Profiles in
Missions WINTER 2016 VOLUME 59 NUMBER 4
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
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Cecil Seagle COMMUNICATIONS TEAM LEADER Steve McNeil GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Greg Cooper COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Bev Olonoh CONVENTION PRESIDENT Bruce Reynolds CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD David Cullison COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Jamie Murphy
FEATURE FOCUS
12 PROFILES IN MISSIONS
Read stories about Indiana Baptists who are being used in God’s Kingdom building - overseas and in Indiana.
EDITORIALS
04 THANK YOU, INDIANA BAPTISTS 09 RECOGNIZING EFFECTIVENESS 11 TANGIBLE CHRISTIAN MEMORIES 18 WORSHIP AND EQUIPPING CENTER 19 NEW OVERTIME RULES 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 Accountable Accounting By Kyle Brennan
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08
AROUND THE STATE
06 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
Reports of God’s work in and through our convention, updates to Bylaws and gratitude for leadership transpired.
08 DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRY
Volunteers express God’s love by giving time and energy to help those in extreme need following area disasters.
09 PURE GIRL: GOD’S PRINCESS
Young girls and their moms, grandmas or mentors delighted in time together and with the Lord, who moved in their lives.
20 BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF INDIANA
A lot can happen in a short time. Read reflections on 2016 by your Foundation President.
CHURCH NEWS
CHANGED 22 LIVES NEW PASTOR IN CONNERSVILLE NEW PASTOR IN VINCENNES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
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. Southside Baptist Church, Boonville: bi-vocational Senior Pastor. Send resume to Pastor Search, Southside Baptist Church, PO Box 511, Boonville, IN 47601 or vette5@sbcglobal.net.
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. New Hope Church, Carmel: part-time English Minister / Youth Pastor. Submit resume and personal statement to cookemup.ec@gmail.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 psc@mywarrenbaptist.com or Warren Baptist Church, 9501 E. 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Warren Baptist Church, Indianapolis: part-time Children/Youth Minister. Send resume to psc@mywarrenbaptist.com or Warren Baptist Church, 9501 E. 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. Find more listings and updates at www.scbi.org under Resources.
WELCOME NEW CONGREGATIONS Christ Community Church, Cedar Lake (Keith Scott) Family Fellowship Church, Shoals (Jim Biehle) Gospel Grove Church, Bargersville (Josh Crisp) Roca de Salvacion, New Albany (Ugandi Avila) Senda de Luz, Clarksville (Yurian Santiesteban) Servant Fellowship, Boonville (Ryan Moore) Sundance Community Church, Zionsville (McKeel Bowden) The Good Shepherd Church, Indianapolis (Brad Nally)
NEW SENIOR PASTORS
Jeremiah Burdon (Western Avenue Baptist Church, Connersville) Glen Flowers (Cypress Baptist Church, Boonville) Jonathan Titsworth (Heritage Baptist Church, Vincennes)
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) 27-30 Cross for the Nations Conference, Indianapolis Conference Center
JANUARY Month of Prayer for Southern Baptist Convention 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 Youth Leaders Training 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
MARCH
3-4 Transformed, Graceland Baptist Church, New Albany 5-12 Week of Prayer for North American Missions 6-7 Executive Board Meeting 12 Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions In-gathering
APRIL
7-8 Transformed, Sunnycrest Baptist Church, Marion 14 Good Friday (SCBI Office closed) 21-22 Exalt Him Student Worship Retreat, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp
MAY
7-14 Week of Prayer for Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 14 Highland Lakes Baptist Camp Offering In-gathering 19-20 Man Camp, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 29 Memorial Day (SCBI Office closed)
CALENDAR WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 3
I GIVE
thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THANK YOU, INDIANA BAPTISTS
THANK YOU, INDIANA BAPTISTS GOOD BYE...
is a difficult proposition for Peggie and me. Frankly…. • We don’t like the separation of good bye; • We are stressed with the alteration of wonderful friendships; • We are already missing what we know to be true, an alteration of our relationship developed and grown over these years together!
SO, WHAT CAN WE SAY? ...
Thank you for loving us and praying for us for five years and eight months. Thank you for encouragement beyond the norm – a call or e-mail to ask how we are making it. Thank you for Kingdom, Gospel conversations seeking to reach Indiana with His Great Gospel.
Thank you for honoring Christ by candid conversations, loving response and great followship. Thank you for providing and allowing me to lead the finest Ministry Team in all the land.
WITH THAT, PEGGIE AND I...
close this time together by simply telling you how thankful we are that you trusted us to lead; you loved us like Jesus and we leave a massive portion of our hearts in Indiana. Hoosier Baptists, you are absolutely the best and WE LOVE YOU DEARLY!!!
CECIL AND PEGGIE SEAGLE Words of Wisdom
“They
“Collaborate, communicate, coordinate.”
4 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
have a
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“Need
to develop
leaders who will
lead.”
AROUND THE STATE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL CONVENTION MEETING
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“Shining Through the Darkness” was the theme of the 2016 Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, based on Ephesians 5:8 “For you were once darkness, but now (you are) light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light….” SCBI church messengers and guests met at The Palms Conference Center in Plainfield on October 10-11. Attendees heard team reports and celebrated God’s work in strengthening and planting churches, as well as the life-changing decisions made at camps.
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The meeting provided an opportunity to express appreciation for the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Cecil Seagle, whose resignation is effective at the end of the year. Special recognitions were presented by Dr. Frank Page on behalf of the SBC Executive Committee, by Dr. Guy Key representing the IMB and by Dr. David Cullison as Chairman of the SCBI Executive Board. Dr. Seagle preached from Revelation 19:11-17 in his final message to the SCBI with a powerful call to “Take Me to the King.” In our current culture, churches need to “keep the focus on Jesus and bring a lost world to the King.” The convention approved the 2017 budget of $4,290,680. This is a 5.7% increase over the 2016 budget and is based on anticipated receipts of 56% in Cooperative Program funds, 21% from NAMB, 17% from fees, 1% from LifeWay and 5% from other sources. The approved budget designates 40% of the Cooperative Program receipts to be sent to SBC for national and international causes. This is an increase over the previous year.
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The Executive Board recommended a Bylaw change, providing a personal and proactive approach to dealing with churches that have not met the basic requirements of being a cooperating church. SCBI Bylaws list the criteria for cooperation as giving to the Cooperative Program or the Indiana State Missions Offering and turning in basic information in the Annual Church Profile each year. To that end, a team of SCBI representatives will meet with the church in question to discuss any problems and determine whether the church desires to reaffirm cooperation. 6 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
AROUND THE STATE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL CONVENTION MEETING
The convention elected new officers:
• Bruce Reynolds (pastor of Old Town Hill Baptist Church in Muncie) as President. • Roger Kinion (pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Greenfield) as 1st Vice President. • Randy Forsythe (pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Portage) as 2nd Vice President. • Sandy Irick (member of Vann Avenue Baptist Church, Evansville) as Recording Secretary.
The next annual meeting will be held in the new Worship and Equipping Center at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp on October 9-10, 2017.
WINTER FALL 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 7
AROUND THE STATE DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRY
winds of a tornado or the rising waters of a flood, you will see “gold shirts” in action. In the first nine months of 2016, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) workers have contributed over 83,055 volunteer days, have made 27,917 ministry contacts, have presented the gospel 3,055 times and have been part of 397 people coming to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior! Indiana Disaster Relief is equipped to help our churches reach out in the name of Christ to those who stand in need of a Shepherd. Whenever a natural disaster strikes, you can be confident that SBDR is among the first to arrive and the last to leave!
Disaster Relief
Ministry
We live a world that is filled with hurting people. Many have had the world come crashing over them like a tidal wave of destruction. Scripture is clear: when humanity hurts we help! No matter the situation, our Lord calls on Christians to reach out with compassion to offer help along life’s difficult journey. That is the specialty of the ministries of Disaster Relief. Indiana Disaster Relief exists to assist our churches in offering “Help, Healing, and Hope to Hurting Humanity.” We respond when disaster strikes. Whether it is a crisis caused by the powerful
We need your help! Can I ask you to pray? • Pray that we will be able to increase our volunteer base. There is so much to do and we must have more people involved. • Pray that we will always be sensitive to those who are hurting. • Pray that we will be able to have financial resources on hand so that we can instantly respond to a crisis. • Pray that we would be able to construct an Indiana Disaster Relief Learning Center at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp. We have received a substantial gift that puts us part of the way to achieving this dream. If we can help your congregation, contact our office at 317.481.2400 ext. 220 or rhillard@scbi.org. We will be thrilled to help you learn more about Indiana Disaster Relief Ministries.
Prayer Point Tender Shepherd, praise You for Your heart of mercy. Use us as Your servants to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of those devastated by life’s trauma. 8 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
BY DR. RICK HILLARD
Recognizing the Cooperative Program’s Effectiveness
Gratitude for work accomplished through the CP is high, as funds are stewarded to advance God’s Kingdom across the nations. However, there is an alarming concern for the future of CP. Over the last few years, the average percentage that churches give through the CP has steadily declined. In the 1980s churches forwarded around 10% of undesignated gifts through CP. Today that figure hovers between 5.5% and 6%. Pray with us that the Lord will guide each church in generous giving to His work. Let’s celebrate what God has done through our CP gifts. Let’s recognize much more remains to be done. The need for Gospel commitment and cooperation is higher than ever before. This is a commitment for which the Cooperative Program is strategically vital. For promotional resources, or more information on the Cooperative Program please contact our office at 317.481.2400 ext. 220, or rhillard@scbi.org
Pure Girl: God’s Princess “I led my granddaughter to Christ! I had been praying for her for several months and this weekend she said she wanted to follow Christ and I had the privilege to share this decision with her. Thank you… thank you.” This was the testimony of a grandma at Pure Girl this year. God spoke through Dana James to the hearts of every woman and girl that attended the weekend event. She affirmed that as a believer, each is a princess – a child of God, created a special purpose! Abby Howard Ministries led the women and girls in worship of the King. They also enjoyed a PJ party filled with crafts, campfire, s’mores and fun! God moved in awesome ways, turning hearts to Himself and encouraging women and girls to pray for each other. It is a wonderful weekend for women and girls to seek the face of God together. If you have a special girl in your life age 8-12, you do not want to miss Pure Girl: BRAVE, September 22-23, 2017.
WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 9
RECOGNIZING THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM’S EFFECTIVENESS | PURE GIRL: GOD’S PRINCESS
Since Southern Baptists’ inauguration of the Cooperative Program (CP), it has been one of the evangelical world’s most effective tools. Together we cooperate and deploy the largest missionary force in existence today. Together we cooperate and provide world class, affordable theological education for thousands who have answered God’s call to ministry. Together we cooperate and support ministries in our communities and around the world. CP is without equal as a proven tool for Kingdom advance.
AROUND THE STATE
Committed Cooperation
For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/transformed
As Christian parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, neighbor, or friend, are you helping a child or teen create tangible spiritual memories? Get started with a couple of these ideas.
Celebrate your child’s “spiritual birthday” with a gift. Celebrate big when your child accepts Christ as Savior and is baptized. On that anniversary each year, go out for a milkshake and chat about God’s work in his or her life. Commemorate it with a small gift that points to Jesus, such as a Christian book, jewelry, CD, DVD or art.
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Relate God’s Word to life adventures. If the child is a soccer player, bug-collector, Lego expert or musician, find an inspiring Scripture to fit that interest. Frame the verse to display in a prominent area. If you frame an especially great photo of your child, add an inspiring Bible verse. Even when there are problems—from bullies to bruises—post an appropriate Scripture to inspire your child.
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Gather facts about your family’s Christian heritage. If you research family ancestry, watch for clues about God’s influence. As you create family tree documents, add a special Christian category for facts about Christian beliefs and activities. Add details about relatives you knew personally, such as their relationship with Christ, salvation experience or involvement in Christian work.
Take photos of Christ-oriented activities. Yes, keep taking pictures of touchdowns, travel and tree houses, but also capture your child praying or reading Scripture. Capt pictures with Christian role models, Sunday School, special church events, ministry projects, church camp, and photos that show the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
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Keep a chronological list of Christian markers. Write dates of your child’s salvation, baptism, ministry projects, mission trips, special classes or events. If he or she memorizes Scripture keep a list. Encourage your child to keep a Bible reading journal or prayer log. Since a child’s journey toward God begins before salvation, why not chronicle some God-steps in the baby book, such as favorite Bible stories, first prayer, first “thank you,” answered prayers, first memorized Scripture verse and so on. Those written lists of Christian milestones and everyday life will mount up!
You are committed to teaching and encouraging your children to know, love and serve Jesus. Tangible reminders of their personal Christian story will reinforce that teaching. Get tangible today!
© Diana
Davis www.dianadavis.org WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 11
TANGIBLE CHRISTIAN MEMORIES
1
AROUND THE STATE
Tangible Christian Memories
Dave and Deb Wilson
The Wilsons write, “What is God doing in our lives? Teaching us to be obedient! Teaching us the power of prayer! Teaching us that He is faithful!” 12 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
FEATURE FOCUS
PROFILES IN MISSIONS “As the Father has sent, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
Jesus sends out all of His followers with the power of His Spirit to share the Good News of His
PROFILE: OBEDIENCE Two years ago, Dave and Deb Wilson followed God’s leading to serve in Ecuador. They have seen God work in amazing ways. In just this year they have planted three new churches. They have been used to send six men for intense seminary training in Quito, Ecuador. The Wilsons recognize that they are part of something much bigger than themselves. The Lord has raised up four SCBI churches that currently partner with them financially. The partnership agreements of adoption require a three-year commitment. Partner churches agree to send teams at least once each year of the partnership. The purpose is to involve church members in building relationships and discipling new believers. The SCBI partners also commit to pray for the church leaders by name each week and assist with minimal expenses to help with rent of church buildings. As well as mission teams from many SCBI churches, SBC churches from other states have sent groups to help the Wilsons. Dave and Deb have working relationships with the IMB, Reaching & Teaching Ministries, the National Baptist Convention in Ecuador and other missionaries from around the world. There are unlimited opportunities to minister to children in communities, as well as in churches. Deb is beginning her second year teaching the Bible as she teaches English in an elementary school. The kids are eager and faithful to learn about the Lord. God has opened doors for new works in the coastal area after the earthquake in April 2016. Many communities have requested the Wilsons to come and teach the Bible. This includes invitations from the police department to preach the Gospel in their communities. The mayor of Atacames asked for the Wilsons to return after he received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Invitations keep coming. There are people on a waiting list to be disciples. Help is needed! The call goes out to more SCBI churches to adopt communities and disciple new believers in Ecuador. If you want to know more, please contact Danny Williams at dianaw@iendeavor.com or 317-518-5966. WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 13
PROFILES IN MISSIONS
Gospel to a spiritually lost world. In this issue we are sharing a few of the many stories of how God is using Indiana Baptists in His Kingdom building.
FEATURE FOCUS PROFILES IN MISSIONS
PROFILE: CHURCH PLANTING
“ In March of 2015, soon after launching Empowerment Church, God gave Journey
Church the opportunity to send out Shea and Allison Allen in partnership with
”
SCBI and NAMB.
One of the most effective ways we can join Jesus on mission in Indiana is to be involved in church planting. During the SCBI Annual Meeting in October, we celebrated how the Lord is using several of our churches through church planting. Each of these churches and church plants impact Christ’s Kingdom not only by reaching people around them, but reaching people around the world by giving regularly through the Cooperative Program.
Church Aligned with SCBI and Partners in Sending Hope’s Point Baptist in Shelbyville, an established church, affiliated with SCBI in early 2015. Pastor Ed Mohr and his congregation quickly partnered with SCBI and NAMB to send out Bryan and Vanessa Sullivan as a planter couple to Fairland. The Sullivans planted Redeemed Community Church, which now averages 90 in worship attendance. The new congregation celebrated two more baptisms in September. Bryan expressed gratitude for how his plant has benefited greatly from its sending church, as Hope’s Point has always offered to do more than what is asked to help the new congregation reach its community for Christ. 14 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
In August of 2015, Hope’s Point Church agreed to partner with SCBI and NAMB to be the sending church for Nicolas and Josefa Sebastian to start a Hispanic church plant. Hope’s Point provides a place to meet and whatever support this new congregation needs to reach its fast-growing people group in the Shelbyville area. Today Iglesia Bautista Punto de Esperanza averages 65 in worship attendance. They celebrated eight baptisms this year. Pastor Nicolas and his church are very grateful for how Pastor Ed and Hope’s Point Church have blessed them in their ministry to the Hispanic community.
A Small Church Plant Sends Out Three Healthy Plants in One Year! Journey Church in New Albany began in 2010 with Jeff Jackson as the planter. God grew the new congregation to an average worship attendance in the sixties. They were able to add Brad Walker on staff as the Associate Pastor. The church began praying about sending out another church plant. God brought Everett and Cindy Pimpleton, who sensed God’s calling to plant a multi-ethnic church in inner-city New Albany. Journey Church chose to partner with SCBI and NAMB to be the sending
FEATURE FOCUS
church for the plant Empowerment Church. Today that congregation averages 27 in worship and is changing lives through its ministry in an urban context. In March of 2015, soon after launching Empowerment Church, God gave Journey Church the opportunity to send out Shea and Allison Allen in partnership with SCBI and NAMB. Today Refuge Church in Sellersburg averages 35 in worship. God is helping them identify new leaders who will
What About Your Church?
become church planters. Still, the Lord had even more plans to involve Journey Church in church planting! In November of 2015, He led them to send out Associate Pastor Brad Walker to plant Redeemer Church in Jeffersonville in partnership with SCBI and NAMB. Today this new congregation averages 39 in worship attendance and celebrates what God has done through their sending church. Redeemer Church has benefited greatly from Journey Church and her sister plants, knowing that they are praying for them regularly and cheering them on. Journey Church has grown from a church attendance in the mid-sixties to now having a combined attendance of almost 200 people across two counties in Southeast Indiana. The church plants join together for special occasions, such as baptism services. They rejoice in those who have responded to the Gospel because one small church plant was willing to be obedient to Jesus’ sending
Will you join Jesus in His sending mission through church planting? Whether you are a large church or a small church, an older established church or a new church plant, you can be a sending church that partners with SCBI and NAMB to launch a new church plant this year. Perhaps your church isn’t ready to become a sending church, but would like to be a supporting church through: • Praying for a planter. • Inviting a church planter to share about his ministry at your church. • Providing volunteers to help a planter with an outreach project. • Providing office space, worship space or items a planter needs to get his church started. • Providing items to bless the planter’s family. When you get involved with Jesus in church planting and see Him change lives this year, we guarantee that you can be a celebrating church! Contact John Horn, SCBI Church Planting Team Leader (jhorn@scbi.org or 812-454-6615) for information.
Prayer Point Lord, the fields are ripe for harvest. Send us out as Your workers –reaching our local neighbors and those to the ends of the world! Grow Your Kingdom for Your glory!
WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 15
PROFILES IN MISSIONS
mission. Journey Church initially took a hit in their attendance and by giving up some of their leaders. It took them some time to regain their momentum, but God has proven that He is certainly big enough to sustain four local churches above and beyond what they could have imagined.
FEATURE FOCUS
PROFILES IN MISSIONS
PROFILE: READY TO GO
“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 God gave Scot Darrow* a desire for missions since his first trip overseas in 2003. However, the specific call to go did not come until two years ago. Initially, Scot’s wife Hannah* rejected the idea of serving overseas. But God began convicting her heart. A while later she called Scot on his way home from work saying they should look into the International Mission Board (IMB). They began the application process that day. When contacted in October for this article, the Darrows were preparing for their sending ceremony in November. Scot exudes his thankfulness to Almighty God who
16 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
would allow them to be part of what He is doing to reconcile people to Himself through Jesus. They are being commissioned by the IMB to go to the Republic of Georgia, a small country on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. In Tbilisi alone, there are over 1.1 million people in fifteen different people groups. Fourteen of those groups are unreached by the Gospel. Three of those fourteen groups have no access to the Good News of Jesus Christ at all. Please pray for these missionaries from one of our SCBI churches. Ask God to guide and empower them in: • Learning the language • Cultural integration • Ministry opportunities *Names changed for security.
AROUND THE STATE
AROUND THE STATE
WORSHIP AND EQUIPPING CENTER
Worship and Equipping C BY JIM SHIELDS, CAMP
enter
TEAM LEADER
The newest building being constructed at the camp is to be used as a Worship and Equipping Center. It measures 76’x90’, not including the front porch, and will accommodate 400-450 individuals at one time. It was deemed necessary over a year ago, as the existing facility only holds a maximum of 300 individuals. Praise God for the growth in the use of our camp! The Worship and Equipping Center is a metal building, constructed to aesthetically parallel existing structures and the camp experience. This addition will bring more flexibility in accommodating guests, as the existing chapel will become a multi-purpose facility. It will be used for smaller conferencing, as an indoor recreation center, and for additional dining area. The result: more space to reach more lives for more Kingdom impact! The cost to complete construction is roughly $500,000. We began to raise awareness and solicit funding over a year ago. Our intent is to complete the building without incurring any debt. Therefore, the agreement with the general contractor specified that building would progress as funding was available. Hopefully, you have seen the progress on the Highland Lakes Camp Facebook page. God has been faithful in providing capable general contractor and subcontractors. Construction has progressed to the point of near completion. Exterior doors have been installed, exterior lighting has been installed, all plumbing and electrical has been roughed in. HVAC is being installed and drywall installation may be done by the time you read this. The building looks great! Many churches, individuals, and organizations have contributed generously to get us to this point. There is still a need of about $50,000 to finish. Let us know if the Lord leads you to give: jim@highlandlakes.org or 317-481-2400 ext. 200.
18 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
AROUND AROUND THE THE STATE STATE The US Department of Labor (DOL) has made an overtime ruling that could potentially effect 4.2 million workers across the country. This new overtime rule will go into effect December 1, 2016. Non-profits, including churches, are not exempt from these rules. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) currently states that unless an employee is exempt, employees covered by the Act must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate not less than time and one-half of their regular rates of pay. Currently, to qualify as exempt, employees must receive a salary and have executive, administrative or professional duties. The job duties test will be important to look carefully at. The DOL duty titles are not necessarily what you might think when you hear the names. Under the new rule, the salary threshold increases from $23,660 to $47,476 yearly or from $445 to $913 a week. Hourly employees are always eligible for overtime pay. Generally, ministers are not covered under FLSA laws. The Department of Labor will automatically update the threshold every three years beginning in 2020. Here are some different options for leadership to consider for complying with the new rules: • Raise salaries to meet the new thresholds. • Pay overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 per week. • Limit the employee’s hours to 40 per week. • Adjust base pay down and pay overtime. Church leadership will need to review this carefully for each of their employees. It is also important to note that offering compensation time in a different week will not work. For more information on these new rules and what qualifies an employee as exempt, please visit the Department of Labor’s web site www.dol.gov.
SEND YOUR NEWS! Has God been at work in or through your church or ministry? Give Him the glory - share His story! Others will be encouraged to read how God is at work through His people. Email stories and high resolution pictures to ib@scbi.org. Other submission options can be found online: www.scbi.org/ib; click on Submit Articles/Ads.
WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 19
NEW OVERTIME RULES
New Overtime Rules
A lot can happen in a
short time...
Did you know that an elephant’s gestational period is 21 3021 East 71st Street Indianapolis IN 46220 Jennifer Hall President 317.481.2400 x 300 jennifer@inbatistfoundation.org Jennifer Coker Marketing & Development Associate jcoker@inbaptistfoundation.org
The Baptist Investment Fund Now available to Individuals as well as Churches Demand Account One Year CD Two Year CD Three Year CD Five Year CD
1.00-1.50% 1.75% 2.00% 2.50% 3.00%
Accounts are not FDIC insured and are offered by “Offering Circular” ONLY. Rates subject to change.
months? A rabbit’s gestational period is a mere 31 days. A 2014 Survey of Construction from the Census Bureau reported that the average completion time of a single-family home is around seven months, which usually includes around 25 days from authorization to start and then six months to finish the construction. I read that NASA will pay you $5,000 to lie in bed for 90 days. Test subjects lie with their legs elevated to mimic the extended lack of muscle use similar to what astronauts experience in space. Subjects are not allowed to do any physical activity, but can watch TV, read or use computers. That’s three months of paid lounging. However, if you do the math it’s only about $2.31 an hour. I think I could find a better use of my time. A lot can happen in a short time. As 2016 comes to an end, I’ve reflected on how we’ve spent our time in service to the Baptist Foundation of Indiana. Here • • • • • • • • • •
are a few things that have happened. In 2016 we have: Increased our assets under management to $6.3 million Accepted $1,400,000 in new investments Offered $1,700,000 in church loans Held seven seminars Performed 11 consultations with individuals and churches Led one capital fundraising campaign Moved our office to Northside Baptist Church Changed our logo and updated all printed materials Hosted two board meetings Praised God for His provision and grace
On behalf of the Baptist Foundation of Indiana, I would like to thank you for your continued support of our ministry. Many exciting things have happened and we attribute this success to God’s faithfulness and the support of people like you. It is my pleasure to serve the Foundation and SCBI. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for 2017. Blessings,
www.inbaptistfoundation.org Jennifer Hall President, BFI
[Back Row] Jim Fitzgerald, David Lewis, Max Garwood, Dennis King, Ken Booster, Carlton Reed, Jennifer Hall, Jeff Joyce [Front Row] Dr. Terry Truitt, Daniel Titus, Jerry Miller, Jennifer Coker (Not Pictured – Alan Marcum) A special thank you to Max Garwood and Alan Marcum for their many years of service to The Baptist Foundation of Indiana’s Board of Directors.
Welcome new Board members:
Current members of the Board of Directors
Tony Manning serves as associate pastor at Gasburg Baptist Church, Mooresville.
Michele Dehabey is a member of Waynedale Baptist Church in Fort Wayne. Tammy Long serves on the Stewardship Committee of Northside Baptist Church, Indianapolis,
WIVES_IN_MINISTRY
AROUND THE STATE XXXXXXXXX
JANUARY 13ďšş14, 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 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.
$25 (housing not included) Highland Lakes Camp For more information and to register, go to www.scbi.org/wivesinministry
For more information or to register go to www.scbi.org/youthleadersretreat 22 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
LIVES CHANGED
CHURCH NEWS
NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH - HUNTINGTON Under the leadership of Pastor Jimi Staton, New Life Fellowship Church in Huntington opened Women’s Life House in July of 2013 to provide shelter, food, and safety for women in need. Recently, they shared the testimonies of two women whose lives were changed through the Women’s Life House (WLH).
Alex returned to WLH when she was finally ready to do what it takes to make the real changes needed in her life. “I’m tired. I want my life back. I want my children back. I don’t want the drugs anymore. I see the good things that are in clean people’s lives, I want that. I want it now before it’s too late.” Alex continued, “The WLH has given me a safe place to make these changes. I like that it’s faith based. There is a connection between church and the WLH. It’s about second chances. I need the second chance. I am a recovering heroin addict and God has been my biggest help. I’ve been clean for six months.”
NEW PASTOR IN CONNERSVILLE
WESTERN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH - CONNERSVILLE Jeremiah Burdon has been called by Western Avenue Baptist Church in Connersville to serve as their pastor. As the son of a pastor, Jeremiah laughingly shares, “Growing up in a pastor’s house was like growing up in a glass house and that took away any shyness.” Jeremiah, his wife Debbie and their young son Elijah moved to Connersville from southern Illinois. Western Avenue Baptist Church welcomed their new pastor and are eager to see God’s leadership as they reach their community and beyond for Christ.
NEW PASTOR IN VINCENNES HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH - VINCENNES
Heritage Baptist Church in Vincennes called Jonathan Titsworth as their new pastor. Jonathan comes from Robinson, IL, where he attended Lincoln Trail College. He graduated from Hannibal LaGrange University, MO, with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible. Jonathan is pursuing a Master of Divinity through The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Christian Ministry. Jonathan’s wife Tara graduated from Vincennes University with a degree in Physical Therapy. Jonathan senses God’s blessing in the call to serve at Heritage Baptist Church and in the community. He and Tara are excited to be part of God’s mighty work in Vincennes.
WINTER 2016 | INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE | 23
VISITING YOUTH CHOIR | PLANTING CHURCHES
In Larissa’s first two months at the WLH, she was able to get her high school diploma, secure a job at McDonald’s and was working on getting her driving permit. WHL has been “life alternating” for Larissa, who was saved while being in the program. She shared, “I’m glad that I came here. I still have a lot of growing to do.”
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