Indiana Baptist Winter 2018 by State Convention of Baptists in Indiana

> CONTENTS

FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE The Times They are a Changinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

ACCOUNTABLE ACCOUNTING Tax Exemptions

RETREAT WRAP-UP Unshakeable Pursuit of Missions

RETREAT WRAP-UP Just One Thing

RETREAT WRAP-UP Pure Girl 2018

HIGHLAND LAKES BAPTIST CAMP The Good Ground

MAKE IT COUNT

COMMITTED COOPERATION Team Immediately Sprang into Action

FRESH IDEAS Rest on Purpose

BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF INDIANA Making an Impact for Christ

AROUND THE STATE

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SUBMISSIONS www.scbi.org/ib ib@scbi.org 7805 State Road 39 Martinsville, IN 46151

INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE || WINTER 2018

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dr. Steve McNeil CONVENTION PRESIDENT Bobby Pell CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Greg Byman COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Scott McDowell COMMUNICATIONS TEAM LEADER Dr. Steve McNeil COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Alison Blankenship GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Greg Cooper

MINISTRY

OPENINGS

PASTOR POSITIONS Calvary Baptist Church, Greenwood: Full-time Senior Pastor. Please send resume to cbc. gwood.search@gmail.com or Calvary Baptist Church Search Committee, c/o Mindy Donoho, 8074 Bentley Bend Court, Indianapolis, IN 46259. Christ Community Church(CCC), Vincennes: Bi-vocational or full-time Pastor. Send resume to cccfoxridge@yahoo.com. Gasburg Baptist Church, Mooresville: Full-time Associate Pastor - Director of Children/Youth Ministries. Send resume to pastorsearchgasburgbaptist@gmail.com. Ladoga Baptist Church, Ladoga: Bi-vocational pastor. Please send resume to rgardner31611@gmail.com. New Point Baptist Church, New Point: Bi-vocational Senior Pastor. Send resume to gmlanning1234@yahoo.com. Remington Family Church, Remington: Part-time Revitalizing Senior Pastor. Send resume to gcmin@comcast.net or P.O. Box 183, Remington, IN 47977. Rising Hope Baptist Church, Nashville: Bi-vocational Senior Pastor. Send resume to risinghopebaptist@gmail.com. Sugar Creek Baptist Church, Greenfield: Full-time Senior Pastor. Send resume to Greg Fullerton, 3266 S 600 W, New Palestine, IN 46163.

Find more listings and updates at www.scbi.org/indianaministryopenings

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2-9 Week of Prayer for International Missions 9 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for IMB 24-31 Christmas Holiday (SCBI Office closed)

2019 JANUARY Southern Baptist Convention Call to Prayer

1 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Holiday (SCBI office closed) 21 Martin Luther King Jr Day (SCBI office closed) 20 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

FEBRUARY

8-9 Wives in Ministry Retreat, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 10 Racial Reconciliation Sunday

MARCH

8-9 4-5 3-10 10

PRIL A 6 12-13 19

Transformed, Calvary Baptist Church, Seymour Executive Board Meeting Week of Prayer for North American Missions Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions In-gathering VBS Training, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp Transformed, Sunnycrest Baptist Church, Marion Good Friday (SCBI Office closed)

MAY NEW CONGREGATIONS

Iglesia Camino Eterno, Indianapolis (Emilio Gaspar) Church of God of the Upper Room, Indianapolis (Elie Vendredi)

6-13 Week of Prayer for Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 19 Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 18-19 Man Camp, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp 27 Memorial Day (SCBI Office closed)

NEW SENIOR PASTORS

Chad McCool (Prairie Park Baptist Church, Terre Haute) Ernesto Fernandez (Primera Iglesia de Clarksville, Clarksville) Gary Haines (Risen Saviour Bible Church, North Vernon) Jeff Matthews (First Baptist Church, Crothersville) Jon Jackson (Turning Point Church, Scottsburg) Mark Sanders (Faith Family Church, Frankfort) Matt Gullion (First Baptist Church, Ossian) Taylor Quinley (Oolitic Baptist Church, Oolitic)

View the online calender at scbi.org/calendar

WINTER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE

From the Executive Director Dr. Steve McNeil, Executive Director

The Times They Are a Changin’ The 2018 annual meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana was held at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp. We heard passionate sermons from our convention President Bruce Reynolds and from Alan Scott who presented the annual sermon. Both of these men shared their hearts for Indiana Baptists being all that God desires us to be in Christ. The meeting was attended by 160 messengers and 53 guests for a total of 213 people which represented 80 churches. We are living in changing times. Bob Dylan wrote an anthem in 1963 by the title, “The Times They are a Changin’.” It’s hard to believe that was 55 years ago. But the truth of that title is still true in our country and in our culture. It is also true with our State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. Over the past few months, the Executive Board made decisions to try to help us find the best ways possible to impact our churches and the lostness in Indiana. These decisions were affirmed at the state convention. Let me describe a couple of those changes! The world of communications is an ever-changing field. How we get our message out to our people, our churches and our leaders is critical to our effectiveness. For about 15 years the subscriptions to the Indiana Baptist Magazine has been decreasing. The internet and the presence of a web page is the number one way people find out about what is going on in your organization, church, association or convention. With these realities and changes, the Communication Committee of the Executive Board and the SCBI staff agreed it was time to make a move away from our print copy of the Indiana Baptist Magazine (IBM) and move to a digital priority in our communication plan. This copy of the IBM will be the last “print” version produced. Starting after the first of the year, the IBM will be available either by subscription (we will email you a link to a copy of

”As we move in the 2019 year, remember that our two key emphasis in the Mile Marker 2025 emphasis will be to evangelize and revitalize” the IBM that you view on your computer, or other digital devices), or you can continue to go to SCBI.org and click on the link for the digital version (https://www.scbi.org/ ministries/indiana-baptist-magazine). The Executive Board and the 2018 Annual Meeting of the State Convention of Baptists also voted to make an adjustment to our Cooperative Program (CP) giving. Due to a number of factors which include; • $544,000.00 decrease in giving to CP over the past 14 years, • $100,000.00 decrease in the 2019 proposed budget, • Changes in our funding with the North American Mission Board, • Changes in our ability to give personal support to our churches in the field with only five associations having a paid person to serve the churches in that association, which leaves nine associations being served with limited state convention staff (four people) and volunteers in the association. Factors like these have created an atmosphere that has led leaders around our state to say that we need to do something different to address these factors. This led the Executive Board, the SCBI staff and now the messengers at the annual meeting to vote overwhelmingly to change our CP giving formula from sending 40% of the CP giving through the SCBI to 35%. This will allow us to engage two or three part-time people to serve our churches who do not currently have a paid associational person to give leadership to these associations.

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This decision was not one that our state leaders choose easily. There was much prayer and discussion about other options but none were seen as viable or truly helpful. The one common thing that was heard in these discussions was “we want to help the churches.” We need to strengthen our churches and be better able to plant new, healthy churches as well. It is not an either or, but a both and process. It is the goal of the staff and Executive Board to begin working toward increasing the percentage back toward the 40% and even higher as we are able. It is already part of SCBI policies that when we exceed our budget in giving, then we automatically increase the percentage going on to our national partners. As we move in the 2019 year, remember that our two key emphasis in the Mile Marker 2025 emphasis will be to evangelize and revitalize. We want to work together as convention churches to reach people for Christ (evangelize) and to help each other help churches that need help, they need a boost (revitalize). If you need help with these areas, contact Rick Hillard (rhillard@scbi.org) about how to better evangelize and contact Bob Weeks (bweeks@scbi.org) about how you can engage in the revitalize conversation. We celebrate 60 years of ministry here in Indiana. 60 years of starting churches, helping churches reach people, doing VBS, teaching the Bible, preaching His Word, caring for one another, going to student and children’s camps and being about the Great Commission here in Indiana. Congratulations Indiana Baptists. Keep up the great work of serving, loving and giving. May the Lord add to His church daily. In Christ,

Revitalization Goal - all of our 14 associations prayerfully seek out at least two churches per year to help with revitalization efforts. This could be done through the associational church health team or a strong church helping a struggling church. That would be 28 churches each year helped with revitalization efforts. So by 2025 we can together help 224 of our churches.

Evangelism Goal - to see 50% of our 450 churches take the ESP 2020 Challenge. To develop an evangelism strategy. To implement that strategy and see every church in Indiana baptize at least one person every year. To witness the day when every church baptizes one person every month and ultimately, to see a person come to know Jesus as their savior every week in every church. Champion - Rick Hillard and our entire staff team.

Steve

WINTER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE

60 g n i t a r Celeb t the a years

G N I T E E M L A U N AN

The State Convention of Baptists in Indiana celebrated their 60th anniversary at their Annual Meeting this year, held October 8-9 at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp. 160 messengers and 53 guests were in attendance representing 80 churches across the state. The theme, “Exalting Jesus: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” was drawn from John 17:22-26, “ 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[a] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Attendees heard messages from three speakers: Convention President Bruce Reynolds, pastor of Old Town Hill Baptist Church, Muncie; the annual sermon from Rev. Alan Scott, pastor of Oak Hill Baptist Church, Evansville; and SCBI Executive Director Dr. Steve McNeil. The approved 2019 budget of $3,879,000 represents a 3.15% decrease over the 2018 budget amount. The 2019 budget anticipates $2,290,759 in CP receipts from churches, $857,000 from NAMB and $64,000 from LifeWay Christian Resources. The convention voted and approved to decrease the amount forwarded to the SBC to 35%.

Resolutions Committee member, Josh Goeprich, presented a resolution in appreciation of Highland Lakes Baptist Camp for their hospitality and service during the 60th meeting of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. Bobby Pell, pastor of Northwoods Church, Evansville, was elected the new SCBI president. Completing the new slate of officers are first vice president Randy Forsythe, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Portage; second vice president Josh Goepfrich, pastor of Warsaw Baptist Church, Warsaw; and recording secretary Sara Burk, a member of Grace Baptist Church, Evansville. The 2019 Annual Meeting will be held October 28-29 at Highland Lakes Baptist Camp.

Annie Armstrong (ad) or someting

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Accountable Accounting By Kyle Brennan

Tax Exemptions

Pastors and church treasurers often call our business office to ask different financial and legal questions. The question that is raised on a frequent basis is the clarification of church tax exemption. Tax exemption can mean a couple different things. On a federal level, the church can become tax-exempt under IRC section 501(c)(3). This section of the codes gives churches and other religious organizations exemption from federal income tax, and those organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for this exemption, the church must meet several IRS rules which can be found on the IRS website or on IRS Publication 1828. There are three ways that a church can be tax-exempt under this code. The first is automatically. This means that the church has to do nothing except meet the IRS requirements mentioned on the website or publication. The second way is by applying for their own exemption. This can be done by filing Form 1023 with the IRS. The third way is through a group exemption with a parent or central organization. This is available for churches in Indiana through the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

In order to get under the national SBC umbrella, three criteria must be met: 1. A church must be established and constituted. 2. The church must be financially supportive of SBC causes. 3. The church must be recognized by SCBI as a cooperating church. A second tax exemption the church should apply for is the state sales tax exemption. This is different from the 501(c)(3) exemption. This application can be found on the Indiana Department of Revenue website. It is important to note that you will need a 501(c)(3) exemption letter from the IRS or from the SBC if you are under their umbrella in order to complete this application. This does not mean that you still cannot purchase items and get the sales tax exemption. This can be done by simply filling out Indiana Form ST-105 and providing your Federal ID number in the State ID number space. If you would like to get under the SBC umbrella, please contact Morgan Roettele by email mroettele@sbc.net. You will need to provide the name and address of the church, as well as the name of the pastor. Please contact our Business Office at 317-481-2400 if you have any other questions regarding these exemptions.

Prayer Point Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your provisions,Your blessings and Your promises. Remind us daily of our need for You.Thank You for focusing our attention on You in unity during seasons and holidays. Help us to bring glory to You in our daily lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

WINTER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE

RETREAT WRAP-UP

SCBI Churches Gather Together in the

Unshakeable Pursuit of Missions Men, women and children gathered on August 11th at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield for this year’s Missions Lifeline Conference. The overarching goal was to learn how to know God more, show His love unconditionally and be challenged to go make disciples who make disciples. Participants heard from North American Mission Board (NAMB) and International Mission Board (IMB)

missionaries about front lines missions work. A great variety of breakout conferences were offered on a variety of topics like Bible Storying with Children, How to use Life-Changing Prayer Strategies to Reach Your Community, and Refugee Ministry to name just a few. Children who attended got to learn about what a refugee is and how SBC Missionaries are ministering to and reaching them for Christ, all while playing fun

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games, making crafts and eating unique food. A special Missions Expedition was held after the BBQ Lunch. Everyone visited each month of the year, gathering creative ways to be involved in mission action all year long. Lottie Moon tea cookies, Worldcrafts fair trade shopping, understanding how Pure Water, Pure Love water filtration helps our IMB missionaries and how Christmas in August helps our NAMB missionaries were just a few of the takeaways from the Expedition.

Here are a few words of testimony from the day: “I feel better equipped to be involved in missions. I know where to start.” “I am ready to do the calling of the Lord – at church and outside of it.”

“It has encouraged us to pray and do Missions Lifeline 2019 more missionally as a will be held on Saturday, family.” August 10th at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield. Plan now to bring your family or a group of missionshearted church members with you!

JUST ONE THING. Just One Thing… “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:27 was the focal verse and the overall theme for 2018’s Integris! SCBI MENistry Men’s Conference. Attended by over 170 men from across the state, this year’s retreat and conference provided an opportune time for men to fellowship, encourage and engage in what it means to live life as an all-out follower of Christ.

Friday night once again saw mouthwatering pork barbeque cooked to perfection by the men of Victory Baptist in Clinton. Following dinner, we moved to the Worship Center and were led in worship by Bo Warren, worship director of Immanuel Baptist in Lexington, KY. There is something absolutely powerful and inspiring when over 170 male voices unite together as one in song and praise. J.T. McCraw, Director of Men’s Ministry at Bethel World Church and president of Be Men Ministries, presented the word. JT brought the challenge both Friday and Saturday in a realistic manner, speaking to men about men, not pulling any punches. On Saturday, breakout sessions were led by some of our own SBC pastors; Michael Cramer, pastor at New Life, Oceola, led a session on Living a Legacy, while Josh Goepfrich, pastor of Warsaw Baptist, challenged us to Live Fit Fiscally and Physically. From Illinois, Tom Cheshire, president of RPM Ministries, encouraged us to think of ways to Live Life

PURE GIRL 2018

as Ministry. Finally, Jim Shields, Highland Lakes Team Leader, relayed a message of Living Life in Teamwork. Some of the comments from the participants included, “Quality Bible-based retreat for men,” “Speakers were open and honest about their past and struggles,” “Organization of different topics and small groups was very special,” “Reinforced (to me) the fact that our lives are on display at all times,” and “I feel called to action”. That last comment is one I want to focus on. You see, if all we do is have a good event with good food and good fellowship, we have done only a very small part of the overall goal. The goal of this, and any event of SCBI, is to “call to action”. Encourage our brothers in Christ to get “in the game,” quit going to church, and be the church. For the non-believers who attend, it should be a call to action to surrender and follow Christ. Those of us who are followers should set the example; it should be evident to all who see us that we are different, that we have something that others should want to experience. You see, we know what life is all about…..it’s Just One Thing. If you did not attend this year’s Conference, take heart….we will have one next year. September 13-14, right here at Highland Lakes. Our theme is “The Oath”; a vow of integrity from Psalm 101. You have a year to prepare—do it. It’s another “call to action.”

t Pure Girl 2018 God spoke through Autumn Wall’s testimony of her family adoption to remind the women and girls that God chose them. It was a beautiful picture of God’s love for each and every one of us. Chris and Ellie Conrades told the girls about their mission trip to Chili and gave them ways to pray for the team and the people in Chili. One mom said “This is such a blessing for me and my daughter. This is our second year, and it is such a special time for us that we look forward to all year long. My daughter has learned a lot about missions and is even asking questions now that we heard Ellie and Chris Conrades give their talk during the breakout – how inspiring!” This was the last year for Pure Girl, but we have something exciting in store for 2019! November 8-9, 2019 will be a new event for women and girls of all ages! Mothers and daughters in elementary, middle school and high school will spend a weekend together in Bible study, worship, breakouts and of course, we will have the Friday night party! Keep an eye out for more details in the coming months.

WINTER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE

Highland Lakes Baptist Camp

By Jim Shields

It is the place where students come to hear, maybe for the first time, the good news of the gospel of Christ. It is where barriers are broken, walls are torn down, broken hearts are made new, hearts of stone are made into hearts of flesh. It’s where friendships, relationships, bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood are formed and fitted.

The Good

Ground

“But the ones sown on good ground are those who hear the word, welcome it, and produce a crop: 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” Mark 4:20 We sometimes jokingly refer to Dave Wilson and his reference of Highland Lakes being “Holy Ground.” But realistically…he was and is spot on. This is Holy Ground…the Spirit of the Lord is here. We tell every camp that comes onto Highland Lakes that every building, every bed, every table, every meal, every activity has been prayed over before they even get here. We do prayer walks; we pray as a staff; we pray individually. We have wonderful volunteers who work here who pray constantly for the campground; we have churches who commit to praying for us for months at a time. Highland Lakes is God’s “good ground.”

It’s where Summer Missionaries come to give back…and to receive more than they give. It’s where leadership is developed by learning to be a servant; of learning that it is not about us but about Him. It’s where teamwork is understood as doing “my part of our job.” It’s where pastors and church leaders come to rest and recharge, to find fresh the presence and the purpose of a Christ focused life. It’s where your investment of time, talent, and finances reap a harvest that cannot be overstated, but far too often is underestimated. The crop that is produced is easily 30, 60 and 100 times what is invested. The staff and I are blessed beyond belief to see what is harvested, but also to see how the seed is taken and grown time and time again. Highland Lakes – we serve as the “good ground” to help others Discover, Develop, and Deploy a Transformed Life in Christ. Jim Shields Team Leader, Highland Lakes

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Make It Count When I was a little boy my grandfather Weeks, who I called Poppy, taught me how to shoot a 22 rifle. He began by showing me how to be safe and to have the proper shooting technique. Then came the moment of truth. He handed me a single bullet. “You get one shot,” he told me as he leaned against a tree, “Make it count.”

I slid the bullet into the chamber, locked the bolt and pushed off the safety. “One shot,” I thought, “Just one, shot.” I centered the sights on the bottle we had set on a stump, held my breath like Poppy taught me, and I squeezed the trigger. Instantly, there was the sharp report of the gun firing and in the distance the bottle on the stump shattered into a zillion pieces! Success! Success happened because of two reasons; I knew how to perform the action of aiming and firing the gun and because I knew what my target was. Let me ask you a question: Who is the target for your church? If you answer, “everybody” you are effectively saying, “nobody.” Poppy taught me that. He said, “If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time, but you don’t want to hit nothing, you want to hit your target.” So, who is your target? Years ago, Rick Warren used an imaginary fellow by the name of Saddleback Sam to effectively remind his church who they were attempting to influence with the Gospel. By studying the community Warren’s team determined the age, income level, amount of education, recreational styles and more regarding the “target” for Saddleback Church.

by Bob Weeks

Here’s what that looks like: I was recently in a church that said they wanted to reach young families, but they didn’t have a nursery, so they were going to spend money to add one. After doing a demographic study, however, it was discovered that their community did not have many young families! They were aiming at the wrong target! Are you? The Church and Leader Development Team can show you how to interpret a demographic study of your community so you can figure out who your Baptist Brad and Beverly are. We can also help you grasp your unique church setting - so you can leverage all that God has provided to accomplish all that God has asked. I would love to meet with you to hear about your church’s unique situation. Give me a call at 317-481-2400 x229 or send me an email at bweeks@scbi.org and we will arrange that. The Church and Leader Development Team, like the rest of SCBI, exists to Exalt Jesus, Encourage Pastors and Equip Churches. We can help!

So, who is your Baptist Brad and Beverly? Who are you aiming for? When Brad and Beverly come to your church – you get one shot at a first impression. Brad and Beverly have particular hopes, dreams, likes and dislikes. You can and should know what those things are so you can gear your facilities and ministries to hit the target!

WINTER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE

Committed Cooperation

BY DR. RICK HILLARD

TEAMS IMMEDIATELY SPRANG

INTO ACTION Many people are still in desperate need after two Hurricanes made landfall this Fall. Hurricane Florence pounded the Carolinas and shortly thereafter Hurricane Michael slammed into the panhandle of Florida. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) teams immediately sprang into action with boots on the ground offering help, healing and hope to the families struggling to cope with some of the worst disasters they can remember. The Scripture teaches us that we are to come to the aid of those who are hurting. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” (II Corinthians 1:3-5, ESV). In times like this, it sure makes you glad to be a Southern Baptist. This is what we do best, simply because of your giving to the mission and through the Cooperative Program. Because you gave, in October we were able to be on the ground offering encouragement to the Carolinians affected by Hurricane Florence; and because you give, in November we plan to send people to the Panhandle of Florida. Thank God for what you do through Southern

Baptist DR. Thank God for all our selfless volunteers. What a way to show a Christ-like Spirit! Southern Baptist DR volunteers will continue to respond to the cleanup and recovery requests that come in. Each request provides a fresh opportunity to share the gospel to those in need. We will need your help to be able to keep our volunteers serving for the long haul. Would you pray for those affected by these Hurricanes? Would you consider volunteering in DR? Could you give a financial donation to keep our DR volunteers in their work of cleanup and recovery? If you can help, please contact the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, and we will be glad to give you more information.

Prayer Point Father God, Your truth and ways are perfect for us. Help us to influence and impact the lives of those around us by being examples and imitators of Christ.Thank You for Jesus and Your perfect plan of salvation. We pray this in the holy and precious name of Jesus, Amen

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The Season of

Joy

Christmas. The season of joy. Jesus’ birthday. It is right around the corner! As believers, we know the real Reason for the season is Jesus. We love to celebrate this season because it holds so much weight and value. This is the day we celebrate our Savior coming to Earth to begin his journey to the cross, which will give us freedom from sin and shame eternally. The chaos of this season can sometimes overshadow the real reason we celebrate and can distract us from the very thing we were put on this earth to do: tell His story. This Christmas, will you be intentional to share Jesus everywhere you go? Here are some fresh ideas to keep you focused on the gospel this December: •

• • •

•

Buy some clear or blank ornaments and decorate them with your favorite Scripture verse. Keep a box of them in your car and as you go throughout your daily routine and give them away to people you encounter—at the gas station, grocery store, your kid’s school program, as you go for a family walk. Get a stack of invitation cards from your church (or make some yourself) to invite people to your church’s Christmas Eve service or program. So many people are willing to attend a holiday event who might never go to a “church service.” Who are you inviting? Have a neighborhood Christmas tea. Invite your neighbors to stop by your home just to celebrate the season together for a few minutes. Present each attendee with a small gift, a card and/or an invitation to your church or small group. Set a small tree by your front door. As people come to visit over the month of December, snap a quick Polaroid or digital photo of them and hang their photo on the tree. You’ll be surprised at the end of the month how many friends, family, neighbors, delivery men, etc. came to your home throughout the season and how many people you got to talk to about Jesus. Take time to train your kids how to tell people about Jesus. As simple as telling their teachers and friends that “we celebrate Christmas because this is the day that God came down to us and made a way for us to know Him.”

It’s simple in this season to share Jesus, but it’s also simple to forget to share Him. How will you share Him everywhere you go this Christmas season? WINTER 2018 || INDIANA BAPTIST MAGAZINE

Making an Impact for CHRIST “The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” - William James Do you wish you could make a greater impact for the Kingdom? Have you found yourself saying something like, “I wish I could give more, but I just don’t have the resources”? I think many of us have felt the same way. At the Baptist Foundation of Indiana, we partner with Kingdom-minded individuals and organizations who want to make the greatest impact with their savings and retirement funds. We are a ministry that supports other ministries. While it’s true that we are tasked with managing financial resources entrusted to us, It is our investments that are making the impact! Because of your investments in the Baptist Investment Fund, we have been able to offer over 7 million dollars in loans to help growing Indiana Baptist churches build and expand. It’s really quite simple how it works! When an individual, church or association opens an account with the Foundation, the money they invest is loaned back out to help churches of all sizes buy property and construct new buildings. Our investors like the competitive interest rates they earn, but they really appreciate that their money is working for God’s Kingdom at the same time it is working for them! You can join hundreds of other Christian investors in advancing the Kingdom of God while earning a great rate of return. You can give more, simply by investing in something that matters! Blessings,

Jennifer

www.inbaptistfoundation.org

(317) 481-2400 ext. 300

End of Year Reminders • The Pastor Appreciation special (lowered minimum investment of $250) is available until the end of the year for all ministerial staff. • Year-end gifts need to be postmarked by December 31, 2018. • If you would like to gift stock to your church, we can help make it happen! Contact Jennifer at jennifer@ inbaptistfoundation.org or 317-481-2400 ext. 300. • All BFI investment statements and 1099s will be mailed by January 15. • MOST IMPORTANT: God is good all the time – we put our confidence in Him!

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Around The State... Crossroads Baptist Association, Indianapolis Crossroads Baptist Association is excited about the good things to come in the next year with many new initiatives and leadership. They celebrated these things during their annual meeting, hosted by Fall Creek Baptist Church (Indianapolis). 65 messengers and 18 guests were in attendance, representing 33 churches – a record turnout compared to the last few years! Chris Kellermeyer recently joined the association as the Associational Mission Strategist. He spoke to some of the exciting things ahead of the association, beginning with a fresh, new website. Crossroads hopes to help the 90 churches they serve more by creating a stronger association through building stronger relationships with many types of events including prayer breakfasts, equipping events and activities to help build camaraderie. To see more of the exciting things happening at Crossroads, visit their website – reachindy.com, or find them on Facebook.

Hre Mang, pastor of Falam Christian Fellowship and President of Crossroads opens our Annual Celebration.

Pastor Lonnie Anderson from Mt Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Kokomo brought a message from John 11:34.

Chris Kellermeyer is the new Associational Mission Strategist (AMS). He got to share about many of the new initiatives of Crossroads.

We got to honor one of our retiring pastors, Dave Richards, pastor of Pleasant Heights, and his wife Debra. Tom Polak (R) shared about Dave’s ministry and passion for the word.

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7805 State Rd 39 Martinsville, IN 46151

Indiana Baptist Winter 2018

Articles inside

From the Executive Director