youth & community of the church & their families.

Resumes can be sent: suzi.sharontecumseh@gmail. >> P/T YOUTH MINISTER: Trinity, OKC is prayerfully seeking a P/T Youth Minister to reach, lead & disciple 6th-12th Grade Students & partner with their families in ministry. For a job description & to submit a resume, please email: tjackson@trinityokc.com. >> F/T or BI/VO PASTOR: Searching for F/T or BI/VO Pastor for Tushka Baptist Church, Tushka, Oklahoma. Please send resumes to: tushkabaptist@gmail. com or mail to: Tushka Baptist Church, 202 N.E. 2nd St. Atoka, OK 74525, Att. Pastors Search Community. >>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: NewPoint Church, Ponca City, OK is seeking a F/T Youth Pastor responsible for developing & leading all aspects of the 6th-12th grade Student Ministry of NewPoint Church. Email: info@newpoint.church for more info or to apply. >>F/T YOUTH MINISTER: FBC of Muskogee is seeking a F/T Youth Minister. Resumes may be sent to: tiff_tennant@yahoo.com or mailed to: 111 S. 7th St., Muskogee, OK 74401. >>F/T STUDENT PASTOR: Cameron Baptist Church, Lawton is prayerfully seeking a God & student focused leader for a multischool F/T Student ministry. Please send resumes to: miket@cameronbaptist.com. >>BI/VO YOUTH PASTOR: FBC, a small rural church, is accepting resumes for a BI/VO Youth Pastor. Send resumes to: FBC, P.O. Box 150, Thackerville, OK 73459, Atten: Clerk OR email to: fbc_clerk@yahoo.com. >>F/T PASTOR: First Baptist Miami accepting resumes for F/T Pastor. Please send to: fbcmiamioffice@gmail.com or 24 A St. SW, Miami, OK 74354. For questions call: (918) 542-1691. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC, Cheyenne, OK, is prayerfully seeking a F/T Pastor. Interested candidates should mail a cover letter & resume to: FBC, Attn: Search Committee, P.O. Box 56, Cheyenne, OK 73628 or email: fbcchey@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR: FBC Hennessey, OK is accepting resumes for a F/T Pastor. Please submit recommendations, resumes, & worship video links to: fbchennesseysearch@pldi.net by Sept. 27, 2021. View our church video at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=zoojpHMhuK0&t=38s. >>F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: FBC Ryan, OK is seeking a F/T or BI/VO Pastor. Parsonage is provided.

Please send resumes or questions to: FBC Ryan, Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 519, Ryan, OK 73565 or email to: fbcryan1@gmail.com.

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priests burned incense to (2 Kings 23:5) 27 Orderly 31 “___ ye not, but pursue after your enemies” (Josh. 10:19) 32 Tribe with seventh lot (Josh. 19:40) 34 At 110, Joshua said, “I am. . . stricken in ___” (Josh. 23:2) 35 God counts each ___ we take (Job 31:4) 38 After couple ___, Jesus turned water into wine 40 David said the proud ___ lies against him (Ps. 119:69) 42 “A ___ work of a sapphire stone” (Ex. 24:10) 44 Pat lightly 46 One language on Jesus’ cross (Luke 23:38) 47 “Judah shall ___ in their coast” (Josh. 18:5) 48 Chatter 50 “And ___ took up the ark” (Josh. 3:6) 51 Drunkard 52 “The sixth ___” (Josh. 19:32) 55 Forsaking the Lord and serving strange gods (Josh. 24:19–20) 57 Balak, king of ___ (Josh. 24:9) 59 Fiji denizen 61 GMT-0600 64 Stellar 66 Excite 68 Form of greeting 71 Vinegary 73 Hebrew name meaning oak 74 Metropolitan 75 Wharf

1:8) 41 Grain 43 Eastern state (abbr.)

45 Royal palace 49 Killed in action (abbr.)

53 “Pharisees fast ___” (Matt. 9:14) 54 Long scolding DOWN 1 Jordan’s river edges that overflow (Josh. 3:15) 56 Non-nuclear energy (abbr.)

58 Zippor’s son (Josh. 24:9) 2 Heeds Lord’s commands 60 Man who bought Shechem for 100 pieces of 3 Monastery superior silver (Josh. 24:32) 4 Scold S M O G A B L E S T U B RAGS ONCE RAS T A 61EJephunneh’s G L OB GHAN A A alias V E (abbr.)

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8:32) 7 Negatively R I charged D E particle AT OPE NED BE E VE S URN 63 “Get you BM AKE AV E A unto T E your R ___” E NO F DA 8 “The tabernacleIwas ___Cup” V E S H I N AT HERE D DARED (Josh.G22:4) (Ex. 40:17)AP AB EL LL U Z LE O ROS ABC S S US I AGO DE AD children who inherited land of 9 Allows R U E A A N D W W R I T E 65EManasseh’s L EC T GAMAL I E L Gilead (Josh.

17:6) A P T L A E L L I T O A S K B R S B I D 10 Eleazar’s father (Josh. 24:33) S (Ex. 39:21) MOS A I C NE S S I E N T ED 67 “A ___AofCblue” 11 Compass pointE D D Y HE O S CAB HEBRON U T E REM I T E 68 Center 12 Israelites ARNON DE AN F R ED A Hpassed I R Athrough A R Red A D___I on G dry AL L AMA 69PTime O Nperiod DO AM I D I R E N WO V E C E L L land (Josh.S 4:23) US SR W Ecode E Tfor Albanian M A N S Airlines L E E R ARE S S P ED 13 “Destroyed. . .young and ___” (Josh. 6:21) 70SICAO Puzzle 7: Numbers 72 DekaliterPuzzle (abbr.)8: Numbers 21 Choose 23 Airport abbr.

A L ADMAH I CE T EN S PAN DOS E 26 What G Israelites O R E O were B commanded RAKE PtoRobey E Y WA R P A L L OW I D E A 28 “God inD heaven E V I above, H E and N CinE___Rbeneath” ODE I T O S ALM I Z OAR S A I L BOAT DRONE S NS KE P T A L T ARS (Josh. 2:11) EAS E L ARM S I X DAH 29 Agricultural student Y U C DACCA SC AD SAD E RAR S HR G SE 30 Small Samount CARE D V I I E L I HOOP L A A PT BEOR R from OCK I C I ER E V I L ANY E PHRA I M A L I 31 Hurried enemies A UT D I M S L E E V E F E AR RAN COAS T S (Judg. 5:30) S T I F F AS K E L L E T Y L ER DEW OBE S E AHA J EW DR I ER 33 Football assoc.E O S T E RY S T OL ON A F RA I D 35 CrampDE ED PA AS R TR A AV DE UN L O V I I I MO T I F HOOF L EO 36 Banned E D I T ARE S T E S AU O P E C B O O T Y AWO L K PH R based A N on life W IofSEva H Perón E R R WA D E MARY 37 Musical Puzzle___ 9: Deuteronomy Puzzle 10: 39 “Meditate therein and night” (Josh.

AUGUST 26Deuteronomy ANSWERS 76 Penny 77 What Israel turned before their enemies (Josh. 7:8) 78 Mount where Joshua built altar (Josh. 8:30) 79 Village in eastern Hungary

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Classifieds | September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com E A T A G E R G E

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CLASSIFIE >>FOOD SERVICE COORDINATOR: Riverbend Retreat Center a camp & retreat center in Glen Rose, TX is seeking applicants for Food Service Coordinator. Experience in commercial foodservice is required. To apply, please send a resume to: employment@riverbendretreat.org.

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fully seeking a F/T Pastor/Director of Student Life to lead our student ministries. If interested, please send resumes to: brad@northsideneosho.com. >>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.

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>> FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Financial Secretary position open. Trinity Baptist Church, Norman, OK. 16-20 hours/week. For more information email: tbc@trinitynorman.org.

>>MINISTER: Grace Baptist Church in Chickasha, OK is accepting applications for a Minister. Please send resumes to: Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 644, Chickasha, OK 73023. Contact Royce at (405) 201-7796 or Gary at (405) 922-0134 with questions. >>F/T YOUTH PASTOR: The FBC of Fort Gibson, OK is searching for a F/T Youth Pastor. All Candidates please send your resume & cover letter to: fbc.ftgyouthpastorsearch@gmail.com. >>F/T PASTOR/DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE: Northside Baptist Church of Neosho, MO, is prayer-

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>>P/T MUSIC MINISTER: FBC McLoud is seeking a P/T Music Minister for Sunday Morning Worship. Please send resume & references to: Debbie Nida (Personnel) at deborah.nida@gmail.com. >>F/T YOUTH/WORSHIP PASTOR: The Elk River Baptist Church in Grove, OK is prayerfully seeking a F/T Youth/Worship Pastor. Please send resumes to: elkriverworship@sbcglobal.net. >>F/T SENIOR PASTOR: FBC Boswell in Southeastern OK is seeking a F/T Senior Pastor. Parsonage is available & benefits are provided.

Please send resumes to: fbcboswell@gmail.com.

>> P/T WORSHIP LEADER: 20 hrs. weekly (includes service times), blended worship & choir skills preferred. Mail resumes to: Eastern Heights Baptist Church, 2401 Haskell Blvd., Muskogee, OK 74403 or email to: each1reach1@easternheightsbaptist.net.

multigenerational congregation.

Send resume to the church at: P.O. Box 561, Afton, OK 74331 or email jasonggibson@gmail.com.

LT U R E >> BI/BO PASTOR: FBC Crowder, OK is acNE WS & CU cepting resumes for Multi-Vocational Pastor.

>> BI/VO YOUTH MINISTER: Whitefield Baptist Church is looking for a BI/VO Youth Minister. Housing is available. If you feel called to share the Gospel & minister to youth please send us your resume. Send resume or questions to: wbc.cyndi@gmail.com. >>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: Board Camp Baptist Church is seeking a F/T Pastor. Board Camp, AR is located 10 miles east of Mena, 72 miles west of Hot Springs. Please send resumes to: Bill McCourtney, barmcranch@yahoo.com or 228 Dogwood Springs Lane, Mena, AR 71953. >> F/T OR BI/VO PASTOR: Highland Park Baptist Duncan is seeking a Pastor to lead our church & inspire our youth. Please come grow our church with a loving spirit. Please send resumes to: hpbc@ cableone.net or 1002 S. 10th St, Duncan, OK 73533. >> BI/VO PASTOR: Lone Star Baptist Church, a rural small in attendance church near Miami, OK is seeking a BI/VO Pastor to lead their

September 16, 2021 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com | News & Culture

Mail resumes to: P.O. Box H, Crowder, OK 74430.

You can also email them to: dom@pbaok.net. >>F/T MEDIA DIRECTOR: FBC Sapulpa is seeking a F/T Media Director to oversee the mission & vision of the church visually to internal & external audiences. Email: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com for more info or to apply. >> F/T COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR: FBC Sapulpa is seeking a F/T Communication Director to create an environment to communicate the church’s vision to audiences internally & externally. Email: jamie@fbcsapulpa.com for more info or to apply. >>BIBLE REPAIR & BINDING: Hand Sewn, fine stamped leather. McSpadden Book Bindery, 911 West Benedict, Shawnee, OK 74801. www. mcspaddenbookbindery.com (405) 275-7788. >>CABIN FOR SALE: Falls Creek cabin for sale. Great location close to the tabernacle.

Sleeps 85+, commercial kitchen, pastors & cooks quarters both with full baths, large outside deck. $299,000. If interested contact Wallace Ave Baptist Church info@wallaceave.com.