BaptistLife Summer 2019 by Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware

SUMMER 2019

Newsjournal of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware • baptistlifeonline.org

Things Pastors Don’t Expect, Especially Newer Ones SEE PAGE 8

State Missions Offering & Week of Prayer September 8-15, 2019

Download resources and donate at bcmd.org/smo

Table of Contents

(ISSN 331-640) is published quarterly as a Cooperative Program ministry of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. BaptistLIFE 10255 Old Columbia Road Columbia, MD 21046-1716 (Phone) 800-466-5290, ext. 202 (Fax) 410-290-6627 Send address changes & advertising questions to: iwhite@bcmd.org BaptistLIFE Staff Reginald Davis, Creative Director Alex Bouffard Communications Manager Iris White, Managing Editor/Mailing Sharon Mager, BaptistLIFE Correspondent

Things Pastors Don’t Expect

Disillusionment – I never expected that to play such a role in the lives of so many pastors.

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Wasting Time for God? 12 Do you have a true Sabbath time – to really cease and desist?

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“Imagine Me” offers young women a life of promise 16 A “life of promise” is what Imagine Me Ministries is all about.

COVER Dr. David Prince addresses a group pastors and teachers at a Preaching Roundtable.

BaptistLife Perspectives 4 President’s Letter 5 Preaching Roundtables 6 GMB Meets On The Mountain Putting Down Roots 20 Transitions and Recognitions

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What An Exciting Year: 2019

KEVIN SMITH Executive Director Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware

“For we are God’s coworkers.[a] You are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

hat an exciting year! 2019 is a year of focusing on how the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) serves our affiliated and supporting congregations, especially those that are ten plus years old. One of my priorities has been to add experienced pastors to our staff team. With this in mind, I was delighted to have Pastor Mark Dooley join our staff as our state director of evangelism and leader of

our church services team. Also, our team includes two retired pastors serving in part-time roles — Drs. Mike Trammell and John Gauger. In that vein, this BaptistLIFE is focused on pastors serving pastors. Speaking of pastors, it is a blessing when churches in our convention call new pastors. So please, praise God and pray for congregations like Mt Airy Baptist Church; Harrington Baptist Church in Delaware; Northwest Baptist Church in Reisterstown; Greensboro Baptist Church; Emmanuel Baptist Church in Huntingtown; Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva in Davidsonville;

Long Green Baptist Church in Hancock; Surrender Christian Fellowship; and Poolesville Baptist Church. What a privilege it is to be co-laborers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9)! May God give us much fruit, as we engage Maryland, Delaware, and the nations for Christ’s glory! Grace to you,

Brother Kevin

One of my priorities has been to add experienced pastors to our staff team. With this in mind, I was delighted to have Pastor Mark Dooley join our staff as our state director of evangelism and leader of our church services team.

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Living Life Among The Angels!

n the book “Angels, Angels, Angels: God’s Secret Agents,” Dr. Billy Graham tells the story of a missionary and his wife who were surrounded in their mission headquarters by a tribe of natives intent on killing them. In distress, he and his wife fell beside his bed and cried out all night to God for deliverance. When morning came, not only had they not been attacked, but the warriors actually left! A year or so later, the chief became a believer and a friend, and the mission pastor asked him why he had not attacked that day. The chief said that he would have, but the missionary had too many armed soldiers protecting him. The mission pastor responded that there had been no one there except his wife and himself. The chief insisted that the natives were afraid to attack because they had seen many men in shining garments with drawn swords standing guard. In Matthew 16, Jesus told Simon Peter that he would be given the keys to “The Kingdom,” that whatever he bound on earth would be bound in Heaven, and whatever he bound in Heaven would be bound on earth.

They were “walking among the angels.” Jesus told all of His disciples (while on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus would be arrested) that, if they loved Him enough to keep His words and obey His commands, they could ask anything of His Father in His name and it would be done for them. They were “walking among the angels.” Maryland/Delaware Baptists, we have been blessed with something that the lost world does not have. When we came to believe in God through Jesus, we were connected to the same world that the angels live in, the supernatural. Even in the Old Testament, God came to the campfire of Abraham (in Genesis 18) and allowed Abraham to dialogue with Him about the problems in the valley of Sodom and the surrounding cities. I want to encourage our leaders to examine this passage as God asked a question: “And the Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;” (Gen. 18:17). God was about to go down and judge the sinfulness of Sodom, and He was asking if He should involve Abraham, a human, in heavenly decisions. I find this strange, but as I read on, I am amazed as God answered His own question. His answer:

DR. HAROLD M. PHILLIPS

President Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware

Since Abraham is going to make an eternal difference with his life, and because Abraham is going to be a man who would influence his children to follow him as he followed the Lord in His ways, he would be included. God has tried to encourage us to participate in the supernatural, but it seems the criteria for allowing us to be a part the world of angels is all about our relationship with His Word. “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgement; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Gen. 18:17-19 (KJV) Dear Christian leaders, let us never think that our influence in the name of Jesus is a small thing. May you and your congregation enjoy the joy of walking where only believers and angels walk!

Dear Christian leaders, let us never think that our influence in the name of Jesus is a small thing. May you and your congregation enjoy the joy of walking where only believers and angels walk!

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Preaching Roundtables: Declare the Whole Word of God By Sharon Mager

n a warm Friday evening in June, after fellowshipping over a delicious meal, Dr. David Prince asked a group of pastors and Bible teachers gathered at the Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware (BCM/D) offices in Columbia the rhetorical question of how Jesus would have replied if someone walked up to Him and asked, “Why do you keep referring to the Old Testament?” “He would have said, ‘The old what? What are you talking about? Are you referring to scripture?’” Jesus used two terms to refer to his references to the Old Testament — one was the scriptures, and one was the Word of God. Prince, a professor of Christian Preaching at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), sharing about “Preaching Christ in the Old Testament,” was the second speaker in the BCM/D’s Preaching Roundtable Series. The Roundtables are designed to offer teaching, counsel, and resources to pastors and lay leaders. In April, Allan Mosely, a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), spoke regarding the Bible’s wisdom literature — how and what to preach and teach in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. SBTS Professor of Christian Preaching Michael Pohlman will speak on preaching the narrative sections of Scripture in August. In addition to teaching, each speaker serves in pastoral ministry. Prince, who became more animated as he continued, told listeners, “Jesus explained his whole life in ministry in light of the Old Testament.

If you go through and watch the way Jesus presents himself, all of the images aren’t just picked out of thin air. They are images that mark Him out as the Messiah.” What Jesus did was to explain who He was in light of what the Old Testament said the Messiah was to be. We would not even know who the Messiah is, apart from the preparatory work of the Old Testament. “He also went out of the way to tell us that He’s not going to tell us everything because there was the coming apostolic witness. Jesus goes in both directions and endorses as scripture

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the Old Testament and the apostolic witness. “We need the whole counsel of the Word of God,” Prince said. “Not only do we need the Old Testament to understand the New Testament, but we also need the New Testament to understand the Old.” Prince shared about the “dual authorship” of the Bible. The personality of the human writers is evident but carried by the Holy Spirit. God is the divine author. “The Bible is as much the Word of God as if we felt the breath of God speak it to us,” he said. BCM/D Executive Director Kevin Smith, agrees, pointing to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in

“You should not try to preach a great sermon because you don’t have the control to do that. Only God can do that. Only God can use a particular sermon in a way that is exceptional. There are many times I preached a sermon, and I know I did a poor job in some aspects of it and God used it far more than when I preached a sermon that I know from an analytical standpoint was better. This ought to be encouraging to us but not an excuse for us, and it ought to humble us.” Another question was, how many Sundays does the average pastor preach each year? The answer depended on variables, but on average 45-46. Other questions were about specific Old Testament passages

We need the whole counsel of the Word of God. Not only do we need the Old Testament to understand the New Testament, but we also need the New Testament to understand the Old.

righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Smith shared, “Paul, leading the Ephesian elders, says this phrase that stuck with me in college – ‘For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.’” (Acts 20:27 (NKJV). As a seminary professor and one who travels around Baptist churches nationally, as well as in broader evangelical circles, Smith said he finds much preaching focused on the epistles. Holding the small section of the epistles up between his fingers for emphasis, he said, “Every semester I remind my students, ‘If you’re preaching is centered in the epistles, how much of the scripture are you not preaching?’’’ During a general question and answer time, one pastor asked Prince, regarding preaching, how to balance the effort in preparation, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit? Prince answered saying, “There’s always a part that we have control over and a part we don’t. The time that you forget — that is a time when you’re going to be on a dangerous path. Our goal is to preach a good sermon. What I mean by that is a faithful sermon. A sermon that handles the text the right way and pushes people in the right direction.

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such as those referring to Deborah in the book of Judges, and how to teach some of the harsher sections of the Bible to children. The BCM/D has Preaching Roundtables scheduled in various locations throughout Maryland and Delaware. Each includes a meal, teaching, helpful resources, and a question and answer time. While designed for pastors, the Roundtables are also appropriate for teachers and small group leaders. Smith said the Preaching Roundtables are a result of his discussion with pastors seeking more understanding in teaching and preaching, and various approaches to sermon and lesson preparation. At last year’s BCM/D Annual Meeting, Smith announced the Roundtables as an opportunity to gather together and seek to be faithful teachers and proclaimers of the Word of God. Preaching Roundtables are one of the many opportunities provided by your generous giving to the Cooperative Program. Check out bcmd.org to register for our August events. Look for more Roundtables in 2020.

Things Pastors Don’t Expect, Especially Newer Ones By Dr. Kevin Smith

isillusionment – I never expected that to play such a role in the lives of so many pastors. However, in my roles as a pastor, a state convention president (Kentucky Baptist Convention ’15-’16), and now, denominational servant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, I have regular opportunities to encourage discouraged pastors. Often, these shepherds, who desire Christ-honoring fruit (John 15:16), have encountered unexpected challenges in leading a congregation and now are recalibrating. This brief essay is not “What-TheyDidn’t-Teach-in-Seminary 2.0.” No, this is a combination of things that a pastor can forget, things never learned, or things (maybe learned) that can’t really be considered until experienced. I claim no special insight – I have been aided in my journey. First, my late pastor, D.J. Ward (Main St. Baptist Church, Lexington, KY) spent so much time with me, doing case studies in our congregation. This was a tremendous benefit to me and other

young ministers. Second, biographies and writings of pastors were helpful in my development – particularly, C.H. Spurgeon’s “Minister’s Fainting Fits,” and his involvement in the “Downgrade Controversy,” along with D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ “Spiritual Depression.” Third, I have been a part of/interacted with some the U.S.’s largest Baptist denominations and have benefited from the counsel of many pastors and members of Christ’s congregations (1 Corinthians 12). Regardless of a congregation’s age (one year or 100 years), size, geographic location, or “style” (I don’t like that term), I have found that pastors must recalibrate their expectations regarding certain matters:

ROLE OF RELATIONAL DYNAMICS Relational I.Q., interpersonal skills, being a “people person” – however you term it, many pastors did not expect that their work would be significantly shaped by this dynamic, in positive or negative ways. I have seen pastors value faithful biblical preaching and effective programming, yet somehow give inadequate weight to the “interaction-with-people”

component of their work. Pastors deal with real people, in real congregations and communities, in their fullness – the good, the bad, and the ugly! This can’t be avoided – ask Moses, Joshua, Gideon, James, or John. First, I am still surprised to meet pastors that don’t seem to like people, be into people, or desire to have relationships with God’s sheep that they are shepherding (Acts 20:28). That expectation must change. Second, too often, I meet pastors that seem to struggle with the relational dynamics of Baptist policy and congregationalism, and its accompanying “democratic processes” (Baptist Faith & Message, Article VI). We don’t have a hierarchical structure like Methodists or Anglicans. We don’t have an outside presbytery to guide us like Presbyterians. We must lead, build and maintain biblical, spiritual, and mission consensus with the folks in the pews. Yes, they can be challenging, peculiar, mean, and at various levels of Christian maturity, but you should have expected that. By

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This brief essay is not “What-They-Didn’t-Teach-inSeminary 2.0.” No, this is a combination of things that a pastor can forget, things never learned, or things (maybe learned) that can’t really be considered until experienced. S U M M E R 2 01 9

We don’t have a hierarchical structure like Methodists or Anglicans. We don’t have an outside presbytery to guide us like Presbyterians. We must lead and build/maintain biblical, spiritual, and mission consensus with the folk in the pews.

the way, they can also be loving, encouraging, fruitful, and constantly growing. Third, the need for conflict resolution, among congregants, should be an expectation of pastors. A casual reading of the New Testament finds Jesus resolving conflict among His disciples, the early church experiencing conflicts soon after the Day of Pentecost, and letters written to congregations which often address conflict. Expect it and be prepared to bring biblical, godly pastoral leadership to the situation.

COSTS OF BIBLICAL CONVICTIONS “Earnestly contending for the faith” (Jude 3) can be costly. Now, let me quickly state that this has always been the case. However, I regularly meet pastors who struggle with this element of their work in a society that is ever increasing in hostility to biblical truth. Additionally, they don’t expect that their congregations have been influenced by that hostility, resulting in unbiblical selfishness (individualism), antiauthoritarianism, and rejections of absolute truth. Expect it! Whether you compare our contemporary moment to Egypt, Babylon, or Rome – expect to pay significant costs when you speak like the faithful prophets, declaring “thus saith the Lord.” Two historic, universal examples – the Church has always paid costs to contend for the Bible’s teachings about the exclusivity of Christ (John 14:6) and the Godhead/Trinity (Romans 1:20; Matthew 3:16-17). In societies with ideological pluralism, syncretism, inclusivism, and numerous idols – the costs of contending for the Church’s truth-claims have been and should be an expectation for most disciples of Jesus, at most places, in most times. (This is certainly the case as I edit this article from Western Kenya, on a BCM/D partnership mission trip, discussing these very issues with Kenyan pastors.) Two contemporary examples – the Church in the Western world must contend for the Bible’s teaching about creation and the image of God in humans. Since the late 19th century, Darwinian evolutionary theories have conflicted with biblical

truth. A rejection of God as Creator puts societies under the influence of “reprobate”/corrupt thoughts and worldviews (Romans 1:28). In many settings – work, universities, media, family – disciples of Jesus pay a “cost” for standing upon the Bible’s teachings. As our society gets more confused about human dignity, pastors must provide an example for God’s sheep of biblical fidelity in a challenging era. In creation, God ordained male and female, so they aren’t mere “cultural-constructs.” If humans are created in God’s image, then partiality (whether racial, ethnic, socio-economic, or gender) is sin (James 2:1). These foundational biblical truth-claims conflict with many surrounding worldviews. Expect to pay costs as you stand on biblical truth.

IMPORTANCE OF MISSIOLOGICAL ENGAGEMENT Some pastors relate well to the congregation and contend for the faith, yet don’t expect to be the missions/evangelism leader in their congregation. In Baptist circles, we often talk about the Great Commission. However, many congregations suffer from a lack of Acts 1:8 zeal amongst the congregants. Often this is related to the lack of a clear, pastoral example of consistent commitment to seeking to win people (souls!) to Christ. Whatever the methodology, pastors must demonstrate an “example” (1 Timothy 4:12) of faithful, informal (not in the pulpit) sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with unbelievers. As a pastor, I have sought to push God’s people out (relationally) of the walls/safety of the church and into the needy world around them. In my life that often involved families whose kids were on sports teams with my kids and bikers at various Harley Davidson rallies and events. Expect to exhort your folk towards evangelism and expect that the greatest motivation for them is the personal example of their pastor.

ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP The overwhelming use of the pronoun “you” in the New Testament is second-person plural. Thus, God exhorts B a pt i st L IF E

His people (plural) and those people are led by pastors. This reminder is needed for Christ-followers who find themselves living in autonomous, individualistic Western societies. Often pastors struggle to lead the congregation, both in terms of (1) discipleship and growth in holiness, and (2) execution of mission efforts related to their congregation in its context. This is related to the earlier mention of relational dynamics. Scripture reveals clearly that God’s people need leadership, and they will be led, either by godly leaders or influenced (led!) by the surrounding worldly leaders (some who dress in religious garments). Pastors should expect to give attention to execution and influence. Can our congregation get things done, or do we just talk about it? Do I have pastoral leadership influence with members of our congregation? In my work, I emphasize Ephesians 4:11 to pastors. Often pastors are full of zeal for the Lord, yet lacking in the ability to lead members of the congregation to grow as disciples of Jesus AND do the work of the ministry. I understand the concerns some have about an overemphasis on studying leadership principles to the neglect of other things – but that concern does not alter the fact that the ability to lead people is vital to the fruitful functioning of a congregation. Nothing is clearer than the sanctifying influence that Joshua (and his generation) had on the children of Israel, and the execution of various projects led by leaders like Moses, Nehemiah, and David.

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The entire congregation needs to be led, but I have seen pastors struggle with certain groups: (1) young adults, (2) white-collar professionals, (3) folks with no church background, and (4) those of varying ethnic backgrounds (as communities have demographic shifts). Pastors need to measure their leadership skills by their ability to engage those that are currently at the edges or periphery of congregational life. Pastor should expect this to be challenging work requiring intentional, rigorous effort.

IMPORTANCE OF THE PASTOR’S OWN SANCTIFICATION Finally, I often find that pastors are surprised as the Lord works on/in them. Pastors should expect, as disciples themselves, that they would grow in godliness as they serve God’s people. The patience required, the insults endured, the resistance encountered – often, God is revealing ways in which His people (the congregation) need to be further sanctified, AND simultaneously revealing ways in which His person [the pastor] needs to be further sanctified. Disillusionment and discouragement can be reduced if pastors have biblically-rooted expectations. Dr. Kevin Smith is the executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.

Wasting Time for God? An interview with Tom Rodgerson by Sharon Mager

urnout” is a tired term — figuratively and literally, right? Everyone has heard it, most have probably experienced it, and many of us are just now seeing our flames flickering or smoldering away. Did we do too much? Have we “hit the wall,” or put “too much on our plate?” Maybe there’s more to it. Tom Rodgerson, a counselor at CentrePointe Counseling and assistant professor in the department of pastoral counseling at Loyola University Maryland, has been meeting with clergy for almost 30 years. He’s seen the onset, effects, and results of “burnout,” and you may be surprised at the numbers of clergy dealing with this condition. “Forty percent of people in ministry are in a state of ‘burnout’ at any given time,” Rodgerson says. But wait, there’s more! “We often forget spouses,” he continues. Burnout affects spouses at an even higher rate — over 45 percent are affected at any given time. So, what is this elusive condition, and why is it so prevalent? “When most people think of burnout, they think of the emotional exhaustion component, and that’s the one people feel the most,” explains Rodgerson, who did his PhD dissertation on the subject. Technically, Burnout encompasses more than that — it includes reduced personal accomplishment,

depersonalization, and a bit of cynicism. “It’s essentially job-related stress,” he says, adding that addressing the issue is imperative. “It can lead to physical and mental problems, marital discord, leaving the ministry, and unfortunately, inappropriate behavior.” What causes burnout? Rodgerson says, “Interestingly, the research shows that what contributes to burnout can come from one’s situation or environment, one’s particular personality, or the nature of one’s spirituality or religion.”

SITUATIONAL CAUSES • Toxic Churches — “Every church has

its own DNA, and some churches have toxic DNA in terms of past conflict and power struggles.” This kind of environment invites burnout in the church. No matter how healthy the pastor is, in this type of environment, it’s only a matter of time before the pastor will burn out unless he receives major help and support from within the church. • Culture Wars — “The recent culture

wars in society invade the church, and that causes a lot of pressure. With a lack of civil discourse, we can’t even talk about certain things,” Rodgerson says. Congregations are politically divided. “The minister is constantly being put ‘on the spot’ about ‘where he stands’.” • Unfavorable Perceptions — “We also

live in a culture where being ‘spiritual’ is more valued than being ‘religious.’” according to Rodgerson. He says those in religious occupations once were admired and revered. Now, much of the culture looks on clergy with suspicion or disapproval. • Finances — Trying to make a living can

be a struggle for pastors, especially for church planters, Rodgerson says. “The interactive effects of starting a church, the high cost of living, and the commitment to a growing family can easily result in a high level of stress.”. • Personality — How does a minister

personalize things? Sometimes a pastor will believe that the church will meet his needs and then he comes to a rude awakening that’s not going to happen, Rodgerson says. “Ministers have a higher desire to have their needs met from their job and that, intertwined with personality, can be a contributing factor to burnout.” • Spiritual Variable — A minister’s spir-

ituality must go beyond doctrine and sermon preparation — it must be a spirituality of “core spiritual practice of faith that in the Apostle Paul’s term is hoping beyond hope.” This depth of personal faith and commitment is crucial for handling the effects of a toxic environment.

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BURNOUT RECOVERY & PREVENTION • Self-Care and Sabbath — Rodgerson says when he meets with

people dealing with burnout, he tackles the most tangible — asking if they’re taking care of themselves, eating right, exercising, and taking vacations. “I ask, ‘When is your day off and do you take it?’ and ‘Do you take your vacations?’ Most people who are burning out have lost their days off, and even if they’re on their vacations, they’re taking their cell phones and laptops. “Do you have a true Sabbath time — to really ‘cease and desist’ — really drop it and let it go? That’s very hard for most ministers.” Rodgerson says that often, the prioritization of God, family, and church are out of order.” Take a balcony view — Step back and see the whole picture, including the invisible structures operating in the church system and one’s family system. There are similar dynamics between the people you are attracted to and the churches you pastor. Rodgerson says to remember there are three families always working in the present — the church family, the family you grew up with, and the family you’re living with now. Can you step back, get a balcony view, become curious, and have a theory of what’s going on? If you can do that it keeps you from personalizing things and gives you the ability to act strategically and not reactively.

Rodgerson says it’s similar to Jeremiah 2:13, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” “Often the emptiness we have is because we have not kept the spiritual practice that experientially keeps us in touch with Jesus.” Rodgerson says many pastors lost the practice or never had it. Sometimes they hope the church will fill the emptiness, instead of the pastor being in touch with the fountain of living waters, and having the abundance to give, and, like Jesus, knowing when to give and when not to give. “There are lots of different approaches to deepening your prayer life that is beyond a daily devotional that often ends up as sermon preparation. Seek a spiritual discipline that deepens your prayer and truly allows you to have Sabbath. Practice, and talk to someone who has an engaged spiritual practice. “That’s hard to do in this culture – being with the Lord,” Rodgerson says. Quoting William Clemmens, a Southeastern Theological Baptist Seminary professor from the early 1980s, Rodgerson says, “You have to establish a discipline of ‘wasting time for God.’ Clemmens, in his book, “Discovering the Depths,” writes, “Wasting time for God simply means to learn to love slowing life down, experiencing silence, and solitude. It means living life out of a deeper transcendent integration, a ‘quiet center,’ from which words are spoken, and life is lived at a deep enough level so that actions are made, not as reactions to another action,

Seek spiritual discipline that deepens your prayer and truly allows you to have Sabbath.

This concept is essential for church planters because they are creating the DNA of a church and it’s interesting that who they are, their internal relational systems, often determine who is attracted to the church, the systems of power, and ways of relating. “So, if a church planter can’t rest, and can’t observe a Sabbath, that gets into DNA of the church. You over function, over care and squeeze out, in my opinion, the Spirit to act fully,” Rodgerson says. “It’s fascinating to watch the dynamics of pastors and their congregations.” Spiritual Practice — What is the nature of your spiritual practice? Rodgerson referred to a quote by Parker Palmer in his book, “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation.” “Burnout is a state of emptiness, to be sure, but it does not result from giving all I have: it merely reveals the nothingness from which I was trying to give in the first place.”

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but as responses to the inner promptings of our interior dialogue with self and God.” • Get help — Whether it’s professional counseling, an account-

ability partner, or a mentor — go to someone outside the system. “It’s a killer to sit on it and think you have to fix it by yourself,” says Rodgerson. CentrePointe Counseling has provided Christ-centered counseling for 50 years, serving individuals, families, and clergy. They strive to create a “…ripple effect of change in thinking, believing, and acting. Healthy individuals lead to healthy families; healthy families lead to healthy churches; healthy churches lead to healthy schools, organizations, and businesses, and ultimately to healthy communities.”

GMB Meets On The Mountain “The General Mission Board (GMB) of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) met on May 7 at BCM/D’s mountaintop Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland. GMB members enjoyed a time of fellowship over lunch in the dining area before starting the meeting of praise, fellowship, and Godly business..” By Sharon Mager

he General Mission Board (GMB) of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) met on May 7 at BCM/D’s mountaintop Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland. GMB members enjoyed a time of fellowship over lunch in the dining area before starting the quarterly meeting of praise, fellowship, and Godly business.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND TEAM REPORTS “Since 1836, the BCM/D has existed to strengthen and plant churches in this two-state region,” BCM/D Executive Director Kevin Smith reported. That mission, he said, continues with three core values: cooperation, affirmation, and multiplication. Regarding cooperation, Smith said the Southern Baptist mission methodology is effective and admired by other denominational leaders. “They appreciate our methodology,” Smith said. They grasp the unique value in the processes in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) — how faithful stewards in local congregations give in their churches, and the church shares a percentage of undesignated receipts to the Cooperative Program, which funds all of the missions in the state, the nation, and around the world. Smith expressed thankfulness for BCM/D national leaders who recently answered the call to fill strategic positions in SBC agencies and seminaries, and he asked for prayer for those entities that are still seeking leadership. Smith said he is excited that Dr. Paul Chitwood is the new

president of the International Mission Board (IMB), adding that Chitwood believes strongly in the SBC methodology. The IMB is vital, Smith stressed, especially to smaller state conventions that don’t have full-time staff personnel focused on missions mobilization. Additionally, Smith said the BCM/D is blessed to be just over a two-hour drive to the IMB offices in Richmond, Virginia. Turning to the topic of church safety, especially as it relates to sexual assault and abuse, Smith said BCM/D has been proactive, offering “With All Purity” roundtable discussions to provide helpful tools and information, with Biblical integrity, to pastors and church leaders presented by legal and social professionals. Smith said the BCM/D would respond with more resources in response to the information from the SBC Sexual Abuse Presidential Advisory Group, presented at the Southern Baptist Convention 2019 annual meeting. The bcmd.org website has many safety resources provided by BCM/D Children, Bible Teaching, and VBS Consultant June Holland, who also regularly counsels churches regarding these topics. “We have been, and we are, and we do take these matters very seriously,” emphasized Smith. Mark Dooley, who began serving as the BCM/D director of evangelism in January 2019, said that a significant emphasis of the Church Services team is building relationships. Dooley has met with over 50 pastors face-to-face since January, conversing over lunch or meeting in offices, to hear concerns and to praise God for how He is moving in the churches. “That’s one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most…,” he said. He has also contacted dozens of pastors through phone calls or emails. B a pt i st L IF E

BCM/D consultants have also consistently reached out to build those relationships, he said. “Everyone is involved in reaching out and trying to touch the churches, church members, and especially the pastors, getting to know them and develop relationships.” The church services team has a strong focus on training, Dooley said, referencing multiple successful children’s ministries and Vacation Bible School trainings, “Preaching Roundtable” events, disaster relief trainings, and prayer workshops. Additionally, Dooley said that — following a state revitalization network meeting in Oklahoma — leadership is considering a sermon-based approach for revitalization efforts as a potential addition to the “tool kit” of resources.

network. “They are building relationships with each other, talking to each other, and encouraging one another.” In the fall of 2019, Crawford and the church planting team will address the top six difficult issues identified by local planters, providing experts who will be able to assist in these problem areas. “We want to eliminate challenges,” Crawford said. Churches planting churches is the primary strategy of planting. Crawford stated. “Not every church will plant a church, but we want to see churches plant churches.” We want to be like the disciples in Antioch, he explained. They heard what was going on and sent someone. “That’s what we want to be at the BCM/D. We want to hear about what’s happening in

prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, knowing He was to face the cross, Phillips showed how prayer gives Christians the ability to accept: • the weakness of the believers in our

lives (Jesus’ disciples) • the wickedness of the wicked and to still

love them (the Roman soldiers), and • God’s will over our own (“Father, not

My will but Thine”). “Jesus was a prayer warrior, and He was God incarnated,” Phillips said. Sharing a part of a devotional he heard while standing in the Garden of Gethsemane during a trip to the Holy Land, Phillips referred to the word “Gethsemane.” It refers to an oil press, Phillips said.

Church planting is in the best place it has ever been and the relationship with the North American Mission Board has never been better. Dooley also referenced the effectiveness of church assessments. He and Church Services Consultant Randy Millwood are developing a convention-specific assessment available to churches at all stages, not just when they’re in transition. Currently, at least 22 churches are without pastors, Dooley said. The convention is prayerfully seeking to assist those churches. “Pray for consultants as they reach out to help those in transitions,” he said. “Revitalization efforts are ongoing and will be until Jesus returns.” Four churches are participating with the Thom Rainer “Revitalize Network.” The BCM/D has a partnership with the Revitalize Network, providing discounts to participating churches. State Director of Missions Michael Crawford, reporting on church planting, said, “Church planting is in the best place it has ever been and the relationship with the North American Mission Board has never been better.” Crawford said he’s happy to see increasing unity within the planters’ S U M M E R 2 01 9

your church, and if you have a church planter or a group of people that want to start a church, we’re excited to help in any way we can, to come alongside and partner with you. We want to put some wood down and light it on fire,” Crawford said. “I believe vision is what you see when you close your eyes. So, to me, I’d like to close my eyes and wake up in 2030 to a new reality where the majority of planters in the BCM/D are coming from our churches. I believe we’re on that path and we’re going to get there. We have cooperated; planters have been affirmed in their local churches, and we’re rolling with them towards the issue of multiplication.”

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS GMB members voted to approve BCM/D affiliation of Union Church in Washington D.C. The church is part of McLean Bible Church’s New City Network of church plants.

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

“Jesus was being pressed,”. Prayer doesn’t always change circumstances, Phillips explained. “Sometimes, the prayer is for you.” It did not change the circumstances for Jesus, but it changed Him. Jesus was sorrowful when He went into the garden, and during the time, He prayed. He was frustrated during prayer, but He came away from prayer revitalized. “He had the ability to face what was in front of Him. “Even Jesus was changed by a prayer meeting,” Phillips said. Closing the meeting, Phillips prayed, “Father, we thank you for the wonderful blessing of being able to call on the name of the Lord. We’re thankful for, at times, being able to have the Holy Spirit come over us and give us peace…” Please note that the BCM/D financial and the Baptist Foundation reports are available in the BaptistLIFEonline GMB article: baptistlifeonline.org.

BCM/D President Harold Phillips shared about the need for prayer. Using Jesus’

“Imagine Me” offers young women a “life of promise” By Shelley Mahoney

ya was in the sixth grade when she first began as a mentee in the Imagine Me Ministries program near her home. She was welcomed into the program with open arms by her mentor, Pascha Lee, the founder and executive director of the ministry. Lee served as Kya’s mentor for years, and Kya went on to participate in all the youth programming that Imagine Me Ministries offered for students in middle and high school. To say that this organization made a difference in Kya’s life would be an understatement — she has succeeded not only academically (she will begin at Frostburg University this Fall) but also spiritually — she received Jesus as her Savior and went on to lead her mother, father, boyfriend, and a number of friends to the Lord. She now attends Christian Liberty Church, a church plant in West Baltimore that was started and is currently pastored by Pascha’s husband and Imagine Me Board Chairman Wayne Lee, and she is supported and loved by her church family. “Kya has embraced a life of promise and is spreading the Word!” Pascha enthusiastically says when thinking of her former mentee. A “life of promise” is what Imagine Me Ministries is all about. Kya is one of many success stories that Pascha has witnessed over her years of serving the Baltimore area, and she is excited to see what God continues to do in this organization. Imagine Me is a youth development and mentoring program that offers in-school, after-school, and out-of-school activities, as well as

community and outreach programming. The organization even provides programs for girls detained by the Department of Juvenile Services. All activities are centered on the organization’s mission of inspiring girls to embrace a “life of promise” and mature into dynamic young women through long term one-on-one mentoring relationships with caring and invested adult women. A group of girls meets several times per week at various schools in Baltimore, where trained facilitators lead them in enjoyable, interactive activities designed to establish habits that will help them better succeed in academics and in life. They can also choose to participate in in-depth workshops on key areas of interest to them. In addition to the after-school programs, Imagine Me participants have the opportunity to travel with the staff to various destinations on weekend trips. The group has visited attractions close to home, including museums in Baltimore and the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., and they have traveled further to see cultural arts events in New York City and to participate in enrichment seminars on college campuses, among other destinations. At the heart of all the programs and activities, however, is the organization’s ultimate goal of one-on-one mentoring and peer groups. Since its creation twelve years ago, Imagine Me Ministries has served more than 400 girls and matched 75 young ladies with Christian female mentors. Lee says that some B a pt i st L IF E

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participants who started the program in 6th or 7th grade have grown up to go to college and thrive in their twenties, but they still keep in touch with their Imagine Me mentors. “Having a mentor is like having a big sister,” said Jada, a young woman who was mentored by volunteer Deven Brown. “It’s having someone I can look up to and…talk to. When I have problems I can go to her, or when I have good news I can go to her.” Pascha, along with all the mentors at Imagine Me, hopes to create these kinds of meaningful relationships with girls all over Baltimore City and beyond. The positive results have been evident to many in the community — the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore City Public Schools, Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Big Brother Big Sister of Central Maryland, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and Touchpoint Baltimore are just a few of the organizations that have realized the vital service that this organization offers to Baltimore City and have decided to partner with the organization. “Our local and state partners are extremely important to the work of Imagine Me,” said Pascha. “I can’t express enough how creative God is when He allows secular organizations to be a blessing to [this] work. ‘The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof.’ (Psalm 24:1, (KJV) including the people in it, so He makes partnerships where He sees fit. We are very selective about who we partner with. Our budget could be overflowing, and we could have at our fingertips everything that we need if we moved more toward secular principles — but then we already have everything we need because we stand on Biblical principles.” Lee has a passion for this type of ministry; she started working as a mentor with another company in 1998 and fell in love with the mentorship model. She realized it worked perfectly with her passion for youth ministry, and she has continued to thrive and

create more mentorship opportunities for herself and others over the last two decades. According to Pascha, it’s imperative that youth across the nation have a “strong, non-compromising, non-judgmental Christian influence.” She was blessed to have this kind of influence growing up. As a child, Lee can’t remember a time when her mother didn’t support her. Multiple times each day, Lee’s mother would tell her, “you are smart,” “you are pretty,” and “I love you.” These positive messages shaped Lee’s life as she blossomed into adulthood. It wasn’t until she was older, Pascha said, that she realized these kinds of affirmations were not the norm for many young women in her area. Girls around her were often not only deprived of hearing positive messages about themselves; they were also regularly beaten down with negative messages from family members and others in their community. Even nonprofit organizations and government entities often label young women in certain areas as “at-risk” and “hard-to-reach.” “It is extremely difficult to counter the negative messages that our girls are exposed to, so the last thing we want any of them to think is that we think they are “at-risk” or “hard-to-reach,” Pascha said. “I summarize it like this—all of humanity is at risk of eternal damnation unless they know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Hence, all of humanity is ‘at-risk,’ so why categorize any group of people?” With this mindset, Pascha prayerfully decided to start Imagine Me Ministries in 2007. Her entire church family at Christian Liberty Church has been very supportive of this organization as an outreach of their church for the last several years. “The members are very supportive,” Pascha said. “They serve as mentors, volunteers, and help with supporting not only the girls but also their families. It is a beautiful thing.” When asked about her husband Wayne’s involvement in Imagine Me, Lee was

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brought to tears. “I am still amazed at his heart for Imagine Me. The Lord has used Wayne to make Imagine Me what it is today, in numerous ways I can’t explain, but in all areas—spiritually, financially, organizationally, with relationships and partnerships both Christian and secular, serving as a Godly male influence for our girls, (providing) resources for families, in leadership… the list goes on!” In addition to her role at Imagine Me Ministries, Lee also serves as the women’s ministry director at Christian Liberty Church. She leads bible studies, organizes women’s activities and community Bible outreach events, and disciples young ladies within their church. Pascha was born and raised in West Baltimore, and she bubbles over with enthusiasm when she describes her love for the people in that region. “I love being a church planter’s wife, and I love the husband God gave me! If that weren’t special enough, the Lord allowed us to share the same heart…for West Baltimore,” Lee said.

It is extremely difficult to counter the negative messages that our girls are exposed to, so the last thing we want any of them to think is that we think they are 'at-risk' or 'hard-to-reach.' “Christian Liberty Church is my husband’s calling, and I would not want to be anywhere else, serving alongside Wayne and the community and flock that the Lord has given him. We are one and God truly placed in our hearts what He had for us to do before we married and then brought us together to support one another in our respective ministries…for that I am grateful!” The church has grown and thrived since the Lees planted it in 2014. The congregation meets weekly at Frederick Douglass High School, near Druid Hill Park and Sandtown for worship, fellowship, and prayer. They recently celebrated their fifth year in this location with a cookout that included moon bounces, face painting, and a special musical presentation from the Helping Up Mission Men’s Choir. According to Lee, the Baptist Convention of Maryland/ Delaware (BCM/D) has been a significant help to the church. “The counsel, support, opportunities, exposure, love, and consistency that the BCM/D has given to Wayne and me are from the hand of God. Christian Liberty Church would not be the same without the BCM/D.” When asked about the greatest successes that the Lees have celebrated—as well as the most difficult challenges — Pascha offered a simple response. “The answer to both questions is

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the same: People. To see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and see their countenance and their life change and experience the Joy of the Lord is indescribable and at the same time to serve and love my City and my people is not always easy. I remember a passage where Paul states in Romans 12:6-8 (MSG), “if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.” For more information about Imagine Me Ministries, visit imaginemementor.org. To learn more about Christian Liberty Church, visit christianlibertychurch.org.

Putting Down Roots By Sharon Mager

arenting — it’s exciting, thrilling, and joyful, but no parent will ever say the joys come without hard work and pain. Seeing children grow, flex their wings, and leave the nest brings a bittersweet smile to parents, but seeing children thrive on their own, in the will of God, brings joy like no other. So it is with church planting—as Leonardtown Baptist Church (LBC), in Maryland, can attest. LBC planted Redeeming Grace Baptist Church (RGBC) in Callaway, Maryland, in 2009 and today — a decade later — the church has over 250 members, they bought ten acres, and they started a building campaign. BCM/D State Director of Evangelism Mark Dooley, who served as the senior pastor of Leonardtown Baptist Church in 2009, shares that LBC was growing steadily, filling up two services each Sunday. Church leaders prayed, seeking God’s wisdom. Desiring to reach more people with the Gospel in their community, which had few evangelical churches, they pondered their options. They could have spent millions of dollars to expand, Dooley explains, but the leadership felt that wasn’t what God wanted them to do. “The decision (for the new campus) was more from both a theological and practical conviction,” Dooley says. The plant was driven by a strategic decision. “Instead of, ‘here we are, y’all come to us,’ we decided, ‘let’s go plant sites where the people are’.” LBC sent out a core group of more than 120 members, many of them leaders, to start a campus church that they deemed would eventually become independent of them as

the parent church. LBC Associate Pastor John Fields took on the role of campus pastor, and the new congregation met at LBC’s Christian Life Center for four months before moving to King’s Christian Academy, in Callaway, Maryland, less than ten miles south of LBC. Fields left a year later to pastor a church in Utah, and the church called Adam Polk as associate pastor of LBC and campus pastor at RGBC. Polk grew up in Tennessee, in an area he calls “the buckle of the Bible Belt,” a place teeming with Baptist churches. After graduating from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, Polk pastored a church in his hometown for over three years before he answered the call to move to Leonardtown. When considering the campus and the location, Polk saw the great need for more of an evangelical witness in the heavily Catholic St. Mary’s County and felt drawn to the area. Polk says, “when I connected with Leonardtown — when I could hear and see their vision — it resonated with me.” Over the last ten years, God has blessed RGBC, almost doubling their membership with an average of 220 people each Sunday. In 2015, they became independent from Leonardtown Baptist Church with a gift of $100,000 from LBC to move forward. RGBC purchased ten acres from King’s Christian Academy in 2018 and started a building campaign in February 2019 with a congregational commitment of over 1.3 million dollars. On April 28, their first “Big Give Sunday,” they collected over $124,000.00. Polk is thankful for the continued growth they have witnessed, especially since their church is located near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. “It’s a transient area,” Polk points out, B a pt i st L IF E

The plant was driven by a strategic decision. Instead of, ‘here we are, y’all come to us,’ we decided, ‘let’s go plant sites where the people are.

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and that affects the congregation with many people coming and going. As a parent church, it took Leonardtown Baptist Church several years to rebuild, trying to sacrificially maintain established ministries while missing 120 active members. The loss wasn’t easy, admits Dooley. Many of the members sent by the church to RGBC were key leaders who left an obvious void, but the difficulty was to be expected, and God has provided. Over the years, other members stepped up to go through training and take on leadership roles, and God brought in new church attendees who plugged in and began to help. Now LBC looks on proudly at their growing plant. Dooley is thrilled with the success of Redeeming Grace Baptist Church. Polk is happily leading the plant, now a solid church, into their expanding future. One day, when God says they’re ready, RGBC will perhaps plant a church. Life, in Christ, goes on.

Transitions and Recognitions Staff Changes

ALEX BOUFFARD serves as Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) communications manager, overseeing the day-to-day communication ministry including social media, video, BaptistLIFE, and working with the communication team to provide education about the BCM/D and to promote the Cooperative Program. An Annapolis native, Bouffard grew up in a Christian home and attended Riva Trace Baptist Church (RTBC) in Davidsonville, Maryland. That is where he made a profession of faith and was baptized when he was 9 years old. RTBC is also where Alex met his wife, Corrine.

“I met my wife in the nursery,” he says with a chuckle. “I don’t remember not knowing her.” Homeschooled through high school, Alex graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in professional communication, and then returned home to start a media business with Corrine. A&C Social Strategies specializes in social media for small and mid-sized companies, as well as wedding photography, video, and consulting. The couple currently attends Redemption Church in Arnold, Maryland, where Alex plays guitar in the praise band and serves as the young adult minister. Alex was introduced to the BCM/D at the 2018 annual meeting at Oak Grove Baptist Church. He had recently enrolled at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (where he is currently pursuing a master of divinity degree), and Redemption Lead Dr. Jamie Caldwell, and Worship Pastor Neal Phillips invited Alex to attend the annual meeting as a way to introduce him to church leaders who could assist him in reaching his ministerial goals. “I was familiar with the Southern Baptist Convention, but I did not understand the role state conventions play,” Alex said. He was pleasantly overwhelmed with

the worship, sermons, the people he met, and the opportunities and resources available. “I loved it,” Alex said. In January, while checking to make sure Redemption Church’s address was showing up on the SBC site, Alex “happened” upon the advertisement for the BCM/D communications manager position. He wasn’t looking for a job but felt called to apply. “It was the Lord’s timing,” he said. Alex, who began serving as communications manager in May, is especially excited about the opportunity in his new position to share about the BCM/D with churches and leaders who do not know or understand the incredible opportunities for encouragement, support, education, and cooperative partnership that is available. In his spare time, Alex enjoys music, playing guitar and piano, sailing, and reading. He and Corrine recently celebrated their second anniversary, and they are expecting their first child in January. They live in Severna Park, Maryland, and have two Chocolate Labradors — Saylor and Skipper. Contact Alex at Abouffard@bcmd. org, or call him, 410-290-5290, ext. 205.

'I was familiar with the Southern Baptist Convention, but I did not understand the role state conventions play,' Alex said. He was pleasantly overwhelmed with the worship, sermons, the people he met, and the opportunities and resources available. 22

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NATHANIEL WALTERS serves as Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) Collegiate Ministry Consultant, and as the director of Baptist Student Ministry at the University of Delaware. He succeeds Blake Hardcastle, who recently resigned, transitioning to serve in Texas after ministering with the BCM/D for over two decades. As the BCM/D Collegiate Ministry Consultant, Walters assists campus ministers throughout Maryland and Delaware, and he helps start and strengthen other collegiate ministries in the region. He also partners with campus ministers on a regional and national level as they encourage one another, seeking to minister to the ever-changing demographic of college students in America. Serving as the director of Baptist Student Ministry at the University of Delaware, Walters meets with and oversees the student leadership team, teaches Tuesday night large group,

actively involved in many ministries, and memorizing Scripture. At one point I could quote the entire book of Romans from memory straight through. (I wish I still could!)” “In spite of this knowledge, with the typical challenges of high school and a girlfriend taking my attention, my high school and early college years were spiritually stagnant. Although I would say I was a believer, I was not growing. I had no desire to please God, and my actions showed that. “My relationship with my girlfriend ended during my second year of college, and that breakup was a huge turning point in my life and faith. I realized that I didn’t have any friends after clinging to my girlfriend for years, so I decided to make some new ones on campus. Through my friend Joe from high school, I ended up living with some guys that were involved in Baptist Student Ministry,” Walters said. That changed everything.

College is a turning point for many people, for better or for worse...I’m excited to have an influence on the lives of students both at Delaware and throughout the state. manages the ministry house and residents on campus, disciples students, plans and coordinates retreats and events, and plots the vision for BSM in the future. Walters knows first-hand the value of collegiate ministry, being part of the BSM at the University of Delaware. He shares his spiritual journey. “I grew up around Christianity with my grandfather being the pastor of our Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church. Throughout my childhood, I can’t remember a time when I would not call myself a Christian. “I grew up at church and was there throughout the week, S U M M E R 2 01 9

“The summer between my second and third year of college was my first real experience of genuine Christian community, and I finally realized that I had never really thought about what I believe. I was convicted of sin and challenged to grow in my faith. I had been drinking milk for years and finally desired ‘solid food.’ It wouldn’t be correct to say that this was when I was saved, as I believe my faith was in Christ before this, but it certainly was one of the most important times in my life as a Christian.” Walters received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of

Delaware in 2014 and worked in the traffic analysis and land development field for four years after graduation. From Sept. 2018 - April 2019, he ministered as a pastoral assistant at Ogletown Baptist Church in Delaware, his home church where he also serves on the praise team, before transitioning into his current role. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity degree with Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Walters and his wife, Jamie, have been married five years. “We actually met through Baptist Student Ministry at Delaware, and she worked at BSM for over three years until February. Our son Nate was born this past February 3.” In his spare time, the Walters enjoy being outdoors. “This past year, we spent two weeks hiking and camping in Sierra Navada. I also enjoy backpacking in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia,” he said. Walters is thrilled about his new ministry position. “I’m most excited to have a role in discipling college students and seeing them grow in their faith in some of the same ways I did during college. “College is a turning point for many people, for better or for worse, and I’m excited to have an influence on the lives of students both at Delaware and throughout the state.”

Staff Changes DEMETRA BENNETT serves as an assistant to the church services support team, ensuring initiatives and events effectively meet the needs of BCM/D churches. A native of Illinois, Bennett grew up in a Christian home and went to church regularly. With four children in her family, getting some alone time with her mom was special, and it was during one of those times that God spoke to Bennett’s heart. “My mother led me to the Lord while out walking one summer night to get an Italian Ice. I was about six or seven at the time,” she said. Her mother, on their fun outing, began sharing about what it would be like if we all knew Jesus and would be saved from sin and one day go to heaven. Bennett had heard the Scriptures throughout her life but thought the message was for adults. Later she prayed, telling God she wanted to be saved and to go to heaven one day. She followed it up by walking down an

aisle during a Sunday service to make a public profession, and she was baptized a few years later. After high school, Bennett earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Illinois State University and then a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois. In the past, she has worked in insurance, automotive, and financial fields. Most recently she worked in a staff support position with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and she served as a church bookkeeper for more than 17 years. In addition to her current professional role, Bennett ministers as a pastor’s wife. Her husband, Marty Bennett, is the senior pastor of Life Connection Church in Severn, Maryland. She also works 15 hours per week at Life Connection as a bookkeeper, and she serves on the church’s hospitality team, praise teams, and children’s ministry. She enjoys her new position with the BCM/D and is excited to be part

of the Lord’s ongoing work by serving Maryland/Delaware churches. “It gives me joy to have the opportunity to serve in an organization that was so instrumental in helping our church become rooted and established,” she said. “I know first-hand the valuable church support provided by the BCM/D, and I can attest to the consistent wisdom, encouragement, and accountability that is so generously given to those churches within the organization.” At home, she and Marty enjoy their family. They have three children — an adult son, Meric, and two teenagers, Luke, 17, and Rachel, 15. In her spare time, Demetra enjoys music. “I love to sing and have been a part of Christian choirs and praise teams since I was a very young girl. I also love to spend time traveling with my immediate and extended family.” Email Bennett at dbennett@bcmd.org, or call her, 1-800-466-5290 ext. 218.

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Obituaries

16, 2019. Affectionately known by many as “Dr. J.,” Nichols was loved for his kind spirit, sense of humor, and dynamic preaching. He was a former Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) president,

and he served as the senior pastor of Faith Baptist Church (FBC), in Glen Burnie, Maryland from 1994 to 2008, before being called as the senior pastor of Chapel Hill Baptist Church, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Tim Byer, the current pastor of FBC, wrote about Nichols on Facebook, “He was a faithful servant to our church and to the community. He will always be known for his powerful preaching, gentle spirit, transformative leadership, and his practical jokes. Our church grew much during his pastorate both in numbers and spiritual maturity. He pastored well.” “Personally, I knew him as my pastor as a teenager, my supervisor as I began in ministry, and most recently as a long-distance mentor. “Through the sadness, we celebrate the victory. Easter, of all times, reminds us of the resurrection for which we share in Jesus. Our loss of Dr. J is temporary.

For those in Christ, we will see him again. In fact, we haven’t really lost him at all. We know where he is.” Pastor Nichols was preceded in death by his father, Walton Newton Nichols, and his son, James Patrick “Jay” Nichols. He is survived by his wife, Susan Elaine Land Nichols; daughters, Sharon Eliza Nichols and Catherine Grace Nichols; sisters, Eleanor Morgan of Atlanta, Georgia, and Judy Joiner of Trussville, Alabama; and his mother, Myra Jean Nichols of Birmingham, Alabama. Funeral services were held on April 18 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church, followed by interment at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help further Chapel Hill Baptist Church’s “Building Our Legacy” fund at chapelhillbc.org/online-giving.

JOAN STALLS , the wife of Ken Stalls, who pastored South End Baptist Church in Frederick, Maryland for over 25 years, died on April 14 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 71. Joan was born and raised on her family’s farm in Williamston, N.C. She married Ken, her high school sweetheart, and the couple enjoyed over 51 years of marriage.

Joan became a Christian when she was a high school senior and spent the rest of her life faithfully serving her Lord Jesus Christ. For decades, Joan taught the four-year-old children’s class in Sunday School. Ken said she “deeply loved all of those children and she made a deep impact on their lives.” She was also known as “an amazing pastor’s wife” and was always an integral part of her husband’s ministry, serving by Ken’s side. “Not just anyone can be a pastor’s wife,” Ken said. “You can be the wife of someone who’s a pastor, but she has been a pastor’s wife.” Ken said, “Joan was always characterized by her warm and loving spirit, congenial attitude, and her faith. She touched so many. both in sickness and health, and her legacy will follow her.” The couple retired to Virginia about five years ago and were members of Mount Vernon Baptist Church where they both served.

Ken worked on staff as an interim minister for pastoral care until Joan became very ill. Ken said, “She went peacefully in her sleep. She is finally fully well and at peace. Praise God for His precious mercy and grace.” Joan was preceded in death by her father Church Modlin. In addition to Ken, she is survived by their son, Jonathan Stalls, and daughter-in-law, Kelly, and two granddaughters, Lauren and Audrey. She is also survived by her mother, Doris Modlin, and by her siblings, Janet Wainwright and Church Modlin Jr. A celebration of Joan’s life was held on April 18 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia. Another service was held Saturday, April 20, 1:30 p.m. at Maple Grove Church in Jamesville, North Carolina. She was interred in Mt. Vernon Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Phoenix, a wellness camp for cancer survivors, Attn: Pam Miller, 7501 Broach Dr., Richmond, Virginia. 23225.

DR. JAMES NICHOLS died on April

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Obituaries

CHARLES BARNES who served as executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) from 1993 to 2000, died in his home on May 11, 2019. He was 86. Born in Stonewall, Mississippi, he enjoyed gardening with his mother and playing sports. Before graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and served briefly during the Korean War. Back home in Mississippi, he met and courted Laura Sue Thompson,

Smith, and his wife, Julia, encouraged the young man to dedicate himself completely to the Lord. In an autobiography, The Hand of God is my Story, that he selfpublished for his family, Barnes wrote that Julia Smith’s encouraging words always stayed with him — “Charles, God has His hand on you, doesn’t He?” The Smiths also encouraged him to pursue college and provided financial help. Rolling Creek Baptist Church, in Mississippi, called Barnes to his first pastorate, and there he and Laura started their family, welcoming children Sue and David. He attended Mississippi College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

lis, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. The church’s triangular logo reflects that vision. In 1970 Barnes began ministering with the BCM/D, serving as director of church programs and services. Barnes led mission trips to Burundi, Rwanda, and Moldova, as part of the BCM/D’s partnership missions emphasis.“The Africa trip changed everything,” Hannahs said her father became painfully aware of the relative wealth of America and it made him uncomfortable considering the need so many people had for fresh water while his family had an inground swimming pool. “The trip lit a fire in him,” she said. Carol Moore, Barnes’ longtime ministry assistant, agreed that the mission trip

Barnes led mission trips to Burundi, Rwanda, and Moldova, as part of the BCM/D’s partnership missions emphasis. ‘The Africa trip changed everything...’ and they married in 1953. Barnes’ daughter, Sue Hannahs, said her grandmother had a significant influence on her dad’s spiritual life. The seventh child, with six sisters, his faith-filled mother prayed like Hannah of the Old Testament, pleading with God for a son, and promising to give him back to the Lord. She spiritually nurtured her children, rocking them to sleep singing hymns. A pastor of a Baptist church in Stonewall, Mississippi, also had a significant influence in Barnes’ life. Sollie

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In 1961, Severna Park Baptist Church, (SPBC) in Maryland, a young mission church, called Barnes as their first fulltime pastor. The church grew from 25 to 650 in nine years. It was at SPBC that Barnes found his passion for church education from the cradle to the grave, and for church growth. Dave Brown, the current senior pastor of SPBC, said Barnes was a visionary. He recognized the Severna Park area as a “triangle of influence,” reaching Annapo-

changed his life. “He said that after he returned from that trip, it was difficult for him to enjoy a full meal. The hungry children that he saw affected him deeply. He gave generously to world hunger and never missed an opportunity to encourage others to do the same. He believed and lived Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” (NIV) Hannahs said Barnes was also B a pt i st L IF E

church fields. He was in many ways a loyal and to build upon the foundation that he heartbroken when the genocide happened friend to pastors.” laid through the Baptist Convention of in Rwanda in 1994. Many who died Many people mentioned Barnes’ Maryland/Delaware.” were people he knew from his trip. He warmth and wit. Udovich said, “Mr. Barnes After retiring, Barnes provided pulbecame BCM/D executive director in had a good sense of humor and a great pit supply and served as an interim to a 1993 and enthusiastically continued the memory. He knew many of the pastors, variety of churches, and he was a minister emphasis on partnership missions while and whenever one of them retired, Mr. to seniors at Heritage Baptist Church in leading the convention in relocating the Barnes would be invited to the event. Annapolis, where he and his family were BCM/D offices from Lutherville to the Instead of the usual glowing words and longtime members. current Columbia location. He developed platitudes toward the guest of honor, He loved his family and enjoyed spenda “futuring” initiative — a strategic Mr. Barnes would “roast” the pastor, bringing time with them. An avid woodworker, restructuring to prepare the convention to ing up all kinds of stories from the past he would often be found with his favorite move into the new century. tools building treehouses, sheds Ellen Udovich, who serves or birdhouses for his family and as BCM/D church services friends. He loved to go to baseball consultant, said that Barnes’ games and movies, but he was just restructuring included the BCM/D as happy spending time on his General Mission Board (GMB). porch swing where he would call “He... understood that the the birds for his grandchildren. ministry environment and needs Charles was preceded in death of the churches were changing,” by his first wife, Laura Sue Barnes. Udovich said. “In the last few He is survived by his wife Evelyn years before his retirement, he Barnes, his daughter, launched a restructuring of the Sue Hannahs, and her husband GMB and staff, moving us into Jeff Hannahs, and his son, David teams which worked together. Barnes. He is also survived by Each team was made up of not many grandchildren: Andrew just BCM/D staff but also pastors, Villwock; Leslie Richards, and her lay people, associational directors husband Nick Richards (parents of missions and at least one GMB to Charles’ great-granddaughters, member. Having this broad range Tess and Elle, of voices contributing to our Charles Barnes (left) with a church deacon at and great-grandson, Royce); teams’ planning, budgeting, and Severna Park Baptist Church, (SPBC) in Maryland. Jessica Phillips, and her husband implementation helped us to Alex Phillips; Katie Barnes, and focus more clearly on how best Allison Hannahs. and mixing them in with zippy one-liners.” to serve and collaborate with churches A memorial service was held on June Moore said he was joyful. “He didn’t amidst a rapidly changing environment.” 8 at Huber Memorial Church, 5700 Loch want to be one of those Christians that Roy Thomas, who retired in 2014, Raven Blvd, Baltimore, with Barnes’ close had been ‘baptized in dill pickle juice.’” said Barnes created his position at the friend, The Rev. P.M. Smith, presiding. David Lee, who succeeded Barnes as the convention in the then “Family Ministry” executive director, said, “Charles Barnes area. “Charles was a visionary in that he loved Jesus. He was passionate about the launched and facilitated the “futuring” world coming to faith in Jesus as Savior effort that eventually led to a reorganiand Lord. He loved Maryland/Delaware zation and the calling of David Lee as his Baptists and he served us faithfully. I will successor. Charles was a good friend and always remember his strength of cona fellow believer. He will be missed.” viction, his courage, and his generosity BCM/D Church Ministry Consultant toward those in need. I will always be inMichael Trammell, who pastored Mt. Airy debted to our Lord for the opportunity to Church for 26 years, shared, “I remember serve alongside Charles, to learn from him, Charles Barnes for visiting pastors on their

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