September 29, 2014 Illinois Baptist

Volume 108, No. 14 SEPTEMBER

Praying for ‘what only God can do’

Annual Meeting to focus on awakening and revival

Fond farewell to retiring friend page 8

Mommy, I’m hungry page 5

See seven baptized at Ten Mile page 3

Springfield | “I believe we need to cry out to God for spiritual awakening in our state, and for revival in our churches,” said IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams. “So at the Wednesday evening session of this year ’s Annual Meeting, we are choosing to focus less on what we have been doing, and more on asking God to do what only He can ”

The 2014 IBSA Annual Meeting is Nov 5-6 at the Springfield Crowne Plaza Hotel The meeting, including Wednesday’s “concert of prayer,” will continue to unpack the Mission Illinois theme unveiled last year

To prepare for the concert, attenders are encouraged to use a series of devotionals by O’Fallon pastor Doug

Campers

Munton (See page 5 of section B ) Church members planning to serve as messengers should contact their church office to get information for online pre-registration, which will close at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Messengers also may register at the Annual Meeting with a signed messenger card from their church Churches may e-mail CaroleDoom@ IBSA org or call (217) 391-3113 to request blank messenger cards or for registration assistance

The IBSA Pastors’ Conference will precede the meeting, beginning at 1 p m on Tuesday, Nov 4 For more on that and other meetings, see the special section in this issue, or go to www.IBSA.org/IBSA2014.

NFL teaches churches hard lessons page 5

Dave Ramsey:

What

the week:

facebook com/IllinoisBaptist twitter.com/IllinoisBaptist pinterest.com/IllinoisBaptist vimeo.com/IBSA www.IBSA.org

Sign up for the weekly eConnection at www IBSA org/Communications

IBSA board approves 2015 goals

By Lisa Sergent

Springfield | A new structure for IBSA staff will put more employees closer to Illinois churches, Executive Director

Nate Adams told the IBSA Board of Directors at their Sept 16 meeting

Calling it both “high tech and high touch,” Adams said the reorganization results from the desire to make IBSA and its 2015 goals more “church-centric ”

“Reductions in funding from the North American Mission Board, first for associational Directors of Missions and now for statewide missions staff, led us to look at a modified structure,” Adams said. “We needed a plan that required fewer resources, but that also allowed us to be more responsive to churches who no longer have associational staff

IBSA Annual Meeting and Pastors’ Conference

November 4-6

Crowne Plaza Hotel Springfield, Illinois

B Preview Section in

Final marriage ruling in sight

SCOTUS likely to untangle mixed state judgments

After a Louisiana judge upheld the traditional definition of marriage in a September ruling, advocates on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate are calling on the U S Supreme Court to make a final, nationwide ruling, once and for all Indications are, they will

Thirty-two states filed briefs this month asking the Supreme Court to decide the marriage issue The appeal made by the states 15 that allow same-sex marriage and 17 that don’t came the day after a federal judge in Louisiana this month became the first judge to uphold a state’s ban on same-sex marriage since the U S Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act last summer

Judge Martin Feldman ruled Sept. 3 that same-sex marriage “is not a fundamental right that states must uphold despite constitutional or legislative bans,” reported USA Today

Continued on page 3

Elevate Marriage set for October 16

Now that same-sex unions are legal in Illinois, what’s the local church to do?

Elevate Marriage, a one-day conference for pastors and church leaders, is designed to help your church navigate the shifting marriage culture IBSA Building, Springfield

10 a m to 2 p m

(lunch provided)

Registration required www IBSA org/Marriage

DISCUSSION – Roger Marshall, pastor of First Baptist Church of Effingham, and the IBSA Board of Directors consider a motion at their meeting Sept 16 in Springfield Continued on page 2

CHURCH IMPROVEMENT – Gary Watson works on a carpentry project outside Light of Christ in East St Louis, where a group of Illinois Campers on Mission served for a

BRIEFING the

Magazines refuse marriage ad

A new group for Christians who support same-sex marriage launched this month, with a little less publicity than they planned “Evangelicals for Marriage Equality” announced on their website that their full-page ad featuring a Bible with its pages shaped into a heart had been refused by Christianity Today, Relevant, and World Magazine Did the magazines have a right to deny the ad? Yes, said culture writer Jonathan Merritt “ These are independent evangelical publications who hold to a particular view of marriage They have audiences with expectations about what is and isn’t consistent with a Christian worldview And they should be free to only publish content that is consistent with both ”

Baptist ‘Third Way’ church expelled

The California Southern Baptist Convention Executive Board voted Sept 11 to withdraw fellowship from a church that had decided to pursue a “third y ” in dealing with same-sex lifestyles in church Pastor Danny Cortez of New art Community Church in La Mirada, Ca , announced in February he no longer believes same-sex relationships are sinful, and the church reportedly voted to become a “third way” church that wouldn’t condemn or affirm homosexuality A former elder told Baptist Press the church didn’t officially accept the “third way,” but peacefully split amid deadlock

Poll: Extremism worry on the rise

As ISIS continued to terrorize groups in dle East, Pew Research released new da ing Americans are increasingly concer about Islamic extremism. 62% are very c cerned about its rise around the world, P ported, and 53% are very concerned ab possibility of rising Islamic extremism i

Campus ministry loses access in CA

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship announced this month it will lose privileges like free meeting space and access to campus activity fairs at all 23 schools in the California State University system IVCF’s requirements for student leaders are in violation of a university rule that requires recognized groups to accept all students as potential leaders

According to IVCF’s website, “While we applaud inclusivity, we believe that faith-based communities like ours can only be led by people who clearly affirm historic Christian doctrine ”

Cathy known for business, faith

Christian leaders and fans of Chick-Fil-A mourned the loss of S Truett Cathy, who died Sept 8 Cathy built the chain famed for its chicken sandwiches from one store in 1946 to more than 1,800 restaurants He was known for his Christian faith, Chick-Fil-A’s “closed on Sundays” policy, and his support of young people Cathy was “perhaps the most gracious Christian man I have ever known,” his pastor, Mel Blackaby, told The Christian Index “Having taugh eighth grade boys Sunday school class for 5 years, he chose to invest his life in the next generation of leaders.”

Board report

Continued from page 1

We think this new structure does that ”

The former Church Strengthening and Missions Teams have been joined together under the leadership of Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson to form the Church Resources Team, but with two fewer fulltime staff, following the August 31 retirement of Dale Davenport and the year-end retirement of Jerry Day With the new leaner team, Adams shared, “We can’t afford to do just what comes easy, what is comfortable, what is traditional We must look at what will truly help churches advance the gospel in Illinois.”

Creation of a new Church Consulting Team will formalize a strategy initiated two years ago, establishing the role of regional IBSA zone consultants Associate Executive Director Pat Pajak will now lead mostly part-time consultants in ten zones comprised of up to six local associations The team is not yet fully staffed, but Pajak expects to have consultants in every zone by the end of the year

The Business Team, now known as the Church Cooperation Team, will focus on services that strengthen trust and commitment between IBSA and its member churches The newly named Church Communications Team will continue to report news, produce print and web publications, and create marketing strategies for IBSA events, but will also work closely with the Church Resources Team to produce content for developing and equipping church leaders The Church Planting Team will continue to facilitate church planting in Illinois, with an increasing focus on quality plants that more quickly constitute as churches.

CP giving affects budgeting

In addition, the board unanimously approved the proposed 2015 IBSA budget and goals for recommendation to messengers at the IBSA Annual Meeting The 2015 Cooperative Program goal was reduced $200,000 from 2014’s goal to $6 4 million, reflecting the current trend in giving which is 4% behind 2013 The Cooperative Program ratio is proposed to remain at 43 25% to the Southern Baptist Convention for national and international missions and ministries and 56 75% to IBSA for missions and ministries in Illinois

IBSA’s goals for 2015 have been streamlined to focus on four specific areas: (1) Develop

leaders, (2) Inspire cooperation, (3) Stimulate church health and growth, and (4) Catalyze evangelistic church planting and missions

“The simplification of our organizational goals from 12 to 4 speaks of our desire to measure the true impact of IBSA’s assistance to churches, and not just our own activities,” Adams said “That’s what we mean by being more ‘churchcentric ’”

The board also adopted a motion adding language to the board policy manual that acknowledges the Executive Director ’s prerogative to use The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) in hiring IBSA staff Employees will be asked to read the Southern Baptist doctrinal statement, and to affirm that they will support it and not work in opposition to it in fulfillment of their duties IBSA employees receiving partial salary funding from NAMB are already required by NAMB to sign a statement of agreement with The BF&M (2000) as a condition of their funding

In its discussion, the board acknowledged the changing cultural climate on marriage and sexuality, not only in Illinois, but throughout the nation It further acknowledged the added measure of protection in hiring that The BF&M (2000) Article 18 on The Family gives the IBSA Executive Director, by clearly stating IBSA’s biblical stance on marriage and gender issues, and by identifying with the national SBC in that doctrinal position

In other business:

- The Board affirmed the role of the Executive director in publically addressing social and political issues on behalf of Illinois Baptists when they are in conflict with Baptist doctrine, in particular matters on which

IBSA churches have stated their position through resolutions adopted by messengers at the annual meeting

- Board members reelected Chip Faulkner (FBC, Bethalto) to serve as board chair, Tami Saebeler (Western Oaks, Springfield) to serve as board vice chair and Mark Davis

(Woodland, Peoria) to serve as board secretary

- The board recognized four members finishing their terms of service: Linda Blough, Jack Booth, Jeremy Horton, and Robert Weaver.

- Committees elected new officers to serve the board’s standing committees.

- A new cooperative agreement with the Baptist Foundation of Illinois was approved for 2015 Beginning next year, BFI Executive Director Doug Morrow will become an employee of the BFI Board of Trustees rather than the Illinois Baptist State Association Morrow’s office will remain at the IBSA Building in Springfield

The 2015 Cooperative Agreement states the goal that BFI no longer be subsidized by IBSA within 10 years

– Ask the Lord to give you a Scripture to pray for our IBSA Board, for wisdom, Spirit-led decisions, unity, or something else God leads you to pray

THANKS – Adams (right) expressed gratitude to current board officers Tami Saebeler, Mark Davis, and Chip Faulkner, who each were reelected

AYE – Board members stand to affirm a motion that will add language to their policy manual that acknowledges the executive director’s prerogative to use The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) in hiring IBSA staff

The BIG Picture All in: Family of 7 baptized together

Dahlgren | On a summer Saturday evening, more than 200 people from Ten Mile Baptist Church gathered at the Tennyson family’s home for a cookout and baptism celebration A pond on the property provided plenty of space to baptize seven people at once Bob and Lisa Tennyson and their kids, April, Alec, Austen, Alijah and Anthony

“The Lord started dealing with them,” Pastor Jacob Gray said of the family, and “they started asking around” about churches After five or six months at Ten Mile, the Tennysons made professions of faith and wanted to be baptized

They are part of a wave of growth the church has experienced over the past two years, on a foundation built by former pastor John Smith, Gray said He estimated close to 80 people have been baptized over the past two-and-a-half years, and around 270 families have visited

“It has been all the Lord, absolutely,” said Gray, who, at 29, is in his first pastorate A native of Hamilton County, he served as associate pastor under Smith before assuming the lead pastor role in 2012 His family started attending the church before he was called to preach

“They licensed me, ordained me, helped me pay for my college,” Gray said “They’ve been a fine group of people ”

And a growing group, too

Appeals process could determine Court’s timeline

Continued from page 1

Feldman wrote in his opinion, “The court is persuaded that a mean of what is marriage that has endured in history for thousands of years, and prevails in a majority of states today, is not universally irrational ”

Similar to rulings that have overturned bans in other states, Feldman’s decision was appealed Circuit appeals courts also have been busy this summer considering the same-sex marriage question:

• In the 9th Circuit, the Court of Appeals heard arguments Sept 8 in three cases that could affect nine states In the suits, couples in Hawaii, Idaho and Nevada say bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional and have a negative impact on their families

• The Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which includes Illinois, agreed Sept 4 with two lower court rulings to overturn same-sex marriage bans in Indiana and Wisconsin In Illinois, samesex marriages officially began June 1 after the General Assembly approved “The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act” last fall

• The 10th and 4th circuits previously overturned same-sex marriage bans in Utah, Oklahoma and Virginia Like virtually all of the rulings on same-sex marriage, the decisions are on hold

Some pundits say cases in the 6th Circuit could determine when the Supreme Court will consider same-sex marriage

In early August, the court considered cases challenging same-sex marriage bans in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. At an event at the University of Minnesota earlier this month,

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg predicted the court will decide on marriage “sooner or later,” according to the Washington Post, but there currently is “no urgency ” If samesex marriage loses in the 6th Circuit, the decision could present the split needed to bring in the high court, the Post reported Religious groups, including the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, also issued a friend-of-thecourt brief asking the Supreme Court to settle the marriage issue, stating in part, “Legal uncertainty is especially burdensome for religious organizations and religious believers increasingly confronted with thorny questions ”

To help answer some of those questions for Illinois pastors and church leaders, the Illinois Baptist State Association will host the “Elevate Marriage” conference October 16 from 10 a m to 2 p m at the IBSA Building in Springfield Featured speakers include Kevin Smith, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Andrew Walker, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; and Jill Finley, Bethel Baptist Church, Troy, Ill Lunch is included, and registration is required; go to www IBSA org/Marriage

CELEBRATION – The Tennyson family was baptized in June by Pastors Bryan Henderson and Jacob Gray (left) of Ten Mile Baptist Church

Gifts that keep on giving

ears ago when I worked in Christian magazine publishing, one of my jobs was to help write headlines for our subscription promotions Almost every Christmas, we would go back to the tried and true headline, “Give the gift that keeps on giving ”

With one act of generosity you could send your gift recipients magazines several times throughout the coming year It was a gift that allowed people to give over and over and over again

In the days ahead, I believe that principle of yearround giving is something that we as Illinois Baptists need to apply more and more to the needs of our Illinois mission field For one thing, those needs are now greater than ever.

As I mentioned in my last column, North American Mission Board funding shifts have necessitated that IBSA absorb full responsibility for our state WMU and Women’s Ministry Director, for other missions positions and initiatives that are not specifically church plan for funding that assists local asso

We have also received notice t such as collegiate ministry, urban centers, and disaster relief co will not be funded by NAMB in budget years

With Cooperative Program giving from churches currently about 4% lower than last year, it will be difficult

to sustain many of these important ministries unless there is a substantial increase in gifts through the Mission Illinois Offering

The “season of prayer” and emphasis on Illinois missions has traditionally been in September of each year Thank you in advance for the gift you may have already given through your church this past month! But here are three additional ways that Illinois Baptists can think, pray and give through the Mission Illinois Offering, throughout the year

1 Starting in 2015, IBSA will provide Mission Illinois Offering promotional materials starting in January, giving your church the option of promoting and receiving an offering for Illinois missions at any time during the year This will also allow churches that have an annual missions conference to access videos and other information about Illinois missions at any time during the year

2 Whether your church receives a formal Mission ois Offering or not (about half of IBSA churches not), individuals can now give directly to the MisIllinois Offering at any time during the year, gh the IBSA website Simply go to

www IBSA org and choose “Give to MIO” from the Donate menu This option will be especially helpful to those seeking to make an additional, tax-deductible gift before the end of the year

3 Through the Baptist Foundation of Illinois, you can set up your own “Family Giving Fund,” sometimes referred to as a donor advised fund It’s like a savings account for your or your family’s charitable giving You can place money in the fund with BFI, and decide later the non-profit causes to which you want to disperse those funds

Perhaps you want to save in order to help with the next disaster relief effort in the state Or save to send Christmas gifts to students at the Christian Activity Center or the Baptist Children’s Home Or maybe you want to invest in the statewide ministries of IBSA that I mentioned above, simply by directing your fund to the Mission Illinois Offering For help setting up a Family Giving Fund, simply contact Doug Morrow at the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (doug morrow @baptistfoundationil org or 217-391-3102)

Year-round giving isn’t for everyone, but if you are one of the Illinois Baptists whose heart God is stirring to give more than once a year, I hope one of these year-round options will help you do just that Your gift to missions in Illinois is one that keeps on giving, even into eternity.

Nate Adams is executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association Respond to his column at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA org

Letter to the Editors On Ferguson, Missouri

Like “jumbo shrimp” and “paid vacation,” some phrases bring together contradictory words and give them new meaning They’re called oxymorons Even that is an oxymoron, connecting two Greek words meaning “sharp” and “dull ” And there’s “awfully good,” “near miss,” “minor miracle,” and “adult children ”

Some would say we should add to the list “missional Calvinist ”

The election of David Platt as president of the International Mission Board prompted this hallway conversation:

“What’s the effect of Calvinism on missions?”

“Historically, not so good ”

“Oh, I guess I’d better read up on Calvin.”

The ILLINOIS BAPTIST Staff

Yes, that may be helpful in understanding some objections raised about the choice of Platt, but there’s a new breed of Calvinists today, identified by the editorial director of The Gospel Coalition, Collin Hansen, as “Young, Restless, and Reformed ” In his 2008 book, Hansen coined the term “the new Calvinism ”

as the emphasis on evangelism was eclipsed by the dedication to discipleship and doctrine

Although Southern Baptists generally would say “evangelistic discipleship” is not an oxymoron, the two seem to get pitted against each other in the debate over how people are actually saved The challenge for Platt will be to bolster the evangelistic zeal of missionaries on the field while he espouses more disciplemaking and less easy-believe-ism

If he’s concerned about abuse of “the sinner ’s prayer” in leading people to Christ (at the 2012 Convention, Platt famously tried to explain his challenge of Southern Baptists’ favorite evangelism tool), then he must clearly explain how IMB missionaries are to guide converts to the point of public commitment

Note: The following letter, edited for space, is in response to “Adam’s Sin Endures in Ferguson,” the Table Talk column in our Sept 8 issue by Jarvis Williams

POSTMASTER: The

Historically, strongly Reformed denominations weren’t strongly committed to missions It is true that a couple of brands of Presbyterians were early leaders in the missions movement, sometimes blazing trails that Southern Baptists would later follow Lottie Moon’s own biography is littered with Presbyterian missionaries who shared her field in China and, as deeply, her passion for converting lost peoples

But for most Reformed denominations the passion didn’t last The record of “old Calvinism” is that conversions declined over the years

Baptists, historically, have been good at helping seekers commit to Christ and show it by believer ’s baptism We’ll have to watch the baptism numbers from our foreign fields to see how well the union of Reformed theology and missional praxis works Is it or isn’t it an oxymoron? Platt, and his IMB, will be Southern Baptists’ most public test of that question

No one doubts Platt’s passion Even his biggest supporters rib him for his intensity “Do it for the nations, David,” a famed Reform pastor teased during a panel discussion in Baltimore The crowd laughed, recognizing one of Platt’s driving phrases But Platt is serious about it “For the Nations” might serve well as IMB’s motto under Platt’s leadership There’s nothing oxymoronic about that

I agree that there are those who act out or violate others based on skin color There are enough sinners of all races to prove it I applaud your effort in this article but you fall short in a couple of ways First, saying it is a spiritual issue while pointing to your race, the race of Michael Brown, and the race of Darren Wilson, is a contradiction When I read the article, I read the words of an author convinced it is about race I don’t believe this would be your intention; however, I give you the benefit of the doubt Most readers will not Second, you state, “Brown’s story will not be the last report of a policeman gunning down an unarmed African American under questionable circumstances ” When I look at this incident, I see a man, no, a criminal, who was obviously no saint That does not mean he should die nor does it mean the family should suffer as they have But it also doesn’t mean the officer was wrong I have yet to see any evidence to be presented to show this was a racial incident Oh, one more fact is that Officer Wilson was a veteran officer who, in recent times, had received an award for his service Not only is there no evidence of this being a racial incident, I believe there is evidence that it was not about race but about crime Or, let's call it sin I feel you are misguided in some of your words which, unfortunately, taints the entire article Respectfully submitted, Jeremy Stumpf Wood River, Ill

Voices

Hard to see, but everywhere

I never gave hunger much thought until I became a mother

Motherhood begins with conversations about “the schedule” and bottles and quickly turns to the veggie/fruit count, snack monitoring, and introduction of potential allergens. The advice you receive about what your child needs and when he needs it can be overwhelming Yet, my troubles only amounted to worrying about how I would get my one-year-old to drink the non-sweetened, organic, vanilla almond milk, not how we would pay for it

For many, including mothers, the question of where their next meal will come from is a daily, if not hourly, worry In the United States alone, 89% of households with children are considered “food insecure,” meaning they do not know how they will provide their next meal, according to the 2014 “Hunger in America” study by Feeding America Today, one in seven Americans receives support through a feeding program, including 12 million children This is a reality I have not known and, I confess, have taken for granted

Numbers like these are an important reminder that hunger happens everywhere not just in the slum of a foreign country or the housing developments of urban cities Hunger is a part of my life and part of yours, by proximity, whether we realize it or not

My church uses the phrase “as you go” when talking about sharing the Gospel We share Christ with others as we live our lives in our communities, in our families and in our jobs It’s incor-

porated into everything we do that as we walk with Christ, knowing and serving Him, we would make disciples by encouraging others to join us

On a personal level, “as we go,” means we must have our eyes opened to the hunger needs in our communities and neighborhoods I believe you will find many ministries and governmental organizations meeting the critical needs where you live I challenge you to join forces with those who do effective, Christ-centered ministry and seek out those who still might be overlooked

On an international level, Global Hunger Relief operates from a similar mindset The work of Southern Baptists around the world is vast, varied and Gospel-focused Yet, “as we go” we encounter physical needs that must be met in order to effectively minister GHR, formerly known as World Hunger Fund, is a cooperative initiative that comes alongside existing Southern Baptist partners and provides the funding to meet those needs And while most humanitarian organizations keep 30-70% for administrative overhead, GHR is able to devote 100% of resources given to this life-saving work

Southern Baptists around the globe will be drawing attention to both this critical need and the important work of Global Hunger Relief Oct 12 with World Hunger Sunday I encourage you to visit globalhungerrelief com to learn how you and your church can participate and help us to change forever lives and communities in the name of Christ

Jill Waggoner is deputy press secretary for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and lead brand strategist for Global Hunger Relief

Table Talk: Theology, ministry, and things that matter

“Since your last pastoral visit, I’ve felt convicted to change my TV viewing habits ”

π A slice of life

LifeWay Research asked 1,000 senior pastors:

How often do you speak to your church in sermons or large group messages about domestic or sexual violence?

42% 4%

28%

Several times per month

About once a month

Several times per year

About once a year

Rarely/Never

2% – LifeWay Research, June 2014

22%

Domestic violence: The sermon we don’t preach

In the past couple of weeks, I found myself reaching for the remote every time the news showed that video of NFL football player Ray Rice coldcocking his future wife in a hotel elevator Seeing him drag her, unconscious, into the hallway and dumping her body on the floor is too much to take For some of us, domestic violence hits too close to home

A 2010 survey by the Centers for Disease Control showed 24% of women and 14% of men have been “hit with a fist or something hard, beaten, slammed against something at some point in their lifetime” by a partner And yet, new LifeWay Research shows 4 out of 10 pastors never preach or teach about it, and only 2 in 10 raise the topic annually

That means in two-thirds of our churches, attenders might hear domestic violence, which affects onefourth of households, referenced in a

sermon or large group meeting once a year, if at all

Spousal abuse still isn’t a subject for public conversation even from the pulpit

In my years of hearing and reading sermons, I’ve encountered only one on domestic violence The preacher was a quiet man, unmarried, and he gave no indication what prompted him to tackle the subject He chose as his text the account of Jephthah’s daughter in Judges 11

So many more familiar verses would have supported his argument and from a more positive angle: Man, God made womankind to be your perfect complement (Genesis 2:18) Love your wife as Christ loves the Church; love her as you love your own body (Ephesians 5:25, 28) And as simply as this: love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31)

But instead the preacher trudged faithfully through the gruesome report of a rash vow that ended, by most interpretations, in the slaughter of an innocent woman. This wasn’t

violence of a husband against wife, but the horrific act of father against daughter was just as unthinkable And the preacher ’s willingness to tell the bloody story made domestic violence very real, even within the sanctuary

The preacher applied Jephthah’s brutality to parents who abuse their children and husbands who beat their wives He even spoke of domestic partners and live-in relationships where it appeared degradation perversely motivated staying together, even when no law required it and no church encouraged it Knowing his congregation, that was a brave move In his neighborhood there along the streetcar line,

Reported percentages total 98%

brutish Stanley Kowalski was still a common character. TMZ attests he still is

Not many pastors tackle the subject as bravely Even pastors who preach on domestic violence once in a while are more likely to think violence in the home troubles their community (72% said it did) more than their church (only 25% said so) Lifeway Research says half of senior pastors (52%) say they don’t have enough training to deal with the issue Many say nothing

I remember my mother wearing sunglasses in church of necessity, and rehearsing an excuse that she ran into a door should anyone question her No one did Even as she directed the choir and led the singing behind shades, the cause of her bruises was never raised

But what the church historically hasn’t done, perhaps TMZ and the NFL will force us preachers to do: bring what happens in angry, broken households into the light and hold it up against the Word of God

Because for too many of us, domestic violence hits close to home Eric Reed is editor of the Illinois Baptist – Statistics from BP net and LifeWay Research

“Maybe the NFL will force us to bring what happens in broken households into the light, and hold it up against the Word of God ”

Jill Waggoner

Eric Reed

Experts advise a better way through church/pastor conflict

Nashville, Tenn. | As many as four in ten pastors will be forced to leave a church either by firing or pressured resignation at least once during their ministry careers, according to researchers

But experts in pastoral ministry say many forced terminations can be prevented by wise leadership, and very few terminations disqualify a pastor from future ministry

“Sometimes the best pastors are still going to be in bad situations, and they have to know how to handle it when it comes and still walk with the Lord,” Hershael York, a preaching professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary told Baptist Press “The main thing a guy has to realize is that even when we go through this, it just cannot affect our faith and trust in Christ ”

Some 452 Southern Baptist pastors and staff members were forcibly terminated in 2012, according to a forced terminations report compiled by state Baptist convention workers The most common causes of forced termination among Southern Baptists are “control issues,” “pastor ’s leadership style” and “poor people skills on the part of the pastor ”

Even when a pastor has good people skills, occasions may arise when a faction in the church pressures him to resign In such instances, Jeff Iorg urged the pastor to seek

outside help and pursue dialogue rather than conflict

Baptist associations, state conventions and independent mediation ministries all offer assistance to pastors and congregations experiencing conflict, Iorg, president of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, told BP He added that directors of missions and neighboring pastors can be valuable in helping to resolve conflict

“Sometimes it’s hard for pastors to admit that they’re wrong,” that “they need to adjust” or that “church members are perhaps right” in their perception of problems, Iorg said. “An outsider can help” pastors see their mistakes and adjust

If a pastor is forced to resign or is voted out, he is not necessarily disqualified from future ministry unless he leaves because of personal immorality, Iorg said After a period of emotional and spiritual healing, a terminated minister may serve fruitfully once again

Sylvan Knobloch, director of church health and staff development at the Illinois Baptist State Association, said pastors who have experienced forced termination should tend quickly to their families’ emotional health

“Often we assume termination only affects the pastor However, in reality the wife loses her friends both inside and outside the church

She may be forced to leave a job or career she finds fulfilling The children leave their friends through no fault of their own The children may be bullied in school by former friends from the church It is imperative that churches, pastors and denominational leaders understand this emotional stress and provide counseling services to the pastor and his family ”

Terminated pastors should also participate in retreats hosted by independent ministries and state conventions, Knobloch said, noting that IBSA hosts such a retreat twice a year

“Do not be in a hurry to find another church,” Knobloch cautioned He advised terminated pastors to ask questions such as: “What are my gifts, talents, experiences and abilities? In what ministry or church has God used my gifts and abilities, allowing me to flourish? Where have I been most successful in ministry? Why?”

Knobloch concluded, “Based on this knowledge you will be able to determine the kind of church environment where you will be able to flourish in the ministry ”

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

When we thank our pastors, we’re also thanking God for calling them, said IBSA’s Sylvan Knobloch In October, designated as Pastor Appreciation Month, Knobloch suggests five ways to express gratitude to pastors and their families:

1 Send a note of encouragement

An e-mail works too, but handwritten cards are easier to keep and refer back to on a difficult day

2. Plan acts of kindness. Wash your pastor ’s car, Knobloch suggested, or mow the lawn Offer to babysit so he and his wife can have time away Deliver a meal or plate of cookies

3 Host a dinner in his honor Work with your Sunday school class, small group, or the whole church to prepare his favorite foods and celebrate how he leads your church

4. Give him an extra weekend away from church (in addition to a scheduled sabbatical or day off )

5 Give flowers to his wife and express gratitude to her and the whole family

For more ideas, go to www IBSA org/church health

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*Complete your degree online or on campus.

Knobloch

– Excerpted from a Baptist Press report by David Roach

Traveling band 7

It’s wheels up for Campers on Mission

By Meredith Flynn

The three-year-old sleeping in Leroy Burnett’s lap hardly stirred as he talked at a lunch table at Light of Christ Church Burnett and his wife are in East St Louis with their fellow Campers on Mission to work on a variety of projects in this hulking building on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and 16th Street But during lunch, Pastor Barnicio Cureton’s daughter, Chloe, has found a comfortable spot for a nap

“You’ve got your work cut out for you,” Irma Burnett told her husband

It’s a far cry from what Burnett was doing a few hours ago affixing new lettering above an entryway in the church’s courtyard The Campers came here ready to fix an electrical issue in the kitchen, add new signage outside and inside the building, pour a sidewalk to the parking lot, and complete various other projects Plus, prepare all their meals and drive back and forth every day from the Collinsville church where they’re parked for the week

“There’s no way this group of old people can get this done,” said Jan

Kragness, who, with her husband, Don, is a regular volunteer with the Campers “But one way or another ” Judging from the projects they took on here, it does indeed “get done.” They show up

Campers on Mission got its start in Illinois in 1975, when charter members formed the state’s chapter of a national Southern Baptist fellowship of campers Irma Burnett’s parents were involved from the beginning, and Leroy traveled with them to projects during the 1980’s The Burnetts, who are members of First Baptist Church in Morton, have been steady participants with the Campers since 2002, Leroy said

The group, comprised of volunteers from around the state, hold annual work weeks at the Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi and IBSA’s camps in northern and southern Illinois Usually, they’re at Streator in the spring and Lake Sallateeska in the fall. But due to a scheduling change this year, the Campers worked at the southern Illinois camp last October and this April, meaning they played a key role

in Sallateeska’s extensive renovation campaign

“During those two trips, they helped tear down the old camp store and game room; they helped frame a front porch on the dining hall; they helped insulate the new dining area; and helped put some of the log siding on,” said Camp Manager Philip Hall

“Overall, they’ve been a phenomenal help for us in our ministry here over the past year ”

The Campers also help local churches with building or improvement projects, like this one at Light of Christ Earlier this year, they installed siding at Beaucoup Baptist Church in Pinckneyville “Usually all we ask is a place to park our camper, have water and electricity,” said Leroy Burnett, who serves as the group’s project coordinator

The group generally works from April to September, while the weather is RV-friendly But bringing a camper isn’t a requirement; churches often allow the volunteers to use their facilities while they serve there or nearby. Most of the volunteers are retired, but not everyone The official roll of 30 to 40 Campers on Mission includes two bivocational pastors and a married couple in their 20s, Burnett said

When Gary and Karen Watson were first exploring what they would need to do to join Campers on Mission, the response was, “Just show up,” Karen remembered Standing in the gym at the church, she talked about the group’s camaraderie, which she experienced first-hand after her open heart surgery last year The Campers were among the first to minister to her family after the surgery, Watson said “That gives me goose bumps ”

Later on this afternoon in East St Louis, Watson goes on a back-toschool shopping trip for two boys living at the homeless shelter housed at the church A few weeks later, she and Gary helped deliver bunk beds for the boys, who were sharing a twin bed

Whatever it takes to share the light of Christ

For more information about Illinois Campers on Mission, contact Leroy Burnett at (309) 253-8557 or Don Kragness, Illinois Campers on Mission president, at (618) 983-5546

NEW SIGN – Leroy Burnett adds “LOCC” lettering to the outside of the church’s building on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and N 16th Street The building, a former school, now houses the church and a shelter for women and children (Photo at right) The Campers on Mission travel in vehicles marked with their official logo

PARTNERSHIP – Their August project marked the second time Campers on Mission have worked with Pastor Barnicio Cureton (photo above, left), who grew up in East St Louis (Photo at left) Gary Watson works on an electrical task at Light of Christ’s kitchen, out of which the church serves weekly meals for the community

DISH DUTY – Lois Dodson and Karen Watson clean up after lunch at Light of Christ Church The Campers shared their meal with church staff and residents of the on-site shelter

Pray Campers on Mission will connect with churches that can utilize their skills, and for next year’s work weeks at Lake Sallateeska, Streator, and the Baptist Children’s Home

ray through the news

PEOPLE & CHURCHES

In Memory

Pastor Michael Davis died Sept 21 in Mt Vernon He was 64 Davis, a native of Decatur, was pastor of Connexion in Mt. Vernon and had previously served churches in Flat Rock, Albion and Harrisburg He is survived by his wife, Laura; children Misty, Jon, Rachel and Daniel; and seven grandchildren

CAC News

Cyra Lohman, development director at the Christian Activity Center in East St Louis, celebrated in September her 10th anniversary at the center Executive Director Chet Cantrell also reached a milestone this year, marking 25 years at the CAC

Matt Cowman joined the staff in August as a chaplain Cowman, a graduate of Greenville College, will lead Bible studies and devotions every day, pastor Sunday worship at CAC Friendly Baptist Church, and facilitate Christian service projects for teens at the center

New Role

Cindy Bradley, a native of Norris City, is serving as strategist for women’s ministries and missions education for the Florida Baptist Convention Bradley, a former IBSA missions consultant, most recently served with the Baptist Convention of Michigan

Ministry Positions

Clarksville Baptist Church in Marshall, Ill , seeks a pastor to begin in July 2015, upon the retirement of current pastor Jeff Loper Send resumes to Jack L Sims, 20810 N Heritage Ln , Marshall, IL 62441

Gateway Baptist Association seeks a director of missions for the association of 50 Southern Baptist churches in Madison and Jersey counties, part of the Greater St Louis metro area Candidates should possess a Masters of Divinity degree (or equivalent) and have demonstrated competencies in communication, local church leadership, conflict resolution, denominational relationships, teaching, and administrative skills, as well as strategy development and execution

Direct correspondence to: Tim Lewis, DOM Search Committee Chair, Gateway Baptist Association, 4539 Wanda Rd , Edwardsville, IL 62025 or admin@gatewaybaptistassoc org

Dale Davenport retires from IBSA

Chicago | Dale Davenport retired in August from the Illinois Baptist State Association, after nearly seven years of working for the organization in Springfield and Chicago

As Director of Education and Leadership Development, Davenport has been responsible for helping churches minister through Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and senior adult ministry, among many other things

Two years ago, he and his wife, Sharon, relocated to Chicago a city they’ve always loved so Davenport could work closely with pastors as a consultant in IBSA’s zone strategy

“I’m going to miss all those cool relationships,” he said the day before his official retirement date “[I] met so many interesting, neat people, and I met them all throughout the state southern, central, northern And I’ll miss that ”

A native of Illinois, Davenport has spent much of his life and ministry in the state He accepted Christ at First Baptist, Effingham, and was ordained at Tabernacle Baptist in Decatur He returned to serve at that church in 1991, when Pat Pajak was pastoring the congregation Pajak, IBSA’s associate executive director for church strengthening, shared some littleknown facts about his friend:

- He plays the trombone (Davenport says not anymore )

- As a chaperone at camp one summer, he showed up at Pajak’s cabin door in the middle of the night to announce he was going home because the boys in his cabin wouldn’t settle down and go to sleep

- He has a great memory The two would be walking down the hallway together at Tabernacle, and Davenport would prep Pajak with the name and quick bio of whoever they were about

Upcoming Events

Sponsored by regional leaders and local associations

The Northern Illinois Ladies Retreat is Oct 10-11 at Streator Baptist Camp, beginning at 5:30 p m The theme is “Sail Away! Make Your Voyage Count ” Cost is $45 if $20 deposit is made with registration by Sept 30, or $50 at the retreat For registration information, contact Lois Payne at (815) 877-3387 or (779) 2005421, or loisp2005@yahoo com Attenders are invited to bring Wal-Mart gift cards or cash to donate to Angels’ Cove Maternity Center

The Men’s Winter Bible Study will be held at Streator Baptist Camp Oct 27-29 This time of preparation for the annual January Bible Study is for pastors and church members Michael Taylor of “Devoted to the Word Ministries” will lead the study on Deuteronomy, and Sons of the Father gospel trio will lead in worship Cost is $95; send registration fee to Don Evans, 106 White Oak Park Ln , Bluford, IL 62814

The January Bible Study Preparation Retreat at Lake Sallateeska in Pinckneyville will be held Dec 1-2 Cost is $76, or $96 for single occupancy Russell Fuller, professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary, will lead the study on Deuteronomy Make checks payable to JBS Preparation and mail to John Keyes, 2104 Kaskaskia Dr , Springfield, IL 62702

to pass by “It always made me look good,” Pajak said.

Shortly after moving to Chicago in 2012, Davenport was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a kind of blood cancer He shared his story in the Illinois Baptist, writing, “My illness showed me how strong God is when I don’t have any strength on my own.” Davenport said he receives monthly

chemotherapy treatments that keep the cancer in remission. He and Sharon will continue to live in Chicago, where they are both Sunday school teachers at Uptown Baptist Church and Dale is chairman of elders The Davenports’ grown children also all live in the area: sons Phillip and Andrew, daughter-in-law Michelle, and foster son Marcus

Churches applying for affiliation with IBSA

The IBSA Credentials Committee has received applications from eight churches wishing to affiliate with the Association:

• Faith Baptist Church, Breese

• Harbor Church, Marion

• Mt Zion Baptist Church, Chicago

• Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago

• Redeeming Grace Chapel, Kankakee

Zone news

• The Resurrection Church, Granite City

• United Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Bellwood

• Hinsdale Chinese Christian Church, Clarendon Hills

Churches recommended for affiliation will be presented during the IBSA Annual Meeting in Springfield, Nov 5-6

Zone 1: Beaucoup Baptist Church of Pinckneville sent a mission team led by Pastor Mark Lee to Mt Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Dale Davenport said Leon Miller is the Pastor at Mt Ebenezer The team did construction work, painting and cleaning They also brought 70 backpacks filled with school supplies

“The presence of this team was a real blessing,” Davenport said He encouraged all IBSA churches in southern Illinois to plan a mission trip for next summer to Chicago “You can even wear your Cardinal stuff if you are brave ”

VALUED TEACHER – Davenport (left) trained leaders at equipping events across the state, like this 2013 Churches of Strength conference in Jacksonville

C o o p e r a t i v e P r o g r a m

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Y o u r c h u r c h

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A m e r i c a n l i f e b e h i n d .

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y o u c a n p r a y f o r t h e m , a n d d o i t t h e n .

C P ?

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J o n a t h a n d e l a O C h u r c h P a n t e r C h c a g o W h o i s t h e f a c e o f t h e C o o p e r a t i v e P r o g r a m

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6 C P j u s t m a k e s s e n s e W h a t b e t t h e g o s p e l t o t h e e n d s o f t h e e a r t h ?

7 . I t m a k e s J e s u s h a p p y . O K , w e t h r e w t h a t o n e i n B u t u s m a k n g d i s c i p e s p r o b a b l y m a k e s h i m s m i e , r i g h t ?

W a t c h t h s s h o r t v i d e o a n d e a r n m o r e a t w w w I B S A o r g / C P

1 . R e t r o i s i n . A t n e a r y 1 0 0 y e a r s o l d , C P i s s t i l c o o b e c a u s e i t s t i l w o r k s 2 . C P h e l p s c h u r c h e s s t a y m i s s i o n sf o c u s e d , i n s t e a d o f g i v n g t o o n e t h n g t h i s y e a r a n d a n o t h e r t h e n e x t 3 . M i s s i o n I l l i n o i s . S o m e o f t h e m o r e t h a n $ 6 m ll i o n g i v e n t h r o u g h C P i n I l n o i s s t a y s i n t h e s t a t e t o s t a r t a n d s t r e n g t h e n c h u r c h e s , a n d s h a r e t h e g o s p e l w i t h m o r e t h a n 8 m l l i o n p e o p l e w h o d o n t k n o w C h r i s t 4 . M i s s i o n a r i e s s p e n d m o r e t i m e o n t h e j o b , i n s t e a d o f r a i s i n g m o n e y

C l i p o u t t h i s s e c t i o n a n d s h a r e w i t h y o u r :

p a s t o r & s t a f f f i n a n c e t e a m d e a c o n s / e l d e r s m i s s i o n s l e a d e r s n e w m e m b e r s

T h e M a r t i n s e m b a r k e d o n a y e a rl o n g t o u r o f c h u r c h e s i n t h e i r s t a t e , s h a r i n g a b o u t t h e w o r k t h e y w o u l d s o o n d o , a n d r a i s i n g t h e f u n d s t h a t w o u l d p r ov i d e t h e i r f o o d , r e n t , i n s u r a n c e , t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , a n d o t h e r l i v i n g e x p e n s e s .

H o w c a n y o u h e l p t e l l t h e s t o r y ?

G o t o w w w . I B S A . o r g / C P f o r t h e s e r e s o u r c e s :

• A 4p a g e C P g u i d e f r o m t h e I l l i n o i s B a p t i s t • F r e e C P eb o o k , a g r e a t t o o f o r t e a c h n g n e w m e m b e r s a b o u t t h e C o o p e r a t i v e P r o g r a m • D o w n l o a d t h s h a n d o u t , m a k e c o p i e s , s h a r e t h e m

• M i s s i o n I l l i n o i s b u l l e t i n i n s e r t s f e a t u r i n g t h e C o o p e r a t i v e P r o g r a m ( o r , o r d e r p r i n t e d c o p i e s b y em a l i n g M s s i o n I l i n o i s @ I B S A o r g )

C P v i d e o s “ T h e R a n t , ” “ F r o m H e r e t o E t e r n i t y , ” a n d t h e “ C P 1 % C h a l l e n g e f o r I l l i n o i s B a p t i s t s ”

•

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Creative ways to celebrate baptism

For weeks, our pastor at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola had announced the plan New believers, and even long-time Christians who’d not yet been baptized, would be invited to make a public decision for Christ and be baptized during the same worship service. More than 40 people, mostly adults, were baptized It was a joyful, tearful, thrilling celebration

That same afternoon, I was at Pensacola Beach with my family A nearby crowd was cheering and clapping, so I strolled down the beach to see what was happening It was a baptism Pensacola’s Hillcrest Baptist baptized more than 30 youth and adults right there in the Gulf (plus 21 more in their morning worship ) What a glorious day!

So, what is the correct time and place for the baptism of new believers?

Some churches pre-schedule weekly, monthly or quarterly baptisms; others baptize whenever a person accepts Christ Many plan baptisms after youth camp or outreach events Some have a recurring class for those interested in baptism, with online registration for the class and baptism They may baptize Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, at the beginning or end of worship, or as an entire worship service Any time is a great time for baptism

A church’s baptismal service may be reverently quiet or joyfully celebratory Some baptize in robes; others print special T-shirts for the occasion

Baptistry facilities vary from simple to ornate I’ve seen baptistries located at the front, the side, and in the back of the worship center In Germany, we watched as a trap door on the platform was removed to reveal the baptistry Some churches in the South have outdoor baptistries, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s new worship center has a gorgeous baptistry in its spacious entry foyer All have water

Not every baptism takes place inside the building An Indiana church gathers for summer baptisms at the river next to the church A church plant baptizes in a nearby swimming pool An apartment church baptizes in the hot tub During our former church’s worship center renovation, we used a horse trough in the middle of the gym In that unique setting, God blessed with a record number of baptisms

I worshipped with a Michigan church plant whose rented site was in a public park As they baptized in a small lake there, many curious passersby stopped to watch, including a little dog that paddled out, circling the baptismal party!

Whether your church baptizes in the baptistry or the ocean, in robes or Tshirts, there’s nothing more thrilling than seeing new believers follow Christ

©2014 Diana Davis, www diana davis org Diana’s newest book, “Six Simple Steps Find Contentment and Joy as a Ministry Wife,” is scheduled for spring release by New Hope Publishers

Training Oppor tunities Training Oppor tunities

Oct 3-4: ENGAGE Collegiate Retreat

For students and collegiate leaders

Where: Bethel, Bourbonnais

Web: Register at tinyurl com/ENG14

Oct. 3-4: Girls’ Missions Celebration

For girls in grades 1-6

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield

Cost: $15 per person

Web: www IBSA org/Kids

Oct. 4: BCHFS Southern Golf Scramble

Where: Green Hills, Mt Vernon

Contact: (217) 622-3881, rhiannon storm@bchfs com

Oct. 10-11: Disaster Relief Training

Where: Lake Sallateeska Camp

Cost: Lodging, plus $30 for new trainees and $10 for renewals

Web: IBSA org/dr; RSVP by Oct 3

Oct. 11: Churches of Strength

Training for leaders

Where: Armitage, Chicago

Web: www IBSA org/cst

Oct. 16: Elevate Marriage Event

For pastors and church leaders

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield; 10 a m -2 p m

Web: www IBSA org/Marriage

Oct 17-19: Illinois Changers

Missions-focused weekend for teens

Where: Lake Sallateeska Camp

Cost: $25 per person; additional $10 to stay overnight on Sat

Web: www IBSA org/Student

Oct 24-25: Marriage Retreat

Where: Lake Sallateeska Camp

Contact: (217) 391-3131, TimSadler@IBSA org

Oct 24-25: Kids’ Ministry Toolkit

Conference and VBS Preview

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield

Web: www IBSA org/Kids

Nov 4-5: IBSA Pastors’ Conference

Renew - Revive - Rebuild

Where: Crowne Plaza, Springfield

Web: www IBSA org/ibsa2014

Nov. 5-6: IBSA Annual Meeting with

Mission Illinois: A Concert of Prayer

Where: Crowne Plaza, Springfield Web: www IBSA org/ibsa2014

Nov. 7-8: AWSOM

For girls in grades 7-12

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield

Cost: $20 per person Web: www IBSA org/Student

DAVE Says Financial advice from Dave Ramsey

Wedding on a budget

Q : I ’ m g e t t i n g m a r r i e d s o o n , a n d m y f iancée and I together have saved about $9,000 for our wedding Right now, we’re doing really well on our budgets and almost always have money left over each month Should we use the extra to continue paying down our debt, or is it okay to use it for a few wedding incidentals?

A: The average cost of a wedding in America right now is around $30,000 Even if the extras you mentioned run $5,000 to $6,000, you’re still talking about half that amount So, let’s look at it this way Basically, you’re asking me if it’s okay to put your debt snowball on hold temporarily in order to modestly enhance your already reasonable wedding plans My answer is yes!

Now, if you’d told me you wanted to drop $50,000 on the wedding instead of getting out of debt, I’d think you were crazy It doesn’t sound like you two are going to abuse the situation, though I think you’re both being very wise

God bless, and I hope you have long and happy lives together!

Do I need life insurance?

Q : I ’ m 3 0 - y e a r s - o l d , s i n g l e , I r e n t a n apartment and I have no dependents Do I need life insurance?

A: You may have very little need for life insurance in your situation If you have enough money saved up to pay for your burial, and you don’t have any debt, there’s really no reason to carry a policy No one is going to be harmed financially by your death, and no one would be deprived of the income that would be lost if something unexpected happened to you

But if you don’t have money saved, and you’ve got a bunch of debt, you might want to consider a small, term life insurance policy At your age, if you’re fairly healthy, you can get $100,000 worth of coverage for almost nothing

Remember, you shouldn’t buy life insurance to leave an inheritance You should buy life insurance to make sure there’s enough money to take care of your family and final expenses You wouldn’t want your parents or someone else having to foot the bill once you’re gone!

Dave Ramsey is a prolific author and radio host

Now that same-sex unions are legal in Illinois, what’s the local church to do?

The latest on changing laws and cultural values

Andrew Walker SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

Creating role models in church

Jill Finley Women’s Ministry, Bethel Baptist Church of Troy, Illinois

The prophetic role of the pulpit

Dr Kevin Smith Pastor, professor, and member of SBC’s Resolutions Committee

i n s p i r a t i o n s

More ministr y ideas online www.Pinterest.com/IllinoisBaptist

Worship Time Trending

How long Americans worship hasn’t changed much in the new millennium, but how they worship is different, according to the most recent edition of the National Congregations Survey Sermons are slightly longer since 1998, up from a median of 25 minutes to half an hour, while music time held steady at a median of 20 And the overall length of a worship service is still 75 minutes.

The noticeable shifts were in worship style: Organ music is down, drums are up, and more than one-third of congregations use visual projection equipment

Singing by choir

Down to 45% from 54%

Applause

Up to 65%

Hands raised in praise

Up to 59% from 45%

Written order of service

Down to 62% from 72%

ARE YOU TIRED OF DOING GOOD?

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up ”

I learned the verse above as a young boy and new Christian I focused its application to the tiredness of my physical body However, early in my ministry and periodically over the years, I discovered a weariness that could not be removed with a good night's rest

This weariness of the soul often comes at those times when I'm trying to produce the harvest I overfill my calendar, fail to delegate tasks to others, and become irritable with my wife You get the picture

By the way, this is not just an issue for pastors There are lots of soul-weary people This verse reminds me that I am to do good as I serve God, but He is the One who produces the harvest He is gracious in allowing me to reap some of it And one other thing, the harvest is reaped in God's time, not ours

PRAYER PROMPT: God, help me not to drift from absolute dependence upon you Thank you for walking with me through my times of soul weariness

Odis Weaver is pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Plainfield and is currently serving as president of IBSA Pastors are invited to join the online “IBSA Pastors’ Prayer Room” by e-mailing oweaver7307@gmail com

The magnitude of Moses’ story, and what he believed, was very compelling If you place yourself at that particular time and it was savage times to believe in one being or higher order, when the Egyptians had a thousand gods is incredible ”

"This younger generation, as a whole, does not insist on one worship style over another To the contrary, most of them quickly abandon churches that are still fighting over this issue ”

No new troops for the worship wars? Ingredients

POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE

Clip

Missionaries: Larry & Vivian Johnson

Planting: Park Avenue, Peoria

Focusing On: The church’s multi-cultural neighborhood

Pray: For Park Avenue as they lay a foundation of governance and navigate the constitution and affiliation process

Blogger

Derby Bars

acker crumbs ter, divided e flour ecans t chocolate chips

Outr each Math

Back-to-school season also means back-tochurch Try this outreach formula: Name three people in your church who display the spiritual gift of hospitality Then, list three experiences guests to your church should have, starting with their first visit How can you bring these three people together with these three experiences to create a “First Impressions Team”?

Get more ideas in the Fall 2014 issue of Resource magazine, resource.IBSA.org.

To prepare: Preheat oven to 325° and grease a 9x13 baking dish

Place graham crackers and ½ c melted butter in a medium bowl and mix until crumbs are thoroughly moistened Press mixture firmly and evenly on bottom of dish, and set aside

To make the filling, mix sugar and remaining cooled butter on medium speed in a large bowl Reduce mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, then vanilla Gradually add the flour until just combined; then, fold in pecans and chocolate chips Pour on top of crust and spread evenly Bake for 33-38 minutes, until bars turn golden brown

Submitted by Kim Morrow, FBC Petersburg