IB Indiana Baptist Fall 2016

FALL 2016

VOLUME 59 NUMBER 3

The Indiana Baptist Magazine is owned and published quarterly by the

DIGITAL EDITION www.scbi.org/ib

7805 State Road 39 Martinsville, IN 46151

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.scbi.org/ib ib@scbi.org 317-481-2400 ext. 228

STANDARD NON-PROFIT POSTAGE PAID Seymour, Indiana.

Printed and mailed by Graessle-Mercer 100 N. Pine St., Seymour, IN 47274

SUBMISSIONS www.scbi.org/ib ib@scbi.org 7805 State Road 39 Martinsville, IN 4615

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Cecil Seagle COMMUNICATIONS TEAM LEADER Steve McNeil GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Greg Cooper COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Bev Olonoh CONVENTION PRESIDENT Darin Garton CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD David Cullison COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Jamie Murphy

09 EDITORIALS

04 A HIGH AND HOLY PRIVILEGE 09 REACHING THE WORLD TOGETHER 15 #THANKSGIVING 18 EVANGELISM From the Executive Director

By Cecil W. Seagle Committed Cooperation

By Rick Hillard

Fresh Ideas

By Diana Davis

Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

By Jim Shields

AROUND THE STATE

06 SHARING THE GOOD NEWS

Through personal relationships, planned events or life encounters, the Good News of Christ is ours to share!

8

14

14 LIFE-CHANGING CAMPS

Summer camps for children and students foster relationships and decisions that yield long-time effects.

16 BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF INDIANA

The Baptist Foundation of Indiana provides resources for pastors and options to help make a difference in our world.

19 UNASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

This year more than 400 campers were encouraged to stand firm in Gospel Truth at Student Fusion camps.

CHURCH NEWS

NEW DEAF GO BIBLE APP 22 THE WELCOME NEW PASTOR IN SEYMOUR VISITING YOUTH CHOIR PLANTING CHURCHES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MINISTRY

OPENINGS

PASTOR POSITIONS

Calvary Heights Baptist Church, Martinsville: full-time Senior Pastor. Send resume to search@calvaryheightsbc.org.

Creekside Baptist Church, Evansville: full-time Senior Pastor. Send resume to creeksidebaptist@wowway.biz or Creekside Pastor Search, 2301 Oak Hill Rd., Evansville IN 47711.

Eastlake Baptist Church, Crown Point: full-time Senior Pastor. Send resume to Eastlake Baptist Church, c/o Deacon Body, 7121 E. Lincoln Hwy., Crown Point, IN 46307 or denniscravey@yahoo.com.

New Point Baptist Church, New Point: bi-vocational Senior Pastor. Send resume to gmlanning1234@yahoo.com.

Western Avenue Baptist Church, Connersville: full-time Senior Pastor. Send resume to office@westernavenuebc.org.

OTHER POSITIONS Crossroads Baptist Association, Indianapolis: part-time Associational Coordinator. Send resume to 952 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 or cbasbc@hotmail.com or call 317.833.0949.

East Tipp Baptist Church, Lafayette: part-time Worship Leader/Youth Leader.

Send resume to East Tipp Baptist Church, 5300 E 300 N, Lafayette IN 47906.

New Hope Church, Carmel: part-time English Minister / Youth Pastor. Submit resume and personal statement to cookemup.ec@live.com.

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Charlestown: full-time Youth Minister. Send resume to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 301 Gospel Road, Charlestown, IN 47111 or prbc301@sbcglobal.net.

Warren Baptist Church, Indianapolis: part-time Worship Leader. Send resume to Warren Baptist Church, 9501 E. 21st Street Indianapolis, IN 46229.

Warren Baptist Church, Indianapolis: part-time Children/Youth Minister. Send resume to Warren Baptist Church, 9501 E. 21st Street Indianapolis, IN 46229.

Find more listings and updates at www.scbi.org under Resources.

WELCOME NEW CONGREGATIONS Centro Cristiano Bautista Vida Nueva, Indianapolis (Pedro Guzman) Grace Community Missionary Baptist Church, Muncie (Cedric Anderson) Greensburg Hispanic Mission, Greensburg (Sabastian Nicholas) Parkside Hispanic Mission, Columbus (Jesus Pacheco) Redeemer Fellowship Church, Evansville (Matt Castro) River Ridge Community Church, Charlestown (Patrick Lynch) The District, Indianapolis (Dwayne Gibbs) The Lord’s Vineyard, Muncie (Aston Chambers) The Princeton Church, Princeton (Wayne Wester)

NEW SENIOR PASTORS

Dan DeFriece (Calvary Baptist Church, Seymour) Scott Kallem (New Life Baptist Church, Greencastle) Dan Weller (Living Faith Church, Indianapolis)

SEPTEMBER

Month of Prayer for Indiana State Missions

5 Labor Day (SCBI office closed) 9-10 Men’s Retreat, HLBC 17-21 MissionsFest, Fort Wayne 23-24 Pure Girl, HLBC

OCTOBER

9 World Hunger Sunday 10 Pastors’ Conference, The Palms, Plainfield 10-11 State Convention Annual Meeting, The Palms, Plainfield

NOVEMBER

14-16 SCBI Staff Retreat / Spiritual Formation 18-19 The Ultimate Sleepover, HLBC 24-25 Thanksgiving Holiday (SCBI office closed)

DECEMBER

4-11 Week of Prayer for International Missions 11 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions In-gathering

16 SCBI office closed 23-31 Christmas Holidays (SCBI office closed)

JANUARY Southern Baptist Convention Call to Prayer

2 New Year’s Day Holiday (SCBI office closed) 13-14 Wives in Ministry Retreat, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

18 Martin Luther King Jr Day (SCBI office closed)

22 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 27-28 Student Ministry Leaders Retreat, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

FEBRUARY

12 Racial Reconciliation Sunday 16 Equip-U, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 25 State Vacation Bible School Training, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

CALENDAR FALL 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 3

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A HIGH AND HOLY PRIVILEGE

A HIGH AND

HOLY PRIVILEGE

AND YOU

were dead in your tresspasses and sins in which you previously walked...

Ephesians 2:1-2a

These descriptors plus many, many more may describe what the Biblical revelation means when it speaks of - LOST, separated from God.

THIS ISSUE...

of SCBI’s magazine is dedicated to our calling and the high and holy privilege of making Jesus Christ known.

MY PURPOSE...

is to broaden our conversation on 21st century evangelism, which should/must reflect first century expectation of the Body of Christ.

I have no intention of provoking controversy. I do intend to encourage the examination of culture, Biblical revelation and current confusion over the word - EVANGELISM.

I INTEND TO BE JUDICIOUS...

with my words, careful with my analysis but crystal clear as to Biblical intent.

Here is my proposition - WORDS MEAN SOMETHING! And that, ladies and gentlemen, is part of my confusion. I seldom know what we intend when we adopt new words, phrases or ideas intended to describe those with NO personal, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.

For instance • We speak - UNCHURCHED - we do not speak LOST. • We speak - MARGINALIZED - we do not speak LOST. • We speak - ADDICTED, HURTING, DISENFRANCHISED, BROKEN - we do not speak - LOST.

PLEASE, STAY WITH ME...

if by marginalized, addicted, hurting, disenfranchised, broken you are by way of description describing LOST, I agree.

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I also believe the descriptors may describe a believer, who for whatever reason disobeyed God and finds their relationship altered, changed, broken. Think about Simon Peter and his classic denial of Jesus.

But UNCHURCHED as a description of LOST - is a deeply troublesome descriptor for me!

Why so?

• At best, the connotation is that the UNCHURCHED were once CHURCHED; • And, if once CHURCHED, they are in fact born again IF we affirm, practice and believe in the cardinal doctrinal pillar of a “regenerate” church membership.

• Can you imagine Jesus speaking of the “Unsynagogued?”

I LISTENED TO...

a national evangelism leader from another evangelical group speak eloquently to the need to embrace the unchurched. As I understood the teaching - the principle result for unchurched embrace is according to this leader - “HOLY SPIRIT WHO IS IN ME COULD EXPERIENCE AND GET IN TOUCH WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEM (the unchurched) RESULTING IN THEM FINDING COMMUNITY!”

nonsense.

WHAT UTTER...

Scripture describes those without Christ as being • “once dead in trespasses and sins” - Ephesians 2:1,2.

• Not one word about “UNCHURCHED.” Scripture reminds us • “for the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” - Luke 19:10 • “the Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” - 2 Peter 3:9.

Clearly, evangelism speaks of more than a need for a warm embrace, a “holy huddle” or a haven.

Our Christ and His Cross speaks to dead people needing life; dead, wounded people needing life and healing; dead addicted people needing life and release; dead confused people needing life and finding the Messiah of God. And of all things, He has chosen to use you and me to take the Gospel message of life, release, redemption, freedom in Him to the nations beginning in our Jerusalem - something about -”CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY!” It’s THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. The Gospel is • good news for those who have never trusted Jesus Christ, never received the gift of life and hope in Him and, • good news for every believer, every transformed follower of Jesus Christ, wrestling with life demands too complex and overwhelming to manage on their own - “He is our help in time of trouble!”

For consideration 1). Are we clear on the redemptive mission of Christ?

2). Answer Jesus, what does He mean when He says - “even as the Father has sent Me, so send I you!”

To do what? We must settle His Cross purpose and expectations.

3). We must not, we cannot throw the heart of hope of Jesus out the same window of disdain that you throw out what you consider unworkable evangelism programs.

4). If people are dead in their trespasses and sins - and they are; and if without Christ they are eternally separated from God - and they are; then, is it not reasonable to expect those of us transformed through His shed blood to carry His GOOD NEWS to our community, state, North America and the Nations?

I say - Yes, yes, yes - count me in!

CECIL W. SEAGLE

NOTICE:

Dr. Seagle addressed the Executive Board on August 15, 2016. He announced his resignation effective December 16, 2016.

Please be in prayer for the Seagles, the search committee and the SCBI leadership team during the next months of transition.

STATE MISSIONS OFFERING STATEWIDE GOAL: $85,000 SEND HIS LIGHT

PRAY AND GIVE to grow Christ’s Kingdom

www.scbi.org/smo

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AROUND THE STATE

SALVATION THROUGH CAMP AND BEYOND

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS

Salvation Through Camp and Beyond

By Michael Cramer

Youth Camp has been one of the greatest investments of our ministry through the years. There is something special about loading up on a bus and heading to a place away from home, limited on technology, and surrounded by God’s incredible creation. Students have the chance to get away from the normal activities and stresses of life. They are totally immersed into a revival atmosphere for five days. Devotions, Bible lessons, Scripture memory, team building, worship and more stir the soul for revival. There has never been a year where someone who came with our ministry hasn’t trusted Christ as their Savior.

One story that is special to our ministry is that of Cole Burkhardt. Cole played in our 3x3 basketball tournament with a friend from the church in June 2002. He was invited to youth camp in He listened to God’s July. His parents did not know our ministry but allowed Cole to attend our Word, memorized youth camp. Cole only knew one student, but quickly made friends during cabin time, game time and free time. He listened to God’s Word, memorized Scripture and jumped in Scripture and jumped in with the group as they sang worship songs in the with the group as they evening sessions. During one worship session, Cole sought out his counselor sang worship songs... and prayed to receive Christ as his Savior.

The Sunday after camp he brought his parents to church to hear the camp speaker preach. God did a work in their hearts. His mother trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and his dad reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ. Cole attended the student ministry regularly and invited friends to attend with him.

In December of 2002, Cole got sick and went Home to be with the Lord. It was a very tragic loss to his family, our community and our ministry. We are thankful that Cole is with the Lord and his parents remain active at New Life. Their miraculous story is a tribute to the faithful ministry of Highland Lakes Baptist Camp.

Michael Cramer is Co-Pastor of New Life Church in Osceola.

Prayer Point Lord God, the amazing gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is a treasure to be shared. Give us boldness and compel us to take every opportunity to proclaim the Good News to the perishing!

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By Joe Lightner

God provided another opportunity to cooperate with Him when I recently hired a contractor to do some work in my house. I learned of a sudden death in his family, so I attended the funeral.

My attendance at the funeral opened the door for many gospel conversations. Ultimately, I was able to lead the man to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Again, great things happen when we cooperate with the Lord.

Joe Lightner is the Lead Pastor of Legacy Stone Church, a church plant in Westfield.

Wrestling Witness

By Matthew Hirt

Evangelism can be through a one-on-one conversation in a coffee shop or an altar call in a church service. Most people don’t envision a 6’3”, 260-pound professional wrestler when they think of evangelism.

However, Ted DiBiase, “The Million Dollar Man,” arrived in North Vernon to deliver the gospel message on three consecutive nights in April. People not interested in coming to church showed up to hear the message of hope from someone they used to watch playing a bad guy on Saturday morning TV wrestling matches. As a result, many heard the gospel. Several accepted Christ as Lord for the first time, while others recommitted their lives to Christ.

Jesus went to where people were and asked them to follow Him. As the church on mission to reach lost people in our communities and around the world, we need to ask how we can be reaching people who are reluctant to step into our church buildings. Being creative in evangelism is fruitful as long as Jesus Christ is always the main event.

Matthew Hirt is Student Minister at Bethel Baptist Church in North Vernon.

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COOPERATING WITH GOD | WRESTLING WITNESS

Last summer, a partnering church facilitated a kids’ camp to help our church plant, Legacy Stone Church, reach the community of Westfield. As a result, a young mother brought her kids to the camp and started attending our church. I was able to build a relationship with the mother and led her to faith in Jesus Christ.

She was baptized in front of her family and friends on Easter Sunday. God used a partnering church, a church plant, and a commitment to share the gospel to reach this mother for Christ.

Great things happen when we cooperate with the Lord.

AROUND THE STATE

Cooperating with God

AROUND THE STATE MORE THAN SUNDAY MORNING!

More Than

Sunday Morning!

By Jim Bohrer

a young couple in our church started organizing and connecting with members and prospects ...

Do you think evangelism means going door-to-door or participating in a Franklin Graham Festival? I want to call your attention to the small group that meets once every week all year round. Bible studies and events can certainly be used for evangelism. However, while there are a number of faithful Christian brothers and sisters who serve the Lord and His local church,

there are far more people who attend for a time and then fall out or fade away. Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway Christian Resources, researched this and discovered that four out of five worship-only attenders will drop out of church within five years. However, a new attender who is assimilated into a year-round small group Bible study that is open to new attenders, four out of five are active in church five years later.

How does this relate to evangelism? Theologically we know a person receives the gift of salvation in an instant of belief through the power of regeneration from the Holy Spirit. Yet it is hard to know when someone’s profession of agreement with the gospel message moves that 18 inches from the head to the heart. So the ongoing work of discipleship and fellowship must be included in an overall evangelistic strategy. The apostle John wrote 20 chapters to lay down extensive theological and practical groundwork before calling his audience to believe and be converted. “These things have been written that you may believe that the Christ is Jesus and that by believing you may have life in His Name” (John 20:31).

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Jesus spent years with the disciples before they really understood and grasped who He was. I believe the lesson to apply is that we preach the gospel and evangelize, but realize that the ongoing work of discipleship and fellowship have been mandated as a necessity of making disciples.

Sunday School or small groups work when they are “worked.” Accountability is necessary. Teachers and leaders prepare to teach a lesson each week, but they also need to contact everyone on their roll during the week outside of class time. Contact can be by text, email, Facebook, phone call, or a visit.

I’ve seen it work at our church. When you have what is essential, the impossible becomes normal. Seth and Alley Barker, a young couple in our church, started organizing and connecting with members and prospects at Hope Community. The class had floundered but started flourishing. Now the population has young single adults, couples in their 20s with toddlers, couples in their 30s with grade school children and even people outside that age range. How did it happen? Sunday School stopped being just Sunday morning. They contact each other during the week and have regular time together for Bible Study and ministry twice a month.

People look for caring and connecting groups. In a world of “virtual” relationships people long for real world relationships. What better way than to center it around the study of Jesus and His Word. By the time you read this, I will have recently baptized a member of that class. Yes, you can be a member of a small group or Sunday school before being a member of the church!

Jim Bohrer is Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church in Brownsburg.

BY DR. RICK HILLARD

Reaching the World Together I began vocational ministry in 1993. I was young, inexperienced, but passionate enough to think that I could make a difference. My church had a mission to change the world. We did make an impact in peoples’ lives. Yet, my world was no larger than what l could directly influence.

Recognizing that His Kingdom is much bigger than my influence, I have learned the value of working together. There are many others, who are also passionate and working tirelessly to advance God’s Kingdom on earth. Cooperation is a key biblical principle in serving Christ.

Southern Baptists have a rich history of cooperating as partners in Kingdom advance.

Combining resources through the Cooperative Program (CP) has fueled Southern Baptist efforts since 1925. CP is used to accomplish each of the following Biblical principles: 1. The Great Commission Principle: Christ told his followers to “make disciples of all nations.” Simply put, His marching orders are, “take the gospel message to every people group on earth” (Matthew 28:19).

2. The Disciple-Making Principle: Christ’s 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, Great Commission command is to not only baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the deliver the message, but to invest long term in the life-change process (Matthew 28:18Son and of the Holy Spirit, ...

20).

Matthew 28:19 3. The Compassion Ministries Principle: Jesus encourages each of us to invest in ministries that meet human needs (Matthew 25:35-40). In doing so we minister directly to Him. 4. The Biblical Training Principle: The Scripture highlights “face to face theological education” (Acts 22:3). Our six seminaries are world class, in the top ten schools of theological education.

5. The Christian Worldview Principle: Christians should not be taken captive by deceptive philosophy (Colossians 2:8). The gospel must be presented in the market place of ideas.

As my focus becomes more global, God has convinced me that His mission is greater than any one organization.

We need each other. Cooperation is vital. CP is still strategic in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth!

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REACHING THE WORLD TOGETHER

The man in the mirror is graying, no longer as young, inexperienced or self-consumed.

Yet I am even more passionate about changing the world. Ministry is no longer just about my local church. It is about the Kingdom of God.

AROUND THE STATE

Committed Cooperation

AROUND THE STATE

ARTICLE TITLE 1 | ARTICLE TITLE 2

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CONVENTION PROGRAM AROUND THE STATE

Monday, October 10 – Session One: 6:00-9:00 PM

Tuesday, October 11 – Session Two: 8:30 AM-1:00 PM

Scripture and Prayer.....................................................................Kiel Nunn Call to Order.............................................................................Darin Garton Woman’s Missionary Union................................ Allison Kinion, Linda Clark Indiana Baptist Foundation...................................................... Jennifer Hall Worship..................................................................................... Al Davisson Annual Sermon..............................................................................Jim Walls Concert of Prayer....................................................................... Rick Hillard Executive Board Report........................................................ David Cullison Second Election of Officers (Second Vice President, Recording Secretary) ............................................................................................Darin Garton Resolution Committee................................................................Bob Parnell Miscellaneous Business...........................................................Darin Garton BREAK / Panel Discussion in Exhibit Area Worship..................................................................................... Al Davisson Evangelism, Prayer and Baptism Celebration.......................... Cecil Seagle World Impact....................................................................................... Video Executive Director’s Message.................................................. Cecil Seagle Response Installation of New Officers...................................................... Cecil Seagle Prayer and Adjourn.............................................................Michael Peoples

DARIN GARTON PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

KINGDOM BUILDING

Scripture and Prayer...............................................................Daniel Rodas Call to Order.............................................................................Darin Garton Motion to Organize the 58th Convention for Business................ Sara Burk Church Planting Report................................. John Horn, Chris Kellermeyer Miscellaneous Business...........................................................Darin Garton Missionary Interview via Skype............................................... Steve McNeil Cooperative Program Celebration........................................ Dr. Frank Page First Election of Officers (President, First Vice President)........Darin Garton Nominations Committee .......................................................... Greg Byman Arrangements Committee...................................................... Gary Yochum Worship..................................................................................... Al Davisson Highland Lakes Baptist Camp Report........................................Jim Shields Church and Leader Development Report............................... Steve McNeil Worship..................................................................................... Al Davisson President’s Address.................................................................Darin Garton Benediction.................................................................................. Hre Mang

DR. FRANK PAGE CONVENTION MESSAGE

JIM WALLS ANNUAL SERMON

CECIL SEAGLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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CONVENTION OFFICERS Darin Garton, President Bob Parnell, First Vice President Roger Kinion, Second Vice President Al Davisson, Music Director Sara Burk, Recording Secretary Wayne Briant, Appointed Parliamentarian

CONVENTION COMMITTEES ORDER OF BUSINESS Darin Garton, Chair Sara Burk Michael Cramer David Cullison Al Davisson Roger Kinion Bob Parnell Cecil Seagle

REGISTRATION

Alison Blankenship Gasburg Baptist Church in Mooresville Hope Community Church in Brownsburg Plainfield Baptist Church in Plainfield

CREDENTIALS

PRAYER

Rick Hillard, Chair Marty Beck Michelle Hillard

TELLERS

Joshua Goepfrich, Chair Pete Cerling Dan Sager Mat Shockney Brad Walker

ARRANGEMENTS Gary Yochum, Chair Steve Davidson Joshua Goepfrich Jeff Jackson Mat Shockney

Roger Kinion, Chair Greg Byman Trevor Kirtman Tony Manning Don Morris Dan Sager Larry Snyder

Messenger Registration

Each member church shall be entitled to send messengers to the annual meeting according to the formula below: 1-150 members – 4 messengers 151-300 members – 8 messengers 301-500 members – 12 messengers 501 + members – 16 messengers Churches should register elected messengers online at www.scbi.org/convention by Monday, October 3. If you are unable to connect to the internet, please call 317481-2400 or 800-444-5424 to request messenger cards.

All church members are welcome to attend the meetings.

If you are not a messenger, please register when you arrive as a visitor.

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NOMINATIONS Greg Byman, Chair Jeff Burns Nate Butler Pete Cerling Fred Denton Jack Elliot John Hutcheson Jeff Jackson Jim Jenkins Steve Johnson Chuck McMahan David Nycamp Dan Sager Jamie Woodyard

RESOLUTIONS Bob Parnell, Chair Randy Forsythe Greg Lukas Steve McJunkins Dennis Starkey Mitch Tabla

Resolutions

All resolutions for consideration by the Convention must be presented in written form two months prior to the annual meeting. Send to SCBI at ablankenship@scbi.org or the Resolutions Committee Chair Bob Parnell at blackoakbaptist@ att.net.

Childcare

Childcare is available during all meetings for children ages five or younger. Please pre-register your children at www.scbi.org/convention by October 3, so that adequate preparations can be made.

Prayer Room

The prayer room will be open for you to spend time in connection with our living Lord God Almighty.

Monday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Tuesday 8:30 AM-1:00 PM

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CONVENTION

2016 Pastors conference MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 10:00 AM AND 1:30 PM The Palms, Plainfield

Joe Thomas Family Ministries Pastor Severns Valley Baptist Elizabethtown, KY

Michael L. Cramer Co-Pastor New Life Church Osceola, IN

Dr. Mike Gray Senior Pastor Colonial Hills Baptist Taylors, SC

Dr. Mike Cramer Pastor New Life Church Osceola, IN

Prayer Point Mighty God, we gather as Your people dependent on You to guide and direct us. We don’t ask that You take us out of the world, but that You shine through us for Your glory, honor and praise!

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY

“Well done, good and faithful servant...”

Matthew 25:21

AROUND THE STATE

Recommendations to the Convention are not available at the time of printing. These will be posted at www.scbi.org/conventionrecommendations as they are available from the Nominations Committee, the Arrangements Committee and the Executive Board.

AROUND THE STATE LIFE-CHANGING CAMPS

Life-changing Camps

There are several things that make Mission Adventure Camp (MAC) and Jesus Arts and Music (JAM) camp a life-changing experience for the children who participate.

• Campers make lifelong friends. Many look forward to seeing friends from previous years at camp.

• The week at camp provides space to disconnect from the world and technology that bombards kids. It gives them opportunity to connect with their Savior. One girl testified clearly, “Jesus came into my heart and I could feel the exact moment it happened!” She connected with Jesus.

• Kids experience fun and adventure at camp. They get to be catapulted into the lake from the “Blob”, whisk down a giant slide, soar on a giant swing, and shoot arrows!

• Camp provides special time to worship Jesus through God’s Word expressed in preaching and music. Children also pray for each other and for their lost friends.

• Campers are challenged to participate in God’s mission to the world.

Responding to the guest missionary at MAC, kids prayed for the people in Asia and gave over $300 to help Asian kids with medical expenses.

• The camp experience is life-transforming, as campers are surrounded by peers and adults who love Jesus and want them grow in their relationship with Him. Children arrive at different stages in life. Some need to receive Christ as Savior; some need to commit to follow Him more closely; and some hear their call to missions and ministry.

When you send your children to camp, you can expect God to work in their lives. You can expect them to come home changed because of their time connecting with Jesus.

My favorite part -

“Me accept

ing Jesus

in my life

.”

“This is

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”

my summer. the best week of

“I wanted to enjoy and learn about God with my friends.”

“God is Awesome!”

“All of the teachers and leaders are amazing and very inspirational people.”

Try this simple, fun way to inspire church members to give thanks to God this Thanksgiving season. Use it for your entire church, or adapt it to fit a Bible study group or family Thanksgiving celebration.

Use white, legal-size cardstock paper to print a sign with huge black letters reading “#ThankYouGod.”

2

3

Distribute a copy of the #ThankYouGod sign and instructions to every person in your church on the last Sunday of October.

4

As photos are submitted, create a looping slideshow or PowerPoint.

Add new photos weekly.

On the back side of the sign, print these instructions: A Church-wide Thanksgiving Project You are invited to express thanks to God in a unique way.

We want all church members and guests—everyone to submit at least one photo. Here’s how: o Take a few digital photos to show things that you thank God for. The “#ThankYouGod” sign must be visible in each photo. o Be creative. An artsy shot of your refrigerator’s interior could show thankfulness for food. Find ways to use a photo to show thankfulness for salvation, creation, your allowance, friendship, peace, etc. o Be creative with angle and pose. Examples: grandpa napping, dad’s smile, a child at play, your Bible class praying. o Submit your favorite two photos to [your church office email address]. Submissions begin today. o Bonus: If you use Social Media sites, please upload your photos using #ThankYouGod and #FirstBaptistSmallville [your church name]. o Photos will be used in the worship services this month as a special thanks to God for His blessings. Don’t miss a Sunday.

5

Every week in November, use the slideshow for pre- or post-service visuals, as backdrop for a song or sermon illustration. If your church celebrates with a Thanksgiving dinner, play the slideshow during the meal. A church may also make prints to create a #ThankYouGod photo wall in the church foyer.

This Thanksgiving season, keep your entire church family thinking about God’s innumerable blessings.

Diana Davis www.dianadavis.org Her new book, Across the Street and Around the World (New Hope Publishing), will be released this fall.

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#THANKSGIVING

1

AROUND THE STATE

#Thanksgiving

Making a Difference What is going on in our world lately? There is news everywhere about lives being lost, terrorism at home and abroad, destruction of the environment, lies and deception in politics… the list goes on. It’s hard not to lose hope when surrounded by so much devastation. But Romans 8:38-39 states, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

Are we carrying that message to our world? I’ve been tempted to contribute to the “noise” on social media. But, is it really making a difference? Do angry rants and well-crafted rebuttals point people to the One that we, as believers, know is the answer?

God is on the move all around us. ... Let’s talk about that.

We can make a difference by sharing what God is doing in our lives and how He brings hope. God is on the move all around us. Many of you are being His hands and feet in ministry through your church. Let’s talk about that.

Another way to make a difference is by giving financially through your church to build Christ’s Kingdom. “Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure” (Malachi 3:10).

At the Indiana Baptist Foundation, we provide strategic ways for individuals to give to their church. Some give from their IRA accounts and avoid taxes in certain instances. Some use a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). This vehicle allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and recommend grants from the fund over time. You can donate non-cash assets, such as stocks and bonds, and take a deduction right away. We believe this encourages people to give more generously to charity. If you or someone you know would like more information about a Donor Advised Fund, please give us a call.

Take heart, friends. He has conquered the world! (John 16:33) Blessings,

Jennifer Hall President, IBF Jennifer Hall President 317.481.2400 x 300 jennifer@inbatistfoundation.org

Jennifer Coker Marketing & Development Associate 317.481.2400 ext 301 jcoker@inbaptistfoundation.org

www.inbaptistfoundation.org

Address Indiana Baptist Foundation 3021 E. 71st Street Indianapolis, IN 46220

Resources for Pastors

The Baptist Investment Fund

Did you know that The Indiana Baptist Foundation can create a custom educational plan for churches on topics such as tithing, investing, retirement and estate planning? We also offer courses on budgeting, forecasting attendance and giving, and finding hidden costs in your church budget. We are your resource for Biblical money management.

Thinking of refinancing your church loan? The Indiana Baptist Foundation offers competitive rates, a simple process and very low closing costs. We are your ministry-based lending alternative. Give us a call to start the application process today.

Now available to Individuals as well as Churches

Demand Account 1.00-1.50% One Year CD 1.75% Two Year CD 2.00% Three Year CD 2.50% Five Year CD 3.00% Accounts are not FDIC insured and are offered by “Offering Circular” ONLY. Rates subject to change.

Indiana Baptist Foundation Scholarship Recipients

For over 40 years, through the Memorial Scholarship Endowment Trust, earnings have been the primary source of scholarship awards to Indiana Baptists pursuing higher education. We celebrate this year’s Scholarship Recipients!

Destiny Macon

R. Tyler Kirkpatrick

Megan Rogg

“The IBF scholarship will aide me in receiving my bachelor's degree in Biblical and Educational Studies and will provide allowance for me to purchase textbooks and other school supplies.” – Destiny

“This scholarship has yet again revealed and affirmed God’s call to ministry, and lightened the burden as I attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Through me, your generous giving is directly funding the education of a vocational pastor and allowing me to properly minister to my family without undue burden.” – Tyler

“About a year ago, I felt God calling me to pursue a Biblical Counseling degree so that I may be further equipped to care for women in our church body. Soul care is a growing need amongst our community. God has laid it on my heart to counsel and equip members of our body in this area of ministry. I am so thankful to the IBF for granting me a scholarship to help make my studies possible.” - Megan

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Evangelism

BY JIM SHIELDS, CAMP

TEAM LEADER

Evangelism is the “proclamation of the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ with a view to bringing about the reconciliation of the sinner to God the Father through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.”1 The proclamation of the good news is simply telling the story of the saving grace of Christ. His story becomes your story and my story.

The proclamation of the Good News is central to the ministry of Highland Lakes. We are intentional in the camps, retreats, conferences and everything we do on these 426 acres in the heart of Indiana. Your camp is a resource for people to discover, develop and deploy a transformed life in Christ. That transformation is the result of God’s saving grace in Christ!

What a great summer of camp! Each week lives are transformed because volunteers and staff take the time to tell the Good News of Christ. They share historical facts of Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

But much more than that, they tell the story how Christ changed and continues to change their lives. Then they observe the Holy Spirit move, nudging and convicting the hearers to recognize their own need for a Savior. Evangelism involves spiritual warfare. It must be engaged on a spiritual level, in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). We proclaim the Good News and rejoice in His work.

Our world is ailing and needs to know the cure that we have found in Christ. We have the responsibility to proclaim that cure. It is Good News—The Good News of God’s transforming power through Christ.

1

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd edition

September 23 - 24, 2016

Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

$65 per adult + $65 per 1st child if paid in full by September 9 *Additional siblings from the same family $30 each

For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/puregirl 18 18 || INDIANA INDIANA BAPTIST BAPTIST MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || FALL FALL 2016 2016

the Gospel

“I said Yes to Jesus, and put him in my life”

“Helped me get saved”

“Helped me turn a personal conviction into a plan for action” ““It was great, I’m thinking about my life and what God wants me to do””

“It reminded me that I need to spend more time with God and there is no reason to be ashamed of the Gospel.”

“It made me feel

so great, just being in this place and having so much fun.”

UNASHAMED THE GOSPEL

This year over 400 students and adults attended Student Fusion Summer Camp at Highland Lakes. The theme was based on Romans 1:16. Dane Cockrell (Week 1) and Rayden Hollis (Week 2) brought strong and compelling messages each day. They focused on the Gospel and how students should Know It, Embrace It, Live It and Share It! Students experienced inspiring worship and challenging Bible study. There were several decisions during both weeks of camp. Leaders reported that 11 students made a profession of faith in Christ.

Several others restored their commitments and one young man surrendered to mission service. Between the fun of camp, the interest-based track times, the late night messy games, the variety show and the camp favorite “MEGA Relay,” students had a blast with peers from around the state. The 2017 dates for Student Fusion Camp are July 3-7 and July 10-14.

AROUND AROUND THE THE STATE STATE

Unashamed of

“It has made me want to be a better Christian, to be unashamed and share the Gospel. I’ve made great friends and I’ve learned to love others even when its hard”

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AROUND THE STATE PREVENTING FRAUD

WIVES_IN_MINISTRY

For more information and to register, go to www.scbi.org/wivesinministry

20 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

$25 (housing not included) Highland Lakes Camp

$25 (housing not included) Highland Lakes Camp

For more information and to register, go to www.scbi.org/wivesinministry

Are you a pastor’s wife looking for some ministry training? Then this is the weekend for you! Join us for a weekend of training and equipping to help you minister to your church alongside your pastor/husband. Topics to be addressed will include finding contentment as a ministry wife, leadership development, making friendships and cultivating relationships outside the church, handling healthy conflict, fighting depression, and supporting your husband.

minister to your church alongside your pastor/husband. Topics to be addressed will include finding contentment as a ministry wife, leadership development, making friendships and cultivating relationships outside the church, handling healthy conflict, fighting depression, and supporting your husband.

JANUARY 13ďšş14, 2017

AROUND THE STATE

NORTHEAST Tuesday, September 6, at 6:30 PM The Summit, Fort Wayne MIAMI Monday, September 12, at 6:00 PM First Baptist Church, Greentown

WABASH VALLEY Tuesday, September 27, at 7:00 PM Faith Family Church, Frankfort CROSSROADS Tuesday, October 4, at 6:30 PM Plainfield Baptist Church, Plainfield

WEST CENTRAL Saturday, November 5, at 9:00 AM Victory Baptist Church, Clinton

EAST CENTRAL Thursday, September 22, at 7:00 PM Old Town Hill Baptist Church, Muncie

EASTERN Tuesday, September 27, at 7:00 PM Crosspoint Baptist Church, Richmond

SOUTH CENTRAL Saturday, September 24, at 9:00 AM Parkside Baptist Church, Columbus WHITEWATER Saturday, September 17, at 9:00 AM Cornerstone Baptist Church, Greensburg

WHITE RIVER Tuesday, October 18, at 7:00 PM River’s Edge Fellowship Church, Bedford

SOUTHWESTERN Saturday, October 22, at 9:00 AM Oakhill Baptist Church, Evansville

SOUTHEASTERN Monday, October 3, at 6:30 PM Southeastern Association Office, New Albany

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ANNUAL ASSOCIATIONL MEETINGS

WIVES_IN_MINISTRY

NORTHWEST Monday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m.

Black Oak Church, Gary

JANUARY 1314, 2017

Are you a pastor’s wife looking for some ministry training? Then this is the weekend for you! Join us for a weekend of training and equipping to help you

NORTH CENTRAL Monday, October 3, at 11:00 AM Logan’s Roadhouse, South Bend

CHURCH NEWS

THE NEW DEAF GO BIBLE APP | WELCOME NEW PASTOR IN SEYMOUR

The New Deaf Go Bible App Calvary Baptist Church - Greenfield

Brooke Bradway, a former member of Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield, was part of a team that developed a Bible app using American Sign Language (ASL). Most of us do not realize that ASL is a visual language, very different from the English language. The Deaf navigate life visually rather than through verbal cues that hearing people rely on. The Deaf Go Bible app uses icons to communicate Scripture clearly and accurately. Bible stories have been filmed in ASL. The app launched with 200 Bible stories, but will include a total of 600 stories when completed. The Deaf will be able to view Bible stories chronologically, topically, doctrinally, or devotionally. Thirty story sets cover 12 key doctrines Brooke was raised at Calvary Baptist Church, Greenfield, and was inspired to learn sign language by one of the church’s founding members. She graduated from IUPUI with a degree in ASL. Her career working with ASL led to the opportunity to help produce the Deaf Go Bible app.

Welcome New Pastor in Seymour Calvary Baptist Church - Seymour

Pastor Dan DeFriece’s first Sunday as pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Seymour was August 7. He and his wife Jennifer moved with their children, Samuel, Nathaniel and Eliana, from northwest Ohio, where they served in the ministry for 22 years. Pastor Dan looks forward to seeing the work of God advanced as they serve the people of Calvary and the Seymour community. Please pray for him and the church as they grow together in Christ.

22 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

On July 25, Waynedale Baptist Church of Fort Wayne hosted a Block Party at the local park. The Bellevue Baptist Youth Choir from Memphis, Tennessee, shared with music.

The community had a great night. The students from Bellevue sang at different nursing homes around the community during the week. In addition, they worked on several service projects and held backyard Bible clubs and soccer camps. The students, grades 6-12, were wonderful to work with and made a positive impact in the community!

Redeemer Church in Jeffersonville launched its first public worship gathering with 47 people on October 25, 2015. Because of the support of Indiana churches, God has brought fruit from sharing and preaching the Gospel. One example is Gene, who was baptized on April 24. Gene had not regularly attended church in over 40 years. As his life spiraled out of control with drugs and women, he contemplated suicide - that is, until his brother committed suicide. A former neighbor shared the Good News of Jesus, but Gene was not ready. He later heard about Redeemer Church and decided to visit. He hasn’t missed a Sunday since. The Word of God took root in Gene’s life and the Spirit transformed his heart to want to worship God because of Christ’s sacrifice in his place. Gene’s former neighbor, who is also a pastor, attended the baptism and read Gene’s testimony of faith in Christ to the church. Praise be to God for churches partnering to start and support other churches so the Good News of Jesus can be proclaimed to people throughout our state, our country and our world.

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VISITING YOUTH CHOIR | PLANTING CHURCHES

Planting Churches

Redeemer Church - Jeffersonville

CHURCH NEWS

Visiting Youth Choir

Wayndedale Baptist Church - Fort Wayne

7805 State Rd 39 Martinsville, IN 46151

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Seymour, IN Permit No. 198

For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/ultimatesleepover