IB Indiana Baptist Summer 2016

SUMMER 2016 VOLUME 59 NUMBER 2

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

EDITORIALS

09

04 SBC / SCBI AND A BIBLICAL RESPONSE 11 KINGDOM BUILDING 12 LEARNING LEADERSHIP 15 I INVITED 1 20 PREVENTING FRAUD From the Executive Director

By Cecil W. Seagle

Commited Cooperation

By Rick Hillard

Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

By Jim Shields Fresh Ideas

By Diana Davis

Accountable Accounting

By Kyle Brennan

AROUND THE STATE

06 WHY IS LEADERSHIP IMPORTANT?

Intentional training for leaders is a vital investment for God’s work in and through His church.

07 TRAINING YOUNG LEADERS FOR MINISTRY Exalt Him Student Worship Retreat gives youth the experience of using their talents for the Lord.

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08 VULNERABILITY IN LEADERSHIP

There is a difference between being authentic and being vulnerable when ministering to others.

09 HIGH IMPACT LEADER LAB

Time and personal attention devoted to pastors yields impact in their lives and ministries.

ASSOCIATION SERVING THE 13 EASTERN COMMUNITY

Joining with local events gives opportunity to build relations.

16 TRUST REPORT

The Indiana Baptist Foundation has financial solutions for churches and individuals.

CHURCH NEWS

22

FOR A CHURCH PLANT 22 BLESSINGS GRATEFUL FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

GRACE STATION THRIFT SHOPPE WORKING TOGETHER A NIGHT TO SHINE ABOVE EXPECTATIONS FOR MISSIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MINISTRY

OPENINGS

PASTOR POSITIONS

Calvary Baptist Church, Seymour: full-time Senior Pastor. Send resume to Pastor Search Team, 1201 N. Ewing St., Seymour, IN 47274 or cbcseymour@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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

WELCOME NEW CONGREGATIONS Grace Community Missionary Baptist Church, Muncie (Cedric Anderson) River Ridge Community Church, Charlestown (Patrick Lynch) The Lord’s Vineyard, Muncie (Ashton Chambers) The Princeton Church (Wayne Wester)

NEW SENIOR PASTORS

Max Hetzel (New Hope Baptist Church, Spencer) David McQueen (Fellowship Baptist Church, Richmond) Don Taylor (Grow Community Church, Hobart) Tom Woodson (Weston Baptist Church, North Vernon)

JUNE 14-15 Southern Baptist Convention, St. Louis MO 27-7/1 Mission Adventure Camp (MAC), HLBC

JULY

4 Independence Day (SCBI office closed)

4-8 Student Fusion Camp, HLBC 11-15 Student Fusion Camp, HLBC 19-23 JAM and Super JAM, HLBC

AUGUST

5-6 Missions Lifeline, Gasburg Baptist Church, Mooresville

6 National Sunday School Directors Workshop, Eastern Star, Indianapolis 15-16 Executive Board Meeting, HLBC

SEPTEMBER

Month of Prayer for Indiana State Missions

5 Labor Day (SCBI office closed) 9-10 Men’s Retreat, HLBC 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)

CALENDAR SUMMER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 3

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SBC / SCBI AND A BIBLICAL RESPONSE

SBC / SCBI AND A

SO THOSE

who were scattered went on their way preaching the message of good news.

Acts 8:4

BIBLICAL RESPONSE An unexpected but welcomed call from Dr. Ed Stetzer, LifeWay VP for Research, has become an urgent calling.

Our conversation centered around the development of a healthy Coalition initially made up of partners from LifeWay, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the School of Evangelism - Wheaton College, SBC State Convention Leaders, as well as several Evangelical Denominations deeply desiring a return to the priority of EVANGELISM: specifically, personally engaging lostness and making Jesus known.

THERE IS LITTLE DISAGREEMENT...

among most evangelical leaders. We are in trouble; we have lost our way! We have left the hard work and priority of sharing Christ in the power of His Spirit.

For instance • Why do we hear criticism of what are clearly unacceptable practices of “easy believe-ism” - as if it is the practice of every follower of Jesus?

• You know exactly what I’m talking about, many of you have experienced it - someone could say, “Children, raise your hand if you believe in Jesus!

Do you love Jesus? Wonderful, all of you are saved! Now, Jesus was baptized....”

• Or you might hear this, “Alright, if you love Jesus, and I know you do, pray this prayer with me!

Well, amen, you just got saved! Now, Jesus was baptized ...”

• Thankfully, I do not know an Indiana Pastor who believes or practices this such behavior.

But, I do get it - I fully understand the angst • No call to repentance and brokenness.

• No call to an altar of confession - the confession of sin.

• No evidence or acknowledgement of radical transformation.

• No evidence of forgiveness.

• No evidence of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior.

• I get it!

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What I DO NOT get is this • Why is there so little “let’s find a way forward?”

• Let’s go back to Biblical revelation for our marching orders.

HERE IS MY PROPOSAL, SCBI...

Let’s establish this Spiritual axiom • the shed blood of Jesus Christ is efficacious for all sinners who will, in broken repentance, confess their sin, find full forgiveness through His shed blood and turn to Jesus Christ, receiving Jesus as their One and Only Savior.

• salvation is the full and absolute work of Christ Alone, through faith alone.

• Holy Spirit has come in permanence and power to “cross examine” all of sin. It is Holy Spirit, Who by myriads of ways convicts and convinces the sinner of their need for a Savior.

• for whatever reason, God has chosen us and sends us sheep among wolves to demonstrate transformation, give witness to His life changing Gospel, (Good News), that God did something about our separation from Him and we have the privilege of sharing undeniable, reliable evidence of His work in us while.

• Jesus Alone Saves, Jesus breathes life into us!

• Life cannot exist apart from Him!!

Then, let’s...

• Set as the highest priority Acts 1:8 and 8:4 as our pattern and process - “gossiping Jesus everywhere we go!”

• Join hands to pray, assault heaven, for a Fresh Wind of God; a Wind that reminds us of just how far we have fallen; that rebukes us so deeply until our weeping can be heard in the streets; that calls us to absolute repentance before Him. Love my journey with you, Hoosier Baptists!

CECIL W. SEAGLE

AROUND THE STATE

WHY IS LEADERSHIP IMPORTANT?

Why

is Leadership Important?

By Dr. Steve McNeil

have been equipping pastors for the past three years in the High Impact Leadership Lab (HILL) for senior pastors to dig into critical areas of church / leader development. So far 50 pastors have completed the HILL challenge.

What are you doing to impact the leadership base in your church? Consider the following suggestion: Step One, Discipleship – The Great Commission admonishes us to “go and make disciples.” Begin leadership development with a discipleship plan.

How are you growing people in their faith so that they are a self-sustained, growing, maturing disciples who seek ways to disciple others (2 Timothy 2:2)?

We have heard the cliché, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Do we really believe it?

Are we investing time and effort into growing leaders?

Step Two, Calling – How do you help someone in your church life discover their calling? This could be a call to vocational ministry, but always includes a call to ministry in the local church where they are a member. Have a plan for members to discover their call to serve as part of the church. Gift inventories are helpful. Teaching about gifts, calling and passion can guide people toward God’s plan. Encourage personal interviews with the pastor or someone in the church who is trained to help others discover their ministry.

Your SCBI staff team constantly looks at Step Three, Character – Character is your integrity, leadership development. It is even in my title your inner person. Can people count on you? Are you and job description, “Team Leader for Church / a person of your word? Do you do the things you say Leader Development.” We not only believe in the you will do and get them done in a timely manner? importance of leadership, we are doing something Create ways to teach into this area of life. God’s about it.

Word is full of passages that teach to character. Don’t

assume it. Teach it, Our strategy to practice it, model it. develop leaders “And what you have heard from me in the begins with pouring into and investing in presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful Step Four, Competency – our Indiana pastors. men who will be able to teach others also.”

Typically church First, we work to 2 Timothy 2:2 leaders begin provide “leader labs” the quest to plug in each of our 14 people into ministry associations. These when there is a monthly meetings bring church leaders together need to fill.

We need an usher, a greeter, a person to to talk about how to be better at leading, serving lead in the preschool, or with student ministry, or…. and building the churches of Indiana. Providing Training is offered to help the person know what they a context for leaders to interact and recognize are supposed to do.

Jesus at work in His church encourages leadership This is training for a skill. It is a necessary skill, growth. Second, we are ramping up a phase of but should not just be for filling immediate needs. this strategy called “Equip-U.” This is a one-day Discipleship, calling, and character lay a foundation equipping event to drill down into a particular area for skill development. of leadership and church development. Third, we

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Prayer Point Lord Jesus, You are the Head of the church. We ask Your guidance in equipping those You call to serve as leaders. Give each Your heart for others.

Contact Steve McNeil at smcneil@scbi.org.

Training Young Leaders for Ministry: Exalt Him Student Worship Retreat

When does God speak to a young person about potential service in His church? Often there are special times when God gets a young person’s attention as they experience really amazing worship. Or He speaks through an influential mentor who is experienced in ministry.

Such an opportunity came at SCBI’s Exalt Him Student Worship Retreat. April 8-9, youth leaders from 11 churches brought their middle school and high school students to Highland Lakes Baptist Camp. There they experienced God-breathed worship music, preaching, and practical classes that challenged students to think about their gifts and how God could use them in their home churches.

Classes were taught by a seminary professor, a professional Christian musician, church worship leaders and young graduates of a Christian college noted for its worship program.

Indiana students learned how to play their instrument in a worship band, how to sing as worship leaders and how to make their own worship loops (tracks by which to sing and play).

________________________ “Often there are special times when God gets a young person’s attention...” ________________________

God very well may have opened the minds of these students to recognize: I do have spiritual gifts and God wants me to discover how to develop them so that I can lead worship in my church. God did it before and, no doubt, He did it again through Exalt Him Student Worship Retreat!

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TRAINING YOUNG LEADERS FOR MINISTRY

If “everything rises and falls on leadership,” let’s focus on strengthening godly leaders in our churches. Develop a plan. If you need help, contact your SCBI team to start these vitally important conversations. We are your partners in effectively building God’s Kingdom.

AROUND THE STATE

Step Five, Chemistry – The church is people. The Great Commandment simply states, “love God, love others.” Churches need to invest time working on this part of leadership development. Most church problems exist because of shortfalls in the relationship aspect of leadership development.

We cannot assume healthy relationships. We must work to nurture and grow strong, healthy relationships that reflect Christ in His church.

“We all need people to help us along the way…. You become not just a better leader, but a better person (when you) know how to build up the people around you.” David Novak, Taking People with You

AROUND THE STATE VULNERABILITY IN LEADERSHIP

Vulnerability in Leadership

By Amy Rager I have consistently made an effort to ‘be who I am’ and not ‘put on a show’ for anyone. True to my millennial form, I’ve always valued being authentic. This driving value of ‘being real’ has certainly shaped my leadership and given me credibility to others, especially those in their 20’s and 30’s.

Recently, however, I’ve been convicted that there’s a difference between being authentic and being vulnerable. I am who God has designed me to be and the way I perceive myself is informed by the fact that God is wise and made me with intentionality and care. This knowledge frees me to let those I lead see my personality, my talents, my quirks and even the areas I’m not so great in.

But the things I’m the creator of — the sin in my life, the bitterness I carry around, the literal marks on my body from seeking joy and solace in food instead of God — those things are a whole lot harder for me to reveal, especially as a leader. As a leader, I use authenticity to say ‘you can trust me’ but I live in fear that being vulnerable undermines that hard-earned trust by showing just how affected by sin I still am.

Can we level with those we are leading about our sinfulness and still keep their confidence?

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Counter to conventional wisdom, when we place people’s trust in God’s hands and air our shortcomings despite the risks, we model that we are, indeed, trustworthy. The first and foremost confidence people should have in me as a leader should be that I am dependent upon God and fully trusting Him for my ability to lead. Being vulnerable is a tremendous way to demonstrate that dependency on and trust in God’s sovereignty. Those around us can see that we are not people who jump in the bushes and hide when we’ve sinned, denying the inevitable effects and the grace that God longs to give. We model that we truly believe the Word of God which says ‘Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed,” (James 5:16) and that we see sin for what it is — a dangerous evil that must be put to death (Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5).

As leaders, we should see the opportunity of spiritual growth in those we lead as worthy of the risk of vulnerability. When we integrate the whole of our being, needy and yet needed, those who depend upon us learn what it looks like to utilize the body of Christ in fighting sin. Then God is honored as the only truly capable source of leadership.

So, speak freely. Widen your heart. Be vulnerable with those you lead.

Amy Rager is the wife of church planter, Barry Rager, and the mother of four young, energetic children.

They came to Indianapolis in 2013 to plant New Circle Church.

High Impact Leadership Lab (HILL) is an intense time of personal leadership development led by SCBI staff for senior pastors. Because it is designed to give individual attention, a limited number of pastors can participate.

Each is required to read several books, take on-line assessments and keep a journal prior to the retreat. They commit to time away from family and church to be at the retreat and to invest time in subsequent coaching sessions. It is a lot of work for men who are already busy, but HILL has proven to be effective. Here are a few comments from HILL graduates:

“Leaders know the importance of having someone in their lives who will unfailingly and fearlessly tell them the truth.”

— Warren G. Bennis

“…whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life-a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:44-45

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

— John Maxwell

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HIGH IMPACT LEADERLAB

• HILL is an exciting journey to expand your vision and lighten your load. You journey with a coach who assists you in personalizing [leadership] information into action. He is concerned about the whole person and the ministry.

• …in my 20 plus years of ministry HILL out-paced every other training/event/program that I ever attended. HILL opened me up to see me.

• I really learned a lot about myself and my leadership style.

• [HILL] is an intense week, but it has been so beneficial for my walk with Christ, my family, and my ministry. God used HILL to open my eyes about who I am, my strengths and how to exploit them for His service, as well as my weaknesses and how to correct them and protect myself from them.

• It is an experience well worth the time and effort. Truly iron sharpening iron...

AROUND THE STATE

High Impact Leader Lab

AROUND THE STATE

ARTICLE TITLE 1 | ARTICLE TITLE 2

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The Cooperative Program (CP) is Southern Baptists’ unified plan of giving through which cooperating Southern Baptist churches give a percentage of their undesignated receipts in support of their respective state convention and the Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries.

Committed Cooperation

BY DR. RICK HILLARD

Southern Baptists work together to reach the nations by giving through CP. The State Convention of Baptists in Indiana is grateful for all our partner churches and grateful for all resources channeled through the Cooperative Program, but recognize the top ten SCBI churches in dollar amount and the top two per capita for 2015. These are standard bearers of cooperation.

These 11 churches have given over $633,000. Can you imagine what could be accomplished if every church followed this example?

If you have questions or need further information on how your church can promote the Cooperative Program, please contact our office at rhillard@scbi.org or 317-481-2400.

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KINGDOM BUILDING

Simply put, there is no better plan for any church — small, large, new, growing, or graying — to accomplish Acts 1:8 strategies than giving through the Cooperative Program! No matter where your passion lies —church planting, church revitalization, theological education, international missions or other — CP fuels every aspect of Kingdom advance through Southern Baptists.

AROUND THE STATE

Kingdom Building

AROUND THE STATE

LEARNING LEADERSHIP

Learning Leadership

BY JIM SHIELDS, CAMP

TEAM LEADER

Leadership is not a title or a position that one is simply handed. It is a journey that involves learning from others as well as helping others to learn. It is a continual process of developing a servant heart and stretching beyond what you can do on your own.

We all serve as leaders with influence in some capacity at various times. Learning to apply that influence with Kingdom principles is key. At Highland Lakes, campers have the opportunity to learn the necessity of leadership skills. They see how lives are changed by those who effectively lead ________________________ with a servant attitude. Many campers go on to become leaders “Our capacity to grow determines our utilizing godly principles.

capacity to lead. It’s really that simple.”

Summer missionaries develop leadership skills at Highland Lakes Kent Blanchard and Mark Miller, and grow those skills where the Lord leads. Micah Burkhardt is an Great Leaders Grow example. A summer missionary in 2015, he took his Highland Lakes ________________________ experience and became an interim minister of music at State Street Baptist Church in New Albany. He is considering a leadership opportunity at a church in South Carolina. Summer missionaries learn that leadership requires responsibility and sensitivity to those who are served.

Highland Lakes also provides an environment for leadership training. Folks may come for a weekend church leader training retreat or the intense week of High Impact Leader Lab. They come to get away and invest time and energy in searching the depths of leadership principles, exploring how to better to serve others in Christ.

Leadership development. It happens at Highland Lakes.

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The expected cookie varieties range from oatmeal drop and gluten free cookies to ammonia cookies and potato chip cookies. Volunteers from the association will be prepared to share the Gospel and pray for guests. If there are enough trained volunteers, activities for youngsters may also be provided.

Donations of bottled water or funds to buy water are welcome.

Contact the association at eiba@frontier.com or 765-478-5570 if you are led to participate.

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY

The Eastern Indiana Baptist Association office is located in Dublin on U.S. 40, THE National Road. The association will welcome the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the 5th Annual Historic National Road Yard Sale Days June 1-5, 2016. They will provide free cold bottled water, popcorn and a place to sit and rest with clean, spacious restrooms. Last year they had 350 people sign their register. They look forward to greeting returning guests.

This year is Indiana’s Bicentennial and a local historian’s Indiana Legacy Project is “Decades of Cookies Along the Historic National Road.”

The association will host the cookie tasting on Wednesday, June 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

AROUND THE STATE

Eastern Association Serving the Community

AROUND THE STATE

ARTICLE TITLE 1 | ARTICLE TITLE 2

September 23 - 24, 2016 Highland Lakes Baptist Camp “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14

Girls (ages 8-12) and their moms, grandmas or mentors will be ushered into a splendid experience with God as they recognize that He has a specific purpose for such a time as this. They will discuss the importance of living as His princess as they enjoy lots of girl fun together. $55 per adult + $55 per 1st child if paid in full by August 23 $65 per adult + $65 per 1st child if paid in full by September 9 *Additional siblings from the same family $30 each What did you like about Pure Girl?

“The fun and games and most of all learning about God and going wild for God.” “I loved improving my relationship with both my mom and God. I loved spending time with my mom and learning more about God.”

For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/puregirl 14 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2016

Vacation Bible School—it’s not just for church kids! VBS can be a fantastic evangelism event. Catch a vision for how your VBS could impact eternity.

Here is a simple plan to involve every member of your church or small group to engage unchurched children in life-changing VBS. It’s called: “I Invited 1” Issue a challenge.

The goal is for every individual in your church to personally invite one unchurched boy or girl to VBS. Anyone can do that.

Specifically call out every child, senior adult, youth, single adult, couple and college student to take the challenge.

2

Make it easy.

As you issue the challenge, give each person one great-looking VBS invitation for the child they’ll invite. It can be a business-card size invite or a card. Include the church website for details and online registration. Pray over the invitations and ask God to direct each person to a child who needs Him.

Ask God to alert them to children in life’s path who don’t attend church—neighbors, acquaintances, schoolmates, strangers, work associates’ children. Then they personally invite the child to your church’s awesome, life-changing VBS. Ask church members to bring the first name of that child next Sunday.

4 3

Make it visual.

• Create a huge “Jesus loves the little children” wall display in a visible area of the church.

• A couple of Sundays before VBS, greeters give each church attender a colorful die-cut paper doll to write the first name of the child they’re inviting and add it to the wall display as a prayer reminder.

• Print well-designed, round stickers with large letters “I invited 1” for every person to proudly wear. Purchase and print sheets of circle stickers or order stickers from a print company. You can do this for a couple of weeks. Picture this: grannies and four-yearolds, teens and newcomers – all wearing “I Invited 1” stickers.

Wouldn’t it be fun if some needed a dozen stickers?

• Announce the total number who’ve been personally invited so far.

Pray for them. Challenge others to invite one.

Create excitement.

• Strive for 100% involvement. Though many are already fully engaged in VBS planning, the majority of church members probably can’t offer hands-on help because of work, schedule or health conflicts. Every person of every age and circumstance can invite one child. Imagine what God can do if every member participates.

• Children’s Sunday School teachers give tips on how to invite friends, how to include and welcome newcomers, and how to invite them to your church after VBS. • Just before VBS begins, encourage members to remind the child they invited to come.

• Instead of an all-church project, this could be done in your choir, women’s ministry, youth group, deacons, small group, etc.

• Plan an enormous follow-up on Saturday after VBS and prepare to welcome many new parents and children on Sunday.

So wear your “I Invited 1” sticker with pride and prayers. And, VBS staffers, hold on to your hats!

God’s at work. His church is excited about inviting. This may be the most thrilling VBS in history.

So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.’ Luke 14:23 Diana Davis 2016 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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I INVITED 1

1

AROUND THE STATE

I Invited 1

www.inbaptistfoundation.org

Losing Sleep?

by Jennifer Hall

Nearly two-thirds of Americans are losing sleep over at least one financial concern, according to a survey released by CreditCards.com.

The survey, which compiled responses from 3,600 people across the country, asked participants to identify which of a handful of financial concerns keeps them up at night. Two-fifths Demand Account 1.00%-1.50% of respondents said One Year CD 1.75% retirement savings were Two Year CD 2.00% a primary stressor.

Three Year CD 2.50% Five Year CD 3.00%

If you are losing sleep concerned about **Rates as of January 1, 2016 – Subject to retirement savings, Change. Accounts are non-FDIC insured give The Indiana and are offered by “Offering Circular” only.

Baptist Foundation a The funds invested in these account are call. Our investment invested in Indiana church building loans. accounts are available to individuals, as well as churches and associations. Whether you are rolling over your 401(k) or 403(b), transferring funds from your existing IRA, or just opening a savings account, The Indiana Baptist Foundation has an account to meet your needs.

Leaving Her Legacy

The Indiana Baptist Foundation staff would like to offer our condolences to the family of Ann “Sweet Pea” Pearson (1937-2016). Through her work with the Foundation, over $7,000 was gifted to Christian ministries across the state. Following is an excerpt from the article, “Philanthropic Stewardship,” which Ann wrote. The full article was published in the Winter 2007 Trust Report.

After the Lord took my husband home, God led me to sell the apartment building I had managed. Realizing that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord, I looked into giving and found the Indiana Baptist Foundation (IBF). After doing research, I decided that the best vehicle for me was a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). I could donate some highly appreciated stock and support the Christian charities of my choice.

I also set up a “Donor Advisory Fund” (DAF) to teach my grandchildren about philanthropy. I named my grandchildren as advisors to the DAF so they can learn about giving “to the Lord.”

I am so glad that God led our State Convention to set up a Foundation that could help us in carrying out stewardship responsibilities. By dispensing spiritual values through IBF we increase the harvest and give God the glory.

Why Estate Planning is Important to Pastors In the U.S., 90% of most families’ assets are non-cash. This includes 401K plans, IRAs, Life Insurance and Real Estate.

Only 10% of most families’ assets are in cash. That is what they use for immediate spending needs and tithing. Why isn’t the 90% typically shared with the ministries, such as the local church? There are a variety of answers, but the one we hear time and time again is simply, “I’ve never been asked!”

A church member, who has demonstrated their love for ministry by giving over a period of time, is usually willing to give an estate gift for Kingdom work. Our job is to help pastors ask by delivering educational estate planning seminars at your church.

Proverbs 3:9 says “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” Wealth and first fruits = Non-cash assets and cash assets.

Contact Jennifer Hall to schedule your Estate Planning Seminar.

SERVING LOCAL CHURCHES. THAT’S WHERE WE SHINE.

YOU NOW HAVE A MINISTRY-BASED LENDING ALTERNATIVE. All interest dollars go back to ministry.

The Indiana Baptist Foundation is partnering with the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma to offer loans to Indiana Baptist churches.

For current rates and loan information, contact Jennifer Hall at 317.481.2400 ext. 300.

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TRANSFORMED HIT THE ROAD WITH GREAT SUCCESS!

Transformed Hit the Road with Great Success!

This year’s Transformed women’s retreat was held regionally with three locations. Women gathered to celebrate in March at Graceland Baptist Church in New Albany, in April at Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis and in May at New Life Church in Osceola. Although uncertain of the new regional format after experiencing the statewide retreat at a hotel conference center, those who came were thrilled. Women felt more connected with each other and soaked up the breakout conferences and worship sessions. They especially enjoyed growing and worshipping with others in the local church setting. Each retreat had a strong number of first time attendees.

Women from Indiana and Kentucky led extraordinary breakout conferences. NAMB and IMB missionaries, who live in different places and work with a variety people groups, challenged attendees to overcome fear and reach the lost with boldness.

Keynote speakers brought messages that were unifying, moving and strong. Local church teams led worship with passion. The women’s heart for missions was felt in their tremendous response to give to the Margaret Gillaspie Endowment Fund, the Indiana Touch Tomorrow Today Fund. Ladies also showed love and appreciation for IMB missionary personnel, who have just recently retired, by writing notes and giving gift cards.

Hearts and lives were transformed. Women came to know the Lord, damaged relationships were restored and attendees committed to serve Christ as He leads in their lives. With a greater passion to reach women in Indiana, women walked away inspired and spurred on to bring more women next year. The theme for Transformed in Spring of 2017 is “Thrive” with Psalm 1:1-3 as the scriptural focus.

Watch for specifics as Transformed again hits the road to impact the women of Indiana for the Gospel of Christ.

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AROUND THE STATE SUMMER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 19

AROUND THE STATE PREVENTING FRAUD

Preventing Fraud Fraud hits all types of organizations, including churches. Many churches believe it won’t happen to them. They prefer to trust people. Unfortunately, not all people are worthy of trust and those most trusted are often the ones who use their position to gain access to church resources. It is important to trust church leaders and volunteers, but it is also important to be good stewards of God’s money.

Here are some important steps to put in place in order to help prevent fraud: • Make sure your church has financial policies in writing. Everyone handling financials should have access to those policies.

“Unfortunately, not all people • Run annual background checks and credit reports on all those are worthy of trust and those handling financials.

• While it is not feasible for most churches to do an external audit, most trusted are often the ones it would be beneficial to do internal audits. Look into creating a who use their position to gain small team who have no responsibility with the financials to review access to church resources.” procedures and finance records.

Other simple controls to implement include: • At least two people should collect and count the offering. People who are related should not count money together. The same two people should not be counting each week. Put a rotation in place so that different people are paired to count together.

• Offering counts should be reconciled with monthly bank statements. The monthly bank statements should be reviewed by someone having no responsibility for handling cash or writing checks.

• The offering should be deposited immediately with a bank. Consider using tamper evident deposit bags.

• Two signatures should be required for all checks or at least checks above a pre-determined nominal amount.

Putting these basic controls in place is a simple way to help prevent fraud within your church.

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AROUND THE STATE SCBI PRIORITY: PENETRATING DARKNESS

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SUNDAY, JUNE 12 - MONDAY, JUNE 13 “LIVE THIS”

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 “BE.ENCOURAGED.”

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scbi.org/sbcwiveslunch SUMMER SPRING 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 21

CHURCH NEWS

BLESSING FOR A CHURCH PLANT | GRATEFUL FOR YEARS OF SERVICE | GRACE STATION THRIFT SHOPPE

BLESSINGS FOR A CHURCH PLANT Legacy Stone Church - Westfield

God blessed Legacy Stone Church in Westfield with a great Easter Sunday. They celebrated the Resurrection with a Grand Opening to a new building that God provided. A great crowd gathered to worship the Lord.

Six new believers were baptized and ten people indicated that they confessed Jesus as Lord in the worship service.

Lead Pastor Joe Lightner and the church praise God, thanking Him and their church planting partners.

GRATEFUL FOR YEARS OF SERVICE First Baptist Church - Taylorsville

First Baptist Church of Taylorsville surprised Pastor Tom Collett and his wife Regena with a wonderful day on April 10, 2016, to celebrate their ten years of service. They enjoyed dinner, special music and singing, recognizing the years together with grateful hearts. They also look forward with hearts full of love and expectation. As Pastor Tom says, “God is good! All the time! We serve a great and awesome God!”

GRACE STATION THRIFT SHOPPE Graceland Baptist Church - New Albany

The Grace Station Thrift Shoppe in New Albany is a ministry of Graceland Baptist Church. By March 26, 2016, the anniversary of the day the door opened, they had sold over a $100,000 worth of merchandise.

Grace Station’s purpose is to “sell clothing and other items in order to invest in local ministries that do kingdom work.” About half of sales bring profit used to support local ministries, primarily the Choices for Women Pregnancy Care Center. Funds also help local ministries that provide food and assistance to the needy while being unashamedly evangelical.

Graceland distributed clothing in the past, but providing clothing at a low cost has proven more effective, giving people dignity while providing needed funds for other ministries.

Although prices are low, the quality is high. The Gospel is shared and people are encouraged by Scripture and prayer, as Grace Station lives up to its name.

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Muncie Chinese Christian Fellowship and Halteman Village Baptist Church - Muncie Muncie Chinese Christian Fellowship and Halteman Village Baptist Church share the same building.

They also share God’s heart to reach others for Christ. This year was their second Easter Sunday to share the same facility. Muncie Chinese Christian Fellowship had four baptisms during their morning service.

A NIGHT TO SHINE

Refuge Church - Sellersburg Valentine’s Day weekend may traditionally be reserved for couples. However, Refuge Church, a small church plant of 30 people in Sellersburg, took on a God-sized task to bless others. They hosted “A Night to Shine,” a free prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation for students with special needs.

On Friday, February 12, over 200 volunteers and 125 guests enjoyed a fabulous evening together! Guests were greeted with a red carpet and cheering. Food, dancing, karaoke and plenty of smiles filled the fun evening. Tim Tebow via video crowned all of the guests as kings and queens of the prom. Cheers, tears and smiles followed. The event was a true success!

How did a small church plant do it? Shea Allen, pastor of Refuge, called it an act of God. “This was God showing off.” Only God could bring together the many people needed. What might He do through you or your church to reach your local community with His Good News? Ask Him.

ABOVE EXPECTATIONS FOR MISSIONS First Southern Baptist Church - Clarksville

First Southern Baptist Church of Clarksville is committed to supporting missions, with 20% of their church receipts going to the Cooperative Program, 2% to Associational Missions and 1% to Special Local Ministry. Knowing the need of the International Mission Board, they set their 2015 Lottie Moon Christmas offering goal at $20,000 - their highest ever. The church surpassed their goal and collected $25,387.46 for international missions! Still thinking big, the church set their 2016 Annie Armstrong goal at $8,500. Receipts totaled $8,955. Praise God!

SUMMER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 23

WORKING TOGETHER | NIGHT TO SHINE | ABOVE EXPECTATIONS FOR MISSIONS

This Easter also marked the second Sunday for Pastor DeWayne Chadwick and his wife Lori with Halteman Village Baptist Church. Pastor Chadwick and Pastor Michael Lin look forward to their congregations working together to meet the needs of Muncie and the world in Christ.

CHURCH NEWS

WORKING TOGETHER

7805 State Rd 39 Martinsville, IN 46151

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