SPRING 2020
Newsjournal of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware • baptistlifeonline.org
TWO NATIONS, ONE LORD SEE PAGE 10
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Table of Contents
(ISSN 331-640) is published quarterly as a Cooperative Program ministry of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.
Image of God for the Glory of God 6 What we believe about our weaknesses, our differences, and our disabilities says a lot about what we really believe about God.
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Two Nations, One Lord
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Twelve members from six Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) churches go on a mission trip to Kenya.
Seven Misconceptions about the Multigenerational Church 16 If we want to see our churches come alive, from generation to generation, we need a movement of the Holy Spirit. COVER Children from the surrounding villages attend Vacation Bible School at the local orphanage. Photo by Reginald Davis
BaptistLIFE Perspectives 4 President’s Letter 5 Meet Andrew 8 BCM/D 184th Annual Meeting Transitions and Recognitions Obituaries 22
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Unity is Necessary!
DR. KEVIN SMITH
Executive Director Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware
If we will be fruitful witnesses of Jesus Christ in our two-state convention, then this region, our country, and even the world will be affected.
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t’s a good day to be a Maryland/ Delaware Baptist! The Lord has given us the opportunity to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) in an important area in the U.S. If we will be fruitful witnesses of Jesus Christ in our two-state convention, then this region, our country, and even the world will be affected. Thus, it’s a good day to be a Maryland/Delaware Baptist. If we want to be used by God’s Spirit in Christ-honoring ministry, it is vital that we not grieve or quench His Spirit by deliberate disobedience. To grieve God’s Spirit is to live our lives (individually and collectively) in such a way that we cause God to withdraw His operative powers from us. No disciple of Christ, who desires revival and evangelistic fruitfulness, wants to be powerless, without the power of the Holy Spirit. One area of Christian obedience that is often overlooked is the pursuit of unity among Jesus’ disciples (Ephesians 4:3). We must not disobey this biblical exhortation if we desire to see new believers being baptized in our congregations and Maryland/Delaware Baptists growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2 Peter 3:18). In our divided society, unity among Jesus’ disciples – those of every kindred, tribe, language, and nation – can be a powerful witness to the reality of the glorious salvation work of Christ, the Messiah and King of His people. So, how might we “endeavor to keep the
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unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3)? Perhaps we would benefit from considering intentionality, our habits, and our ultimate aim, as they relate to thinking about Christian unity. First, do we give prayerful and effortfilled intentionality to pursuing unity with fellow Christ-followers? Many Baptists would affirm the need to put effort into “contending for the faith” (Jude 3). Likewise, many would affirm their efforts to pursue holiness in lifestyle (Philippians 2:12). Sadly, many would not be able to say the same about obeying the biblical exhortations towards unity. Our minds must intentionally be set to this pursuit; then our habits will be affected. Second, in a culture (even church culture) that is bent towards division and schism, Jesus’ followers must develop habits (our thoughts, words, and actions) that push towards Christian unity. Any observation of the early church in the book of Acts reveals the work that must be put into pursuing Christian unity. This is true even of the early saints who were influenced by the Holy Spirit’s work on the Day of Pentecost. Here’s a habit to work on – develop the ability to express 1 Corinthians 12 appreciation for other “members” of Christ’s body who differ from you. Can you appreciate fellow Christ-followers in different denominations, traditions, and nations? Can you appreciate your fellow Baptist who attends a different church, with
a different music style and folks who wear different clothes? Galatians 3:28 provides examples of other areas where the saints might examine our unity with other disciples – across the lines of sex, ethnicity, and economic status. Finally, we must remember our Acts 1:8 aim – that our union (Maryland/Delaware Baptists in 500+ congregations) has a clear goal – to see men/women/boys/girls made new (“born again”) as God uses our witness about His Son (the person and work of Christ) to change them. Because of that change, we pray that our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, would be influenced by the lordship of Christ in His followers as we obey Matthew 5:16 and are salt/light witnesses in our homes, communities, workplaces, and hobbies/recreation times. May Maryland/Delaware Baptists see people around us who are “walking in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2) and eagerly share a witness about Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. May we share that witness empowered by the Holy Spirit, because we have not grieved Him by sinfully disobeying the biblical call to unity in God’s household – His churches. Grace to you,
Brother Kevin
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How many world religions are there?
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n the world today, the question of different religions can be very complex. Even among us who claim to follow Jesus, confusion is often prominent. Our enemy has a way of confusing the matter and giving people a false truth so they miss heaven. All of their lives, they expect that they will go to heaven, but as Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)).
parents told them of how wonderful it was when they were right before God and how He once walked with them in sweet fellowship. Therefore, these two boys decided to try to establish that relationship with God. Cain went into the fields, gathered the crops which he had labored to grow, and built an altar to present them to God, but God said, “No.” Abel went into the field, chose a lamb, and built an altar to give God a sacrifice of the life of the lamb, and God said, “Yes.” The question is, why did God reject Cain’s worship, but accept Abel’s worship? The explanation here also clarifies the issue in Matthew 7, as Jesus said that there would be many that would not enter the kingdom of heaven. Just because we come to the Lord with some form of worship does not mean that the Lord will accept it.
DR. HAROLD M. PHILLIPS
President Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware
would not purchase God’s favor. Work and efforts will not bring us into harmony with God and will not be accepted. But Abel took the first-born lamb and put his trust in the sufficiency of that lamb. In other words, Able believed that God would be pleased with him if he trusted in the sacrifice of the Lamb. And God said, “YES!” In turn, Cain killed Abel. This story tells us that the only trust that we have is in the Lamb’s death which brings us into favor with God. Therefore, when Jesus said that many would say to him in that day, “Lord, Lord,” but would not enter the kingdom, he went on to say that they would answer, “we prophesied … cast out devils, and [did] many wonderful works in [your] name” (Matthew 7:2122). He, in turn, would call their efforts
There is only one way to become just before God and this example explains it to us. Either we are trusting in the Lamb of God, or we are trusting in the works that we can accumulate. What was Jesus talking about here? What is the answer? Genesis 4 presents a wonderful description of the first two sons of Adam and Eve, the first couple. We know that Cain killed his brother Abel over the validity of his offering. This was the first murder and the dispute was over religious beliefs. We often focus on the murder, but the real mystery was the reason for the murder, not the murder itself. Cain and Abel were trying to get themselves right with God, who created them. I can imagine the stories their
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When sharing this story, it is always good to ask why God rejected Cain’s worship and accepted Abel’s. There are many different answers given, but it is clear to me that this religious conflict was over the two religion disputes that would plague the world and keep many away from God for eternity. Cain’s offering to God was self-centered. It was based on his own effort. Cain plowed and planted the field. He gathered a quantity of his effort. However, no matter how many crops Cain accumulated, they
works of iniquity. Why? Because it was in the way of Cain! There is only one way to become just before God and this example explains it to us. Either we are trusting in the Lamb of God, or we are trusting in the works that we can accumulate. God made it clear that our efforts will not bring us into a worship relationship with God. I conclude that there are only two religions in the world: the way of Cain (our efforts) and the way of Abel (the works of Jesus).
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Image of God for the Glory of God By Sharon Mager
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amar Hardwick is a pastor with autism. His website’s domain name is autismpastor.com, so you know he’s open and candid about his developmental disability. And that can make people uncomfortable. Hardwick shares, “I do recall having an interesting conversation 3 to 4 years ago. A man sort of took issue with my online moniker ‘autism pastor.’ He asked me why I label myself that way.” And Hardwick’s reply? “It’s only a problem if you think those two terms don’t go together. People like me and those with other disabilities are perfectly capable of answering God’s call.” God uses a lot of people with issues, he says, referring to Moses’ speech impediment, and Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” “Why have we detached this understanding in our modern context when it’s all throughout the Bible?” he questions.
THE CHURCH’S CHALLENGE Hardwick will be a keynote speaker at the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s Special Needs Conference on March 28. He was 36 years old when he received a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. He is now the pastor of Tri-Cities Church in Eastpoint, Georgia. And he has a passion, a mission, to challenge today’s church to intentionally reclaim those with special needs and disabilities who have been left in the margins. “The church was born to include those people,” Hardwick says, pointing to Matthew 16, where Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom …”
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Dr. Lamar Hardwick and his wife Isabella B a pt i st L IF E
Imagine, if you will, a world in which God takes full responsibility for assuring that each person with a difference or disability has value and dignity because God chooses to use their difference as a platform for pointing people to Himself.
“It has always been our job to give people access to God’s world,” he explains. He encourages churches to make strategic strides to become more inclusive, and to start special needs ministries. The issue isn’t money, he says; it’s getting leadership invested. “Nothing happens if it’s not important to pastors and leaders,” he says. “The church must understand the tremendous amount of influence and impact it can have on the lives of people,” Hardwick emphasizes.
LOST SHEEP In his book “I am Strong,” Hardwick refers to Jesus’ parables in Matthew and Luke about the lost sheep. “For years, I assumed that the primary point of this story is the sinfulness of the missing sheep,” he says. “After all, the owner has to search for the little sheep that has gone missing. In many ways, this implies that the sheep is wrong or sinful. At the very least, the sheep is so different from the others that it seeks isolation.” What if the lone sheep is not the errant party? Hardwick wonders. Perhaps part of the issue is the flock has allowed the sheep to wander, to get lost, or be abandoned. He understands the feeling of being lost. For three decades, he experienced overwhelming challenges as a result of his undiagnosed autism. Throughout his childhood, he felt as though the world was in on a joke that he didn’t get. His speech issues, separation anxiety, inability to interpret social cues, and need for isolation caused him to feel isolated and made him a target for bullies. He learned to present a façade, hiding his true self. Middle school was even more difficult, and in high school, he turned to drugs and alcohol. Hardwick made a profession of faith at 17 but admits the true quickening came in college when he and several others were in a near-fatal car accident. That’s when he surrendered his heart. “That was my first understanding on a personal level that God really did care about me and what I was doing in my life in real time. Jesus died thousands of years ago and rose from the dead, and He was the way to the Father. I had a real sense of what I was doing and what I had to do,” he recalls. “It gave me an understanding that what I did mattered. I affected other people in a real way and I understood that. That was the first time I started to get a sense God might be calling me if what I did influenced other people.”
THE DIAGNOSIS It was also life-changing to meet and marry his wife, Isabella. Hardwick says he can open himself to her completely, and Isabella accepts and loves him. Pastor Hardwick sought a diagnosis for his disability while working on his doctorate. For one of his classes, he asked several people to complete evaluations of him as a leader and as a person. One older father-figure, whom he respects, wrote that Lamar managed well in small groups but missed social cues in larger groups, and that he was laser-focused on one task at a time. That evaluation, as well as critiques from others about his social struggles, caused him to take action. Hardwick did research for a year and asked Isabella to help. “When I got the diagnosis, I was prepared,” he said. While there was relief, there was also anxiety and pain. “There was a lot of work and the trauma of having to discover who I am. It has been a tough road, but I am thankful to finally have words for what I am dealing with and words to explain how people can connect with me,” he relates.
FOR GOD’S GLORY Now, in addition to his pastoral duties, Hardwick travels, as he can to encourage churches to be intentional about opening their doors to those who have disabilities and special needs. “Humanity has a long history of connecting our disabilities to God’s judgment,” he says. He refers to John 9, where Jesus encountered a man who had been blind since birth. When asked whose sin caused the blindness, the man’s or his parents’, Jesus answered that it was neither the man’s nor his parents’, but so that God’s works might be displayed in him. “What we believe about our weaknesses, our differences and our disabilities says a lot about what we really believe about God,” Hardwick says. “Imagine a God so powerful that He works through our differences and our disabilities,” he concludes. “Imagine a God so powerful that our limits have no authority to limit God’s abilities. Imagine, if you will, a world in which God takes full responsibility for assuring that each person with a difference or disability has value and dignity because God chooses to use their difference as a platform for pointing people to Himself. I believe there is no greater privilege than to be a person God can use to orchestrate His perfect plan.” Photos provided by the Hardwick family.
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Meet Andrew By Dr. Joshua Phillips
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f you are ever in the northeastern part of Maryland, not far from the Delaware state line, you might have an encounter that is common to our community. A young, slender man with curly hair may approach you, extending a half-fisted handshake. He will probably be wearing a cross around his neck and a worn black “Jesus” hat on his head. Listen carefully because he is difficult to understand unless you’re completely focused. He will engage you by asking one of four simple questions: Do you know Jesus? Are you going to heaven? Do you go to church? How can I pray for you? Rest assured,
he will ask one of those questions, then discuss it with you further. Then he will hand you his notebook and pen for you to write your name in his prayer journal. He will close the conversation by putting his hand on your shoulder, praying for you, and telling you one last time that he loves Jesus. If this happens to you, then you have encountered Andrew Miller. Andrew Miller is one of the greatest prayer warriors and disciples of Jesus that I know. People in his church know to seek out Andrew when they want someone to pray for them. Andrew just reached his 33rd birthday and lives with his parents, Greg and Laurie. Andrew has two siblings, Michael
and Katie. Not long after Andrew’s first birthday, he began having severe seizures. Early in his development, his parents noticed he was not talking like other children his age. Laurie said, “We knew something was not right and took him to multiple doctors. Though we never received a formal diagnosis, we got the seizures under control. Most felt that he had severe autism, among other issues.” Mildly put, the early years with Andrew proved pressing and difficult. He would randomly take off his clothes, sneak out of the house, and be found blocks away inside neighbors’ homes. He would eat paper, climb trees, or climb onto the neighbor’s second-story roof by using the
I shared with one of my friends that I was praying that God would perform a big miracle in Andrew’s life.” She said her friend then asked a convicting question, “Have you thanked God for the small miracles? 8
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house antenna. These are only a few instances of scary moments with Andrew. He required constant supervision. It would only take a minute for him to disappear. Laurie explained, “It is no exaggeration to say we had to screw closed all the windows in our house and deadbolt all the doors to keep him safe and secure.” It became commonplace for him to bolt into the street in traffic and Laurie is still amazed to this day that a car has not struck him. In frustration, Laurie once told Andrew, “You better pray to Jesus because He is the only one that can help you.” This young couple’s experience with the strain of raising Andrew, in addition another son and later a daughter, was very real and taxing to their marriage. They were both people of strong faith, but the stress of raising a child with these kinds of struggles would break many marriages. Laurie recalls reaching a breaking point after one of Andrew’s severe seizure episodes. “I shared with one of my friends that I was praying that God would perform a big miracle in Andrew’s life.” She said her friend then asked a convicting question, “Have you thanked God for the small miracles?” Laurie was immediately broken and started trying to focus on the little milestones in Andrew’s life. This was merely one growing moment among many over the years. Laurie reiterated that she now sees what God was doing with Andrew. Though he still battles with his disability, Andrew has become a mature young man and a bold voice for Jesus. As he grew into manhood, he began to better adapt to life’s challenges. Andrew works a job with his brother, who operates a lawn care business. He loves going to church and telling people about Jesus. The community knows Andrew as the boy that loves Jesus. As one of Andrew’s pastors, I hear of Andrewencounters throughout our community, and many attend our church because of his personal invitations. Most Christians
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only dream of the bold faith that Andrew demonstrates. His father, Greg, shared an incredible story with me about taking Andrew to meet baseball legend, Cal Ripken Jr., at Ripken Stadium, in Ripken’s hometown of Aberdeen, Maryland. Each year the Ripken family hosts the Cal Ripken World Series, and Little Leaguers from all over the world can compete at the beautiful baseball complex Cal constructed. Greg and Laurie served as a host families for ballplayers needing housing for that week. The Millers received access to the baseball star during one of the games. Greg stood in a long line to get Cal Ripken’s autograph. As he waited endlessly for his turn to meet Ripken, he saw Andrew going through the line getting each person to sign his prayer journal so he could pray with them. Greg smiled as he watched the real hero in the room go to work – another example of a day in the life of Andrew Miller. Everyone in the room was seeking the touch of a Hall-of-Fame baseball player, but the real Hall-of-Fame hero was Andrew. After hearing that story, I told Greg that Cal Ripken is in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but Andrew Miller will be in the Hall of Fame of Faith. As a partial eyewitness to this incredible story, and as I write about this incredible young man, one Scripture comes to mind, “But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first” (Matthew 19:30). There is no end to his story, because as Laurie perfectly stated, “There is no end to Andrew’s story because he belongs to Jesus, and each day he is being perfected by Him.” As Baptists participating in the “Who’s Your One” campaign, let Andrew Miller be our example. He engages with people every day. Andrew is a great example of a bold witness that inspires everyone to whom he comes into contact.
Andrew (center back) with his family. Photos provided by the Miller family.
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Two Nations, One Lord By Sharon Mager
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dozen exhausted and exuberant members from six Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) churches, returning from a mission trip in December, have memories of Kenya that they’ll never forget. For the rest of their lives, they’ll fondly recall their time near the earth’s equator, teaching and interacting with children and feeding hundreds. Some will reflect on their time fellowshipping with Kenyan pastors, providing training, and all of them will rejoice when they look back on lost souls coming to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Several volunteers are already planning to return in 2020-21. The trip was in conjunction with BCM/D’s three-yearpartnership with the Gucha Central Baptist Convention, a part of the Baptist Convention of Kenya. “It was a wonderful time of fellowship,” said BCM/D Executive Director Kevin Smith. BCM/D International Student Consultant and Ocean City Church Member Amy Smith said, “The team God brought together was a beautiful thing. Basically, a bunch of people were dropped together in Kenya and formed a team smoothly and effortlessly.” A team of men and women from ages 18-71, led four separate Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), taught at an orphanage, and trained pastors. Churches represented include Bethany Church in Columbia,
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Weems Creek Baptist Church in Annapolis, Paramount Baptist Church in Hagerstown, Ocean City Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Elkton, and First Baptist Church of Suitland. BCM/D Executive Director, Dr. Kevin Smith and Senior Pastor of Paramount Baptist Church, Dr. Frank Duncan, provided training for the Kenyan pastors, using 1 Peter, and discussion on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Smith said he is encouraged to see that the Kenyan pastors are eager to learn and grow. Quintin Few, Senior Pastor of FBC Suitland, with FBC Suitland’s mission leader Willie Dowtin, led the rest of the team in the VBS programs. They had classes for kindergartners through young adults using the LifeWay material, “In the Wild,” which chronicles the highlights of Jesus’ life. Few and Dowtin taught the youth and young adults. “That was a great group and they were receptive to the Word,” Few said. “They also had a lot of good questions - really good! I was so impressed. One person asked, ‘How is it that America has a lot of immorality but yet Americans send missionaries over here?’ We told them there’s immorality everywhere, but we still have to fulfill the Great Commission.” Dowtin said there were also questions on Islam and other apologeticrelated issues. Both men shared excitedly about Sylvester, a young man who came to faith in Jesus during a VBS. “I spoke about salvation, heaven and hell and about the Book of Life,” Dowtin said. “There was one young man, Sylvester, who B a pt i st L IF E
stated that his name was not written in the Book of Life and he seemed troubled.” While Dowtin continued to teach, Few pulled the young man aside and quietly shared the Gospel. Sylvester responded and prayed to receive Christ. “That is a major highlight,” Few said. Few was also excited about the opportunity God presented for him to share the Gospel with a security guard, Maurice. “I just happened to be out there one night, talking with him and started a conversation about Christ. Maurice wanted to know how to be born again. He had heard the term but wanted further explanation of what it meant. He gave his life to Christ.” Dianne Lomas, also a member of FBC Suitland, is a veteran when it comes to mission trips, previously serving in Malta, Nicaragua, and Jamaica. Lomas was thankful to God for the nice weather. “It rained at night but in the morning, when we got up to teach, God just let the rain go away.” She worked with the VBS team and was encouraged by the children. “The kids were perceptive and eager to learn,” she said. Amy Smith also enjoyed her time with the children. “On the second day at each location, the children became comfortable with us and really started enjoying the activities. Their smiles and laughter were precious.” Several team members were overwhelmed by the physical needs they witnessed, especially when they helped feed over 200 children. “It reminded me of Jesus feeding the 5000 with loaves and fish,” Lomas said. “We gave the kids so much, but then we learned that it was the only meal that some of the children would have until the next day. It was very touching.” Pastor Few noticed a great need for shoes. “That really got to me — to see so many needs that we could possibly meet,” he said. FBC Suitland recently helped indigenous pastors in Kenya by providing money for bicycles so they could travel from village to village. Few plans to continue searching for more ways that FBC Suitland can provide help. The eye-opening experiences that result in mobilization towards international ministry is a natural extension and benefit of mission trips. Kevin Smith said he is excited that ten churches
“One person asked, ‘How is it that America has a lot of immorality but yet Americans send missionaries over here?’ We told them there’s immorality everywhere, but we still have to fulfill the Great Commission.” have been engaged in the Kenya partnership since June 2019. “Three of those churches did not have extended or committed international relationships,” he said, adding that he hopes more churches will get involved in upcoming opportunities to visit Kenya in 2020 and 2021. Kenya was Joseph Jackson’s first experience with international missions. He serves in the media, transportation and Sunday school ministries at FBC Suitland. Jackson saw God’s hand on the trip from the very beginning. “From the time I said yes, to this very moment, it was all arranged, conducted through my Lord God that I may see that He is the same God and Lord Jesus Christ in America and Kenya,” he said.” More trips are planned for 2020. For more information about Kenya partnership opportunities and how your church can be involved, visit bcmd.org/kenya.
Pastor Frank Duncan from Paramount Baptist Church preaches to a packed church in Gucha, Kenya. S PR IN G 2 02 0
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PHOTOS 1. VBS students from the surrounding village have fun posing during a break. 2. Dianne Lomas and Bronte Stewart from FBC Suitland laugh and sing alongside Butere native Rosemary and a VBS volunteer. 3. A young man follows along during an adult Bible study. 4. Volunteers at the orphanage serve food to children from the surrounding villages in Kosele. 5. Sydney Barnes from FBC Suitland sings and marches ahead of several children. 6. Joseph Jackson from FBC Suitland leads a VBS game in Butere. 7. Pastor John reviews the lesson in the field at the local school in Gucha. 8. Two little ones pose for a picture. 9. Pastor Quintin Few and Willie Dowtin from FBC Suitland teach a group of highschoolers in Butere. 10. Cassondra Clute from FBC Elkton organizes a game for children attending VBS in Gucha. 11. BCM/D Executive Director Kevin Smith teaches highschoolers on the hillside in Gucha. 12. Amy Smith from Ocean City Baptist Church, Pastor John native of Gucha, Doug Grove from Paramount Baptist Church, and Cassondra Clute from FBC Elkton teach children from the local village in Gucha. 11
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RENOVATE Regional Conference Church Revitalization Expo and Event
INSPIRING times of worship ENCOURAGING keynote presentations EQUIPPING times of break-out for pastors, staff and all church leaders
March 20-21, 2020 Faith Baptist Church 7378 E. Furnace Branch Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 Register at bcmd.org/renovate
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The disability community is the world’s largest unreached people group. The BCM/D wants to equip you to reach individuals and families affected by disabilities. Join us March 28, 2020, at Colonial Baptist Church 9411 Liberty Rd., Randallstown, MD 21133 Register at bcmd.org/specialneeds
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Misconceptions about the Multigenerational Church By Pastor Matthew McMillan
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cclesiologists note that we currently have around three to five generations attending the church for the first time in history. However, the majority of young people in our society are spiritually interested, but not Christians. Thus, we live in a time of an aging Church, filled with gloom, worry, and anxiety about the future. Often, the result of this combination is blame from one generation to another. A primary reason for the lack of generational cohesion can be traced to the explosive growth of the seekerfriendly churches in the 1990s and 2000s. This movement overemphasized growth of sanctuaries rather than growth of disciples. As a result, we have a generation of un-discipled men and women who are – interestingly enough – frowned upon for their lack of biblical knowledge, limited biblical literacy, and lack of interest in Christianity overall. So, where do we go from here? How can we reclaim a healthy dynamic in our generationally divided churches? If I could encourage young pastors or first-time pastors of a plateaued, dying, or dead church, I would say: don’t assume that shifting from a traditional church to a contemporary church (whatever that is now) will fix your church’s attitude problems and bring in a legion of young and excited families. “Contemporary” initiatives are simply tomorrow’s sacred cows unless the culture is different.
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If you want to see your church come alive, from generation to generation, we don’t need a change in leadership structure, worship style, or preaching style. We need a movement of the Holy Spirit. Those changes might come but cultivate the spiritual life first. Our goal
is to create a culture where the Spirit transforms the hearts of young and old through evangelism, discipleship, and teaching of the Word (Matthew 28:19-20). Here are seven misconceptions that I have experienced regarding the crossgenerational church.
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Misconception #1: Committees need to go. People’s service moves the church forward. Changing the church’s name won’t fix your congregation. Change from debating to service and celebrate every victory in each committee. Misconception #2: Traditional styles can’t reach young people or contemporary worship will bring in young people. Many young people actually prefer “traditional.” Many dead or dying churches try contemporary styles instead of changing the church’s culture and engaging the city. Misconception #3: Older people won’t serve outside the church and younger people don’t serve. Create ways all people can serve (think through physical, mental, or emotional disabilities). Highlight how young people serve and how older people have served for decades! Misconception #4: Young people don’t like older people. Older people are like the Google for life. Create space for stories, questions, and lots of wisdom to be shared. Misconception #5: Young people want more topical sermons. Challenge young people. Study hard, teach the whole Bible, and don’t be redundant. True expository preaching has the best application, anyway. Also, they will fact check you, so study. Misconception #6: Older people want hymns only. They actually want familiar songs, just like young people. To test this out, try and do a hymn no one has heard of before. You might be surprised…
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Misconception #7: It takes a long time to make a change. No, you can change things quickly. But, changing culture takes time and makes strategies missional instead of confrontational. Change the culture! I have written primarily with pastors of dead or dying churches on my mind, especially those who, like me, desire to get generations to exist together in one church. I’m speaking into the Southern Baptist Convention sub-culture of evangelical Christianity and have a slight focus towards those jumping into a church revitalization with plans to reach the city. I struggle hard. And, maybe this article is more for me more than for you. I know your situation is different than mine. Still, I hope we can all pray for the Holy Spirit to move afresh in our churches despite our limitations personally and corporately. These misconceptions and thoughts won’t fix all of the crossgenerational challenges you face, but they might free you to focus on the most important matters. Spirit, move. Recommended Resources: 1. “Look Before You Lead,” by Audrey Malphurs 2. “Developing a Vision for Ministry,” by Audrey Malphurs 3. “Counter Culture,” by David Platt 4. “Onward,” by Russell Moore 5. “Living in a Gray World,” by Preston Sprinkle 6. “Grace and Truth,” by Preston Sprinkle 7. “The Courage to be Protestant,” by David F. Wells More thoughts from Pastor McMillan, including practical ideas and ways to change culture and practical ideas, are available at discoverwbc.com.
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BCM/D 184th Annual Meeting: Encouraging Pastors By Sharon Mager
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hree hundred ninety-two messengers and 94 guests met at the oceanfront Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, on Nov. 10 and 11 for the 184th Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s (BCM/D) Annual Meeting. This year’s theme was “Maryland, Delaware, and the Nations for Christ’s Glory!” During short business sessions, messengers re-elected officers and adopted the 2020 budget. This year’s streamlined meeting focused on encouraging pastors, especially those in declining or plateauing churches. In welcoming messengers and guests, BCM/D Executive Director Kevin Smith said, to responding applause, “Let us come together and say, ‘Jesus is Lord, and He is worthy to be praised.’” The keynote speakers were Mark Clifton, the senior director of Replant, North American Mission Board (NAMB); Thom Rainer, the founder and CEO of Church Answers; and James Merritt, the host of Touching Lives and pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, Georgia. Sam Rainer, the pastor of West Bradenton Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida, and president of Church Answers, led two breakout sessions. Meeting highlights included the popular annual unity lunch, and a NAMB Young Leaders discussion panel with an “Ocean City-Flavored Fellowship” featuring local treats, and 13 breakout sessions. David Aubrey, pastor of Cornerstone Church, in Dover, Delaware, and the church’s praise team led music and worship, mixing contemporary songs with classic hymns.
BUSINESS Messengers unanimously re-elected convention officers: president, Harold Phillips, senior pastor of Pleasant View
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Baptist Church in Port Deposit, Maryland; first vice president, Glenn Swanson, senior pastor of Bayside Baptist Church in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; second vice president, Andy Ehlers, senior pastor of High Tide Baptist Church, in Dagsboro, Delaware; recording secretary, Stephanie Laferriere, a member of The Garden Church in Baltimore; and assistant recording secretary, Mike Fillis, pastor of Fenwick Island Baptist Church in Selbyville, Delaware. Frank Duncan, senior pastor of Paramount Baptist Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, and president of the General Mission Board (GMB), referred to BCM/D’s Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland, and called it a blessing. He noted 51 professions of faith at Skycroft in 2019. Duncan emphasized the convention’s support for church strengthening and planting. With another unanimous vote, messengers adopted the $7,659,249 budget that includes $2,285,950 in total receipts for Skycroft Conference Center. Additional budget receipts include an anticipated $3,650,000 in Cooperative Program (CP) gifts from churches, $150,000 in State Missions Offering, and $980,000 from the North American Mission Board. The 2020 budget represents a 1 percent increase compared to 2019. It allocates 48 percent of CP receipts to Southern Baptist Convention national and international missions and ministries, unchanged from last year.
SPEAKERS Harold Phillips shared from Joshua 6, which tells of God’s command to Joshua to lead the Israelites in crossing the Jordan River to the promised land. “Pastors, pastors’ wives, members, the battle is God’s. He has already won,” Phillips said. God needs those like Joshua to have the faith to walk the road, discerning His will in obedience.
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Mark Clifton shared that for most of his ministry, he didn’t acknowledge his depression and anxiety until leaders brought it to his attention. “You are in a spiritual war. He (Satan) will come at you with finances, health, your children, your marriage — everything,” Clifton warned. The solution, he said, is not trying harder, working harder, going to another conference, or trying to model yourself after someone else. “It’s realizing you serve the risen Lord, who has already defeated Satan,” he emphasized. Thom Rainer said God is calling churches to wake up and reach people for Jesus; to move from a preference-driven church to a Great Commission church; for leaders to be an example in taking first steps for reaching others; and for Christians to respond — for Christians today to obey and fear the Lord. James Merritt, quoting a line from the movie “Gladiator,” said, “What we do in life echoes through eternity.” “The greatest impact you’ll ever make with your life is to be open to caring for the needs of others and realizing that the greatest thing we have is God and to be able to share God with those who don’t know Him,” Merritt stated. The BCM/D’s 2020 Annual Meeting will be at Covenant Baptist Church near Hagerstown, on November 8 and 9, 2020.
PHOTOS 1. Panelists Joel Rainey, Steve Hartland, Eliza Huie, and Dr. Bergina Isbell lead a break out about “Raising Children While in Christian Ministry.” 2. Church Planting Catalyst in Metro NYC, Won Kwak, discusses Pastoring the Next Generation Asian-Americans 3. Almost 500 Maryland/Delaware baptist gathered for the 184th Annual Meeting. 4. Dr. Thom Rainer delivers a keynote address during the main session. 5. BCM/D Executive Director Dr. Kevin Smith, accepts a check from the President of the Baptist Foundation Carl Tilghman in the amount of $116,853. Also pictured Associate Executive Director Tom Stolle, and Convention President Dr. Harold Phillips Photos by Corrine Frances Photography S PR IN G 2 02 0
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Transitions and Recognitions Staff Changes
KRIS BUCKMAN joined the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) staff on February 1 as the children’s ministry and VBS consultant, succeeding June Holland, who served in the position for over 20 years. Buckman is excited about assisting, training, and resourcing churches with their children’s and VBS ministries in her new position. A Maryland native, she has been a member of Tri-County Baptist Church in Damascus, Maryland, for over 17 years. She has taught Sunday school for children of all ages, directed VBS, planned and coordinated special events, served as AWANA Commander, traveled with kids to summer camp, and, as she says, “cleaned up lots of glitter over the years!” She has also worked with June at children’s ministry events, leading breakout sessions. As a child, Buckman attended Mt. Airy Baptist Church with her family for more than 15 years. She made a profession
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of faith in Christ as a child while at a Backyard Kids Club and was baptized as a young teen. She graduated from the University of Baltimore with a degree in communications. While filling in as a preschool Sunday School teacher when her oldest son, Ben, was two, she realized that God was calling her to children’s ministry. Looking ahead, Buckman says one of her emphases will be encouraging children’s leaders to help parents to disciple their children. “A lot of parents know they need to disciple their children at home, but they don’t know how — many don’t know where to start,” Buckman says. She wants to provide encouragement and resources in that area. She also wants to continue to bring children’s ministry leaders together to meet and to encourage and learn from each other. “We’re all doing the same jobs for the same purpose,” she says. “We can share ideas, learn to go to each other, and bounce ideas off one another.” Buckman says she loves event planning for kids — VBS, Trunk or Treats, and other fun events where children will hear the Gospel and have opportunities to choose to follow Jesus. She and Todd, her husband of 22 years, are both lifelong residents of Mt. Airy and have two sons, Ben, 17, and Jake, 12. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and vacationing with her family. She also has a passion for writing children’s ministry curriculum.
KEITH CORRICK retired as Potomac Baptist Association’s (PBA) director of missions on Dec. 31, 2019. Corrick served in ministry for 37 years, six as the director of missions and 31 as a pastor, including 13 years as the senior pastor of Hughesville Baptist Church in Maryland. He also pastored Yale Heights Baptist Church, a mission of Shelbourne Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland; Beltsville Baptist Church in Beltsville, Maryland; and Liberty Baptist Church in Lisbon, Maryland. He is currently serving as the interim pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Waldorf, Maryland, as well as the PBA’s interim director of missions while the association searches for a replacement. Looking ahead, Corrick said, “I’m open to wherever the Lord leads.” Corrick said his wife, Terri, has been a tremendous support. “I couldn’t have done any of this without her. She’s been right there all the time.” The couple has three sons, Greg, Brian, and Philip, and eight grandchildren. “Like Caleb, I can see retiring from an occupation, so to speak, but not from God’s service,” he added. “I’d like to keep going until I can’t go any longer.”
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JUNE HOLLAND retired on January 31 as the Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware’s (BCM/D) children’s ministry consultant. A former elementary teacher and the wife of Pastor Ward Holland for 58 years (Ward passed away in 2018), June was the first to fill the children’s ministry consultant role created by the BCM/D’s General Mission Board in 1998. She went on to develop and refine that role and brought admirable compassionate professionalism to Maryland and Delaware churches from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland and beyond. From the beginning of her ministry, June was either in the field with her boots on the ground – working hands-on with Maryland and Delaware churches, counseling children’s leaders, attending conferences to sharpen her skills – or buried in a storage closet in a search for just the right material to share. In addition to advising churches from her wealth of knowledge, she regularly traveled across the two-state convention to be at the churches. She rolled up her sleeves and taught both children and kids ministry leaders as they watched and learned – all with a gentle spirit and cheerful heart. June stresses that the ministry has always been a team effort. When management developed the role, they built a resource team of associational representatives throughout Maryland and Delaware who were interested in children’s ministry, with June in the lead. She says that the team has been vital to her ministry. Along with sharing the burden and teaching and learning from others, she has made lifelong friendships. When asked about the highlights of her tenure, Holland said safety and security have always been a priority. She created a free safety packet with policies and procedures which churches use to assess and develop their ministries. “As a child experiences security, he begins to develop a sense of trust that will help form a foundation for spiritual decisions later in life,” she said. At every meeting and conference, June emphasized safety procedures, such as parents checking children in and out of the childcare areas, team teaching, and room safety. She is pleased that churches have S PR IN G 2 02 0
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of doing what God called me to do. made great strides in these areas. Regarding Vacation Bible School (VBS), June exclaimed, “Wow! Watching the takeoff of VBS has been one of the blessings of Kids’ Ministry. VBS Expos have developed into our largest teaching, training, and reaching event.” June’s energy is contagious, especially at events such as the Expos. She’s got a quiet spirit, is focused and excited when she talks about Jesus, and she loves to laugh. BCM/D Executive Director Kevin Smith recognized June at the 2019 Annual Meeting. “I don’t have to tell you all that she knows the churches … that she loves the churches … she serves the churches … she’s a wonderful partner with LifeWay Christian Resources and the things that they do for VBS. I don’t have to tell you she’s good at encouraging pastors … she’s a good friend. Most of you wouldn’t have
even known that her contract was part-time.” Smith, addressing June, said, “We love you. We appreciate you and we have the wonderful joy of counting you a sister in the Lord.” June said, with emotion, “Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving with you and watching you, as pastors, realize that kids really are important. You have been amazing in what you have done with your children’s ministries and with the safety and security you have provided and continue to provide. “Thank you for allowing me the privilege of doing what God called me to do,” she said. “Thank you for the joy.”
Photo by Sharon Mager
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Obituaries
PASTOR EDWIN (ED) L. REESE , of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 17 at the age of 60. Reese served as the pastor of Hazelwood Baptist Church, in Baltimore, for many years. He was active in the Baltimore Baptist Association and served on the General Mission Board (GMB) of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D). Reese grew up in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Penn State University and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He also served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. Most recently, Reese was a chaplain for Eleanor’s Garden Hospice in Philadelphia and was the visitation pastor at First Baptist Church of Morrisville, Pennsylvania. In addition to his ministry at Hazelwood Baptist Church, Reese was the former youth pastor at both State College Evangelical Free Church, in Pennsylvania, and Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont, Minnesota. Many Baltimore pastors shared their thoughts about Reese and his ministry on Facebook. Chuck Brooks, the former pastor of GraceWay Church, in Baltimore, said,
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“While I was a pastor in the SBC, I had difficulty connecting with other pastors. Ed was so warm and genuine and made me feel like I was valued. When we closed our church, Ed reached out to me and was very encouraging when I needed a shoulder to cry on.” He also wrote that Reese was “…a humble and warm brother in the Lord.” Friends knew Reese as a huge history buff, and he often used unusual historical facts, especially about the American Revolution, in his sermons. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sports, especially basketball. As an animal lover, he loved to watch “Animal Planet.” Most of all, Reese loved spending time with his family and friends. In 2016, Reese authored “The Comfort of Heaven or Death: Life’s Greatest Adventure.” In that book, he wrote, “Remember, the comfort of heaven for believers is that death, while an ending in many senses from our limited points of view, is also life’s greatest adventure from God’s point of view, as we look forward to our new heavenly bodies in our new heavenly home.” He was the son of the late Franklin Reese and was blessed with two loving mothers. After the unforeseen death of Ed’s first mother, Donna Rae, Franklin married Reese’s second mother, the former Kay Price, who lives in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. Reese is survived by his loving wife, Jodi (Marchincin) of Fieldsboro, New Jersey; his children, Brynn and Kyler; his mother, Kay Reese; his brothers, Dan Reese and his wife, Andi, Dave Reese and his wife, Michelle, and Tom Reese; his sisters, Laurie Aquilino and her husband, Armond, Christie Peel, and her husband, Doug; and many other extended family and friends. The funeral was held at noon on Aug. 27, at First Baptist Church of Morrisville, 50 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Morrisville, PA 19067. He was interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Remember, the comfort of heaven for believers is that death, while an ending in many senses from our limited points of view, is also life’s greatest adventure from God’s point of view, as we look forward to our new heavenly bodies in our new heavenly home.
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KENNETH (KEN) WAYNE JORDAN died on September 6. He pastored churches in Mississippi and Alabama and ministered as the interim pastor of several churches in Maryland and Delaware. Jordan also served as a Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) family enrichment, deacon, and ministry consultant, and served with the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay) as a marriage enrichment consultant. He was known as a humble and gentle man of faith. BCM/D Church Services Consultant Ellen Udovich said Jordan was a kind, wise and insightful person with a mischievous sense of humor. “He was devoted to his own family and a tireless advocate for all “families” in the church, not just the classic “two perfect parents with two perfect children,” she said. John Gauger, who also serves as a BCM/D church services consultant, said, “Ken was a gentle, friendly brother in Christ. He was quick to listen and eager to help. I recall he had a deep commitment to the family. He was always ready to help.” “He had a gracious spirit,” said Carol Moore, a former assistant to former BCM/D Executive Director David Lee. “He worked very hard to encourage the support staff and provide special events for them. “His quiet, caring demeanor spoke volumes. When I think of Ken, 1 Timothy 2:2 comes to mind, ‘…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior … (NIV)’ I feel sure Ken was a man who pleased God,” Moore said. Carol Batson served as Jordan’s ministry assistant. Batson said, “He was a very kind and caring man. It was a privilege to work for him.” “He treated everyone with kindness and respect,” said Gail Noda, who also served as one of Jordan’s assistants. BCM/D Women’s Ministry Consultant S PR IN G 2 02 0
His quiet, caring demeanor spoke volumes. When I think of Ken, 1 Timothy 2:2 comes to mind, ‘…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior … (NIV)’ I feel sure Ken was a man who pleased God. Melody Knox also served as an assistant to Jordan. “There was not a more kind and godly man than Ken Jordan. I only worked for Ken for a short time, but I learned to respect him for his caring and compassionate heart for others in the midst of his own physical struggles. I know that Ken is ‘safely home’ with our Lord. I look forward to seeing him again.” Jordan was preceded in death by his parents, William Walter and Florence Opal Jordan, and his sisters, Carolyn Pepper and Beth Cartwright. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Watson Jordan; son, Jeffrey Wayne Jordan (Jamie); daughter, Jennifer Leigh Jordan Deaver (Anthony); grandchildren, Tyler Deaver, Alex Deaver, Ryleigh Deaver, Campbell Jordan, Cooper Jordan, and Collier Jordan; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Virgil and Gail Watson, Shelby and Brinda Watson, Shirley Turner, Linda and Ronald Carter, and Virginia and Ron Hornbeck; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved family members. A funeral was held on Sept. 14 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, in Hoover, Alabama with the Rev. Michael Vaughn officiating.
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BaptistLIFE 10255 Old Columbia Road Columbia, MD 21046-1716
Grow in your knowledge of God’s Word and how to accurately teach it. This event is not only for pastors, but for anybody who teaches the Bible.
Dominick Hernández
April 23 – 25 and August 27 – 29
Ken Keathley
Kevin Smith
Mark Dooley
Register at bcmd.org/roundtable
